The Simple Things

Those who know me well, know I have an addiction to magazines. My husband will attest to the stacks around the house! Much to his dismay, I discovered another fab read this week while at my local Whole Foods. And much to my delight, it's a British publication! I knew I loved it for a reason :-) But seriously, it's much like a British Real Simple, called The Simple things. The focus is, you guessed it, on the simple things in life and how much pleasure these things can bring if we just stop and smell the flowers...

It made me think, what are the simple things I love? Here are some of mine....

- a new read on my Kindle, a cuppa, and my bed

- coming home to my hubby and pets

- receiving cards by snail mail

- fresh, new lippy

- a perfect outfit

- a freshly done manicure

- my favorite song on the radio

What are some of your simple things?

Q&C xoxo

 

A Wet and Windy Day at the Tower and the London Eye

Our final full day in London, we decided to hit up an old favourite and see a new one! Unfortunately, the entire French public school system had the same idea, so the Tower was a bit crowded, but things moved along quite well. It's always lovely to see the Tower, so much having taken place there, not to mention those little Crown Jewels! 

I hadn't been able to get the hubby to go on the London Eye in all our trips - but the BFF was ready and willing, so we got our fast track tickets and cruised right to the head of the line. Despite it being a bit overcast, we were able to see a lot - and it was absolutely beautiful!! Stumbling back to Westminster Tube station, exhausted, one thing is for sure, we were happy. It was amazing to have the chance to share such an amazing week together - and it's a trip to England we will remember forever.

Back to London - Notting Hill and Kensington

After much deliberation about our plans for the day, we decided to head over to Notting Hill and Portabello Road. We both had never been and were dying to do some shopping and check out the markets. Everything was so colourful and lovely, it was so nice to take the morning checking out the different market stands ands shops! Afterwards, we decided to head over the Harrods for some Lauderee time and retail therapy. Macaroons are an obsession - and it was the perfect afternoon pick-me up!

Chester and Dunham Massey

Another gorgeous day in Blighty! We took a Virgin Train from London's Euston Station, and headed up to visit some family in Cheshire. I hadn't seen them for a bit, so it was good to reconnect. I miss them terribly, and always wish they weren't so far away. But it's always a good excuse to head over to the UK! We spent the day shopping in Chester, always one of my favorite places. The black and white buildings are too quant, and the town is steeped in history. The evening brought a delicious meal of leg of lamb, and some much needed catching up time.

After a bit of a lie in (relatively, I mean, the past few morning we had been up around 5 am!), we headed our for visit to Dunham Massey, a stately home in the area. I hadn't been since I was 11 or 12, so I had vague memories, and it was good to see it again. As we know, I'm a sucker for a stately home. I'm pretty sure if I lived in the UK, I'd be visiting them all the time. The house history goes back to the 1400's, and it's incredibly interesting to see. You get to see a lot of the house, and the grounds. The gardens were just fabulous. My favourite part was seeing the amazing kitchens - with their massive ceilings. Just breathtaking.

Downton Abbey and Oxford

Monday brought an early day, and two crazed girls trying to find Victoria Coach station. (note to self, just because it has coach stops for tours outside, doesn't make it the coach station) After much running around (pre-caffienne) - and several Skype calls from our mobiles, we finally found Dave, our tour guide for the day, at gate 6 of the Victoria Coach station. We made the ride out of London to Oxford, our first stop of the day. I wasn't sure what to expect - and boy was it FREEZING! Oxford was so lovely, even if I couldn't feel my toes. We walked through Christ Church College, and got the see the bits where Harry Potter was filmed. As well as the Bridge of Sighs, the skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane. During our free time to explore, we made tracks to the covered market to a lovely restaurant called Georgina's for some tea, coffee, and breakfast/lunch, not to mention a thaw out.

Back to the coach to head to the best part of the day, Highclere Castle! Otherwise known to all as Downton Abbey! What a beautiful ride we had on the way up, watching to castle appear over the hill. It was absolutely the highlight of my day. Apparently, we weren't the only ones with that thought, and had to wait in lines to see many of the rooms, but it was worth it. Peaking into Lady Cora's bedroom or the Lord's study, I have to admit was surreal. Walking the same stairs, seeing the same entrance. Granted it does look much grander on television, but don't get me wrong, it was pretty awe inspiring. The kitchen scenes are filmed at a studio, so you won't see them. But you will see a good portion of the bedrooms, and common areas, which showcase many photos of the current Earl and Countess in residence.

Seems like someone may have been spending the night in Lady Edith's room, we totally spotted the hair dryer on the vanity table. And I KNOW Lady Edith didn't leave it there. Strolling the grounds was just lovely, and it was lambing season, so the babies were out in full force. Just a word to the wise, if you are planning on making this a stop on your next trip, book early! They sell out MONTHS in advance!