Queen and Crumpet is back!

Life is strange sometimes. You go through changes, and things and people get placed to one side, while you sort out the latest mess. And sometimes, things that are you passion become neglected and forgotten for a bit, only to be brought back to the forefront when you least expect it and perhaps, when you need them most. When you are searching for that focus, something to put your energy into, something to really love again. Something bigger than just you, or maybe not, but something that makes you feel good again and whole. I started this blog years ago, out of a passion and love for all things British. A love born out of summers spent in England with my family there, and many visits since. I needed a place to focus my energy and love - an outlet, and Queen and Crumpet was born. Since I have started, many things have changed in my life. I've gotten a divorce, I've moved to a new city, I've struggled to find a job in a field I love, only to revisit another field that I love and fall in love with that again too. I've made new friends, some of the best I've ever had. I didn't see my life going this way, then again, who ever really does? Most people don't start out a marriage assuming that it will end in a few years in a divorce. But mine did.

I've decided this week, that this is going to be my focus again. I don't know what made that happen, but that's where I'm at. I don't know what that means, exactly,  but I need that creative, fun outlet again. I hope you'll join me on this version of Queen and Crumpet - Version 2.0.

When Literature and Fashion Collide

...you get something fabulous! I may as well tell you now, I can't think of anything I would rather do on any given day than grab a cuppa tea and retreat with a good book. Nothing. Except for maybe grab one of these lovely clutches and head out for a fun night on the town. I've had a love affair with Kate Spade for forever, and no one writes a book like those from the UK. These are four of my absolute favorites. Perfection. They would even look lovely sitting on the shelf when you're not out and about, just sayin!

Q&C xoxo

When Literature and Fashion Collide by queenandcrumpet featuring transparent handbags

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

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.

 

 

Special Delivery!

I can't help but get excited when Amazon comes to my door, because it's usually with some new books to add to my British history library!! This morning, it was like Christmas! Britain from Above is a totally mesmerizing look at Britain as many of us have never seen it. The book is divided into seasons, and captures the beauty of various landmarks and natural wonders around the UK. Perfect book to grab a cuppa and curl up to.

The second book, The Queen's Diamonds was recommended to me by several sources. And I can't thank them enough! WOW! Seriously, it's hard to believe that her Majesty wears pieces that were worn way back to 1800! If you love Her Majesty, and all things diamond, then I would highly recommend this book. A well done compilation of the Queen's diamonds, beautiful photos, pictures of the various members of the Royal Family who have worn them - another book to keep me engrossed for hours.

The hubby should love this - he's slowly loosing real estate on our bookshelves.


Dana XX

My next adventure...

The BFF and I decided this was the year for a girls trip to England. Up until now, I've been hopping the pond with the hubby in tow, with family, or by my lonesome. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to some quality girl time in London and at Highclere Castle! Our trip is booked for early April - so stay tuned for planning updates and photos!!

Dana XX

Let's Start from the Beginning

Take Me Back to England

A view of the English Coast Line at dawn from our Virgin Atlantic flight.

I figure it may be good to take you all back to the beginning. I was twelve years old when I first went to visit my family in England. I had no idea what to expect, it wasn't that long ago, but long enough that the internet wasn't available. I knew Prince William lived there, and what Big Ben looked like. But like most pre-teens, my view of the world was limited and I was more concerned with 5th period lunch breaks than the Trooping of the Colour. I didn't know then my life would be forever changed by this incredibly beautiful land, and I would never be the same. I've always felt at home when I go to the UK, which may be in part to the fact that I have family there. But apart from the obvious things, I've never felt like I was in another country. Needless to say, my first two weeks in the UK was a whirlwind of family visits, trips to Wales, a trip to Scotland for the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, London, the Cotswolds, and Manchester. But it was the first of many trips I would be fortunate enough to take. One thing is for sure, England keeps calling me back...

Dana XX

Laying it All Out there

I've decided the time has come for a blog. Some place for me to lay it all out there - my love of the United Kingdom. I'll be giving you the whole story, my whole background, as to why a girl born and raised in the United States is outnumbered in her own home by books and magazines about the British Royal Family and England, knows more about the Royal Family than she may know about her own, and deals with the stares from people when her mobile phone rings to "Rule Britannia"...that's a whole other story. Oh yes, I have been the one to start spouting facts at the dinner table about Queen and Country to the sound of crickets from my American guests....But for now, I can't wait to get right down to it, and share my love of the beautiful United Kingdom! Thanks for reading!!

Dana XX