28 Things to Do in My 28th year

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a really great day filled with relaxation, surprises from friends and a great meal in this amazing city, London. I thought about all the good things that happened to me last year. The list was incredibly long and I'm so grateful for that.

For my 28th year I want to want to continue to live with intention, so I've been making up a list of things I want do across the next year. I can't wait to get started.

1. Go to Wimbledon
2. See a film at the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill
3. See the opera or the ballet in London
4. Take a warm weather holiday (maybe Greece finally!)
5. Dinner at Chiltern Firehouse
6. Afternoon Tea at the Ritz
7. Read a book each month
8. Have a drink at the St. Pancras Champagne bar
9. Start a wine club
10. Go to the top of The Shard
11. Create a signature three course meal to cook
12. Have a Sunday Roast
13. Visit the Harry Potter Studios
14. Eat curry on Brick Lane
15. See the London's Design Museum Exhibit
16. Go to Cornwall or Bath in England
17. See a West End Play/show
18. Go on a Burgundy wine bike tour or maybe just make it back to Paris
19. Get a Burberry Trench (!)
20. Learn how to make proper scones
21. Make a weekly list of the 10 best things that happened
22. Cultivate a new hobby
23. Swim 25 laps at my gym's pool (I need to use it!)
24. Visit Annecy, France or the lilac fields
25. Make my way back to the West Coast to visit a best friend
26. Get another pair of Frame Denim (my fave)
27. Watch one documentary a month
28. Go out in East London more often!

December Wishlist

Here's a list of all the things I'm hoping for across my birthday or under the Christmas tree!

First up, I'm hoping for a new mug for mint tea drinking at my office (my new favorite thing).

Buffalo Check Mug from C Wonder- $14

Or a J Crew Metallic latte mug with a gold handle- $14.50

Since weekend train travel is so easy in Europe, I find that I am in desperate need of a chic weekender bag. I've had my eye on this gorgeous bag for a while.

Cognac Vegan Leather Weekender Bag by Sole Society- $69.95

I don't have a TV in London and I don't mind it one bit. I think I've saved hours of wasted time. I do have Netflix and a love of NPR and podcasts. My Mac does a good job with sound, but I've been dreaming about getting this wireless, waterproof speaker (with a UK plug if possible!). I love the white one.

Ultimate Ears Boom 360- $179.99

I really miss Sephora in the US. It's not the same out here. I love the Elizabeth and James fragrances, Nirvana, which is sold exclusively at Sephora. I want to scoop these back up as soon as I get to America.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Fragrances in Black and White- $75.00 each

I am in desperate need of new sneakers. I love these.

Nike ' Free Flyknit 4.0' $120

My current iPhone case is on it's last leg. I am in desperate shape for a new one. Here are a few that could be nice.

Kate Spade iPhone 5S case- $40

Diane von Furstenberg iPhone 5S case- $40

Kate Spade Confetti Case $40

I love to have friends over and usually serve some cheese I picked up from all the little markets in London. I adore these cute cheese knives to serve with them.

Mouse Cheese Knives! £20 or from here 

Plus a cheese slicer $6.

I've been wanting a cashmere robe for over a year. It's a bit of a splurge, but I think it's worth it.

Restoration Hardware, Short Robe, Medium in Ivory- $249

Or Williams Sonoma in medium and gray- $299

Last but not least, I had one of these throw blankets a year ago, but it was taken in my burglary (boo). I miss it!

West Elm Faux Fur Throw- $119

Merry Christmas!

Afternoon Tea: Alice in Wonderland Style

As the weather slowly started to feel crisp and turn to Autumn, a warm cup of tea felt like a great way to spend an afternoon. I'd heard of an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea at the Sanderson Hotel in Fitzrovia. I mentioned it to my friend Jenn and she was just as excited as me. We grabbed a reservation and prepared ourselves to 'go down the rabbit hole.'

Look at us in our trenches. We've embraced the London weather.

Photo bomb from the wait staff!

Everything about the table created a whimsical atmosphere from the dishes to the tea pots.

Cutlery was wrapped in a riddle. Mine read: 'At night they come without being fetched. By day they are gone without being stolen. What are they?'

Answer: the Stars of course!

The teas were exotic mixes of sweet flavors. I went with the lovely strawberries and cream. It smelled and tasted heavenly.

Our sugar even came in jewelry boxes! I had that exact one when I was little. It played the little song and everything.

The tray of savory and sweet treats finally arrived. It was a sight to see.

My favorite part, the 'drink me' potion that was a mix of coconut cream, passionfruit and mango puree. It really made the experience. I loved this afternoon tea. Definitely worth a trip there.

It was dark by the time we left. Yes, London gets dark early now. I'm adjusting!

An Oktoberfest Warm Up

In late September, London was just as gorgeous an Autumn as any city I've lived in. The idea that London is always gray and gloomy I've found to be utter nonsense. Thankfully. With the sun out, I headed South of the Thames to an Oktoberfest tent set up in London.

The tent was huge, and being Sunday it wasn't too crowded. A traditional German band was playing loads of traditional German songs. I had no idea what they were saying, but the music sounded fun.

We cashed in our groupons for our 1/2 pint beers and quickly upgraded to the big boys.

Then our sausages and chips arrived. We happily ate them up.

We had a few more friends join and danced on the benches. Apparently, it's a very traditional part of Oktoberfest. Who are we to argue with tradition.

It was a great time. I hopped on the bus home after a bit and passed by Parliament and Big Ben on the ride home. I'm still in awe that I live in this city. It's a beauty.

Meatopia!

I have a new London post for you! Back in September, a friend had an extra ticket to Meatopia, which is exactly what is sounds like: meat galore. I happily said yes and headed over to the East side of London with an empty stomach.

When you arrive you buy 'meat bucks' to trade in at each table to get a dish. I collected a handful and we set off to explore.

The venue, the Tobacco Docks, was beautiful. Partly covered and part open air, it was the perfect place for bbqs and meat smokers.

We started off with Comte burgers from Tommi's Burgers in London. The chef gave us vouchers for a free meal at his restaurant. I can't wait to cash in.

We then headed down to Sailor Jerry's bar for a cocktail and popped into the photo booth.

This taco was amazing: a BBQ whole slow cooked goat taco from Smokehouse. I loved dish so much.

This dish was from the famous Duck & Waffle "Hara Bhara Lamb Cutlets." Really hard to eat but good. You just had to pick it up by the bone and take a bite.

Randomly, Sarah got handed a black truffle. We all oohed and ahhed.

After several samples, we all took a meat break and headed to the bar for 'pickle back' shots. I found out I'm not a fan.

There were some dessert tables as well. The Crisy Club had a 'Dead Elvis' option.  It was a banana jam, peanut butter and candied bacon rice krispy. Brilliant.

And last but not least, the BEST dish of the day. The Chef was Beau Myers from Almost Famous. Sadly they don't have a London restaurant. The line wrapped around the corner. Apparently everyone else knew this was the place to eat at as well.

The sliders were called the 'Famous Breakfast Club Burger.' It was a luscious burger with spicy jack cheese, bourbon brined pork collars and topped with a maple glaze and honey nut 'beerios.'

That's my, "Oh my God that's a good burger' face. I am not ashamed that I got back in line and had a second one. It was worth the wait!

Here's the chef himself. I told him he needs to open a shop in London, asap!

After a fun day at the fest we headed over to the always fun Borough Market to toast off the weekend with a cider. I can't wait to do it again next year!