Saturday, December 18, 2010

Jumping to December

One word for November - work. So let's fast forward to December. We got away for some sun a few weeks ago and spent 8 days in Oman. Amazing. The countryside, the coast, the people, the food...it was all amazing. We also officially kicked off a month of eating too much, but well worth it when I look at that bread and hummus.

Let's Start with October

We're healthy and happy here in London! Just getting back in the swing of things after guests and trips. The past few months went by so quickly, so let's back up to October.

In early October, we flew home for a long weekend to watch Matt's sister walk down the aisle. It was an incredibly stressful trip for me. Our renters agreed to stay in NYC for the weekend and let us use the house. This seemed like a great idea because the wedding was on Eastern Long Island and the stay would give us a chance to check on the house. Wrong. I won't get in to the details, but it was not a relaxing weekend in my house. The renters are only there on the weekends, but they've definitely made themselves at home in more ways than I would like!

A few weeks later, my parents made a weekend stop in London on their way to Germany. We celebrated my Mom's 60th birthday a few weeks early and enjoyed exploring London. One of the highlights was an afternoon at the Imperial War Museum. If you're ever in London, I recommend adding this to your itinerary.

And, to round out the month, Matt and spent Halloween weekend in Munich. The weather was gorgeous (bright blue skies and just a little chill in the air), which always makes a new place that much better. Munich is a beautiful city with great people and scenery. The beer and abundance of pork were also Rosedale favorites. Some pictures from the Hofbrauhaus (note the giant pretzel) and Glockenspiel:

On to November and December soon, and then I promise more regular updates.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Coming to you Live from Munich

I haven't posted anything in a month! How did that happen? Plenty of inspiration, but no free time. I have a few minutes of "me" time right now, so I'm coming to you from the BA lounge in the Munich airport. Between work, visitors, travel and life, I don't where this month went and I can't believe it's October 31. HATING the time change here. It's now dark at 5pm, which will quickly turn in to 4pm in a few short weeks.

I have a ton to catch up on here, so I'll be back this week. I love seeing the Halloween posts from everyone...it's not as much fun here in Europe. And, I miss the big bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups from Costco (did I mention it's virtually impossible to find those here?!?).

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Happy Anniversary

This time 4 years ago we were saying our vows at Tribeca Rooftop! Happy Anniversary Matt. Hurry home from work soon. I love you, and I love that life is still an adventure after 9 years together.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Mission Accomplished

1:58! I'm moving very slow right now and feeling my age. My hamstrings and feet aren't too happy with me. It was worth it though! It was a gorgeous run today and I'm so proud to support the MS Society.

Update: Official times released this morning...1:55. I can say with confidence that this will never to be repeated again.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Happy Birthday

Happy 30-something to my husband and best friend. Love you. We celebrated with a very classy dinner of sloppy joes and french fries!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Out & About

Sunday in Hyde Park with my Vella (Matt was behind the camera).

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Run to the Beat

My third 1/2 marathon is less than a week away! I dreaded that last one in NYC. We were in the middle of our move to London and my training was less than textbook. I still don't know how I pulled that one off. I'm running this one for the MS Society and my sister, Amy. And hoping for a PB of 2:00. So far the weather gods are with me and the forecast is high 50's, partly cloudy. Fingers crossed.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Oven:1 Rosedale:0

My bran muffins are now bran loaf. Chances of that tasting good? Slim to none! 99.9% sure it's going in the trash. My big, fat, American muffin tin doesn't stand a chance against my Euro oven. My husband's response? "Well, no big deal. We can just saw the muffin tin in half and keep using it." Um, sure. Or we could buy a new muffin tin for £8. Genius.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

BBC Proms in the Park

Good friends, good wine and good music! We had a great time on Saturday night at BBC Proms in the Park. The event is the finale of the Summer concert series. The Jersey Boys get my vote as the best act of the night.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Saturday Musings

It's 12:45 here and I'm anxiously awaiting the start of College Game Day on ESPN America. You can take this girl out of America, but I'm still as American as Apple Pie. I'm an ACC fan and our family has a long history of being OSU fans (shout out to you Meg!). My husband could care less. Have pity on him, his Alma Mater is in the Ivy League. Football and the Ivy League? Eh, not so much. I received my Fall UVA Alumni Magazine this week and had a moment...football was all about getting dressed up and tailgating. What I wouldn't give for some Big Jim's BBQ right now.

I'm a golf widow today, so Vella and I are hanging out. We head to NY in a few weeks, so I'm taking stock of things I need and placing orders online. We're headed out tonight with some good friends who moved here about a month after I arrived. They have an amazing roof deck, so if the weather cooperates, I'll snap some pictures tonight.

Back to fighting the dog hair that is forming tumbleweeds in our hall.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Ikea Orchid

The bright pink (or is that purple?) one on the far left joined the family this past weekend. Purchased in the most unlikely place in my mind, Ikea. It was cheap and adds some color. Let's hope I don't kill it. So far so good. I don't have the best track record with plants.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Follow Up: No Title Needed

You may remember this post in July. I'm very happy to report that the dog is 100% better and I got a big hug today from Ann when we spotted each other on the street. She said she's been looking for me each day, but we must be on different schedules. Made my day.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Menu Planning

This was a boring one. I need some inspiration. Or a crockpot.

Monday - Paparadelle with Tomato Basil Sauce and Salad
Tuesday - Thai Leftovers from Sunday (don't pass judgement, leftovers have a 3-day shelf life in our house)
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Salads
Thursday - Grilled Chicken, Steamed Veggies and Baked Potatoes
Friday - Eat Out
Saturday - Eat Out
Sunday - Chicken Fajitas

And I have to note that we had our first horrible meal out here in London. Kensington Place, you need some help. Friday night was pretty gross. Also of note is that Vella loves it when I make anything with cheese. She's her mother's daughter.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Shopping

Shopping in London sucks. There, I said it. If you hear differently, don't believe the craziness. I'm sure the shopping here is FABULOUS if you're buying nothing but designer labels...for the rest of us, the quality and sizing are terrible for the price. And that's just the clothes. Don't get me going on the shoes.

The past few months have been very kind to my wallet. I think I bought two t-shirts at Zara in July. So, feeling like I had exercised enough self-control, I couldn't resist these two beauties on JCrew's final sale pages. And I justified them at $39.99, which is really £25. They will be waiting for me at my mother-in-law's house in October. Maybe along with a few other things my Mom has so graciously offered to sign for and bring to LI.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

National Dog Day


I don't have any recent pictures of Vella, so I thought I would post Seychelles photo in honor of National Dog Day in the United States. This is Plim, a true sea dog if I've ever seen one! She leads a very comfortable life with her owner and giant land tortoises.

We're looking forward to our holiday weekend that starts at 5pm tomorrow. On the agenda are Ikea, Pets at Home, some Fall clothes shopping, and Notting Hill Carnival. If the rain ever lets up, Vella will get a long walk or two in Hyde Park.

I can't believe it's almost September. With no travel plans in the next few weeks, we're going to focus on our flat and making it more of a home. I joined the American Women's Club, so I'm looking forward to making some new friends and getting out more in the evenings. We (well, Matt joined since I'm not technically eligible) also joined a synagogue. So, I guess you can say we're putting down roots for a while.

I've been busy training for a 1/2 Marathon the last weekend in September. This will be my third race and I'm really excited to be running for the MS Society. Fingers crossed that my training pays off and I hit my 2:00 goal.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Scuba 101

During our nine days in the Seychelles, we spent two days getting our Padi certification. The descent on our first dive was the most terrifying thing I've ever done. There is something very unnatural about throwing yourself in to 40+ feet of water. Big thanks to our instructors, Thierry and Matthieu, for their patience and literally holding my hand. I could see my husband rolling his eyes through the mask! We completed two dives plus the classroom time, and now we're hooked. We're already planning a trip for later this year or early next year.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Menu Planning

With my husband's hours in NYC and my own wacky schedule, we were well-known by 5-10 restaurants on the UES delivery circuit. Fast forward to London, where I might as well be speaking Swahili when I say delivery, and we've had to change our ways. Combine this with some of the smallest refrigerators known to man (think one step above a dorm refrigerator) and food with an average shelf life of 3-4 days, and you have to be smart about your cooking strategy. Otherwise, you'll be throwing $$$ down the toilet. I try to repeat some of the sides so I only have to cook them once and reheat a day or two later. And, never underestimate the power of a leftover night! Here's our menu from last week:

Monday - Beef Soft Tacos
Tuesday - Leftovers from Monday
Wednesday - Tomato Basil Chicken, Sour Cream and Chive Baked Potatoes, and Sauteed Spinach
Thursday - Herb Roasted Chicken and Greek Salad
Friday - Eat Out
Saturday - Eat Out
Sunday - Thai Green Curry with Chicken and Veggie Pad Thai

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Seychelles

We splurged on nine days in the Seychelles for our Summer holiday. Before moving to London, we didn't travel for almost two years since we had the house in WH. The travel bug has definitely gotten the best of us during our first few months together in London. Although the 11-hour flight was very fun, the trip was an amazing end to the Summer. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. I'll spare you the 250 individual shots though, especially the ones where we're in bathing suits!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

One Heck of a Week

The past 48 hours are a total blur! We landed in London via Rome from the Seychelles (does that even make sense?) on Tuesday morning. I quickly changed my clothes and headed to the office. Vella arrived on Wednesday morning and we've spent the past two days getting her settled. She's doing really well. A little jet lagged, but very happy to see her Mom and Dad (as predicted, she slept in between us last night...some habits never die).

I'll leave you with two pictures and save the rest for the weekend. Is it 5:00pm on Friday yet? Looking forward to our first weekend here in London as a family.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Holiday! Celebrate!

Couldn't resist that title. If you're reading this, we successfully survived our holiday without any major bumps in the road. We've spent the past nine days in this amazing location.


There was golf, hikes, snorkeling, and drum roll please...diving. We both received our Level 1 Certification. I have a mild fear of being eaten in the Ocean. Full recap to come this week! It's nice to be home.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Fashion SOS

We're having a photographer take some pictures in late August. The weather will be comfortable, I'm not concerned about a heat wave that time of year. I'm at a total loss when it comes to choosing an outfit. Outside of our wedding day, I've never had professional pictures taken. Ideas? We'll most likely be in Hyde Park and/or at a few of the sites (look kids, Big Ben! Parliament!) around London, so it will be casual.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

One Week, But Who's Counting?

The fur child will be here one week from today! Say a prayer for Vella on the evening of Tuesday, August 10...she isn't a great traveler and will be one angry little girl for this big trip. Apologies to anyone in advance on BA Flight 176 JFK to Heathrow if you suddenly hear howling from the cargo hold. If only they served cocktails and peanuts to the furry friends on these flights!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Underwhelmed?

Dear Lands End Canvas,

I love your products, but find the New Arrivals in the Fall line slightly underwhelming. Hope you plan to add to the collection. In fact, I think this is the only thing I'll be ordering:

Cheers,
Devoted Customer Abroad

Friday, July 30, 2010

Thai Food

Eh, not so much in London. It's just not very good here. Enter Thai Kitchen products. You simply add the meat and veggies, and you have an instant Thai dinner. Much cheaper than eating out too.



Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Good Reads

Two very different books. I couldn't put either one down.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Bagels in London

Bagels are terrible in London. Horrible. They're basically bread with no texture since they aren't boiled. I would say NYC and Long Island bagels are one of the only things we miss. So, we trekked to Golders Green today in search of bagels. Golders Green has a significant Jewish population, and you can find traditional kosher bakeries, kosher butchers and Judaica stores in the area. The bagels weren't the best we've ever had, but certainly better than anything in Central London! I'll give Carmelli a B+. We brought home a dozen. I'll head back from time to time to pick up more to have on hand for breakfast and the holidays.

We had a very lazy afternoon, capped off with a drink at the Champion and dinner at home. We also watched Ice Age 3...call us Mr. and Mrs. excitement!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

No Title Needed

I take the Circle line home each night, stopping most nights at High Street Kensington to go the gym, stop by Whole Foods etc. It's a short walk home from there. About 2-3 nights a week, there is a woman sitting near the tube station with her dog, an adorable rottie/pit bull mix who is full of love. I'll call the woman Ann. I usually stop to chat, give her a £ or two. Our conversations always center on her beloved dog, and we talk about Vella too. Ann is usually reading a book, she never asks people for help or money, but always graciously accepts what people offer her. From what I gather, she isn't homeless, but falls in to the 'chaotic life' bucket as we call it in financial services.

I didn't see Ann the past few weeks, but was happy to see her tonight when I exited the tube station. I asked how she was and she said she was fine, getting along. I was petting the dog, when Ann told me that the dog hasn't been herself so she took her to a vet who provides low cost care. The dog has a terrible ear infection, which I saw with my own eyes. I asked why the vet didn't give her medicine for the dog. She said that when she was at the office, she didn't have enough money for the visit/exam + the prescription and was too embarrassed to ask for more help. She is also afraid of the dog being taken from her. She planned to go back as soon as she can scrape together the £36 and she knows how much pain the dog is in right now. I started to say goodbye, but something in my gut told me not to walk away. I asked Ann how much she needed, she said she had nearly £20. We chatted for a few more minutes, and after some tears and promises, I gave Ann the £16. She kept saying, 'You would do that for my dog? You would do that for me?' I have Ann's word that I will see her next week and she will show me the medication, that the dog will be on the mend. She gave me a hug.

There is so much wrong and just plain bad in this world. I saw it every day in NYC, and I see it here in London too. I hope I was able to do some good today. I'll be praying for Ann and her dog tonight, and hoping that I see her next week. Maybe I was taken for a fool, but I like to think that Ann is a good person who will live up to her word.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Time to Get Serious

And make this place more of a home! Case in point:

This table and bedding joined our flat this weekend. All in anticipation of helping out this poor room.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Ibiza

We spent last weekend in Ibiza. The original plan was to spend the weekend with friends who would meet us after spending time in Barcelona with family. Their trip was canceled, but we decided to make the two-hour flight and enjoy.

The tapas were delicious!

The beaches were gorgeous (Note that I had to be careful in choosing a beach shot because like most European beaches, tops are optional in Spain and 90% of the people on the beach were half-naked.)

And we even took in a little history in Ibiza town (not without MORE food of course!).

That concludes our May-July tour! We're staying put for a few weeks and then we're off on a 'proper' holiday in early August.