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