5 things your man will love.

As a loving girlfriend, I am learning that my Swedish man loves when I do these 5 things in no particular order. So for all you dating gals, this post is for you.

 "Man time." As long as you're not with a "needy" guy, you probably have a self-sufficient man that works hard daily. Now what us females need to understand, even if your man is madly in love with you, he still needs his "Man Time." This could make up a variety of different activities. Maybe reading up on the latest technology gadgets, or fixing those shelves that have been wobbly, or just watching the latest episode of two and a half men, your man just needs his outlet, his moment to recharge his "man batteries," if you will. So just give the cuddle time a rest, and get out of the house or go in the other room for a while to give him space. This will be healthy for both him and you. After all, a gal needs her independent woman time too. ;)

Acts of service. When studying for my degree in Communications. I read the novel Five Love Languages. These are: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Every person usually speaks 2 or 3 love languages. We can all assume that physical is most likely one of a mans dialects, but what some girls don't know is that a guy really values acts of service. So instead of writing another love note to your man, try showing him you love him by washing the dishes, taking out the trash, or helping him with yard work. And if there is nothing you can see that needs done, just ask, "Can I help you with anything babe?" and watch him smile with appreciation.

Max burgers, the delicious Swedish version of McDonald's!

A good meal. I know its cliche, and extremely traditional for the woman to cook. And here in Sweden it is all about gender equality, which means my boyfriend and I typically cook together, unless of course we treat ourselves to a Max meal. But every once in a while, I like to surprise my boyfriend with a hot meal right when he gets home from work. One of my specialties is Quesadilla night. But the best part is he never expects it, which makes me want to surprise him again and again. I believe a partner should give everything they have, and not expect anything in return. That way, you both get spoiled naturally. :)

Thrifty-ness. Hopefully you are with a somewhat responsible man, where he is smart with his money. One way to really impress your man, and also keep him happy, is being a smart and thrifty lady. Although not all of us girls are shopoholics, I believe we all like to treat ourselves to a new blouse or boots every once in a while. The key is ladies, to shop around and find the very best deal. Do not be that girl that starts to look like a border-line "sugar baby" and asking for the latest designer this and top-of-line that, All this does is add unnecessary pressure to the relationship, and stresses your man out. Instead, get excited about saving money!  Which means do your research before you pull out the credit card. Also, why not strive for the ideal, which is a professional coupon queen! This step is challenging for me at the moment, as all the coupons are in Swedish, but I am learning. So ladies, shop away! When you are financially smart, your man will gain a whole new level of respect and admiration for his thrifty lil' girl.

Spoil dates. Why should it just be the girl that always gets spoiled? Sometimes I like to switch it up a bit and do a boyfriend pamper session. Because my boyfriend likes being well-groomed, I do spa treatments for him full with a mani/pedi foot massage date. Or we watch a movie of his choice and I'll sneak off to come back with yummy coke floats. Because my man treats me like a princess, it's nice to show him that he can relax and be a treated like royalty too. 

And we all know Valentines Day or Alla hjärtans dag is coming up, so go ahead and make your Valentine fall in love with you all over again. 

Change of pace? Change your place.

I have been here in Sweden for about a month now, and because I now live in a  super small town, my life was starting to feel a little...stale. Then I got an invitation from my girlfriend that lives in another city to come and visit her. I thought to myself, why not go and visit my girlfriends for the weekend and switch up the scenery a bit? So I did. It was the best time. 

The girls and I on our way to the city center for some shopping and a warm fika.

Although the comfort of your home or "usual" places like Starbucks or that same restaurant is natural for you, you may be feeling how I felt which is slightly un-amused and looking for something "more." I say, just GO for it.

Try to Avoid excuses. If you are thinking, "Well, I didn't get any personal invites to a new town..." Take the initiative! and contact an old friend, see if you can't make plans to visit. And if you can't go to them, for financial or other reasons, see if you can host them visiting you. It is a refreshing experience  when you get to show someone around your town, makes you appreciate and feel proud about where you are from.

Typical Swedish sandwiches and pastries at "Viskan," voted best cafe in Boras.
Where we had  our Fika.

I had a great weekend in Borås, Sweden. I took a train and bus to get there, and the journey was just as amusing as the destination. 

But the best part is I was so happy to come home. After a long weekend of catching up with friends, shopping, dining, dancing, and travelling, I was completely content with coming home and laying on my couch, having some pizza and watching the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a Swedish original film.

No Guts. No Glory.

No Guts.

Waiting for my bus into the city. Very scenic ride actually.

So, many people have wondered, what is it like to live in a city where you have absolutely no idea what people are saying? I'll sum it up for you, its Hard. But, the key is to make it fun, and entertaining. I am sure many of you are trying new things that may have you feeling, well, uncomfortable. But that is what life is all about! For those of you who feel "comfortable" with your lives, tell me, what is the most exciting thing you've done lately? Probably taking you a while to think about that...that is because you aren't living your life to the fullest!


No Glory.
Try and do something different today, and see how you feel. I bet you won't regret stepping out of your comfort zone. Chances are, you will gain something positive from it. Like a new friend, piece of mind, or a new self confidence knowing that you were brave enough to try that new "thing."


                                                                      Fun and Entertaining.

"Robert's Mocca" at my new favorite cafe Robert's Coffee.

Now, back to what I was saying earlier, about the whole making it fun and entertaining thing. I live in Sweden, where everyone is speaking Swedish, and they have no idea that I haven't got a clue about the words that are coming out of their mouths. Instead of my natural reaction, which is to sit quietly and avoid eye contact so they wont speak to me, I like to catch em' off-guard. Surprise them and say "Hello!" I love seeing the expression on their faces when I randomly throw some English into the mix. So next time, you are thinking about sitting quietly, try and surprise others, but most of all surprise yourself! I guarantee your life will get more interesting by the minute.


Remember.
We only have one life to live. Take chances. Make people smile. Both will make life much more meaningful.

red white and blue to yellow and blue.

My boyfriend just stayed with me for 3 weeks in America. He has never been to the US before, which made it that much more entertaining to watch what he found "intriguing." The differences between America and Sweden are not too extreme, but they certainly do exist. I had fun showing him how we "roll" in the south. ;)

new chapter.

So I am officially free from all ties. Friday was my very last final of my Undergraduate career, and day zero on my two-weeks notice countdown at work."Jag är klar" which is Swedish for "I am finished"! But only for now.For the record, this is only a closed chapter in my book of life. And I am so excited to turn to a crisp new page. I am currently applying to schools in Sweden to pursue my Masters Degree. I am the kind of person to always have a new goal or "plan of action" if you will. And what I've found is that these goals always push me to work harder, live healthier, and constantly remain hopeful and positive about my future. Some say they are "afraid of change," but I wonder, have they have  ever felt the rush of turning the page? Try to embrace the unknown, and  I promise you, your book will never go unwritten. -Devin Rene

Hostel-horror film FACT or FICTION?

Is this real life?
So, before I left America to venture in Europe, this film, along with the 2008 Liam Neeson film Taken, was all I had running through my mind. Needless to say, I was petrified. Luckily folks, this is not real life. I stayed in 2 hostels total, and they both were pleasant experiences. 

Both were chosen at Hostelworld.com I cannot stress this site enough, because it is truly a credible source, with over 100 customer reviews per hostel! You should choose one with free wi-fi, and free breakfast, because let me tell you, thats the best way to start your day of exploring a European city! 

Free breakfast, yum! In London, I had oatmeal, eggs and toast, and of course, British breakfast tea. In Paris, I was served a fresh croissant and baguette with nutella and butter, yogurt, oj, and cafe. It was delicious.

In front of the White ferry Hostel in London

As far as the sleeping arrangement, most of the rooms are 12-bunk camp-like setups. But it is cool because pretty much all the people in our room are college age and excited travelers just like us. the sheets were clean, and comfy. Just be sure to bring a sleeping mask and earplugs/ipod for focused sleeping time because it will be a revolving door of lights turning on and roommates coming in and out.

Is it creepy at all? Well, you have to be the type of person that is comfortable in new environments, and somewhat friendly because you will have absolutely NO privacy. But still, there is that element of 'holy crap, I'm sharing a room with complete strangers.' which is, yes, uncomfortable. You need to be sure to keep all your belongings in a locker or put a lock on your backpack. Also, just talk friendly to your neighbors right from the start, so you aren't feeling awkward. 

Total Paris hostel I shared with my bf on our trip to Paris.

All in all, don't trust strangers, or give out your personal information and you will be just fine. Just do your research, pick a hostel location that is city central (or at least near a metro) and be comfortable with the journey. 

How does it feel to be back in the USA?

So, I made it back in one piece. Traveling is a love/hate relationship, but at the end of the day I know anyone would say they wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Since I've been back, I keep getting the same million dollar question: How does it feel to be back in the USA? Well, I have a few words to describe my feelings.

Secure: I am back in my hometown of Lake Mary, FL. and I actually know where I am going at all times of travel, and also see people I grew up with pretty much around every corner.
Focused: Now that I have got a taste of travel, I see how much my money is actually worth. So now that I am back, I am more focused than ever to work hard, and make lots of money so I can continue to see the world.
Healthy: Europe had an amazing influence on my lifestyle. Pre-Europe Devin was eating out 4 times a week at fast food joints. (my fav was chicken Mcnuggets 10 pc. w/small fry and coke.) Post-Europe Devin, now, believe it or not has a new passion for healthy food and cooking! My biggest influence was Spain. I went to publix recently and bought some green olives, whole wheat rotini pasta, and made mediteranean pasta salad for my weekly lunches at work!

I baked homemade white pizza! With olive oil, garlic, oregano, mozzarella, and  Ricotta cheese.

Loved: Absence makes the heart grow fonder is only true to those who truly love one another. I think while I was gone for half a year, I realized who my true friends are, the ones that will always stick by my side no matter what stage of my life. Mostly happy to be back to have family time. I took it for granted, but I try to use my free time and weekends to hang out with my awesome mom, dad, and sisters.