le vendredi noir

Since Britain doesn't really have Thanksgiving

(I know, shocker, right?)...

there isn't really a "Black Friday" to follow.

Except if you have access to 

ye olde world wide web

and can shop the sales

from your nifty computers.

I, honestly, haven't thought

for a second

about Christmas gifts this year.

I don't know what I really want

nor do I have any clue

what I want to give to people.

But man...

with deals like today,

it's hard not to get cracking.

Even if there wasn't an ocean

separating me from the shopping madness,

I would never head out to shop today.

But browsing online...

at home...

looking all terrible and bloated

after our Thanksgiving dinner last night?

Well, sure.

I'll play the Christmas elf

and share some of the sales I'm most excited about:

Kate Spade

( 75% on selected items like my Logan Square diaper bag- $129!)

Little Hip Squeaks 

(25% everything + 7AM door busters. Use code: GOBBLE)
You can also find an amazing Black Friday list of handmade retailers here on their blog.

Gilt Group

(Free shipping on tons of flash sales. I bought these baby tights for $10)

Apple

(Pretty much 10%- No codes needed!)

JCrew

( 30% | use code: HOLIDAY)

Target

(I'm a sucker for cheap DVDs.)

What about you?

Do you brave the madness of shopping on Black Friday

and I guess, contribute to it, also?

Or do you hang around home

and play your odds with what's available online?

*image

a good year: my addiction to wine.

The holidays are the perfect time

for writing cards expressing sentiment,

picking out the perfect gift for your loved ones,

baking a beloved family recipe...  

and, of course, wine.

image via

Whether it's mulled wine in a Christmas market,
sparkling wine toasting to the year at close, or

for many people, as the cure for too much time 

spent up close & personal

with relatives you'd rather not be related to...

But this year,

can I suggest it 

as the antidote for 
a humbug holiday attire instead?

Thanks,

because that's exactly 
what I'm about to do.

My crush on this wine-stained obsession

started when I bought (via ebay)

my first pair of Lanvin flats.

Since then,

it seems to be popping out at me

at every flick of the magazine page.

It just seems perfect for this time of year...

paired with glittery gold accents

or muted with a toned-down olive or camel,

it's just a good staple to have in your closet

for the winter months ahead.

Before your head starts to get fuzzy

from all this wine babble,

let me just leave it with some quick pics.

... and I'll finish my Ocado food order 

for our Thanksgiving lunch tomorrow.

An Irish Apology.

Last year, 

I wrote a post

about how I didn't

love the city of Dublin.

The responses were varied.

Some of you agreed.

Some of you though I was crazy.

Last week, I went back

and I looked back through the comments

to find some recommendations

that you offered as highlights 

for my next stay in Dublin.

And, woah. 

You delivered.

First recommendation: The Bank for Dinner. Very cool place. So cool, we couldn't get a table. Next time!

So, Dublin,

I'm coming back to you.

With my hands over my heart,

pleading on my knees,

and my belly a little chubbier

after discovering some of the gems

of your fair city.

Adding on to my previous recommendations,

here are some new stops to add to the list

to create an awesome time of your own 

when you find yourself in Dublin.

*   *   *

Fallon & Byrne

After reading a comment recommending 

this stop for eats,

I was keen to keep my eye out for it.

Luckily, I didn't have to strain my eyes too hard...

as it was next to our hotel.

The first night we had dinner in the restaurant upstairs.

Delicious.

Tyler left with the baby a few minutes early

as I settled up the bill and ordered a coffee.

The amazingly sweet waitress 

talked me into embracing the moment alone

and trying their signature dessert, 

the Knickerbocker Glory.

Imagine a big sundae glass layered with

berries, ice cream, cheesecake, whipped cream, & digestive cookie crumble.

Yum.

I also loved their take away coffee bar.

The week I was there, they were donating all sales

to the relief of the Philippines. 

After watching a few hours of coverage on it the night before,

that got big points from me.

And the flourless chocolate cake didn't hurt either.

Check them out here.

*   *   *

Central Hotel

This hotel is in a great location.

Not only is it a stone's throw from Fallon & Byrne,

but it sits just a few steps from everywhere you want to see

during your time in Dublin.

(Trust me, it's a decent place.)

The rooms aren't anything fancy,

but the prices are great,

the staff was really kind & gracious,,

the location is great,

and it will more than get the job done.

Check it out here.

*  *  *

Bewley's 

All over Ireland, 

you'll see small shops

boasting that they sell Bewley's Coffee.

Go straight to the source

at Bewley's Oriental Cafe

in the middle of bustling Grafton Street

while you're in town for a classic cup

and a great view.

Potato & Bacon soup with brown bread.... when in Rome.

Whether you eat inside

or score one of the balcony seats

on a nice day,

it's a stop that,

with it's stained-glass windows & constant buzz-

 will add a little character to your day

without stripping your wallet.

*   *   *

Brown Thomas

I think there is something 

really special about visiting 

the main department store of a city.

Not just one that is part of a chain,

but one that stands alone

as an icon for the city's style.

In Paris, you visit Printemps or Galleries LaFayette.

In London, Liberty or Harvey Nichols.

In New York, Henri Bendel or Barney's.

In Dallas, you go to the first Neiman's downtown.

And in Dublin,

you visit

 Brown Thomas.

The windows are gorgeous,

the departments are curated perfectly,

and the prices...

well, they're high.

(It's fancy!)

But it's worth stopping through

and buying something pretty for yourself.

Even if it's something on the smaller side,

like a pretty candle.

*   *   *

So thanks for the help, amigos.

It made my four nights in Dublin

all the better

with your suggestions and guidance.

And now,

I only feel it right to conclude 

with one more round of your suggestions

on the best Dublin stops...

I can only guess how great

 it will make next time like.

*all photos original to Aspiring Kennedy

Write It Down.

I enjoy writing.

(Obviously?)

I can think clearer and articulate how I feel

by writing my thoughts down.

Journaling has always been a huge part

of all of my travels.

If you looked in my closet 

at my parents house,

you would find endless journals

half-filled with pages of my travels.

School trips, mission trips, family trips...

They would become immortalized by pen.

It seemed an injustice to the experience (and expense!)

to do anything but that...

As if it was wasteful to forget one day.

And I guess I still feel that way...

I love taking notes, pictures, 

writing favorite spots

we discovered down along the way

to show an odd form of thankfulness for the experience...

That's why this blog is so full of things, I suppose.

If someone can benefit from the experience I had,

it makes it live on and have a deeper worth.

But beyond the journaling & blogging,

I also love writing postcards.

I send them to the littles in my life that are special to us...

And, now that they've received them for a few years and the excitement has worn off a bit,

I get to write them to a new friend who needs them.

And that just makes the experience of going places,

even amazing places,

all the better.

Postcards? Pictures? Videos?

How do you savor your travel experiences?

* * *

I just walked in the door from two weeks 

moving around England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland...

capped off by a weekend in Barcelona.

(If that's new news, jump on the Aspiring Kennedy Instagram train for immediate gratification.)

More on those later

-as my immediate priority after a 4am taxi is a nap-

but for now,

check out two other places (on-line) 

that you can find me at recently.

NEXT Home Blog   |     Designs By Katy

Pack Your Bags: The Lakes District (England)

I've blogged about the Lakes District before

(and the previous post may even have more information),

but I always feel the need to add the new places

that I discover upon my return to familiar sites.

So here a few extra glorious stops 

for you to make

if (and when!) you find yourself

in the glorious Lakes District in England.

... and some selfies of myself + Viola.

(I'm sorry and you're welcome.)

*  *  *

The World of Beatrix Potter

After skipping this stop 

over the previous years,

I finally decided to give this stop a chance.

Woah baby,

this was way cuter than I imagined.

If you have a kids

-or fond childhood memories involving Peter Rabbit-

make this stop

when you go to Windermere.

(And, if you're in the lakes, you should go to Windermere.)

There are gorgeous "It's a Small World" like scenes

for each of the stories by Beatrix Potter,

sans the boat ride, unfortunately.

Complete with a stop by Mr. MacGregor's garden,

tea + cakes at the cafe downstairs,

and a knit hat complete with bunny ears from the children's shop-

this was a fun way to spend the afternoon.

{Editor's Note: You don't need to pay to enter the cafe or gift shops.}

Admission for adults: £7

*  *  *

When you're in Windermere,

eat lunch at The Hole in The Wall Pub.

It's completely cozy

and ticks all the boxes 

your mind will have 

for the stereotypical British pub.

*  *  *

Sarah Nelson Grasmere Gingerbread

The birthplace of gingerbread

is a tiny shop near the church in Grasmere...

and the women working in the closet-sized shop

wear old-fashioned aprons & bonnets.

You may be a bit surprised at the biscuit-like

(read: "cookie-like" if in America)

consistency of this forerunner

to Starbucks gingerbread loaf.

Oh, and get some homemade fudge while you're there.

I mean, you might as well.

Then take the spoils of your visit

and wander lonely like a cloud

through the church cemetery

and pay your respects to the Wordsworth family.

*  *  *

I always stay at the Ambleside Central Hotel in, well, Ambleside...

but last year, we detoured and stayed at the Red Lion in Grasmere.

Also a good option! Less to choose from at night for dinner

since the town is much smaller,

but the hotel was super cute & cozy.

*  *  *

For more of my favorite stops in the Lakes District,

hop back to my earlier post 

for fun places like Beatrix Potter's home, Hilltop Farm,

my favorite place for breakfast, The Apple Pie Bakery,

and Wordsworth's home, Dove Cottage

and more here.

*images original to Aspiring Kennedy

Pack Your Bags: York, England

You've probably seen on Instagram 

that I'm on a fast & furious trip

around the UK (and soon-to-be Ireland).

While this is all fresh on my brain, 

I'm going to spend the next few days

spitting out pics & information

on new places that I'm discovering

so that, someday, you'll have some good options

for when you start planning a trip of your own.

______________

What the US feels towards the North vs South

is similar to how the UK feels 

towards their North vs South...

except flipped.

The South of England is, stereotypically,

harsher, busier, ritzier, more educated... and snobbier.

The North of England is, stereotypically,

easy going, slow paced, cheaper, less intelligent.... and nicer.

Obviously, these are stereotypes

and you can meet both types

in either place.

BUT.

There is something to be said for the 

kind attitudes 

and the cheap meals

and the crazy Billy-Elliot-esque vocabulary

that you start to experience 

once you roll up into the upper area of ole Blighty.

All of that to say,

I love when I find myself up north.

Especially if that means I'm in York.

York is a small town

(compared to the other "big" English cities),

but it has loads for tourists to enjoy.

I love these things:

York Minster

Obviously, this church is a headliner

for most people's visit to York.

It's massive and it's stunning.

Go at 5:15pm for the daily evensong service

to get in and enjoy the church for free.

(You'll also hear some amazing choir singing in the 45 minute service-

but go 15 minutes early to snag a seat up close to the action.)

*  *  *

Yorkshire Pudding

I love nothing more than eating something

in it's birthplace.

While of Britain enjoys a Yorkshire pudding,

I've never seen them as big as they are in York.

{Editor's Note: A yorkshire pudding is not sweet. 

It's a savory bread-cup that is a perfect bowl shape 

for gravy on top of your roast meat & vegetables. 

Imagine a breadbowl... but less soggy.}

If you can get to a pub for a proper Sunday roast,

York makes it easy with two options 

that are centrally located and open daily:

York Hog Roast & York Roast Co.

Don't blow the chance to try this in person...

Mmm.

*  *  *

Betty's York

If you want tea

and you want to be fancy,

go to Betty's.

This gorgeous tea room & shop

give all the service and ambiance

you could ever hope for

in an English tea room.

This opulent surrounding

could hold its own 

around any fine establishment 

from the South.

*  *  *

I found myself eating cake & tea

in a places called, none other than, 

The Teddy Bear Tea Room.

The downstairs is a teddy bear shop

and, up some narrow & windy stairs,

is a small tea shop + cafe.

It's not entirely impressive,

but the very top floor

has a great view overlooking the York Minster...

and you can get any cake + tea for £3.80

The carrot is awesome. 

I'd go back- baby or not.

{Though, admittedly, better with baby.}

*  *  *

sometimes it's fun to fall headfirst into a tourist trap... especially when you said trap lets you hold an owl.

If you go to York,

the other main tourist attractions you need to see are

The Shambles

(as in "Bloody Shambles")

and the Medieval Wall around the city.

Both are free to access, btw.

The Shambles are a tiny street of crooked buildings

and exposed-beam architecture

that draw your mind back hundreds of years.

The walk around the city walls offers gorgeous views

and a fun activity for an afternoon. 

*  *  *

And if you want to shop somewhere really neat?

Stop in the store,  The Imaginarium.

With curious objects, a luxe finish out, 

and friendly young men in dapper clothes attending you,

you'll find it hard to not walk away with something pretty in your hand.

__________

Ah, I can't wait for you to experience York. 

Let me know if there are any favorites you have

from past trips there 

that I can try out 

the next time I find myself there!

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

In The Houzz (Sabrina + Sasha)

Since I have been so bored lately

and wihout much to do

(read: complete sarcasm),

I decided to take on a new role

as the London contributor for Houzz.

(I'll sleep when I'm dead.)

As the contributor,

I get to take a peek in people's houses 

and see what their lives are like...

and then I shoot them

-the houses, not the people-

and write about them for all the world to see

on Houzz's lovely site.

The first home that I had the privilege to feature

was the new digs of a sweet couple that I met

at the "7th of July" block party this summer.

The couple lives next to my friend, Lolly...

and I walked away from meeting them

and seeing their new home with stars in my eyes.

Sasha (Russian) + Sabrina (Canadian-American)

are two attorneys who are starting their lives together

in a really cute mews flat in South Kensington.

Not only are they attractive smarties (both are attorneys)

and their home ridiculously well curated,

but they are genuinely nice people, too.

Check out more snaps from their home tour here.

(And, okay, fine... if you wanted to leave a nice comment encouraging them

it probably wouldn't be a bad thing.)

*photography by Lauren Bryan Knight for Houzz

Pretty Cookies? London Bloggers? Me? You!

I'm happy to finally announce that there will be

a London Blogger Meetup.

Finally!

To get this sort of thing planned

and hosted at an amazing place, 

well- it's nothing short of a Christmas miracle.

I'm smitten to have Biscuiteers oblige to host 

our fun crew for a night out

at their *gorgeous* Notting Hill Boutique

for a night of Christmas fun.

So if you have a blog, read blogs, like blogs, 

or just think that being a Christmas party in London

would help fulfill all your Love Actually fantasies...

and you're up for an amazing night 
getting to ice pretty cookies, 

chat with sweet girls & sip some fizz, 

 we want you there!

Since the boutique is small,

it's a first-come-first-served operation

for the first people who sign up.

The icing classes are normally £78 per person,

but you'll get to experience that

-plus cookies to nibble & yummies to sip-

for only £35.

{This truly is the best time of the year.}

Snag your spot now

and plan to spend the night making new friends.

Oh, and don't worry about feeling awkward. 

Everyone always kind of starts out that way...

 including me!

*image via