tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450773401786140752024-03-05T07:42:22.720-05:00Random Acts of DramaJust a theatre kid adulting.LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-60549369030673715182016-01-05T10:45:00.000-05:002016-01-05T10:54:15.321-05:00Life with My IntestinesDo you think I'll lose readers just by using the word 'intestines' in a blog title? Let's find out!<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I went in for a semi regular CT scan. Don't know what a CT scan is? Oh well, get excited! And join me on this journey. *Puts on cozy cardigan, hums 'Won't you be my neighbour?'*<br />
<br />
1st step: You must fast four hours before you go in to the hospital. I chose an 8am appointment with the promise of coffee and croissants after. Even as an adult, bribery is a useful tool.<br />
<br />
2nd step: De-robe. Luckily I have no shame and I take it as a challenge to flash as many people as possible while wiggling behind a curtain in a tiny, tiny cubicle they have designated as the changing room.<br />
<br />
3rd step: Drink the juice. Ahhhhhh berry barium! A delicious way to start your day! Looks a bit like watery milk...like even more watery than low-fat milk. And tastes of berry! Or if a small child vomited up berry flavoured milk and you decided you should waste-not, want-not and drink it because your hippiness has made you insane, that's what this tastes of. And someone put it in a cup. And maybe you drank it thinking it was just your regular 'ol milk. BUT IT'S NOT. I don't even like milk. Or berry flavoured drinks. I want the real berry not some weak ass imitation. But that is beside the point. Back to the berry flavoured vomit I needed to ingest. It's the perfect way to keep your svelte figure...because you fast before hand and then drink a liquid that makes the idea of vomiting seem like an enjoyable way to spend your day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXaTEcpkXmdIX0jlV70N286i_iVWXZV3Kf8bPmWItAawbfCng6SGP9FIK1rYtlwyibcd8fxM0J1W5Mbhv1LjS3NFjHEISU3b8NueTtuBpWwaVHFGCAjAmJrfSzKTDXDNZPYcq5swojlc/s1600/IMG_5674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXaTEcpkXmdIX0jlV70N286i_iVWXZV3Kf8bPmWItAawbfCng6SGP9FIK1rYtlwyibcd8fxM0J1W5Mbhv1LjS3NFjHEISU3b8NueTtuBpWwaVHFGCAjAmJrfSzKTDXDNZPYcq5swojlc/s320/IMG_5674.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
(And no coffee before hand either. Which is a CRUEL torture...you bastards.)<br />
<br />
Thoughts that did occur to me while drinking da juice:<br />
Oh look my gown has...flowers??...no wait...just weird patterns. What is this place? The hospital for poor people, can't even afford a decent gown? ....oh wait....I am poor. Thank you for taking care of me, kind sirs. Please, more gruel!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrKeghV8hsbpA8hyphenhyphenC7sL3gPluFMsMTss8MYCWm6M7Ijaji7o93mhBPt_9qYZhPUZex4cjB3bir-JtYADJeYvtbrTShQxaxnW65AL8K0FK_z9MMuymfQhL9AG8ySSWRfgq16P9iMjTVxk/s1600/IMG_5676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrKeghV8hsbpA8hyphenhyphenC7sL3gPluFMsMTss8MYCWm6M7Ijaji7o93mhBPt_9qYZhPUZex4cjB3bir-JtYADJeYvtbrTShQxaxnW65AL8K0FK_z9MMuymfQhL9AG8ySSWRfgq16P9iMjTVxk/s320/IMG_5676.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A thing that actually happened: My nurse laughed at me for yelling 'OW' when she stabbed me with the IV. She will not be invited to my birthday party.<br />
<br />
Another thing that also happened: I huff mint while taking my barium solution. Because I am a goddamn pro. What? You didn't think to bring your own herbs to the hospital? Amateurs. (*Side note: mint, as well as many fine herbs, helps nausea. This barium solution on an empty stomach can make you feel like vomiting. BRING mint or ginger. Huff away. You're welcome.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6TcQlIY9Jp7AgIbReUl-mQARx4xb_PN_dZc4uJlHSuK2N6FE9preMbGCKmWdfB6fFXxEN7FJ-yonq_TeR9-SxE9UPesZOls1nEDD2Mva06nVz2TnZvG5Rq5Rcv00ZBRs7WLErHnbPUY/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6TcQlIY9Jp7AgIbReUl-mQARx4xb_PN_dZc4uJlHSuK2N6FE9preMbGCKmWdfB6fFXxEN7FJ-yonq_TeR9-SxE9UPesZOls1nEDD2Mva06nVz2TnZvG5Rq5Rcv00ZBRs7WLErHnbPUY/s320/IMG_5677.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Side note: I never thought chugging beers or taking shots would come in handy as a viable life skill to have, but it really is when it comes to taking barium solution. Gotta chug a nasty drink in 15 minutes, so that you can take two more fifteen minutes apart. It's like slow-mo hazing. Then (step 4!) they give you a liquid in your IV that makes you feel like you're wetting yourself. That's right. It IS like a sophisticated hazing. What club do I get to join? The Pooper Scoopers? (That's funny to me for SO MANY reasons.)<br />
<br />
5th Step: Taking pictures of your insides. I did not get to take a picture of them taking pictures of me. But I can tell you my radiologist <i>was absolutely</i> George Clooney. I mean, this is why you can't take pictures. But while I'm passing jokes back and forth with George, I get to lay on a table that takes me through a tunnel where a magical voice tells me when to take breaths. It's almost like yoga...expect for the part where you feel like you have to pee.<br />
<br />
End note: You can always find time to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydinsyday/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>your hospital visit. Or Snapchat (LindsayDinsyDay) it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoxoHS4mqBKQBxziYtoP1h-Ba387zoKrNQaFvlHuQqSc89ED43onDMFuZ5je3elJ9HsB6Kx1M1tXTXWCoT9M-YUrgtYA5cWJcWbRQShfvoaZZ_0E4gjF6HuZ-yRlZmfuWo0EL8qXnssw/s1600/IMG_5680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoxoHS4mqBKQBxziYtoP1h-Ba387zoKrNQaFvlHuQqSc89ED43onDMFuZ5je3elJ9HsB6Kx1M1tXTXWCoT9M-YUrgtYA5cWJcWbRQShfvoaZZ_0E4gjF6HuZ-yRlZmfuWo0EL8qXnssw/s320/IMG_5680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.0"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And
here I am modeling the latest in hospital couture. The colorful
pattern, while bright and distracting, still manages to convey to all
admiring onlookers 'I am not wearing any underpants'</span> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">#ootd<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.2"> </span>#fashionblogger<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.4"> </span>#gwhospital</span><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.6"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">#crohnslyfe<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.8"> </span>#ctscan<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.a"> </span>#gangsta</span></span></span></h1>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Live, love, laugh,<br />
<div>
Lindsay<br />
<br />
P.S. Just wanted to end this post by saying that us fashion bloggers don't always show you what's real. Well. I'll give you a little 'peek behind the curtain', so to speak. The truth behind the above photo is that I actually was wearing underpants....but no bra. #realtalk #thisisme #therearenohashtagsinblogging #orspeaking #butwespeakthemanyways<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-1555698376902985432016-01-04T16:53:00.001-05:002016-01-04T16:53:41.533-05:00New Year, New YOU! ....Probably Still Dreaming About Them Carbs Tho...<div style="text-align: center;">
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVuWN_S0q-vEVvtHkx7i2lJ4dsCJ01WPlX_MvBTxJ3PasUbuzizhY59WLUL5LhHjakGv9b1YGYRe_gI_aT4YuuAXPz3Uujcvo24vbQBmS3spCgGhitAk5fbbXaRGxUP9LXeykA5XKbDc/s1600/IMG_5701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVuWN_S0q-vEVvtHkx7i2lJ4dsCJ01WPlX_MvBTxJ3PasUbuzizhY59WLUL5LhHjakGv9b1YGYRe_gI_aT4YuuAXPz3Uujcvo24vbQBmS3spCgGhitAk5fbbXaRGxUP9LXeykA5XKbDc/s320/IMG_5701.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noted: This outfit was a completely sober decision. Also, I like to smile. Smiling's my favourite. (Obviously my new Tinder photo.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*WARNING: Much swearing and vulgarity to follow*</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ahhh a brand new year and a new chance to make a completely new you! Hopefully one who is 30 pounds lighter, smarter, faster, stronger, and can avoid all free donuts at the office. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We can dream, can't we?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love New Years. Most of all because it's the perfect time to go on a diet. Millions of people around the world are right there with you. Either you're failing together, or you get to be SMUG because YOU DID IT. (So what if you tried to eat your pillow last night when you were dreaming about doughnuts? The wild and desperate look in your eye the next day only adds to your sex appeal!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being a model for Crohn's Disease means that I'm trying out a diet before my usual January colonoscopy. (Are you SO EXCITED for those details?! I AM!) I want my GI doctor to go in and come out saying 'I've never seen such beautiful intestines! Spotless!' I mean, if I could lose weight on this diet awesome, but I'm always aiming for the happy, beautiful on the inside(of my intestines) look.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whole30 is the name of the game. I mean, if you want to be cool about it, it's #Whole30 #Whole30crew #Whole30ohmygodwhencanIhavetoast #NEVER #Imeanitsonly30days</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm doing real good so far. I only just resorted to stress-eating a mashed banana with dry roasted pecans on top. Like a goddamn lady. Early I had attempted to make some homemade mayo. "All you do is mix these things" they said, "it's so simple" they said. Well you can suck it (not you Julia Child, you're lovely and I appreciated all your side tips and advice that nobody else gave.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I failed twice. Two things I hate wasting: time and food. My results were just a tangy liquid. Not what I was hoping for. Advice and tips encouraged, folks. Keep in mind, I do not have an emulsifier blender....though if you have one, feel free to give it to me. I was working with the hand mixer. Maybe next time I should go hardcore Julia Child method and whisk by hand!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways. My other New Years Resolutions are going quite well. My only real firm one every year: floss more. You just can't go wrong there. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I went a little crazy this year and made a list of eight things to work on. Here they are:</div>
<div>
1. Floss, it deserves repeating.</div>
<div>
2. None of your business.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N-umUjTAXjNX06qGWrPG2dACuaG5paFRgfAS61JR9-w0qoaktRi-a6olDPI2ulDsUfY9Sxs5d94SqZ30QnPNxe5xduS41YWV8LgRvUzVtmpjzPqxMCrP_6jPtQU2swlGCOarWME_ra8/s1600/IMG_5499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N-umUjTAXjNX06qGWrPG2dACuaG5paFRgfAS61JR9-w0qoaktRi-a6olDPI2ulDsUfY9Sxs5d94SqZ30QnPNxe5xduS41YWV8LgRvUzVtmpjzPqxMCrP_6jPtQU2swlGCOarWME_ra8/s320/IMG_5499.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It may involve multiple forms of therapy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
3. Be healthier.</div>
<div>
4. Reduce flare-ups. Had two before NYE and I am not okay with that.</div>
<div>
5. Read more. But also no buying new books. I must read all that I own, or make use of this really cool thing called a LIBRARY. My sister is going to be a librarian someday soon and I figure I should probably support her in her field. </div>
<div>
6. None of your business.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20uO7C7_osLLo6J0UhzDOyW3SnPmmanX5ySGR6FVO7noWSwsSAnZZLjoOrLlpccGKm0bxxaqG9kWSOBs5_ylC1AXIL60yvJgDBizNNuThdhxXEehgJPlcPh-5TusmVQp78ODxNwmTgQg/s1600/IMG_5213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20uO7C7_osLLo6J0UhzDOyW3SnPmmanX5ySGR6FVO7noWSwsSAnZZLjoOrLlpccGKm0bxxaqG9kWSOBs5_ylC1AXIL60yvJgDBizNNuThdhxXEehgJPlcPh-5TusmVQp78ODxNwmTgQg/s320/IMG_5213.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It may, or may not, be related to this saucy photo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
7. Pursue delight. (Which also includes pursuing things that make me laugh.)</div>
<div>
8. No booze January. (In relation to my diet, this is much easier! I enjoy my nightly tea. Although I did swoon a little when I turned down a scotch at a friends house. I held strong though. Smugness will be mine!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There. Isn't that lovely. Obviously the 'none of your business' ones must pertain to drugs, sex and rock 'n' roll. I mean, I'm so cool like that, clearly. *See first picture above for reference*</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whole30 hasn't said much about heroin use, so I'm pretty excited to get going.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
..</div>
<div>
...</div>
<div>
.....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am kidding, Mom. Seriously. Have you seen <i>Requiem for a Dream</i>? I saw that at 15 and oh my god, that will keep me church girl clean till I'm 80. After 80 all bets are off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What are your New Years Resolutions? If you need to borrow one of mine, I highly recommend number 1. Dental work is expensive and so, so horrible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lots of love, stay off drugs,</div>
<div>
Lindsay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kaJYTua5nExnNHza4CQhAXcJOKoLkmnGN4WTAJRl0fosaoyMsFazxRR1fYfHr1PLD7CnhBxXWO6AUqmY5roMuEvyvklNFAHJBCirH0AQgE-AM7oDx0ui-2pRm0LZ7hblbyLTNjMV_Xg/s1600/IMG_5621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kaJYTua5nExnNHza4CQhAXcJOKoLkmnGN4WTAJRl0fosaoyMsFazxRR1fYfHr1PLD7CnhBxXWO6AUqmY5roMuEvyvklNFAHJBCirH0AQgE-AM7oDx0ui-2pRm0LZ7hblbyLTNjMV_Xg/s320/IMG_5621.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-77717983984378056882015-12-03T06:39:00.001-05:002015-12-03T06:47:29.676-05:00When You Need A Little More HappyI woke up this morning at 4:33am because I was having a nightmare. With the state of the world right now, is it any surprise? Actually, it is a surprise. My nightmare was about being attacked in bed by a snowshoe crab.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A crab.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm not even entirely sure I know what a snowshoe crab looks like...is that even a thing...'snowshoe crab'? I'm sure I've heard it before... and I'm sure as hell not going to Google it because it looked terrifying in my nightmare and I don't want to research it more. Someone else get on it. I'll describe it to you and you can tell me if that's what it looks like.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And that's besides the point. I was being attacked because my arm got caught underneath it and, as everyone knows (in the world of this dream) if you get underneath a snowshoe crab, it will attack. My mother was not five feet away on the phone, distracted, and I could not get her attention to grab me a spoon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because everyone knows that a shiny spoon distracts the snowshoe crab. You gotta get the back of the spoon underneath the eyes and mouth of the crab and it calms right down, like a baby. (That's a thing right? Babies like shiny things and calm right down when they have them. Kind of like how I am with pizza and wine.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope my brother and sister-in-law aren't reading this because I really want to babysit my nephew and I'm not entirely sure I'm making a very good case for myself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ANYWAYS. I couldn't call out to my mother to get off the damn phone and get me a freaking spoon because my throat was dry and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't call out 'MOM'! I had to save my own damn self and pull myself out of the dream....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
....then I searched quite dramatically around my bed for a crab (not there, thank goodness). And pulled up the news on my phone and proceeded to cry over the recent mass shooting out in California.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
MY MORNING. SO FUN.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I've decided to give myself an exercise in creativity. Everyday I will post something ridiculous and silly. Because I want my world to have more ridiculousness and silliness in it. I am tired about crying over mass shootings, home grown terrorists, ISIS terrorists, Trump, refugees, bombing Syria, and I am really sick of how much DAMN FREEDOM we give snowshoe crabs, letting them just go wherever they please and letting terror win. NO MORE CRABS.<br />
<br />
I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to whatever poor marine biology student stumbled upon this post in search of more information on the snowshoe crab.<br />
<br />
THEY ARE TERRIFYING. DO YOU HAVE A SPOON??<br />
<br />
Right now here are 10 things that make me happy:<br />
<br />
1. 'Tis the season for Elf. Thank goodness for that movie. It's wonderful and I'm going to watch it on Friday night, in a onesie, with pizza and wine. Then I'm gonna watch Home Alone. Because if Kevin McCallister can face the scary world, so can I.<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://randomactsofdrama.blogspot.com/2015/04/looking-backin-horror-it-does-get.html" target="_blank">This post that I wrote. </a> It's very silly and I love it. Also, I have come so far.<br />
<br />
3. In order to save money for two trips to London next year (and also to fuel my Whole Foods addiction...*hangs head in shame*) I took on a part time dog walking job. It makes me so happy because everyday my clients (the dogs) are ECSTATIC to see me. "You're here?! For ME?! And we're WALKINGOMGGGGGGG!!!!" Who gets to have that much happy at their jobs? If you need a good laugh, I'd be happy to reenact the dog wiggle dance for you. Also, I have this one lab that can't handle how excited she is, so she lays down for a belly rub immediately when I come inside the house. Another dog, who is a very big black lab, gets so excited about a walk that he barks like a maniac then needs to go get a toy to calm himself down. Dogs are the kind of happy I want to be.<br />
<br />
4. I'm going to go to London in February. This makes my heart very, very happy.<br />
<br />
5. Coffee. I live in a world that has coffee.<br />
<br />
6. My nephew is almost 9 months old and he is the cutest thing EVER. He's cuter than puppies, guys. I can't share pics cause he's anti-social media and that is OK. Just know that he'll melt your heart. And someday I'm going to teach him the very best swear words. Then he'll be the cutest, foulmouthed child. And I'll be so proud I could give something back to this world.<br />
<br />
7. I actually got Candy Cane Joe-Joes this year. I'm already down one box and have another waiting in the wings.<br />
<br />
8. I have two weddings next year that I am SO EXCITED about being in. Next summer is going to be stellar.<br />
<br />
9. All the very best humans I know are reproducing. Which is real good. We need all the good humans we can get.<br />
<br />
10. I thought at some point I would have gotten sick of Chipotle. Nope. Just tried out their Sofritas in a burrito bowl and it is all I can think about right now. WHEN can I have that again?? Despite recent issues they've had, it can't scare me away. You know, if you want to get me Christmas gifts this year, I would not be opposed to Chipotle gift cards. Seriously. One time in London, I went so frequently that the workers at the St. Martin's Lane location would just slip me a free burrito card because they knew how happy it would make me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay. That's all for now. I'm going to go make some coffee and tackle some things for the day. Probably gonna carry a spoon around with me all day. Fucking crabs....<br />
<br />
xxLindsay</div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-32225162601303146342015-09-07T06:08:00.001-04:002015-09-07T06:11:02.799-04:00London Food LoveLONDON I AM IN YOU.<br />
<br />
<br />
All the happiness right now. I arrived on Tuesday and have been running wild since. And by running wild, I mean I deleted MyFitnessPal calorie tracker before I arrived and life since then...<br />
<br />
has.<br />
<br />
Been.<br />
<br />
Glorious.<br />
<br />
Fuck calorie counting.<br />
<br />
Here's what I've been eating in London:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkWBp8b3EkYffCauSDc3YlaTEHS0zLTRwBaWG7TXdbIHHaSthDQoQr0lNxiBVzhl-L4fvwY5kCCpSQ4hFlOWKvQ4CV06vCqcX7t4RjUaM2DH23HB_TwoH84dvJq6oi1lVPJ3yOkKPYJ0/s1600/IMG_5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkWBp8b3EkYffCauSDc3YlaTEHS0zLTRwBaWG7TXdbIHHaSthDQoQr0lNxiBVzhl-L4fvwY5kCCpSQ4hFlOWKvQ4CV06vCqcX7t4RjUaM2DH23HB_TwoH84dvJq6oi1lVPJ3yOkKPYJ0/s320/IMG_5097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The required eating upon arrival in London. I have a fondness for this pub over by London Bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTfXu9uoEfVjXQxmF5q08YyMV36MgrXBWNltYwQSEw_matJ6-nEvZWJDvdvYVwig_tjqwmRHhOly6SyDizk8zzHyorTV8icFfVQrH9d4oY8eZcfIUWZLCi8Bdm0larZI-cbOqkRY4Xz8/s1600/IMG_5103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTfXu9uoEfVjXQxmF5q08YyMV36MgrXBWNltYwQSEw_matJ6-nEvZWJDvdvYVwig_tjqwmRHhOly6SyDizk8zzHyorTV8icFfVQrH9d4oY8eZcfIUWZLCi8Bdm0larZI-cbOqkRY4Xz8/s320/IMG_5103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked donuts in Shoreditch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XJ18CFP6VAOx8_3w-BO_4Tcuv5ZUUsfxe-lw53gusulaqyYFuaqtNuTpNPS2IiDZcHQaRFlFqIAtrKU7fFHMQYgyYZ8rMnbHzoHO0LfCaD8nPnHx198Ehdzg-OUfh_LOCD8FtbfJDZQ/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XJ18CFP6VAOx8_3w-BO_4Tcuv5ZUUsfxe-lw53gusulaqyYFuaqtNuTpNPS2IiDZcHQaRFlFqIAtrKU7fFHMQYgyYZ8rMnbHzoHO0LfCaD8nPnHx198Ehdzg-OUfh_LOCD8FtbfJDZQ/s320/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L1CfpusMiiOD0sikTDKwuQdbOk_Qz-rEF0A-j9qqj0X7GoQbay9rl1lVYPO-PFVpt8Q9WYZXd0-qgDfYEdblWOS22hEZFkikiQlVhex1ICLcwec-3wQH0kdvryc5sdJfoV6ydq0IZgQ/s1600/IMG_5104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L1CfpusMiiOD0sikTDKwuQdbOk_Qz-rEF0A-j9qqj0X7GoQbay9rl1lVYPO-PFVpt8Q9WYZXd0-qgDfYEdblWOS22hEZFkikiQlVhex1ICLcwec-3wQH0kdvryc5sdJfoV6ydq0IZgQ/s320/IMG_5104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're baked and therefore healthy. Yes I ate both. I don't share, don't be ridiculous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WHnd8CfxQR0ICawyw7oHnQ4vmEkAFsK2Rt2NbwnK82Z9eQ-WdvfFo3igQa4SR1rRfLpyPR5Eh1_HJb5Y_IHXV1FFIs8osd8XZT4eobyl0Wkiz_tAuMMImNk2ogVmeiS4s7-HTwyk1FQ/s1600/IMG_5121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WHnd8CfxQR0ICawyw7oHnQ4vmEkAFsK2Rt2NbwnK82Z9eQ-WdvfFo3igQa4SR1rRfLpyPR5Eh1_HJb5Y_IHXV1FFIs8osd8XZT4eobyl0Wkiz_tAuMMImNk2ogVmeiS4s7-HTwyk1FQ/s320/IMG_5121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovering the wonderful filter coffee available at <a href="http://pages.rapha.cc/clubs/london/club-cafe" target="_blank">Rapha Cycle Club</a>'s cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fun fact: if you want to have a coffee like you would in America, that's a drip coffee. Sometimes called filter coffee. Though to a coffee aficionado (i.e. snob)*<i>avoids eye contact*</i>, filter and drip are very different things. There's drip, filter and pour over actually and all are different. Pour over is the best though. FACT.<br />
<br />
Most places do not serve it as they have an espresso machine or they have instant coffee (which is <i>disgusting</i>, and you won't convince me otherwise). Neither of these options give you a drip or filter coffee (if you weren't aware). Places with an espresso machine will offer an Americano, specifically named because it's similar in style to what we drink in America. But it's just espresso diluted with hot water. I am not a huge fan, but it'll do in a pinch.<br />
<br />
I have found that my beloved Jamie's Italian no longer serves pour over coffee in Greenwich and I was rejected from all other coffee shops there with a sneer every time I asked for filter coffee. I went into Rapha Cycle Club in Central London asking for an Americano and got the the most magical response: <br />
<br />
'Americano? No, you really should try our filter coffee.'<br />
<br />
I love them. The wedding will be next year, early June. There will be a reception that everyone is invited to and we'll be serving only filter coffee. And baked donuts. Obviously.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now when I'm not on the search for the perfect coffee in London (which even I find slightly ironic considering I love everything about England. You'd think I'd be all about the tea every day. But seriously. Don't mess with my coffee intake. Even in England I must have my coffee), I can usually be found consuming wine and cheese and all the British foods.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3GXrAMqBJ3T6s5eM9g1gqra8B4o0qv40ZJ2pIfexfCmm1m1HoPOGVM7FEKMw4N4ZgFdu-Jwvzt6QhHZXGdML7Lkezeob8_22oVfxJt0AZKsfIn9aGX7o56xvhZb0X3IMDG6uT_RIhWg/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3GXrAMqBJ3T6s5eM9g1gqra8B4o0qv40ZJ2pIfexfCmm1m1HoPOGVM7FEKMw4N4ZgFdu-Jwvzt6QhHZXGdML7Lkezeob8_22oVfxJt0AZKsfIn9aGX7o56xvhZb0X3IMDG6uT_RIhWg/s320/IMG_5132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not, this was what I had in Blackheath <i>prior</i> to going to a friend's house for dinner. Don't underestimate my ability to pack it in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiT-iLIP95wtIW6Iy12vf_bVTig-5DuzrdKy6hB0uFNUEzmdddHXv2BHFG_xdqTUmSGVpm1FI-9FpD7W91TWMPvI6XnDDzGHZ8yeeC-iXzvEp-k-xXMDc9ISSi80iusPkkvPt2Sllauq4/s1600/IMG_5138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiT-iLIP95wtIW6Iy12vf_bVTig-5DuzrdKy6hB0uFNUEzmdddHXv2BHFG_xdqTUmSGVpm1FI-9FpD7W91TWMPvI6XnDDzGHZ8yeeC-iXzvEp-k-xXMDc9ISSi80iusPkkvPt2Sllauq4/s320/IMG_5138.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scotch Egg from The Gypsy Moth in Greenwich. One of my favourite British foods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I still have many more places I plan on eating before the end of my trip. Many more. Though this week I plan on going super cheap. I'm doing lunch every day for under £10. It's really not that hard to do in London and I want to prove it. And I'm not talking about eating at the local Sainsbury's everyday either.<i> (Puh-lease, I am totally an M&S girl.)</i><br />
<br />
So here's to touristing, eating all the good stuff, and adventures with all the lovely people. (I'm 100% going to be eating dinner with <a href="http://rhymeandribbons.com/" target="_blank">this girl</a>. She's my foodie soulmate. And my weirdo dark humor soulmate. We're just made for each other basically and someday I'm sure her and Sam will be adopting me. You can adopt a 30 year old child right??)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATSKiwBWHRm2lcK9ifOK56T8HjDumKLIpEa4_Pymnxl3no4MxrTNyo4fD6OwMbj41FWO09Awl8EUQ5VGYMwLp2J9ljrVp1q3zvsOMiY8GGUmLPqBnhgv-kMvVd9HrSzJBUUrRhFNwyU8/s1600/IMG_5111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATSKiwBWHRm2lcK9ifOK56T8HjDumKLIpEa4_Pymnxl3no4MxrTNyo4fD6OwMbj41FWO09Awl8EUQ5VGYMwLp2J9ljrVp1q3zvsOMiY8GGUmLPqBnhgv-kMvVd9HrSzJBUUrRhFNwyU8/s320/IMG_5111.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope. Not at all embarrassed to take the VERY tourist-y picture with a phone box. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
xxLindsay<br />
<br />LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-17542841251542228652015-08-26T17:05:00.001-04:002015-08-26T17:05:11.391-04:00Wednesday: What I'm Lovin' OnI just made that up. That title probably makes it sound like this will be a weekly feature. It won't be. I'm not that organised...yet. Just you wait. Once I figure out how to be one of those organised people...WORLD DOMINATION. Till then I just have a few things I've been loving lately and I'd like to share.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcf2ar21dBaFN2_JR7XogGxALO7HSfclxY1EEBKXnFsp42y7CJOkwVO0_psuuDFRr4uiLWwVAF0VrRGpzanutdMbSDapyQxc6wzBRKZ9dkQbk9Yx2kAoHgJTKRtsuq6jf5pcyi5HjpoeY/s1600/IMG_5065.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcf2ar21dBaFN2_JR7XogGxALO7HSfclxY1EEBKXnFsp42y7CJOkwVO0_psuuDFRr4uiLWwVAF0VrRGpzanutdMbSDapyQxc6wzBRKZ9dkQbk9Yx2kAoHgJTKRtsuq6jf5pcyi5HjpoeY/s320/IMG_5065.PNG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1. Cheese. I was all "giving you up cheese for the week leading up to my London trip. You're in my life too much, f*ing with my calorie count for the day. How <i>dare</i> you." That lasted an agonising 36 hours. Silly me. Cheese is the best thing ever. NEVER LEAVE ME CHEESE. Especially you Gouda. And you, Aged Cheddar.<br />
<br />
2. Bloggers on Snapchat. That's right folks. Bloggers are getting naked for followers. The end is nigh. ... I am totally kidding about that. I really don't want to know so much about a blogger that I can tell you what their bits look like., though I'm sure they're <i>lovely.</i> Bloggers are, in fact, using Snapchat to connect on the daily with their followers and I am digging it. Currently my favs are (listed as their Snapchat handle to easily add): poppyloves (<a href="http://www.poppyloves.co.uk/" target="_blank">Poppy Loves London</a>), omghellogemma (<a href="http://www.hellogemma.com/" target="_blank">Hello Gemma</a>), tricia_rosas (<a href="http://www.patriciaparisienne.com/" target="_blank">Patricia Parisienne</a>), and patriciabfrance (<a href="http://www.patriciabinfrance.com/" target="_blank">Patricia Baret in France</a>). And I'm not going to lie to you, I only read Poppy and Patricia B's blogs. Gemma and Patricia Parisienne I follow on Instagram. Some people I enjoy on Instagram best because they have so much going on that I can't keep up and instead I like to get little bits from them. Thank you Instagram/Twitter/Snapchat for limiting people. Snapchat story is such a quick sneaky peak into someone else's life. And if other bloggers want to start, even though you can't prove to others who's following you, it's still fun because you can see who is viewing your Snap stories. I am addicted.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKB2EP1XQZuXzWbF51k87-VKGVvm76NWaXS054vUZqpH2IJ5YuZEK35gpJNgm9mvN7j7cqh8puKkbWqCPv1rr5PnhyphenhyphenRbLhxSvaNqNW2U_8h2mbatz227y7ZZ5fRkMCSEsKgWHNV5kmlgE/s1600/IMG_5067.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKB2EP1XQZuXzWbF51k87-VKGVvm76NWaXS054vUZqpH2IJ5YuZEK35gpJNgm9mvN7j7cqh8puKkbWqCPv1rr5PnhyphenhyphenRbLhxSvaNqNW2U_8h2mbatz227y7ZZ5fRkMCSEsKgWHNV5kmlgE/s320/IMG_5067.PNG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use my Snapchat to make only one really good ace joke a year. That's it. AND YOU MISSED IT. Maybe you should come be friends with me on Snapchat and not feel the fool next time: lindsaydinsyday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
3.I'm heading to London next Monday night and will land on English soil on Tuesday morning. I AM SO DAMN EXCITED.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8daW_U1xiLK_FXk1Wh1egVt4iC-85EL11IE4M-22TuRsTXp62sfCyu4wSriHqdkg4wtR0KDXuSDykpgU9yV6-t2n153LbNLu6IHybdsdcNKFWg_SC368Iw8Demiwf5Q_B6ylDKfXNaXE/s1600/539792_696479832140_1718642968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8daW_U1xiLK_FXk1Wh1egVt4iC-85EL11IE4M-22TuRsTXp62sfCyu4wSriHqdkg4wtR0KDXuSDykpgU9yV6-t2n153LbNLu6IHybdsdcNKFWg_SC368Iw8Demiwf5Q_B6ylDKfXNaXE/s320/539792_696479832140_1718642968_n.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, on a visit in 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Plans are being made to hang out with friends and I have a very, <b>very</b> long list of food I need to eat. PRIORITIES! Food, then friends....I mean....friends than food. Preferably friends with food. Yeah, that'd be good.<br />
<br />
4. I got a bike for my birthday and she is absolutely wonderful! Yes she. And yes she has a name: Bella Blu. Because I am just that kind of girl. Experiencing my corner of DC on a bike is making things a little bit brighter these days. And I need all the bright happy things I can get.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvqUBw95bGaterCdyYMSUhCJKreNx63y5FUeuOEbHbRweDwuNrJICJgdVtP2A07Yjh5Y8_RYjgPxPyI0AN3k-5M-EnVrsPr7DtYYWLeSgOI2Z2FloApN1YsI5eW10E91ziFb5IfP4SlM/s1600/11707874_917809111490_3433610782255246167_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvqUBw95bGaterCdyYMSUhCJKreNx63y5FUeuOEbHbRweDwuNrJICJgdVtP2A07Yjh5Y8_RYjgPxPyI0AN3k-5M-EnVrsPr7DtYYWLeSgOI2Z2FloApN1YsI5eW10E91ziFb5IfP4SlM/s320/11707874_917809111490_3433610782255246167_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
5. My little sister sending me photos of my family dog hard at work at the family business.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8STkwJNvbSgIP2q8WAYtsxrAuxbsJs__9y9b-Sk5xS6_3-fL3hVLYTFnQ9OK-gR0LStRe9CTWVDrMSNYAG_qGEFWXPkyxH_xzfoBNCYLSxKw9Y3MoC2Yw_nrVta33rcHfU0tlXFQreZ4/s1600/IMG_5060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8STkwJNvbSgIP2q8WAYtsxrAuxbsJs__9y9b-Sk5xS6_3-fL3hVLYTFnQ9OK-gR0LStRe9CTWVDrMSNYAG_qGEFWXPkyxH_xzfoBNCYLSxKw9Y3MoC2Yw_nrVta33rcHfU0tlXFQreZ4/s320/IMG_5060.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hello, Charles speaking..." "Umm sir, that's a banana." "Well that attitude is going to get you NOWHERE in this company! You have to <i style="font-weight: bold;">beeeeeeelieve</i>!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. My parents came down to DC recently to help my brother and his wife move apartments. I love having family down here. I don't want to live in upstate New York and wish my whole family would just move where ever I lived. So come on guys, let's all figure out UK visa's! Let's go!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSMTh87SgSnBDB9YPp5ZCRddb8tLa1fUw0N9zvJ3q0wiZwcffX29u-Yoja-OGYTekOLwetxmOA7CBzQH_PP3uq5q2Yyq0f_Pzkq4azL-hMlZ9XfTWkbICNv3KFc6b9KSTby31C_WlOPA/s1600/IMG_5026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSMTh87SgSnBDB9YPp5ZCRddb8tLa1fUw0N9zvJ3q0wiZwcffX29u-Yoja-OGYTekOLwetxmOA7CBzQH_PP3uq5q2Yyq0f_Pzkq4azL-hMlZ9XfTWkbICNv3KFc6b9KSTby31C_WlOPA/s320/IMG_5026.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving is hard. Moving requires beer.<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
7. Before my parents left we all had breakfast at Ted's Bulletin and I got to enjoy being the only person there on time for once. It's an amazing feeling not being the one who's late. I would like to make that feeling happen more often. Also I rewarded myself with coffee and a Ted's salted caramel tart. So. Freaking. Good. Their pastry tarts (technically a pop tart but I don't think they're allowed to call them that officially) have two or three main flavours all the time and then they have seasonal ones rotating. Salted caramel is a seasonal one and it was divine. Also, a sugar bomb. But once in a while is okay right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hS4hhnBlXFvSHkCsHisTtgKcz9AboLaDp3lYHFp1x5pQgQLwRjLsaxkST24csrSJGaXIWXFzG92um8aPDEj86EgXJS-bSlWYzikuI2LhxPop4iFMMfUI_wkftJwSu7FDJeF98mM8EEw/s1600/IMG_5036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hS4hhnBlXFvSHkCsHisTtgKcz9AboLaDp3lYHFp1x5pQgQLwRjLsaxkST24csrSJGaXIWXFzG92um8aPDEj86EgXJS-bSlWYzikuI2LhxPop4iFMMfUI_wkftJwSu7FDJeF98mM8EEw/s320/IMG_5036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anything you're lovin' on right now? Especially food things. Send me your food porn on Snapchat....cause that's what it was created for right? RIGHT?!<br />
<br />
In innocence, yours,<br />
Lindsay<br />
xxLindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-49408487816100615642015-08-25T08:17:00.001-04:002015-08-25T08:17:11.265-04:00Working From Home Means..Things I have learned about working from home:<br />
<br />
1. My housemates think that I don't own real clothes, just many, many types of pajamas.<br />
<br />
2. If I am within 10-10,000 feet of the kitchen I will constantly be thinking about what I can eat next. So that is approximately always. The house isn't that big.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlMgDpTk8y155vwx3IDVFnq8HUWxJHB3sPSdJTJTGK2Bqfe8j6J1IdyfrOPQoAJNod00GjZfWvdy8aDUhMzSj6JGjK7fy72tP4Y9FJzptNtq_mH9LNSZEE0xkCcSjd5ZGctvgoWLjT1g/s1600/11882333_921386542290_9133878630592141691_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlMgDpTk8y155vwx3IDVFnq8HUWxJHB3sPSdJTJTGK2Bqfe8j6J1IdyfrOPQoAJNod00GjZfWvdy8aDUhMzSj6JGjK7fy72tP4Y9FJzptNtq_mH9LNSZEE0xkCcSjd5ZGctvgoWLjT1g/s320/11882333_921386542290_9133878630592141691_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My housemate left me alone for an hour with her home baked cookies. Bad decision, Raven. I get all kinds of crazy ideas when I'm on my own. DON'T LEAVE ME TO FEND FOR MYSELF.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
3. After being in a room the size of a prison cell for two years in London, I frequently run up to my new room that is the size of TWO prison cells put together so I can admire, spin around, and clap my hands in delight like a deranged toddler. Also, somebody let me paint my room unsupervised....I made some art:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB8fzACFo8cL4JmlGDEyMQPZ5AaL9iVpoI59XcrQJYvjWnHfTb3Qd-9W7e-9fiBwqo-oRdYPBI4YNuo4rjnlbUz83zke1HEqJhQFHOEJsczf7pad2Iw2H-LSwudIFjBy4Ck53Uflbki8/s1600/2015-04-20+18.06.39-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB8fzACFo8cL4JmlGDEyMQPZ5AaL9iVpoI59XcrQJYvjWnHfTb3Qd-9W7e-9fiBwqo-oRdYPBI4YNuo4rjnlbUz83zke1HEqJhQFHOEJsczf7pad2Iw2H-LSwudIFjBy4Ck53Uflbki8/s1600/2015-04-20+18.06.39-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
4. It is fairly impossible for me to do any work in the morning. But that can be a positive thing as I then turn around at lunch time and guilt myself into working out and doing loads of real work in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
5. I am the nosy neighbour. I know which ones are at home during the day, which ones have children, and which house has the cute pit bull. I have popcorn at the ready for the moments when the neighbours want to argue with the DC tow truck drivers attempting to haul their vehicles away for over due parking tickets. I SEE IT ALL.<br />
<br />
6. Making cushion forts is not that fun anymore since you have to clean it up yourself when you're done, because you are an adult now. And if you don't, everyone assumes you've been day drinking.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZLhJshiiUIMq-0fPvow5VRF0xX3h2g7wtswPdog23ZI1uqnKobCHiSBBAgSSrYj74TwfphdxKF9WUbeJWShyphenhyphenUtDB1gOQ49ZqPj56GdD0R1OnxmMdfs4_JreqNd53HumhQI5O0dj37iQ/s1600/11079571_879183911700_6490869515407022517_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZLhJshiiUIMq-0fPvow5VRF0xX3h2g7wtswPdog23ZI1uqnKobCHiSBBAgSSrYj74TwfphdxKF9WUbeJWShyphenhyphenUtDB1gOQ49ZqPj56GdD0R1OnxmMdfs4_JreqNd53HumhQI5O0dj37iQ/s320/11079571_879183911700_6490869515407022517_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes I play around with my very first phone I had from when I was 15. ... Yeah I may need to get out more.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
7. I get sick and I do not live with my mother who would take care of me. Day drinking does occur as a form of self-medication. I present to you: Hot Toddy Deconstructed. Bourbon and hot tea will help just about any cold. No really. I read that somewhere.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMgSIBw_PENZxpCM4xI3W9XzllXORt2Daix-jdG-k75TNQ-cyBYfC4jijpz98jlSH7DpsLUdClDjQflweL4UADN1uY-Rv5EnWZVQ7y0QnHTCWpp7blVyDrUgspJJvyExG7ae28XlVfzM/s1600/11128810_890888999610_3538771629334194146_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMgSIBw_PENZxpCM4xI3W9XzllXORt2Daix-jdG-k75TNQ-cyBYfC4jijpz98jlSH7DpsLUdClDjQflweL4UADN1uY-Rv5EnWZVQ7y0QnHTCWpp7blVyDrUgspJJvyExG7ae28XlVfzM/s320/11128810_890888999610_3538771629334194146_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There's a chance that I would act more like a normal human being if I held a regular 9-5 day job.<br />
<br />
But let's not risk it, just in case.<br />
<br />
xxLindsayLindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-78083712069898748642015-08-24T19:43:00.002-04:002015-08-24T19:47:05.666-04:00Meatless Monday...I Guess. If I Must.Forgive me Bloggers Who Bake, for I have sinned.<br />
<br />
Last night I became one of <i>those</i> people.<br />
<br />
I gave an honest-to-god go at making a cookie in a cup. You know, the throw a bunch of ingredients into a cup and microwave it in a sad attempt to make a single serving of a cookie. In a cup.<br />
<br />
It turned out embarrassingly awful. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Never again</i>. I'm just going to pretend that glutinous sin of cooking never happened.<br />
<br />
Lately I have been trying to put in the effort to cook at home. One of those gallant affairs is now going to be thrown into ..... Meatless Mondays (sigh).<br />
<br />
I know, I know. Don't worry. I'm still hardcore omnivore. Never fear, breakfast bacon, I still love you. But I clearly need to eat healthier and make better life choices.<br />
<br />
Nobody should ever be faced with the option of making a cookie in a cup.<br />
<br />
I've done a few of my Monday's meatless here in America, trying out the veggie lifestyle again. I'm definitely not clueless in this area. At least not as clueless as someone thinking a cookie in a cup is a good idea. Without adult baker supervision.<br />
<br />
The many years of struggling with my Crohn's means I've tried a lot of different diets: vegetarianism, veganism and even Macrobiotics. None of them ever stuck. Probably because my body really, really needs those sweet B12 vitamins. Or just bacon full stop.<br />
<br />
But I really want to be a better cook and I do care about the environment. Which means trying to be a little more veggie, a little more often. So here's what I've thrown together, mostly without recipe, and has turned out much less embarrassingly then the aforementioned Cookie Debacle.<br />
<br />
Jacket Potato with cheese, roasted broccoli with lemon. Simple and straight to the point.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwmyfbaeAtQLkBSbkJIL7FGFfe2Hd_vGArN4osus0vtmn743n245C3nfpccgL3gTvRbt06G9XIM0q2VlO55SA3U63Od4X4O8KUTnm-9nmwVvqtQLhnnphRIIEUfSZM_weOXJMX1AZR_E/s1600/IMG_4800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwmyfbaeAtQLkBSbkJIL7FGFfe2Hd_vGArN4osus0vtmn743n245C3nfpccgL3gTvRbt06G9XIM0q2VlO55SA3U63Od4X4O8KUTnm-9nmwVvqtQLhnnphRIIEUfSZM_weOXJMX1AZR_E/s320/IMG_4800.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art provided via my sexy, sleek camera....I mean my iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I call the next one <b>Pasta a la Wha Da Fuuuuck.....Is In This, Cause It's Amazing</b>. (Working title)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Herbed goat's cheese, roasted red onion, sun dried tomatoes, spinach wilted in the hot pasta, dressing: garlic and ginger pressed, olive oil, fresh lemon juice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayzcREPXzpkZ7VeQAcsRF1ZXiGIJGNkcWsfXAO9BPQgLAUOx2L5YRqgqZqFthrz70EEXydjEcBYjC5dOg5VFFUxg8O5WNSmb4TJq8_Nm1AKhn_blsycV5JOWDGLtXUOy9gqlH6hS-NCQ/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayzcREPXzpkZ7VeQAcsRF1ZXiGIJGNkcWsfXAO9BPQgLAUOx2L5YRqgqZqFthrz70EEXydjEcBYjC5dOg5VFFUxg8O5WNSmb4TJq8_Nm1AKhn_blsycV5JOWDGLtXUOy9gqlH6hS-NCQ/s320/IMG_4803.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Clearly I am picky about what kind of veggie meals I eat. I veer on the side of Mediterranean style or straight up pub food. Recipe suggestions welcome. Nothing too crazy where I have to purchase all kind of strange things. I like simple. Though maybe something a little more complicated the flour, egg, butter, sugar in a cup.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Never again.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
xxLindsayLindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-50530642863983630642015-08-23T16:08:00.001-04:002015-08-23T16:08:02.296-04:00Things As Of LateRight this very moment I am eating Stilton cheese infused with candied lemon peel and it is fucking delicious. I am also considering going to get a donut and coffee because those are two things DC does very well. (HOW MUCH have you missed my blog updates, world? I bet you've been sitting there thinking...'Gee, I wonder what Lindsay has eaten today or is considering eating?' Maybe you should check out my <a href="https://instagram.com/lindsaydinsyday/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> account, mmm? Lots of really horrible food pictures there. Lots of opportunity to be the creepy, creepy life stalkers we all know we are but only admit to in therapy.)<br />
<br />
I want to get back into the blogging game as I've always taken such delight in it and some of my funniest material comes out best in blog format. Also, Amanda is back at the <a href="http://rhymeandribbons.com/2015/08/madeira-cake.html" target="_blank">British Bake Off Bake Along</a> blog posts (say that twenty times fast) and those are always my favourites. Which means I must get back into a regular blog reading, if not blog posting.<br />
<br />
I am back in America and let me tell you....repatriating is a bitch. Language necessary. I hate it. It's worse then the first time I did it after my year abroad in college. But then again, the first time I repatriated back, I just turned 21 that summer, so many of those months were spent in a slight G&T haze of delight. So it couldn't have been as bad as this.<br />
<br />
Things I did not expect:<br />
-Dealing with a mild case of depression since I've been back. It sucks. It's tiring. Apparently it can be pretty common when you have a big life change. But this depression also means my creativity seems to have been sucked from me, making everything I use to love doing extremely difficult. I have many things planned to help myself get over this blue period, fear not.<br />
<br />
-I did not expect to have a hard time making friends in a city where I have friends. Sometimes it feels like I'm auditioning for a role that I originated, but no one is quite sure if I can pull it off again. Even though the role is Me. Me As Your Friend. It's a weird place to be in, but I'm sure I'll work it out by getting real aggressive with my social calender. Or maybe I'll just stay home in my pjs and have a binge rewatch session of Doctor Who while eating bacon. Wait and see what happens. If suddenly I just balloon up, send for help.<br />
<br />
-The American food is not as good as some of the American-style foods in England. I have yet to find a really, really delicious burger and I miss Byron so bad. What's up with that? I fully understand and accept that my citizenship may be revoked as a result of that statement.<br />
<br />
-I moved back to DC and now weed is legal. WHATTHEWHAT? 4/20 was a day where AdMo neighbourhood spent handing out free seeds to grow (as you can't sell them legally). Now what I'd really like to know is....where's the lifestyle blog that's modelled for the weed lifestyle? Something quite girly in pink and white, with instructional how-to's on properly baking pot brownies for your gluten free guests. Maybe a nice Pinterst board all about matching your pipe to your outfit of the day? Who's with me on this?<br />
<br />
-America is struggling with a lot of harsh stuff. We could see it all going down from England. The police shootings, public shoot ups, the war on women and their reproductive rights... It's a different thing seeing it from the US. In comparison, seeing it from the UK was like seeing The USA Issues Lite. I was not prepared for the amount of racism I've seen, or the fact that so many people really, really hate my womb, or.......<i>the worst thing of all</i>, now I won't be able to sneak food into movie theatres because they're doing bag checks for guns. It's a scary place being in, without an ocean between you and the Republican party.<br />
<br />
<br />
Clearly, adjusting to being back here is taking me some time. I've set up a few things in order to help me along my path to feeling more comfortable here. I just started working for a farm one day a week and I get paid in vegetables!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzL6Oc3IoXCQf8rGiWJ1KNPAh8zUYFrKTLicHu1s22uDJXpy4vlmNUgmc5ghjoa9P7pSNGyA8ya32eDgL_xytuDF65OQNBj1A4J4idJaDtop6rLwvuLm9LsYjuktiR3STZp4KSPRSTQE/s1600/IMG_5016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzL6Oc3IoXCQf8rGiWJ1KNPAh8zUYFrKTLicHu1s22uDJXpy4vlmNUgmc5ghjoa9P7pSNGyA8ya32eDgL_xytuDF65OQNBj1A4J4idJaDtop6rLwvuLm9LsYjuktiR3STZp4KSPRSTQE/s320/IMG_5016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I haven't a clue what half of these things are. Luckily, this is America. Everything can be fried.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Now I just need to find a place that will give me free donuts and coffee.<br />
<br />
I'm starting volunteer training for a DC animal shelter soon as well. Thank god. I need a puppy fix in my life. Who doesn't need a puppy fix?<br />
<br />
The other two things that are currently providing a big distraction from my malaise is two fitness challenges I just jumped right into without thinking much about (ahh that's the ol' Lindsay I know and love). I'm running a half marathon on October 31st in Philly because of reasons like: my aunt and my brother are running it, I want to buy a new running outfit for it, this is just an excuse to run long enough to need one of those gels that taste like velvety chocolate, and also cause I don't really want to participate in the usual American Halloween revelry of getting piss ass drunk and making bad outfit decisions. I think I've made enough memories from those Halloweens of Old to keep me shuddering in embarrassment well into my 80s.<br />
<br />
The second challenge is signing up for a charity walk in NYC with two of my college friends. Turns out....you have to actually train for this kind of walk as it is <b>39 miles in two days</b>. For some reason in my head I thought, 'nooooo problem'. Well guess what I learned? RUNNING IS SO MUCH EASIER. I am dead serious. I'd rather run 10 miles then walk 10. I'm hurting in all kinds of new ways. It's weird. My feet are not happy. Also FUCK this weather, DC you suck. Humidity is no way to die, but DC sure is trying to MURDER ME.<br />
<br />
I feel you should all take pity on me and donate to my walk. I pledged to raise $1800 but haven't gotten very far due to much of summer spent running around going 'it's not depression, it's hormones!' and my doctor saying 'it ain't hormones. Now stop crying into that donut.'<br />
<br />
I've done fundraising before, but right now it feels like people are less likely to donate money when you are not fundraising for something you currently suffering from. People were all about donating to my Crohn's fundraiser........though that might have been to stop me from talking so much about bowels. This time around I'm raising money for breast cancer research. I still can't believe it's something we do not have a handle on yet. This particular charity really won me over because they're not just about donating to the research, they're all about helping the people with breast cancer and their families get through a tough time. I can relate. Donate here: <a href="http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/lindsayweldon" target="_blank">the link that leads to doing good things with your life.</a><br />
<br />
Please consider donating. Don't make me hold a bake sale. Trust me, no body wants that.<br />
<br />
Check back in on Friday's for a fitness update. I can do planks for, like, a whole minute now without swearing like a sailor. Have I impressed you with my physical feats yet?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8A8H8WMm6oZu3-N6XwoiY4QhQca3nn_Ctq8h-0HJ3akGeAArsj6V6pY_ycZge1rpTcbxQ6b6oKPdm5CMp1ixKiCK7zIOySdM3oxaSBnbdCd0E0FkQgUNG1CQvZotfIqM4aqMFPh709I/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8A8H8WMm6oZu3-N6XwoiY4QhQca3nn_Ctq8h-0HJ3akGeAArsj6V6pY_ycZge1rpTcbxQ6b6oKPdm5CMp1ixKiCK7zIOySdM3oxaSBnbdCd0E0FkQgUNG1CQvZotfIqM4aqMFPh709I/s320/IMG_4968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
xxLindsay<br />
<br />
<br />LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-63987088967589797342015-04-16T18:05:00.001-04:002015-04-16T18:05:06.257-04:00Looking Back....In Horror. (It Does Get Better, Kids)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everyone knows that you need to look at where you've been in order to figure out where you're going.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...or something like that anyways. I don't know. I'm not google. I don't have all the answers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since coming back to America in March, I've been trying to figure out my place in this world. I'm in DC again, I have a job, a whole new set of skills thanks to my MA that involve a whole lot of interpretive dance and a fondness for group massage. The world is my oyster. So of course I'm mildly panicked and haven't left the house. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mom passed me some old school pictures a few weeks ago and I'm hoping by analysing the person in each one will help me to figure out where I'm going.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's see shall we?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It all started with sweet innocence. She's just an adorable little elf. This picture says 'I like to giggle and play. Everything is sunshine-y! Let's be friends!'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9UH7_GHvHsYY4ZKJN6cavlfgb22f2KfRcxHDvaOwOmFYwfJlcmSsinozXsmskqjJTsaAxXVrpyRGDHah_q1CENYQt76XhFE8MMqR3aQBlGB2DCNAFMVOF_TJ3iKTMWBjp9_AxzW7_78/s1600/2015-04-16+16.46.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9UH7_GHvHsYY4ZKJN6cavlfgb22f2KfRcxHDvaOwOmFYwfJlcmSsinozXsmskqjJTsaAxXVrpyRGDHah_q1CENYQt76XhFE8MMqR3aQBlGB2DCNAFMVOF_TJ3iKTMWBjp9_AxzW7_78/s1600/2015-04-16+16.46.39.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then we move on to loveliness and 'such a good little girl'. Look, she even likes to pretend she's a sailor! She is trustworthy and will make an excellent girl scout. She clearly likes cookies cause she is all sugar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyWZa_jv23Y3lFHdhcPVXjuT2oU8JWb93CVUmLxof6Ue18jekclRf6n2aoD9-eFt_GjSTqdLtQg5sPToR1toRj80LA5K58f506Tt4Of-DY5tJKojrgt94mY2qrFgMaPnEhctkP4y2GPU/s1600/2015-04-16+16.46.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyWZa_jv23Y3lFHdhcPVXjuT2oU8JWb93CVUmLxof6Ue18jekclRf6n2aoD9-eFt_GjSTqdLtQg5sPToR1toRj80LA5K58f506Tt4Of-DY5tJKojrgt94mY2qrFgMaPnEhctkP4y2GPU/s1600/2015-04-16+16.46.55.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay, okay, so there's a little bit more rebellion here. Making her own fashion choices on her own. Oh yes, she went for the perm. And the headband almost as big as her head. Okay, cool, still adorbs, and clearly heading in the nerd direction (did you catch that bling? Straight out of a kickass book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Slippers-Magic-Charm-Book/dp/0894806181" target="_blank">The Silver Slippers</a>, part of the Charm Book series.) Clearly a nerd who is desperate to be a ballerina. Oh honey....things are not looking good for you....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTHMlM_T4RJ-DPTtJXI7NkDT9vZRLwwR1hGYyWR6YbNmVO3jk-3VHq-I_HH-rgtf8ilryB_qjhU8s8rzvHzcW-W7kEGovQ-E3P1GC4KOdYBAwCxlKObrkjV-GLeIsAoT93ud0XnbcSeg/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTHMlM_T4RJ-DPTtJXI7NkDT9vZRLwwR1hGYyWR6YbNmVO3jk-3VHq-I_HH-rgtf8ilryB_qjhU8s8rzvHzcW-W7kEGovQ-E3P1GC4KOdYBAwCxlKObrkjV-GLeIsAoT93ud0XnbcSeg/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.14.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then things take a turn for the worse. Little Lindsay learned what happens to a small town girl when she tries to go against the crowd, do her own thang, be an independent woman who can cut her own fringe.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lesson learned: don't ever cut your own fringe. The hair dresser who tries to fix it will teach you a lesson.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
NEVER CUT YOUR OWN HAIR.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg402xzLivLAokAg4zNrNsToSg27IhK93ZEOPfmJHJ_FKv86LpfF9iSm8peaT3TZHr0mVgfYzn8OcnNW7m6Ehj0q4Eb7gKmDM9cp4LYXDRHN-1rDCXndArBmo3IqDCg-Vdco0B3b2QbMRo/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg402xzLivLAokAg4zNrNsToSg27IhK93ZEOPfmJHJ_FKv86LpfF9iSm8peaT3TZHr0mVgfYzn8OcnNW7m6Ehj0q4Eb7gKmDM9cp4LYXDRHN-1rDCXndArBmo3IqDCg-Vdco0B3b2QbMRo/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.27.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mullets happen. They happen to teach you a lesson.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look how fluffy it is. The lesson I learned that day is that a bad haircut will change you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IT. WILL. CHANGE. YOU. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It somehow manages to defy gravity. It also makes me appear to be slightly psychotic. I should have gotten therapy for this. And this outfit clearly says I also wanted to be accepted as a poet with deep, deep thoughts. Thoughts that run as deep as the forest on my head. No, there is no business in the front, party in the back. I have feelings we need to discuss. And only a black turtleneck will convey that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After that bad haircut I refused to cut my hair. I started to go far, far away from trying to be an independent woman and delved straight into 'No, no, no. I am a LITTLE PRINCESS. Not a 7 year old wanna-be trucker, no matter what my mullet suggests.' So my opposition to the haircut landed me straight into the Land of Wanna-Be Sister Wives. This photo looks like I've been groomed for the life of being a little lady that stays at home for her husband she shares with 9 other little ladies, and I get to make all my own clothing, lucky girl. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOe6MvYpfk3saiovZy6wq_wxCzMwES_kpTaqwnn-ONJDdYepLkwXXc2uyiM8bh-q_7-cnEA0Qh3gpk45hf5OvBQvqlAOmicBFnS3lKX6U-JKJoQ2UglF3DqJIwlWb0J2E1Q3CDer-JOps/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOe6MvYpfk3saiovZy6wq_wxCzMwES_kpTaqwnn-ONJDdYepLkwXXc2uyiM8bh-q_7-cnEA0Qh3gpk45hf5OvBQvqlAOmicBFnS3lKX6U-JKJoQ2UglF3DqJIwlWb0J2E1Q3CDer-JOps/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.35.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DAMNIT WOMAN, is that a SCRUNCHIE?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now we move on to the period of my life where I am clearly making quieter statements with my look. This one whispers gently that I'm on the path to being a middle-management IT professional/serial killer. Also, maybe I like cats more than people. Also, cheese. I may talk to walls. Maybe cause that's where I hide the bodies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_6s1tp_Om2dsUhEo34PKLkDF5vzIOpwhvShSbsFNhzPgEWEdECpQw5SSJYvD6iaiL-5DXyzMJXdaEVdplTgzLVgXM-21Hftkn4oLHWlx4ns64JU3APvdj41XJHy3d5zqpRAPdugrimY/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_6s1tp_Om2dsUhEo34PKLkDF5vzIOpwhvShSbsFNhzPgEWEdECpQw5SSJYvD6iaiL-5DXyzMJXdaEVdplTgzLVgXM-21Hftkn4oLHWlx4ns64JU3APvdj41XJHy3d5zqpRAPdugrimY/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.44.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, the school pictures stop after this last one. This last one was just after my mom made me do my laundry for myself and I accidentally got bleach in with all my black goth clothes. So I know for a fact I'm only wearing white because I clearly need supervision at all times. And that choker says I'm a badass but also still can't let go of wanting to be a princess cause it's made of LACE. LIKE A GODDAMN LADY. Who listens to a whole lot of Korn, Disturbed, Cold and Fiona Apple. Because, clearly, those all go hand in hand. I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7DyKO1-xGt8gGXuqnr_DysGS0bPmtIPV9wkb2NkreYXy58ZTRoOKdA8mBB6YosnKZT6nbNk8inL1LXSR4SckkAw98pcXBo0r2G4H5IYnvfDC_eGVad2MvMbn_RIRiINpXnf6siYI59g/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7DyKO1-xGt8gGXuqnr_DysGS0bPmtIPV9wkb2NkreYXy58ZTRoOKdA8mBB6YosnKZT6nbNk8inL1LXSR4SckkAw98pcXBo0r2G4H5IYnvfDC_eGVad2MvMbn_RIRiINpXnf6siYI59g/s1600/2015-04-16+16.47.56.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here I am today. Repatriating back to America. (Well this was last year, so still in London with a few more months before the dreaded repatriating and still relatively happy/possibly drunk.) I managed to turn out okay so who knows what the future may hold?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-1UIuyGp2O-tIltebYfw-5lGNRl-wFO2etSyEBjTqdIlHusUz3BIYjVolIAfnFE70Ohk2KhezkmNpsHGofy8vntzx9JW2jYhGhC19N-N4qh93twiyu8erun1EYzAcoj2Wjq4B7r5ghE/s1600/2014-11-21+16.04.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-1UIuyGp2O-tIltebYfw-5lGNRl-wFO2etSyEBjTqdIlHusUz3BIYjVolIAfnFE70Ohk2KhezkmNpsHGofy8vntzx9JW2jYhGhC19N-N4qh93twiyu8erun1EYzAcoj2Wjq4B7r5ghE/s1600/2014-11-21+16.04.35.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like this was taken in the British Library where I was researching my dissertation on women and nudity in comedy. Who wouldn't be happy with a topic like that?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
If you have some awesome school pictures of your past self, please, do share. Let's all learn together.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NEVER CUT YOUR OWN HAIR.</div>
<div>
xxLindsay</div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-48364868949350751712014-12-04T10:35:00.001-05:002014-12-04T10:35:17.888-05:00A London Thanksgiving: Damn Crazy Americans<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VrvOxouQdjQlPRwyOBaUS1lg_oaFvLNo3CKcmjjBBoWhC860U3rlISu38FFgZZzd3WMB1UkQOJVFT6YQESzHy5EPvuJ4gTwpc9vSIeNP3w8s5yM9nQECvg0DF8EiGNlbMUr26V7UDlk/s1600/DSC_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VrvOxouQdjQlPRwyOBaUS1lg_oaFvLNo3CKcmjjBBoWhC860U3rlISu38FFgZZzd3WMB1UkQOJVFT6YQESzHy5EPvuJ4gTwpc9vSIeNP3w8s5yM9nQECvg0DF8EiGNlbMUr26V7UDlk/s1600/DSC_0921.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a turkey. Then people ate it. We were all surprised that everyone lived to tell the tale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Last week was one of my favourite holidays to spend in London. Thanksgiving. It'll be my second year spending it here and it brings me no greater joy than to celebrate this very American holiday with my UK friends.<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkPikV3atI9lprH_KKQcN1oitn7RTQ06nIZ7-JpNrJHdfMyLwR0MWo5H0HK7_y6sAoj2shQSLGAintgm3d6mjD9TQDdPVwdsCVF-NvAm-wqt0uYFAOU-Oz4Y7kMfJvoBH1C_j_ylbeqs/s1600/DSC_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkPikV3atI9lprH_KKQcN1oitn7RTQ06nIZ7-JpNrJHdfMyLwR0MWo5H0HK7_y6sAoj2shQSLGAintgm3d6mjD9TQDdPVwdsCVF-NvAm-wqt0uYFAOU-Oz4Y7kMfJvoBH1C_j_ylbeqs/s1600/DSC_0925.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daytime adventures. First party helping with turkey prep for second party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Last year was very reserved, respectful and lovely. (Raise your hand if this makes you giggle to think of me hosting something so civilised. Yeah...thanks Mom.) I had my closest London friends round my flat for a sit down meal and quiet reflection on what we were thankful about.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year was a good reflection of how I live my life now: occasionally tipsy, chatty, a complete disregard for any kind of diet, hey there cute dudes--let me feed you, tomorrow will someone reassure me that I did not indeed embarrass myself like I feel like I did, and Cards Against Humanity is always appropriate no matter the political climate.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year, my Thanksgiving day plans were created on a drunk night out with another American expat. I had to be told the next day what these plans were. I'm like, <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/01/politics/gop-staffer-resigns-over-criticism-of-obama-daughters/" target="_blank">Obama girls classy</a>. Ammiriiiiight? (BOOM American Cultural Reference FOR THE WIN.)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIj6u1CHRBRiPs1gEeUeqIstNls6ljmlYGHWGguN3c7LWGcxsP2k4PX9V_Q6Fc7ooADmD4GflJXahS2wh4gEh9iiRAw0koCmiUpPsJy24BQH0B-QHjB9MbW3FC9EJjITvahisp1pkF-eA/s1600/DSC_0950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIj6u1CHRBRiPs1gEeUeqIstNls6ljmlYGHWGguN3c7LWGcxsP2k4PX9V_Q6Fc7ooADmD4GflJXahS2wh4gEh9iiRAw0koCmiUpPsJy24BQH0B-QHjB9MbW3FC9EJjITvahisp1pkF-eA/s1600/DSC_0950.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obama classy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Boy, are the best plans made over drinks or what?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC0jArxh5xhALr_Nk7eKjHnts38DFqUdxKw7iYXz7aXSVeVWXUHJmk4h6ziDJgcN6KPMlB9j3o9KkSnf-mWWAGInKuqR-9AAyRDmCUfe3tFNIjL9-TBXxQ5zwvqzbHMqaV9P17TnNQ1k/s1600/DSC_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC0jArxh5xhALr_Nk7eKjHnts38DFqUdxKw7iYXz7aXSVeVWXUHJmk4h6ziDJgcN6KPMlB9j3o9KkSnf-mWWAGInKuqR-9AAyRDmCUfe3tFNIjL9-TBXxQ5zwvqzbHMqaV9P17TnNQ1k/s1600/DSC_0917.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planning on having fun. Thanksgiving involves mucho wine. Also comfy socks. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I did a two pronged Thanksgiving assault onto my UK brothers and sisters. What resulted in basically me having an all day party for me and two separate parties for my friends. For the day party I invited all my classmates, co-workers, and actor-y friends, then I had a separate evening meal with my longtime friends I've known ten years...and had so many people that it was more of a buffet party that involved Cards Against Humanity, several toasts, a slightly drunken giving thanks circle, and a lot of conversations I vaguely remember. It's safe to say that I was a pretty decent host at the first party and a fairly shit one at the second one. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
But I was surrounded by friends that are comfortable with this. I am thankful for these people. Also, I wasn't the only American there to represent. My old DC flatmate was in town on business and helped me bring the American cheer to our UK brethren. Just showing everyone what they're missing by not having crossed the pond so many years ago. 'MERICA.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxU45Yp2biIGBM3O15fl244xv7bRvKpoPP12XPaxYldKz6X8faVjINhhg841T1EugKYcjwvwqAV_hyphenhyphengq_8QDiZAMDYJtagDiAXLlI5MoLhqavv1YWu78op6nGFcGz4PJ2huQ-9lOZcAg/s1600/DSC_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxU45Yp2biIGBM3O15fl244xv7bRvKpoPP12XPaxYldKz6X8faVjINhhg841T1EugKYcjwvwqAV_hyphenhyphengq_8QDiZAMDYJtagDiAXLlI5MoLhqavv1YWu78op6nGFcGz4PJ2huQ-9lOZcAg/s1600/DSC_0948.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forcing all the Europeans to watch Charlie Brown at party 1. You're gonna watch it AND YOU'RE GONNA LIKE IT...even though everyone always feels slightly depressed after a Charlie Brown viewing. And that right there is a goddamn TRADITION.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I will think fondly upon those hazy memories. And the leftovers are just giving me great new memories. Like how one shouldn't really keep leftovers as long as I have, but damnit, I'm a rebel. And I'm kind of poor. And I spent a shit ton on that turkey and by God, I WILL CONSUME ALL LEFTOVERS.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uDlqdZIrPDelbnepn_mFGY973cJ7GvBZmpv9tSTkZP2EQrW0RzoL7K5yrW_lhaCYwNDXxdfd2tSEDYROCizc1ColkhUkOB5MAwxVmnpiDiF1HwuTTQCYsoNxMc6xbfxsJ5F_7lVrF00/s1600/DSC_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uDlqdZIrPDelbnepn_mFGY973cJ7GvBZmpv9tSTkZP2EQrW0RzoL7K5yrW_lhaCYwNDXxdfd2tSEDYROCizc1ColkhUkOB5MAwxVmnpiDiF1HwuTTQCYsoNxMc6xbfxsJ5F_7lVrF00/s1600/DSC_0934.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expensive turkey getting stuffed. There's a dirty joke here somewhere. Give me some time....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72Vkc1wLwwJ3CBu3BujpUyaJJzgTXaGyXCMLId1FRpjB_o2SsvLNs4e5YzJYGaydbUXWzB_Lkte2DssDowyl2m0NPLEuIHZ7K4doawB8KZ4hnoiXB_4Ikr3QyC_iTMOZvR1uaeC5Rw5M/s1600/DSC_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72Vkc1wLwwJ3CBu3BujpUyaJJzgTXaGyXCMLId1FRpjB_o2SsvLNs4e5YzJYGaydbUXWzB_Lkte2DssDowyl2m0NPLEuIHZ7K4doawB8KZ4hnoiXB_4Ikr3QyC_iTMOZvR1uaeC5Rw5M/s1600/DSC_0954.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends. They're not American. But I'm sure they want to be after all that superfunadventuretime.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPrfDT1Q0NvTMHdnINoDebSGeF0_mvc40lY4RuhjFTtEm9Vp_e5GNsd4_P6pz8ILwu3brJV-G7THq5924OM99eKWVoDs4Tlf022rHgUZ9Jy4AhOZEC8NQrZIJzRBYqPZY1WeC-aO-r8Q/s1600/DSC_0961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPrfDT1Q0NvTMHdnINoDebSGeF0_mvc40lY4RuhjFTtEm9Vp_e5GNsd4_P6pz8ILwu3brJV-G7THq5924OM99eKWVoDs4Tlf022rHgUZ9Jy4AhOZEC8NQrZIJzRBYqPZY1WeC-aO-r8Q/s1600/DSC_0961.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google hangout with my family. While hosting a party. Also a little drunk. In my defence, so was my family though. My friends awkwardly watched this display while quietly stuffing their face with American themed dishes: Green bean casserole and Ranch's veggie dip. I'm like Martha Stewart for my UK friends. So put together. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think the rest of the pictures are only from my day party. I started with Bloody Mary's and worked my way to the wine and champagne. Me handling my very expensive fancy camera for the evening party would not have been a wise choice. I'll just have to use the rest of my day time photos for a post on creating your very own Expat Thanksgiving.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep it classy London,</div>
<div>
Lindsay xx</div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-85590787054544485192014-11-10T03:59:00.001-05:002014-11-10T03:59:12.032-05:00Christmas Afternoon Tea at Conrad London St JamesA little over a month ago I was invited to preview the afternoon Christmas tea at Emmeline's at the <a href="http://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/conrad-london-st-james-LONCOCI/index.html" target="_blank">Conrad London St James Hotel.</a> There are very few things that get me as excited as Christmas events do, so I was more than happy to try out what Conrad London has in store for Christmas while still in September. (And I decided not to post until closer to the holidays...cause I'm timely like that and totally think these things through. Not at all because I've forgotten about blogging for awhile...ahem....)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cd14sLKNvTmwL-uyUcWcgO46_28X13DvgEG5dLVY9cDbnOw8QkeOFsmd6anWzSfTleocRmwKJrz2ZUW2H2v3lTO2Hxudb7XwjYKahmAOAjyu6XpHnt3yFud2WfC0l7RX5LbAMk-Grbs/s1600/DSC_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cd14sLKNvTmwL-uyUcWcgO46_28X13DvgEG5dLVY9cDbnOw8QkeOFsmd6anWzSfTleocRmwKJrz2ZUW2H2v3lTO2Hxudb7XwjYKahmAOAjyu6XpHnt3yFud2WfC0l7RX5LbAMk-Grbs/s1600/DSC_0568.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a freaking Christmas SCENE. Seriously, how cool is that?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you want to check out any other reviews or find out when the next London Bloggers Tea event is, check out the hashtag #LDNBloggersTea. We're trendy like that, hashtag and all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4-YbwgoHe_rg08bzVk8EBnrWhsLhyphenhyphenGey-H-b1NppyRQ5ySAuwhYpc_WowYxA-r8u1a7LZTxIz92BeHrPwJAZyKYHUYZFZ7ATYjcjTShBILprUrRexq8Yi-xg5Pu6o_dhOqCjTjgw63Q/s1600/DSC_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4-YbwgoHe_rg08bzVk8EBnrWhsLhyphenhyphenGey-H-b1NppyRQ5ySAuwhYpc_WowYxA-r8u1a7LZTxIz92BeHrPwJAZyKYHUYZFZ7ATYjcjTShBILprUrRexq8Yi-xg5Pu6o_dhOqCjTjgw63Q/s1600/DSC_0582.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prerequisite tea pouring photo. A must for all tea bloggers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I will not lie to you, dear reader (hi mom!), this event also lured me in with it's promise of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. If you book the Christmas tea special, you can get this magical, wonderful, Christmas argument resolving, free flowing Champagne. And if you have to have a Christmas afternoon tea with a few pesky out-of-town relatives, what better way to numb the pain and add delight then with Champagne. This healthy tip is brought to you by years of experience. (There you have it folks, LindsayDinsyDay--Inappropriate Humour Since 1984)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVN-EmaLig-3gKLOu71_j3mXBQv3h3c9YkT1c5Aik_ZCySh8rOrRp_euNVMTfTC_VNMvkZNe79fgNIgfZEn-dLuEy6jNifpJYSqjRV5Jw5DdyyoSJ_pH5qJICy4SDGLc82Qe3n4B0JwU/s1600/DSC_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVN-EmaLig-3gKLOu71_j3mXBQv3h3c9YkT1c5Aik_ZCySh8rOrRp_euNVMTfTC_VNMvkZNe79fgNIgfZEn-dLuEy6jNifpJYSqjRV5Jw5DdyyoSJ_pH5qJICy4SDGLc82Qe3n4B0JwU/s1600/DSC_0571.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our menu was expertly decided by Chef Zoe and is as follows:<br />
<br />
<u><i><b>Christmas Tea Menu</b></i></u><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>A Selection of Savouries</i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0xyRfejNueGvz2Rtfbpkjz19wlBy8zfxC-1_gHN0V_Tim0XfPiAr8UP51xaQTXjRvuRYrXI4-9uwMXVCa0BU-Z2RveLHPtCkJm6kJofZaJRI_afUuyETUHjHdHUBwVliHj8HXhKZidM/s1600/DSC_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0xyRfejNueGvz2Rtfbpkjz19wlBy8zfxC-1_gHN0V_Tim0XfPiAr8UP51xaQTXjRvuRYrXI4-9uwMXVCa0BU-Z2RveLHPtCkJm6kJofZaJRI_afUuyETUHjHdHUBwVliHj8HXhKZidM/s1600/DSC_0585.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<i>Brussel sprout salad</i> (creamy and surprisingly delicious...though you'd would not be able to convince a child to eat this. And in fact, I am quite like a child, if you hadn't noticed. I waited for at least three people to tell me it was delicious before rudely sticking my finger in it to try it. In fact, they were correct. Very tasty. And I am just full of class to spare.)<br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Turkey ballotine </i>(always a safe choice. You can't go wrong)</span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Venison bite</i> (so freaking tasty, I would have this for my Christmas dinner)</span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Smoked salmon & lemon crème fraiche sandwich</span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Cured gammon & mustard sandwich</span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Beetroot & spina</span><span style="font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><i>ch sandwich </i>(absolutely my favourite sandwich, who cares about the rest. Try this.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">*I have no pictures of the sandwiches. I was too busy stuffing my face. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTO1KvGGPiklsSGAsq9Xj6MdBm4cBxBYmQOEyRXJM155tcbaGk69QptU5yJHcKJI0W5vWOzv6NMSAgoOlYR0wygyFUt0b1SRsgxxrJec42gWAe_rf3ugL5qDBFMEkLY98xInpVDTl_gI/s1600/DSC_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTO1KvGGPiklsSGAsq9Xj6MdBm4cBxBYmQOEyRXJM155tcbaGk69QptU5yJHcKJI0W5vWOzv6NMSAgoOlYR0wygyFUt0b1SRsgxxrJec42gWAe_rf3ugL5qDBFMEkLY98xInpVDTl_gI/s1600/DSC_0579.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOAgPdpFP-tELQrJgBl8I2Mvv955dCBbraNvVGj4H6XpNqCwLhhxVPyLZcXudVosUankh18Fw4PdRPM3HVzDm2DPMlDnP8acxzwi5qmsnHDVtG6deFOups6mV2y-iDjRV1bvoQ2nwUx0/s1600/DSC_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOAgPdpFP-tELQrJgBl8I2Mvv955dCBbraNvVGj4H6XpNqCwLhhxVPyLZcXudVosUankh18Fw4PdRPM3HVzDm2DPMlDnP8acxzwi5qmsnHDVtG6deFOups6mV2y-iDjRV1bvoQ2nwUx0/s1600/DSC_0580.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Freshly Baked Orange and Cranberry and Christmas Spice Scones </span></i><span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>served with Devonshire clotted cream, homemade strawberry jam and blackberry curd</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaYn3Rz2mZU5WGlk2JmM2AbCm952ZAUy5Di4lPyGuEEURfXzxuE5EmI1AiQcdWw-wrNsfbfnCo3HcsgMQAr1elVFaFcsV-afyzc1rEQIEDj73OmHY9DB26G8y8L_pPp0bAFRkndAmzOA/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaYn3Rz2mZU5WGlk2JmM2AbCm952ZAUy5Di4lPyGuEEURfXzxuE5EmI1AiQcdWw-wrNsfbfnCo3HcsgMQAr1elVFaFcsV-afyzc1rEQIEDj73OmHY9DB26G8y8L_pPp0bAFRkndAmzOA/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">After we politely gorged ourselves on the savouries, we still had the dessert course ahead. You will most definitely be satisfied with the amount served at this afternoon tea. Not so much that I feel guilty for waste, but just enough to be the kind of snuggly, happy full I so much enjoy. Especially at Christmas. Layers in winter are a girls best friend. Pro tip.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGd-YX4XFVQX7nR7Y-_elfRC4llBHJB4HrCAkadDDyCPPTMJqGSjD0Kt1AGlb3JtmnGgVMArUctpGkHmK7NYQ9fnc9pVwfg5N9d4Ru7PK2I-svK14joMSBfGLU4SuNpEks2-2lnais9Q/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGd-YX4XFVQX7nR7Y-_elfRC4llBHJB4HrCAkadDDyCPPTMJqGSjD0Kt1AGlb3JtmnGgVMArUctpGkHmK7NYQ9fnc9pVwfg5N9d4Ru7PK2I-svK14joMSBfGLU4SuNpEks2-2lnais9Q/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">The desserts were brought out with flare and panache. We had harp music playing in the background and you really could not help but feel all Christmas-y and happy with this scene before you. Look how Conrad just plays with your emotions. I just wanted to curl up next to the fire and watch <i>It's A Wonderful Life</i> after this feast.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kEtLZlW6atxIr80OlUT-e8Yy39gvvjvInju-EETUlCUFdQKFhMXdywbkfDUkN0zuA2c0G2gPOhSgAcuojemC3Xubt1oFHWgdpr7EYBBpZVXZfeU9eYRV_kWt69qCPCUSR5M3JC7jcmc/s1600/DSC_0573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kEtLZlW6atxIr80OlUT-e8Yy39gvvjvInju-EETUlCUFdQKFhMXdywbkfDUkN0zuA2c0G2gPOhSgAcuojemC3Xubt1oFHWgdpr7EYBBpZVXZfeU9eYRV_kWt69qCPCUSR5M3JC7jcmc/s1600/DSC_0573.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKVU5iPAV2mcLZ-mXRWYPqt8NmPMtNzN9eb3F9PZ3VxlIP9uR8UHpXtU7sX8Zp11eHiK2dZFqdJpcjeWyjzDaNwWSqMYUVpgvVvKuSRxIXom4RyKuGcw7oej_mwek9d1-AenqbWYxQDc/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKVU5iPAV2mcLZ-mXRWYPqt8NmPMtNzN9eb3F9PZ3VxlIP9uR8UHpXtU7sX8Zp11eHiK2dZFqdJpcjeWyjzDaNwWSqMYUVpgvVvKuSRxIXom4RyKuGcw7oej_mwek9d1-AenqbWYxQDc/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZv2AbD52-RzA7N6TGHVkoubn2Ui2AIkRqw2d1akvxrSWLff2UL9-4quckQoZuAqIcbdRnUVc9xVjFvgPbyXmZy8OzYDGlaY6-Ci1-QCFXRlwDpmjKAGPMIagp5BqDv9jdyf3O3D-xB8/s1600/DSC_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZv2AbD52-RzA7N6TGHVkoubn2Ui2AIkRqw2d1akvxrSWLff2UL9-4quckQoZuAqIcbdRnUVc9xVjFvgPbyXmZy8OzYDGlaY6-Ci1-QCFXRlwDpmjKAGPMIagp5BqDv9jdyf3O3D-xB8/s1600/DSC_0595.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h2RJofV96n442hD9LbXDf2s8qL1A0xvTtazD12F8WlZSbjLO5WMWFZhQN67mS5UddXZRpMmiwHM2ZudSOAgyHz9f4RombYw0IVtchWaJwULgvRcCwDFG9N7-fF0iZo6TnwEeFaU3rrg/s1600/DSC_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h2RJofV96n442hD9LbXDf2s8qL1A0xvTtazD12F8WlZSbjLO5WMWFZhQN67mS5UddXZRpMmiwHM2ZudSOAgyHz9f4RombYw0IVtchWaJwULgvRcCwDFG9N7-fF0iZo6TnwEeFaU3rrg/s1600/DSC_0606.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cakes and Pastries</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Winter berry Christmas tree</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chocolate orange Battenberg present</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Snowflake macaroon</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">White forest yule log</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Christmas postcard marshmallows</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mini meringue snowmen</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Edible Snow</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> </span><a href="http://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/conrad-london-st-james-LONCOCI/index.html" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Conrad London St James">Conrad London St James</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> is located at 22-28 Broadway SW1H 0BH. The Christmas Snow Scene Afternoon Tea is £37. The Christmas Snow Scene Afternoon Tea with Free-flowing Laurent-Perrier Champagne is £45.00.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIRpuGDpqYllM_8Jx3bXt_K42nGr17vV6DCtRi3dYyCCdzDF6yZf4zG-lv3iXqpfz-58rEei2HaLAL6HDdejgA-Lce8hqAHP8320Qbk5qOqHEPc_Cs24YYzMI6Nc8LcSANRr8S5Ym8PY/s1600/DSC_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIRpuGDpqYllM_8Jx3bXt_K42nGr17vV6DCtRi3dYyCCdzDF6yZf4zG-lv3iXqpfz-58rEei2HaLAL6HDdejgA-Lce8hqAHP8320Qbk5qOqHEPc_Cs24YYzMI6Nc8LcSANRr8S5Ym8PY/s1600/DSC_0566.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbmBkIdGO9Rs5HKKnivARjPf23KwQe-sdRoj43Nh05Gui6wvUWRMLma2DjhWBVfiWOcGzmFd3_QU4BvGYRVl9WF-ZCFPJE1JhMfXRqQ26jEB9_MnwbgVxElcTsRP9C28Uv-0FoEm-74c/s1600/IMG_2163-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbmBkIdGO9Rs5HKKnivARjPf23KwQe-sdRoj43Nh05Gui6wvUWRMLma2DjhWBVfiWOcGzmFd3_QU4BvGYRVl9WF-ZCFPJE1JhMfXRqQ26jEB9_MnwbgVxElcTsRP9C28Uv-0FoEm-74c/s1600/IMG_2163-2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blogger friend and my favourite afternoon tea partner: Amanda from over at <a href="http://rhymeandribbons.com/" target="_blank">Rhyme and Ribbons</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZICAZ6by-SrF8MjSDwpmAYqNVrhIEZ1ElBVweIpz4mOjhtIQvLq6dHuQmBfLbCsjN5_XAcTZI0ihd3EZYxoSbS4MnPzkDPAVw8bb8NvrBR6RZ4tsaXgiZ_B4cxbtpucvoHr-7yvKaedk/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZICAZ6by-SrF8MjSDwpmAYqNVrhIEZ1ElBVweIpz4mOjhtIQvLq6dHuQmBfLbCsjN5_XAcTZI0ihd3EZYxoSbS4MnPzkDPAVw8bb8NvrBR6RZ4tsaXgiZ_B4cxbtpucvoHr-7yvKaedk/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Cheers,</span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arbutus Slab', serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Lindsay xx</span>LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-57410134342141920302014-09-10T07:31:00.002-04:002014-09-10T07:33:55.758-04:00TImberyard: A London Coffee Review, Sexy Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_06DFSvkfZQP-cI8557ySxKP6EmK1RleCxlvo3oN65qYFcjtniOtakzw3xYmj7a2aKIfEWxxjaJkLQPloku-RrqQN8miIELCAklwEHGYco0bMA7kEzDWQ1LQfmu9yt0sLV-WVJXDhI0/s1600/photo+4-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_06DFSvkfZQP-cI8557ySxKP6EmK1RleCxlvo3oN65qYFcjtniOtakzw3xYmj7a2aKIfEWxxjaJkLQPloku-RrqQN8miIELCAklwEHGYco0bMA7kEzDWQ1LQfmu9yt0sLV-WVJXDhI0/s1600/photo+4-2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Upon entering Timberyard at Seven Dials you are greeted by sugary delights and the smell of coffee. I'm always hesitant when I first enter a coffee shop. Will they have what I need? My eyes flit around the coffee area...where are the cones, the drip or the aeropress? Do they know what a V60 is or will they give me the soul crushing confused stare when I ask?<br />
<br />
First things first:<br />
-Do you have filter?<br />
<i>-Yes.</i><br />
*sigh of relief*<br />
<br />
-Do you take card?<br />
<i>-Yes--no minimum either.</i><br />
Oh stop, you're making me feel funny in my lady pants.<br />
<br />
-I'd like a filter.<br />
-<i>Which one? Tanzanian--syrupy and light, or Guatemalan--hints of chocolate.</i><br />
Talking dirty now, eh? Okay, okay...deep breaths...<br />
<br />
-I'll take Guatemalan and one of those hazelnut brownies.<br />
-<i>Great, where are you sitting?</i><br />
*Pause, look around the small claustrophobic space with no seat empty...lady boner starts to fall....*<br />
-Do you have seating downstairs?<br />
-<i>Yup.</i><br />
*Excited again*<br />
<br />
I descend downstairs. The first things I see is a large, airy space filled with squishy seats. My breath catches. Can it be true? Do my eyes deceive me? Are those.....numerous outlets on every available wall space???<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yOiPMNhwqm8Mzws1UC4ohbS5MgQ55TfbAMXvyJBjPXN82znT7VMKMIEUg-g0oIw4ADsRQiA_qi5ZU0ktIosiAMKlCvsfEpjEcKMqltiZB3qn_DrLqVhmNJ3NeK6oqN5lFECTV_iijDQ/s1600/photo+3-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yOiPMNhwqm8Mzws1UC4ohbS5MgQ55TfbAMXvyJBjPXN82znT7VMKMIEUg-g0oIw4ADsRQiA_qi5ZU0ktIosiAMKlCvsfEpjEcKMqltiZB3qn_DrLqVhmNJ3NeK6oqN5lFECTV_iijDQ/s1600/photo+3-2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My heartbeat picks up, I sweat a little. I find a seat and plug in my dying phone. My fingers go to slowly check....could they possibly have...maybe...looks like it...I'm panting now...give it to me baby---- free wifi. Oh my god. I look up in prayer, thanks, and ecstasy. Then my eyes catch sight of the holy grail. Bathrooms for customers. Sweet jesus, I've come home.<br />
<br />
They bring my <i>tray</i> with coffee, brownie and a <i>wine bottle full of water</i> and I am ready to propose. <a href="http://www.timberyardlondon.com/" target="_blank">Timberyard</a>. This is love, not just a one night stand. I am home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2jI91dC_n__4qxa3yQNjmBkNiTCpUVY-71xL9R_MyWUEME5O4janXlHTl0h1meHHfBJ4lKu1mo69TWzwsxNevhkOptDNg6dHkZcu0bpHqxn3li-DgdwV1HDwqEMGF8UfIwkhkhHjh08/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2jI91dC_n__4qxa3yQNjmBkNiTCpUVY-71xL9R_MyWUEME5O4janXlHTl0h1meHHfBJ4lKu1mo69TWzwsxNevhkOptDNg6dHkZcu0bpHqxn3li-DgdwV1HDwqEMGF8UfIwkhkhHjh08/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
xxLindsayLindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-59724145052552020842014-09-08T09:28:00.000-04:002014-09-08T09:29:07.943-04:00Sexy, Sexy: After 30 EditionLet me tell you, things are different this side of 30. I'm a more stately lady. Regal is a word that comes to mind. So does 'ethereal', 'elegant', 'mature', and, well....total and utter bullshit.<br />
<br />
Yup. There is nothing too sexy about my comfy socks, hair in a bun (and inability to remember when I last washed it because it's been up like that so long), snacking on some espresso chocolates, and ignoring my budgeting because I'm too busy nerding out over....umm, ya know, nerdy things I'd rather not divulge at this time.<br />
<br />
But alas, I needed to write a damn post cause I haven't in ages and I have found a list I wrote just after my 30th birthday this July. I would like to share it with you.<br />
<br />
Please do remember....this is who it's coming from. ALWAYS TRUST THE MULLET:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMS6i7Vl8O2HSgrPdobJKObCyuNme79SAGec8xIhmZXKdF_DZCQkFAwMbixT2Mpt54ZCTUt03tDcsO76gRkqPNKEBq8yABkiU6nvYAye3aQFftqpV-trvm2LFHnxW-7DxgQddeQ2N3JQ/s1600/1923551_505822101760_3473_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMS6i7Vl8O2HSgrPdobJKObCyuNme79SAGec8xIhmZXKdF_DZCQkFAwMbixT2Mpt54ZCTUt03tDcsO76gRkqPNKEBq8yABkiU6nvYAye3aQFftqpV-trvm2LFHnxW-7DxgQddeQ2N3JQ/s1600/1923551_505822101760_3473_n.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ahem, I present to you:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u>Sexy Things After 30</u></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBviUpxOGKMq0XUJhRSTL5SpfTI4RWMOjxtWBCqLWKJ-3gfk3nxEeiu3Zw-tSIaJnSKUcx4W5RAEfkEGIOgQzYVAhuXViB_i617R8irFXsXQNv49NkwJ1dCfZgn4TdJ8Z0LwzvQAN8Eq0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBviUpxOGKMq0XUJhRSTL5SpfTI4RWMOjxtWBCqLWKJ-3gfk3nxEeiu3Zw-tSIaJnSKUcx4W5RAEfkEGIOgQzYVAhuXViB_i617R8irFXsXQNv49NkwJ1dCfZgn4TdJ8Z0LwzvQAN8Eq0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People that like my dog. Sexy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOQ74c2QCWtj0fW-4cPLntpkExgjeSrgq6xgxxbK5_LeYlFzMzEK52xM9taXQcVf39-Cq0arSw-ZVVze_V4at1mo6Ahf4AKeDUMyKZKq4sxomnZVDl5EHxJXUdpejbvzP4h3NFtpfZHI/s1600/photo+5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span><br />
Sexy things in general:<br />
-Warm, clean, cozy socks<br />
-A whiskey and a hot bath<br />
-Human beings with good hygiene (what? you do remember how to shower and use deodorant? Stop it, you sexy, sexy person.)<br />
-8 hours of sleep<br />
-Bed by 10pm (so unbelievably sexy...and mythical. Does it happen? Ever? Not for me. Must....watch...another episode of Lost Girl...)<br />
-Knowing the right length of time for a hug. Good length hugs aren't creepy, just comforting and I want more...from everyone.<br />
-Buying me a drink (I am poor. This is just exciting in general and you will be one of my favourites when you buy me a drink. I get super shocked and overly excited. So my birthday was like giving a puppy a room full of tennis balls. WHAT? DRINKS FOR ME? REALLY? I'll have five of them please.)<br />
-Knowing how to make a good cup of coffee. TALENT.<br />
-Beer the colour of coffee. Always sexy to me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc81Ph-rVZp8QZsm-ZpMwiSkbunUUkA6BiiSYiU48wgdxmg0Eei_6gZvLiEO8pHcIE03pE_q7KxS7IFbf4K-KjytYnAtgx-7uxZ7VWFE0Nv2FdEsqKTkamT0EDrSPVgREWHyGDNMKl-mY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc81Ph-rVZp8QZsm-ZpMwiSkbunUUkA6BiiSYiU48wgdxmg0Eei_6gZvLiEO8pHcIE03pE_q7KxS7IFbf4K-KjytYnAtgx-7uxZ7VWFE0Nv2FdEsqKTkamT0EDrSPVgREWHyGDNMKl-mY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knowing that this beer is the best beer. SEXY. I love you Smog Rocket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl6GjH42oNjZ5LUW91oB7VTKHWDY72lYLRyqdTF1Ds-YtpaV_BBlxauvqKky3KeMtKqFEWajBID6-55RKOy26_Gx66wpK2byFhZrDlVEeyOlFVSJYRfladNVVqYLinLe5ck-HvA_gnos/s1600/2014-05-23+08.23.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl6GjH42oNjZ5LUW91oB7VTKHWDY72lYLRyqdTF1Ds-YtpaV_BBlxauvqKky3KeMtKqFEWajBID6-55RKOy26_Gx66wpK2byFhZrDlVEeyOlFVSJYRfladNVVqYLinLe5ck-HvA_gnos/s1600/2014-05-23+08.23.09.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Breakfast and coffee immediately upon waking. Sexy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Men:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Knowing good beer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Offers a good foot rub, with wine and a salted caramel brownie (I mean...this is just a working theory. I assume this is very sexy, but it has yet to be offered.)</span><br />
-Funny guys. But having a good sense of what's comedic works both ways. If you don't like my rude/awkward/weird/inappropriate sense of humour...well, that's just not sexy. If I can make you laugh---->definitely sexy.<br />
-Dudes that read fiction. Just as a rule. I mean, non-fiction is cool. But I want you to understand my obsession with story telling and I just don't think non-fiction can fully encompass all the magnificent ways to tell a story.<br />
-Dudes that do not balk at the word 'feminist'.<br />
-Banter. Do you know what this is? Do not leave me hanging fella. I don't want to put in <i>all</i> the conversational foreplay.<br />
-Guys that are not afraid to rock it at karaoke, but not too good, please. This isn't American Idol. This is cheap beer and songs from the 90s that nobody really remembers all the words to.<br />
-Do you know all the words to California Love? If so, please disregard everything else. I'm sold.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a81Sm-TjJ9_HOcJ111kOrf-H41KwPKZc7oL1sRlCwNASBVY_Dqa6oCPjQ6glo8R7o1JXnBUOVDyBSZIYNKjw13R-dXhFQeb5qNU1yCHLEezmFStrCwmpknXx2VdaOGhjk2KPIE4LfBI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a81Sm-TjJ9_HOcJ111kOrf-H41KwPKZc7oL1sRlCwNASBVY_Dqa6oCPjQ6glo8R7o1JXnBUOVDyBSZIYNKjw13R-dXhFQeb5qNU1yCHLEezmFStrCwmpknXx2VdaOGhjk2KPIE4LfBI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men who find my ridiculously pale legs sexy...you are DAMN FINE sir. (Working theory.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
And bonus round, things I find sexy about a place:<br />
-Free wifi, outlets, no credit card minimum, drip coffee, chocolate, bathrooms, lots of space to work (<a href="http://www.timberyardlondon.com/" target="_blank">Timberyard</a>, you sexy, SEXY beast. Stop looking at me like that. I am so turned on by you right now...in, like, a hipster kind of way. Post on that soon.)<br />
<br />
Additional sexy...Man Crush Monday: Kris Holden Ried from <a href="http://www.showcase.ca/lostgirl" target="_blank">Lost Girl</a>. Ultimate sexy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOQ74c2QCWtj0fW-4cPLntpkExgjeSrgq6xgxxbK5_LeYlFzMzEK52xM9taXQcVf39-Cq0arSw-ZVVze_V4at1mo6Ahf4AKeDUMyKZKq4sxomnZVDl5EHxJXUdpejbvzP4h3NFtpfZHI/s1600/photo+5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOQ74c2QCWtj0fW-4cPLntpkExgjeSrgq6xgxxbK5_LeYlFzMzEK52xM9taXQcVf39-Cq0arSw-ZVVze_V4at1mo6Ahf4AKeDUMyKZKq4sxomnZVDl5EHxJXUdpejbvzP4h3NFtpfZHI/s1600/photo+5.PNG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes. Yes I do have a screenshot of this picture on my phone. What of it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And last, but more importantly...self confidence. In anyone, man or woman, is always a sexy, sexy thing.<br />
<br />
I'm working on it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9xNrBq9sX-R2yfbna01yEFKbIow1Ai7V9fmg4aZvrDthitYRt11hL55tlcyBOducAhaq-wLyoSrQGUiF6SqS_i7oT2JWiS3o61fhZYGcoDDBtDPp53roZIfuCKmSCX5VVUPuiAZ9Ias/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9xNrBq9sX-R2yfbna01yEFKbIow1Ai7V9fmg4aZvrDthitYRt11hL55tlcyBOducAhaq-wLyoSrQGUiF6SqS_i7oT2JWiS3o61fhZYGcoDDBtDPp53roZIfuCKmSCX5VVUPuiAZ9Ias/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xxLindsay</div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-64666323902707066672014-06-27T17:24:00.001-04:002014-06-27T17:24:34.987-04:00London Bloggers Afternoon Tea at the Milestone Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's nothing I love more than the English tradition of afternoon tea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZU48v_qpI_grmG87C99ToX6AYvQ3CenNkwUMeU8c_diUlwP0CREFkJdpNB_HxEmb8VZxIxlbesH5o9_5zJgFDkO1WzSe1hkobCmqs4K1GpfI0tvIQ7eS0FYEnXcDY_4Ig2B9UUeXVL8/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZU48v_qpI_grmG87C99ToX6AYvQ3CenNkwUMeU8c_diUlwP0CREFkJdpNB_HxEmb8VZxIxlbesH5o9_5zJgFDkO1WzSe1hkobCmqs4K1GpfI0tvIQ7eS0FYEnXcDY_4Ig2B9UUeXVL8/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Afternoon tea in England dates back to the early nineteenth century wherein people would feel peckish in the early afternoon and would partake of tea and small sandwiches, and then maybe a walk about the gardens in order to hold themselves over till dinner. Most frequently it was a social occasion for people to catch up and enjoy each others company. So, something that was clearly going to be right up my alley. I am all about the mid-afternoon meal disguised as a snack.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Selena, over at <a href="http://www.selenatheplaces.com/" target="_blank">Oh, The Places We Will Go</a>, organized the blogger afternoon tea get-together a few weeks ago. I had seen over social media (Twitter is the best) about her putting together and hosting other afternoon teas at different places around London and I got in touch with her to join up. We used the hashtag #LDNBloggersTea if you want to search through the social media posts about these events.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Blogging has turned into a great way to meet new people and I was excited to attend something as lovely as afternoon tea as a way to meet other bloggers. A fantastic idea from Selena and very well executed, I might add.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The tea itself was held at Milestone Hotel in Kensington. Right across from Kensington Palace and Gardens. Posh location indeed. And the hotel suited it's surroundings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTkzT7jme7ln3FqXybkv-k-T01V2g83TeXx_fVdey4sQNryu5HfUHM0EMsFbNyUlHGiQlb3PGsFQ8m3opUTL8pUKoh6vMxdTZ48_aq1PFI3wHfVqnlbgYLBFHqco5Qdf5DjO5u5nLMK8/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTkzT7jme7ln3FqXybkv-k-T01V2g83TeXx_fVdey4sQNryu5HfUHM0EMsFbNyUlHGiQlb3PGsFQ8m3opUTL8pUKoh6vMxdTZ48_aq1PFI3wHfVqnlbgYLBFHqco5Qdf5DjO5u5nLMK8/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't be fooled by that photo, above. I may not be wearing my usual attire...pajamas pretending to be school clothes...I just wanted the other bloggers to think I was an adult too. And I put those heels on a block from the hotel, with Kensington Palace staring me in the face, being all judgey. What? Flats are perfectly acceptable commuting shoes. I wear heels for parties I get to sit down at. I'm, like, classy on a part-time basis.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we were all seated, we had introductions all around and Selena gave us all a warm welcome. The servers came around and offered us a selection of two different teas, English Breakfast or Early Grey. I'm sure there would have been more of a selection if there had been less of us. I think they may have narrowed our options down because we were a very large group of 23 camera ready bloggers. Typically you'd get to pick what tea you'd want from a large selection at all other afternoon teas I've partook of (and they've been numerous. I love a good afternoon tea.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrCbOxN1vXPg7BplxUAAJD0FbxFe6beEbcdPZBkb9VYPp5mq9fZX_BLK1-VkeHyGKdHeUn8xOaJW1DV8GIj14wan4eZpdwxUiKKhw5GHJpTbDaTsYcJXiu9dTwIKfIj7O6h9Frsf5C7s/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrCbOxN1vXPg7BplxUAAJD0FbxFe6beEbcdPZBkb9VYPp5mq9fZX_BLK1-VkeHyGKdHeUn8xOaJW1DV8GIj14wan4eZpdwxUiKKhw5GHJpTbDaTsYcJXiu9dTwIKfIj7O6h9Frsf5C7s/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All of our sandwiches, scones and desserts were quite tasty, albeit very traditional. I got a little jealous over the other bloggers talking about their last tea they had where it was all very unique selections and the chef would tweet back and forth with them after. I do love a company that has a handle on social media.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But in all honesty, if you're visiting London from outside the UK and haven't had the pleasure of having afternoon tea, I would highly recommend The Milestone Hotel. If you're looking for traditional and quintessential, they've got it right here, and in such beautiful surroundings it's easy to be quite charmed with the place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Their desserts definitely held a lot of delight for me. I can't exactly tell you what they are, but they were extremely tasty. A good tip for other places, when you serve afternoon tea it's always helpful to provide a menu of the items at the table so you know what you're eating. Especially if someone wants to blog about it later!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfzpPqsQ9jj0WpgQRbuPFVoRs6_Bu8umYPmA9oS9MZzcNtGyCnu6SqPkHgXclJrqYI8mBfTQ5z0XZ5bfM2YZYoGv3H4Co8qkEvxsf8Ol81bjCzabY8MupDSb1I_3KBEOqBniqZwluiks/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfzpPqsQ9jj0WpgQRbuPFVoRs6_Bu8umYPmA9oS9MZzcNtGyCnu6SqPkHgXclJrqYI8mBfTQ5z0XZ5bfM2YZYoGv3H4Co8qkEvxsf8Ol81bjCzabY8MupDSb1I_3KBEOqBniqZwluiks/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert on a stick. Yup. That's my favourite. With a caramel popcorn stuck on it. I want this for breakfast every day. Or as a reward when I do something good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuuqQTrLv0xpx4TIePJmpmRh7AynBnI58IrFY-ifOdUL7bMZyistO0mR0g2pxsTKVzwoUOMB8VCUi66hyphenhyphenujGA0T_ucDXQSRDvP5-86UCtbf6w0RIRP_IUkCrQP8wKbgDr3Kyu9fsixn0/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuuqQTrLv0xpx4TIePJmpmRh7AynBnI58IrFY-ifOdUL7bMZyistO0mR0g2pxsTKVzwoUOMB8VCUi66hyphenhyphenujGA0T_ucDXQSRDvP5-86UCtbf6w0RIRP_IUkCrQP8wKbgDr3Kyu9fsixn0/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hereby name this 'creamy thing with graham crackers'. Except England doesn't have graham crackers. But this was squishy and crispy all at the same time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Overall it was a lovely tea. I really went to meet some other lovely London bloggers and I'm really glad I did.<br />
<br />
After the tea, I took myself on a walk around Kensington Gardens. It really is remarkable how many people turn up to the parks when the sun is out. Seeing everyone out makes me very happy to be living here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BLf5xdO510OTsI6upoUJJ_qGmuG5zpIy385Npvo87qJcNpCiyOBZyIuBnWv31ITOwqbcX0XiulvINCqvSk14k5tdBJb9d9rLGZaAmIVone3tSvhxjjInLwMZ3B9hyK73zB4Xgo-f3K8/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BLf5xdO510OTsI6upoUJJ_qGmuG5zpIy385Npvo87qJcNpCiyOBZyIuBnWv31ITOwqbcX0XiulvINCqvSk14k5tdBJb9d9rLGZaAmIVone3tSvhxjjInLwMZ3B9hyK73zB4Xgo-f3K8/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purty London. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xxLindsay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>*We received a discounted rate for this tea, </i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;"><i>£30</i><span style="color: #545454;">, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;"><i>No review was required and all opinions were my own. And I took a goodie bag of leftovers afterwards. Cause I'm classy and care about the environment. Don't waste that shit man, give it to me.</i></span></span></div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-77753042171681062982014-06-26T02:07:00.001-04:002014-06-26T02:07:48.672-04:00For the Love of Beer: Meantime Brewfest<div>
The very first time I got drunk was my first time living away from home, freshmen year at uni. I went to a football players house with my future best friend, Jomi, and I ended up drinking a six pack of Natty Light (AKA 'Natural Light'). I got so sick later that I vomited all over my dorm room (CLASS, right there folks) and had quite the bonding experience with my floormates as they helped shower me off and wash my things. Honest to God, I went to the best University ever, ace people there. Then I did the incredibly awesome (AKA uncouth) thing wherein I called my mother while hungover and cried. Apparently...this is not what you do when completely drunk or hungover, when underage...or at any age, as my mother keeps telling me when I call her drunk or hungover even now. Whatever, Mom, I just want a little sympathy for my poor decisions!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the following four years of uni, I could not force myself to drink beer. I hated it with a passion. My gag reflex started to flex it's muscle every time I got any whiff of beer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But lo and behold, thank the Lord, that dark period has passed. Since I graduated I have discovered my love of beer and developed it into a true passion. It's even become quite the family bonding thing for my siblings and I. Almost every time we're all at home, we bound off to another local brewery in Rochester, NY and have an afternoon of tastings. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My absolute favourite birthday of all time, even surpassing my 21st birthday, would have to be last summer when I turned 29. My little sister planned it all, with my only stipulation that I wanted to tour the local gin and brewery places around the finger lakes. We took a party bus around, my whole family and my best friends Danielle and Brandon, and had a blast tasting local gins and delicious brews.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since being in London, I haven't gotten to get out there and try what local beers there are to offer here. Which has been quite a disappointment, honestly. The majority of my friends here are not beer drinkers. Even a lot of the guys prefer cider or wine and I often just stick to wine myself in the face of following the crowd when out at the pub.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Luckily, I have found a fellow beer drinker in my classmate, Tonje! Hallelujah! (Also, shout out to my American-DC expat friend, Molly, who also will grab a beer with me anytime.) Tonje and I recently checked out the <a href="http://meantimebrewing.com/brewfest-spring-2014" target="_blank">Meantime Brewing Company Brewfest</a> right over in local Greenwich. If you have a chance when you're in London, I would HIGHLY recommend coming and trying out their craft brews over at their Brewery. Beers from the UK, Europe and even America were on tap at the Brewfest. And a lot of which you can get around London pubs as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I think they'll be doing this again later this summer, and I will definitely be attending. We managed to get out to the Brewfest on the last day. A bit rainy, but a really good turnout. And just as a tip to my single lady friends, you should drink beer in London. Out of all the people that turned up for the Brewfest, 90% of them were men. We were quite outnumbered. There were many attractive guys, right alongside some very delicious brews. A lot of the European beers would even be palatable to even the most beer-adverse person. Quite on the fruity side. Some of Tonje's favourite beers tasted like sparkling fruit juice to me. I didn't even know you could do that with a beer. WHERE WAS THIS BEER IN COLLEGE??!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47el0r74S3yAab4wRyAvkWi_cTJMGRvEnjPgcghTUAg5M952epUwsECPN2a1hg7jochWx_3hOXsD6Z8GPJLuOHrFBUQPcdGM-NKeof1jJB3-sMteywg0eYsMpKKsNtsCrM4EZ6PdrvWE/s1600/2014-05-26+14.14.49-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47el0r74S3yAab4wRyAvkWi_cTJMGRvEnjPgcghTUAg5M952epUwsECPN2a1hg7jochWx_3hOXsD6Z8GPJLuOHrFBUQPcdGM-NKeof1jJB3-sMteywg0eYsMpKKsNtsCrM4EZ6PdrvWE/s1600/2014-05-26+14.14.49-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free glass upon arrival. As well as 6 beer tasting tickets...though mine came with 7 accidentally. We were pretty pumped about that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNU-BaSv53FAI0YUVyN9nIEtfjcLD_HVR9rIaFY6djvpqZtKYZR4yZDiSTprQBuXWZCRFkrjpuAvfn4u7gdnAJHI7gYUtF7JP8izHHFf3KGCqj1iOGTYL3KpGV4tSyvcANjgHdss-HNfM/s1600/2014-05-22+19.30.40-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNU-BaSv53FAI0YUVyN9nIEtfjcLD_HVR9rIaFY6djvpqZtKYZR4yZDiSTprQBuXWZCRFkrjpuAvfn4u7gdnAJHI7gYUtF7JP8izHHFf3KGCqj1iOGTYL3KpGV4tSyvcANjgHdss-HNfM/s1600/2014-05-22+19.30.40-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
My favourite beer out of all of them was a beer from the UK. It's from Harviestoun Brewery, and it's called Ola Dubh "18". A Scottish beer that tastes of whiskey and is dark like coffee. I am such a big fan of the dark beers. The thicker and darker it is, the happier I am. Give me something I might mistake as espresso, please. Additionally, there was a few amazing coffee porters as well!<br />
<br />
Another good one was from our very own Meantime Brewery, the London Porter. I will always look for this one whenever I'm at a London pub from now on. This, and the Chocolate Porter, are my go-to beers. And the Londoner Porter is a bit lighter, almost like a Guinness. So don't be frightened by this dark beer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_baGZX43Gkx9H7v3-_t0vRYRmGJKDmRL9nouFg5l24eX-zwda3jpeQffruUhP_o5i6i_NFFUhfNDOGiEc1Ki-2xPTXk2liyc37HBdBVY-3x03XLv-6eqiCFHY4FybvDbvpuw5cdO5uQI/s1600/2014-05-26+15.29.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_baGZX43Gkx9H7v3-_t0vRYRmGJKDmRL9nouFg5l24eX-zwda3jpeQffruUhP_o5i6i_NFFUhfNDOGiEc1Ki-2xPTXk2liyc37HBdBVY-3x03XLv-6eqiCFHY4FybvDbvpuw5cdO5uQI/s1600/2014-05-26+15.29.26.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of Greenwich's Meantime Brewery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggh5GvOk4ZHJTeembDgB9oCibZSOZIUpLFLwoc7w-N-tsX39naVb7TPDHrlQBcQJBNe2laxztBd9THngfBrduoNLRQsm_APiEEwjNzNqvHceVSUCn5B5kjd4WmZ0HfnOaVGYO6rdKOj4/s1600/2014-05-26+17.04.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggh5GvOk4ZHJTeembDgB9oCibZSOZIUpLFLwoc7w-N-tsX39naVb7TPDHrlQBcQJBNe2laxztBd9THngfBrduoNLRQsm_APiEEwjNzNqvHceVSUCn5B5kjd4WmZ0HfnOaVGYO6rdKOj4/s1600/2014-05-26+17.04.13.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You could use your beer tickets inside the Brewery, which made us pretty happy when the rain started to pick up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yTObyMXUqi7_ySWgvfVXYTjsZxq7m8lraPTRYHgKYxEG2F-6-vybwicxMQgarikFBU-9xYnBrmH_w5g69Ob2PRf9dxCbZ6g9r9usV5jQQaDMt26xHQpslY7KyKX56WrpkTKMPF_sJpg/s1600/2014-05-26+17.04.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yTObyMXUqi7_ySWgvfVXYTjsZxq7m8lraPTRYHgKYxEG2F-6-vybwicxMQgarikFBU-9xYnBrmH_w5g69Ob2PRf9dxCbZ6g9r9usV5jQQaDMt26xHQpslY7KyKX56WrpkTKMPF_sJpg/s1600/2014-05-26+17.04.33.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The beers were all on tap outside the Meantime Brewery and there were tables for ping pong (my American brain immediately thought they could be used for beer pong instead, obvi).<br />
<br />
All the guys working behind the bars were really great at answering any nerdy questions we had, and also gave great suggestions when I'd come up with the explicit demand, 'dark. Give me dark. Beer dark as my soul.' They did not think this was weird at all. Bless.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqNaUmpJ5ivoQL0X-8TpZPSUeKfBdswxbGdfUZrs2ZAX77KcD59ldIHT5hv8cuwlhyphenhyphene7QOlhShbSCC7w7V_8gr7uXrnFeNL77QPOehBnKUwmQZPISNCzyTp4h-TvRFGDyi5c-fErFaFo/s1600/2014-05-26+17.46.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqNaUmpJ5ivoQL0X-8TpZPSUeKfBdswxbGdfUZrs2ZAX77KcD59ldIHT5hv8cuwlhyphenhyphene7QOlhShbSCC7w7V_8gr7uXrnFeNL77QPOehBnKUwmQZPISNCzyTp4h-TvRFGDyi5c-fErFaFo/s1600/2014-05-26+17.46.26.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In our welcome gift bag we also got a really fantastic guide book on all the beers with little sections to take notes. For the next Brewfest, I'll get ultra nerdy and go for the whole weekend and try all of them. I have still kept this guide for future reference....also because I have a crap memory and have more than once just brought the guide with me to Greenwich Union Pub and just shoved it at the bartenders, pointed and grunted 'I want this one.' Class.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VLfPMH_cuH41-A-h_pEpEyhdod3wfSy2uB9_FMr4XmYnj1NiJSdbwoExGajkVSbOh2NIUzGK09B-BFvJC0uwo_UnOXheNAYKKolFmtRiCQuUjqrU1fAiMytDLBULLw-e3goy_NVbwfI/s1600/2014-05-26+18.13.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VLfPMH_cuH41-A-h_pEpEyhdod3wfSy2uB9_FMr4XmYnj1NiJSdbwoExGajkVSbOh2NIUzGK09B-BFvJC0uwo_UnOXheNAYKKolFmtRiCQuUjqrU1fAiMytDLBULLw-e3goy_NVbwfI/s1600/2014-05-26+18.13.13.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were double fisting by the end. Thanks to that spare ticket I got in my bag. What a happy surprise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I definitely plan on attending the next one. Hopefully all the ridiculously cute guys show up for the next ones as well. I mean....I'm going for the beer of course...but the cute guys totally help.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before all this Brewfest delightfulness, I learned the most amazing, wonderful, joyful, loveliest thing about England. You can go to bars and get a beer, or two, to go! So I marched down to my local after my flatmate informed me, chuffed look on my face, and got some beer to have with dinner one night. I was so excited I took pictures of it. Look! Beer at home! Not bought at a supermarket! SO EXCITED. (And it was CHEAPER too!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously...it does not take much to make me happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNU-BaSv53FAI0YUVyN9nIEtfjcLD_HVR9rIaFY6djvpqZtKYZR4yZDiSTprQBuXWZCRFkrjpuAvfn4u7gdnAJHI7gYUtF7JP8izHHFf3KGCqj1iOGTYL3KpGV4tSyvcANjgHdss-HNfM/s1600/2014-05-22+19.30.40-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNU-BaSv53FAI0YUVyN9nIEtfjcLD_HVR9rIaFY6djvpqZtKYZR4yZDiSTprQBuXWZCRFkrjpuAvfn4u7gdnAJHI7gYUtF7JP8izHHFf3KGCqj1iOGTYL3KpGV4tSyvcANjgHdss-HNfM/s1600/2014-05-22+19.30.40-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaFFszD4g4Mkr_xYmyiqTqGqScn5XVnBc8mxvGCXzfQCj3j2RCDzaUjPWDJzgHxkJiCmb3f_b120NtoEtzAzLWM2cL53qM1oLW1e-amP9JNpYLF9ExcjYEGf4a_k0aLxjjX94qOC0R-c/s1600/2014-05-22+19.27.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaFFszD4g4Mkr_xYmyiqTqGqScn5XVnBc8mxvGCXzfQCj3j2RCDzaUjPWDJzgHxkJiCmb3f_b120NtoEtzAzLWM2cL53qM1oLW1e-amP9JNpYLF9ExcjYEGf4a_k0aLxjjX94qOC0R-c/s1600/2014-05-22+19.27.27.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
xxLindsayLindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-1822583081139046562014-06-25T12:11:00.000-04:002014-06-26T14:58:34.559-04:00Playing Catch UpHey there friends, how's life? It feels like so long since I've last overshared way too much information with you that you didn't ask for and secretly wish you could forget. Did you miss reading random posts of weird food, illegally taken photos, and book obsessing? I have so much more to tell you. But give it time. Patience is a virtue. Apparently. I mean, I think so. I'm not sure, cause I don't have any.<br />
<br />
Things that have been happening in my life: my grandmother passed away and I went home for whirlwind trip for not only the funeral, but a wedding of a good DC friend. I've been devising away at school coming up with new material for our very last project of the course (what? I can't believe I'm already here so close to the end!), I've been eating many delicious things that I have either posted on Instagram or just talked about obsessively to friends (they missed me posting about it here cause then I wouldn't have talked their ears off about it), and I've been reading loads of good stuff for my summer reading challenge.<br />
<br />
Actually, I've kind of forgotten about the summer reading challenge and just been finding loads of good stuff to read and completely abandoned a lot of my books I planned on reading. I just finished Mindy Kaling's book <i>Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)</i> and I'm about half way through Caitlin Moran's book <i>How to Be a Woman</i>. Both absolutely delightful reads that are really making me feel good about myself as a result. I love good comedy writing. I need to sharpen my game and these ladies are showing me how.<br />
<br />
A lot of why I haven't been posting recently is because I've been taking most my pictures on my fancy new camera and then avoiding figuring out how to put the pictures on to my computer. Technology frightens me and there is much wine drinking and avoidance when I think about it.<br />
<br />
Clearly, I am going to have an interesting time in life.<br />
<br />
Here's a few stellar test shots around my neighborhood in London:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vvNHHIcKgSvnqM8Jq3nOeFRCgqbnpEn2FHZZj73Dv9mhvbl6iseIMsKVaW0Cc0LqVE14otptM334uZT0nojqlH3yf9jlpzW8px2e7V6AHJEBuwwGTOw8qZrcibt4xUgUPa67SIUhAXk/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vvNHHIcKgSvnqM8Jq3nOeFRCgqbnpEn2FHZZj73Dv9mhvbl6iseIMsKVaW0Cc0LqVE14otptM334uZT0nojqlH3yf9jlpzW8px2e7V6AHJEBuwwGTOw8qZrcibt4xUgUPa67SIUhAXk/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture is so stellar that it took 3 minutes to upload. ENJOY! I don't know if I have the patience to add more. This will now probably be a one picture per post blog.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Kidding. I did wait. Here's a selfie and another shot of the walk way by my house.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCVdtQGh4HlPG6YeSmwkA8pJHLfFQ8IbEP5t6PlCJpX3q8GTpxUwgx-gNzs7DNHjQ6jjbLZvVsSs0_HVatSP9JlLhTDUT1YnXi7l2bbJw-7VzzFh020hNtll-eWpBlv7CPBpEsXfC5pU/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A girl and her camera. A love story. Told in selfies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-foYlvHE04htYYf1QkXyBC7jSon-yNiFkQ5rS8VtRFNwE0x5e6BPX5XJS_NKAebyzILRWIQISJ5qha9VguocL8FDOPnbKG-xLwXyGXFFn_0bR3Uxny39A8KdtJ85_aoLjqEE70nP_4xY/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-foYlvHE04htYYf1QkXyBC7jSon-yNiFkQ5rS8VtRFNwE0x5e6BPX5XJS_NKAebyzILRWIQISJ5qha9VguocL8FDOPnbKG-xLwXyGXFFn_0bR3Uxny39A8KdtJ85_aoLjqEE70nP_4xY/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look nature! In London! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I actually think this took just long enough to write for me to get hungry. So now I'm going to go eat. Are you surprised?<br />
<br />
xxLindsayLindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-55827859185809014522014-05-24T17:43:00.001-04:002014-05-24T17:43:58.410-04:00Why Breakfast Is The BestSome people drink a little too much and reminisce on past romances....I drink a little too much and whip out the photos of past meals I've loved.<br />
<br />
What? You're on Instagram I'm sure, who do you think they created that for? Food porn lovers.<br />
<br />
Out of all the meals I cook that I'm most likely to photograph, breakfast is the top contender for most pictured.<br />
<br />
My breakfast creations, sadly, are not pretty. Which is why I'll share a few of my favourites now, while the wine is flowing and I'm feeling reminiscent.<br />
<br />
Most often they resemble something that your cat barfed up after a night out on the town.<br />
<br />
And with that image in your head....<br />
<br />
My breakfasts are my favourite thing to cook out of anything. My favourite meal to eat at restaurants is usually going to be breakfast. If a restaurant claims to be all-day breakfast, it's usually my favourite restaurant. And the most looked at, most drooled over recipes in my cookbooks is always breakfast.<br />
<br />
I think I've trained myself to love breakfast the most because, as an adult, it's the one meal that is most often cooked <i>just for me</i> and not for anyone else in mind. Because of how my Crohn's operates, breakfast <b>literally</b> is the <b>most</b> important meal of the day. My body has had a nice 6-8 hours of fasting during the night, something my Crohn's loves (intestinal rest period), and a lot of times, the first meal of the day will help determine how well I operate or how low energy I'll be for the rest of my day. So my breakfasts usually revolve around high protein, low sugar, low carb for the most part, and always, always easily digested veggies.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRtbXWeJBo-JIm7hFWfWP1QxXcbRRrGN1kLREwOmrgJlw_kNaGLNpE6k3IwHiqD7MJZsxSuYy0byvSQpdcAnP636SMER1CcVCG4cPGW9-3dp39qJYvXy-OH0u3X5gBhnh3CsG95OA05M/s1600/2013-03-20+09.23.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRtbXWeJBo-JIm7hFWfWP1QxXcbRRrGN1kLREwOmrgJlw_kNaGLNpE6k3IwHiqD7MJZsxSuYy0byvSQpdcAnP636SMER1CcVCG4cPGW9-3dp39qJYvXy-OH0u3X5gBhnh3CsG95OA05M/s1600/2013-03-20+09.23.16.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GF bread (it just tastes good to me), smashed avocado with lemon and salt, and nitrate-free bacon. Just trying to keep it hipster-friendly, obvi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qc7P4gdPaD_mb-RexnMcMA1-zZXLXtB0yWU0V0hAk3UOghRd9brjB6rPQ7hvBEyr-fYAW5yrh50z5tKuXb1nH9uS5FFWqP0wp5W9NuGOEEI8Rbkkqvkky3eNY8TsrdeOBf8qwUJGF1Q/s1600/2014-05-11+10.22.28-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qc7P4gdPaD_mb-RexnMcMA1-zZXLXtB0yWU0V0hAk3UOghRd9brjB6rPQ7hvBEyr-fYAW5yrh50z5tKuXb1nH9uS5FFWqP0wp5W9NuGOEEI8Rbkkqvkky3eNY8TsrdeOBf8qwUJGF1Q/s1600/2014-05-11+10.22.28-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current fav: avocado, lemon, salt and 'pancaked' eggs...not scrambled, pancaked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm one of the crazy people that will lose sleep if it means getting up early enough to cook myself a big breakfast. No porridge or cantaloupe and cottage cheese for this girl. Take your diets and <i>get out of my kitchen</i> cause that is not how I play. Sure, if I'm trying to lose weight I'll eat soup for lunch and salad for dinner, but damnit there is a good chance that I'll be having three eggs and/or bacon for breakfast.<br />
<br />
Bacon. The lover that loves you back. It <i>handles</i> you well......heh, heh....get it? Love handles....<br />
<br />
<br />
Nevermind...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMPIjxRhfEPrV3KCNw-850mzhUNemHEI7S4vZqIo1iUGdCDs3r3CZf4jjXoXK5tqdzFTsBKJfAy5Ju150IatIeTgKMrM__eMdnSLr11egeR3lchy3NmCNH_O76YPLTxbYdQHBmqzxfXU/s1600/2013-07-02+08.47.38-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMPIjxRhfEPrV3KCNw-850mzhUNemHEI7S4vZqIo1iUGdCDs3r3CZf4jjXoXK5tqdzFTsBKJfAy5Ju150IatIeTgKMrM__eMdnSLr11egeR3lchy3NmCNH_O76YPLTxbYdQHBmqzxfXU/s1600/2013-07-02+08.47.38-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GF toast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, spinach, lemon, salt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
As much as I love cheesy pick up lines, don't ever ask me <i>'how do you like your eggs cooked in the morning?'</i> cause I would most likely go off on a crazy person rant about how I'd be the one cooking the eggs cause I'm particular and you don't get to voice an opinion on how you want them cooked cause I'm gonna go make some shit up in the kitchen when I'm cooking them and you're gonna like it. DON'T PRESSURE ME.<br />
<br />
Future post: Why Am I Single?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdApIey7Ak4x1Ezc1Uaxk_Vbd_xSzXVBOQ-bkIkgEiHgl5Xo2Vcd8GXcLKv7RxhezI4uFPRJDNG29iC_mu-KbBX0IH5omOCbvEca-GtZ1zBo4kWWYST3YYzKY7Zq2SWFj7j5FRqIgcoI/s1600/2014-05-23+08.23.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdApIey7Ak4x1Ezc1Uaxk_Vbd_xSzXVBOQ-bkIkgEiHgl5Xo2Vcd8GXcLKv7RxhezI4uFPRJDNG29iC_mu-KbBX0IH5omOCbvEca-GtZ1zBo4kWWYST3YYzKY7Zq2SWFj7j5FRqIgcoI/s1600/2014-05-23+08.23.09.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know why I'm single, LOOK AT THE GOOD THINGS I COOK.... For myself....cause if I tried to cook this for anyone else, I'd burn the house down and somehow undercook the eggs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've always felt the Brits have breakfast down pretty good...or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevenses" target="_blank">elevenses</a>. I could always go for a sausage roll and a cuppa. The best in Southeast London are either at Heap's Sausages or, as pictured below, Hand Made Food in Blackheath.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOTTtupo_oQDpVZHUOOZptTK2N0fp8v-gIM8xbAPUx8zsNbpKbk1P1oOwFxtdlE1IQYfY6tNHTQp__Pxbg6WBgZOdmibpYZELmaXI6naZLYXeEc_-dqGVY9ly0sx7C3FGe1RsJTvdV-c/s1600/2014-03-09+10.51.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOTTtupo_oQDpVZHUOOZptTK2N0fp8v-gIM8xbAPUx8zsNbpKbk1P1oOwFxtdlE1IQYfY6tNHTQp__Pxbg6WBgZOdmibpYZELmaXI6naZLYXeEc_-dqGVY9ly0sx7C3FGe1RsJTvdV-c/s1600/2014-03-09+10.51.40.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A meal I miss from America.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You'll need:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
to hang out in your pjs early on a Saturday morning</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
watching Doctor Who</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
eating Organic Peanut Butter Bumpers with Almond milk and a side of milky tea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's all in the details.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahTf0jYU-SMz2Wqf5tqgKn4bCc4lfq69piT5VarCFUSCuMy4ezSEhqC-2xQvwT_2ALF2q6CpXfobaPbHJ_R7u_V6wofmrneTSn-8KXhLcLnvhkAow4SGIKAju0jAxk429vLywKo36ums/s1600/2013-08-04+08.27.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahTf0jYU-SMz2Wqf5tqgKn4bCc4lfq69piT5VarCFUSCuMy4ezSEhqC-2xQvwT_2ALF2q6CpXfobaPbHJ_R7u_V6wofmrneTSn-8KXhLcLnvhkAow4SGIKAju0jAxk429vLywKo36ums/s1600/2013-08-04+08.27.26.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As much as I love tea, thanks for that addiction England, I will always be a coffee addict at heart. It's literally my family's business. So these are just pictures of love. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJKmZsd6DDvrgGk-hmUYOb4ndavefPJgcIiUD0MGaBwCkWoTRDUVNjvEcnGqLnauOPDOxBZEwQ68sDiiM8IOK9pESPZiExIBx1wwH1FwhbbZYnPScfz7L3dZy7hd7MgPjXiZsXV4iS8w/s1600/2013-11-09+10.18.33-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJKmZsd6DDvrgGk-hmUYOb4ndavefPJgcIiUD0MGaBwCkWoTRDUVNjvEcnGqLnauOPDOxBZEwQ68sDiiM8IOK9pESPZiExIBx1wwH1FwhbbZYnPScfz7L3dZy7hd7MgPjXiZsXV4iS8w/s1600/2013-11-09+10.18.33-1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notes-uk.co.uk/" target="_blank">Notes Coffee</a>, London</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCNvhHl2Q1dvWFB9pLnnijcwWnspKY6DRSwAoGYqg5B4Gz7uo7DUPQBnKAOt7JFDaQiA18Is17jofePzDuYe9T32c9HOdVdexR3auYTNhXBU7iEkRv1TmztcUIatlPZRZMjsTrZmNuu0/s1600/2014-02-06+10.58.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCNvhHl2Q1dvWFB9pLnnijcwWnspKY6DRSwAoGYqg5B4Gz7uo7DUPQBnKAOt7JFDaQiA18Is17jofePzDuYe9T32c9HOdVdexR3auYTNhXBU7iEkRv1TmztcUIatlPZRZMjsTrZmNuu0/s1600/2014-02-06+10.58.48.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tapcoffee.co.uk/" target="_blank">TAP Coffee</a>, Wardour Street, London</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the creme de la creme....Monmouth Coffee, brewing in my V60 at home.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWshD94EtCadNt3abiOA0YSGlFh6NjTIHzWEKb_jZykBimqtwBBhzXAceftP5rONfJS7lRrxsvYp8i6xbD6cXUR5YhfRo2D1upevEWAtgNElDsaTh_EmecYAeSNFZKIKLaI5bNLdn8rB8/s1600/2014-05-10+08.37.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWshD94EtCadNt3abiOA0YSGlFh6NjTIHzWEKb_jZykBimqtwBBhzXAceftP5rONfJS7lRrxsvYp8i6xbD6cXUR5YhfRo2D1upevEWAtgNElDsaTh_EmecYAeSNFZKIKLaI5bNLdn8rB8/s1600/2014-05-10+08.37.39.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><!--3--></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xx Lindsay</div>
<br />
<br />LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-81761233953105284882014-05-22T08:33:00.001-04:002014-05-22T08:33:47.597-04:00Corporate Acting Gigs...and Why I Am OK Being Paid in Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the many delightful ways to earn some money as an actor is the ever interesting Corporate Acting Gig. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not actually what it's called, I think, but that's just what I decided.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I heard about these things from my friend Raven back in DC when she regaled me with tales of working at training facilities where an actor is hired to play an abused child (because clearly getting a real one would be absolutely NOT okay) in order to have a doctor train how to properly question a patient (this is just one example of the different parts you'd play). There's also jobs out there of the same thread but with law enforcement.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then there's the odd ball gig. This is what I did about a month ago now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My friend's partner does a lot of stuff for events at a big hotel in London and for this particular event he needed to hire some actors. To sit in a hotel room to make it feel more homey....for three hours....while tourist agents came in to have a look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yup. Totally a gig. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Are you jealous yet? Do you totally want to ditch your career and sign up for the bohemian chic actor lifestyle?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well don't quite yet. We weren't able to get paid in cash for this gig but we were offered to be paid in a free ticket to the party afterwards...with free food and free wine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, duh. That's, like, my favourite thing ever...I mean, after money, of course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This particular event was put on by <a href="http://www.thistle.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/thistle_marble_arch/index.html" target="_blank">Thistle at Marble Arch</a> and boy do they know how to throw an event.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdTb1MWQAUOybuRI20BY2K3ejZAgoRdu4jv-xtF5t0uGFCO1_eOgW6EEltiqXS9RQGksNHBq74z9eLTlfvDTyrnoHyVffAtO51XCz7DWiuPzyK6UAX_I_szr5mjnZmqNfsilaAT72m2o/s1600/2014-04-10+20.31.39-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdTb1MWQAUOybuRI20BY2K3ejZAgoRdu4jv-xtF5t0uGFCO1_eOgW6EEltiqXS9RQGksNHBq74z9eLTlfvDTyrnoHyVffAtO51XCz7DWiuPzyK6UAX_I_szr5mjnZmqNfsilaAT72m2o/s1600/2014-04-10+20.31.39-2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cohorts and me at the after party. Brazil World Cup themed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First, the actual job.<br />
<br />
I didn't think to take a picture in the hotel room, but I should have. The room we were in was actually really swank and lovely. Me and a fellow actor, Mark, were requested to bring a packed bag to make the situation seem more real. So I brought a few things and hung out barefoot in the room, with the tv on, chatting with Mark about my London food obsessions.<br />
<br />
See, if we hang out in real life, guys, that's how riveting my conversation gets. FOOD.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0OMj2HsllymbRvzMfFUfm9b4lfErNp-lSBfZKahEBSaMO9NqQ-onnDi9LM-30yZJ7gjdD8y6ZO6Xv4pfEvCUP3EHGm_j1PBpi4M3hajCZfeNRr1lhyphenhyphenhQNyk7-Wzd-I7FemMqPAH396I/s1600/2014-04-10+20.34.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0OMj2HsllymbRvzMfFUfm9b4lfErNp-lSBfZKahEBSaMO9NqQ-onnDi9LM-30yZJ7gjdD8y6ZO6Xv4pfEvCUP3EHGm_j1PBpi4M3hajCZfeNRr1lhyphenhyphenhQNyk7-Wzd-I7FemMqPAH396I/s1600/2014-04-10+20.34.01.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dessert selection was ON POINT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The event that was organised involved bringing tourist agents around to see the different room options. A pretty good idea in my opinion. If you're gonna be selling people on this place, you should know what you're selling.<br />
<br />
It was pretty hysterical to see the reactions to us being in the room. First the guide would warn people, 'don't mind the actors'. Which confused us as much as it made us laugh. 'Hi, we're the actors, feel free to ignore us!'<br />
<br />
Then they stopped doing that and people would walk in and almost always say 'Oops! Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone would be in here. Umm...are you enjoying your stay?' or my favourite 'I hope they're paying you to let us into your room, that was nice of you!' All the tourist agents were delightful people with a great sense of humour for such a unique situation. I do wonder if other hotels have done this. I think it was a great idea.<br />
<br />
After we were done, we were invited to take our fill at the party. And boy did we. You really need to be comfortable offering a bunch of students/actors free food and drink. We definitely consumed our pays worth. I basically just camped out at the station with the STEAK and YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS.<br />
<br />
Dear Thistle,<br />
<br />
Feel free to hire me again if you're paying in Yorkshire Puddings.<br />
<br />
Kind regards,<br />
Lindsay<br />
<br />
P.S. I'm serious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_Vk_KTJXG0CHCKl7ENz45q-Ex2WFMtAZqj20Te5oPFQ0B-Cp2_ddJYQJUQpg-r0Nx611n_82-rODlAl6kFsYppR66HZ5iuDt7MHHlLBgTvRHniYDjWU33Mf3vhhyoNOmpVv4CxZ7RO4/s1600/2014-04-10+20.40.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_Vk_KTJXG0CHCKl7ENz45q-Ex2WFMtAZqj20Te5oPFQ0B-Cp2_ddJYQJUQpg-r0Nx611n_82-rODlAl6kFsYppR66HZ5iuDt7MHHlLBgTvRHniYDjWU33Mf3vhhyoNOmpVv4CxZ7RO4/s1600/2014-04-10+20.40.14.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ4MBLqYppwBQqomA0vYXCk2gFeTM4Cv5636di-CFwt4FvyefRSYil0IHZMwOHbkXuy9N4gOVjyK6wnP185rSwwfwRvif4RDlXxCMv6i7Z1U1ldQIliYeBB86uelTW8qeQ4uhy3AMCKI/s1600/2014-04-10+20.46.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ4MBLqYppwBQqomA0vYXCk2gFeTM4Cv5636di-CFwt4FvyefRSYil0IHZMwOHbkXuy9N4gOVjyK6wnP185rSwwfwRvif4RDlXxCMv6i7Z1U1ldQIliYeBB86uelTW8qeQ4uhy3AMCKI/s1600/2014-04-10+20.46.43.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had a mariachi band walking around at drunk o'clock part of the night. Good idea, guys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2OKmS-cUjZlxpaKo8y9GU7RU7D6DHVEz1K31mth48B0mQNSdAGNe-M-ZOcICJcvXUL7GbYgr8vsHFRGWZyemXG2qOoHqyBIX9zH_RjTINgP6kXdLrXc_2YzvExoGhzUWVtMiYlAtqQM/s1600/2014-04-10+21.10.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2OKmS-cUjZlxpaKo8y9GU7RU7D6DHVEz1K31mth48B0mQNSdAGNe-M-ZOcICJcvXUL7GbYgr8vsHFRGWZyemXG2qOoHqyBIX9zH_RjTINgP6kXdLrXc_2YzvExoGhzUWVtMiYlAtqQM/s1600/2014-04-10+21.10.47.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room the party was in was masterfully decked out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVlGJjjy6-3JzPR4tIsE2d_3wSrgS_8bZJ9Ww6C0yp_KPheEQ52MQcilPUF8d4EKGg97DEHa2V14WNaYueQvb-_7UX2kq7JEFUr_RmaOsDENac8APeRVfHZxREkY6jT0a7j70oocLIE4/s1600/2014-04-10+21.19.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVlGJjjy6-3JzPR4tIsE2d_3wSrgS_8bZJ9Ww6C0yp_KPheEQ52MQcilPUF8d4EKGg97DEHa2V14WNaYueQvb-_7UX2kq7JEFUr_RmaOsDENac8APeRVfHZxREkY6jT0a7j70oocLIE4/s1600/2014-04-10+21.19.02.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my 'HOW FANCY IS THIS BATHROOM?!' photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And the best way to end the night....free cupcakes in a carrier box on our way out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXICKBm1TE3FmUMdWS6iy7j5O64pSFBoJ7RransUTGtal0GlB-6wHkWnyZLs03KWSUCLafSwuGinAV_ESyREbcOCGU5ps6DcLS6tZlLAO_mbHOaSRNT5uO1GDlactjk50N4ENHXSP3IY/s1600/2014-04-11+16.39.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXICKBm1TE3FmUMdWS6iy7j5O64pSFBoJ7RransUTGtal0GlB-6wHkWnyZLs03KWSUCLafSwuGinAV_ESyREbcOCGU5ps6DcLS6tZlLAO_mbHOaSRNT5uO1GDlactjk50N4ENHXSP3IY/s1600/2014-04-11+16.39.20.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Cupcake. Not sure of flavour, but it was delicious...and blue. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a thank you, they also have offered us a free afternoon tea on a day of our choosing with whomever we want to attend.<br />
<br />
Guys, it's like they just knew what my heart wanted.<br />
<br />
Or my stomach.<br />
<br />
xx<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>**Thistle Hotel in no way asked me to write this post. This was just an interesting experience I had, and enjoyed and didn't mind writing about their fabulousness. All opinions are my own. </i></span>LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-1101903162060679102014-05-16T14:35:00.001-04:002014-05-16T14:35:20.545-04:00Pretty Dresses, Sneaky Photos, and Acting Advice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Is there any better way to spend a sunny day in London than hidden away inside the dark halls of a museum? Well normally, if I was truly English, I'd be pulling my clothes off and indecently sunning in the parks with some booze (no really...people go crazy when the sun comes out here. Goodbye modesty.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A new exhibit just opened at the V&A called <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/wedding-dress-1775-2014/" target="_blank">Wedding Dresses: 1774 - 2014</a>. I may have snapped a few photos in a possibly, maybe, I just can't remember no-photo zone.... I'm only showing a few here, but you really should go check out the exhibit if you're in London. Have a girly day and enjoy 'ohh' and 'ahh'ing over the lovely dresses they have on display. (My only qualm, other than no-photos, was there just wasn't enough. I wanted so much more! But the two floor compact display space was spectacularly filled regardless.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I dragged Amanda along with me from <a href="http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/" target="_blank">Rhyme & Ribbons</a>, one of my favourite expat friends to adventure around with in London! Additionally, she didn't bat an eye over any sneaky photos in the museum. I mean, <i>come on</i> people, DRESSES! Pretty, sparkly, WEDDING DRESSES. Of course I'm gonna take quick, sneaky photos with my iPhone. #sorrynotsorry</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ50qZa4Eyn9essvHVluB_UlNKGAae-Az4V4kgJNvcU-ZH7ddHElwrpJkW9MB4Nf_tYqZkaLRgzM4vsOQnQzL-OYTFO1vpHSmYkN0PWmG3w6ZfiQFGjZGnn6KoriQdxXcjGGDX6hgzvQ/s1600/2014-05-14+12.51.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ50qZa4Eyn9essvHVluB_UlNKGAae-Az4V4kgJNvcU-ZH7ddHElwrpJkW9MB4Nf_tYqZkaLRgzM4vsOQnQzL-OYTFO1vpHSmYkN0PWmG3w6ZfiQFGjZGnn6KoriQdxXcjGGDX6hgzvQ/s1600/2014-05-14+12.51.36.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were pretty happy with a lot of the purple dresses. This was an old maid's wedding dress. She was past 30, so ya know...practically dead. She did what she wanted.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujkmFkwOIlfIGhjXRxxTi8IlU23ithHE7qxhvnlouAFbRH0CnKabv1cbL0cB6pTd-c0cXA8kROfGnidB2fdjHHOF9fys2zv289tVxA1Xv2Z1iN00fsYT615jhn3gGH0RKS2-ci-IBD_o/s1600/2014-05-14+13.09.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujkmFkwOIlfIGhjXRxxTi8IlU23ithHE7qxhvnlouAFbRH0CnKabv1cbL0cB6pTd-c0cXA8kROfGnidB2fdjHHOF9fys2zv289tVxA1Xv2Z1iN00fsYT615jhn3gGH0RKS2-ci-IBD_o/s1600/2014-05-14+13.09.12.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By far my most favourite. Check out my <a href="http://instagram.com/lindsaydinsyday" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for more info on this piece.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbtzOZ0Zv1nkAQBh_PbMDLH_rcj8sLLkebrepfq1wJ0zReMGp6ifJpoZTGrFP6xhpXxRdLQpqMZKX9JaE6991RZxIxa6DdAYl-DzA9Gnw_vG2UvymYo_7_N9V2nVkZXaQ_5m2_2YME3w/s1600/2014-05-14+13.09.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbtzOZ0Zv1nkAQBh_PbMDLH_rcj8sLLkebrepfq1wJ0zReMGp6ifJpoZTGrFP6xhpXxRdLQpqMZKX9JaE6991RZxIxa6DdAYl-DzA9Gnw_vG2UvymYo_7_N9V2nVkZXaQ_5m2_2YME3w/s1600/2014-05-14+13.09.48.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want them Louboutin's. Dream a dream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And another favourite. So gorgeous. Look how it sparkles!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN8g30Smd61gVKRWBl5MyD_j7lDUAqEdmFo0aYxciQeUcNKyr6jqAvVyBwI8bV2W4ar0JHJlvExqfwVGKP6NXNoy4gTy5J6KTexveX8LadbmJrjrfXYKFIlMqiTQC6r4B43Kv22GS74E/s1600/2014-05-14+13.14.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN8g30Smd61gVKRWBl5MyD_j7lDUAqEdmFo0aYxciQeUcNKyr6jqAvVyBwI8bV2W4ar0JHJlvExqfwVGKP6NXNoy4gTy5J6KTexveX8LadbmJrjrfXYKFIlMqiTQC6r4B43Kv22GS74E/s1600/2014-05-14+13.14.49.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_2kv7aHRDoXGeH6gkG8XZnD9Cm2ClF3iTqqgiSsVnPbTNV7rc-KkqY3Oa8q2cCCR8QxI4Y-uJ13-EcgrSFtMexhLeIdYdAdpexNFmEAcONzjNLtkoHwCyBaIdfxXdeOnAilMJQkfNYg/s1600/2014-05-14+13.12.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_2kv7aHRDoXGeH6gkG8XZnD9Cm2ClF3iTqqgiSsVnPbTNV7rc-KkqY3Oa8q2cCCR8QxI4Y-uJ13-EcgrSFtMexhLeIdYdAdpexNFmEAcONzjNLtkoHwCyBaIdfxXdeOnAilMJQkfNYg/s1600/2014-05-14+13.12.47.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJGinbgv55eX3IWzlj9ibMlhzBGg8Fl5IzuTCfHtPEJQXQBdODOKB503BI4rnrOf2BSGhYRAeT7nFBhVsbeWHSD-D8cwzkE6tfTSBihGNeIFAZ5ykyAinOrw1wDEBpo9Te-DDDDQtszI/s1600/2014-05-14+13.21.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJGinbgv55eX3IWzlj9ibMlhzBGg8Fl5IzuTCfHtPEJQXQBdODOKB503BI4rnrOf2BSGhYRAeT7nFBhVsbeWHSD-D8cwzkE6tfTSBihGNeIFAZ5ykyAinOrw1wDEBpo9Te-DDDDQtszI/s1600/2014-05-14+13.21.42.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntHKbmC_Sl9NpZ2g7q4WAfdF6mxoLXYUOWeAvDxD3p98UrklnTLc6mCqGr2GJu9hpPgq5ka_2kre-oNLkUMUqMlyBUg36gihrlIZUxuVe2TFF-F3nnS2eYOOhjUlsH78jfuXKuD_SUh8/s1600/2014-05-14+13.14.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntHKbmC_Sl9NpZ2g7q4WAfdF6mxoLXYUOWeAvDxD3p98UrklnTLc6mCqGr2GJu9hpPgq5ka_2kre-oNLkUMUqMlyBUg36gihrlIZUxuVe2TFF-F3nnS2eYOOhjUlsH78jfuXKuD_SUh8/s1600/2014-05-14+13.14.17.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupC1_UUOQcy3CmfTEtNqVa6PGbvHnP5hPesB2yfgkeozR0erjofkAw9fNsLsmcOmLYpNH-BH5SzLLyr6D7OB5P5ei8OAW4WQm3C4Gt4CLoFzI92UoyYCJfSI8J1wk0rnGrqhxqgHdHdQ/s1600/2014-05-14+12.51.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupC1_UUOQcy3CmfTEtNqVa6PGbvHnP5hPesB2yfgkeozR0erjofkAw9fNsLsmcOmLYpNH-BH5SzLLyr6D7OB5P5ei8OAW4WQm3C4Gt4CLoFzI92UoyYCJfSI8J1wk0rnGrqhxqgHdHdQ/s1600/2014-05-14+12.51.33.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After drooling over the dresses we quickly found our way through the rest of the photo-friendly and free fashion exhibit, also worth a good look around.<br />
<br />
Before we headed out into the sunshine, Amanda showed me the joys that is the <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/t/theatre-and-performance/" target="_blank">Theatre and Performance collection</a>, which is nicely hidden away in an even darker corner, where you'd only really stumble upon it if you were in a school group having lunch...or you were really lost.<br />
<br />
There we learned some hard facts about acting. Don't know why I even bothered working on my master's degree. Let me hit you up with some knowledge:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrcIiamGtIx99ejX5SPV2wPoluNkltKPjS26TMlnI9qnjoXNLbEPS8pF0c4FWPOIeIkVzFIGJj37CCNMDiIgL2SjKNiBBH5xoPn6XqeI6-4x1K3SoP2tBJQPgytQmz9r8KabiIyneg08/s1600/2014-05-14+14.17.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrcIiamGtIx99ejX5SPV2wPoluNkltKPjS26TMlnI9qnjoXNLbEPS8pF0c4FWPOIeIkVzFIGJj37CCNMDiIgL2SjKNiBBH5xoPn6XqeI6-4x1K3SoP2tBJQPgytQmz9r8KabiIyneg08/s1600/2014-05-14+14.17.25.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><b><i>'Building a character: Acting is central to any performance. The way an actor speaks and looks and moves onstage changes the audience's emotional response to that character. There are many approaches to acting technique that consider both the external and internal life of a character, from emotion through to the way of speaking and moving onstage.'</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm off to get my Oscar now that I understand it all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZyiCYTe0aR06hLBdHeQwPlR4QiRWDiLAAtNBq3NsLPlK0rEvaveuJpat0VoaKsWo4CdTG89hgVuJozJwVhtUu6lH5X9p5U407nUARFQFlF-oCcv_ptSHABu___GhRsM9kcxENrEHsUU/s1600/2014-05-14+14.08.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZyiCYTe0aR06hLBdHeQwPlR4QiRWDiLAAtNBq3NsLPlK0rEvaveuJpat0VoaKsWo4CdTG89hgVuJozJwVhtUu6lH5X9p5U407nUARFQFlF-oCcv_ptSHABu___GhRsM9kcxENrEHsUU/s1600/2014-05-14+14.08.26.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just thought this was fascinating. And kinda what I'd like to wear to breakfast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Amanda introduced me to her favourite section...the costumes. They didn't smell so pretty, but neither does theatre, kids. And don't you forget it. It's smells of tears, sweat, ambition, and poorness. ... Ya know, if it could smell like that, it would.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But we smelled pretty cause it was a girly day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1FXCS-umyVTdcZ9l-KPfv1zsKkUr4c6XCxuXCyX-rYKVdUm5NrBc-arTwOo-PtnWYX6dkhuIPQa9DSRQBV0GHtnHvQVfF6nFlirg6eQ6nhbVTeA341sdyrjse6DD8cQUviYVQsBLRU0/s1600/2014-05-14+14.20.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1FXCS-umyVTdcZ9l-KPfv1zsKkUr4c6XCxuXCyX-rYKVdUm5NrBc-arTwOo-PtnWYX6dkhuIPQa9DSRQBV0GHtnHvQVfF6nFlirg6eQ6nhbVTeA341sdyrjse6DD8cQUviYVQsBLRU0/s1600/2014-05-14+14.20.10.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4p1mhA4ves6hEsXHCYelYZFOiozHUzKNhwHB1vYHpEe9zOJAoytK7hP4ad1SlaGIT_4kDY_w2sFyH6q9liUKfjPq6J7K5K8mEAQ19ENbendGrk2pT4ELGUltrUkwsBEDXQPQfuA7WTc/s1600/2014-05-14+14.19.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4p1mhA4ves6hEsXHCYelYZFOiozHUzKNhwHB1vYHpEe9zOJAoytK7hP4ad1SlaGIT_4kDY_w2sFyH6q9liUKfjPq6J7K5K8mEAQ19ENbendGrk2pT4ELGUltrUkwsBEDXQPQfuA7WTc/s1600/2014-05-14+14.19.46.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7iydYazTurQfrueShbgcPovaNka5tv0Li0huiMRku3IPyyZ-VttTS5sDuxHKwXgk-WjwYlgnVlkhQqp7DomPOKlpkJYYSDiBsa-wi2EV2XDrHa3QWGDF4e_0NwnPHmbe5ajp9JAYZh4/s1600/2014-05-14+14.22.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7iydYazTurQfrueShbgcPovaNka5tv0Li0huiMRku3IPyyZ-VttTS5sDuxHKwXgk-WjwYlgnVlkhQqp7DomPOKlpkJYYSDiBsa-wi2EV2XDrHa3QWGDF4e_0NwnPHmbe5ajp9JAYZh4/s1600/2014-05-14+14.22.02.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-EfzjUbPtrvWxa09EnYF-v57DRz11gnkRIdN-hCUlLYRF0mIdOfJP9McOd3P96siswZdnE-BAHCfXwXe_77v07qR90v4N6x4-ZS4nijyTpyPVXjdeyuatUadRCGRXd0CYbZmdfi0IQ8/s1600/2014-05-14+14.21.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-EfzjUbPtrvWxa09EnYF-v57DRz11gnkRIdN-hCUlLYRF0mIdOfJP9McOd3P96siswZdnE-BAHCfXwXe_77v07qR90v4N6x4-ZS4nijyTpyPVXjdeyuatUadRCGRXd0CYbZmdfi0IQ8/s1600/2014-05-14+14.21.31.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Oddly enough we were the only ones enjoying this thoroughly enjoyable collection. Maybe because it was put off in the dungeons of the museum. Where no hope survives. Welcome to the Theatre collection, where dreams come to die.<br />
<br />
So that got morbid. Go back and look at the dresses. Preeeeetty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Overall it was a delightful visit and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I would recommend going to visit the pretty dresses, and please, if you have time, go say hi to the lonely Theatre and Performance section. There's even stuff on Shakespeare!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFix_wrtOenf1f1YuzjBDlR9vV765b1pln6nLTetouv8DV9mZHdJ8hkhsxauhyau5AH6O0SG5AM5c3N46gQDTeBpGG4OZtnT-9PDW6i7T8YkEA7kO8IAAYHar98iFOPAq2EbWWADcW8Cc/s1600/2014-05-14+14.32.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFix_wrtOenf1f1YuzjBDlR9vV765b1pln6nLTetouv8DV9mZHdJ8hkhsxauhyau5AH6O0SG5AM5c3N46gQDTeBpGG4OZtnT-9PDW6i7T8YkEA7kO8IAAYHar98iFOPAq2EbWWADcW8Cc/s1600/2014-05-14+14.32.23.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xx Lindsay</div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-91723487048392948922014-05-14T13:45:00.002-04:002014-05-20T04:36:04.784-04:00Summer 2014 Book ChallengeHello, old friends....<br />
<br />
So maybe I don't blog as regularly as I'd like...silly MA getting in the way of my creative outlet. Whatever, dude. One thing about me that you can count on not changing is my love of reading. Serious book addict right here. I will always love some good YA fiction, sci fi/fantasy, mysteries and a few non-fiction comedy books thrown in for good measure.<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlUrM6-uHMAXeBhkLpvxdG9CipvW1DL60F07wENHdYVd-Oe2UbrWFBsdu2ZtDJYrVfFoTQpW2jhXyvZzIB09WN3o6gs314yX5NRMDh0_dYXzi4YmmUmoiLcbEz_FkpLQWyG2TuyCw3_U/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlUrM6-uHMAXeBhkLpvxdG9CipvW1DL60F07wENHdYVd-Oe2UbrWFBsdu2ZtDJYrVfFoTQpW2jhXyvZzIB09WN3o6gs314yX5NRMDh0_dYXzi4YmmUmoiLcbEz_FkpLQWyG2TuyCw3_U/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Booknerd who likes wine and giggling. Well, not really giggling, more like hysterical snorting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
My main guilt in life is that I feel I don't read enough. I would rather read all the books I currently own and haven't yet read (over 250 at this point, split between my home with my parents and my flat here in London) than catch up on all the trendy shows this season.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm feeling excited about this Summer Reading Challenge being put on by <a href="http://megancstroup.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/semi-charmed-summer-2014-book-challenge.html" target="_blank">Megan over at Semi-Charmed Kind of Life</a>. I'm a rule follower and I do love a good set of reading rules to follow (stop yelling 'nerd', Mom. I believe everyone is fully aware). Check out her page for the check-in rules, or you can just follow the point system if you want a good reading challenge for the summer. If anything, share with me what you're reading so I can add to my ever growing list of books to check out. I do love a good nerd chat over books.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://megancstroup.blogspot.com/2014/04/semi-charmed-summer-2014-book-challenge.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1073.photobucket.com/albums/w399/mcszr3/SCSBC14_250x250_zps8f5fcabe.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here's the points and here's what I'm, hopefully, going to be reading this summer:</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvOqV6qlEO3tUb4F-MV5z1Nk98oa993fyHhyphenhyphen6ovW1DV6XzSElu16Ltq5Z1gRNgRcqPVKooqO9zFepOEEhxBN9fJeI9SIrO3z4I0JEXjZWjybtjmnaEslYi3KoaZd9gBsmaA3Udy24qpU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvOqV6qlEO3tUb4F-MV5z1Nk98oa993fyHhyphenhyphen6ovW1DV6XzSElu16Ltq5Z1gRNgRcqPVKooqO9zFepOEEhxBN9fJeI9SIrO3z4I0JEXjZWjybtjmnaEslYi3KoaZd9gBsmaA3Udy24qpU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be judgy about my Blogging book. I never said I was good at this shit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>5 points</b>: <b>Freebie! Read any book that is at least 200 pages long.</b></div>
<div>
<i>--Take Your Shirt Off and Cry</i> by Nancy Balbirer. Should be an easy read, an auto-biography about one woman's experiences as a struggling actor. Looks like a funny read and I'm trying to read more of those. Someday, I wanna write a comedic book. </div>
<div>
<b>10 points</b>:<b> Read a book that was written before you were born.</b></div>
<div>
<i>--Wuthering Heights</i> by Emily Bronte. No, I've never read it. *Hangs head in shame*</div>
<div>
<b>10 points</b>: <b>Finish reading a book you couldn't finish the first time around. (You must have at least 150 pages left in the book to use it for this category.)</b></div>
<div>
<i>--Mansfield Park</i> by Jane Austen, it's what became my downfall for my <a href="http://randomactsofdrama.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/jane-austen-book-club-sense-and.html" target="_blank">Jane Austen Book Club </a>reading challenge. I just couldn't get past Mansfield Park. Ugh.</div>
<div>
<b>10 points</b>: <b>Read a book from the children's section of the library or bookstore.</b></div>
<div>
<i>--The Giver</i> by Lois Lowry. Always wanted to read it and my sister loved it. It was either this one or possibly <i>The Phantom Tollbooth</i> by Norton Juster, which also comes highly recommended by my sis.</div>
<div>
<b>15 points</b>: <b>Read a book that is on <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/overview.html" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times'</i> Best Sellers List</a> when you begin reading it.</b></div>
<div>
<i>--The Circle</i> by Dave Eggers. Recommended by my other blogger friend, Taylor, who loved it. And hopefully it'll stay on that list until I can get to it!</div>
<div>
<b>15 points</b>: <b>Read a historical fiction book that does not take place in Europe.</b></div>
<div>
<i>--The Last Runaway</i> by Tracy Chevalier. My lovely friend Laura just gushed about it and lent me her copy.</div>
<div>
<b>15 points</b>: <b>Read a book another blogger has already read for the challenge. </b>(So I'll be checking in June to see what other blogger's have read in order to get my next one...or I'll just take one from <a href="http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/2014/04/summer-2014-reading-challenge.html" target="_blank">Amanda over at Rhyme and Ribbons</a> as she's updating her post as she goes along. Win!) </div>
<div>
<i>--The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary</i> by Simon Winchester...I'm hoping Amanda reads that one soon, cause I've been dying to read it for years (I used to work at several bookshops, this title has always caught my eye).</div>
<div>
<b>20 points</b>: <b>Read a book with 'son(s),' 'daughter(s)' or 'child(ren)' in the title. No other words will count--including kids, offspring, etc. </b></div>
<div>
<i>--Daughter of Fortune</i> by Isabel Allende</div>
<div>
<b>20 points</b>: <b>Read a book that was/will be adapted to film in 2014.</b></div>
<div>
<i>--<strike>Fault in Our Stars </strike></i><strike> by John Green. OKAY, OKAY, I will give in and read it. I've been avoiding it because everyone has cried over it and I hate crying. But alas, I must give in because I've heard too many good things. Damn you, John Green. I hope you're not going to be another Nicholas Sparks.</strike><br />
<i>**Finished 19th of May....sobbing.**</i></div>
<div>
<b>25 points: Read a book written by a blogger.</b></div>
<div>
<i>--Straight Up and Dirty</i> by Stephanie Klein. I had fun searching for this one. Nooooo, idea of what to chose other than cookbooks and any book by Jen Lancaster...oh wait, read all those. She's actually who I want to write like someday. Hopefully this Stephanie Klein author will be as funny and/or inspiring.</div>
<div>
<b>25 points: Read a biography, autobiography or memoir.</b></div>
<div>
<i>--The Disastrous Mrs. Weldon</i> by Brian Thompson, and just for fun, <i>Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?</i> by Mindy Kaling, because I must read this book. </div>
<div>
<b>30 points: Read a pair of books with antonyms in the titles.</b></div>
<div>
--Ummmm, I'll get back to you on that one.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
BONUS ROUND...just cause I want some of my own personal challenges:</div>
<div>
<b>Read a book you said you would never, ever, ever read:</b></div>
<div>
<i>--50 Shades of Grey</i> .... ugh. Maybe I can't do that challenge...</div>
<div>
<b>Read a book that you've borrowed off someone and you really have kept it too long and need to return it soon...like, really soon:</b></div>
<div>
<i>--The Art of Acting</i> by Stella Adler, borrowed off my friend Olivia...and I just really have had it too long.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakbu8HRgRiNfcPcPCGn2I3VrkR-PpWzO8d4WNnQ8hiWgsrgI8C6iMKMYAAq7M30FadgUCX5_Q5H6NEvPOlVSHR3W_1AxuKvmZs6t1B8hEerlm-T_p195mo_5AXH2tqJ115UeTellYXt8/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakbu8HRgRiNfcPcPCGn2I3VrkR-PpWzO8d4WNnQ8hiWgsrgI8C6iMKMYAAq7M30FadgUCX5_Q5H6NEvPOlVSHR3W_1AxuKvmZs6t1B8hEerlm-T_p195mo_5AXH2tqJ115UeTellYXt8/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have so many other good books waiting for attention on my bookshelf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm sure this will all fit in nicely while I freak out about getting a job and whattheHELLamIdoingaftergraduationfuuuuuuuuck!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xx Lindsay</div>
</div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-71323869824915932022014-04-02T02:44:00.001-04:002014-04-02T17:53:17.464-04:00On Topics of Exercise and NudityI've had some crappy nights of sleep recently, my friends. My MA is in full swing and if I thought the first term was tough, then I'd like to meet me then and just point and laugh. Stress has always been something I've courted in life and now it seems to be a full time resident. It has gotten to the point that when I reach a breaking point (not too often, but enough to take note) I tend to wander around my house crying and sniffling like a toddler who's lost their favourite doll, while I talk myself through my troubles. This sounds absolutely ridiculous and it is. Surprisingly effect way, though, to bring high levels of stress down quickly. When I get over-dramatic with my emotions, I tend to really throw myself into it and then have to take a moment to laugh at my ridiculousness when it comes to an end. That's the way I deal with things when they build up and get to be too much, like a pot of soup boiling over. However, my usual way of dealing with stress and keeping it away from this point has been exercise.<br />
<br />
Oh, glorious, glorious exercise.<br />
<br />
My fourteen year old self would die of shock to hear my say that out loud. I've always hated exercise until my lovely and amazing friend Caitlin got me into running. And then something clicked. I started to find the benefits. More so the mental benefits than the physical ones. In all honesty, there's more of shift in my life with how I deal with things, rather than a shift in belly fat.<br />
<br />
But not something to focus on.<br />
<br />
Running has been therapeutic and helped me get through a lot of rough moments last year. Training for the two half marathons I did was the best thing I could have gotten hooked on...and let's just ignore the fact that I have issues with plantar faciitis...<span style="font-size: xx-small;">stupid feet.</span><br />
<br />
Lately I haven't been able to fit in daily exercise like I normally would like to do in times of high stress, but when I do....<i>it is glorious</i>. And the warm weather here in London is something to celebrate.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAsKFQS1PXyAeybvngGdD0nfU8Ln2sYz3DH1IAffI2-dtbXJnq_62LFTbF0gzfgLSa5U8kYYiioo6NmEHoitUDzUgrZ84Gm_9l_mLLc1niGQJgw1mJSqXMwd6M5DmjBZaW0dfUTiYZFw/s1600/2014-03-30+17.53.11-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAsKFQS1PXyAeybvngGdD0nfU8Ln2sYz3DH1IAffI2-dtbXJnq_62LFTbF0gzfgLSa5U8kYYiioo6NmEHoitUDzUgrZ84Gm_9l_mLLc1niGQJgw1mJSqXMwd6M5DmjBZaW0dfUTiYZFw/s1600/2014-03-30+17.53.11-2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Depending on how I pose, my boobs disappear. Weeeeird.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sometimes you just gotta dance in excitement for a run (I can hear my fourteen year old self gagging at that sentiment. Go back to your goth lifestyle, your Wicca, and your secret love of Spice Girls, 14 yr old self. It will get better. Especially your taste in music...)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45KSXJC_HXzTXeLlfsNIcBD3bxUSmm1145hbx3ANvPalToGcx8r_HzuDOm7imgPYfeBH6x6PM_BDVxOX0-PajXHwf4RDmqQAVzQDTG44W46wfRjfvXCj5ALL1evzROmIALFQxr6Z44Z4/s1600/2014-03-30+17.53.16-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45KSXJC_HXzTXeLlfsNIcBD3bxUSmm1145hbx3ANvPalToGcx8r_HzuDOm7imgPYfeBH6x6PM_BDVxOX0-PajXHwf4RDmqQAVzQDTG44W46wfRjfvXCj5ALL1evzROmIALFQxr6Z44Z4/s1600/2014-03-30+17.53.16-2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCMrodq9fGNzxA__1Yh7z_kCwmtGbb3BWWOyx7gBecpe1wh_A5nS3SuP58UFxvr7mcJ0-TxyQ7N2Xas6gceWnr3BacxFKnfewjTZvHY0nQnttmJZ77shJ5InvQXfTPAnaYNZfE9Beqk4/s1600/2014-03-30+17.53.16-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCMrodq9fGNzxA__1Yh7z_kCwmtGbb3BWWOyx7gBecpe1wh_A5nS3SuP58UFxvr7mcJ0-TxyQ7N2Xas6gceWnr3BacxFKnfewjTZvHY0nQnttmJZ77shJ5InvQXfTPAnaYNZfE9Beqk4/s1600/2014-03-30+17.53.16-3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you wish you could have these dance moves. KA-POW, goes the booty. We're blowing it up in here. (I don't know what that means, but it just felt right.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been hard core falling in love with Bikram yoga as well.<br />
<br />
Say whaaaaat? Yes it's true. It's 100% the fault of my studio and their amazing instructors. If you have a bad studio and an instructor that's not going to give you corrections, you're screwed. Bikram, like crossfit or any other type of exercise really, needs to have an instructor that knows what they're doing and knows how to show you how <i>not</i> to hurt yourself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUF5I3KguviVrTAon6wY4XPmFFHhSGdBa03mmOTRWgEEozIZzWk8GSX6MSpbDbhKPgJDC1iOXJibt5tOGAXjap4IiDicsa6OusCYAj6XzyXDzVM_IZgpsYSZIC1kBNCdUutr1oa8yIk2I/s1600/2014-03-31+10.33.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUF5I3KguviVrTAon6wY4XPmFFHhSGdBa03mmOTRWgEEozIZzWk8GSX6MSpbDbhKPgJDC1iOXJibt5tOGAXjap4IiDicsa6OusCYAj6XzyXDzVM_IZgpsYSZIC1kBNCdUutr1oa8yIk2I/s1600/2014-03-31+10.33.24.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn6hKFb2GXLSNJa3-u2oiVDemkMdRXh90r3hngALdbuCgcJXP0r1zvFrWMh8PdyxG2WeJURRwcZuZSAU_5O3UMEg5rrBSnBqqFNdUyqGQSmtkMvBMqItAfW7Hn4MVetUX2O5c4-2l9T0/s1600/2014-03-31+10.33.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn6hKFb2GXLSNJa3-u2oiVDemkMdRXh90r3hngALdbuCgcJXP0r1zvFrWMh8PdyxG2WeJURRwcZuZSAU_5O3UMEg5rrBSnBqqFNdUyqGQSmtkMvBMqItAfW7Hn4MVetUX2O5c4-2l9T0/s1600/2014-03-31+10.33.35.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Bikram Yoga studio. If only I could see them on a daily basis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A really fun personal hurdle, that I didn't realize I had, I've overcome thanks to my Bikram studio and their open showers. I wasn't aware I still held onto a lot of my Catholic school girl tendencies when it came to how I felt about my naked body. In all honesty, I've done enough plays in my underwear, or undressing, that I felt I was totally in the exhibitionist arena.<br />
<br />
Not at all the case. I balked at the open showers when I first saw them at the studio. I can't even remember ever being in a situation where I had to shower, naked, in front of strangers, with strangers, or not shower at all. All the gyms I've ever been a member of have had private ones and in all seriousness, one of my great talents in life is being able to change clothes in a locker room without showing any skin from my neck to my knees. TALENT, PEOPLE. I should put on a showcase of just that little dance. Sexy.<br />
<br />
All my international friends laughed, with their European mentality, they took no issue with this open shower business. So I worked my way up to it. First couple of times was a dash in, dash out scenario, towel kept very close at hand, and choosing the shower in the corner. But damnit, I've done it and I'm proud. Strangers have seen my naked ass. <i>SHOCK....AWE....</i>You can all be impressed now. Where's my gold sticker?<br />
<br />
I can't quite say I saunter in proudly, and nakedly, just yet....but someday. Also, sauntering is really, really hard after 90 minutes of Bikram.<br />
<br />
xxLindsay<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-6448483388870070022014-03-24T17:06:00.000-04:002014-03-24T17:06:08.169-04:00Little Sis in London: Harry Potter Studio TourWhen I was just a wee lass in upstate New York, me and my sister had just one very special wish in life. We wanted to go to Disney World. And my parents, being the poor but ever encouraging individuals that they were fed that hope along. My Dad would tell us that if we collected all the change on the floor of their closet and put it in the change jug, by the time we filled up one or two of them we could head to Disney. My Dad worked in the kind of industry where he always had loads of loose change in his pockets and most of it would get haphazardly thrown onto the floor of their closet. Off we went to the closet to collect all the change and put it in the water jug. We hoped, and we dreamed, and we couldn't wait to head to Disney.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is when I learned what evil was, kids. DON'T believe your parents. My parents did not bring us to Disney. Instead we moved to Minnesota, which is decidedly <i>un-Disneylike</i>. Disappointed. And I've held on to that grudge for awhile (actually, just about the Disney thing. I ended up loving Minnesota for the few years we lived there. I almost became famous with my girl gang. We called ourselves the <i>Fruit Girls</i>. OH YES WE DID. I was too cool for you to understand.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Years ago in the height of the Harry Potter mania after the movies were officially done, we caught word of the Harry Potter World down in Florida and that desire to head there again over took us. Even as full grown adults. Well kids, I did make it to Disney. But I ran through it instead and just spent my only free day off at Harry Potter World. You can read about that stuff here.</div>
<div>
....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
.....</div>
<div>
.....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wait....did you see what I did there? I told you I was gonna link to a post about Harry Potter World...<b>and then I didn't</b>. How's that feel Mom and Dad? Huh? Not good, I bet. I'm ready to go to Disney whenever you two are. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Really I just forgot to blog about that experience. But I did love it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And now for the actual point of this post (yes. There is one. I swear.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Harry Potter Studios with my little sis was so much fun. Also, the second time I've been. It's so big and vast that going a second time (or maybe a third, or a fourth...) doesn't lessen the excitement at all. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you do go, I'd recommend eating properly before hand and then investing the extra cash for the audio tour. SO much good info. And you get chatted up by Tom Felton. But when doing the audio tour, you'll need to allow yourself <i style="font-weight: bold;">at least 2.5-3 hours</i> in the very first building. Once you get to the outside bit and then through the second building, you'll breeze right through. But this is why you need to eat properly prior.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOJ1jTAgUSjZWjSRg2LKVnejam74n7JCHiptj3RooS1sbhWElYrui1LvwePb-AEghpJt_uqD2bKKxf6tnQdZYbKJOP9tUEUNbjYsKzwupsvoj_VjjC2TsQk2d5cXXYGMe2LT8-eoeHjQ/s1600/2014-03-03+11.49.39-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOJ1jTAgUSjZWjSRg2LKVnejam74n7JCHiptj3RooS1sbhWElYrui1LvwePb-AEghpJt_uqD2bKKxf6tnQdZYbKJOP9tUEUNbjYsKzwupsvoj_VjjC2TsQk2d5cXXYGMe2LT8-eoeHjQ/s1600/2014-03-03+11.49.39-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full English Breakfast and milky tea...yup. That is eating properly right there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You get picked up in a pretty kick ass bus.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dP_c1u_V5AwCUA-mpSozzqO4eIAhk06FMklf0B3KhpFYfOvi4cSkUhool-59tBVcPxuDLjBbS_koApiRWYDDBn-9V516vldz1tak9uVwMaA_ofU1xUxAjAnrg0Rb6TCwsGbf2BzKSEc/s1600/1011088_10203420604700191_1124955360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dP_c1u_V5AwCUA-mpSozzqO4eIAhk06FMklf0B3KhpFYfOvi4cSkUhool-59tBVcPxuDLjBbS_koApiRWYDDBn-9V516vldz1tak9uVwMaA_ofU1xUxAjAnrg0Rb6TCwsGbf2BzKSEc/s1600/1011088_10203420604700191_1124955360_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But obviously it's no comparison to the real knight bus. Which is actual buses welded together and enforced with steel on the bottom so that when it was driven, it wouldn't tip over. And they shut down parts of London just to film scenes with it being driven around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPu1FlWilmaUi2iSvqiEt9i_2wTuTsF2QN8nTxsBY-s-aEwaOSOv-jzQ1zd3GAM6U7O-6q-fNzM9_Q79iCBNu9TpFRp4EVvLmfnKmbGQp5jgL7zmIfZ7lI2BHPHF6HPNcPoXZAgG0Fbg/s1600/1625525_10203420603700166_1273547189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPu1FlWilmaUi2iSvqiEt9i_2wTuTsF2QN8nTxsBY-s-aEwaOSOv-jzQ1zd3GAM6U7O-6q-fNzM9_Q79iCBNu9TpFRp4EVvLmfnKmbGQp5jgL7zmIfZ7lI2BHPHF6HPNcPoXZAgG0Fbg/s1600/1625525_10203420603700166_1273547189_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A small scale model of Hogwarts that was being built as the books were being written. So they had to add things and change bits when J.K. Rowling would reveal new information about Hogwarts as the books went on. But they used this model to shoot a lot of the movie footage of Hogwarts, as well as a real life castle here in the UK.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3_yGGXl3TX2OW7pxtsIGqwF_VYpyXoyHUYcYLvqRVyOPZermCeT4jDVDs8rUfeZfwuTBhk6JMLp7C1K-4AR9zOexncIgqdoJ-3xYYOuYuzu6kA-_41Jl7Bg3VEewA8e4Cy2biLoEgbU/s1600/1890992_10203420600980098_62027856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3_yGGXl3TX2OW7pxtsIGqwF_VYpyXoyHUYcYLvqRVyOPZermCeT4jDVDs8rUfeZfwuTBhk6JMLp7C1K-4AR9zOexncIgqdoJ-3xYYOuYuzu6kA-_41Jl7Bg3VEewA8e4Cy2biLoEgbU/s1600/1890992_10203420600980098_62027856_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Let's play Spot-the-Super-Nerd....Oh wait...THERE SHE IS.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf1hNzurvKueOS9wIFPrNF_K8g0eiXQ06DqEM_L4docNyjAYsQckGRy3290aItf3Y-bjPOu51Vn2c-267fn7ArpL6jOcRiTznKucCYxpDQNsnqqYwqomDD9LMz7i8Glq_g7hJiYw4lp4/s1600/1901382_10203420602780143_234168736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf1hNzurvKueOS9wIFPrNF_K8g0eiXQ06DqEM_L4docNyjAYsQckGRy3290aItf3Y-bjPOu51Vn2c-267fn7ArpL6jOcRiTznKucCYxpDQNsnqqYwqomDD9LMz7i8Glq_g7hJiYw4lp4/s1600/1901382_10203420602780143_234168736_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We freaked out to learn those were the actual clothes that the actors wore. We kind of freaked out over every bit of information actually. We're generally very excitable people.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwXZWy1xgmmLb1-sHVo_GGBs5dzXXimc45eqtLke-L_a-TO1OpOqm52tFKhhpEE7DH4mV7PXeq3FrBG3CgRw1zUeqhVSH7abOP9jLz_xeQkHhEGOSK_ciU3rJcwqxZ-j7x-6NnwuEboA/s1600/1911654_10203436049046290_247447363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwXZWy1xgmmLb1-sHVo_GGBs5dzXXimc45eqtLke-L_a-TO1OpOqm52tFKhhpEE7DH4mV7PXeq3FrBG3CgRw1zUeqhVSH7abOP9jLz_xeQkHhEGOSK_ciU3rJcwqxZ-j7x-6NnwuEboA/s1600/1911654_10203436049046290_247447363_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The great hall. Though I've been in the one that inspired J.K. which is in Oxford and is much, much smaller, but still looks really freaking cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vzYUdY0YNShlqVP_eio5xC0-ZIigqKeq9ia2K7zSP8WzamQ2nx5W8e7oFO2PDKbndjmMuFj26yYY2osLxNAMT4eFlTMQzmoJU3a6QTwrd9__3mqp4asmxhWcxGvChZf2kC6ttDO9aYg/s1600/1969285_10203435555033940_1965878913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vzYUdY0YNShlqVP_eio5xC0-ZIigqKeq9ia2K7zSP8WzamQ2nx5W8e7oFO2PDKbndjmMuFj26yYY2osLxNAMT4eFlTMQzmoJU3a6QTwrd9__3mqp4asmxhWcxGvChZf2kC6ttDO9aYg/s1600/1969285_10203435555033940_1965878913_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was freezing out but we did not care. Privet Drive was pretty awesome to check out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEwKUUW1gDQhWSbYnObBSFrIUDQEMSWqs0POG8njk_rDA8cGvc9pdSiHlwtZLcwViSD4jIzRhvFP9E4wwjLDJL236Vt2VhhkX5VVNUDLGlEX8PfViLwlAu4N745NaCfZ_t11-TPui18M/s1600/1972386_10203420604260180_929955524_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEwKUUW1gDQhWSbYnObBSFrIUDQEMSWqs0POG8njk_rDA8cGvc9pdSiHlwtZLcwViSD4jIzRhvFP9E4wwjLDJL236Vt2VhhkX5VVNUDLGlEX8PfViLwlAu4N745NaCfZ_t11-TPui18M/s1600/1972386_10203420604260180_929955524_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And the actual cupboard under the stairs that they used in the films. They have this right in the lobby next to the line to get into the studio space.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwix5mQWPbdIbqSP18-Y7OmJkIkTRYXX0xBcETi7q1h3B5T1zwUsvJQw_Y1mHNqft46erVH7fACvIt2BO2dPO7p6yNBmEq-goRkmLmZEbxftRTaPV9X0nfdspFpjH78jFecDgeJYSxo5U/s1600/10003254_10203435556353973_1962665448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwix5mQWPbdIbqSP18-Y7OmJkIkTRYXX0xBcETi7q1h3B5T1zwUsvJQw_Y1mHNqft46erVH7fACvIt2BO2dPO7p6yNBmEq-goRkmLmZEbxftRTaPV9X0nfdspFpjH78jFecDgeJYSxo5U/s1600/10003254_10203435556353973_1962665448_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Overall it was a ridiculously fun day. The Making of Harry Potter....or HARRY POTTER DISNEY WORLD as we like to call it, definitely fulfilled all my nerd fantasies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0ju5WSyhKQ6xwu7reeG8O3YGecvoKcwIwDoVmLQVpuqCBWotEBdGDRi_nd0LZMH43A24mDaO2hNDd59UHtLNUkGvCdT8LdENMVLf3NR_7IsVZ2LQ2ZybAf5msSufb0FnFwF5KHaacw4/s1600/10009354_10203435561474101_1509207722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0ju5WSyhKQ6xwu7reeG8O3YGecvoKcwIwDoVmLQVpuqCBWotEBdGDRi_nd0LZMH43A24mDaO2hNDd59UHtLNUkGvCdT8LdENMVLf3NR_7IsVZ2LQ2ZybAf5msSufb0FnFwF5KHaacw4/s1600/10009354_10203435561474101_1509207722_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ummm, Mom and Dad, I still want to go to Disney and have a beer with Mickey. Actually, that's a lie, I am terrified of any person completely covered in animal costumes or cartoon costumes or just any costume where I can't identify the person underneath. Come one, what if it's an alien in there? YOU DON'T KNOW.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
xx Lindsay</div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-77874107986443264392014-03-18T05:31:00.000-04:002014-03-18T05:31:26.836-04:00Introducing My Flat WifeI don't think I'd be as happy as I am this second time living in London if it wasn't for me winning the flatmate lotto.<br />
<br />
I found her when I was frantically searching for a room to rent about two weeks before I was set to move here. You'd think me waving my money around the Internet screaming 'here! TAKE MY MONEY!' would have made the process easier...but no. Also, I don't really have that much money...and nobody is really jumping on board when I advertise about my 'awesome homemade guacamole' and the fact that I'm a good cuddler. Big spoon or little spoon was never on the flatmate applications.<br />
<br />
Spareroom was my website of choice on looking for people. Also, Facebook. My stage manager friend had a few leads for me, as did one or two other English friends. But ultimately, Spareroom and Skype came through for me. E was the only person who would Skype with me and even though we only chatted for a total of ten minutes, there for was giggles galore and repeated hair twirling on both parts. So ya know, love at first inappropriate joke. I'm sure there were many. I only really like people who make me laugh and who I can make laugh. I blogged about not really knowing how things were gonna go when I first arrived, you can check that out <a href="http://randomactsofdrama.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/starting-new-life.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Within a week or two we bonded quite happily. Seeing Punchdrunk together....being confused at Punchdrunk and heading for the bar at the exact same time...She bought me a glass of Champagne, so I had the lovin' feeling quite early on really. It doesn't take much to woo me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4Oqxtv92-jbtkRj_swOp-4q1FMnYeuQVD_50hkq9YsIMmRgj_MhUjrsxbafrlr6YbbfVBXqBPBLUsvMqVmlS8Ml-ejplQSws6BeEKq0DYRQ2y_95FchyphenhyphenKxzcAQwTFDOdbkcWgt1TROI/s1600/2013-10-11+19.34.05-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4Oqxtv92-jbtkRj_swOp-4q1FMnYeuQVD_50hkq9YsIMmRgj_MhUjrsxbafrlr6YbbfVBXqBPBLUsvMqVmlS8Ml-ejplQSws6BeEKq0DYRQ2y_95FchyphenhyphenKxzcAQwTFDOdbkcWgt1TROI/s1600/2013-10-11+19.34.05-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EVERYONE takes a bathroom selfie at Punchdrunk's Drowned Man. Not kidding. Look on Instagram.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's been accidental 'oops where's all the wine gone?' kind of nights that turn into 'exciting dramatization using weird dolls' nights. Like ya do...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKam45YORJ-rkF3Cq-zeGE89JHmlYbbo1OhTnrbPAoLZ9-_dlK0NOBRGkHK2SihYV0A3t9RdD91rTzYdp3WgiDaiZdSK8vWLiJ6NbopOpJRyt7vZy-6CwlKsSEOlYccS3nbEPlSkpsRAU/s1600/2013-10-24+20.20.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKam45YORJ-rkF3Cq-zeGE89JHmlYbbo1OhTnrbPAoLZ9-_dlK0NOBRGkHK2SihYV0A3t9RdD91rTzYdp3WgiDaiZdSK8vWLiJ6NbopOpJRyt7vZy-6CwlKsSEOlYccS3nbEPlSkpsRAU/s1600/2013-10-24+20.20.41.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI4TFYfgFpYVZCs8NPiTgn-jL8OzzyiksXiOylYjLb38kyvriGlCqRfPnsfVSMEoMaWU6AuPgu34EosVhyL57I55SuVKOzPiFzvOZb5qbW5GBq6cSkCRGsxadxxQTVOd9aFW_I5ukDtA/s1600/2013-10-24+22.40.10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI4TFYfgFpYVZCs8NPiTgn-jL8OzzyiksXiOylYjLb38kyvriGlCqRfPnsfVSMEoMaWU6AuPgu34EosVhyL57I55SuVKOzPiFzvOZb5qbW5GBq6cSkCRGsxadxxQTVOd9aFW_I5ukDtA/s1600/2013-10-24+22.40.10-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was having an epic love affair with a Spanish wine and didn't want to tell her boyfriend, CabSav. He's a douche anyways.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
E has invited me to fun parties that involve looking sexy....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimq7WKo1TBMr8edwWY8d26VxiKwhWLgCkZtk1tX6PzXPMJMw2zjQ3ak2WaS-WysmqkMznsHgU8gfK32YSe5N6qtdnwPZAA098xSivyICpQONhmfTyaqbu8VWS4SBmgzTlMjBzF1m_QV48/s1600/2013-11-02+16.59.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimq7WKo1TBMr8edwWY8d26VxiKwhWLgCkZtk1tX6PzXPMJMw2zjQ3ak2WaS-WysmqkMznsHgU8gfK32YSe5N6qtdnwPZAA098xSivyICpQONhmfTyaqbu8VWS4SBmgzTlMjBzF1m_QV48/s1600/2013-11-02+16.59.54.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
...and parties were you put on your Sunday best. Clearly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH03WHZgCuKJjAooBqxsxfIUmLOqD4XwomTlT_FFc87qvOyJDP_7Mu0WNL6XMZ9fc33aCerNZmDCLurq165GXjnSXIw_mGazS4JR0qdDuyjy0qp3kUrq9fEUn_EUZiJ75WOlxkt3BNjg/s1600/2013-11-03+Halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH03WHZgCuKJjAooBqxsxfIUmLOqD4XwomTlT_FFc87qvOyJDP_7Mu0WNL6XMZ9fc33aCerNZmDCLurq165GXjnSXIw_mGazS4JR0qdDuyjy0qp3kUrq9fEUn_EUZiJ75WOlxkt3BNjg/s1600/2013-11-03+Halloween.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try to go out and pull with that face on. Some people go for the Zombie look though, it's like a thing now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And nothing quite says 'fancy pants' like pouring Strongbow in a Champagne glass and inventing the drink name 'Trampagne'.....because it's a 'tramp's version of Champagne.'<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPhemmj70YGd-l3luZ7nIXVMjspWxp8jFLNJD93Uem2ZAqewKaaUGyx9kvZIyRebx4MtQzEospcbHNLogMPj34sIqq1He_yTWLuwDBMo1SegiIorGENYEk_NZwL7wS1iUnJlVQQGqzv0/s1600/2013-11-08+19.15.25-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPhemmj70YGd-l3luZ7nIXVMjspWxp8jFLNJD93Uem2ZAqewKaaUGyx9kvZIyRebx4MtQzEospcbHNLogMPj34sIqq1He_yTWLuwDBMo1SegiIorGENYEk_NZwL7wS1iUnJlVQQGqzv0/s1600/2013-11-08+19.15.25-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I adore her. She's delightful and she laughs at me when I'm hungover and she gossips about big name bloggers with me and tells me stories about the time she had to dress Benedict Cumberbatch...and has not yet gotten mad at me when I stole her good bottle of Pino Grigio. So thanks for being a fabulous flatwife.<br />
<br />
Happy wife, happy life.<br />
<br />
xx Lindsay<br />
<br />LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-36082869758096634602014-03-17T16:47:00.002-04:002014-03-17T17:37:24.617-04:00Little Sis in London: Day 4--Sunday Roast & Sunday Giggles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Guys, I don't want to brag or anything. But I know how to do Sunday right. It's all about not having a plan during the day and then enjoying a roast and some comedy at night. BEST IDEA. Also drinking too much with your sister on a Sunday has it's fun moments.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made breakfast...I think...I actually can't remember now. Especially since I didn't instagram it for proof....But who cares. This happened:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpBJ9d_VrH1NUEIp2MUbzNs1DMBx_Nl4KOJvW61RT0iYvAl77hBkl_I_jDbgLHsAdoHRINw1gCxsiU8sKRND-PM5vQBIvKM_ZGzkxx1Xk1PBgCsNdEqIAKU6qcFWVO4Pnn4bW5C5VQhc/s1600/1891015_10203435564514177_663053564_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpBJ9d_VrH1NUEIp2MUbzNs1DMBx_Nl4KOJvW61RT0iYvAl77hBkl_I_jDbgLHsAdoHRINw1gCxsiU8sKRND-PM5vQBIvKM_ZGzkxx1Xk1PBgCsNdEqIAKU6qcFWVO4Pnn4bW5C5VQhc/s1600/1891015_10203435564514177_663053564_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classy jump shot. In front of a boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a wander around Greenwich. The gem of Southeast London, IMO. Couldn't find a place to eat as every place was packed. The tourists feed like zombies at an all-you-can-eat human buffet when it comes to weekends in Greenwich. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took Lauren to my 'just recently passed food obsession' <a href="http://www.byronhamburgers.com/" target="_blank">Byron Burgers</a>. Still kind of hanging on a bit to this fixation, but it's slowly being shoved out of the way by my <a href="http://www.phocafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pho Cafe</a> obsession...which can be <a href="http://randomactsofdrama.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/most-exciting-thing-right-now.html" target="_blank">seen here</a>.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYfs-TF8a2AfzuDGjnJR_Rcc_7TLute_-vmnphxpjLbb1kmlKa4wI-d1aaKegrXvnbM0i2OZDHI99Y6UFvmel23NerqDohmS6uZpvwiyG4ChdETFFVcd9dEEnr9VujiCJ731uUH9vagc/s1600/1947659_10203435565354198_2134737572_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYfs-TF8a2AfzuDGjnJR_Rcc_7TLute_-vmnphxpjLbb1kmlKa4wI-d1aaKegrXvnbM0i2OZDHI99Y6UFvmel23NerqDohmS6uZpvwiyG4ChdETFFVcd9dEEnr9VujiCJ731uUH9vagc/s1600/1947659_10203435565354198_2134737572_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed with burger. Clearly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can't recall what we did in the afternoon to occupy our time...but that's probably because I was so damn excited about taking my sister to see <a href="http://www.newsrevue.com/" target="_blank">Newsrevue</a> at the <a href="http://www.canalcafetheatre.com/" target="_blank">Canal Cafe Theatre</a> that evening and for a roast before hand.<br />
<br />
I've seen this show a few times, as the cast changes every six weeks, and they only do the show based on current events. So it's always changing. It's only an hour long and often times completely hysterical, depending on the cast. I had seen this cast already because my friend Rae was in it and I couldn't wait for my sister to check it out. I do have to mention that Rae did rap in it...and I don't care who you are, but if you rap well, your attractiveness goes up exponentially in my book. However, I am bff with Rae's partner...so there was no drunken, confused flirting going on. You're welcome, Rae. My gift to you is not having to experience that.<br />
<br />
Beforehand, we booked a table for a roast. Sunday roast's in England are a huge deal and most of the time you should be on the safe side and book a table.<br />
<br />
Really, I just feel fancy seeing my name.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbqY-jkgpORzmFAZt3gWRMSYnc6IJXM5-DYen5vAgQRwLCeyLMAKNHtNGB6sO3g2EdQ0FGtCenrejGETj-DKyi_mev1NNdQSI-B4QNJ9HO-wSr8BG4k3glKIiAGcD8g-dG1GykLLv3dI/s1600/2014-03-02+20.18.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbqY-jkgpORzmFAZt3gWRMSYnc6IJXM5-DYen5vAgQRwLCeyLMAKNHtNGB6sO3g2EdQ0FGtCenrejGETj-DKyi_mev1NNdQSI-B4QNJ9HO-wSr8BG4k3glKIiAGcD8g-dG1GykLLv3dI/s1600/2014-03-02+20.18.42.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AND they spelled my name correctly. Makes me feel sexy towards you, <a href="http://www.thebridgehouselittlevenice.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bridge House Pub</a>. Spelling my name right...such a turn on. And you think I'm joking...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Delicious Sunday roast....we did chicken and that odd little shaped thing in the upper right hand corner is essentially why I moved to this country. YORKSHIRE PUDDING. Like a doughball made with fat. So good. If I ever get married, I may give them away as wedding favours.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9VkK5-qRYJkz-KRpPeRIkZlL9lwj9HJ7-ylbnY2Q4fhBPFeDXTyT8wRnrAgTPE7kUb63A2XsXO-5oykVweTDsQYVGzyfHXlu2woE9KwlegCQ8g0kPIjK7B2WJDC_PFGNLT260G1cQwc/s1600/1604366_10203435563674156_890019913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9VkK5-qRYJkz-KRpPeRIkZlL9lwj9HJ7-ylbnY2Q4fhBPFeDXTyT8wRnrAgTPE7kUb63A2XsXO-5oykVweTDsQYVGzyfHXlu2woE9KwlegCQ8g0kPIjK7B2WJDC_PFGNLT260G1cQwc/s1600/1604366_10203435563674156_890019913_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIi7ebW78AglK9HjMNtVYv5Jpumk6sC18vsF6i0jy1HjIvBfeoDYZQ10Jhd8RN1H2zZK4EzRtZXx7RNShQnzdqyYECfhd6pRQh5v8oOwhfVB-QrdOaRZBGb272SwhOmZLJiIo5j7RD8Q/s1600/1969298_10203435562554128_1314439415_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> My sister and I were raised right and made sure to get dessert. You don't know when dessert may run out, so get it every time. Family Rules to Live By.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIi7ebW78AglK9HjMNtVYv5Jpumk6sC18vsF6i0jy1HjIvBfeoDYZQ10Jhd8RN1H2zZK4EzRtZXx7RNShQnzdqyYECfhd6pRQh5v8oOwhfVB-QrdOaRZBGb272SwhOmZLJiIo5j7RD8Q/s1600/1969298_10203435562554128_1314439415_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIi7ebW78AglK9HjMNtVYv5Jpumk6sC18vsF6i0jy1HjIvBfeoDYZQ10Jhd8RN1H2zZK4EzRtZXx7RNShQnzdqyYECfhd6pRQh5v8oOwhfVB-QrdOaRZBGb272SwhOmZLJiIo5j7RD8Q/s1600/1969298_10203435562554128_1314439415_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We split dessert. Cause we love each other. I will only split dessert with someone I care about.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lauren loved the show and we were in stitches the whole time. As Americans, we got about 90% of the show as there's obviously a few UK politics bits thrown in, but of course there's loads of ragging on America as well. You can only laugh...and drink some more.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApNFP6z6mvTncsQbg1mnvkVIifD-sQSc3re3drgHOyz2wswayVzt5LYqRojvhL8ZcXzXQ00WcIYrPXBGTsw_BNDFg8TYkXKdmXUVZ6Hjx6CvepWEDsx77jkGIOEhlaE8r2D5KQcV5qN0/s1600/2014-03-02+22.19.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApNFP6z6mvTncsQbg1mnvkVIifD-sQSc3re3drgHOyz2wswayVzt5LYqRojvhL8ZcXzXQ00WcIYrPXBGTsw_BNDFg8TYkXKdmXUVZ6Hjx6CvepWEDsx77jkGIOEhlaE8r2D5KQcV5qN0/s1600/2014-03-02+22.19.18.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tipsy sister selfie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Overall a decent night, other than when I made what I thought were sweeping gestures of flirtations towards one of the guys in the cast...but failed miserably. I think my flirting comes across as polite conversation, and I give the attitude of 'you hold enough interest to keep me awake', sadly. Must work on that... Why are there not classes on this??</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I got tipsy with my sister, bar closed at 11pm, per the unfun rules of England, and we skipped home. Good thing we ended the night rather early because the next day was.....HARRY POTTER DISNEYLAND! Get excited....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
xx Lindsay</div>
LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145077340178614075.post-19075283492286956142014-03-15T04:56:00.000-04:002014-03-15T04:56:42.605-04:00Little Sis in London: Day 3--Shakespeare Disneyland (Stratford-upon-Avon)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBx8N70R3F80Ac6S5327k6iNOBzxfYA1p9fC8y0PhECEpFesKf6_p8nTiZFeE3xSnHa2CU5RSbAbQ3oyeRfBPwQvq4rPaGCryc7r-4UNYsIMlxmmstUdl6FuQnEzt2wowSgWkYUlMmRk/s1600/2014-03-01+13.39.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBx8N70R3F80Ac6S5327k6iNOBzxfYA1p9fC8y0PhECEpFesKf6_p8nTiZFeE3xSnHa2CU5RSbAbQ3oyeRfBPwQvq4rPaGCryc7r-4UNYsIMlxmmstUdl6FuQnEzt2wowSgWkYUlMmRk/s1600/2014-03-01+13.39.48.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This way to Shakespeare Disneyland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For my sister's third day in London, on the Saturday she was here, we thought we'd go on an adventure and head to a place neither of us have been before. Even when studying abroad. So I booked us rail tickets to Stratford-upon-Avon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know, I know...bad anglophile. No, I've never been. For some reason I missed that day trip when my group went while I was over here the first time. But no matter, going this time with my sister turned out to be the best decision. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to say, I'm a little bit in love with this small, quaint town. Yes, there are lots of tourists, but some of the side streets we checked out were absolutely lovely and charming!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYm385BoKySSILDsGILiV_jdLVfQEeZ2PUbETwWqLA7flo7WVtY_uJzA7j6owpQkypkJiubHDuGZyEvdN5gn_p5Cx1nIOWxjK84fj0TG3PgA6R-rF25jeTtu0ZLuZkuXsTgb0uuo7DwE/s1600/2014-03-01+16.13.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYm385BoKySSILDsGILiV_jdLVfQEeZ2PUbETwWqLA7flo7WVtY_uJzA7j6owpQkypkJiubHDuGZyEvdN5gn_p5Cx1nIOWxjK84fj0TG3PgA6R-rF25jeTtu0ZLuZkuXsTgb0uuo7DwE/s1600/2014-03-01+16.13.43.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaBhzieWvRoAfKJmbmhN9K0_H-4JQPVaZAGMFS0DbmzQeqTIdSqu9YgG-b9CReYWT6HuLni_h_DvAcwZapaoYuyR1teVTaF1lMK4qnvRd_kBSlh0onNALtz_I-UpbB6ZEdLjfxd98sG8/s1600/2014-03-01+13.44.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaBhzieWvRoAfKJmbmhN9K0_H-4JQPVaZAGMFS0DbmzQeqTIdSqu9YgG-b9CReYWT6HuLni_h_DvAcwZapaoYuyR1teVTaF1lMK4qnvRd_kBSlh0onNALtz_I-UpbB6ZEdLjfxd98sG8/s1600/2014-03-01+13.44.21.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0xZrn7QQudl_BDwpY0ZY879mmwGkGKioCyzRqlNMNtdKo0g9og_w9zDi3cET1rJ3Bz2bi_oIEUycOobEjDVCa3RBM3y_rkiIXzM4RMUGXqipQAbCihKEV7SVfgikDerq7hf9KRzOsxs/s1600/2014-03-01+13.58.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0xZrn7QQudl_BDwpY0ZY879mmwGkGKioCyzRqlNMNtdKo0g9og_w9zDi3cET1rJ3Bz2bi_oIEUycOobEjDVCa3RBM3y_rkiIXzM4RMUGXqipQAbCihKEV7SVfgikDerq7hf9KRzOsxs/s1600/2014-03-01+13.58.38.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is like Main Street USA at Disney...except it's Stratford...so Shakespeare Street.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once you get off the train at Stratford-upon-Avon, you're accosted by construction but just follow the pedestrian footpaths and you'll quite easily find your way to all the good bits in town. Everything was very well marked and we headed straight for the good stuff....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zJZTMYKv2n3cFSDJpWx2siTJ9y1u-G2nCQ89jAZzLMslSNryTk5p4U0Pl9BM08t6nNBbnU-VIolzzKGAWNypPi56LXEZaiB9ogm11pHrBpkgU2Yeswp95GSLC594iZjBH9QdUD-CujU/s1600/2014-03-01+13.58.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zJZTMYKv2n3cFSDJpWx2siTJ9y1u-G2nCQ89jAZzLMslSNryTk5p4U0Pl9BM08t6nNBbnU-VIolzzKGAWNypPi56LXEZaiB9ogm11pHrBpkgU2Yeswp95GSLC594iZjBH9QdUD-CujU/s1600/2014-03-01+13.58.47.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're kind of into gift shops. They just have the most interesting stuff!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I swear that so far tourist spots in England have THE BEST gift shops. We just seem to find the craziest things there. I almost bought some Shakespeare head cookies to mail back to my old theatre company in DC, Folger Shakespeare Library, as I have a feeling they would get a kick out of those. But restrained myself since they probably wouldn't have made it....cause cookies in my possession just don't last.<br />
<br />
My sister wouldn't let me buy this. But I am not ashamed to admit I really, really want it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2up_i6-gqZwdI3rp7GjobZGsZmYkJYf5OMCASVnFXfHYp8n78SrDVGP2BogE74-M-ZdKcxeRnNrlmTbHGZYphBAAJTI5KZiLaJo2AoL3GxgIftW_p1NTDZoB0qOHeq2kmzq4IPqRJ1KA/s1600/2014-03-01+14.13.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2up_i6-gqZwdI3rp7GjobZGsZmYkJYf5OMCASVnFXfHYp8n78SrDVGP2BogE74-M-ZdKcxeRnNrlmTbHGZYphBAAJTI5KZiLaJo2AoL3GxgIftW_p1NTDZoB0qOHeq2kmzq4IPqRJ1KA/s1600/2014-03-01+14.13.27.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want this...as I'm clearly not concerned with dating ever again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we stumbled upon this GEM. A kind of weird Harry Potter knock off shop. Everything was named after <i>almost</i> Harry Potter things, but not quite. It was weird and delightful. Clearly we are nerds and this kind of stuff gets our blood pumping.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgPo6AM_Gasg8dB1x0SMpoIGfZc8IaxozNqFZREAR1S68pYYVawGsSIop5Bg-kL8gSo3-srhWUCWbIkgt2xTTCyLXMHrADl5HoT945u5RPgy9I9Ph-9aZb8Wlgv1f_HjNRZmMJP9jCVU/s1600/2014-03-01+14.22.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgPo6AM_Gasg8dB1x0SMpoIGfZc8IaxozNqFZREAR1S68pYYVawGsSIop5Bg-kL8gSo3-srhWUCWbIkgt2xTTCyLXMHrADl5HoT945u5RPgy9I9Ph-9aZb8Wlgv1f_HjNRZmMJP9jCVU/s1600/2014-03-01+14.22.22.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8LqBgP7Dd-d6Y9e8eQm_HfiPaMnFmlLyIAem6pe0k6cy68tWyfo9znBZZQX7NSREP9wwHQye-Zf8NO59k_zMi4djb_9wfjN3aWauOUg-JEAI2EJMh81G9xNIrUmypIUCv7aFB9HB_7w/s1600/2014-03-01+14.22.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8LqBgP7Dd-d6Y9e8eQm_HfiPaMnFmlLyIAem6pe0k6cy68tWyfo9znBZZQX7NSREP9wwHQye-Zf8NO59k_zMi4djb_9wfjN3aWauOUg-JEAI2EJMh81G9xNIrUmypIUCv7aFB9HB_7w/s1600/2014-03-01+14.22.49.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
At this point I texted my friend Amanda, as she used to live in this area, to inquire what should we do. Because like true adventurers, we made absolutely no plans and looked nothing up prior to getting there. And because I'm only friends with the awesomest kinds of people, she sent me a list of food suggestions. MY FAVOURITE KIND OF SUGGESTIONS. So we went and had one of the most amazing meals over at <a href="http://www.oneelmstratford.co.uk/" target="_blank">The One Elm</a>. The sun was out and our skins were the scary kind of white, so out on the patio we sat. My sister is still talking about the food we had there. I was entirely focused on my own, so I didn't bother taking a picture of hers but it had something to do with whipped goats cheese and bruschetta, and a side of curried veggie soup with fried onions on top. Mine was roasted chicken, butternut squash, and bacon risotto. With a side of <a href="http://www.aspall.co.uk/" target="_blank">Aspall's Cyder</a>, another passion in my life.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig543tVEUNH-sIpSKn3ksaPu1_hm8gKN3qea-XvNAfnv6zZaYyTApFHSI5OtGQzbDP6fRYPK-AKb7mKf33QerUGlLP0WH1zE6H23flHrN8YzSSEd1J4fooVD2W8E4mPk3OxEOgJ7uRm0k/s1600/2014-03-01+15.08.19-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig543tVEUNH-sIpSKn3ksaPu1_hm8gKN3qea-XvNAfnv6zZaYyTApFHSI5OtGQzbDP6fRYPK-AKb7mKf33QerUGlLP0WH1zE6H23flHrN8YzSSEd1J4fooVD2W8E4mPk3OxEOgJ7uRm0k/s1600/2014-03-01+15.08.19-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will figure out this recipe and then make it. Every day. Till then it features heavily in my dreams.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tKGc6FsEbenVWSn_1GJqmFDFYGKsfRgM9EwT2h2xpy200gtfEmSUO8LO4TuWtr1lV8-rkfKD0xFDpCyQBcJwn4ADdGWnIPHJa9cURWcPeZHCZo7nyJkDJrYHyUcFHmaurdWQBxhIWQU/s1600/2014-03-01+14.39.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tKGc6FsEbenVWSn_1GJqmFDFYGKsfRgM9EwT2h2xpy200gtfEmSUO8LO4TuWtr1lV8-rkfKD0xFDpCyQBcJwn4ADdGWnIPHJa9cURWcPeZHCZo7nyJkDJrYHyUcFHmaurdWQBxhIWQU/s1600/2014-03-01+14.39.18.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIlfI0UBY2BKO2fo65mj7rgQXSDP1LkcJbBqMa8Jeq4B2L8nTNZjWYRPl8tLilkYItCeoHauulQRroEZLjM-qRTZlNnXMkdtk58klD249WZR_tRtuhButoELzcMkx0m6GS1l-98WNp2E/s1600/2014-03-01+14.39.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIlfI0UBY2BKO2fo65mj7rgQXSDP1LkcJbBqMa8Jeq4B2L8nTNZjWYRPl8tLilkYItCeoHauulQRroEZLjM-qRTZlNnXMkdtk58klD249WZR_tRtuhButoELzcMkx0m6GS1l-98WNp2E/s1600/2014-03-01+14.39.57.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After that delightfulness, we pressed on. And I got distracted by really dorky things. Not unusual.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbjeCdsjSxTQf7WSB9th-ymg2Eu23xqV63GhSkHtS0QILOYrT3LnVOO8NQZYIgkIolKlwxvFo3gkBuzG2KAFg300Cxw_Fvvr5X4o-AsesSEpUZyomfL-vcF8RmsOQmN7bzR83YvWfIm0/s1600/2014-03-01+16.01.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbjeCdsjSxTQf7WSB9th-ymg2Eu23xqV63GhSkHtS0QILOYrT3LnVOO8NQZYIgkIolKlwxvFo3gkBuzG2KAFg300Cxw_Fvvr5X4o-AsesSEpUZyomfL-vcF8RmsOQmN7bzR83YvWfIm0/s1600/2014-03-01+16.01.53.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCLqGN8B5A3FUb0CaduIwa_ca5PpflJxOoReAOQ2pFEjiYPNxO3M6tOYTyTc_nP4R4ZaxGAT9gto-NXHZ_fqthf5QESzoJcP8M817D6N6HQN_1cmK9nWQBKgDASu4U-M0MDicNSO565M/s1600/2014-03-01+16.29.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCLqGN8B5A3FUb0CaduIwa_ca5PpflJxOoReAOQ2pFEjiYPNxO3M6tOYTyTc_nP4R4ZaxGAT9gto-NXHZ_fqthf5QESzoJcP8M817D6N6HQN_1cmK9nWQBKgDASu4U-M0MDicNSO565M/s1600/2014-03-01+16.29.08.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an old house. Yup. Just thought it looked cool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbpjnRcpTQcrCK_dNYo1ZQ53BVgc2KgbLQmg5lQ8bvXqlEqbS4X4hwPkhPHeEAcDBFL28IKaSTugWHOhFFfq91U4SvqQheu-O4y9a-KMTzdIafT55gcngdq7aqaoCaYb1SrIQ5eUPunE/s1600/2014-03-01+16.29.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbpjnRcpTQcrCK_dNYo1ZQ53BVgc2KgbLQmg5lQ8bvXqlEqbS4X4hwPkhPHeEAcDBFL28IKaSTugWHOhFFfq91U4SvqQheu-O4y9a-KMTzdIafT55gcngdq7aqaoCaYb1SrIQ5eUPunE/s1600/2014-03-01+16.29.42.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh wait... no it's owned by somebody named Hall's Croft. (KIDDING...Shakespeare's Daughter's house...my friend Caitlin was probably twitching when I wrote that last bit haha)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kATDvBArNA6hJcv6hUkH3cdZQhTaGuxnvL2hsZxzQIwQWzP5Guh_DSrU1CEiA8jVXIJLPIVHxKo4W0AkTpOxD_k7pqt8de80nr9c71V5N3C2k2_TEsCjf7NtJAu2nYsJmjQKi-DU6Lk/s1600/2014-03-01+16.46.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kATDvBArNA6hJcv6hUkH3cdZQhTaGuxnvL2hsZxzQIwQWzP5Guh_DSrU1CEiA8jVXIJLPIVHxKo4W0AkTpOxD_k7pqt8de80nr9c71V5N3C2k2_TEsCjf7NtJAu2nYsJmjQKi-DU6Lk/s1600/2014-03-01+16.46.12.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare's bust is quite cartoonish, don't ya think?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSQh8ztr0cDcg0e9_mJW1oTbbOl9lq_kgR5L3dl7cutsH0QK3A6SKGnPTH6GMINX6yraRl7tkhmdkNGCNFzXL3TPvPedROeSh3em3z6jJwks6oJd9f8KtD9u_d_ayFsPHbmyHbcXC5Do/s1600/2014-03-01+16.46.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSQh8ztr0cDcg0e9_mJW1oTbbOl9lq_kgR5L3dl7cutsH0QK3A6SKGnPTH6GMINX6yraRl7tkhmdkNGCNFzXL3TPvPedROeSh3em3z6jJwks6oJd9f8KtD9u_d_ayFsPHbmyHbcXC5Do/s1600/2014-03-01+16.46.34.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare's Grave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Like the bad tourists we were, we had about 20 minutes to check out something Shakespeare related by the end of our day so we hauled ass over to the grave. I will definitely try and be a better tourist next time and properly check out all the sites. AND go see something by the RSC.<br />
<br />
Next time Stratford.<br />
<br />
Before we left, this happened.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfsA4rcGAMlEzbGkhBOP-eMGcDkKI0Rk5586WneLrt-UXg8UQJ5QLwwWjFRD3NDRMxpgb8rmEEbQgWYqif6oJK8IxjVc3zFUiM6KoAIxZyqEy4eSZxo8MMqqxOSgvMIAAJ_lyUc7aIQ0/s1600/2014-03-01+17.22.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfsA4rcGAMlEzbGkhBOP-eMGcDkKI0Rk5586WneLrt-UXg8UQJ5QLwwWjFRD3NDRMxpgb8rmEEbQgWYqif6oJK8IxjVc3zFUiM6KoAIxZyqEy4eSZxo8MMqqxOSgvMIAAJ_lyUc7aIQ0/s1600/2014-03-01+17.22.46.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ID3ijSHSjJuzRqhqlPXeMESEToOCMvuhcGAgqj-LaCcKh3OhxMzegoTu2sWU6dijGNzoTKgSLQZdvHyRmYJA3BLnCk3UhyH9rrIznr40a4ru_MZyz4NZ-9XmQUhYtGmixbj7o8QFgWA/s1600/2014-03-01+17.23.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ID3ijSHSjJuzRqhqlPXeMESEToOCMvuhcGAgqj-LaCcKh3OhxMzegoTu2sWU6dijGNzoTKgSLQZdvHyRmYJA3BLnCk3UhyH9rrIznr40a4ru_MZyz4NZ-9XmQUhYtGmixbj7o8QFgWA/s1600/2014-03-01+17.23.09.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know this man. But he was excited to be there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clearly you need to check out Stratford-upon-Avon. Absolutely loved the day trip we had there and I am determined to head back again. It will be even more wonderful when the weather stays sunny and gorgeous. Anyone else have any suggestions for things I should do next time I go? Of course, I'm open to other food options too...Amanda may have mentioned something about gelato and waffles.....<br />
<br />
xx Lindsay<br />
<br />LindsaySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15889195155131378794noreply@blogger.com2