Well, hello, Sunshine.

Wouldn't this recipe make the sweetest treat for a day like today?
The sun is shining, the flowers have decided to say hello,
and I think this lemon tart would be the perfect afternoon tea time accompaniment.

If you don't already read Linda Nyugen's blog "Butter Flour Sugar," click here.

Because you'll want to.
Even if you may not realize it, yet.
I promise.


Linda has a great eye for food styling and a discerning tummy that only chooses really scrummy recipes (that will make you look super great in front of your friends).


I stopped by my parents house today, and took a walk in their garden,
and the flowers smelled. oh. so. divine.

My sister shipped home these tulip bulbs from the Keukenhof Gardens 3 years ago, and we are still graced with their extravagant bloom every year. Those Dutch can really do tulips right!






It is completely and officially sandal weather, and I could not be happier!
(BCBGMaxazria Gladiator Sandals- Originally $210, I bought for $55.00. Thank you Saks 5th Avenue.)

Look at sweet little Emery's impromptu shoot from work. She is our "junior" at the studio, and we couldn't love her any more!

As a lady, she is very well read.


She really loves letterpress... naturally.


She's has quite the physique for a 6 month old...


which she loves to show off with her full length leg warmers.

An exclusive behind-the-scenes shot of our model getting prepped for the shoot.

We love all of our babies at work. Coming soon: Mr. Maxton's blog debut!



I still believe in the feminine entitlement to a new dress at Easter. Yes, even at 25 years old.

I've hunted through Harper Bazaar's Spring Fashion trends,
and here are some things that I am ready-to-wear.


PDM- What's your song?

Time for the Friday Funday question du jour:

What is the token theme song to your high school make out sessions?

Mine is most definitely Wild Horses by The Sundays.

How could it not be after that one scene in Fear with Mark Wahlberg & Reese Witherspoon.
That was definitely a mile-marker of exposure in my formidable teen years.


London


(This is under construction!)


My heart beats for London.

While I like to pretend that it has a sacred relationship with me alone...
I know it's cheating on me with others,
millions of others.

So if you are going to come to my beloved city,
please- do so in style.

Here is my (very long!) list of recommendations 
when planning a trip to London...
which I do not get paid to provide,
but do, for you, because I like you.

{If you are traveling to London during December,
here is my guide for what not to miss at Christmas in the city.}


ACCOMMODATION

Living Social can offer great packages in their Escapes section.
I love seeing what they have listed for ideas on weekend escapes.


Jetsetter UK has some really great deals at times. It's always a place I like to check...
sometimes you can find some great hotels at prices you'd never find elsewhere. 


Luxury Link has some amazing offers for a lot of places, but I typically think the London prices are crazy expensive for my budget... it's worth checking though. 


AirBNB is a great site where people can list their own apartments.
I have used it about 5 times and have had great experience each time.
I think it's the best way to get a decent price on a central location...
plus, it makes me feel kinda cool.


My last option would be Acorn Management. They have a place that I would use over weekends when I wasn't up for the commute between London & Ox. It's like a blend of a hotel and an apartment. Maid service, but not 24 hour desk reception. Small kitchenettes which can help with bfast, but no food service through the facility. Though, they are pretty great locations! 

HOTELS I HAVE STAYED AT & LIKED:

Thistle Hyde Park- right across from Kensington Gardens. 
Remember that dreamy bath I took? It was here.

The Cavendish- Situated quietly on Jermyn Street. 
The breakfast room looks into Fortnum & Mason's second floor.
Perfect central London location, feels like a business hotel.

St Martin's Lane: Great west-end location, cool hotel bar.
Boutique feel though it's part of the Thompson hotel family.

The Grange Hotel, St. Pauls: Perched between St. Pauls & the Millenium Bridge...
the rooms are nice, the staff is so-so, and you can often find good rates on lastminute.com

St. Pancras- The newly reopened room is fancy... and a bit expensive. 
The architecture is amazing, and the Wannabe video (hello, spice girls!) was filmed inside.

The Stafford Hotel- This is fancy, y'all. 
It sits in Mayfair- near the Ritz- and has an amazing feel
as it was renovated from old English stables.
It also has the reputation for the best cheeseburger in London,
which I can pretty much agree with.



SIGHT SEEING

Most visitors will head to the Tower of London. It is worth a visit if it's your first time.
If you have already been once, let me recommend going for the matins service at the Chapel Royal.

All you have to do is walk up, cut past the enormous line, and say you are there for church.

Just like that- you're in the Tower of London. No tickets, no line, nothing...
you just walk straight into the Tower and head back to the tiny church in the back.

{You do actually need to continue on and head to the church service.}

There you will attend a very sweet service in one of the six chapels of the Queen.
The minister there is about the nicest man in the world, too.

{I blogged about it once here.}

Tube stop: Tower Hill

________


Shakespeare's Globe Theatre- Oh, please go see a play there.
 It's just amazing to stand under the London sky and see Shakespeare's work.

Standing tickets are really cheap- like £5.
If you are up for standing for three hours, it's a lot of fun.
{Might be good to pack an umbrella... just in case.}

You can also buy seated tickets starting at around £20.
Tube stop: Southwark or St. Pauls (recommended!)

________


Everyday at 5pm Westminster Abbey opens its doors for Evensong...
a choir service where the young boys in robes come sing psalms.

It's something ethereal and beautiful.

Pro's of seeing Westminster Abbey this way opposed to the traditional site seeing hours:
It's free. Just wait in the queue and head in when the gates are opened.
It's beautiful. Stunning... and the perfect way to relax before dinner
after a long day walking through the city.

Con's of seeing Westminster Abbey this way opposed to the traditional site seeing hours:
You can't explore. No historical information or audioguides given- as it is a religious ceremony.
You can't take pictures inside... though, I'm not sure you can in normal hours either. (Anyone?)

Tube stop: Westminster



SIGHT-EATING
{you know, eating in awesome places}

Have coffee on the balcony of the Tate Modern.

I love this view of the city
with the Millenium Bridge & St Pauls laying before you.

Plus, it's free to enter the Tate. 
(Which is conveniently next door to Shakespeare's Globe)

Tube stop: Take St. Pauls, walk around the cathedral, and walk across the Millenium Bridge.
It's how I like to go. Otherwise, opt for the Southwark stop.
________


Go in the National Gallery's Cafe and enjoy a cream tea
{read: warm scone with clotted cream & jam + pot of tea for £6}.
This prime location in Trafalgar Square can't be beat... 
and you can wander in {for free!} the National Gallery at the end of your mid-day feast.

Tube stop: Charring Cross

_________


Right off Piccadilly, there is a giant bookstore called Waterstone's.
Go upstairs to the 5th floor, to the 5th View cafe...
take a right out of the elevators and have happy hour
with a view of the London Eye & Parliament.

Tube stop: Piccadilly

________


If you've been long craving Laduree macarons,
the newest London location is in Covent Gardens.
Enjoy brunch on the patio there on a sunny day...
it's not terribly overpriced as their lunch & dinner options.
 {Plus, it's less crowded & you can have a macaron on the way out.}

A warning: service here can be hit or miss. 
Go on a day you are feeling particularly unrushed & relaxed to fully enjoy the experience. :)

Tube stop: Covent Garden


_________


The Borough Market is a food market right off London Bridge
that is a must-see for any food lover visiting (or living in!) London.
With hundreds of stalls offering every type of savoury & sweet food,
it's a destination that will hit the spot. 
Plus, it's close proximity to the Tower Bridge
offers some pretty great photo ops.
(Read more about here from a recent visit.)


Tube Stop: London Bridge


__________


If you're looking for a swanky night out,
head to Harvey Nichol's OXO Tower for dinner. 
It's prime setting on the southbank
offers stunning views of the city...
particularly Christopher Wren's famed dome of St. Paul's.

The tower has two options for dining-
the restaurant (higher end) & the brasserie (a bit more relaxed).

Check www.lastminute.com to see if they have any deals available,
as you can sometimes find a set price for a multi-course dinner.

Tube Stop: Southwark or Temple


______________


If you're going shopping along 
Oxford Street or Regent Street,
stop by Central & Co.
for a casual chic spot to fill up 
while sitting across the street
from London's landmark department store, Liberty.

Check out pictures & my longer post on Central & Co. here.

Tube Stop: Oxford Circus




SHOPPING

I love the epicurean delights of Fortnum & Mason.
Their lemon curd, tea, jams & biscuits are packaged perfectly...
and make for great gifts to carry back home.

Tube stop: Piccadilly

________


Harrod's is gorgeously massive.
It's overwhelming. It's intimidating. It's slightly mass-produced...
but I just love it.
The food hall is wonderful, their Laduree is gorgeous & 
I have no doubt you'll find something there you love.

Tube stop: Knightsbridge

________


Selfridges makes me feel Christmas cozy.
Something about it's position on Oxford Street reminds me of British holidays.
{Partially because "Snape" buys his skank the heart necklace from Mr. Bean there on Love Actually.}
The windows are amazing, the pop-up shops are fantastic, 
and their price-range is welcoming to all budgets.

Tube stop: Bond Street

________

And Liberty, ah sweet Liberty.
Land of the free. Home of the fat wallet.
The outside of the building gets my heart beating faster,
and the perfectly edgy products that line the shelf make me want to kiss someone.
I love Liberty of London so much. It's my favorite. Please, go there.

Tube stop: Oxford Circus

________


Primark... it's cheap, it's overwhelming,
and goodness, I actually love it.

Go there for great deals on tights, flats...
and anything trendy you won't be wearing next season.

Tube stop: Marble Arch 

________


Camden Town is a weird, funky place
where indie meets goth meets hipster meets antiques.
I love to shop the Stables- where shops now reside in converted horse stables.

If you are into eating ethic foods, this is your place.
It's heavy, street food though.. so pack your Pepto.

Tube stop: Camden Town

________


Portobello Road is Notting Hill's famous Saturday market,
It's definitely worth going, but be ready to push through some serious crowds.
Follow the masses to the start of the market.
Stop on the first block of retail at Arancina (it has an orange car in the window),
and grab a coffee and a bomba, an Italian chocolate-filled donut, to join you on your walk.

I'm not a morning person, but I try to be when headed to Portobello Road. 
Shopping before 10 am can help save some sanity.

Antiques are at the start of the market,
food stalls in the middle,
random housewares at the far end....

Tube stop: Notting Hill


Great Places to Eat

Traditional British Food:

Newman's Arm Pie Room is a tiny room above a pub that serves... well, British Pies!
Imagine a Chicken Pot Pie
- but with various different fillings inside- 
served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. 

As this room is tiny (and the place very popular), 
I highly recommend making a reservation the day before
 to insure you have a table.

Also, their sticky toffee pudding is really amazing. 
Hot, gooey, caramel-y... and served with your choice of ice cream, custard or cream.
{Try the warm custard for a delicious treat.}

Tube Stop: Goodge Street

_________


The Clarence is a really cute pub that will be in a location that you will most likely cross at some point in your visit to London. It sits on Whitehall, the street that connects Westminster Abbey & Big Ben to Trafalgar Square. The pub is cozy and somehow, regardless of it's touristy location, not too touristy. 

The food's good, the staff is kind, the prices are reasonable 
& the decoration leans itself to "slightly adorable."

Tube Stop: Charring Cross

__________


Bumpkin is a posh pub with several locations in equally posh neighborhoods.
The one (and only) location I eat at is the one in Notting Hill.

The atmosphere is perfect and you'll find yourself sitting around some well-manicured diners...
the last time I was there, the Duke & Ducchess arrived for a private dinner upstairs right as we left.

It's reasonably priced for an evening out in London
and offers a good glimpse into what local life is like in Notting Hill.

(Most Sundays, there is a pianist that will play. He's great.)

Tube Stop: Westbourne Park (4 minute walk) or Notting Hill (15 minute walk)


__________


Italian

If you're a devotee of Jamie Oliver, I'd recommend trying out his restaurant, Jamie's Italian.
The menu changes quite frequently (and some items can be hit or miss), but I'm sure you'll find
some items that really hit the spot...

A word to the wise, the "world's best olives" on the menu
really are the best olives in the world.

The wait can be long, so plan to hang around the bar
with a drink while you wait.

Tube Stop: Leicester Square or Covent Garden

________



Centonove is a spot that is a local as they can get in Notting Hill,
but it's small, cozy & delicious.

The waitstaff is adorable, too.

It's a safe bet for a great spot to eat.

The salsiccia & pepperoncino ravioli is delicious
and their margherita pizza makes for the perfect starter.

Finish off with their homemade tiramisu...
regardless of how "over" tiramisu you might think you are.

Reservations are easy to make and I'd recommend it,
as locals can often appear and quickly fill out the place.

Tube Stop: Westbourne Park


_________


Osteria Basilico

Adjacent to the Portobello Road market,
sits Osteria Basilico- an Italian restaurant so authentic
you may feel the need to start practicing your rusty traveler's Italian.

The atmosphere & prices are a bit fancier than other options listed, 
but don't worry- if we can afford to eat there, so can you.

Though I've been successful at walking in and being seated,
I'd opt for calling ahead as vacation time is a bit more precious!

Tube Stop: Notting Hill


_________


Having Tea in London

It seems that when people visit London,
something on their bucket list is often "to have tea."

There are a few versions of how to do this:

A cup/pot of tea: Most cafes will have tea and small cakes/sweets. 
This is probably the most authentic version of what daily tea consumption is like...
and it's the most affordable/available version- as it truly is everywhere!

Cream tea: I love this version.
A "cream tea" is a pot of tea served with one (or two) scones, clotted cream & jam.
To get this, it's typically around £3-7, 
depending on how fancy the setting is... or how large the serving is.

Traditional Afternoon Tea: This is the stereotypical fancy option
that includes silver, tiered-trays stocked with fancy sandwiches & cakes.
It's a jump up in price, but something that people seem to need to experience
before they are satisfied trying a lesser route.

I've been lucky to have tea in some of London's finest tea rooms...
some are fancy, some are quirky... but most all are delicious.
Read through the posts here to find one that suits your fancy.

Some of my favorites include:

Fortnum & Mason | Cocomaya | The Orangery at Kensington Palace







Oh my... As if Gilt's Final Sale yesterday didn't send me into delirium, today is the Gilt Fuse Final Sale. I may be dipping into my April allowance a little early.

I know that most of you are fans of the site, but if your friends have been being selfish and have not sent you an invitation to this amazing exclusive on-line site, here: an invitation to join as my friend. See, it pays to be in the cool club.

Join here... and wish me luck. The sale starts in 5 minutes, and I need to pre-shop because the finds at final sale move QUICK!



Today has been surprisingly chilly, and as I make some hot tea I am reminded of our little trip to Victoria BC. What I would give to be at tea service at the Fairmont Empress. (Perhaps even my favorite YSL lip gloss.)


British Columbia is a exceedingly fabulous place, and I have no doubt Canadians intend to keep it a secret. We stayed at the Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa and were pleasantly pleased with our spa treatments, dinner at the Seagrille, and giant windows facing the quaint bay. Luxury Link often has amazing offers for this hotel.


Imagine Colonial British architecture nestled among dramatic mountains & the Pacific Coast.

It's absurdly romantic.

Six years ago tonight, I was in Austria and celebrating the birthdays one of my best friends (and now sister-in-law!). We are a bit older now than then, but we still haven't forgot this fantastic restaurant. Happy Birthday, MB!

*What I wouldn't give for some schnitzel, beer, and their house strudel today... sigh*



Tucked in the rocky celler of St Peter's Abbey, some say this is the oldest restaurant in the world




Some springtime beauty essentials...
InStyle has their April Deals & Steals now posted. Look at this perfect cuff from Charm & Chain. I love it! This would be so chic with a white dress.







Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. It's smells like a garden of roses, and, oh, do the boys love it. The bottle has a great spray function that leaves you perfectly misted.






What better way to wash off a day in the park than a nice soak in Lollia's Wish Bubble Bath?

Ooh-love-la! Kate Spade earrings are perfect for spring days.



Nautical by Nature.

I love parties on yachts. I love Cape Cod. I love fresh lobster.

But I really love this dress.

Since it's Friday, gorgeous outside, and I'm deliriously happy- let's play a game:

If you could be anywhere in the world today, where would you be?

I would opt for lounging on a lawn somewhere in the English countryside.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Some of these pretties have me green with envy today.
(Sorry- couldn't resist!)


Try a scent that is simple & sweet, at Barney's

And while you are there, grab a personalized Goyard wallet. (One for me, too!)


I love this luxe look, and the undertone of green freshes everything up.


Shamrock Shake, anyone?





I have for thing for England,


apparently.


However, it is at risk of turning into an obsession if...


I can just get my hands on some of these brilliant pieces.





Guilt & Duty Free.

The best things in life are (duty) free. 


Buy one at YSL at Sephora for $30 each. 
Buy the pair at duty free for £27.


I love London, and I really love Paul Bakery.


This door is lovely.

London & Teal

It's confirmed: London & Turquoise are officially "together."









But you didn't hear it from me....


Appreciate the arts...



Have you ever been to The Cupcakery? Mmm... It is tasty.
My friend, Heather, gave me this chandelier as a house warming gift. I wake up to it everyday, and it always makes me happy.

Cheeseburger (from) Paradise.


I had the best burger of my life today at the Village Burger Bar.

(cheddar burger + bacon) + side of sweet potato fries= divinity.

If you love burgers, you must check out weloveburgers.com. It truly is the burger lover's bible.


London is for Lovers.


I had the best Tagliatelle con Tartufo at Jamie's Italian in Oxford, UK.

Before....


& After.

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