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.

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!

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!

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?

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

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