The gift of friendship.

 Rather than whittle away my rainy afternoon, I decided to brush up on some British fancy. Curled up on the couch, with a spot of tea in hand, I intently marveled at Hollywood's rendition of Jane Austen's literary masterpiece, Emma. The film hardly competes with Austen's artistic brilliancy, but needless to say, I enjoyed being swept back to the mid- nineteenth century. As I indulged my afternoon away, I couldn't help but relish in the beautiful friendships displayed in the works of Jane Austen.

This scene from the movie of Gweneth Paltrow, as Emma, playfully interacting with her dear friend, Harriett, embodies so much of what we crave as social beings: affection. I found this picture to be such a beautiful display of that child-like friendship we all aim to maintain, despite our passing years.

Speaking of friends... In three short weeks I'll be reunited with two of my dearest friends, Kate & Rachel. Despite spending a mere three months in the same state together, our friendship has prevailed. Rachel soaking up the Phoenix heat, Kate enjoying some Georgia peaches & me kayaking my days away in the Florida sun, we're close as ever! I am so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful people inspiring me everyday with their beautiful display of friendship. Here's to friends!

Two of the dearest friends a girl could ask for! 

Hometown Glory

When listening to my newest musical interest, Adele, I can't help but revel in the natural talent she demonstrates. At age 23, newly aspiring, British artist, Adele, is captivating hearts across the globe. Describing her musical style as "heartbroken soul," Adele professes her love of London & those within the cradle of British culture. In her song "Hometown Glory," I couldn't help but pause after listening to her line, "I ain't lost, just wandering." Consciously or not, Adele taps something so profound, embodying humanity. A natural inclination to wander, to search, to embrace the truth should remain at the heart.

I really enjoyed this version of Adele's Hometown Glory.




I've been walking in the same way as I did
Missing out the cracks in the pavement
And tutting my heel and strutting my feet
"Is there anything I can do for you dear? Is there anyone I can call?"
"No and thank you, please Madam. I ain't lost, just wandering"

Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world

I like it in the city when the air is so thick and opaque
I love to see everybody in short skirts, shorts and shades
I like it in the city when two worlds collide
You get the people and the government
Everybody taking different sides

Shows that we ain't gonna stand shit
Shows that we are united
Shows that we ain't gonna take it
Shows that we ain't gonna stand shit
Shows that we are united

Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met

Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world

Splash of Color

     While walking into a local Lily Pulitzer boutique yesterday afternoon, I couldn't help but revel in the summer cheer that overwhelmed my senses. Not only was every article of clothing radiating a summer tone, but every piece of furniture, accessory and latest ipad cover were adorned with a tropical flair. It was as if I had stepped into a tropical paradise amidst my much needed retail therapy. Can't you envision yourself wearing a colorful Lily summer dress with some jeweled sandals, as you sit by the pool journaling one summer afternoon? 


     Vibrant: pulsating with life, vigor or activity. Vibrant characterizes the way I felt walking into the Lily boutique & the way I hope to feel, as each summer day fades against the Florida horizon. Shouldn't each of us be pulsating with a vigor to love, a vigor to learn and a vigor to grow? With my summer goals outlined & slowly becoming regimented into my daily routine, my creativity has been unleashed! My new obsession: stumbleupon. If you're not already a stumbler, I highly recommend it if you need a little creative boost! 

Soup's on!

I couldn't help but crave a little cup of soup on this cold, rainy day. The thick blankets of fog known as 'pea-soupers' that used to descend on London are now a thing of the past since the introduction of the 'Clean Air Act' and smokeless fuels. This soup is named after those fogs and it will still keep you warm on a misty spring evening!

London Particular (Pea & Ham) Soup

15 Gram Butter ( 1/2 oz)
50 Gram Streaky bacon, rinded and chopped plus extra fried or grilled pieces for garnish (2 oz)

1 Medium Onion, chopped

1 Medium Carrot, diced

1 Sticks Celery, chopped

450 Gram Split dried peas (1 lb)

2.3 Litres Ham or Chicken stock (4 pints)

4 Tablespoon Natural yogurt

Melt the butter, add the bacon, onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the vegetables have begun to soften. Add the peas and stock. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 1 hour, until the peas are cooked. Liquidise thoroughly. Add the yogurt and reheat gently without boiling. Serve garnished with bacon pieces (and croutons if you like). Enjoy!

The Symphony of Life

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common--this is my symphony.

-WILLIAM HENRY CHANNING

The Royal Wedding

This April 29 will commence the a royal wedding between Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton. Her Majesty the Queen has just recently given her formal consent to the marriage. Under the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, all descendants of King George II must obtain the Sovereign's stamp of approval before being wed. Under the Great Seal of the Realm, the Queen signed her approval. The white lily on the stamp of approval represents the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena, falling on the day of the wedding & coincidentally sharing the name of Miss Middleton. 

 The royal wedding will be far from a modest ceremony; many British people are viewing the ceremony as an official public holiday! The Archbishop of Canterbury will marry the couple in the Westminister Abbey. Following the reception they will go by glass carriage to the Buckingham Palace to join the Queen and guests for a "quaint" reception. A private dinner later that evening will be held in the Palace, concluding the wedding festivities. 

Rematch?

England proudly cradles the oldest and possibly the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Wimbledon is held the last two weeks of June and early July at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. Opening in 1868, the private club hosts the five main Wimbledon events and four invitation events. These events consist of Gentlemen’s & Ladies’ Doubles and singles, as well as mixed doubles. The Committee of Management and the Referee, selecting 128 players, determine applications for entry. The beautiful Wimbledon grounds house 19 grass tennis courts.

            Some traditions have prevailed throughout the history of this iconic event in English history. Ball boys and ball girls, for instance, play a crucial role in the smooth operation of the tournament. They are generally provided by local schools and are meant to simply blend into the background while performing their jobs quietly. Dark green and purple stand as the traditional Wimbledon colors but the tennis players are required to wear white clothing while playing in the tournament. Tickets to Wimbledon are sold to the general public are available through the public ballot that the All England Club holds annually. This tradition has prevailed since 1924.

            Tournament winners have received trophies since 1887, presented by the President of the All England Club. Prize money was first awarded in 1968. For the 2010 Championships, the total prize money increased to £13,725,000, and the singles champions received £1,000,000 each.

            Maybe I’ll have the opportunity to witness Rafael Nadal or Serena Williams in actions on the court this summer! 

Perfect Lenten Meal on Fridays...

The traditional British dish, fish & chips originated in the UK in 1858. The history behind the delicacy originated among the working class in England during the increased development of fishing in the North Sea. The first fish & chip shop sprang up in London by Jewish entrepreneur, Joseph Malin, who combined “fish fried in the Jewish fashion” with chips. The fish used is generally haddock or cod, using a simple water & flour batter before frying. The chips are simply a thick slab of potato, similar to french fries but more satisfying. Just add a good Porter to wash down some fish & chips & you’ve got yourself an authentic British meal! Bon appétit! 

The mystique behind the man...

Displaying an illusory presence on screen and off screen, British- American actor, Cary Grant, left a lasting impression on Hollywood. His acting was subdued and seamless, representing the true iconic movie star. Born in Bristol, England to an ordinary lower- middle class family, Grant rose to the pedestal of fame and notoriety upon making his appearance in the US at age 16. Known for his suave nature, his Mid- Atlantic accent and his dimpled chin, Grant has planted an image in the minds of women, defining true manhood. His roles in To Catch a Thief, The Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday and countless others have proven his successful role on stage as the man with mystique and intrigue. Wouldn't you like to wonder where all todays Cary Grant's have disappeared to? 

Bird's Eye View

        Towering over the Thames River, sits the 443 foot tall London Eye Ferris wheel.  Stealing the title of ‘Tallest Ferris Wheel in Europe,” the London Eye welcomes over 3.5 million visitors annually. Not only is it an icononic British landmark, it has also been featured in many recent films. Remember that scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with the wizard chase scene through London? Perhaps you recall seeing the London Eye in the horizon? Or how about A Knight’s Tale? There’s a shot where 14^th century London features a wooden replica of the London Eye… slight anachronism considering that it was built in 1999.

        Many view the Eye to London as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Both landmarks offer each city a public reference to the city that everyone can relish in.  They are both public and accessible and in a great location, at the heart of the city.

        Can’t wait to take a ride on the Eye this summer with my family! Soaking up the city from a bird's eye view! 

Bits & Pieces of England by Emilyhines89 on Polyvore.com

Amazon.com: 2x3 UNITED KINGDOM flag - UK - England - 2 ft by 3 foot -...

Please Please Please

The Smiths were an alternative rock band, which formed in 1982 in Manchester, England. What better music can one listen to while researching about their lovely motherland? 

Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want :

Good times for a change
See, the luck I've had
Can make a good man
Turn bad

So please please please
Let me, let me, let me
Let me get what I want
This time

Haven't had a dream in a long time
See, the life I've had
Can make a good man bad

So for once in my life
Let me get what I want
Lord knows, it would be the first time
Lord knows, it would be the first time

London's Shopping Scene

Ever since I watched the newest Parent Trap, starring Lindsay Lohan, I've had a fascination with the London department store, Harrods. Can't every girl just fulfill her childhood fantasy & have a Harrods shopping spree? Well on my first visit to London I dropped into Harrods for a little dose of some retail therapy & was on cloud nine. While strolling through different sections of the department store I was amazed by the magnitude of the store and the high quality of merchandise! Founded in 1824 by Charles Harrod, the department store has grown into a grandiose department store, welcoming over 300,000 visitors daily! And what’s a department store without a selection of eateries and coffee shops to offset a successful day of shopping? I will definitely be frequenting Harrods this summer to indulge in some much needed retail therapy.

British Literature

Elizabeth Bennet: And that put paid to it. I wonder who first discovered the power of poetry in driving away love?
Mr. Darcy: I thought that poetry was the food of love.
Elizabeth Bennet: Of a fine stout love, it may. But if it is only a vague inclination I'm convinced one poor sonnet will kill it stone dead
Mr. Darcy: So what do you recommend to encourage affection?
Elizabeth Bennet: Dancing. Even if one's partner is barely tolerable. 

Tea & Crumpets anyone?

This summer my family & I will be galavanting along the streets of London while finding ourselves enjoying high tea, a little Dickens, shopping at Harrods and immersing ourselves in the British lifestyle.

Here's a little British literature by famed author, Charles Dickens.... May this summer in England inspire me to explore more of the British culture.


How beautiful at eventide
To see the twilight shadows pale,
Steal o'er the landscape, far and wide,
O'er stream and meadow, mound and dale!

How soft is Nature's calm repose
When ev'ning skies their cool dews weep:
The gentlest wind more gently blows,
As if to soothe her in her sleep!

The gay morn breaks,
Mists roll away,
All Nature awakes
To glorious day.
In my breast alone
Dark shadows remain;
The peace it has known
It can never regain.

This summer my family & I will be galavanting along the streets of London while finding ourselves enjoying high tea, a little Dickens, shopping at Harrods and immersing ourselves in the British lifestyle.

Here's a little British literature by famed author, Charles Dickens.... May this summer in England inspire me to explore more of the British culture.


How beautiful at eventide
To see the twilight shadows pale,
Steal o'er the landscape, far and wide,
O'er stream and meadow, mound and dale!

How soft is Nature's calm repose
When ev'ning skies their cool dews weep:
The gentlest wind more gently blows,
As if to soothe her in her sleep!

The gay morn breaks,
Mists roll away,
All Nature awakes
To glorious day.
In my breast alone
Dark shadows remain;
The peace it has known
It can never regain.

This summer my family & I will be galavanting along the streets of London while finding ourselves enjoying high tea, a little Dickens, shopping at Harrods and immersing ourselves in the British lifestyle.

Here's a little British literature by famed author, Charles Dickens.... May this summer in England inspire me to explore more of the British culture.


How beautiful at eventide
To see the twilight shadows pale,
Steal o'er the landscape, far and wide,
O'er stream and meadow, mound and dale!

How soft is Nature's calm repose
When ev'ning skies their cool dews weep:
The gentlest wind more gently blows,
As if to soothe her in her sleep!

The gay morn breaks,
Mists roll away,
All Nature awakes
To glorious day.
In my breast alone
Dark shadows remain;
The peace it has known
It can never regain.