I may be falling in love with England a
wee bit.
Aside from my infatuation with toffee and Harry Potter, I have had a big dose of all things English lately. From the Princess Cupcake’s week-long soccer camp through UK Elite (they’re really from England) to spending last weekend going through my MIL’s English antiquities (a house full of them), and beginning to RE-watch Downton Abbey in preparation for the new season. (Does anyone know how we can see it in September with the rest of the UK?) I dare say that I’m nearly ready to hang out a Union Jack.
But the toppers on the proverbial teacake were events of yesterday and today.
Last night I had a rare opportunity to meet IRL one of my favorite bloggers (and her so nice husband and ADORABLE daughter), which in and of itself may not see too impressive as you might guess that I personally know a slew of bloggers…. But this blogger happens to live in England, and visiting Dallas – her hometown — for the month of August.
Very cool. Or “ace” as they say across the pond.
Lauren Knight, aka Aspiring Kennedy, hosted the #dallasbloggerbash at my new favorite restaurant Rise No. 1.
Two musts come out of that last sentence. 1) You must follow Lauren’s blog and instagram feed because her smile-worthy travels to fabulous places in the UK and Europe are destinations that you’ll want to see, and must #2 is that you go to Rise. The entire menu (with a very few exceptions – like, wine) consists of soufflés.
Take a look at my “scrummy” blueberry soufflé:
And take a look at the bread pudding soufflé:
(Note to self: learn how to make soufflés)
Anyone who invites me to Rise must be “cracking.” (English for stunning)
It was a fun night, only to continue the theme today while I visited with my dear friend Nan at the Vintage House. Nan and fam just returned from a trip to England where she visited Downton Abbey, (among other fabulous places), and was even at Buckingham Palace when the Royal Baby was born.
“Pukka!” (New British slang for super or smashing)
We talked Portabello Road and the Queen and castles. You can’t forget the castles.
My big surprise was that sweet Nan and fam brought me a few pieces from my latest obsession Cath Kidston (also discovered via an English blogger). Okay, so I may or may not be guilty of instagramming hints to them while they were away in case they happened upon a mug that I had my eye on… But when sweet Nan gave me and the Princess Cupcake these Cath Kidston treasures, I was so deeply touched. I didn’t just get my mug, I got 4 of them, some sweet cupcake liners, and the most precious doll ever for the Cupcake! That was a lot of carry-on space sacrificed for us!
“Taking the biscuit” (thrilled beyond belief), I’ve already had a cup of Earl Grey in my new Cath Kidston mug, while sitting on our patio enjoying the unseasonably great Texas weather and planning which of my Mother In Law’s English antiques we’ll be moving into our new home – which is located in a community ironically themed for Scotland’s great distilleries and golf courses.
If this keeps up, I’ll be a certifiable anglophile in no time. Until then, Lauren darling, “give us a bell” and let’s grab afternoon tea before you push off for home.
Cheerio!
PS – Must #3 – Visit the Vintage House’s 25 year anniversary next Saturday the 24th! It’s a party that shouldn’t be missed, with lots of give-aways and fun, fun, fun.
…And now I see that your post was originally published in 2013. I wonder how I came across it!
Thanks Judy! For what it’s worth, I HAVE seen the Grand Canyon and as awe-inspiring as it is, I’d choose a trip back across the pond as well. 😉 I can’t wait for my Downton DVD’s to come in so I can binge watch the remainder of the season! Should be next week!
This was sure fun reading. Another Anglophile is born! For myself, although I still haven’t seen the Grand Canyon, for some odd reason I’m always drawn east across the pond, to London instead. What fun gifts from your friends! And now, aren’t you glad you didn’t watch DA when the Brits did, for then you’d already have seen it all and miss the suspense we’re now living with in January.