Beantown Prepster: Part Deux

CALLING ALL ENGLISH & EX-PAT BLOGGERS, TWEETERS, & LURKERS!

2012-02-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

I was thinking about all of the bloggers I've connected with through my blog and all of the sweet people I've met through twitter and I thought...

WHY NOT PLAN A BLOGGER BRUNCH FOR BRITISH & EX-PAT BLOGGERS?!

DATE: Sunday March 4, 2012

LOCATION: TBA

TIME: around 12-1PM (TBA once venue has been secured!)

WHY: Because you KNOW you want to put some faces with blogs... Because you KNOW you could always use some new friends... Because you KNOW you want an excuse to have a gallon of mimosas (but not by yourself because then people might stare at you like you have a problem or something...) (Not that that sort of thing has ever happened to um, me, or any...thing...)

And just because it will be FUN!

So, if you're in England and are a reader of blogs, bloggers, tweeter, ex-pat, or generally bored with no plans on the third, please leave a comment below with an email address to contact you! Even if ends up just being me and Betsy, we WILL have us a good time, so PLEASE JOIN US!

Be sure to spread the word to any and all people you know who might be interested. I'll send an email out a week in advance with all of the deets.

HOPE YOU BE SEEING & MEETING ALL OF YOU SOON!

Friday FIVE!

2012-02-17T07:08:00.000-05:00

1. The Hunger Games Triliogy

I literally read one a day until they were finished. SO GOOD. I don't know what took me so long to jump on the bandwagon! I am on a countdown for the movies.

2. Nando's Mango & Lime Chicken atop the Mediterranean Salad.

Delicious, even sideways. I think I could live on this salad.

(Well, this salad and the grilled corn.)

3. Roses & big ass gold hoops on Valentine's Day!

4. Tory Burch Eddie ballet flat with Crystal Bow

I owe the Eddie in about 23402938402 different colors (ok, I exaggerate... maybe) and think this miiiiight just need to be my newest addition.

5. MY NEW iPAD2!

Yes. Hubs surprised me with a new toy. Which is helpful seeing that my poor 5 year old Mac laptop is about to bite the dust. He even knew to pick up the pink cover.

Amazing.

I can't wait to get home from work tonight and subscribe to the electronic version of every single American magazine I can't get here.

WHAT ARE YOUR FRIDAY FIVE?

Working hard for the money... SO hard for the money!

2012-02-16T05:09:00.002-05:00

Since I've moved to England I've gotten umpteen emails/comments/tweets/facebook messages about what I am doing.

(Including the always fun and lovey comments from Anonymous asking why I don't have a job and why am I so lazy... Which 2 things spring to mind- 1) I've been employed since October and 2) Why do you care if I have a job or not? Because A) None yo' bizness, B) It's not like I'm living in the US on welfare or taking unemployment benefits BECAUSE I'M NOT (nor am I in the UK) and C) You don't know my financial situation sooooo... I direct you to back to point A... None yo' bizness!)

Today, instead of writing another frou-frou post about my love (obsession) for Lululemon and all things hot pink from JCrew/TB/Kate Spade... I thought I'd give you the breakdown of being a US lawyer and trying to enter the legal market in England.

via.

Ok.

1) (Anonymous, please take note.) JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE QUALIFIED IN THE UNITED STATES TO BE A LAWYER, DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO PRACTICE LAW IN ENGLAND.

I realize this is sort of common sense, but many people (lawyers included) think you can just move here and get a job as a lawyer.

YOU.

CAN.

NOT.

Here is how it works:

If you have been a practicing lawyer for at least 5 years in the United States you are immediately eligiable to sit for the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT). Upon passing the test you are pretty much qualified to be a Solicitor in the UK.

NOTE: Solicitors and Barristers are two different types of lawyer in England. Basically, Barristers can present cases in court/before judges (and get to wear really cool wigs) and Solicitors are transactional attorneys who work with clients but can NOT represent clients in court. (The solicitors hire the barristers if their client has a case that needs to be litigated.) To be a barrister requires more work and an appretinceship year known as pupillage, which is extremely difficult and competitive to get. (If you are confused, feel free to Google any of these terms.)

If you HAVE NOT been practicing for 5 years (i.e. ME) then you have to do 2 things to qualify to practice law in England:

Work for 2 years as either a trainee solicitor (which is essentially like being a summer associate, but for 2 years) OR be a paralegal and work in 4 different practice areas over 2 years.
Take the QLTT and pass it.

Now, I've recently discovered my first hurdle. To even sit for the QLTT one must have qualified in a jurisdiction that the Solicitor's Regulatory Agency recognizes.

GUESS WHAT IS A JURISDICTION THAT IS NOT RECOGNIZED?

Massachusetts.

Where am I qualified?

Massachusetts.

So basically I have to contact the MA Bar Association and ask them to apply for recognition by the SRA (Solicitor's Regulatory Agency) here in England OR I have to sit for another bar exam in a recognized jurisdiction. I have all of the material for NY Bar so I am considering sitting for that in July. (Orrrrr maybe I'll pick an easier jurisdiction and sit for that... Like Alabama, then maybe I can talk PB into moving there to be closer to my bestie BLC.) Anyway, on to my next point.

2) JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE A QUALIFIED LAWYER IN THE US AND HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THE LAW IN THE US DOES NOT GIVE YOU A LEG UP WHEN JOB HUNTING IN THE ENGLISH LEGAL MARKET.

Here's the deal people, Trainee Contracts that are applied for now are have a start date THREE YEARS FROM NOW. Yes. You must apply for trainee contracts 3 years before you want to start them. Also? Good luck getting one if you didn't go to University in the UK. They don't understand US grading systems and you will always fail if up against someone from Oxford who graduated with a first (like honors in the US.)
Paralegal positions: Few positions open and those that are keep going to professional paralegals... Meaning those that have been working as paralegals since graduating from University (they also have specific paralegal certifications you can get... Obviously none of which I have.)
The job market in England is driven by recruiters. You must use recruiters to really job hunt here, but the problem I ran into was that they want you to have 6 months of paralegal experience before they will help you. UM. HOW DO YOU GET 6 MONTHS EXPERIENCE WHEN ALL THE POSITIONS REQUIRE 6 MONTHS EXPERIENCE? Exactly. Rock. Hard place.

Moral of the story: Basically it is a sucky, extremely competitive market to break into and you have a STEEP hurdle to get over if you were not educated in the UK or if you haven't worked in the UK legal field before. I thought I would have a leg up, because I worked for a top set of chambers (barristers) in London last summer. However, that hasn't helped really. I also thought that my internship during law school where I represented clients in court to obtain restraining, anti-abuse, and custodial orders, would count as experience. Turns out, it means nothing to British law firms. Neither did my legal concentration, nor my honors I graduated with, nor my research experience. I have even met with partners at several of the Magic Circle firms in London, but I've not even secured an interview for a paralegal or any support position with those firms. It is an extremely tough market and being an American lawyer has put me at a huge disadvantage.

So, y'all have been wondering what I am doing and what is my current job?

I'm in a temporary position at a law firm in Henley-on-Thames working as a paralegal. I was hired for a project that involves reviewing wills and a bunch of other things like that. I don't have an end date but I know the project is a big one, and I wouldn't be surprised if I was here for a few more months. It is a LOVELY firm and I adore all of the partners and the people I work with. Henley-on-Thames is also a gorgeous town and the commute is easy enough. I've sort of stopped hunting for a permanent position for a bit because it was soul destroying and I am really happy here! Who knows, this might turn into a permanent position. Part of me would prefer working in London, because I'm much more of a city girl and the area of law I really want to practice in is done only in big firms in London... However, there is something to be said for having a better quality of life and working shorter hours and having time to go to the gym, cook dinner, etc. The law isn't any less fascinating out here in the countryside... in fact, it can be really interesting! Luckily, I don't really have a choice to make (yet) so I'll just wait to cross that bridge until, or if, I come to it.

So there you have it... The ins and outs for a baby American lawyer hunting a job in the UK. It's no fun but hopefully by the end of the spring or summer I'll be in a permanent position and can work toward qualifiying here!
One thing this process has made clear: I WANT TO PRACTICE LAW IN ENGLAND.

Side note: As a Type A Overachiever it has been REALLY difficult to not have a known trajectory and a life plan in place with tangible goals to hit. I have always gotten the interviews I've wanted and have always gotten the jobs I wanted... This whole experience has been very tough. One of my strengths is interviewing and here the biggest problem lies in just getting my foot through the dang door to get an interview!

If you have any questions, comments, concerns please let me know!

Also, if you are a partner/associate/barrister/solicitor/paralegal/HR Recruiter and want a smart, fun, extremely well mannered, hard working american lawyer for ANY position? I'm your girl. My strengths include a) ability to prioritize b) ability to absolutely DOMINATE a to-do list c) making a mean flat-white annndddd rocking out research in Westlaw and Lexis. Also? I tell pretty good funnies, have unparalleled organizational skillz... And, have been known to wear fun shoes.

(PS- I'm not an expert in the UK legal market, nor do I profess to be, and I'm sure I've left some things out... but this is the overly simplified explanation. The procedures have changed in the past year but this is still how it generally works! Also, it's completely different if you're working as a US lawyer at a US firm. This is info on if you want to act as a UK lawyer and be qualified in the UK. See SRA for full details. )

British Lesson of the Day: Work Tea Etiquette

2012-02-15T04:15:00.001-05:00

When the girls and I had dinner a couple of weeks ago we discussed how English offices are different than US offices. One thing I always find odd is the lack of cubicles. In my office, and many in England (and Europe), people sit in rooms, side by side, separated by nothing. NOTHING! In some offices, they do have small walls between the workers, but many do not. After working in a big corporate office in Boston where everyone had huge cubicals, this freaked me out a little. Anyway, I digress...

One of the other differences between US & UK office etiquette is the tea run. In US offices (or at least old one in Boston) everyone usually arrives with a cup from Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks or something similar. In my office in Boston we also usually had a Keurig coffee maker. When I wanted a coffee or a beverage I would either pop down to the Starbucks in my building (heeeyyyy, 111 Huntington!) or I would make myself one in the kitchen. When at my desk I would primarily drink water or sometimes a diet coke. Basically, my point being that everyone handled their own coffee/tea/water/beverage needs throughout the day.

In England? I introduce you to the tea run. In the morning people come in (in my office I am the ONLY person who brings a Starbucks cup in) sit down and then one person takes turns going and making tea (and one coffee) for EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. IN. MY. ROOM. So, if you want to go get a tea for yourself, you must collect every other person's mug and make it for EVERYONE.

So in my room, there are 4 of us, plus the 3 partners. So if you want to make tea, you have to make it for approximately 7 people. It is uncouth and rude to go get a coffee or tea without offering to take it for everyone! Also, there is a tea run approximately every 15 minutes.

Yes.

15.

(UPDATE: Ok- I slightly exaggerate here for the fun of my blog. It's really about 3 tea runs before lunch and 1 to 2 after lunch. And thanks to electric kettles it only takes a few minutes to make everyones tea... So calm down, people. We do work and are very productive!)

I am the only person who carries a water bottle and as of yet, am the only person that I have seen to make use of the water bubbler.

The whole tea etiquette scares me to death. What if I make it wrong?! What if I mess up the order?! In fact, this has me so paralyzed with fear that I often refuse an offer of tea solely because I don't want to have to go make tea for everyone else. I swear... It might give me an ulcer! (And leads to me pretending that I only decide I want tea after everyone else has theirs. Hopefully no one has discovered my little phobia and I will be able to get away without having to make tea for everyone for a bit longer! shhhhhhh!)

So there you have it... Your little British office tip of the day: If you want a tea, be prepared to get tea for EVERYONE.

Are there any office habits in your office that give you perpetual anxiety, or am I the only crazy?!

My Friday Five... (One day late!)

2012-02-11T05:46:00.000-05:00

1. EAT NATURAL Bars

The British answer to FiberOne bars for moi. I'm obsessed. Healthy, all natural, filling and delicious. What more could you want?!

PS- Warning to Weight Watchers: Each bar is between 5-7 ProPoints so eat with caution! (Or buy a bag of the little bars, which are a great snack with a cup of tea for only 1-2 ProPoints each.)

2. GlossyBox

Ashley hooked me up with this and I can't WAIT to get my first box. To be fair I'm not much of a makeup junkie. I usually only wear tinted moisturizer, gloss and mascara, with a little blush/eye shadow thrown in when I'm feeling fancy. However, this seemed like a fun way to get a little more adventurous without spending loads of moolah! (Note- A slang term for money over here is 'wonga'... Bizarre.)

3. Fortnum & Mason's Royal Blend Tea

While I plan to do a WHOLE separate post about work tea etiquette, I will say that we drink obscene amounts of tea at work. I bring the Royal Blend with me to keep at my desk because it is my favorite. PG Tips seems to be the standard tea that most people drink daily, but of course I MUST be high maintenance and bring my own. If you are coming to London or through Heathrow I suggest you pick you up some in duty free. It's to DIE for!

4. No words needed.

Die. I literally spent 45 minutes laughing at this yesterday. I tickled me to death!

5. Nike+ Sensor

I have Nike tennis shoes and as y'all know (or you do if you follow me on twitter) I've recently taken up running and my first real run with be on March 11 with my ex-pat girls as we run the British Heart Foundation's 5k (or 10k if you're so inclined) (which I'm not) in Regent's Park. I was using a C25K app on my iPhone but I pretty much had finished it and I really just wanted to keep running and so I decided to get this sensor. It slips underneath the insole of your shoe into a little pocket especially made for the censor. When you run it tracks your distance and speed, as well as calories burned, and keeps track of all of your workouts.

What are YOUR Friday (or Saturday) Five?

Madre-Palooza: Part Three (and Four)

2012-02-08T15:41:00.000-05:00

I'm FINALLY posting the last recaps of Mama's trip to England. My apologies for the delay. I took a little hiatus from all things electronic this weekend and that turned into almost the entire week.

Oops.

So anyway... The other main places we hit with Madre was Windsor and Winchester. We also took her to Stonehenge, but y'all already know we've been to Stonehenge like 450 times so I won't bore you with more pictures of big rocks. First here is WINDSOR! It's absolutely beautiful and it might be my favorite tourist spot that we've explored in all of England. Although the weather was a little grim, the castle and the grounds were stunning.

*Changing of the guards*

Winchester is everything you'd want in a traditional British town... Quaint, historic, great shopping, cute cafes... It was simply perfect!

*There was a cute market set up down the middle of the high street.*

*Mama outside of Winchester Cathedral*

*One of the gorgeous walks around the town.*

I had a WONDERFUL time having my Mama here and I can't wait until she comes back so we can keep exploring England. On my list for the spring/fall is the Peak district, Suffolk, Snowdonia (in Wales) and the lochs of Scotland. Hopefully Madre will be here to experience some of those fun trips with us!

Now... time for Teen Mom!

Weekend in Numbers!

2012-02-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

10: Number of minutes into the 30294823097203482 game of UNO that I lasted before wanted to stab my eye out with a pen... (No, but seriously. I'm instituting a "No-UNO-For-One-Month" rule to retain my sanity.)

9: Number of pull ups on the weight-supporty machine I did before I wanted to cry. (Pullups SUCK.) (Also... half of my body weight is STILL HEAVY, PEOPLE.)

8: Number of times Normie went flying face first into the kitchen cabinets whilst chasing his favorite toy... (Don't worry. This is how we maintain his flat-little face.) *NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS BLOGPOST*

7: Number of pounds of coffee with the toffee nut Starbucks syrup I imbibed... (Tea, move over... Mama's got a brand new favorite.)

6: Number of loads of laundry I MEANT to do... (Number done? um. 1 1/2? Maybe? Shhhh.)

5: Number of fig rolls (British version of Fig Newtons) eaten on Sunday night... (Oh hey, 10 points.... I didn't see you coming!) (To be fair I only really had 3... but PB had 2... So there we are.)

4: Number of times I almost caved and went to get a popcorn at the movies Friday night... (WHY IS IT SO GOOD?! WHY!?) (Can I get a high-five for resisting?)

3: Number of presents for Millie-moo that we came home from the pet store with... (Number budgeted for? 0.)

2: Number of Subway Veggie delights devoured by yours truly... (Can I be like the new Jared?) (No, but really.) (Someone has a Subway problem... and that someone? Might be me.)

1: Number of times I wanted to rip George Clooney off of the movie screen and run away with him... (Multiply by 60394820392708529385729347.)

How was YOUR weekend?!

TAG!

2012-02-02T04:41:00.000-05:00

MCW tagged me in a full little game that's making the blogger circuit, so I decided to play along! Here we go...

The rules:
1. Post the rules.
2. Write 11 fun facts about yourself.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you and then create 11 new quesitons to ask people you tag.
4. Tag 11 people and link them to your post.
5. Let them know you've tagged them!!

11 Fun Things about Myself:

1) I can't stand not having my toenails painted. (It just grosses me out to have "natural" toenails.)

2) I took dance for about 20-ish years and am an excellent tapper. (Also. I was a competition clogger for about 14 years. If that ain't southern, I don't know what is.)

3) I am a super fast reader. (Seriously if it wasn't for the local library I would have bankrupted PB by now buying books. I read about 3 to every one he reads.)

4) On PB's first trip back to the US after we met he brought me a tiny stuffed bear with a UK shirt on that I named "Georgie." I still sleep with Georgie every night and even have been known to take him on holiday with us. (Don't judge me.)

5) I have this uncanny ability to remember song lyrics. Seriously. I sing along with EVERY song that comes on the radio. PB, Madre and I are convinced I could win big money on "Don't Forget The Lyrics."

6) My absolute FAVORITE outfit to wear is my Lululemon leggings, a big sweater/sweatshirt, a baseball cap, my glasses, and my Ugg-lies with huge cozy knee high socks. It's completely unpreppy, messy and I LOVE it.

7) I can not function if I don't have earrings on. Seriously. If ever I forget them I have to go buy a pair to wear. I have forgotten my wedding rings multiple times and been fine with it, but forget earrings? Prepare for a meltdown.

8) My dream job would be working for either the WTO or for a huge law firm doing trade/trade related arbitration. I know far, far, FAR too much about the WTO agreements and trade and absolutely geek out when I hear about cases brought before the DSB. (Look it up, people.)

9) All my life I've been terrible at math and hated it... Yet I managed to make As in all of my tax classes in Law School, including the scary and super difficult Taxation of Business Entities, and seriously loved them both. Who knew?!

10) I was a band geek in high school. I played the flute and piccolo in the marching & concert bands and was both section leader & first chair.

11) We've set a date for baby trying to start!! (And no, I'm not telling when.)

MCW's questions are:
1. How do you eat your burger? I prefer it medium well, with allllll the fixins: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, mayo/mustard/ketchup. I'm a burger fiend. Burgers are my all time FAVORITE food. Seriously. I have to have some form of burger once every two weeks or I become very, very grumpy. The best burgers I've ever had have been at The Four Seasons in Boston and in Hampshire, here in England. Seriously. The Four Seasons knows what's up when it comes to burgers!

2. What's your favorite characteristic about yourself? My manners. I'm proud to have been raised with southern manners by my Mama and Nannie. I pride myself on always saying "Please" and "Thank you" and for still addressing my elders as "Sir" and "Ma'am."

3. What time period from the past would you like to live in? The 1950s. While it wasn't the best time for social equality in the US, I love everything else about the time period! Drive-In's, the jitterbug, pedal pushers, A-line dresses, cardigans, soda fountains... LOVE IT! The clothes were absolutely MADE for me in that time period!

4. What actress would be cast to play you? Well I don't really think I look like any particular actress... but I've bee equated by friends/acquaintences to America Ferrera, Martina McCutcheon and Minnie Driver (when my hair is curly.) But if I could cast anyone, I'd TOTALLY pick Sandra Bullock or Reese Witherspoon (in a dark wig) because they are my ultimate favorites!

5. What was your first car? 1983 Dodge Colt, baby! I think my Madre paid a whopping $300 for it. It was pretty sweet.

6. What's one product you hope is never discontinued? Bumble & Bumble curl creme. It's the ONLY thing that works when my hair is curly.

7. What was high school like for you? It was fine! I was fairly popular. I was super involved. I was in the smart kid classes. Pretty average, really. I didn't get made fun of (much) and never had any terrible experiences.

8. Do you believe in ghosts? Um, YES. Have you ever watched Ghost Hunters?!

9. What would your dream house look like? Ok. I can honestly say that I could not tell you what my dream house would look like. I don't have a single vision! I can tell you I'd want a whole wall of windows that open up to a huge garden (backyard as we call it in the US.)

10. When did you have your first beer? Did you have more than one? My first year of college. I did have more than one. It was disgusting and it still is disgusting and I don't think I've had one in at least 6 years.

11. What is your least favorite word? Apropos. I don't know why but it is the most annoying word ever. And pretentious. Annoying and pretentious.

I'm supposed to tag 11 bloggers, but instead of doing that, let's have 11 Bloggers that perhaps read my blog but never comment play! I want to meet all of you new (or quiet) readers! If you are a lurker who blogs, leave a comment linking back to your blog so I can come read! Don't be shy people, COMMENT!

MY 11 Questions for YOU:

1) If you could have a theme song to play when you walk down the street what would it be?
2) If you could only watch one TV Show for the rest of your life, what would you pick?
3) French fries: Skinny and crispy or big and mushy?
4) What is your guilty pleasure outfit?
5) Soda: Fountain, bottle or can?
6) Favorite thing to do at the gym?
7) If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
8) What was your first animal and do you remember its name?
9) What is one thing that you carry in your purse that you absolutely cannot live without?
10) What is your most embarrassing habit?
11) If you could meet and be BFFs in real life with a blogger that you follow, who would it be and why?

So there you have it... All you could ever want to know about moi. (Vom, I know.) Tomorrow, we'll finish up the Madre-palooza and then move on to some materialistic stuff... which I know y'all live for.

Happy Thursday!

Lazy Girl's Vlog...

2012-01-31T16:44:00.000-05:00

It's rambly HOT MESS of a vlog! There is a solid minute where I um... Please feel free to take a bathroom break or get some popcorn at that point. Consider it a mini-intermission.

And here is the picture of Betsy, AT, Moi & Ashley on Friday night that I mention in my Vlog! I had the BEST time and I'm SO glad that I've made such great friends through my blog.

*Bevy of Brunettes*

Tomorrow I'll post my response to MCW's TAG and then Thursday we'll take on Madre-palooza: Part THREE!

Madre-Palooza: Part Two

2012-01-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

So, I'm spacing these out a little so you don't get all British-touristy-stuff overloaded. After the day in the big city we wanted to take Mama to our other favorite place: The New Forest. I've often blogged how we like to ride bicycles through the new forest (and by ride bicycles, I mean ride until I find horsies to pet) and we couldn't bring Mama over without showing her the countryside. We started out our day in Lyndhurst, which is absolutely precious.

*Requisite red post office box shot... Almost as necessary as a red phone booth shot.*

*Then we perused all the cute shops, including those with tasty treats in the window*

*Before settling in for lunch at the Lyndhurst Tea Room*

*Beer for PB... as usual*

*We then abandoned the town and took a long walk (long WINDY walk) through the New Forest*

(PS- How precious is my Mama?! Don't you just want to pinch her little cheeks?!)

*As promised, we found horsies!*

*Still gorgeous, even in the dead of winter*

*We then motored on over to Beaulieu, another quaint town nearby.*

*Precious houses all decked out in lights*

*Pretty picture perfect shops*

*Complete with an old, rambling pub*

We had a great time puttering around the New Forest. I think Madre loved it almost as much as we do! Next time we're going to get her on a bike. You hurr me Mama?!

As we made our way home I was excited to show Mama the town at night. I absolutely ADORE the colored lights strung across all of the roads at Christmas time. It reminds me of this picture my Nannie has of Boone, North Carolina from the 1950s when they also used to string colored lights across the main road through town.

Beaulieu is famous for its motor museum. Although we haven't had a chance to check that out yet, it's on tap for this spring!

Have you been to The New Forest?

Weekend in Numbers: The Pound Edition

2012-01-30T05:01:00.000-05:00

10: Number of pounds of fur brushed from Normie on Saturday...

(Multiply for 450.)

9: Number of pounds of edamame inhaled by yours truly on Friday night...

(Sorry girls... I'm not a good sharer.)

8: Number of pounds of shredded carrots I put on my salad on Sunday night...

(PB is convinced I'm going to start taking on an orange tinge. Blasphemy!)

7: Number of pounds of weights used during my lateral raises with the trainer Saturday

(Number of reps with said 7lb weights? 2. Mama needed to go down to 5lb weights. WHAT? I'M SICK, OK!)

6: Number of pounds of poached eggs I'm convinced I could eat in any one sitting...

(Whhhhyyyyy are they soooooo goooooodddd?)

5: Number of pounds of kitten that insisted on being held despite her scowly face on Sunday...

(Diva.)

4: Number of pounds of mascara removed from my eyes Friday night...

(Apparently one should probably remove mascara every. night. instead of continually piling it on for 3 days straight before trying to remove. Oopsie.)

3: Number of pounds (of the Great British variety) spent on my new obsession: Eat Natural Bars...

(Crack. But healthy.)

2: Number of pounds of nail polish found whilst cleaning out my 465 different makeup bags/drawers...

(And yet do I ever paint my own nails? Negative.)

1: Number of pounds of sausage-roll goodness inhaled on the train home around midnight Friday night... (Flex points, people. Flex points.)

How was YOUR weekend?

Madre-palooza: Steak & Kidney Pie

2012-01-25T15:38:00.000-05:00

So I have a friend who is kind of a big deal... He happens to be a Minister in Parliament. He invited us to lunch a couple of days after I arrived and of course I had to show Madre the high life, so we went. His gorgeous daughter fixed us a Steak & Kidney Pie. This is one of PB most FAVORITE meals but I had yet to try it... And I think we know why. Kidney? Um, I don't EVEN think so.

However, I had to be polite so I smiled and said thank you when the Minister filled my plate and passed it to me. I was SO nervous when I took the first bite but OH. MY. WORD. It was SO tasty. Both Madre and I ate every bit on our plate and then I begged our host for the recipe.

At the end of the week we decided we had to give it a try ourselves. I googled a recipe and we made it. It was a SUCCESS!

I know it sounds gross but you should definitely give this traditional British dish a try. If you are scared of the kidney, just leave it out. You'll LOVE IT.

PS- It's VERY labor intensive so I subbed phyllo dough instead of making crust from scratch!

1LB (450 g) chuck steak, in one piece

8 oz (225 g) ox kidney (IF YOU OMIT, ADD IN MORE STEAK)

1 oz (25 g) beef dripping

2 medium onions, peeled & roughly chopped

1 1/2 level tablespoons plain flour

1/2 level teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

15 fl oz (425 ml) fresh beef stock

Sale & freshly milled black pepper

Begin by trimming the fat from the steak and cutting it into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Then trim the ox kidney and chop it minutely small. Keep the meat trimmings to make extra gravy to serve with the pie. Now, heat the dripping in the casserole. Dry the meat with kitchen paper and, when the fat is really hot, add a few cubes at a time to brown on all sides, removing them to a plate as they brown. After that, add all the pieces of kidney and after browning these remove them to join the steak. Now, keeping the heat high, fry the chopped onion for 6-7 minutes or until it's nicely browned at the edges. Then return all the meat to the casserole and stir in the flour to soak up all the juices.

Next, add the thyme, followed by the Worcestershire sauce. Add a good seasoning of salt and pepper and then gradually stir in the stock and bring the whole lot to simmering point. Now put a lid on the casserole and place on the centre shelf of the oven for 2 hours. When the meat is cooked taste to check the seasoning and leave it to get cold.

*I omitted the directions for making your own dough for the crust! We used puff pastry and it was PERFECT!*

Now transfer the circle, first rolling it over the pin and then over the base of the tin, and press it lightly and firmly around the base, sides and rim. Now take a sharp knife and trim the overlapping pastry and, after that, spoon in the filling. Now roll the remaining pastry out in the same way. Brush the rim of the base pastry with a little of the beaten egg and milk glaze and fit the other pastry circle on the top to form a lid. Press the edges firmly together, then trim off the excess and flute the edges.

Finally, if you want to decorate the pie, gather up the trimmings and re-roll them to cut out leaf shapes. Either way, make a small hole in the centre the size of a 5p piece (to allow the steam to escape). Then brush the surface all over with the beaten egg and milk glaze. Now place the pie on the baking tray and bake for 10 minutes.

After that, reduce the temperature to gas mark 4, 350°F (180°C) and cook for a further 40-45 minutes, or until it is piping hot and has turned a deep golden-brown.

Have you tried any recipes lately that surprised you?!

Madre-palooza: Part One

2012-01-23T15:40:00.002-05:00

As you all know my Madre came to visit us from Christmas Day until January 4th. We had a BLAST having her here and I secretly wish she would move over and just live with us forever and ever. Obviously we wanted to show her as much as possible of England and we sure gave it the ole' college try.

We started off with a trip into London.

*On the train*

*Of course no trip to London is complete without Harrod's*

*We then walked over to Hyde Park*

*WINTER WONDERLAND!*

(3 years in a ROW, baby!)

*Madre loved the talking Moose head.*

*PB won me a stuffed Santa in the shooting game... He's such a good shot!*

*Then we needed a rest at PB's & my second home... The Intercontinental Park Lane*

*Before heading over to The Connaught to take Madre to her first every PROPER English Afternoon Tea.*

(The decor was stunning!)

*Please ignore my thumb... ahem*

*Chocolate ball filled with tiramisu... Seriously the best treat I've EVER had!*

We had a great time and were stuffed as ticks.

*Clearly *someone* was excited in the cab ride home!*

The Connaught is arguably my favorite high tea, but I was a little let down with the finger sandwiches this time. The bread in two of the sandwiches was hard as a rock and super dry. However, Madre loved the experience and the scones and puddings (British for dessert) definitely made up for it. By the time we finally got home we were all absolutely knackered (British for exhausted.) See? I'm teaching you peeps all the lingo!

Stay tuned for Madre-palooza: Part Two tomorrow!

Weekend in Numbers!

2012-01-22T17:09:00.000-05:00

10: Number of times I was told to pick up 4 in Uno by my husband... IN. ONE. ROUND. (If you're looking for him tonight you can find him on the couch.)

9: Number of points in a filet o' fish from McDs... (Not that I had one. I was just checking... um... you know... for future potential fast-food crises.)

8: Number of uninterrupted hours of sleep I got on Saturday night despite being woken twice by a needy little kitten needing snuggles. (WHY, OH WHYYYYY DO I HAVE TO GET UP AT 6AM FOR WORK EVERY DAY?!)

7: Number of times I thought I was going to die running Saturday night.... (Oh haaayyyyyy 2.1 miles @ 11:30 a mile... Dangit I WILL be down to 10 minutes a mile by 5k time in March with the girls!)

6: Number of scowls I received from Millie-moo when she politely mewoed for wet food for lunch Sunday and instead was given dry food. (Multiply by 888. All I'm sayin' is... If looks could KILL.)

5: Number of German travel-books I checked out of the library for trip-planning... (Sorry to anyone who might want a German travel guide... I sort of cleaned them out. Whoops.)

4: Number of times I praised the Subway gods during lunch on Saturday... (Seriously. My prayers from here on out are going to begin... "Dear God... Thank you for my Subway Veggie Delight on Honey Oat with everything but corn (weird, british thing) and jalepenos. And thank you for baked cheese & onion crisps. And thank you for the little ice pellets they have at Subway because they are my favorite... And for the cookies... when I have the points for them... because they are the best...")

3: Number of books I've started & finished while still reading Gone With the Wind. (I'm fickle... And a fast reader... What can I say.)

2: Number of deep brush downs I subjected poor little Normie to this weekend... (In case you're wondering we now have enough fur for a throw... or two.)

1: Number of times I told hubs that I REALLY needed a new pair of Lululemon running pants after he witnessed my pants fall down to the point of showing the cool Christmas undies I was rocking about 5 times on Saturday's run. (Multiply by 497.)

How was YOUR weekend?

Friday FIVE: BLACK EDITION!

2012-01-20T16:21:00.000-05:00

NEED.

A NEW.

BLACK.

BAG.

Which bag gets your vote?

Ina's Lemon Yogurt Cake (AKA HEAVEN ON A PLATE.)

2012-01-18T16:54:00.002-05:00

Ok, here is something you blog stalkers (all 1 of you) may not know about me.

I HATE lemons.

Well, correction, about 86 (currently) pounds ago I hated lemons. At some point during my weight loss I began to not hate, but simply dislike anything lemon flavored... and now I not only can tolerant lemon, but LOVE it! (Well, except in my glass of water... That shit is NEVER acceptable.)

One of my Christmas presents was one of Ina's cookbooks... as I flipped through it marking essentially EVERY recipe, I decided that the Lemon Yogurt Cake was a must try because 1) it seemed relatively heathy as cakes go and 2) because I wanted to prove my Lemon-lust was for real to PB (who is still hesitant when I say I want to eat anything with lemons in it.)

So this weekend I decided to go for it... and oh. LAWDY is it absolutely DIVINE!

Seriously.

MMMMMM.

Here is the recipe. Make it IMMEDIATELY and then leave me a comment with a picture/review!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt *I USED 0% TOTAL FAGE & IT WORKED PERFECTLY*
1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
3 extra-large eggs
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the glaze:

1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 1/2 by 4 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Grease and flour the pan.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into 1 bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1 cup sugar, the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold the vegetable oil into the batter, making sure it's all incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a cake tester placed in the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Meanwhile, cook the 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside.

When the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully place on a baking rack over a sheet pan. While the cake is still warm, pour the lemon-sugar mixture over the cake and allow it to soak in. Cool.

For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice and pour over the cake.

Also, If you don't follow me on Twitter, I got my hair cut about a week and a half ago at the HARIs Salon on King's Road in Chelsea. Not only was it the best haircut I've ever had, it was HANDS DOWN the best blow-out I've ever had. I had legit Kate Middy hair.

*back*

*Front*

But it top it ALL off, it has lasted FOR OVER A WEEK! This was taken Sunday morning after I cooked breakfast. A full week after I originally had it cut/blown out.

I swear. I wish I was rich so I could go get a blow out every week!

HARIs Salon + Bumble & Bumble's hair powder = long lasting perfect hair.

OK. Now stop futzing on my blog and the internets and GO MAKE THAT CAKE.

Just call me Beantown Prepster... ESQUIRE. (No, but for real now!)

2012-01-17T17:47:00.000-05:00

So as y'all know I got the news back in November that I passed the Massachusetts Bar Exam. If I had been in the US I would have been sworn in as a Massachusetts attorney before Thanksgiving at the John Adams Courthouse in Boston with hundreds of other new attorneys. However, because I am here I had to wait patiently (ok, maybe not so patiently... think obsessively checking the mail daily) for the requisite forms to be sent to me to be sworn in here.

The way it works is that you have to schedule an appointment at the notary at the US Embassy. You go at the appointed time and wait until you're called. You pay a small fee (in dollars!) and then they administer the oath.

Since PB and I both had two weeks off for Madre's visit, he was able to come into the city with me to get sworn in. We went in early because I had a meeting with a chief exec/managing partner at a huge magic circle firm. I don't know if it will lead anywhere but I absolutely LOVE that firm and really enjoyed speaking with him.

(*FINGERS CROSSED*)

After this we had time to kill so we walked from Chancery Lane all the way up, past St. Paul's Cathedral before hopping on the tube. Neither PB nor I had ever been to the US Embassy (and plus we're freaks about being on time) so we went a little early to find it. We tried to go in about 15 minutes before our appointment but the sweet security guard suggested we get a coffee. And y'all KNOW this girl can NEVER say no to a cappuccino.

We found this cute cafe by Grovesnor Square where we killed some time... and had the best cappuccino I've ever had in London. And then we went in. Our camera and our mobile phones were confiscated on our way in so no pictures were allowed inside.

I know.

Sadness.

It was really quite fun. I essentially just said the oath... annnd that was it. The sweet American girl told me how they used to lower a flag into the cubical to make it more of an event, but alas, all I got to do, was hold up my hand and recite the words. Admittedly, I did get a little misty when I swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States. You don't really appreciate the Constitution until you don't have one! All of the Embassy staff were super sweet and I was congratulated no less than 5 times.

Afterward we hightailed it over the Selfridges to do a little shopping and for my celebratory Pinkberry.

I wore my power color to commemorate the occasion:

PINK!

Now... all I have to do is wait and at some point in the next 60 days I'll get my fun new attorney stuff in the mail!

Beantown Prepster, Esq. OFFICALLY!

Stay tuned tomorrow for Ina's Lemon Yogurt Cake recipe before I start Madre-palooza (aka a series of recaps on Mama's first trip to Ole' Blighty.)

London + Big Rocks = MALISSAs Tourist Tour of England

2012-01-16T16:16:00.000-05:00

So one of my FAVORITE blog friends came to visit for work... um... like a month ago, and of COURSE I had to pop into London and show her the sights (read: drag her around to my favorite places.)

We started out at Harvey Nics for lunch.

*YOU SO PURDY!*

Then we did all sorts of touristy fun things. We saw Harrod's, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street... You name it, we saw it. I think I forgot to take pictures except for the Christmas lights on Oxford Street.

After our day o' walking I headed home for the night and let M have a quiet evening.

(Really I just didn't want her to see how absolutely EXHAUSTED I WAS!) The next day we had us some biggg plans....

STONEHENGE!

M took the train out to us and we took a mini-road trip to see the big famous rocks.

I had the BEST time with M and I wish she could have stayed longer! After this we took Ms. Blairsheadband to our favorite little cafe in this tiny hamlet for lunch where we had the BEST soup and some wine before heading back to the real world.

M + M = MALISSA FOR LIFE!

(This was PB & my THIRD visit to Stonehenge... Please standby for trip number 4 with Madre.)

Weekend in Numbers

2012-01-15T16:18:00.000-05:00

10: Number of loads of laundry completed by the hubs & myself... Seriously. We should open a laundromat.

9: Number of pieces of Ina's Lemon Yogurt Cake inhaled by yours truly this weekend. (Please standby for upcoming recipe. You'll thank me.)

8: Number of times I almost bit it running on the treadmill while simultaneously trying to change songs on my iPhone which was attached to my arm by the Belkin-arm-strappie-thingy.

7: Number of laps we made around John Lewis before we finally decided what to purchase with our Christmas gift certs from my in-laws. (All I'm saying is that I had the hubs talked into an iPad to share, but then my conscious got the better of me and I let him have a say.) (Am totally winning wife of the year award.)

6: Number of baby shows I subjected the hubs to this weekend... (Annnnd the wife of the year award is snatched from my grabby hands.)

5: Number of times Normie laid on my face Saturday night. (1st time? cute. Times 2-5? NOT SO CUTE.)

4: Number of frites stolen from the hubs plate while he wasn't looking on Saturday. (Stealthy!)

3: Number of time I painted my nails on Sunday, only to smudge them. (I see a gel mani in the near future.)

2: Number of pairs of dead Tory Burch flats I discovered in my closet that I can't bear to part with. (Holes in the heel and sole do NOT qualify as unwearable.)

1: Number of times I played En Vouge's 'Don't Let Go' I played Sunday. (Ummmm, multiply by 4500)

How was YOUR weekend?

Friday FIVE!

2012-01-06T14:03:00.000-05:00

1. Yves Saint Laurent Ombres 5 Lumieres for Eyes in Parisian Sky

(Thanks Santa!)

2. Weight Watchers Oat & Wheat Crackers

3. Pull on Stretch "Treggings"

(NOTE: Purchased in black, not some weird-ass grey. More supportive and thick than regular leggings.)

4. Gone With the Wind

(Can't. Put. It. DOWN.)

5. Hershey's Chocolate Syrup

(Found at Selfridge's and immediately purchased for nighttime chocolate milk cravings for the equivalent of $7.)

What are your Friday Five?

How to Break in Shoes: A Tutorial

2012-01-03T05:09:00.001-05:00

Vacuum entire house wearing new 5 inch heels in order to master tottering chicly.

(PS: They break in best when one looks like a hot mess in addition to aforementioned directions.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2012-01-01T03:28:00.000-05:00

I apologize for lack of posts this week, but as you can imagine, I'd rather be hanging out with my Madre & Hubs instead of blogging. I forget how much I like him when he's gone all week, every week and turns out my Mama is pretty ok too. We've been traipsing all over southern England and trying to fit in as much as possible, but today we shall we staying at home, playing board games, watching movies and NOT leaving the house. I think Mama's legs are about to fall off from all of the walking we've been doing... (And by Mama's I mean MINE.) But anyway...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We spent the evening watching a marathon of Merlin, eating stinky cheese and appetizers, sipping my weight in Dr. Pepper Zero and generally enjoying a cozy night in. I tried to make it until midnight but only made it until about 11:30PM. This confirms my classification as an old lady. Ok, so let's do this requisite 2011 review.

In 2011 I...

visited Switzerland for the first time,

Got married,

Honeymooned in Hawaii,

Graduated from law school,

Moved to a new country,

Sat for the MA Bar Exam,

PASSED THE MA BAR EXAM (!),

Saw THE DRESS,

Expanded my little family with two fuzzy snugglie babies,

Went to Greece for the first time with my "person",

Lost my first childhood pet,

Learned to think in a new currency,

Learned to drive on the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD! (Well... I mean, really still in progress, but you know!)

What didn't I do that I hoped to in 2011?

I didn't hit my goal weight.

I didn't volunteer.

I didn't keep in touch with my friends enough.

I didn't travel as much as I'd hoped.

I didn't end up with a fabulous, glamorous job in England.

I didn't magically turn into Martha/Ina when I was a housewife for 3 months.

I didn't save enough money.

What did I learn in 2011?

I learned that sometimes it's OKAY not to be super slim. Even though I didn't hit my goal weight, and am, in fact, ringing in 2012 at the same weight I was on my wedding day, it is ok. It is OKAY because I learned how to maintain the weight I am... and that weight is still 85lbs less than it was 3 years ago. I had a BIG year this year and I just have to remind myself that sometimes life needs to take a front seat to the numbers on the scale and the size of my butt.

I learned that being married is kind of cool. You get to cook actual recipes instead of cereal for uno every night, you get to buy "house" things, you can have a date anytime you want one, you don't have to worry about impressing anyone, you can say "I love you" like 85 times in a row without having to worry about freaking anyone out, you can occasionally pitch a hissy fit and actually have someone listen to your plight (even when over something stupid like a barista getting your Starbucks order wrong.)

I learned that the Bar Exam issssss actually as hard as people say it is. (Seriously.) (It's really hard.)

I learned that British food is stodgy, deliciousness and that I really have to reign it in here.

I learned that "You alright?" is, in fact, a standard greeting in England and not a question prompted by some oddity in your appearance or expression.

What are my 2012 goals?

Hit my goal weight.

This is my one and only goal. It isn't a resolution... it's my goal. I have gotten back in the habit of tracking my food. I've gotten a trainer to help on the exercise end. I've signed up for a 10k to force me to run every day. I WILL DO IT!

This is also the year I turn 29... Be on the lookout in May for my "30 Before 30" list!!!

I'm trying to catch up on my blog reading today but please tell me...

WHAT ARE YOUR 2012 GOALS?

Christmas 2011 in Pictures

2011-12-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

*Christmas Tree Numero Uno & Death of Christmas Tree Numero Uno*

*Christmas tree numero DOS in window*

*Ho! Ho! Ho! Collars on the babies*

*Decked out banister*

*Danish Christmas decor on the mantle from the Hubs*

*Mantle decked out*

*Glitter Santa Boots!*

*Treats for Santa (and Rudolph)*

*Mandatory Christmas bedtime story*

*Santa's leftovers*

*Christmas morning goodies!*

*Best. Christmas. Pressie. EVER.*

*Festive ear-baubles*

*British Christmas staples*

*Christmas lunch of smoked salmon blini's*

*Special delivery from America: CHRISTMAS TREE CAKES!*

*And finally... Our first Christmas card as a married couple!*

Merry Christmas!

Adventures in Driving: Part One

2011-12-19T16:40:00.001-05:00

The day finally came on Saturday where I busted out my UK provisional license, we slapped some "L" plates on the ride, and took to the mean streets of Basingstoke. A few things to note:

Driving on the left hand side of the road seriously alters your preception of closeness. (Please note during the video my yelling "CURB!") (I may or may not have hit the curb once... or twice... or maybe even three times. Shhhhh.)
Driving on the left hand side of the car is weird... Especially when the gearshift is on the left... and not the right... where it should be.
Round-abouts are NO. JOKE. We're talking like 4/5, even 6 lanes of whizzing English drivers drifting from lane to lane without bothering to signal...( Insert heart palpatations here.)
In England "Learner" drivers are branded with a crimson "L" on the car... Which is supposed to make other drivers give way to the learners. However, in practice it leads to drivers whizzing crazily around said learner, even when said learner is driving well & sensibly. *AHEM*

So... without futher adieu. My inaugural drive to B&Q (aka British Home Depot.)

So... What do y'all think?!

Not too shabby for my first time. I didn't even stall or anything!
(PS- Sorry for the dirty windshield... Truth be told I didn't even notice it until we watched the video back. WHOOPS!)

(My step-daughter took a much better video, which I shall upload later in the week.)

Weekend In NUMBERS!

2011-12-18T16:45:00.001-05:00

10: Approximate number of minutes I couldn't breathe at dinner Friday night trying to tell PB about MH's auto-correct blunder... "How are you Doug?" to her boyfriend JOHN, instead of "How are you doing?"

(And it STILL cracks me up... )

9: Number of homemade sugar cookies made before I got annoyed and threw a fit and hurled the rest of the dough back into the refrigerator to die a cold death...

(Orrrrr, to firm up before attempting any more.)

8: Number of pounds of clementines bought & eaten.

(I may or may not be starting to take on an orange tinge... I can neither confirm nor deny.)

7: Number of times I fell UP the stairs on Sunday morning...

(My feet seem to be in an argument with the rest of my body.)

(Bruises are imminent.)

6: Number of stores visited hunting for a dang tree skirt...

(We ended up with red felt wrapped around the bottom because I was not about to have some ugly blue & purple or leopard print crap tree skirt ruining all my red and green and gold decor.)

5: Number of Christmas movies I tossed into the buggy while grocery shopping.

(Necessary.)

4: Number of curbs hit whilst DRIVING IN ENGLAND!!!!!!

(Yes.)

(I drove.)

(I have video to prove it.)

(See blog tomorrow for FULL recap.)

3: Number of Krispy Kremes inhaled on Saturday.

(JUST HUSH.)

(I KNOW, OK?! I KNOW.)

2: Number of times I tried to shift gears with my right hand while driving (See #4) only to roll down the window because, oh wait, the gear shift is on the LEFT HAND SIDE... Turns out the right hand side is the, um, window controls.

(It was kinda funny.)

(Shut up, you had to be there.)

1: Number of new Christmas trees procured!!

(Tree number one went out in a flurry of needles.)

(Please standby for photographic evidence.)

The Night the Lights NEVER went out in Chez BP...

2011-12-14T16:02:00.001-05:00

Um. So I have to regale y'all with the story of why the kittens and I slept with the lights on ALL night last night while having The Holiday on repeat on the TV.

The evening went as follows:

- Spin Class

- Home

- Fed kittens

- Fed self

- Watched TV/Read blogs

- Turned off TV & locked doors

- Went upstairs to brush teeth

- Picked out work outfit for next day

- Got in bed with kittens

- Brushed Normie

- Read Gone With The Wind

- Lights out at 10:15

Ok. So I was exhausted and was dead asleep within probably 5 minutes of turning off the lights. TO get a full picture, on our bedroom is at the opposite end of the hallway from the bathroom. I can look into the bathroom when I'm lying in bed. At around 11:45PM I woke up when Normie jumped up onto my head from the adjoining pillow... At almost that exact same moment came this huge bang from the bathroom. I turned over and looked toward the bathroom and I swear, as I live and breathe, I saw a shadow. Both kittens were still on the bed but were standing up staring at the bathroom. I thought "HOLY SHIT- THERE IS SOMEONE IN MY HOUSE." So I jumped up and grabbed the knife I keep under the bed (WHAT! My husband is gone every week! Girl needs to keep a knife just in case!) and booked it into the bathroom while switching on both lights. When I walked in my hair straightener was in the middle of the bathroom floor and there was two band-aid wrappers floating to the ground like a breeze had just gone by, but, thank goodness, there was NO person.

Now.

Let's discuss that.

THERE.

WAS.

NO.

PERSON.

The hair straightener had been neatly laid on the shelf over the toilet, which is a completely flat surface, after I had straightened my hair in the morning. The band-aid wrappers had been in the same place since the morning when I had replaced my band-aid in a rush on my way out the door. They had no budged all day, yet they miraculously jump off the shelf in the middle of the night, when there was no kitten or person in the vicinity?!

So I turn around and both kittens are standing in the hallway with huge eyes and their ears up. They wouldn't even come into the bathroom. After I checked every room of the house I picked them both up and took them back to bed where I proceeded to turn on all of the lights and put The Holiday on the TV. Both kittens kept standing facing the bathroom with their ears up for about an hour before they finally settled back down.

Suffice to say that we were ALL scared to death and may or may not be sleeping with all the lights on again tonight.

And tomorrow night...

And every night until PB gets home.

So now I'm going to go take a sleeping pill to help.

Have you ever had to sleep with all the lights on?!

Weekend-in-Numbers!

2011-12-12T15:22:00.000-05:00

10: Approximate number of laps we did at Bicester Village Outlets on Saturday...

(Also, the number of times I examined the same gorgeous Burberry bag... You know... Because I just needed to keep touching it.)

9: Approximate number of times I raved about this sweet potato & goat's cheese panini in the first 3 bites during lunch at Bicester...

8: (:1) Ratio of Asians to every other ethnicity at Bicester... (Perhaps THIS is the reasons the price signs are in English and... well, some Asian characters that I couldn't identify.)

7: Number of cups of hot chocolate, cappuccinos, lattes and teas imbibed by moi this weekend.

(WHAT. We happen to be caffeine fiends up here in this house.)

6: Approximate number of pounds gained after the Starbuck's holiday dinner (HOLLA!) and my McDonald's indiscretion...

(All I'm saying: The After-Eight McFlurry is like a thin mint in a dang cup. Worth every one of the 400 calories in that thang!)

5: Number of times I caught PB holding Millie, pressing her paw to his face and saying "Talk to the paw!"

(It is unclear how many times he was dropped on his head as a child.)

4: Number of years it took PB to get through customs Friday night

(THUS CAUSING US TO MISS A POSH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR MY SWEET FRIEND.)

(As you can imagine, I was an absolute JOY to be stuck in the car with for that drive home.)

3: Number of bites I seem to take from everything PB eats...

(It's true.)

(He pointed this out.)

(I was all like, "shutupandgivememy3rdbite.")

2: Number of pieces of our house that decided to bite the dust... (Peeerrrfffeeecccctttt.)

1: Number of Christmas trees I almost killed.

(So apparently you're supposed to WATER them or suh'in.)

(I told PB I need a tree-nanny after I almost starved it to death.)

(File Under: Reasons I'm not really ready for a baby.)

How was YOUR weekend?!

Most. Hilarious. Autocorrect. EVER.

2011-12-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

Preface:

PB got his new Avios Bronze Card from British Airways and was all excited to see if he'd get any special treatment at Heathrow during his travel this week.

And this was the update I got as he went through security:

After I practically wet my pants laughing, I responded with this:

Annnndddd it still brings me to hysterical tears every time I re-read...

Random, yet totally necessary to share.

Wine, Gourmet Grub and invisible Bathrooms...

2011-12-07T16:50:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday night I was invited to a dinner & wine tasting pairing dinner. It was hosted by Jacob's Creek Wines and they were pairing their Reserve Wines with a tasting menu created for the evening by the executive Chef at The Hempel Hotel. While I LOVE fine dining and consider myself a bit of a foodie... I know absolutely ZILCH about wine. And to be completely honest... I am not a huge fan. My philosophy has always been that I'd rather eat my calories rather than drink them. I do love Champagne and can't resist a good cocktail every now and again, but I usually don't reach for wine.

(Well, unless we're having dinner at the Leather Bottle... where I'm fairly certain they put crack into their house white.)

Not only did I come away from the evening knowing more about wines generally, I came away as a new fan of Jacob's Creek.

The room we were in was cozy. Quaint and beautifully set up. There were big easels with pictures of the different regions that the wines hailed from. Also? We had six glasses out to try 6 different Jacob's Creek reserve wines.

GLASSES.

The evening started off with the Chef giving us an overview of the menu and a brief discussion of local/sustainable ingredients he used. I always appreciate that even if it makes me feel a little bit pretentious because I think is honestly tastes better to eat local ingredients and is better for you!

This was Adrian Atkinson from Pernod Ricard who guided us through the wines and gave us the really interesting background story of Jacob's Creek. He was fantastic and patient and answered every dumb question I could come up with...

Like, "You make riesling? I thought only German winemakers make riesling!?*

*Ahem. Turns out that isn't true... Not even a little bit.*

The servers poured our first glass of wine... Jacob's Creek Reserve Riesling 2010.

Superb!

The chef paired with with Roasted diver Isle of Mull Scallops, Smoked black pudding, red onion jam and micro salad. The flavors were amazing and the wine was the perfect accompaniment. Apparently riesling goes well with shellfish and other "clean" foods. WHO KNEW? I thought Rieslings were sweet and went with dessert but turns out this was really dry and not too sweet at all.

The second course was a little slice of heaven on a plate. Heritage Beetroot salad with Staffordshire Innes goat cheese, hazelnut, mustard leaf and it was paired with my FAVORITE wine of the night: Jacob's Creek Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010.

This dish was sweet and bright and fresh. The wine was equally as fresh and exciting. It wasn't too sweet but paired PERFECTLY with the goat's cheese and the sweetness of the beets.

To continue the tour de la deliciousness, the Chef next served up line caught wild Seabass with scottish girolles, jerusalem artichokes & vanilla oil. This was paired with the Jacob's Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2010.

So.

I don't like Chardonnay.

After this?

I still don't like Chardonnay.

Sorry Adrian.

This dish was ooookaaayyy- I found the vanilla oil a bit odd but the seabass was cooked to perfection.

Throughout the evening the lovely legit (Seriously legit) bloggers/foodies below kept things exciting by asking questions about the wines. I have to say... I'm lucky to have been included in such a great group of ladies.

Next was my favorite food/wine pairing of the night. Mushroom Consomme with soft boiled quail's egg and glazed chicken oysters, paired with Jacob's Creek Reserve Pinor Noir 2009.

HOLY.

DELICIOUSNESS.

This might be the ONLY red wine I have ever liked (well except this one obscure red from South Africa I had in London once a long time ago.) It was warm and buttery (well that's what I wrote down but I also was semi-drunk at this point so don't quote me on that) and perfect.

The consomme was equally outstanding. Mushroomy, salty... My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

And the yolk, y'all.

THE.

YOLK.

And it was at this point that my notes start to make no sense...

I can tell you that the last dish was a close second to the Consomme. It was Organic Rhug Estate Flat Iron Steak with roasted onions, braised leeks, and garlic mashed potato. It was paired with the Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 2008.

Much like Chardonnay... I don't like Shiraz. This was spicy and bright, but I didn't love this wine. I'd pick the Pinot Noir over this any day.

*Two of my pretty dining mates*

*And this is how you know you are with a group of bloggers... Everyone whips out their huge cameras and their phones to tweet and snap shots. PS: This is how I also know I'm not a legit blogger. I ain't got no fancy camera to whip out. Just my iphone. And all it's 8 mp of glory.*

We ended the night with a selection of British and Continental cheese ad a glass of Jacob's Creek Reserve Cabernet 2009.

To be fair I only had a sip of the wine but it was lovely! I was stuffed and a little um, hazy. And I'm unclear on whether I liked the cheese. I mean... It's cheese. What is there not to like?

Note to self (and those of y'all who might want to do a similar dinner/tasting):

DO. NOT. DRINK. ALL. OF. THE. WINE. IN. EVERY. GLASS.

All in all it was a FANTASTIC evening and I learned SO much about wine generally and Jacob's Creek. I surprisingly really loved most of the wines. Who knew!

(I would share all my new found wine-owledge with you but, um, my auto-corrected notes on my iPhone are all sorts of incomprehensible. So just trust that now I'm a wine genius.)

(File Under: More Reasons I'm not a Legit Blogger.)

At £9.99 a bottle Jacob's Creek is affordable and simply dang good.

My picks are the Riesling, Sauvignon Blan and Pinot Noir.

Definitely give them a chance.

You will thank me.

(PS: The invisible bathrooms mentioned in the title? Well lets just say that it took pushing what appeared to be 4 different walls to find the bathrooms. The Hempel hotel is obviously too cool for me. I obviously need both a plastic sign hanging from the ceiling in addition to the little lady plaque on the door. This was ALL SORTS of awkward.)

*Many thanks to the pretty Alice from Weber Shandwick for inviting me and for Adrian Atkinson for being so amazingly knowledgeable and fun. Disclaimer: Although the dinner and wine were completely complementary all opinions and suggestions are completely my own.*

Weekend with the In-Laws

2011-12-06T15:17:00.000-05:00

First off- I would like to publicly wish my favorite person in the entire world, my Nannie, a belated Happy Birthday! I had a post scheduled to go up last week but for some reason it disappeared. (Annndd I started my new job this week (!!) and have been a little busy.)

(PS- Nannie, your birthday card is in my purse. I swear I'll get it in the mail at some point before Christmas!)

My in-laws came down the weekend before last to celebrate an early Christmas with us because my poor MiL is stuck working throughout Christmas.

To sum it up?

I. am a bowling. SAVANT.

Or.

Maybe it was just the slushie that helped my bowling mojo!

Or.

Comparatively speaking.

OK. I mean maybe you can't tell.

BUT I WON!

We had a fantastic time with them! I was sad to see them head back up north.

Tell me... Do you bowl?

If so, are you as amazing as me?

(Answer is obviously no.)

Oh and then we came home to this.

Tomorrow: Jacob's Creek Reserve Dinner Recap... Complete with drool-worthy pics!

Thanksgiving in England

2011-11-28T11:06:00.001-05:00

Moral of the Story:

Thanksgiving in England is what I'd imagine it would be like to celebrate Christmas in Israel... Except possibly less fun & exciting.

Who knew that part of what makes Thanksgiving so special is the fact that almost every store is closed and every American (for the most part) is celebrating too?

I mean I was aware that certain "traditions" would be lacking... Like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, my Nannie, seeing my extended family, going to my family's hunting cabin, the Blowing Rock Christmas parade the weekend after Thanksgiving, and helping my Nannie celebrate her birthday.

However, I totally underestimated how anticlimactic it is when most other people are working and there is no one to say "HAPPY THANKSGIVING!" to you when out & about.

Anyway... We started off the day by me baking my FIRST EVER pumpkin pie from scratch. Usually my Aunt makes the pumpkin pie (and makes a special one for me & my cousin CC to share after everyone leaves) and so I've never had the chance to bake one on my own. It turned out PERFECT! Well... by perfect I mean the crust probably could have continued to pre-bake for another 5 minutes, but it was still tasty and not terribly noticeable.

*Please note the feather on the egg. FRESH!*

Then we hightailed it up to Bicester (by way of Oxford for a little lunch at Puccino's) to check out the Bicester Village Outlets.

Well... not before a little snuggle time with the babies.

One word.

AMAZING.

I tried on a fun cocktail dress...

We had a coffee & snack at Jamie Oliver's outdoor cafe...

Where they are thoughful enough to put big fleece pillows on all of the metal chairs and throws to cover your lap with!

After we shopped until we dropped (and realized we'd completely lost track of the time) we booked it home to make dinner.

Clad in my oversized long-sleeve tee, lululemon leggings, and "wicked good" mocs, I quickly buttered the turkey breast...

Stuffed it full with onions & spices...

Chopped up & prepped the sausage and apple stuffing...

Peeled the sweet potatoes and got them steaming...

Then, PB (with a little help from the soux chef) shoved the turkey in the oven...

Two hours later...

VOILA!

A turkey breast for deux.

(Ok, or more like 35... but you get the gist.)

We piled all the goodies on the table.

And filled our plates FULL...

And gave thanks for each other, our families, our health, good fortune (... and to Whole Foods in Kensington, who saved Thanksgiving by having canned pumpkin in massive quantities!)

While not as special as Thanksgiving in the States, it was a pretty fun day all around.

(Even if we didn't sit down to eat dinner until around 9:30PM!)

Even the kitties got to celebrate with some turkey!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Day & weekend!

What was the best part for you?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-24T04:39:00.000-05:00

This year I am thankful for...

my sweet husband...

my two furry adorable babies...

Whole Foods in London for having Libby's canned pumpkin...

my perfect Nannie... (even if I don't see her enough)

my iPhone for keeping me connected/sane...

my Lululemon wunder-unders (because without them I'd be naked 99% of the time)...

Cadbury dairy milk bars (duh)...

and finally...

MY NEW JOB!

(Yes. I was offered a REAL job!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thursday Shenanigans...

2011-11-22T09:52:00.000-05:00

This past Thursday I popped into London after a job interview (*still waiting to hear back... fingers crossed!*) to have dinner with one of my favorite Ex-pat ladies, Betsy. She met me at Sloane Square and we did a little shopping before our dinner reservation at a prime Chelsea hot spot, The Bluebird.

Banana Republic was having a special 25% off event... and more importantly they were serving free champagne, bellinis and hors d'oeuvres. After our drinks & shopping we made our way to dinner. Betsy had been to Bluebird before and said it was amazing. While I was thrilled about dinner (duh) I was even more interested in was seeing if we saw any of the "Made in Chelsea" cast members... and mentioned it about 45 times times on our way in.

We were early but they were able to seat us promptly. We had a fairly late (in my old-lady opinion) reservation (8 PM) and I was initially surprised at how many open tables there were. However, in true hip-city style, at around 8:30 the place filled up and was positively hopping. (Yes. I am, in fact, the only person under the age of 75 to eat dinner before 7PM.)

We started off with a cocktail... Now, normally when I dine out I pick one of the following: cocktail, starter or dessert. However, since it was a special occasion (Um, hi- Thursday? Always special.) I decided to be all splurgy and get a cocktail AND a starter.

It was absolutely divine.

I can't remember the name but it had tequila in it... which is obviously the elixir of the gods.

Then I chose my starter: Salt Cod Scotch Egg

To sum it up in one word: DISAPPOINTING.

I'd perused the menu earlier in the week and this was the dish I was most excited about. I had such high hopes and it completely fell flat.

To start, I couldn't taste one bit of cod. The outer portion (which, in a traditional scotch egg, is sausage meat) tasted like, and was the texture of, mashed potato. The egg in the center was perfect, but I think that the chef might have forgotten the fish altogether. The aioli on the plate, however, was outstanding and gave some flavor to this otherwise bland dish.

For my entree I decided on the pumpkin & goat's cheese risotto.

Pumpkin... Goat's cheese... Literally a dish MADE for BP.

However, again... highly disappointing!

The arborio rice was not fully cooked. In my opinion it was FAR too chewy. Also, can we mention the butter that everything was swimming in? Literally s-w-i-m-m-i-n-g. Perhaps maybe I am just foolish when it comes to risotto, but it seemed completely wrong on every level.

I managed to eat about a quarter before hanging my hat up. It simply was not good enough to spend precious calories on. However, the one dish I did really love was the sauteed spinach. It was positively delicious and I ended up eating 90% of it and only allowed Betsy a little nibble.

All in all it was a decent dining experience, despite the mediocre food.

The one highlight was that midway through our starter a group of three was sat directly behind us... and lo & behold one of them WAS a "Made in Chelsea" cast member!

Why hello Gabriella...

I'd recognize that underbite anywhere!

(Side note... much prettier in person than on TV & looked great sans makeup!)

I had a great time with Betsy and am willing to give Bluebird another try... Perhaps it was just an off night in the kitchen?

What is the most interesting restaurant you've been to lately?

The Bluebird is located at 350 King's Road in Chelsea.

Weekend in NUMBERS!

2011-11-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

10: Number of times the hussy at Maison Blanc in Henley-on-Thames was told "Thank you" by me, PB & Step-daughter and the number of times said hussy completely ignored our thank you.

(Hussy.)

9: Number of restaurants in Basingstoke that do NOT serve a hot breakfast on Sunday.

(Useless. Utterly useless.)

8: Number of times I yelled at the TV "I HATE YOU CRAIG COLTON" during the X-Factor.

(All I'm saying is that peeps must have heard me because he was sent home... about 3 weeks too late, but home regardless.)

7: Number of times I about fainted while buying three movie tickets... Um. £30 people!

(Yes. That is $45 dollars. Annnnddddd let's also add the £20 for consessions.)

6: Number of cocktail dresses tried on in French Connection Sunday... All I'm saying is... I need sequins in my life. ASAP.

5: Number of calories in the dessert I allowed PB & SD to pick out for Saturday night.

(Multiply by 100.)

4: Number of cans of pumpkin re-purchased for Thanksgiving on Thursday!

(Oh haaayyyyy pumpkin pieeeee!)

3: Number of glasses of wine imbibed with the girls on Saturday in London...

(I almost fell asleep on the train... I'm pathetic.)

2: Number of times I felt guilty for not running at all Sunday...

(Annnnd then I ate chinese food to make myself feel better)

1: Number of weeks until we get to get our CHRISTMAS TREE!

Friday Five: Running Edition

2011-11-18T05:21:00.000-05:00

(Alternative title: "Friday Five: Lululemon Strikes Back")

1. Lululemon City to Yoga Jacket

2. Lululemon Run Your Heart Out Tights

3. Lucky Luon Headband

(Dire need, people. DIRE.)

4. Swifty Tech Long Sleeve

(Also. DIRE.)

5. Millie

(Motivation to run faster to get home from snuggle time!)

What are YOUR Friday Five?

What's Cooking Wednesday: White Trash Delight

2011-11-16T10:33:00.000-05:00

(aka Frito's Chili Pie)

I know most of y'all have had this... Well, perhaps I should qualify and say that most of you southerners have had this. When we moved to New England when I was 13 I discovered that those fools knew NOTHING about some good white trash delights... Like fried bologna sandwiches, sausage balls and livermush. They had also never heard of one of my favorites: Frito's Chili Pie.

It's super complicated.

Take Frito's.

Dump chili on top.

Top with cheese.

Bake until cheese melts.

Now you can't find Frito's here in England. Thanks to my amazing Madre (who spent a whopping $55 to send them to me alone with 2 boxes of Kashi & a ton of taco/chili packets) I am now the proud holder of big bag of Frito's. I decided to introduce PB to this delight last weekend... mainly because I wanted some and since I was cooking I got to decide.

Since Frito's are SUPER caloric (even though they are a pretty healthy snack in that they literally ONLY have corn, oil & salt and no gluten) I decided to try to "healthify" (made it up.) the chili. I decided to be all crazy and use Quorn instead of beef.

Have y'all tried Quorn? I have to admit... I am a HUGE fan. It basically is a meat substitute- It's a microprotein that is super healthy and very low in calories/fat. I didn't tell PB that it wasn't beef because I wanted to see if he could tell! (He couldn't. Therefore we are going ground beef FREE in this house from now on! Quorn alllll the way.)

I simmered two cans of crushed tomatoes (well, whole peeled tomatoes that I crushed myself) with an onion, red & green pepper, garlic and a full bag of the Quorn. I then dumped in a packet of chili seasoning. (Madre is going to need to come bearing an entire suitcase of those, taco & ranch packets at Christmas or I'm not letting her in the house.)

Then I portioned out 1 1/2 servings of Frito's for my plate, and then a few big handfuls to PB (while cussing him for not having to worry about how many he was eating) and then dumped the chili on top, threw a little light cheese on top & stuck under the broiler for like 2 minutes.

End result: PERFECTION!

PB really loved the chili & the Frito's. He's already requested the chili again next weekend.

Now... How to get bologna smuggled over so I can make him bologna + white bread + mayo/fried bologna sandwich...

I will southernize him if it kills me!

Now, tell me... What's YOUR guilty white trash delight?

(Belated) Weekend in Numbers!

2011-11-15T10:33:00.000-05:00

10: Number of times I almost nodded off during the Remembrance Sunday services at the cute church in town...

(I blame the warmth & the quiet, soothing British accents giving the service!)

9: Number of Christmas presents procured for various family members...

(HALFWAY DONE PEOPLE!)

8: Number of scratches on poor PBs face from a certain kitten's night time wanderings...

7: Number of broccoli pieces inhaled from the Chinese buffet Saturday night...

(Multiply by 10.)

(Someone needs to give an award to whatever person thought to add garlic, sesame oil & soy sauce to steamed broccoli.)

6: Number of times glasses of the house white that I wanted from the Leatherbottle.

(1= Number had.)

(Stupid self-control... wayyyy overrated.)

5: Number of times I almost took off my Tory Burch leopard print flats and hurled them into the Thames while Christmas shopping...

(Literally MOST. UNCOMFORTABLE. FLATS. EVER.)

4: Number of Ted Baker frocks I tried to slip into the "Christmas shopping" trip without PB noticing...

(He did.)

(Apparently this was like, predictable or something.)

(File under: Un-sly.)

3: Number of times I tripped over the stupid bathroom scale on Sunday and almost decapitated myself on the towel rail...

(Yes. I leave the scale in the middle of the bathroom.)

(Constantly.)

(Well, because if you move it it might not read the sameeeeee!!!)

(This may or may not be slightly OCD behavior.)

2: Number of hours of Christmas shopping before I hit my saturation point, pitched a flat out hissy fit and PB had to drag me out of the Oracle.

(Ok, maybe I exaggerate.)

(but I did get whiney.)

(And he did take my arm to lead me out...)

(And shoved a full-fat cappuccino in my face to shut me up.)

1.5: Hours driven to get a cream tea...

(We don't mess.)

1: Number of obsessions bloomed for liposuction...

(Seriously.)

(Ima get me some lipo, if it is the LAST THING I DO!)

(Shh. Don't tell PB that my CC line has been *extendeeedddddd*)

(Holla!)

Nespresso Obsession

2011-11-14T11:52:00.000-05:00

Last week I was invited, with a bunch of other bloggers & journalists, to a coffee tasting by Nespresso.

It was held at the super trendy Sketch in London. The event was held in the Glade Room, which was positively stunning! After having a peek inside a few other rooms on my way out, I can't wait to drag PB back for dinner one night soon.

I was greeted by towers of pastries, fruit salads and a line up of all of the fabulous Nespresso machines. This tasting came at the perfect time because PB & I have been dithering for 3 months now over what espresso machine that we want to buy. Not only was I able to try out the different machines, I got to sample the flavored Nespresso pods for Christmas (Cherry, Chocolate & Vanilla) and try a latte.

First up I tried the Vanilla espresso, which is one of the special holiday flavors. To be fair, I'm not a plain espresso kind of girl. I need sugar and milk in my espresso based bevies. However, this aside, I really could tell this was a really NICE espresso. I couldn't taste the vanilla, but it was strong and creamy and better than the espresso I've had from Starbuck's or Costa (UK based coffee chain.)

They then offered me an espresso macchiato made from the chocolate espresso. Now, this was more my speed. I could really taste the dark chocolate in the espresso and the foam helped this espresso-wuss immensely. Next time I would definitely add some Splenda, but it was really good.

*One of the sweet girls from Weber Shandwick, the PR company for Nespresso.*

Since I had braved my way through two espresso, I decided I had earned a latte. The WS girls made me a latte with the new Lattissima machine.

One word.

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Literally the BEST latte I've ever had. If I hadn't been a bit shy I would have totally housed another 3 or 4 before leaving the event.

So why was it so good?

THE MILK WAS FROTHED TO PERFECTION.

As a barrista (currently... but ESQUIRE by trade... You know, in case you forgot... or something) I know how hard it is to make milk foamy. Some days I have good milk days and some days every dang drink I make ends up being "wet" (i.e. not foamy in the least.) This milk was perfect.

Here are the great things about this machine:

1.) It's GREEN. In England you have to switch an outlet on to use it and then most people switch the outlet back off to conserve power. Apparently when items here remain plugged in they keep pulling power, even if the machine itself is off. This machine, much like a hybrid car stopped at a red light, shuts off when not in use. It basically enters a sleep mode, so even if it is still plugged in and the outlet is still switched on, it pulls no power from the outlet.

2.) It's REDONKULOUSLY fast. I mean it was literally a matter of seconds before my drink was finished. Instead of heating the entire container of milk and then shooting a bit into the cup, the machine only heats the amount for the drink which means the milk comes out super fast.

3.) All of the pods are recyclable. (I suppose this falls under GREEN above.) When you order pods online from Nespresso, they are usually delivered within 1/2 days. The delivery person will then PICK UP your used pods and they will be recycled by Nespresso. Also, if you are lucky enough to live in a location where you can buy pods in a store (i.e. Harrod's, Selfridge's) you can drop off your pods whenever you are nearby for recycling.

4. It comes in a bunch of cute colors. (One of which is silver, which would match our tea pot PERFECTLY.)

(Also, if that isn't a sign that we need one, I don't know what is.)

5. SUPER EASY TO USE! Even an idiot (like moi) could operate it. All you need to do is pick the drink you want, press the corresponding button and voila, perfect coffee-house worthy beverage.

I also love that they have all different types of pods, depending on the strength and flavor of the drink you want.

After my latte, I had a little fruit salad and then had to hit the road.

*Can we discuss my fig obsession?! Where have figs been all of my life?!*

All in all it was a perfect morning with a great group of people and amazing coffee. Hopefully within the next few months PB & I will have our own little bundle of Nespresso joy to share with you all! While not exactly cheap, they are reasonably priced for the quality of the beverages they produce. If you haven't given Nespresso a try, I suggest you pop into a retalier that carries them (Harrod's, Selfridges or House of Fraser in the UK) and check them out.

I am officially a huge fan.

Officially.

PS: Many thanks to the kind folks at Nespresso & Weber Shandwick for inviting me! They even threw in the most gorgeous little cups for attending!

Friday Five!

2011-11-11T13:34:00.000-05:00

1. New Cushions from Ikea.

(I'm obsessed with the floral fabric and am convinced I want to get our window seat re-covered in the same fabric.)

2. Cooked breakfast by Hubsie with Hubsie

(From bar pass celebration weekend... but still... DEFINITELY a Friday Five)

3. Ted Baker Bow Pumps

4. NORMIE!

5. Ruffles a'la Karen Millen

What are your Friday Five?

Review: Weight Watchers Fresh Fit Meals

2011-11-08T06:32:00.000-05:00

So wayyyyy back in March the folks behind the new Weight Watchers Fresh Fit meals were generous enough to send me a huge box of the products to try. However, because of a delay in delivery they didn't arrive until I was away for my wedding and they spoiled by the time we returned. However, they were super kind and sent me a whole bunch of free meal vouchers so I could get them at the grocery store.

*I stole the picture from the internets because the pictures I took of the Weight Watchers meals was on my Blackberry, which is no longer a part of the family!*

At first I was skeptical because I'm not a huge fan of the SmartOnes frozen meals and tend to prefer Lean Cuisine's if I'm going to have a low pointage frozen meal. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty they are! I first tried the Chili con Carne. It was a little bland for me and I ended up adding a little salt (I know, I know) and pepper. It was very filling, however and I found myself not needing an afternoon snack.

My favorite was the baked ziti. SO SO SO tasty! It literally tasted like a restaurant dish. I didn't need to add a single thing and in fact, I brought a small salad to the law school to have with it and ended up being too full to eat the salad. It was to die for!

Madre sampled a few as well and she really like the barbeque chicken and mashed sweet potatoes. I'm always scared of dishes with frozen chicken because sometimes it doesn't taste or have the texture of real chicken, but this was really good. It is real chicken and the sweet potatoes have just the right balance of sweetness.

I also gave the potato salad a whirl when I was home for the bar exam. I felt guilty eating it and I kept checking all of the points to make sure that it was really a Weight Watchers product. It was creamy and tasted like "full fat" potato salad!

I didn't have the opportunity to sample the entire line because of all of the graduation hoopla and moving across the pond, but I really did like what I tried. If you haven't given then a try I really suggest you do! They can be found in most deli sections. I think y'all should definitely give the baked ziti a whirl, if nothing else. You'll thank me!

Sorry this is so late! I got so busy with everything that it didn't dawn on me that I had not ever posted about them until yesterday.

Now tell me- Have you tried the new Weight Watchers Fresh Meals?

*Although I received the products for free, my opinion is all of my own and I'm only endorsing the products because I truly and genuinely loved them!*

Weekend in Numbers!

2011-11-07T13:19:00.000-05:00

10: Number of Ikea meatballs ordered by each member of the fam this weekend while having a shop-o-palooza...

(See also: Number of pounds of the lingonberry sauce requested on MY plate. looovvveeee.)

(7- Number eaten by me.)

(I'm writing a letter about how 5 is too few and 10 is too many. 7 is the perfect number. They should hire me for something because clearly I am a genius.)

9: Number of seconds before me saying "I want a babbbbyyyyyyyy!" in any given 1 minute stretch this weekend.

(Oh hi, baby fever.)

8: Number of times I ranted about the lack of corn dogs during the Guy Fawkes celebration...

(I mean really.)

(And the British think they are civilized.)

7: Number of minutes I spent trying to get the DUMB coke bottle to stand up at the game booth. (Rigged, I tell you... RIGGED.)

6: Number of times Normie rolled onto my head Sunday night.

(Pillow-hogger.)

5: Number of pairs of crazy colored socks that PB has that I tried to accidentally "lose" in the wash this weekend.

(I mean, FUSCHIA PB? Really? Last time you are allowed to sock shop unsupervised.)

4: Number of sofa cushions acquired at Ikea this weekend.

(OBSESSED.)

3: Number of rides we went on during the "fun fair" on Guy Fawkes Night.

(Had the step-daughter had her way it would have been multiplied by 45.)

2: Number of pounds lost from my butt between Friday & Sunday...

(HOLLA. although... this may or may not have been a fluke. We're still holding steady in the fat thigh department.)

1: Number of FRITO'S CHILI PIE's PB has NOW had!

(He LOVED it!)

(PS- Calm down. I used Quorn instead of real beef. And light cheese. And no oil. Shut up.)

(PPS- Madre, please bring more Frito's at Christmas!)

Friday Five: Black Edition

2011-11-04T08:09:00.000-04:00

1. Chanel Black Pearl Polish

2. Kate Spade Melissa Trench

(Um. The name? I take it as a sign.)

3. Edmonton Uggs

4. Mince Pies

(not black, but I'm just saying...)

5. Michael Kors Black Watch

What are YOUR Friday Five?

Dear Elizabeth McKay...

2011-11-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

I need this outfit ASAP for my first Thanksgiving as a real married person.

This may or may not be a life or death situation.

Please help a sister out,

Namaste!

XOXO

November Goals

2011-11-02T06:16:00.000-04:00

I decided that I need a clean slate month. I need to re-energize my real-job hunt, my weight loss, my house-decorating, my blogging... My general outlook on life. So... I've come up with 10 (hopefully realistic) goals! I'll check in each Wednesday to hold myself accountable.

Soooo... without further adieu:

NOVEMBER GOALS

1: Go to the gym- EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

(I mean... It's only 30 days. I can find at least 45 minutes every day to go, right!?)

2: Only eat out 2x a week- 1 lunch out (Hi, Subway!) and 1 dinner or breakfast.

(I'm already fairly good at this, but when PB is home we have a tendency to have coffee out, then lunch, then dinner and it adds up.)

3: Lose 10 pounds.

(This goes hand & hand with my first two. I've officially cancelled Weight Watchers but I've created a chart to keep at home. Weigh in days are now Friday mornings!)

4: Create a house cleaning schedule.

(I usually try to clean the entire house on Fridays but I think it would work better to have a schedule where I do certain things on certain days. I'm creating a spreadsheet for this as we speak!)

5: Get the Entrance way/stairwell repainted with the white gloss.

(This is on the agenda for this weekend! Turns out matt = dirt magnet.)

6: Purchase bed & linens for our 2nd bedroom.

(Mama's coming in December so we need to get on this! I see an Ikea trip in our immediate future!)

7: Order drapes for the living room & a curtain for the kitchen window.

(Oh hi, Pottery Barn.)

8: Get Normie groomed.

(We learned our lesson trying to wash & dry him ourselves this weekend!)

9: Get in my 5 servings of fruit & veggies every SINGLE day.

(This is going on a little chart that I can check off when I have each one!)

10: Literally blanket ALL law firms in the UK with my resume.

(This includes having someone help me write a stellar cover letter. I'm currently doing this now, but I think I need to revamp the cover letter and to try to meet more lawyers. NETWORKING is going to become my middle name!)

Now, YOU tell me- What are your November goals?

Bar 1086 at The Four Seasons, Hampshire

2011-11-01T11:10:00.001-04:00

True Story: I LOVE HAMBURGERS.

Also true story: I only have them once a month... if that.

(Moderation is my middle name.)

So when I found out I passed the bar I gave PB two choices for a celebratory dinner: Fish & chips (mainly for the chips) or a burger (since I hadn't had one in a month.) He picked the burger option. My favorite burger in Boston is found at The Four Seasons. They have simply the *BEST* burgers on the entire planet. After checking online to be sure they did in fact, have a burger on the menu, PB picked Bar 1086 at The Four Seasons Hampshire thinking that if the ones in Boston were good, since it's the same chain, the one here had to be good.

*FS was all decked out for Halloween*

*Broke out the red Chanel lipstick for the night!*

We didn't make reservations but decided to just sit in the actual Bar instead of getting a ressie for the Bistro restaurant. They still allowed us to order off of the menu for the Bistro, which was great. I am SO glad that we did because the ambiance and staff in the bar were exactly what we wanted!

We started off with cocktails and nibbles. If you know me in person then you know that I have never met an olive I didn't love! I managed to restrain myself and only had about 5 (ok, maybe 7) before ordering dinner. Although I went in planning on ordering the burger, I almost switched to the gnocchi with stilton when I saw the menu. However, when I asked the server her opinion she said burger hands down.

*Blackberry mojito was the cocktail of the night.*

NOTE TO SELF: ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE SERVER!

The burger was the best burger I have had in England! Juicy, perfect pickles & onions on it. The only bad part was that it was absolutely massive and I had a really hard time eating it. I mean. It was like 6 inches high! The did NOT skimp on the salad bits (as they say here.)

*This is where the picture would be... but for some reason both the picture I took of the burger with my phone AND the picture taken with my camera are gone. A Bloggers WORST nightmare!*

After dinner we were so full that we just enjoyed our high backed chairs and one last cocktail before heading home to pop the bubbly!

*PB loved the chairs! I see a pair in our future. Apparently he wants to put them in our bedroom by the fireplace. Not that he's thought about it... or anything.*

It was a perfect evening and I'm SO glad I let him pick for once.

The staff, food, ambiance and drinks were all simply outstanding. I just can't wait until we go back! Maybe next time we'll be lucky enough to get the coveted seats by the fire.

The Four Seasons, Hampshire is located on Chalky Lane, in Hook.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T10:07:00.000-04:00

I'll be celebrating all on my own since PB is in Copenhagen.

(PS- I have only my sparkly paper mache pumpkin since we carved our real punkins last weekend... AKA TOO EARLY! They rotted and are now in pumpkin heaven.)

And by celebrating I mean handing out CANDY!

I can't wait.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Bar Passage CELEBRATION!

2011-10-30T15:31:00.000-04:00

PB arrived home on Friday night with a fancy bottle of champers.

We cracked it open after our celebratory dinner on Saturday night... I took a video to commemorate the special occasion. PB extolls on the proper way to open a bottle of champagne... He's obviously a champagne pro!

Don't you think that a fancy bottle of champagne is simply the ONLY way to celebrate the BIG milestones in life?!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the full recap of the weekend-o'-celebration!

Beantown Prepster, ESQUIRE

2011-10-27T16:48:00.000-04:00

It sure did.

I PASSED!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABYGIRL!

2011-10-26T04:04:00.000-04:00

64 never looked so good.

Weekend in NUMBERS!

2011-10-24T08:31:00.001-04:00

10: Number of hours of sleep I got Saturday night... Apparently Mama was tired!

9: Number of tons of pickled onion Monster Munch that was devoured by the members of this household this weekend. (Weird, yet oddly addicting.)

8: Number of times I was hit in the face by the frisbee on Sunday. (Note to self: YOU SUCK AT FRISBEE. Invest in a soccer ball instead ASAP.)

7: Number of stores scoured looking for a damn kitten tail to go with my sequined pink & black kitten ears for Halloween. (Number procured? 0.)

6: Number of Halloween themed cupcakes I sent home with the step-daughter to save myself from eating them. (Dear Madre, my butt does NOT thank you!)

5: Number of times the step daughter fell off my stability ball in any given 3 minute window... PB is glad that they didn't name her Grace. (Get it?!)

4: Number of times that I was hobbled by an ailment on any given day this weekend... I swear. I'm 28 going on 89.

3: Number of pumpkins successfully carved on Saturday... (We may or may not have one that is supposed to be a kitten but is somewhat indiscernible.)

2: Number of mani/pedi's given to the step-daughter this weekend... (Purple sparkles was the color on tap this weekend.) (That's how we roll around these parts.)

1: Number of games of Scrabble in which I bet both the hubs & child! (I'm liiiiikkkeeee soooo good.) (Ok. well maybe not really... but lets pretend!)

How was YOUR weekend?

Cape Madras Photo Contest: "LIKE" me & Humps!

2011-10-23T05:24:00.000-04:00

Y'all. I never enter these contests... but I decided that I'd give this one a go! If you have a chance pop on over to facebook and "LIKE" the picture of me & Humphrey apple picking! I know there is not fall colors in it, but what is more fun fall activity than APPLE PICKING?! (And by apple picking I mean, earning the 45 apple cider donuts that you get to eat afterwards?!)

Here is the picture:

I mean... I was also going to upload this one... because who doesn't love a dang apple cider donut?

Why doesn't England have these?!

WHY?!

Moral of the story:

VOTE FOR US!

We never win anything.

And we're cute.

And by "we're" I mean, Humphrey is.

Don't let that little face lose!

Pink Diamonds & Pink Champagne

2011-10-20T06:14:00.000-04:00

I'm heading into London for a day o' fun today! I'm meeting a bunch of the Barristers I worked for last summer at their Chambers today to chat & catch up and perhaps grab a spot of lunch. Then I'm off to do what any self-respecting girl in the city does... Go shop, shop, shop! I'm also planning on a spot of Pinkberry at Selfridge's at some point today. There is only so long a BP can go without some FROYO!

Then tonight I'm attending American Girl in Chelsea's Pink Diamonds & Pink Champagne event to support breast cancer with one of my Boston buddies. I can't wait to try on all the fancy diamonds and sip some much needed champers before indulging in a mini-pink cupcake (or 12.) Not to mention how excited I am to finally get to meet Betsy, who is also attending!

My outfit of the day is consisting of some American favorites:

Teddie Dress

Tory Burch Leopard Calf-hair Flats

And the THICKEST pair of black tights I could find... because it is DEFINITELY fall outside! (And by fall I mean, freezing.)

It's not pink, but I thought it might be a bit much to wear pink to an event with "pink" in the title. I mean, I'm ridiculous, but not that ridiculous!

(Ummm...READ: I don't own a cold weather pink frock.)

Do y'all have any fun Thursday plans?!

Hilariousness.

2011-10-19T06:54:00.002-04:00

I just received this peach of a comment:

Well it shouldn't be hard to lose the weight since you don't work. Get your lazy ass to the gym!! Must be nice sitting at home all day eating bon bons. #ihatelazypeople

Dear "lauar,"

Thank you SO much for the blatantly obvious cure all! I mean, I guess working at Starbucks part time while I look for a legal job really doesn't count as work. Yes. I guess I am lazy... I guess that's also why I worked the full 20 hours allowed during my entire stint in law school, in addition to being President to the largest organization on campus and interning... and managed to graduate with honors & a concentration. Not to mention the full 40 hours a week I worked during my last year of college... Again while graduating with honors. Gosh. I am THE laziest person alive.

And the gym? What is THAT? I must never have mentioned that I go 5 times a week... that I've run 3 5Ks... Or that I spin 3 times a week. Or that I've already lost 90 pounds. Geez. WHY DIDN'T I EVER THINK TO GO TO THE GYM!? It's such a novel idea that maybe I'll go today. Oh right... I'm already signed up for a spin class! I forgot. All the laziness is making me forgetful.

And sitting around eating BonBons?! HOW DID YOU KNOW!? I mean, while it is true that I don't even know what a "bonbon" is, I guess you could substitute apples while I "sit at home" and by sit at home are you referring to at 4AM when I'm sleeping before I go into work? Orrrrr, do you mean at 11 when I get off and come home and clean the house before going to the gym and cooking dinner for my husband? Because I'm technically sitting right now... and I'm eating an apple. While the laundry finishes and before I vaccuum. Or are you referring to when I spend 2 hours a day applying for jobs and emailing my resume out? I mean, I usually just have a tea then... but you know... tea, "bonbons", apples? I guess they are all the same.

But thank you SO much for your comment! It really made my day. Now, I'm going to go google "BonBons" to discover what they are before I finish cleaning and get my clothes ready for WORK tomorrow.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Monday ramblings...

2011-10-17T08:59:00.000-04:00

So it's Monday. I swear... on Friday I blinked annnnndddddd then here we are. I was going to do my standard "Weekend in Numbers" but I really didn't do much of anything fun to warrant numbers.

On Saturday we hit up WW in the morning. I'm going to keep weighing in at the official meetings until my monthly pass runs out for the month. I was down 3lbs. My new "plan" seems to be working! Then we did a little shopping in Reading and I had a diet cheat day... which involved a McMuffin, a Coronation Chicken sandwich for lunch, and Froot Loops for dinner.

Speaking of Froot Loops... We walked into House of Fraser on Saturday morning and it was like the skies opened and the heavens started singing to me. It was a WHOLE stand of American goodies! Froot Loops, Quaker Instant Oatmeal, PUMPKIN PIE SPICE, creamed corn, Snyder's Pretzel Pieces, REESE'S PIECES(!!!), Karo syrup... LITERALLY was throwing one of everything into our basket.

Until I glanced at the price of the Froot Loops.

Um.

I need you to sit down.

It was...

Don't judge me...

£7.50.

Yes. That IS, in fact, the equivalent of $10.

Listen people. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do...

Anyway. So I got that, Karo syrup (Hi pecan pie for Thanksgiving), pumpkin pie spice and two bags of the snyder pretzels. I'm sure that I emptied our savings account, but I couldn't be stopped. I did, however, decide that the Quakers oatmeal was NOT worth the £7.50 that it also cost.

See? I know when to reign it in, people.

We then went on a hunt for fall/halloween decor. Note to fellow Americans moving to/living in England: THEY DO NOT DECORATE FOR HALLOWEEN OR FALL. We've been to every single store that may or may not carry any home decor in the greater southeastern England. Not a fake garland of colored leafs, nor faux acorns to fill an apothecary jar to be found. In fact, the only place I was able to find any decor at all was at John Lewis and Poundland. When Pottery Barn puts the fall/halloween stuff on sale I'm buying it all and having it shipped over.

What is WRONG with these people!?

I mean, I shouldn't be surprised. These are the people who don't eat/drink pumpkin flavored anything.

Crazies, I tell you, crazies.

On Sunday we went on a long walk in the New Forest and then hit up a local farmer's market where we went a little overboard on the sausage buying. Whoops. We picked up: Pork & Stilton, Pork & Wild Mushrooms and Gluten Free (because that's how I'm gradually rolling these days) Pork & Apple. We tried the pork & stilton last night. DANNNGGG they were good! My plate initially consisted of 4 lbs of broccoli (I exaggerate.) (slightly.) (or maybe not at all.) and one sausage. However... I caved and did eat a 2nd one. I meeeeaaannnn... They were organic. So clearly organic = no calories, RIGHT?

Ok. So anyway. Now that you're all bored to tears... Ima end this rambly mess of a post. Later on this week I'll outline my new eating plan, discuss the Christmas-fication of England in OCTOBER, and share a fun recipe (or 3). Also, we may or may not have a workout-jam sharing seshie. Mama needs more music. (And by Mama, I mean me... not my actual Mama... who I sometimes refer to as Mama.)

HOW WAS YOUR WEEKEND!

(Yes. I'm yelling.)

(Too much coffee.)

A weekend in Athens...

2011-10-13T08:59:00.000-04:00

I flew into Athens bright and early Saturday morning. I was literally pinching myself as we flew in while looking at the Aegean Sea and all of the gorgeous mountains. BLC & Mamatella weren't getting in until late that night so I busied myself at the pool. (By busied I mean read OK magazine, sunned myself, and people watched.) Then I was a bit famished so I decided to have a lazy lunch at the hotel. I ate at Cafe Zoe at the Intercontinental Athens, where I was staying.

I had the Greek salad, which I showcased yesterday. It was AMAZING. No lettuce, tons of fresh juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, thinly sliced red onion, oregano, feta and whole wheat croutons. I'm not going to lie... I ate 85% of it. If I could have found any space whatsoever left in my stomach I would have shoved the rest in. It was delicious. Then I took a nap (hey... a week of 5AM wake ups, and I had been up at 4:00AM to get to Heathrow) and headed over to BLC's hotel.

I won't go into details but I did NOT love the Intercontinental but they did provide a complementary shuttle service into the city center to Syntagma Sq. which is where my ladies were staying (and where the metro is to get to all of the main sights.) BLC & Mamatella had a delayed flight and didn't get in until quite late. Then Mamatella treated us to a fancy dinner at their hotel. It was delicious and SO generous of Mamatella! We took one terrible picture with my camera. Ha! Hopefully Mamatella's version is better.

The next day we saw EVERYTHING.

Behold... The Acropolis.

We had to walk ALL. THE. WAY. UP. Surprisingly, the walk up was gradual and therefore didn't kill me. However, BLC & Mamatella wore MUCH more appropriate shoes. By Monday my plantar fasciitis was back in FULL force. I should have taken sneakers!

There were all sorts of stray puppies all the way up!

It was gorgeous!

Then we ventured over to the huge Athens flea market... where we may or may not have shared the biggest donut I have EVER seen. It was delish!

Then we searched for the famed custom sandal maker of Athens. BLC & Mamatella had the most gorgeous sandals custom made! If *THIS* girl didn't have the most un-fittable feet on the planet... well I would have snatched up a pair myself!

Then we made our way to two gorgeous museums...

(and I can't remember the names of them! BLC HELP!)

This was at the Acropolis museum. Apparently these amazing ruins are likely found under the majority of the buildings in the city. Kinda makes you want to just tear everything up to see what all is underneath!

We weren't allowed to take pictures inside but on the way out there were these amazing singers... Like a Greek mariachi band.

The next day I met my two ladies at their hotel and we had a delicious breakfast in the restaurant before watching the changing of the guard at the Parliament building from their balcony.

Then we shopped and shopped and shopped... until we literally dropped. We were pooped!

(Please excuse my ratty hair... or and my big butt. It was rainy and I was rocking a high messy pony to keep my curls from unleashing themselves.)

The girls rode with me to the airport and deposited me right at the door. I literally wanted to grab them and RUN to the plane and force them to go home with me.

I had an amazing time and I am SO thankful to BLC & Mamatella for letting me tag along and for spoiling me! We're already planning their next trip... TO VISIT ME!

PS- While it was a great weekend and I had a blast... Athens is NOT a beautiful city. It's heartbreaking to see all of the trash, graffiti and poverty. However, it was worth it to see the major historical sights! just a warning for those venturing that way.

I'm BACKKKKKK!

2011-10-11T11:46:00.000-04:00

I had the BEST time with BLC & Mamatella... I got back late last night and had to rush straight into work bright and early at 5AM this morning. Suffice to say I am tuckered out and taking it easy today. I'll have a full recap of the trip up tomorrow but for now... a picture of one of the most important bits of the trip.

Greek Salad.

IN.

GREECE.

Y'all, they don't use lettuce.

And I *L.O.V.E.* it... It was literally had by us all at every stinkin' meal because it was THAT good.

Stay tuned for more delicious & fun pictures!

How was your weekend?

Goodbye Weight Watchers...

2011-10-06T08:20:00.001-04:00

So on Saturday I weighed in. I'd stayed exactly the same. I'd tracked... I'd measured & weighed... I'd gulped water like it was going out of style. I'd spun (spinned?) (span?) until my butt was bruised and sore... I'd even run. (Have we talked about how I'm the world's worst runner and how every time I do it I literally think in my head "OMGIHATETHISIHATETHISIHATETHISHOWDOESANYONEDOTHISFORMORETHAN10MINUTESWITHOUTDYING?")

And yet?

Nothing.

*SIGH*

If you follow me on Twitter you've already heard some of my grumbly tweets but here's the deal..

The Saturday before Easter I hit 90lbs lost. Now... Since then I've gained about 6lbs. I've also lost it. And then gained it again. And then lost it. And, yes, you're catching a theme here... lost it again. Studying for the bar exam didn't help things. I took basically a full 2 month hiatus from working out, save for doing the Couch-2-5k program intermittently and doing some weights/ball workouts in my house. I tried to make up for my HUGE decrease in exercise by fanatically controlling my food intake. However, surprise, surprise, I gained 4lbs. No big deal, I thought... I'll lose it in a week after getting back into a groove.

Ok.

So I'm back in a groove. (SORT OF.) I'm going to the gym 3-4 times a week. I'm making food. I'm working which means I'm on my feet for 4-6 hours a day without sitting or eating or stopping to do anything to make myself fatter.

Yet... Nothing.

So I had a come-to-jesus meeting with myself and my body this week. I need to lose 25 more pounds. While I love everyone that says "You'll be emaciated!" "You look perfect, no need to lose anymore!" "Gosh, you've already lost so much, you can't POSSIBLY need to lose any more!"

It A) isn't true and B) isn't helpful.

According to my BMI I am still categorized as "obsese." Yes... I know the BMI system is silly and flawed, but still... I'm proving a point. I still can't wear jeans most jeans that are a size 12... While my top is slimly (or so I think) ensconced in a size 10 in most tops now... My bottom can't seem to part ways with a 14. Now... I'm not complaining.
Did I, when pouring myself into a generous size 22 jeans (and laying down to zip them) contemplate that I would even get an ankle into a size 12, much less an entire thigh?
NEVER.

But now it is in reach. I've accepted the fact that I will never be lean and thin and wear tiny jeans. I've accepted the fact that I have junk in the trunk and always will... I will always be referred to as "curvy"... I will always have unfortunate legs, chubby knees & cankles. It is what it is. I just want a slightly smaller... 25 lbs exactly... version of them.

I've taken the week to try out slimfast shakes and to devise a strategy to shock my system back into losing. While I *LOVE* Weight Watchers... I'm thinking that my time as a loyal follower might have come to an end. The flexibility is great and it REALLY has taught me how to eat in moderation and healthily. I've perfected the art of maintaining. I know how to balance my good & my bad. What I need now is structure. I need a "diet." I've already made the lifestyle change and it worked... but to hit my goal I need to start really working.

So... Goodbye for now Weight Watchers...

It's not you.

It's me.

I'm almost done creating my "plan" and I'll definitely share that with y'all next week when I start it. It's going to be tough... I'm going to have to get back into the habit of going to the gym 5 days a week... if not 6. I'm going to have to completely cut out some foods that I love, but I think this might work.

My goal was 25 lbs by Christmas. Now that we've had a bumpy 2 months it's looking more like March. Either way... come hell or high water, I WILL lose it before our first anniversary. After all... I've already said no babies until I meet my goal. Let's just say, we're getting motivated around these here parts! I just wanted to share with you all my struggles because I know I can't be the only one out there having plateau problems.

Tell me- Have you ever hit a HUGE plateau that you haven't been able to break? If so, tell me what worked for you or what helped you hit your goal!

Sharing is caring, kittens.

Whistles (aka the kiss of death for my bank account)

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned yesterday, we spent Sunday exploring Guildford in Surrey. As we were strolling the high street we came across this cute boutiquey-looking shop called Whistles. Clearly my cute-clothes radar went alarming immediately and I dragged PB in to check it out.

(Also, turns out it's a chain... but I was ignorant and had no idea it existed until Sunday!)

And then... I fell in love.

With EVERYTHING.

They had eve more fabulous clothes in the store... Half of the items I wanted to snatch up aren't even listed on the website! While I came home empty-handed, I'm hoping that a few pretty pieces end up in my closet soon.

(PB- THIS IS A HINT.)

(No, but really... HINTHINTHINT!)

If you live in England, or are coming to visit, definitely hunt down a Whistles. It may be pricey, but it's definitely cute and the pieces are classic.

What store(s) have you discovered recently that have taken your fancy?

Weekend in Numbers...

2011-10-03T12:38:00.000-04:00

10: Number of times I circled Whistle in Guildford begging PB to buy me every single thing in the store...

(NOTE- I walked away with NOTHING.)

(Cold hearted man.)

(This might be grounds for couch sleeping.)

9: Approximate number of pounds of cheese PB had on Sunday.

(Glutton.)

8: Number of diets I researched and dithered over on Saturday.

(I broke up with WW this weekend.)

(It was amicable.)

(We're still friends.)

7: Number of times I cursed my underwear on Sunday...

(Wedgie central, people.)

(Underwear has since been eradicated.)

6: Number of Bojangles-recipe biscuits I made...

(NOT as good as the real thing.)

(BUT Close enough for government work.)

(What does that phrase even mean?)

5: Number of times I had to rescue 2 little furry hunters from the Serengeti

(aka kitten from the garden.)

(They are having nothing to do with that green scary stuff otherwise known as grass.)

4: Number of times I cursed our stupid oven. Multiply by 495.

(It's the size of a small shoe-box.)

(HATRED.)

3: Number of glasses of wine imbibed by yours truly Saturday night.

(SOMEONE can't handle her wine anymore.)

(*ahem*)

2: Number of hours I giggled hysterically for no apparent reason after imbibing said wine...

(Am I the only one who can't control her laughter after a tipple?)

(Isn't tipple the weirdest word ever?)

1: Number of PERFECT breakfasts we partook (word?) in at Carluccio's.

(Best.) (Chain.) (Restaurant.) (EVER.)

Wait, It's Friday?

2011-09-30T04:49:00.001-04:00

Y'all.

WHERE HAS THIS WEEK GONE!?

Now that I'm a working woman (sort of) the week entirely got away from me! I'm still adjusting to the 4:45AM wake ups for the 'Bux, but I'm enjoying it so far! It's fun. Easy. Pays. Good enough for now.
My apologies for the lack of blogging this week.

My days have consisted of the following:
(and yes, usually in this order)

I'm tuckered OUT. I have the day off today and I need to clean, clean, clean, do laundry, go to the post office, make pizza dough for tomorrow night, bake a lil' treat for the poor hubs who doesn't get back until super late tonight and generally get myself "sorted" as the British say.

While this is a completely useless post, can we just briefly get all materialistic and discuss these pants?

I'm dying for them.

THE RUCHING!

You know... because my life now consists of me wearing Lululemon approximately 85% of the time. If someone *AHEM* loved me they might show up at my door... (Even if it is $30 in shipping.)

(Minor detail.)

So anyway.

I'm donning white cafe capri's and heading out for my errands. Yes. WHITE. Take THAT fashion rules... All I know is, it's hot as all get out and I refuse to conform to my prior old southern fashion rules now that I'm all European. (ish.)

Tell me fun things, people.

PS- Are any of you Londoners going to American Girl in Chelsea's Pink Diamonds & Pink Champagne event on October 20th to support Breast Cancer? I AM! Let me know if you're planning on going as well.

*images via*

Weekend in NUMBERS!

2011-09-27T11:07:00.000-04:00

Sorry this is a day late... SOMEONE (me) started a new JOB (Starbuck's) yesterday! It's perfect because it's only 20 hours a week and is mostly 5:30AM-9:30AM which allows for PLENTY of "real-job" hunting. And gets me out of the house. (Which is good... lest I turn into a crazy cat lady.)

10: Number of hours spent doing laundry (DEAR LORD THE WASHER/DRYER IS SLOW!)

9: Miles biked on Saturday! (Gel pad is a butt-savior.) (Would have been a lot more but we had to contend with rain and a sick child.)

8: Number of times on Saturday night I said I fancied Gary Barlow while watching the X-Factor. (Hooootttt.) (I stopped before #9 in fear of having to sleep on the couch.)

7: Number of times the white fuzz ball attacked my hair thinking it was a toy. (It. is. in fact, NOT.)

6: Number of pounds of sprinkles my step-daughter put on our cupcakes friday night... OVERZEALOUS SPRINKLER!

5: Number of times I almost wet my pants watching Mock the Week Friday night... Hugh Dennis = HILARIOUS.

4: Number of minutes PB lasted ironing before throwing in the towel... literally.

3: Number of trashy British rag-mags read this weekend... (And yes, I didn't know half of the people/stories in it.) (And yes. I STILL loved it!)

2: Number of krispy kreme donuts SHARED this weekend... (I blame Tesco.) (At least I shared.) (sorta.)

(1.5: Number of pounds GAINED at WW this week. WHY, BODY? WHY?! Oh right, candy corn. And pizza. Oh, and breadsticks. Right.)

1: WEEK UNTIL GREECE WITH BLC!!!!