London Style Guide by Saska Graville

Queen & Crumpet has a new favourite book! While perusing in Anthropologie a few weeks back, I stumbled upon this lovely book and picked it up immediately. I'm always inspired in that store, even if I don't purchase anything, but it's a bonus when you find something you want as well. I'm always looking to add new books to my library, and this is the perfect addition. I already own a ton of guidebooks about the UK, and London, but this book has something that the others do not. You won't find anything about palaces, cathedrals, museums, etc - this book takes you to all the places you never would think about going to - think of it as the local's guide to London, the inside track on those places you may normally walk by.

The book is broken down by neighbourhoods, each covering restaurants, cute little shops, chocolate stores, flower shops, bakeries. Giving you a brief description of each, along with location and their website. The Meet the Londoner sections scattered throughout give you a local's perspective on everything from their favourite shopping areas to their weekend breakfast haunts. The book almost feels like a journal, and it's pleasantly not your typical guidebook - it's better!  I'll definitely be using this one as my guidebook of choice for my next trip!

Tea Time

There is something so calming and relaxing about tea time - the fabulous company, the savory treats, the sweet scones, the divine teas, and the sinfully delicious cream and jam. It's the perfect way to catch up with old friends, or get to know someone new. Don't you agree?

Q&C xxoo

England Essentials....

I'd gotten some requests when I posted my last packing post about a guide on what you should bring with you on a trip to the UK. The answer is though, that really depends on many things. Mainly, the time of year your going. You can always count on varied weather while over in the England, it's something that people love to chat about over there and I think they even pride themselves on a little. And that's going to be your biggest factor as to if you are going to need to bust out the parkas, or simply pack a light jacket. Boiling down the time of year, you still need to keep in mind that in December it might be 45 degrees and sunny in London, but 30 degrees and snowing in Edinburgh. I've even been there in June when it was only 55 degrees! (I usually sit outside with my English relatives in a sweater and jeans while they have busted out the tank tops and shorts) Layering is key for any time of year, so remember that when you are getting ready to head out for your day. You may (read:most likely will) experience sun, rain, hail, and wind in the same day.

So, I thought I'd put together a list of a few items that always come with me, no matter what time of year. We won't go through everything, because we'd be here all day, as I've already shared I am a chronic over packer.

So here we go!!

1. Barbour Summer International Wax Jacket 2. Hunter Union Jack Wellies 3. Burberry London Check Scarf 4. Radley Grosvenor Medium Across Body Handbag 5. Hudson Jeans Collin Signature Skinny 6. Barbour Small Summer Quilted Baker Boy Cap  7. J.Crew Liberty Perfect Shirt in Lodden Paisley

Guidebooks - I always take one. It's nice to have it to refer to when your in the middle of London, and always fun to look at when planning the next day's adventure.

Barbour Jacket- A good everyday, all day coat. And you'll blend right in with the natives :-).

Burberry Trench- Prefect for anything you are doing thats a bit dressier, as well as everyday. (as a self-professed over packer, one coat is just not enough)

Wellies- I wore mine practically every day on my last trip - Here in the states, Target has some fab ones if you don't want to invest too much.

Converter- Remember that scene in Leap Year where Amy Adams takes out power to the whole village? I'm just sayin.....

Umbrella-If nothing else makes it out with you, remember this one! On a recent trip, I ended up going through 5 of these babies, so, invest in a small, good quality umbrella. You will need it - unless you want to have to be a part of this club....

Hairdryer- Here is my advice on this one, purchase a cheap hair dryer there or a travel dryer here. The reason being, I've found that when I use my American hairdryer over there, even with the adapter, the coils in the dryer actually glow red from the heat. (very unsettling) My family has traveled over from England to stay with us and they have the opposite problem, their hairdryers barely blow at all over here. (They also sell traveler dryers at places like Brookstone)

Rain Hat- I have a massive head, I mean, it's kind of ridiculous, so this was a bit of tough one. I found a cute Barbour one to match my coat when I was in Vermont a few years back. It comes in very handy when it's misty and you don't want to necessarily carry around an umbrella.

Cross-body bag- I've learned the hard way these are good to have. For a few reasons. Mainly for me it's saving my back.. I always end up carrying all the hubby's things as well as my own. Also very handy when you want to have your hands free for photography.

So there you have it, a few essentials that I find helpful to have when in the UK. Happy packing!

UK brands I love

I thought I might share with my lovely readers some UK brands that I really love. There is nothing better than waking up to a drizzly, misty day (what?) - and remembering that it means I get to wear my wellies! Rainy days are few and far between here in California, so, when they do actually happen I take it as a sign to bust out all my English countryside wear with gusto.

I'd wanted a good pair of wellies as long as I can remember, but just couldn't justify having them and living in California. So I was extremely pleased that on a recent trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, it would not stop raining - the perfect excuse!!! Oh course, I didn't spring for just the pretty coloured ones, nope. I had to buy the Union Jack version, and I am so glad I did! Now, I'm reminded of the beautiful United Kingdom every time I put them on. (as if I needed help in that department) 

Oh course, you all probably know already that the Wellington boot is a type of boot based upon leather Hessian boots, which became popular in the 18th century. They were worn and popularised by Authur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. The Wellington boot became a staple of hunting and outdoor wear for the British aristocracy in the early 19th century.

What do you all think? Which would you go for? Or would you go for another brand altogether?

Q&C xx

Packing for the girls trip to England...

It may be 40 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes away (thank you Virgin Atlantic for providing me with such a detailed countdown that I check DAILY), but I've been mentally packing my suitcase for weeks now. When I was younger, I would be the girl with her suitcase packed two weeks ahead of time - actually putting things in my suitcase is my nightmare now (is anyone else with me on this?). Don't get me wrong, if there is a plane ticket with my name on it, I'm going, but how are you supposed to pack for all of the events that will or may happen - a girl can never be too prepared. Oh course my wardrobe staples will be making an appearance (thank you Barbour, Burberry, and Hunter) but I fear I will be the one with a 70 pound suitcase, while my travel buddy the bff has just a carry-on. (she's amazing really, I mean truly amazing) A few trips ago, sans hubby, I had to rely on the kindness of strangers, and the people in London are really, really kind - every cabby I had wanted to know how my month in London was....( I was there for a week)

What are your essentials for traveling overseas? Are you a member of the 70 lb suitcase club? Are you an over packer, or just the bare essentials?

a few things....Liberty London and Jcrew. A match made in heaven.

We all know by now I love the United Kingdom, that much is really obvious. My other loves include fashion, exploring new places, visiting a cafe and sitting there for hours with my tea and a book (something people in the United States need to do more in my opinion), hiking in the California mountains with my puppies and my husband, building my library one book at a time (it's hugely tipped towards the UK, we're at like 90% UK 10% other genres, but whatever...), and slowly getting through my stack of books beside my bed, the list goes on and on.....

So really, so much the better when my loves for certain things combine, such as the new Liberty London line for Jcrew...have you seen it? Liberty is one of my favorite department stores in London, and if you haven't been, you need to go for the outside alone! Look at it - Stunning!!!

Photo by Liberty London

I mean, it's really a stunning building, is it not? It's like everything I love about the UK, with my other love of shopping, wrapped up in one gorgeous black and white package. I digress...While at Jcrew yesterday I picked up a few lovely shirts that are part of the Liberty London collaboration....btw, Liberty is known all over the world for its famous floral and graphic prints, and you'll see them of many things in the store, including some Barbour jackets (another personal love of mine, nothing screams English countryside quite like it), silk scarfs, and stationary (love, love and love). So here are some swatches from my purchases - very excited to start wearing these - they are super comfy and stylish. Jcrew and Liberty mix perfectly!

What do we think? Do we love?

Q&C xx

a short break

Hey everyone! I've been visiting family this past week, which means I haven't had as much time as I would like to dedicate to some bloggin. I'm on my way back today, and things should be back to normal on Queen & Crumpet this week! Stay tuned - I'll have Stately Home Sundays (although it might be more like Wednesdays by the time things get settled) and some more excited new stuff! Happy Monday everyone!

Q&C xx

A new look for Queen & Crumpet!!!!

You've probably noticed the totally cute, totally lovely new look for the blog! I'm so excited about it. The work was done by Kristina Hultkrantz - the amazingly talented artist/illustrator from Stockholm, Sweden. I saw her work, and knew it would be the perfect fit for Queen & Crumpet!! Her blog is http://www.emmakisstina.blogspot.com and you can also check out her website here - http://www.emmakisstina.com ! Thank you so much Kristina!

I hope everyone enjoys the new look as much as I do!

Dana xx

Downton Abbey - The Complete Scripts

Did everyone catch Downton last night in the US? I'm going to come right out there and say I am the wierdo who has already seen the last episode while we were in London over Christmas. So I already know what happens, but I still love seeing how it all plays out!! I know, I know why would I do that? Well, the simple answer is I just had no self control that night and so I did....happy!?

Anyhow, my latest obsession is Downton Abbey The Complete Scripts for Season One. You're probably asking why one would want to just have every episode in script form, but let me tell you, it's so much fun to go back over them again, and maybe catch something you missed. Plus, Mr. Fellowes has so nicely provided juicy little tidbits as to why he  played a scene a certain way, or a bit of the history behind the scene. I promise you, I'm not trying to get my family members to act out scenes with me, (although what a tempting idea!)

Season Two Scripts will be released October 15th, 2013!

Q&C xx

Stately Home Sundays

Hi All! So I've been a bit scattered lately, traveling and such, and it's been tough to get a chance to sit with my computer undisturbed (read: keeping two french bulldogs and two jack russells from destroying my parent's house) ! I've been wanting to get back to you all, so, let's get to it!!

The first home (um, not so much a home as a castle!) I'd like to highlight in the Stately Home series is Powis Castle located near the town of Welshpool, Wales. Last June, while visiting my family, I had the opportunity to pay a visit - and it was certainly not disappointing!!! The drive into Wales has always been one of my favourites, with the rolling hills, and all the greenery. It's absolutely idyllic. Powis Castle sits on the top of a huge hill, as any good castle should, so it's a bit of a trek from the car park but oh so worth it.

It's the seat of the Earl of Powis, and it's known for it's extensive, and gorgeous gardens - when she was a Princess, Queen Victoria visited with her mother on a tour of England and Wales in 1832.

So, some time around 1200, the Welsh princes of Powis began building their new stronghold on an outcropping of limestone with panoramic views over the River Severn. Yes, waaay back in the day, before Wales was conquered, it was divided into many different independent kingdoms, Powis being one of them. Due to boundary changes, and the equal division of patrimony, few princes ever came close to ruling all of Wales. After Edward I conquered Wales, the last hereditary Prince of Wales, Owain ap Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, then renounced his royal claim title, and was granted the title Baron de la Pole.

The Earl of Powis is a title that has been created three times. Through the course of history, the castle was turned over from Owain's descendent and sold to the second son of the Earl of Pembroke. Powis was turned over to Parliamentary troops was wasn't returned to the family until the restoration of Charles II. It was passed from lord to lord and earl to earl by different Kings - until becoming a National Trust property in 1952, upon the death of the 4th Earl of Powis.

If you are in a rush, and can only stay for a bit, I would totally wander through the gardens, and take in the outside of the house as you do (there are 25 acres of them!). The beautiful 5 tiered garden will keep you entranced for hours. And remember, what goes down must come up! But I swear it's worth the walk. They are said to be the best surviving examples of baroque garden architecture in the United Kingdom. Wander the apple orchards or check out the deer in the medieval deer park - then have some tea in one of the cafes. Powis Castle makes a great day out, and is one of my favourite properties. Hope you have a chance to get there!!

Q&C xx

The beautiful gardens of Powis Castle

The whimsical, towering hedges of Powis Castle.
FYI, four gardeners spend three months clipping these babies!

One of the resident male peacocks

The gardens at Powis Castle

Powis Castle

One of the beautiful, terraced gardens.

The gardens

Hard to see, but this tree has been shaped throughout the years,
and you can now walk underneath the bows.

Can you imagine trimming this?

One of the terraces

Stately Home Saturdays

I thought a fun thing to do would be to take a different property within the National Trust each week, and highlight that home, the home's history, features, famous residents, famous movies or books based there, etc. I can share some first hand details on the ones I have been to - and get excited to plan new trips to see other stunning properties! Let me know if you have any particular interests, or have been to any and can share any of your experiences.

Dana XX

It's Official! The bones of King Richard III have been found!

There are a few things that really get me excited, and since last fall, I've been following the story about King Richard III's remains like I was tracking the Holy Grail. This is really fascinating to me, I mean, this man wore the Crown during one of the most tumultuous times in English history, The War of the Roses - more than 500 years ago! For those unfamiliar with the story, the remains were discovered under a car park in Leicester, and this morning, they were positively identified via DNA as Richard III's.

Richard III was born on October 2, 1452 in Fortheringhay Castle, Northhamptonshire. His father was Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and his mother was Cecily Neville. 

Richard III us regularly depicted as an evil king, who murdered his way to the throne. He is famously linked with the Princes in the Tower story. When Richard was to be king, he faced a small problem in  his brother's two boys, Edward V, and Richard, Duke of York. The story goes that Richard had them locked in Tower of London, after claiming their father, his brother, as an illegitimate king, making them non-contenders for the throne. The two princes disappeared in August of 1483, and rumors abounded that they had been murdered by Richard or his agents. 

It has been said, and seems to be verified by the skeletal remains that Richard III was physically deformed, most likely scoliosis. At his time, this deformity may have been regarded as evidence of an evil character. Other stories depict the king as fully devoted to his duties, promoting trade, and bringing financial reforms to England. 

What do you think? Was King Richard III a monster monarch, or revered king?

The Wonder That is The National Trust

I always say, if I lived in England, I would make it a point to get to as many National Trust Properties as possible. I mean, the US has a great history don't get me wrong, but we are a fairly young country as these things go, and some of these houses in the UK go back to the 1400's!! I don't know what it is about it, I just can't get enough of the rich history. All of the people who have walked the halls, sat in the chairs, strolled in the gardens  - apparently, it gets me going...anyhow...

Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire is a stunning moated half-timbered manor house  - complete with a lovely knot garden! The house remained in the Moreton family for 450 years until it became part of the National Trust. The building itself actually appears to be bowing - and it is! The long gallery visible at the top of the building is roofed with heavy stone slabs, which has caused the supporting floors below to bow and buckle. Since this was discovered, it's been sured up and visitors are able to walk this beautiful space - originally an area for ladies to take exercise during inclement weather.

As an aside, can I tell you it's a secret love of mine that no matter what you visit in England, there is always a cafe (or two) where you can rest up halfway through your visit, and have a nice cuppa, and perhaps a buttered crumpet or scone :-) (American tourist attractions, please take note) Little Moreton Hall has a quaint one, complete with a nesting mother duck who likes to take strolls in to ask for some of your food! Though she was discovered by the staff, and promptly removed - much to the our sadness.

Below are some photos from my trip - hope you enjoy!

Little Moreton has done some settling over the years.

The beautiful black and white timbered exterior.

Detailing of the black and white timber

The Toilet - Empties into the Moat!

View from the Gallery

Little Moreton Hall

Tea for Two

This past Christmas, the hubby and I packed our bags for Jolly Old England - I think Christmas is definitely one of THE best times to visit. Many might disagree. Yes, it's limited daylight hours, it's cold, and most of the time, wet, but your in LONDON! Winter Wonderland is going on in Hyde Park, Oxford and Bond Street are bustling, the lights are out everywhere - it's simply magical.

We were lucky to get reservations for two at the iconic Ritz London Hotel. If you haven't been, I think it's simply a must do for anyone wanting to experience a beautiful tea time. If you didn't feel like royalty when you walked through the door, you certainly will when you sit down. Be warned, you need to dress up a little for this one (no jeans, this is The Ritz people...), but it's so worth it. I especially enjoyed the to gentlemen sitting to my left dressed in full morning suits, it totally added to the "experience". Though I'm sure that wasn't their intention. And the carolers singing to the baby grand piano in the corner make you feel like you're in a Dicken's novel. Which, I'll be honest, I'm all for!

Anyhow, I plan to try as many tea times as I can whenever I visit England - and you should too, if you love taking tea as much as I do!!

Delicious Scones - Lots of Food, So Don't Fill Up Before Coming!!

The Beautiful Palm Court Tea Room

More Exquisite Treats

New Project....

I'm always two steps ahead in the planning department. Something I've said I want to do for a while now and keep talking about is to take all of my Lilliput Lane cottages I've collected over the years, map them out (or at least most of the ones I love), and make a trip to the UK all about visiting them.

For those who don't know what these are, they are miniature versions of real places in the United Kingdom. I've collected everything from Edinburgh Castle, to Buckingham Palace, to Little Moreton Hall....places I've been, and places I would love to go to. My aunt from England got me started when i was young, and now I can't visit them without picking up a couple. Mainly because they just don't sell them many places in the US.

So, I guess I'll be adding this to my list of things to do in my spare time. Just another reason to visit my favorite place on earth.