Showing posts with label Friday Funday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friday Funday. Show all posts

Weekend Revelry: Flashback


My mom sent me some pictures 
last week while we were traveling on our Mystery Trip.


They are pictures from when I was younger,
visiting many of the same places.

After looking at them,
I had the strong realization
that somethings really never do change.

Enjoy some entertainment at the expense of my pre-adolescent fashion.

Happy Weekend!

purple jean shorts & partial-pigtails. you betcha.

red scrunchie. hunter green anorak. navy cotton striped play pants... & bulky pink nikes. oh yeah.

fashion trends may come & go... but chipmunk cheeks are eternal.

If only my mom could pass down that embroidered sweatshirt of the Eiffel Tower. If only.





One final look of me in a gold track suit with leather sandals
and my mom in a visor.

You're welcome.




*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

Passport to European Espresso


I think you can really tell how smooth of a traveler someone is
by how they order their coffee when abroad.

It sounds silly, I know...
but, in my opinion, if you notice the slight nuance 
of how a culture drinks their coffee,
you're pretty smooth.

When at cafes, most of our visitors clam up upon ordering
and, without fail, always default to ordering a cappuccino.


Which is a European drink... just not after breakfast.

I'm going to introduce you to a fail proof option
that is not only delicious,
but will help you feel a bit less like a tourist...
and a bit more local when traveling.

Since most European cultures shoot back small cups of espresso throughout the day,
blending in to the culture will call for drinking smaller drinks more often.

{Editor's note: Big drinks for breakfast, small drinks for the rest of the day.}

Though, if you are like I once was, the taste of straight espresso 
probably is a bit bitter and strong for your Americanized taste buds.

When learning to drink "un caffe" the Italian way,
I discovered this tasty drink that served as my training wheels
until I could sail smoothly down the espresso trail like a big kid.



Though it has different names in different places,
this concoction is a shot of espresso
finished off with a bit of foamed milk.

It's like a mini cappuccino, if you will,
and it's perfectly delicious.

While I was out at the market today,
I saw these little espresso glasses and grabbed six...
two red, two white, two blue.

Yes, the colors of France.

I'm feeling equally inspired by warm drinks in this cold weather
as I am by the gorgeous Parisian setting.



And what better way to celebrate Friday than with a fun little contest?

To enter to win these cuties
 comment below with your favorite cafe setting...
in real life or your imagination!

Make me dream, make me laugh...
either way just leave a comment 
and I'll pick my favorite on Sunday evening. 








Image via/ Contest open to Aspiring Kennedy subscribed readers only (GFC, Feeburner, Bloglovin, Email.)
No purchase necessary. 
Void where prohibited. 
Name of winner will be posted on Sunday, February 12, 2012.




It's Friday... And that is awesome.


glasses | eye mask | book | dress | needlepoint


Winter hibernation has arrived.

Shorter daylight hour are upon us in England,
and it has made me lethargic in an epic way.

Luckily, Tyler is working from home right now
and we are relishing in the luxury of sleeping a bit later
and watching a bit more TV 
than a doctor might recommend for a healthy lifestyle.

Speaking of sleeping well...
do any of you sleep with a sleep mask?

I just started, and I'm sleeping like a queen.
It's actually revolutionary.... I dare you to try it.

The lazier schedule is also allowing me time 
to meet for tea with my charmy-pants friend, Tammy,
in cute tea shops, like Betty Blythe in Kensington.
{Which I found in my nifty guide- Tea & Cake, London.}

There really is something to be said for catching up
over a cup of tea (with milk & sugar!)
and eating a giant hunk of lemon drizzle cake.

Why don't doctor's prescribe things like that?

I've also had time to hang out with blogger friends 
at meetings over dinner (hey, Helena!)
X-Factor Finale parties (hey, Amber!)
& the London Blogger Party (hey, everyone!)

And I've also been thinking about Paris,
and all the food I am going to eat when I'm there.

I mean, 3 months in Paris?

I'm gonna be busting out of my clothes by the time I get back...
at least, if things go as I plan.

I'm hoping to construct a wardrobe 

So, yes, this has basically been 
one of the better weeks of my life.

What do you start dreaming of when you're locked indoors?



*PS. I'm actually still working during all of this from home. 
I just have a bit more time freed up since my semester is over. :)

Postcard from Paris (via The Yuppie Files!)


Bon matin, mes amis!

I'm welcoming the lovely readers of The Yuppie Files
to Aspiring Kennedy this morning
living the dream life in Paris.

Now doesn't *that* sound amazing?

I can never get sick of Paris...
or anything French, really.

In fact, when Kellie asked me
What my favorite import from France was...

I really had to stop and think.

How can you even start to pick between
Laduree, Yves Saint Laurent, Bioderma Skincare,
and my favorite high-school hobby, french kissing.

As much as I may love all of those things-
something I'm thankful for everyday,
(the real bread & butter of my happiness)
is quite literally,
french bread & butter.



A crusty baguette and a cold slab of salty french butter
crowned with some jewel-toned jam.

Zut alors!

I'm in heaven.

What's your favorite import from France?

P.S.  If you're looking for a cool blogger chick to connect with- Kellie is one of my favorite blogging friends. I love her blog. Bop on over to The Yuppie Files and say hello. You'll love her!


One Fish, Two Fish...


Yesterday I posted about poolside pedicures.
Today, I'll continue that thread
by introducing you to the newest "thing" here in the UK:

fish pedicures.

Have you seen these?



These "pedicures" claim to be from Asia
(though as I've never been, I can't speak with authority),
and instead of soaking your toes in bubbles and sea salt-
your feet go into a clear tank 
(also known as "aquariums")
where a hundred or so tiny little fish 
are waiting to meet... and eat them.

Yes, these baby fish EAT the dead skin off your feet.

After 10 or 20 minutes 
(depending on how long you purchased),
you're feet are "done" and have been rid of callouses and are baby soft.

No further treatments given...
no nail trimming or polishing,
no ten-minute massage. 

Nada.

I asked one girl, who was getting her feet feasted on, how it felt:
"It kinda tickles. Not too bad after a while, but it just kind of feels weird."

I would imagine.

These "shops" are in every mall atrium,
popping up in ever vacant retail store available,
unabashedly littering my Groupon emails,
and even getting floor space in prime stores like Top Shop on Oxford Street.

(I did buy one off Groupon. I'll let you know how it goes when I go!)

The whole phenomenon is a bit remniscent of the
frozen yogurt trend that happened in the states in 2009.

Sadly, the "Yogurt Splash," "Ling's Yogurt Lounge," & "Yogilicous" are now gone...
but honestly, how much frozen yogurt did anyone expect us to consume to support so many shops?

So call me a prophet, if you'd like,
but I would like to predict that two years from now,
these feet feasting fishies will be gone...
and we will all have returned to our normal routine
of spa chairs, calf massages, & polish.

(As one friend noted: I hope the sushi industry doesn't start soaring...)

Have you ever had one of these pedicures? 
Tell me about it!
If not, would you give it a try?

Dates & Olives


I have a hot date tonight.

And we're going for Italian.

via
Now I love creamy pasta,
salty antipasti,
& gigantic tiramisu,
but the reason I'm asking for Italian tonight is to get my hands on some...

olives.

I never thought I liked them...
{till I tried them}
and now I love them.

So, yes, a date... 
with some olives.

Sound perfect to me!

Do you have a hot date tonight?

With a friend? With the couch? With someone new?

Setting {of} the President


Happy Weekend!

Are you excited?

The freedom is almost tangible, isn't it?

Once this afternoon hits,
you'll be free to sleep in,
free to start checking off things that you need to be accomplished, 
and free to get away from your desk!

{ ... and speaking of desks.... }

Have you seen this?


A new interactive online experience for students of
from the Kennedy Library.

Flip through photo albums of the family, take a peek in his White House diary, start the secret recording button, and even get access to the Oval Office phone.

Proud daughter Caroline Kennedy is sharing in on the excitement.

"I hope users will feel they are sitting at the President’s Desk themselves, 
and will be excited to bring history to life in this dynamic setting,” 
said Caroline Kennedy, 
President of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. 

“My parents shared a love of history, and I know they would have enjoyed this exhibit themselves.” 

Enjoy the exhibit for yourself. 
{click through to visit JFK's desk}

Giveaway Winner!


Happy Friday!



Congratulations Michelle!

You've scored yourself a copy of 
signed by Ms. Ali McNamara herself!

{and some other cool stuff to boot.}

I loved this giveaway, 
but... I have to tell the truth:
I've already got 2 more planned!

And the next one probably has something to do with
 The Royal Wedding.

Ah! I'm so excited!

{Check in next week for the goods.}

To A Tea.


Any day that involves a lunch meeting at Fortnum & Mason is a good day.



But when it's on a Friday-
it's even better!

I'll be munching some yummy food
and then will heading on to tea...

I love tea time.

Every little thing about it.

In fact, I even love the name, 
as it politely fails to mention all the sweets & sammies.





The hubs like his black tea iced.
I drink my green tea hot. 

What's your special blend?

It's Friday Afternoon...



via

I can only imagine that you all are as productive as I am.

But who cares...
it's the weekend! 

We have some birthday parties to attend,
some picnics to have {if the weather stays nice}...
& some trip planning to do.

{Eurostar to Paris for £69 round trip? Oui, oui!}

Now it's your turn.

Make me jealous...
what is something lovely you'll be doing?


You look just like her!


I have always looked exactly like... my sister.

Nobody has ever thought I looked like anyone famous-
until suddenly.

I have had so many people say the exact same phrase to me:
"You know who you look like? That girl from Spiderman."

Yeah, I know that girl from Spiderman. It's Kirsten Dunst, silly.

But look like her?
 Me?

I'd been laughing it off, 
but after the tortilla guy from Chipotle said it to me...
I'm starting to believe it might be true.

Whaddaya think?






{I tried my Durnst-iest to find picture duos that worked... }

I'm not really sure it's a straight match-
but it's kind of a fun game to play!

It seems that most people have a look-a-like paired to them.

Who do people say you look like?



Kirsten Dunst images: 1, 2, 3, 4
Aspiring Kennedy portrait {top right}: Aaron Snow

Friday Funday: Blogger GPS

It's Friday...

And next week is Christmas!

In my book, that means 
we're officially in the holidays!

My little sister flew in yesterday.
{yippee- our first visitor!}

We had our end of term gala last night at Hogwarts Oxford...


...and this morning, 
we're headed to London for the weekend.


Handel's Messiah at Royal Albert Hall,
Portobello Road tomorrow morning in the freezing cold, 
Christmas shopping at all the big department stores....

{Perfect, right?!}

Since I am "blogging" from London today, 
it got me wondering what setting your world is taking place in today...

My Friday Funday question is this:

Where are you blogging from today?

Kennedy Family Heritage


Whether you inherited a rich history, 
or have created one for future generations-
isn't it amazing to be a part of a story bigger than yourself?

via
Having your mom's crooked toes,
inheriting your grandfather's passion for science,
or a French last name that has forever left you a Francophile...

And obviously, being named after someone is a fantastic way to continue a legacy.

My parent's didn't name me for 6 weeks.
{which I think is hilarious.... yes, I am the middle child}

but when they did, my middle name came from this man, Landon Saunders.
{Who's incredible... and later officiated our wedding ceremony}.

Were you named after anyone, 
or did you name your child after someone special?

These family trees are pretty way to keep your predecessors legacy in a prominent position...
unless you are already doing that with Aunt Tina's nose.




*image source 1 - 2 - 3 -  4 - 5

Friday Funday: Dilemma of the Decade.


It's fairly common to have
heroes in history & pop-culture
branded into our minds.

For instance, 
I have a {slight} fixation on 
The Kennedys.


It's because of this adoration,
I'm left looking at life
through a 1960's lens.

via
For Friday Funday,
I'm throwing out this question:

What decade would you pick to spend your twenties in?

Do you dream of Daisy in Gatsby's days?
Do you revel in Rosie the Riveters war time ways?
Would you sing like Sandy of Summer Nights as a girl?
Or did Madonna model the mood that you feel?

Friday Funday: Over Share the Under Wear?



Friday Funday Question:

If you were on vacation, and your luggage managed to be left behind
{thanks to an airline mishap, no doubt}

Would you borrow a pair of panties 
from someone you trusted?

This was a hotly debated topic at our lunch table.

Half of our table said "Sure."
The other half said "Gag."

I'll be honest: I said yes.
If it was my sister or a friend I trusted- I wouldn't think twice.

{Between my recent confession regarding cheese, and this- I may be scaring some of you.}

What would you do?
Grin and bare?
or
Grin and share?


Merci to La Perla for the photography of these beauties
available at Net a Porter

Friday Funday: Kick Your Shoes Off.



via

It's the weekend in Oxford!

....and it's almost quittin' time where you are, too!

I'm hosting a Halloween party tomorrow night in London.

We are using going as Romans...
with sheets for togas 
and laurel wreaths made from the tree out our balcony.

Yes, okay...

I'm probably slacking off a bit.

Maybe you should tell me your
Martha Stewart approved ideas...
and I'll use them for next year!

{I'm just kidding... sort of.}

Friday Funday: Celebrity Style!


Yesterday's post with Ina Garten got me all giddy...
and made me start thinking about good days gone by.

Like when I sat on a ski lift with Harrison Ford,

or how Chuck Norris was my childhood neighbor,

and that I went to highschool with Chace Crawford,
and his dad is still my {amazing} dermatologist.

Oh hey, Jonathan Adler!
I still have high hopes for meeting
Gwyneth & Chris, 
Siena Miller... and Jude Law,
Hugh Grant & Colin Firth,
and of course...
being invited to the Kennedy compound in Cape Cod.


For Friday Funday
let's dish our celeb encounters!
Who have you met & how did it go?

Because seriously, if we can't be famous...
why not live through each other's good fortune?



Eat & Greet.


Even though internet access is scarce during my travels...
and our timezones are off...

I just wanted to pop in to your world to say:

You made it to Friday!


via


Since the weekend is upon us,
and you don't have to see your boss for 2 glorious days...

let's play a game:

If you were headed with me to Italy today...

What is the first thing we would eat????

{I've got food on my mind today!}


Fantastic Mr. Friday


Just because I quit my job last week
and have hopped off the 9-5 routing,
doesn't mean I've forgotten 
all my friends in the working world.

Kick off your shoes, pop the cork, and start winding down-



It's Friday!

I'll be out at the lake with family.

What indulgent things will you be unwinding with over the weekend?
{I hope it involves chocolate, celebrity run-ins, and excessive loved ones!}


See you all on Monday morning...

Ride On...


It's so exciting when you find a cool new blog.

Something different to add to your google reader.


That's why I am so happy for the debut of 




This blog is penned by
{the absurdly handsome}
who offers a male perspective 
on life well lived.






Get in on the fun today at


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