To A Tea: The Liberty Cafe

If you follow me on Instagram,

you may have noticed I have a *slight* obsession

for London's department store, Liberty.

And of course, when I say "slight obsession"

I actually mean, 

"I want to lick the floors of it and caress every single item inside its walls."

After a long time of forgetting to try out their cafe,

I decided it was time to for two of my life's great loves 

(tea & Liberty)

to merge.

I have to say...

I was slightly underwhelmed.

Let's walk through my time there.

Location:

Hard to find in the store

(on the second floor in a room to the side).

The room itself is fairly plain
with a good dose of subtle quirks 
that are oh-so-Liberty.

Food:

It was... meh,

and it wasn't cheap.

I ordered lunch 
followed by a cream tea.

After all, this was research
and I had to get a good sampling.

Let's start with the Cream Tea
since this is a series on tea rooms in London.

The scones were dense.

After I polished off the first,

I actually kinda dreaded having to work through the second.

Which is not a normal feeling.

{Plus, they weren't fresh or warm.}

And it was £10.50...

which makes is one of the more expensive cream teas

I can ever recall seeing listed on a menu in the UK.

The goats cheese, caramelised onion & asparagus tart was pretty tasty.

On the upside,

it made hitting the end of the summer sale really easy.

In fact, 

I walked away with some amazing steals

and it played perfectly into my errands at Oxford Circus.

So, would I go back?

Sure,

but maybe just for a drink

or a light nibble.

I wouldn't save up a tasty meal for it...

or splurge on my souvenir tea time there.

Have you been?

Did you have a better experience?

(I really do hope so! I would love to think I experienced an off day.)

***

Not your cup of tea?

Check out some of my other tea times 

at some of London's finest places on Aspiring Kennedy.

Fortnum & Mason | The Ampersand Hotel | Cocomaya | The Orangery | V&A 

Primrose Bakery | Bea's of Bloomsbury

*all photography original to Aspiring Kennedy

Atlantic Ping Pong

We have a six month old baby.

She's been on 13 flights so far,

visited 4 countries

& 4 states.

She's an amazingly sweet baby

and such a great flyer...

but this week

we may push her limits.

Today we are flying back to England.

And then Sunday,

we are flying back west 

to Reykjavic, Iceland.

We may be out of our minds,

but, oh well.

Even though it's just for a couple of days,

it will be nice to be back in our flat

see our friends

and get ready for the (crazy!) semester ahead.

I pick up my fall semester of students

in Iceland in 6 days.

It's about to get... well, exciting.

My dad was telling me today that I need to do a post

about how-to travel with a baby...

but I don't want anyone to call CPS on me

after I reveal my secrets.

I'm kidding, I'm kidding.

The truth is,

this kid is super chill

and makes us look good.

(Why do I have the feeling as you are reading that sentence,

I'm going to be bouncing a squawking baby up & down an airplane aisle?)

And when it's not easy,

we'll we just figure that it's only x amount of hours

and it will all be over & worth it.

Don't forget to follow along on the Instagram adventure

(username: aspiringkennedy).

Iceland is out of this world beautiful.

You're not going to want to miss a beat.

*image via Vogue

Fall Transition-What to Wear Where?

People often ask me

if clothes are cheaper 

in Europe.

The answer is yes & no.

Some things are more (Anthropologie)

and some thing are less (Primark).

I've learned to take advantage of both worlds

over the past few years.

So in my last few days in the States

(we fly to London Wednesday & then Iceland Sunday!),

I'm taking inventory of what we have

and what we need/want for the fall.

While it's still hotter than two rats making love in a wool sock

here in old Texas,

the weather waiting for us

is much cooler.

My flip flops & shift dresses
are about to make a quick shift
to skinny jeans, boots & coats.

But before Europe takes a real nose dive

into the cool crisp Autumn temps,

we'll have a few weeks of awkwardness in the middle.

So here are a few things

(that in a perfect, pockets-full-of-hundred-dollar-bills world)

we would be packing in our suitcase 

to take back with us

to the other (almost perfect) side of the world.

The Lovely Drawer: Broad Bean Bruschetta

Wait.

What is that noise?

Is that...

yup, I thought so.

It's the faint sound

of people around the world

reading this blog

clapping in delight

that Teri from The Lovely Drawer

is back with another recipe?

I'm joining in with you

and singing the praises 

of all of her gorgeous food creations.

(Remember that gorgeous Victoria Sponge? Oh mama.)

I'll let her introduce this tasty new dish

that she's whipped up for us.

Don't forget to read this in your mind

with a British accent (like Teri has)...

it's so much more fun that way.

*  *  *

These bruschetta's are a yummy snack or an easy way to add colour to your party food. Broad beans may not instantly fill you with mouth watering excitement, but stick with me. The combination of flavours is so fresh and zesty that you may well be singing this humble little bean's praises. 

How to:

1) First cook your broad beans. In the name of speed I fried mine in a pan with the garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and a teeny bit of water.

2) Once cooked allow them to cool. Meanwhile heat up the grill.

3) Rub the slices of bread with a little olive oil 

and then toast lightly under the grill.

4) Meanwhile blitz the broad beans, mint, Parmesan, lemon, rock salt and a few glugs of olive oil. Blend until it becomes a paste. I left mine a little chunky for texture.

5) Spoon the broad bean mixture on top of your toasted sour dough slices and then sprinkle over your feta. Garnish with a mint leaf and some black pepper. 

*  *  * 

See?

What did I tell you?

This girl is good.

And the good news for us

is that she's going to be sending us these

little nuggets of love

every month

from now on.

I don't typically do outside contributors,

but since she's a good friend

and she makes AMAZING food...

I just had to beg ask her to do this on the regular.

Rise To The Occasion

On Friday,

there was a small table

of really nice people

having a great time

over some awesome soufflés

at Dallas' beloved 

Rise No. 1.

It was such a great time,

and- as admittedly awkward as those parties can be at the beginning-

turned out to be a FUN evening.

It's always so refreshing (and dare I say, "flattering?")

to meet people who read my blog.

The internet can be a tricky place

with false identities (ahem, Aspiring Kennedy?)

and tiny little profile pics...

You can never be too sure about who you're meeting out there.

So to show up and meet completely awesome/normal people

really floored me.

I can't believe that such cool people 

 take the time to read my blog.

I'm not even sure my own mom reads it.

Ok, I'm drifting...

All that to say,

I was on a high from getting to hang out 

with so many sweet ladies.

Thanks for coming out-

blogger meet-ups wouldn't be nearly as fun

if no one was there to actually meet up!

And now, 

some pictures

to prove that it actually happened.

the set-up.

fancy fizzy water

viola got some swag from the party. a sophie giraffe from helen! merci. :)

getting our instagrams on... #dallasbloggerbash

marshmallow soup  with floating "marshmallows" of mini goat cheese souffles!

crab souffle.

les femmes du blogging :)

bread pudding soufflé

table dancing.

me & my co-host, beth dotolo.

this strawberry souffle has been on my mind ever since the party. gorgeous!

last ladies standing. closing down the party!

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

#dallasbloggerbash

Don't forget-

tonight's the 

#dallasbloggerbash!

We will be meeting 

from 6-8:30

at one of my favorite restaurants

(in the entire world),

Rise No. 1

My favorite: Marshmallow Soup with "marshmallows" made of goats cheese. Mmm...

It's gonna be 

Beth Dotolo of Pulp Designs

and myself relaxing 

with some ridiculously good souffles

with nice people around us.

So, if you think you're a nice person, too...

we want you there!

There are a few spots still available

(three to be exact),

so if you'd like to join us

email me at

lauren@aspiringkennedy.com

so I can get you on the list.

Whether you blog, read blogs,

follow along on Instagram or whatever...

you're invited!

It's All Good... All of it.

Luckily, with Amazon-

most things in the world

are accessible in England.

There are exceptions

like tex-mex & cheap dry cleaning...

But for the most part, 

we have all we need & want

at our doorsteps/fingertips.

However, there are few goodies

that I have picked up 

during our trip back this time.

Between birthdays & COSTCO runs,

our bags are getting a bit heavier

for the return.

Some of the highlights...

It's All Good

I know you all know about my best bud, the D.O.C. ("Katie Bug")

but my other gal pal is a girl you may know as Gwyneth.

(We just call each other "bosom friend.")

She just wrote a new cookbook

and after seeing Liz instagram some new recipes

I bit the bullet and paid $17 for it at Costco.

I love it.

The recipes are fresh and simple. 

Go getcha one.

Missoni Hand Towels

They are the cheapest way I can make my bathroom

not look like a college (shared) bathroom.

They're $25 which is a bit pricey,

but not terrible.

A worthy splurge

at a Dallas boutique, Nest.

Or you can find similar ones here at One Kings Lane.

Lululemon Yoga Pants

Y'all.

I once, not too long ago, mocked girls 

who ran errands in work out clothes

with perfect hair and other tell-tale signs

of having not actually working out.

Until I tried these on

and saw my butt in the mirror.

Two days later, it was the #1 item on my birthday wishlist.

I may have turned a year older,

but my hiney just returned to my freshman year of college.

Fist pump.

Bodum Assam Teapot

I've been wanting one of these pretties for a long time.

Three cheers for my in-laws for picking up on the subtle hint

(of me posting about it on the blog!)

and snagging me one for my birthday.

I love it!

Lanvin Ballet Flats

(via ebay)

I wear flats most days 

walking around town.

The pairs I wear the most cost me £3 at Primark

and are slick as a... fish (?)

when it rains.

So, basically, every day

I'm hydroplaning and freaking myself out.

Also, my feet ache from having no arch support.

(Weird that £3 won't get you traction or well-constructed shoes, I know.)

So I splurged (kinda) and bought a pair of Lanvin flats on EBay.

They were $150

and I'm already considering this an investment

towards the bionic feet replacements

that were headed my way

with my current footwear + walking combination.

If ebay scares you and you have a 9+ size foot,

there are some cute gold ones  41's on sale at BG for half price!

And they are also some 36.5 for you tiny footed friends!

* * *

So that's what made my birthday wishlist

and is headed back to London

with us when we go back in a couple of weeks.

Five Things On My Mind (Dallas Edition)

Here are five things sitting on my mind

now that I'm residing in the Lone Star State 

for the glorious month of August.

Baby in "heat" in England: laughing. Baby in "heat" in Texas: passed out.

 I almost forgot what hot was. 

When you've just gone through a "heat wave" in England 

where temperatures are sitting in the high 80's for weeks on end,

you aren't suffering.

You're spoiled.

Thank goodness for the invention of the pool 

& drinks that are available in quantities over 50 ounces...

and for under $1.

I really shouldn't have eaten so much dessert

after every single meal 

every single day

this spring & summer.

Now that I'm in a swimsuit or short dresses,

I slightly regret it.

(But let's be honest, I'll be hidden from the glare of chubby white skin in a matter of weeks. YOLO.)

 I love king sized beds.

I mean, I can wax poetic 

on how snuggly we are 

in our cozy double...

But there is something 

that can only be described as wonderful

when you can spread out like a starfish

in your bed...

and still have your man in there with you.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch 

England, you need it.

Trust me.

I've been starting out every day with a big ole bowl of the stuff...

and I'm the better for it.

The Queen would be, too,

I can just feel it.

If not for me,

do it for the happiness of Prince George's childhood.

I'm in the last few days of 28.

My birthday is Sunday.

28 was too much of a bit of a roller coaster for me.

I'd like to recover from the emotional whiplash 

I experienced during the last year

with a period of just regular days & goodness.

So upcoming year,

please be kind, boring 

& slightly heavy on the trips to Italy.

As much as it stinks to get older....

I feel like 29 

is going to be awesome.

Let's do this.

***

What's one thing on your mind today?

Dallas Blogger Party

Hey Y'all Pillow, Two Peaches Etsy. $29.

If you've been following along

with my Instagrams,

you may have noticed

I've crossed over the pond

and am residing in the US

for the month of August.

Tyler had to work

and I figured

I should be here in the sun

instead of alone in our flat

taking care of a baby

all by my lonesome.

Duh.

I am obsessed with these custom/affordable pillows from Two Peaches. $29!

So here I am,

back in Texas.

And here (some of) you are, too.

Wanna meet up?

Beth Dotolo & I are having a get together

(a really casual, super-fun get together)

to meet up with some of Dallas' finest...

and then regular people, like us.

It'll be next Friday, Aug 16th here in Dallas.

Details to come, 

but go ahead and plan on being there

that evening.

We can't wait to meet & mingle with you!

Let me know if you'd be interested below

so I can know what/where to plan this thing.

England meet Baby Shower. Baby Shower meet England.

My friend, Grace, is pregnant.

So like all good, Southern American girls,

I offered to throw a baby shower for her...

because, duh, that's what friends do.

Except here in England,

they don't actually do that.

And they think it's a little weird

to have a baby shower, too.

Oh well.

By the time I learned this was a bit of an anomaly,

the invitations had been sent,

the cake had been designed,

and I had raided the Baby Gap sale

and robbed them of all newborn clothes.

We were committed.

It ended up being such a fun day.

It was hilarious explaining to our Brit friends

what types of parties we as Americans have

for the various occasions in life.

{Lingerie Party, Engagement Party, Wedding Shower, Couples Shower, Bachelorette Party, Gender Reveal Party, Baby Shower, Mega 1st Birthday Party, etc.}

One of our friends summed it by saying

"Sooo, basically, it's just really expensive to be an American?"

Yeah...

and it'd be a lot worse if it weren't for Costco & Target.

***

Grace is a book publisher

and cute children's books 

have a pretty big place in her heart.

So, naturally, we had to include them as much as possible.

We also based the party off a pretty pattern 

from Laura Ashley's Hydrangea tea set

since we were using this pattern for the serving pieces.

The food matched the theme 

with an sparkly orange & almond cake,

yellow ombre mini cakes (white chocolate mud!),

lemon meringue mini parfaits

& savoury egg cups (for something a little savory!)

And even Viola matched the party colors!

I loved the cake that was the centerpiece.

{It was so moist & so soft.}

The combo of orange & almond
was perfect for a hot summer day.

I loved the gorgeous bunting of mini classic books

that Meg handmade for the shower.

I loved the beautiful cut glass cake stand 

from Laura Ashley

that it sat so prettily on.

Not only was it delicious at the shower,

but I ate it for breakfast for the following two days...

because let's be honest, it's not any worse than a donut, cinnamon roll, danish, french toast.

And this little tower of edible goodness?

Well, what the Tower of Babble did to the people building it

so this tower of temptation did to my summer diet.

(Read: ruined everything.)

I really love the pretty grey & yellow hydrangea pattern of it.

{Laura Ashley is so perfectly English...
which is exactly what we needed for this day!}

It was such a fun day

and I hope my dear Grace felt loved...

because, after all the cake & presents, 

that's actually the point 

of all of our crazy American parties.

Thank you, Laura Ashley, for the gorgeous serving pieces.
They made our day all the prettier.

***

If you want to recreate any pieces of this fun day,

I've done the dirty work & compiled it all for you here.

DECORATION 

Cut Glass Crystal Cake Stand (Laura Ashley)

Hydrangea 3 Tier Cake Stand (Laura Ashley)

Polka Dot Pitcher (Laura Ashley)

Glass Canister (Laura Ashley)

Lovely Little One Bunting (SALT Etsy.)

Children's Classic Cake Bunting (Upon Request via Meg-Made Etsy)

Jane Austen Quote (Dancing & Press Calligraphy, Etsy)
Stuffed Rabbit (Laura Ashley)

FOOD

Orange & Almond Cake 

Lemon Meringue Mini Parfaits 

Salted Caramel ANZAC Blondies 

*Special thanks to Laura Ashley for donating these gorgeous serving pieces for our special day! I love them!