lovely jubbly london

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.

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.}

Rialto Living

While in Mallorca, we ventured into Palma one day to check out one of the best stores on the island, Rialto Living.

Started by one of the founders of the Gant brand, Rialto Living has a wonderful mix of clothes, home decor and gifts. I saw several things I would have purchased if I had unlimited luggage space and an unlimited budget! Even though most items were on the pricey side, it was still worth the visit.

Mallorca

We escaped for a few days to Mallorca and had a wonderful time. I must admit I was nervous to visit the island due to its party reputation, but I should not have worried. We had five days of blissful relaxation in the sun and enjoyed every minute.

Hall's Bookshop

I have a slight obsession when it comes to antiquarian books and Hall's Bookshop in Tunbridge Wells is one of my favourite spots.

 I don't ever buy anything really old (aka expensive), just books I love or want to love.

I never manage to leave Hall's without a stack of books and my biggest secret is that I buy classics in bulk to give as gifts. If you're an expat like me, your American relatives and friends will love receiving a classic English novel. The best part is (and this is really the secret)- you can pick up an old classic for less than £10! It's a win-win.

 

Hall's Bookshop

20-22 Chapel Place

Tunbridge Wells

{Darling} Dorking

This weekend I discovered the charming little town of Dorking. The antiques on West Street are definitely not to be missed.

If antiques aren't your thing, Dorking also has a variety of modern shops and a little bit of American history to boot.

Dorking can easily be reached by train from London if you don't have a car.

I Love Paris In The Winter

The husband suprised me with a trip to Paris for Valentine's Day.

Too bad he also suprised me by giving me his cold! At least we sniffled our way through a very cold (-8C!) weekend together.

Gift Guide {travel junkie}

1. Scratch Map {US} {UK}. Push pins are passé- scratch off your travels on this map.

2. USB Charger. 10 different tips allow you to charge most devices with a single usb plug.

3. Personalised Handle Wrap. Make sure that black bag you is your black bag.

4. PlatyPreserve {US} {UK}. Forget the breakable bottle, carry your wine in this leakproof bag. 

5. Swell Bottles. BPA free bottles keep cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12 hours.

6. Solio Bolt Charger. No access to electricity? No problem. This charger holds a solar charge for up to a year and recharges your device twice. 

7. Lands' End Totes {US} {UK}. The perfect carry-on as the zip top keeps your items secure. Flat pack a large size for those extra items you are bound to buy.

 

Powerscourt

The final stop on our tour of Ireland was the lovely Ritz Carlton Powerscourt. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know the love I have for the RC Penha Longa (here, here, here & here). Well, I wasn't sure I could love another hotel as much. Then I saw Powerscourt and it is stunning. The husband loved the gadgets- electronic touchpads that controlled everything in the room, bathroom mirrors with built-in tvs and Samsung tablets at the concierge. My favourite feature? The bicycle concierge and yes, we took full advantage.

Bonus point? Powerscourt is close enough to be a perfect weekend retreat.