Ultimate To Do: The Royal Wedding

Most of you know about the Royal Wedding that occurred yesterday, and if you don't, get out from under that rock! I pretty much would have given a limb to be in London to enjoy the festivities of the past few months, but watching the beautiful wedding on television had to do since I couldn't be there (and since they didn't plan the wedding for when I WILL be there...). And the event didn't disappoint!! Kate was beautiful, the wedding was a tear-jerker, and the kisses were adorable (did everyone see Will blush??)! I couldn't stop thinking, she woke up a commoner and by noon she was a Duchess! So while I wasn't in London for the actual event, I'll be there this summer and will definitely pick up a souvenir from the event - and maybe I'll get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the couple! Cheers to a royally beautiful event!

Blog Spotlight: Iron-Mamas

My sister Kelly is a personal trainer, group fitness trainer, and overall health nut! Her blog, Iron-Mamas, is pretty amazing. She regularly posts workouts for at the gym or home and they're great. I plan on using some of the "no equipment necessary" workouts while I'm overseas this summer, and I know I'll still get a good workout! Take a look through the workouts - you can search, look through categories or archives (obviously she's got this whole website thing down way more than I do)! Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! Stay tuned for a week full of fun posts!

Philip Treacy

Philip Treacy

To go along with yesterday's post on shopping, I thought I'd mention British milliner Philip Treacy. As we all are well aware by now thanks to the royal wedding coverage, British women LOVE hats and fascinators. Each summer I've been in London I've looked for a hat or fascinator of my own to buy and have never been successful - hopefully that will change this summer! Philip Treacy's creations are way over my budget, but aren't they gorgeous? If only I had somewhere fancy enough to wear one of his pieces...

To Do #6: Shopping!

Parliament and Big Ben

One of the most obvious things to do in a big city is to go shopping. The problem lies in that I'll be on a limited budget so most things will be out of reach - but a girl can dream! Below I've listed a few stores that I'll probably go into and look around, but most likely won't come out with anything (unless the summer sales are going on). And yes, a few of them were influenced by Kate Middleton!

Whistles - This store is great for it's updated classics. While a little pricey (the dollar-pound conversion doesn't help either), I think it would be a great investment to purchase something from this British fashion staple. Of course, there's always the Middleton reference.

Jigsaw - This may be the store that Middleton worked at after St. Andrews, but I've loved it for a long time! Their pieces are unique but long-lasting and I've been wanting to purchase something from here for a longtime. Before Anthropologie went across the pond, Jigsaw was the British equivalent.

V&A Bookshop/Gift shop - While working at the V&A two summers ago, I gained a strong appreciation for the gift shop and book store in the museum. Of course, I spent a little bit too much money in both places, but in the end I think it was worth it. The gift shop carries a unique range of gift options, including jewelry, paper dolls, prints, and cards among other things. I love the bookstore, as it carries unique books in categories relevant to the various collections in the museum. Right now, the gift shop is carrying a line of Royal Wedding memorabilia so hopefully I can pick up a gift!

Kings Road - A short walk from my flat and the V&A, King's Road is known for it's abundance of high-end shops in a small area. Not only is this where an Anthropologie has opened up, but also well-known British brands like Cath Kidson, All Saints, Karen Millen and a personal favorite, Orla Kiely are located here. With a Jigsaw and Whistles along the road, I think I'll be able to do most of my shopping in this area of South Kensington! And yes, Kate Middleton did just do some shopping along Kings Road...

Borough Market - Who doesn't love a good foodie market? I've been to the Borough Market once before and was instantly in love with all the local vendors selling their amazing food/drinks. From traditional British fare to Italian favorites like fresh mozzarella and bruschetta, I couldn't think of a better way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. I'm definitely looking forward to revisiting this wonderful market!

I think this list is a pretty decent start on my shopping to-do, so I'm going to leave it at this for the day. I'm sure I'll continue to add to my shopping list and I'll be sure to update everyone along the way!

PS - the picture has nothing to do with shopping, but I thought it was time for a traditionally London photo to appear!

'Tangled'

If you haven't seen 'Tangled' yet, I highly recommend you go out and rent it...RIGHT NOW! I love this movie - it's hilarious and so adorable! I purchased the dvd/digital copy the other day so I could have the movie on my laptop this summer while I'm in London just in case I need a movie night. With the strong possibility of only 5 channels on the tv in my flat, I'm stocking up on movies and books for my nights in. But really...go see this movie!

To Do #5: Althorp Estate

Althorp

Althorp Estate is the ancestral home of the Spencer family since the 16th century. Princess Diana, being a member of the Spencer family, spent a lot of her youth at the estate. Currently, the groups are open July 1-30 each summer and all the proceeds from visitors go to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. On the grounds is the final resting place of Princess Diana as well as an exhibit which contains her wedding dress from her 1982 wedding to Prince Charles. I've wanted to go here for awhile, and I think I may find the time this summer. The estate is located north of London, so I'm sure I'll be able to hop a train to get there. It would be sort of a sad visit since Diana is no longer with us, but I think it would be a good trip. On the lands there is also a lake, stables, and gardens so there would be plenty to do. And after the big wedding in 10 days, I think it would be a great experience to see the place where Diana grew up and where William would've spent some time as well.

Ultimate Wish List: Garmin Forerunner

Garmin Forerunner 405CX

Over the past few months, I've been trying to get motivated to sign up for a half marathon AND finding friends to run it with me (Kathryn, I'm talking to you!). My sister is a personal trainer who has devoted herself to a healthy lifestyle and working with others to give them the healthiest life they can live so I'm lucky to have someone of her caliber in my life. Her blog, Iron-Mamas, provides free workouts that you can do in your home or local gym and I've been able to do some of them while at school. I want to sign up for the Savannah Rock and Roll half marathon in November and to reach my goal of completion I'll need to train throughout the summer, which means I'll be running all over London! And to do so, I'll need a watch that tells me how far I've run and my pace since I won't be able to track my distances on my own. My sister has recommended the Garmin Forerunner 405CX and I'm trying to save up for the purchase - I think it would motivate and encourage me to run while abroad!

P.S. - Congratulations to my sister for finishing 2nd in her age group in a 10k today - 6:53 pace!

Keep Calm and...

I'm sure you've all heard the phrase "Keep Calm and Carry On" - it was originally a poster created by the British Government in 1939 and was intended to raise the morale of the British public during the threats of WWII. The saying is now mostly used out of context without much nod to it's origins but I still love the quote! I got on Etsy the other day and searched for posters with the phrase and came up with much more than I expected. One store, the KeepCalmShop carries various twists on this traditional saying - there are so many I could buy!  And TheLobsterPot changes the phrase to refer to various types of dogs - my favorite being the bulldog! I definitely plan on buying a poster eventually as a reminder of my great times in London - the attractiveness of the posters will simply add to the enjoyment of them!

To Do #4: Miro at Tate Modern

Joan Miro

Along with the Yohji Yamamoto exhibit at the V&A this summer, I'm looking forward to a few other exhibits in London. The first one I'm excited about is the Joan Miro exhibit at Tate Modern. Tate Modern is one of my favorite museums because I love modern and contemporary art. I've seen some great installations and exhibits previously, and I'm sure the Miro exhibit won't disappoint! Miro's art is pretty trippy but it will be great to see in person!

Blog Spotlight: Legally Chic

Legally Chic

A good friend of mine started this blog a little while ago and I love to see what she comes up with! She's a law student at USC so the blog centers around legal stuff but it's still very interesting. And the last post features some awesome art from Etsy! Take a look!

Pimm's Cup

When I was in London during the summer of 2007, I came across the liquor drink "Pimm's Cup" and loved it. The other night while I was out I noticed the Pimm's Cup on the menu and ordered one - and it was just like I remembered! This drink is very refreshing and semi-sweet. Here's a recipe to try out - enjoy!

Pimm's Cup
2 ounces Pimm's No. 1 (find at local liquor store)
4 ounces Lemonade
Garnish with Cucumber

(Basically 2 parts lemonade for 1 part Pimm's)

Under the Tuscan Sun

Florence, Italy

As you all know by now, I spent close to 3 months in Italy during college and loved every minute of it! I made a few trips to Florence as one of my best friends was living there and again with my parents. After visiting the city and falling in love with it, I knew I wanted to read "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes. I had very high expectations for this book and unfortunately, they weren't met. I'll concede that my expectations came from the movie so I can't say it's all the authors fault that my expectations weren't met. While Mayes did a great job of explaining what makes Italy, and particularly the Tuscan region, so wonderful, I sometime found myself a little bored (I hate to say that about a book!). I made it through the book and ended up very happy I read it. I loved the inclusion of traditional Italian recipes throughout the chapters and I envy Mayes for her ability to describe the wonders of Italy. I'm also a little jealous of Mayes - she has my ultimate dream job - to be able to travel around the world and write about it to share with others seems like a pretty good gig to me! If you haven't read "Under the Tuscan Sun," I'd say to give it a try and let me know what you think!

Frances Mayes Books

Spring Break 2008

Siena, Italy

This time three years ago I was studying abroad in Italy and my group and I were on our "spring break" for the semester. My spring break 2008 was unlike any experience I've ever had before, or will ever have again. We traveled from Verona (our home in Italy) to Siena, Florence, San Gimignano, Pompeii, Naples, Sorrento, and Rome over a 10 day period. Seeing as much of Italy as I did was amazing but I still would like to go back and see more of it! Italy is definitely a place I'm lucky to have been and am very thankful for the experiences I had there.

One of my favorite cities in Italy was Siena - a small town outside of Florence. It has what Rick Steves' (the author of our travel 'bible' while in Italy) called the greatest square in Europe - and so far I agree with him. The central 'square' (it's not square in shape at all...) was a great place to lay in the sun, drink some wine, and enjoy friends and people-watching (and possibly take some posing with friends photos...). If anyone has seen the most recent James Bond movie (Quantum of Solace) Siena is the city in the opening scenes where Daniel Craig is chasing someone through the crowds! And in "Letters to Juliet" the main characters travel to Siena and are seen eating gelato outside a gelato shop right in front of a set of stairs - I ate at this same gelato shop! Oh, Siena is VERY hilly so be prepared for a good workout!

Since my time in Italy, a few family friends have traveled there and have come to me for suggestions - I always tell them to go to Siena if at all possible. Great restaurants and bars line the main square, beautiful cathedrals and art abound, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. I could not have asked for a better spring break and it's one I will always remember. My fingers are crossed that I'll be able to go back one day!

To Do #3: V&A Reading Rooms

V&A Reading Rooms

Ok, two to-dos in a row, I know. But I got so excited thinking about this one that I couldn't hold out any longer! As I said in an earlier post about the iPad, I love to read. When I saw this information about the opening of the V&A Reading Rooms, I was instantly intrigued. The Reading Rooms, located at 8 Exhibition Road in South Kensington (close to the V&A itself) is a stand-alone book shop that serves wine while you read. So, combining two of my favorite things (wine and books) makes me a perfect candidate for this place! The encouragement to sit around, drink wine, and read/look through the books before buying them is refreshing. I'll sit in Borders or Barnes & Noble and read through books before I buy them but it's not as encouraged as it seems to be at the Reading Rooms.

The Reading Rooms carry vintage books as well as the latest releases. And from what I can tell, the rooms are small and intimate lending itself the feeling of a local coffee shop. Along with the wine there is a short menu of food and other beverages available. I definitely plan on visiting the Reading Rooms to have a glass of Prosecco, a few green olives, and a good look through the books on the shelves!

To Do #2: Penhaligon's London

 Penhaligon's London storefront

Favorite scent - Quercus

In 2009 on my last visit to London, I stumbled across a store called Penhaligon's London. Penhaligon's is a perfumers established in 1870. They sell women's and men's fragrances, candles, and other gifts. I purchased the Quercus candle and have been in love with it since! I first came across this scent on a trip to Bermuda in 2005 when the hotel had Penhaligon's Quercus travel size bottles of lotion in the room. The store in London, located near Covent Garden, is small in size but offers many beautiful items for purchase. The small size of the store lends itself to a boutiquey feel and a feeling of being in another time when fragrances were a vital part of one's beauty regime. Anyone who enjoys a good candle or perfume should definitely check out this store!

Penhaligon's London

Weekend Pictures

A few pictures from the parties over the weekend - such a nice escape from real life and a great time to celebrate!

Stay tuned for a To Do post coming tomorrow!

Weekend Trip: Charlotte

Verona, 2008

Like I said in an earlier post, even small trips can be a wonderful escape from normal life and give great opportunities to catch up with old friends. This weekend, I'm in Charlotte, NC for a bridal shower and engagement party for one of my closest friends, McKinsey. With her wedding in less than 3 months, things are getting exciting! I can't wait for that weekend, but in the meantime it's nice to have an excuse to celebrate.