'ello portobello.

After going on a run at Hyde Park, Jenna & I met these two lovely British girls, Drew (left) and Stacey (right). We got chatting for a good 45 minutes and then even planned a lunch date for the next day. It was lush. [New british word Drew taught me, it means "nice" or something. I'm going to start using it:)] The lunch date went really well — I was able to interview them for one of my classes and it was funny because the girls were just fascinated with the fact that we're American & built us up to be some sort of celebrities! 

We went to the famous Portobello Market later that day. They had tons of antiques, jewelry, & food stands — it was so much fun.

Homemade marshmallows!

I found these three really old hand-painted floral prints with the flower's scientific name written beneath. Needless to say I love them.

[DAY SIXTEEN]

top—nordstrom rack | pants—7forallmankind | necklaces—nordstrom & j.crew

Today we visited the National Gallery, where I came to the conclusion that I'm a definite impressionist art lover.

Vincent van Gogh's "Wheatfield with Cypresses"

Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers"
I wasn't able to sneak a picture of this one, but I did buy a poster of it in the gift shop:)

Claude Monet's "Water Lilies"

[DAY SEVENTEEN]

top—nordstrom | skirt—target | necklace—swap meet

the phantom of the opera.

The other night we had the opportunity to go see "Phantom of the Opera" at Her Majesty's Theater in downtown London. I love the movie, know every word to every song, and have been wanting to see the musical for years, so naturally I was ecstatic beyond belief. I will say I was a little nervous that the musical wouldn't be as good as the movie, but boyyy was I wrong — it was AMAZINGGG! The actor's voices were simply incredible, especially the phantom [he was so talented! ... & lovely to look at too;) haha]. After it was over I just couldn't wait till I could see it again, & I really hope that time comes soon.

[DAY FOURTEEN]

dress—forever21 | scarf—nordstrom

you have bewitched me body and soul.

"My real purpose was to see you, and to judge, if I could, whether I might ever hope to make you love me." - Mr. Darcy


"Pride & Prejudice" is probably in the single digits of my favorite movies of all time. I can't even count the amount of times I've seen the movie, nor even fathom the idea of it losing its ranking. [I can only imagine how good the book is—it's next on my reading list.] The nineteenth century English style is so charming and I'm a sucker for old fashioned romance; if you haven't seen the movie I would definitely put it at the top of your "to watch" list [grab some popcorn & a cute boy and you're set!]. On our way to London we were able to stop by Jane Austen town — Chawton, to be exact. It was really neat being able to see the same desk Jane Austen wrote some of her greatest novels in, meander around her house, make our own lavender pomanders, & even try writing notes with quill pens. I'm still waiting to hear back on this one...

That day we also visited Stonehenge. Stonehenge is one of those must-see attractions yes, but since you can't go exploring the rocks, you kind of just go there to get a picture with it aaand that's about it!

That night we stayed in a town right outside of Windsor called Datchet. The hotel was really nice; not only did I have my own room, but it came with a luxurious bubble bath & complementary Cadbury hot chocolate as well! Heaven. We found a delicious Italian restaurant for dinner [probably the only restaurant in that tiny town haha] and had a nice, relaxing evening.

[DAY TWELVE]

top—forever21 | necklace—j.crew | pants—nordstrom

rub a dub dub.

Ladies & gents, welcome to Bath, England: Home of the Roman Baths. What a wonderful place to start off our English escapades! We started off with a tour of the Roman Baths, & were even able to drink some of the water from it [pretty warm and gross, but still cool—and hopefully sanitary!]. The water in these baths in particular were believed to possess healing powers, so many people would come from all over not only to relax in the baths but also to worship and give thanks to the goddess Minerva.

I am so amazed at how intelligent the Romans were in so many aspects of life, especially engineering. This here is a Roman drain that would keep the water in the baths continuously circulating.

Next door to the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey, adorned with root-like ceilings and windows upon windows of stained glass. Beautiful.

[DAY ELEVEN]

top—forever21 | headband—target

celebrating our independence in the heart of where it all began.

 Happy birthday, America! We're now in London, free to venture wherever we want for the next three weeks, & let me tell ya —I am soooo excited to explore! However, it's been pretty difficult catching up on all this blogging, so bear with me. Anyway, it's pretty ironic that we were in England while us Americans were celebrating our independence... from England [ha!] I think that fact alone seriously ramped up the energy level so much that we deemed it essential to throw a 4th of July party in our flat! The word "hotdog" sort of threw off the grocery clerk, but we made do and came up with this scrumptious feast :) 

I was in charge of dessert and after seeing this idea online a while ago I've literally been waiting all year to try it out. It was super easy — just strawberries, white melting chocolate, & blue sprinkles — and tasted delicious! 

 

 

 

 

After all was said and done, of course we had to sing the national anthem!

 Just for kicks and to embrace the true Americans we are, a couple girls & I had this crazy idea to pick up some tea packets and go dump them in a body of water — a Boston Tea Party spoof you might say. It was totally spontaneous and gave us quiteee the crack up haha. 

 

[DAY THIRTEEN]
top—italy | necklace—forever21 | pants—william rast

cardiff: we came. we saw. & we're off!

Wales went by sooo fast! I can honestly say that I wish we had more time there, I loved it! The last two nights we spent in Cardiff—busy & fun town, but I have to say I like the smaller towns better. Saturday nights are quite a sight to behold in Cardiff as well, everyone is super dressed up and ready to go out! I saw quite some interesting wardrobe choices while walking around downtown, and the stag & hen parties [bachelor/bachelorette parties] were pretty entertaining as well! 

[DAY TEN]

skirt—banana republic | top—nordstrom | belt—j.crew | headband—forever21

On Sunday we went to church in Cardiff and then spent the rest of the day at St. Fagan's National History Museum and Gardens. We had a lovely time just meandering about and I was able to try the most delicious dessert I've ever tasted— Welsh "toffee waffles". They're divine.