lovely jubbly london

Life Lately

Tried to follow this ruffle cake tutorial. Tip: make sure you use a stiff icing- mine was way too soft.

Made ribbon garland inspired by Pinterest. I have a little party coming up at work and this will be perfectly girly.

I haven't used heat on my hair since mid-December which means I'm now running out of ways to make it look good. I've been rocking my natural curls, but the English weather makes my hair more frizzy vs the perfect natural curls I get in the States. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect products to make my hair UK compliant. Until then, a side braid will do.

Donuts. They're Electric.

I know you think I'm exaggerating when I return from the States and tell you I did nothing except have Dunkin Donuts every day. 

But, I'm not.

Sometimes I even go to DD twice a day.

Well, I've been missing my beloved donuts so I went on a little hunt for some donuts by a man from Chicago. Apparently the Doughnut Vault is quite the institution. And I wasn't disappointed.

In the lobby of the Electric Cinema, I found Electric Donuts.

Every Wednesday to Sunday there are different varieties on offer.

More importantly, there are limited trays. So go early.

Chocolate Glazed, Birthday Cake, and Roasted Coconut

I tasted a variety for you. They were delicious. You're welcome.

I would describe these as classic American cake donuts. If you are after the classic Krispy Kreme glazed, this place is not for you.

So my friends, is this the best donut in London?

Until this happens.

Olive Garden Comes To England

Totally got you excited with that title, right?

Don't be too mad at me for teasing you.

I promise you this Pasta E Fagioli and breadstick recipe will have you thinking you're at the Olive Garden even though you have to do all the cooking yourself.

The Happiest Time of the Year

Sorry for the unplanned silence. I've been in the US living it up in ways only an expat can understand. Now it's back to reality.

Not fun. Especially when reality involves returning to work less than 24 hours after arriving home.

But there was lots of fun to be had. Mainly involving food, of course. And coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Which I also brought home with me.

What is it about eating bad for 3 weeks that makes me want to carry on the trend? I spent all day yesterday at work googling copycat recipes for places like Taco Bell and Olive Garden. You know, just the usual 5 star dining establishments.

Anyway, I better run and do some laundry with those Tide Pods I dragged back so it actually looks like I accomplished something today.

In the USA

I made in home for Christmas and am very busy doing very important things.

Like eating Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. Every day. 

Within the first 24 hours I managed to eat Dunkin Donuts, Chipotle and Bare Burger.

Speaking of Bare Burger...

Why yes, that is a burger topped with an onion ring, chopped fries and bacon.

Luckily, we've now made it to Florida where I foresee nightly bike rides on the beach to burn off those extra calories. But if I come home 10 lbs heavier we'll all know why.

Saturday Shopping

Those of you who prefer to do your shopping online are in luck.

First, up J Crack Crew:

In case you can't read it, now through Dec 30 you get free shipping and returns. I worked out the conversion of a few items and it's actually not too far off. Although one item was almost double...

Next up, my other addiction:

Yes, Costco UK finally has online shopping. When I discovered this last Saturday, I placed an order which arrived promptly Tuesday morning. No shipping charges are also a bonus.

Fashion Friday: Lovely Leopard

Source: refinery29.com via lovely on Pinterest

 

 

After seeing the above picture on Pinterest, I knew I needed those shoes. Or something identical.

Off I went to the mall where I tried on pair for $80. They were too tight so it was a no go.

Two days later I was walking the aisles of Target for the third time in as many days and lo and behold I struck gold.

$20!

Mossimo Tuxedo Flats

The Most Popular Song in America: Gangnam Style

For real.

Some people even turned it into their wedding video.

What do you think?

I'm Loving {August Edition}

 

Portugal

August is the month of vacations in Europe and I certainly made up my lack of vitamin D this summer. Portugal is the perfect destination for a few reasons: 1)it's inexpensive, 2)it's in the same time zone, 3)it's a short flight and 4)the weather is perfect.

 

Fancy Fruit

Pretty packaging makes me eat my five a day.

 

Colussi Crackers

My new alternative to Saltines. They are pefect because they are wrapped in personal portions. Get them at Partridges. (They also come in whole wheat and unsalted.)

 

Crafting

I've had a hard time finding some fake flowers that look decent enough for me to want in my house. So I made some out of tissue paper and I quite like them. This isn't their final home, just a resting place while I whip up a few more.

Summer in Sintra

With the weather the way it is in England, it just doesn't feel like summer until I've been to Portugal.

{Previous Portugal posts are here.}