tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90473287083969564462024-03-22T00:16:32.579-05:00Taken AwayBrittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-39020778396332583732013-02-05T08:17:00.000-06:002013-02-05T08:17:08.300-06:00The Jugged HareSunday roasts are a huge part of the Londoner lifestyle. Looking for a good Sunday roast option, we headed into The City to check out <a href="http://www.thejuggedhare.com/" target="_blank">The Jugged Hare</a>. This place is exactly what you would expect for a modern English pub. When you walk in, the bar is backdropped by a menagerie of taxidermy that lets you know that you have entered a haven for meat-eaters, not particularly a place for vegetarians. The dining room is sophisticated and comfortable. You can envision business people talking deals over a large hunks of meat in here. <br />
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I ordered the "Jugged Hare". This dish is exactly what it sounds like. A rabbit stew is served inside of ceramic jug accompanied with mashed potatoes and cabbage. The server said this dish is the best item on the menu and I can see why. The dish was very tender, slow cooked meat drowned in a decandant red wine gravy. The sides were the perfect accompanyment. My husband ordered a bone marrow burger off the specials board. This beast of a sandwich was shocking when they placed it in front of him. It was super moist, but not too greasy. And, no English meal is complete without a pudding -- we chose sticky toffee. It was superb!<br />
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The best thing about the meal is that we found out the proprietors have two more places in Chelsea, so less travel. We are looking forward to booking a pool table at <a href="http://www.thecadoganarmschelsea.com/" target="_blank">The Cadogan Arms</a> soon. It's right down The Kings Road from us and is almost always packed.<br />
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Even though we didn't order any roast with as our meal, we had a lovely Sunday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image via <a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/esmagazine/grace-and-flavour-the-jugged-hare-7684711.html" target="_blank">London Evening Standard</a> </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image via <a href="http://www.foodepedia.co.uk/restaurant-openings/2012/may/jugged_hare_clerkenwell_tom_ed_martin.htm" target="_blank">Foodpedia</a></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jugged Hare</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bone Marrow Burger</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6oXbUeDGE7GEdj_ZzbZdDqFtIE_copBc1PKIccTPg_s0ZVqm1Z-moAfyQ0N-I-89yG74QAkgqWIDJRj-WG_D20YMkculII495iN1oMb7FQj-Elx5c9CZDOzAfj3Zn1yLl4NT7-9zkFDu/s1600/3-photo+5-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6oXbUeDGE7GEdj_ZzbZdDqFtIE_copBc1PKIccTPg_s0ZVqm1Z-moAfyQ0N-I-89yG74QAkgqWIDJRj-WG_D20YMkculII495iN1oMb7FQj-Elx5c9CZDOzAfj3Zn1yLl4NT7-9zkFDu/s640/3-photo+5-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticky Toffee Pudding</td></tr>
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<br />Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073346 -0.1276831000000129351.1929276 -0.77313010000001292 51.8217416 0.51776389999998707tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-19693477913506222952013-02-01T14:00:00.000-06:002013-02-01T14:00:04.480-06:00Happy FridayHope you are enjoying 2013 as much as I am. Now, that we've pass January and are entering February, I find myself thinking of the February we spent in Tuscany. We drank the most incredible wine, ate wonderful meals and enjoyed plenty of magical sunsets. Below is one of my favorite sunsets. This was taken in the hill town Montepulciano. We had just checked into our hotel and decided to go exploring. We caught this wonderful sunset over hills of vineyards and olive groves. The scene was fantastic. Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com053045 Montepulciano Province of Siena, Italy43.0934812 11.77949460000002143.0704187 11.739154100000022 43.1165437 11.81983510000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-66322657083024142742013-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:002013-02-01T08:00:06.250-06:00Vienna's Cafe CultureThe Viennese have one of the great cafe cultures in the world. Dropping into a posh cafe between museum tours is a great way to relax and refuel. These cafes are stocked with decadent pastries and serve world class coffee drinks. My favorite coffee treat was the melange. A melange is similar to a cappuccino, but a little bit sweeter due to the whipped cream topping. These are a couple of the cafes we enjoyed on our stay in Vienna. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.demel.at/index_flash.htm" target="_blank">Demel</a> is a not to miss cafe near the royal palace in Vienna. We don't usually go for the touristy spots, but this was a time I'm glad we did.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The avocado tartare and salmon was the perfect, light afternoon pick me up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of to-die-for treats</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cafe was only half a block from the palace. Of course, the proximity made the cafe full to the brim with tourists, but the service was prompt and the food was really good.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Sacher has another can't miss cafe in Vienna. The world famous Sachertorte was created here. Though the Sachertorte is world famous, it's not so tasty. Kind of like dry chocolate sponge cake with a hard chocolate shell. The side of whipped cream helps, but I recommend having a melange handy to help wash this treat down!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My melange! I can't wait to get back to Vienna and have another -- DOZEN!.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDbzTjw7r3JRWXGn5YP7tDhh1Xx0d6eSNfqXUvp_jfpC0D67R52k-yN1s-7VWReTR5C79qwmrBwxVdihe3QULl9y09wumnokBkMLPjctSSUvG7CXcyjeb6Qx0KxnjXrQq0uTEYft2e2fu/s1600/3-DSC_1673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDbzTjw7r3JRWXGn5YP7tDhh1Xx0d6eSNfqXUvp_jfpC0D67R52k-yN1s-7VWReTR5C79qwmrBwxVdihe3QULl9y09wumnokBkMLPjctSSUvG7CXcyjeb6Qx0KxnjXrQq0uTEYft2e2fu/s640/3-DSC_1673.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another can't miss treat is the hot chocolate. This isn't the kind of drink you get from a Swiss Miss packet. This is actually hot, melted chocolate. So rich and creamy and DELICIOUS! </td></tr>
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<br />Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0Vienna, Austria48.2081743 16.3738189000000647.871456300000006 15.728371900000059 48.5448923 17.019265900000061tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-51509238367983077372013-01-30T08:00:00.000-06:002013-01-30T08:00:00.486-06:00Muji MadnessLiving in London is great for a lot of reasons, but my favorite reason is the accessability. We have at our fingertips some of the best food, shopping, and sights in the world. I'm excited to have discovered a <a href="http://www.muji.eu/index.asp" target="_blank">Muji</a> walking distance away from our flat. Muji is a Japanese retail company with stores all over the world. Their of top quality products range from gel pens, organizational products, clothing and furniture. The best thing is that Muji products are reasonably priced. This weekend, I snagged a set of <a href="http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=13&Sub=53&PID=5661" target="_blank">gel pens</a> for my new desk, the <a href="http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=6&Sub=25" target="_blank">cleaning system</a> (so cheap and super easy to store!), a <a href="http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=9&Sub=40&PID=3464" target="_blank">storage box</a> for my closet (I think I need at least two more), a <a href="http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=6&Sub=31&PID=3486" target="_blank">trash bin</a>, and a <a href="http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=11&Sub=46&PID=4014" target="_blank">sushi omelette pan</a>. On my list of things to buy is the <a href="http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=19&Sub=81&PID=5268" target="_blank">guest mattress/footstool</a> for my office.<br />
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<br />Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0Chelsea, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, UK51.485093 -0.1749360000000024226.0961805 -41.48353 76.8740055 41.133658tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-4444822798790203852013-01-25T08:00:00.000-06:002013-01-25T08:00:07.182-06:00Ramen Wars!London has entered into an interesting time for foodies. In recent months three large ramen noodle bars have sprung up around the city offering delicious bowls of ramen made of slow cooked broths and fresh made noodles. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/dec/21/shoryu-ramen-bone-daddies-restaurant-reviews" target="_blank">The city is buzzing</a> about the options and the different atmosphere of each noodle bar. I've tried two so far and and this is a bit about each!<br />
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<b>Tonkotsu</b></h4>
My first London ramen experience was <a href="http://www.tonkotsu.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tonkotsu</a> in Soho. Tonkotsu gives you an authentic noodle house experience. When you enter, you walk past two large vats of slow cooking, steaming broth and into a super crowded space. On their homepage, Tonkotsu says "No booking required. ....we'll find a table for you.". And they do not exaggerate this statement at all. Chairs and people and pints of Japanese beer are all crammed across entire lengths of long tables. The people on the outer edges have to get up in order to let you past them so you can get to your seat. It's really an atmosphere well suited for the British if you think about it. Everyone is politely ignoring bumping elbows and overreaching waiters. I could just imagine Dallas diners being a little overwhelmed by the tight quarters. As far as the food is concerned, <a href="http://www.tonkotsu.co.uk/ramen/" target="_blank">the broth</a> is made by slow cooking pork bones for 18 hours and adding pillow soft ramen noodles along with pork and eggs. My ramen was really quite tasty. The broth is super smooth with a deep, rich flavor. The garnishes were fresh and the egg and pork were perfectly cooked. I'm always a little weary of the pork because it can sometimes come out a little over cooked and dry. This pork was very enjoyable. I'll go back.<br />
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Bone Daddies</h4>
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<a href="http://bonedaddiesramen.com/" target="_blank">Bone Daddies</a> is a little bit different in that the ambiance is definitely more rock and roll. And, I mean that in a vinyl-record-player-blasting-hair-band-ballads sort of way. When you walk into Bone Daddies, you have to squeeze past a small, yet posh, bar where hipsters crowd together and sip Japanese whisky. I will say, though, the authenticity of the ramen bar still finds you in that you still get squeezed into impossibly cramped tables. The other thing that sets Bone Daddies apart is their extensive snacks and extra toppings offerings on the <a href="http://bonedaddiesramen.com/menu/" target="_blank">menu</a>. We noshed down on yellowtail sashimi and pork ribs before our ramen. The pork ramen was smooth and had a little more spice to it than Tonkotsu. I felt like we were served a little less broth here, though. The pork was cooked nicely and the extra egg was a nice final touch. <br />
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The tables at Bone Daddies have garlic cloves and garlic presses available to enhance your ramen -- this was my first time seeing this option in a ramen house. My favorite touch is the jar of black hair rubber bands at each table just in case a lady's hair is getting in the way of her ramen enjoyment. Brilliant!</div>
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Our next stop on this ramen tour MUST be <a href="http://www.shoryuramen.com/" target="_blank">Shoryu</a> Ramen. I can't wait to see what they have to offer. By the looks of things, they have also have an array of sides to choose from, similar to Bone Daddies. I'm not sure we have a clear winner or loser here. Both noodle houses have great food and unique atmospheres. I guess we will just have to keep trying new ramen places until we find a definite winner in these Ramen Wars!..... that's going to be my excuse at least. :-)</div>
Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0Soho, London, UK51.5137143 -0.1338421000000380451.494057799999993 -0.17418260000003805 51.5333708 -0.093501600000038043tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-2856235646099812912013-01-24T08:00:00.000-06:002013-01-24T08:00:01.085-06:00A little Italian right around the cornerBefore I came to the UK the first time, I had really low expectations on the food. I'm glad to say that there is the same caliber of food preparation that you would expect from a leading world city. I'm also glad to say that we found the most magical little Italian restaurant just around the corner from our flat. You know the kind. The maitre d knows you by name. The wine list is extensive, but just enough to be accommodating and not overwhelming (they have my <a href="http://takenawayblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/bellavista-franciocorta-tasting.html" target="_blank">Bellavista</a> on the menu). The type of place where they just start bringing meats, and breads to your table before you even order. Behold! <a href="http://www.osteriadellarancio.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">Osteria dell'Arancio</a>!!<br />
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Below is a sampling of the items we enjoyed. The standouts were the octopus salad, which the waiter said was the most "chef-y" item on the menu (which, of course, sold us on the item) and the spicy pappardelle dish I had as my main. Oh, and, yes, that is bacon wrapped around those lamb chops!<br />
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I'm excited because we are headed back for dinner on Jan 29 for a Barolo tasting. We are going to bring some friends and try some free top of the line wines. Can you think of a better reason??<br />
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<br />Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0Chelsea, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, UK51.485093 -0.1749360000000024251.17069 -0.82038300000000242 51.799496 0.47051099999999757tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-41738374227787151892013-01-22T08:00:00.000-06:002013-01-31T07:29:32.669-06:00Battersea Snow DayWe are moved into our flat in Chelsea and have been experiencing the most amazing winter weather in London. As temperatures continue to hang below freezing, you start to feel restless hanging inside all day. In an effort to fight off cabin fever, we bundled up on Sunday and headed across the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Bridge,_London">Albert Bridge</a> to walk in <a href="http://www.batterseapark.org/">Battersea Park</a>.<br />
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The public parks in London are incredible and Battersea is no exception. The park is on the south bank of the Thames, has plenty of walking paths, and, most importantly, is dog friendly! The park was full of kids sledding and couples walking. Oh, and plenty of dogs off leash who my Thomas could snif and meet. I'm so glad we got out and enjoyed the day with so many other Londoners.<br />
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Such beautiful trees that dwarf the street lamps</div>
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The Peace Pagoda looks especial tranquil covered in snow </div>
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Thomas enjoying the walk in the snow</div>
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Snowman family -- their construction I can't claim, but too cute not to snap a picture</div>
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Super sized snow man! This group had been spending some major time getting this guy together.</div>
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View of Chelsea through the snow from Battersea Park</div>
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<br />Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0Battersea Park, London Borough of Wandsworth, London, UK51.478901 -0.1619000000000596651.4690655 -0.18207000000005966 51.4887365 -0.14173000000005967tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-22377671299423970492012-12-25T05:15:00.002-06:002012-12-25T05:15:38.422-06:00Merry Christmas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Daniels Christmas Tree in Covenant Garden, London</td></tr>
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<br />This is our first Christmas away from our families, but we are making the best of it. We plan on watching movies, reading, and having Christmas dinner at a pub close to our hotel. I am so glad to be spending my day with my new husband and my little sister. Where ever you are, I hope that you find yourself surrounded by people you love this Christmas. <br />
Best Always,<br />
BrittneyBrittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-47659633855596317112012-12-21T09:30:00.000-06:002012-12-21T09:30:01.605-06:00This week in pics<!-- SnapWidget -->
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://snapwidget.com/p/widget/?id=8l6fv1LjW4&t=950" style="border: none; height: 1450px; overflow: hidden; width: 580px;"></iframe>Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-45209304743534345512012-12-20T09:30:00.000-06:002012-12-20T09:30:02.008-06:00Hyde Park Winter Wonderland<a href="http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/">Hyde Park Winter Wonderland</a> is part traditional Christmas market, part food/drink festival, part state fair. If you know anything about middle America, you know we love our state fairs! I've been to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland twice this year and am totally impressed by this event. The massive crowds of people, the rides, the rubber tiled ground (so your toes do not get muddy, so typically polite) and yummy food makes this event a can't miss. Our first night, we b-lined to the first (of many) mulled wine stands. I was SMITTEN! Mulled wine is like a mixture of warm apple cider with the heaviness of an actual red wine. You can smell the cinnamon and other spices permeate off of your warm cup of delicious drink. I think I had at <b>least</b> two!<br />
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Next was the food. Would you be shocked to know that we started with a cheese plate with ham? Followed by a sausage, then a bacon and cheese covered pretzel?....Well, you shouldn't be....because we did!</div>
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Aside from the cute German market style wooden stands that sell everything from fur hats to wooden ornaments, there is the live music. Inside the large Bavarian tent, there are live DJ's and bands for those who dare to dance and not care. It's a blast. Aside from the live music, there are tons of rides. I will definitely come back next year. Winter Wonderland is so much fun!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRVPkOHatwE6qjzWFFV_2siQ_doU67uSiXeayXLK-O1K98st_eYBZtigaVYikOmiigDq4NngaZmXYrlh1ZDnSJz_N8AVjGr8pAel2nhQ4WhQIbymY617FOvLvVmBjWb12Rg463U9C6vHj/s1600/IMG_3011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRVPkOHatwE6qjzWFFV_2siQ_doU67uSiXeayXLK-O1K98st_eYBZtigaVYikOmiigDq4NngaZmXYrlh1ZDnSJz_N8AVjGr8pAel2nhQ4WhQIbymY617FOvLvVmBjWb12Rg463U9C6vHj/s640/IMG_3011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Festive Entrance! All admission is free. Just pay for food, drink and rides.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvojeSjmQBFbLK8ZuQsKdKgeXdBBxCmZ2bsVoloMr5Sc7uWmGmHizSHRJnlsCu8UIqvqditkUygnDTvRsjmp-p16s6eQpd95tgXeNvID4uqW092d37FduZdl0ijnqB5wLiQESYq1P3MFlM/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvojeSjmQBFbLK8ZuQsKdKgeXdBBxCmZ2bsVoloMr5Sc7uWmGmHizSHRJnlsCu8UIqvqditkUygnDTvRsjmp-p16s6eQpd95tgXeNvID4uqW092d37FduZdl0ijnqB5wLiQESYq1P3MFlM/s640/IMG_3013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty massive crowd, but in true Brit fashion, everyone was courteous and you feel really safe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyITT32_flAIz5ng0ipKXwgWvopZD7f6jL8E9LRlMrvE6gWXCRjmie1OwNmiejPWIp-tyJci9zu4k58L4BtakP2pBF7skJK0nkBtlpHmesccvWAbkL_m7QJImEAh3DckgUsVP-ueuRWIzH/s1600/IMG_3015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyITT32_flAIz5ng0ipKXwgWvopZD7f6jL8E9LRlMrvE6gWXCRjmie1OwNmiejPWIp-tyJci9zu4k58L4BtakP2pBF7skJK0nkBtlpHmesccvWAbkL_m7QJImEAh3DckgUsVP-ueuRWIzH/s640/IMG_3015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some yummy cheese and meat plate for walking around and looking at all of the cute booths.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHeJgvspLMVo9tiLR-clYHm6jKUx41x076uJEhyphenhyphenDjjZoRDqjNW7jfE_8IwfLY5_dACxz2Y99KWRYCRFe2olrIpzRfpjWSANF8eUc7OTni1Y1Mm7duocCRpVPvqaVplBdZ8LceHMrODv5w/s1600/IMG_3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHeJgvspLMVo9tiLR-clYHm6jKUx41x076uJEhyphenhyphenDjjZoRDqjNW7jfE_8IwfLY5_dACxz2Y99KWRYCRFe2olrIpzRfpjWSANF8eUc7OTni1Y1Mm7duocCRpVPvqaVplBdZ8LceHMrODv5w/s640/IMG_3016.JPG" width="568" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmmm.....Mulled wine!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqf8xFev0JRLKXFvPkz9FEpJ0H1mvY1mrLBs6zBEKt2AD5wyj2eT0NFG3Bf4KjU48UFY0haV66Yqzea5iSI0Bc_oIVLVuP-XGdWoTutPACgSal1XIxSeHR7MPOie206M0do07pDqoksjP/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqf8xFev0JRLKXFvPkz9FEpJ0H1mvY1mrLBs6zBEKt2AD5wyj2eT0NFG3Bf4KjU48UFY0haV66Yqzea5iSI0Bc_oIVLVuP-XGdWoTutPACgSal1XIxSeHR7MPOie206M0do07pDqoksjP/s640/IMG_3018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Hubs, cheesing it up. xo</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rInRkK24KRbLUTY6ZwDYHR3CHcp71oLU9orKu1dPGxuXjtnGlFWphwFfagt87zYYh-la-zvUjGFmplc27SjzVvhmKBAtxagiekPQ_g0HusD1ITYCoWsELeUK5C5uYxNUH6goRHPDEbq8/s1600/IMG_3020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rInRkK24KRbLUTY6ZwDYHR3CHcp71oLU9orKu1dPGxuXjtnGlFWphwFfagt87zYYh-la-zvUjGFmplc27SjzVvhmKBAtxagiekPQ_g0HusD1ITYCoWsELeUK5C5uYxNUH6goRHPDEbq8/s640/IMG_3020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First live music section. So many happy people!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJZjzUyMhUE-gN0DrhhKzJ6zYEC4E8VIWkAg6gsSCEG6aYpCzhy697TpEIZmT_w_gChY3vowROybvpFQZ_ERZJK0pEWuVAaqRalB-JhGdx4uMQAPdarbUeK7H4wewQthB511f0BozTD_j/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJZjzUyMhUE-gN0DrhhKzJ6zYEC4E8VIWkAg6gsSCEG6aYpCzhy697TpEIZmT_w_gChY3vowROybvpFQZ_ERZJK0pEWuVAaqRalB-JhGdx4uMQAPdarbUeK7H4wewQthB511f0BozTD_j/s640/IMG_3021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bavarian tent. Live DJ. Lots of dancing and so much fun!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1jOXVgP6nSxcUtuYjmG5Hgnmv-5en4PsbcYbxIYADGYvQTpjc7GQU7-tPYYd_PeM4gu74WvNQdjpjQB3bgiZpaC_etgMsg-9XwCkNs2S28ZpvKPFNp9SqUF9MI3BuxuLguXFWsA4tydK/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1jOXVgP6nSxcUtuYjmG5Hgnmv-5en4PsbcYbxIYADGYvQTpjc7GQU7-tPYYd_PeM4gu74WvNQdjpjQB3bgiZpaC_etgMsg-9XwCkNs2S28ZpvKPFNp9SqUF9MI3BuxuLguXFWsA4tydK/s640/IMG_3022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm thinking that this might be the reason for so much dancing??...... or maybe the bottles of <a href="http://www.veuve-clicquot.com/">Veuve</a> in the fridge for sale?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HiA8_wwF9YC6ErEHZ8TKcrOVTYgUs0qz_nzORv2qkcRIbAqbYLUUDSIj5C2P1up_FSZHNWgAT5PvSBxjd2G3uyD-0IBew1yvxJXbw6LK8gb0cC0S57biv86YTULNi7_3Z46rwC983fFZ/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HiA8_wwF9YC6ErEHZ8TKcrOVTYgUs0qz_nzORv2qkcRIbAqbYLUUDSIj5C2P1up_FSZHNWgAT5PvSBxjd2G3uyD-0IBew1yvxJXbw6LK8gb0cC0S57biv86YTULNi7_3Z46rwC983fFZ/s640/IMG_3024.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Hubs cheesing it up with some liters of beer....hey, we're in the Bavarian tent after all!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpIRaYa5y8rnuDab7nfGd8eGsZ_hl0ZTkd284OrBUEgXnAhWTnq6peE8QXkb8gocio0MqIRykc5_B2kQsIbqeEsXKLjsCRCrmIxmFlohEv111mpvZF2v-hdwnrcCdyXBUZBCzvXlxX5Bl/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpIRaYa5y8rnuDab7nfGd8eGsZ_hl0ZTkd284OrBUEgXnAhWTnq6peE8QXkb8gocio0MqIRykc5_B2kQsIbqeEsXKLjsCRCrmIxmFlohEv111mpvZF2v-hdwnrcCdyXBUZBCzvXlxX5Bl/s640/IMG_3025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry, but I have a thing about taking pictures of people taking pictures with their iPads.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q6X18p2VqSoWk_nM0gwga0zC3YCcuuntKZl8rvRAKhuNX2XqE3Br3TN9SLAvbhyphenhyphenK9t7YejE6TDZsN0k5LsBfPSVQqEyqKwKRs2FNx2PG5Z480RVSdYd84dsZ85NaZDYehfUpInlQdcna/s1600/photo+1-1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q6X18p2VqSoWk_nM0gwga0zC3YCcuuntKZl8rvRAKhuNX2XqE3Br3TN9SLAvbhyphenhyphenK9t7YejE6TDZsN0k5LsBfPSVQqEyqKwKRs2FNx2PG5Z480RVSdYd84dsZ85NaZDYehfUpInlQdcna/s640/photo+1-1+copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun wooden gifts</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucVgEBn4GiSTljq8Q_jZrmnfFsT2e2RbKkLSfOYfMhb0L9AjO6mj5TNcc7lm6AoW3AXiA4TfBa_fVVoKWV1Y9ihQI8JnsatXl_qbDgMPhOGw_EwFXIJvy77MNqHscfCzGpubDuRd5gbN1/s1600/photo+3-1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucVgEBn4GiSTljq8Q_jZrmnfFsT2e2RbKkLSfOYfMhb0L9AjO6mj5TNcc7lm6AoW3AXiA4TfBa_fVVoKWV1Y9ihQI8JnsatXl_qbDgMPhOGw_EwFXIJvy77MNqHscfCzGpubDuRd5gbN1/s640/photo+3-1+copy.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marzipan treats</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClha_wG1ee1ZBj6-Hjs1vmXk7lYESTIs6JKRXHkObkd0bNB0U6KU_E5vyQLiZvigBqlO-j9MFhrOXPPxN7o43HK0ghSZzZRM8PgWu5quYYgYcgBAZZTRhhYd0OftXLYYOIp7I1pOSArpo/s1600/photo+1-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClha_wG1ee1ZBj6-Hjs1vmXk7lYESTIs6JKRXHkObkd0bNB0U6KU_E5vyQLiZvigBqlO-j9MFhrOXPPxN7o43HK0ghSZzZRM8PgWu5quYYgYcgBAZZTRhhYd0OftXLYYOIp7I1pOSArpo/s640/photo+1-1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rodeo Reindeer" - I had the biggest laugh at this! The bar around the corner from our old apartment in Dallas had a mechanical bull on the front deck... I have never heard of anything like a mechanical reindeer!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4_8t6U4OjmV-UCQJhJS5GGWneQJoAoky1x07zUEk0YvBZQawnDVkP83SG6J4WGiYq29XdrDA8ELtJZuojwgDYC0GSecf4_E7rPFrdqkIt7vN-omkqm2ijONlvuQh9ae-Pb0kWHDBApSQ/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4_8t6U4OjmV-UCQJhJS5GGWneQJoAoky1x07zUEk0YvBZQawnDVkP83SG6J4WGiYq29XdrDA8ELtJZuojwgDYC0GSecf4_E7rPFrdqkIt7vN-omkqm2ijONlvuQh9ae-Pb0kWHDBApSQ/s640/photo+2-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rides!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhYRYUrmxiaoEoG1TsYpDbP68UtPDsmJT4fGF6LDAGwZJ5qqjlRbdrHIcWyzj4UzvnEE48Is5tkpgHsoZtW0Rdp_AP9-LWOQsyQQpAtulh41KEn2mb0EmKHnf8bldgGf4dbgwU5MQ50zv/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhYRYUrmxiaoEoG1TsYpDbP68UtPDsmJT4fGF6LDAGwZJ5qqjlRbdrHIcWyzj4UzvnEE48Is5tkpgHsoZtW0Rdp_AP9-LWOQsyQQpAtulh41KEn2mb0EmKHnf8bldgGf4dbgwU5MQ50zv/s640/photo+3-1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little sister from college is visiting us for Christmas break. Making an appearance on the blog. Hollar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ8CaipQ4Hrb9_ApEy8HUa2xG8X0KAdr2-288ssiuCEeQwQ8BY68nGaLd4gWQTuImWO7R7WQbFkOMBXcAvgIYzpxsOVU_B0f8lnHjeXak7Vfd51GXd19asr3a6eIlZjTKOvCwa73vEimD/s1600/photo+4-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ8CaipQ4Hrb9_ApEy8HUa2xG8X0KAdr2-288ssiuCEeQwQ8BY68nGaLd4gWQTuImWO7R7WQbFkOMBXcAvgIYzpxsOVU_B0f8lnHjeXak7Vfd51GXd19asr3a6eIlZjTKOvCwa73vEimD/s640/photo+4-1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many rides!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWiN1bEgFvIHM4orUfQ5bnL-F7blELiMpS7-fA-5bPySc1A-ZQZj9_9uS0auw3KUkihgJLlaPDfiqFsrNVq2O0eFFEA-Wurx4sRZB2ATjtMEollw_x266l4Riwht5TRoV_TtSlURWX1vN/s1600/photo+5-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWiN1bEgFvIHM4orUfQ5bnL-F7blELiMpS7-fA-5bPySc1A-ZQZj9_9uS0auw3KUkihgJLlaPDfiqFsrNVq2O0eFFEA-Wurx4sRZB2ATjtMEollw_x266l4Riwht5TRoV_TtSlURWX1vN/s640/photo+5-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbUbEGV-BxiCKHqRbKScbUJhAoULnw6MtxWqSxRyXaFCqLbaMm3wOFcKsdVgwr3L2d1oQXrHPM81IUWB0RiIjZUoJAAHaY0Ayk9gf6U397kQWqDNOCWocM-_kUNvz7nSoEs2faIJB0o3X/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbUbEGV-BxiCKHqRbKScbUJhAoULnw6MtxWqSxRyXaFCqLbaMm3wOFcKsdVgwr3L2d1oQXrHPM81IUWB0RiIjZUoJAAHaY0Ayk9gf6U397kQWqDNOCWocM-_kUNvz7nSoEs2faIJB0o3X/s640/photo.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm.... More mulled wine!!</td></tr>
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Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com1Hyde Park, London, Greater London W2 2UH, UK51.504442 -0.1710926000000654351.494612499999995 -0.19126260000006542 51.5142715 -0.15092260000006544tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-35745079971021148792012-12-18T09:30:00.000-06:002012-12-18T09:30:02.592-06:00Bumpkin South KensingtonConsidering I'm from middle America (Texas by way of Oklahoma), one might assume that this post title is in reference to myself.... But, it's not! Right on Old Brompton road and near our vacation rental, <a href="http://www.bumpkinuk.com/">Bumpkin</a> is a self proclaimed "seasonal British food". Great Britain takes great pride in their fresh, organic foods. Bumpkin takes a fresh market approach to cooking, if it's in season, they are cooking it. We hopped in last Friday for lunch, and the food was amazing. Considering that Bumpkin is closer to our vacation rental than the nearest pub, we think we might try to make it back by before we move into our permanent digs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVm4xCDs3mp2f_tFRwnb8dlGZyjVxVjintNrYv70Rp2bdNRPJ5XhbhSaid6XxzDsXFnlUC4tlqreqR51eP1vddMx7XdtwqzlZmsZ5D2rAg5H0WGonc9uU_cqufxQ-OMChEsEtdN7Nws90F/s1600/Bumpkin+Outside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVm4xCDs3mp2f_tFRwnb8dlGZyjVxVjintNrYv70Rp2bdNRPJ5XhbhSaid6XxzDsXFnlUC4tlqreqR51eP1vddMx7XdtwqzlZmsZ5D2rAg5H0WGonc9uU_cqufxQ-OMChEsEtdN7Nws90F/s640/Bumpkin+Outside.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image via thisisfunky.com</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPlifWNU4NcGViuMgtwBuh33w7rJS8oQTCiHShYYhp-c7Vd3V-iMMkJpWQXdO3JsRr8rLFoixRe5v1C75D4UirWM_w6dda1XuaLKtz0Yv_0AraXG8lVYLtHe2erUrQcuplDZQy1YLQuvd/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPlifWNU4NcGViuMgtwBuh33w7rJS8oQTCiHShYYhp-c7Vd3V-iMMkJpWQXdO3JsRr8rLFoixRe5v1C75D4UirWM_w6dda1XuaLKtz0Yv_0AraXG8lVYLtHe2erUrQcuplDZQy1YLQuvd/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow Pie - Again, with the country jokes.... But, they meant beef pie (vs. chicken pie or veg pie). I just can't get enough of these things. This one in particular, had a flakey crust and moist chunks of meat and a smooth gravy inside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NWT4xJI_6qGFNnfFz8xcEoAIwSuRP5aTSWRuZKr-j63z93Nwjrim1P0JezqFS8yzFF2ppX8CjvtZt29OjThFohTpRd4Yd-L2Lw6qpSvSWyebQKt7b_5qD4Smdese2DX782hOrxmZd7Km/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NWT4xJI_6qGFNnfFz8xcEoAIwSuRP5aTSWRuZKr-j63z93Nwjrim1P0JezqFS8yzFF2ppX8CjvtZt29OjThFohTpRd4Yd-L2Lw6qpSvSWyebQKt7b_5qD4Smdese2DX782hOrxmZd7Km/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb Shoulder - Cooked really great and the onion was a superb compliment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5u5I640t-0p6jntb0HYLzVgtw9rdO9DcdR3bifxEr1uyKYHrhgFBKGN3Tx3Y3-JT_yLFBiCmKtRvO5UNPd3tmx6TZeXmEfGNxmuP7G7VvLIKZB6o6roEXCHdtol4dkmw4Gkv3MFmZC_SC/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5u5I640t-0p6jntb0HYLzVgtw9rdO9DcdR3bifxEr1uyKYHrhgFBKGN3Tx3Y3-JT_yLFBiCmKtRvO5UNPd3tmx6TZeXmEfGNxmuP7G7VvLIKZB6o6roEXCHdtol4dkmw4Gkv3MFmZC_SC/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="564" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled Salmon - Who doesn't like a super fresh and perfectly grilled salmon for lunch?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGLFnViHwJoLRBvPGIAvBdg1MV1U0Hg2Fg5H_qk9Y71sfbEUQfE_1cSgJP0z4sawSw9Qxye_kJyR8nrbTU3jvWpL5n3jEcePCJ6NftXJHSPJsZ7wzNYEDR-xiQTukQljFLJutnL_C2GHB/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGLFnViHwJoLRBvPGIAvBdg1MV1U0Hg2Fg5H_qk9Y71sfbEUQfE_1cSgJP0z4sawSw9Qxye_kJyR8nrbTU3jvWpL5n3jEcePCJ6NftXJHSPJsZ7wzNYEDR-xiQTukQljFLJutnL_C2GHB/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sides of Mash - Some cuisines have their holy trinity, in GB, I think meat and mash are the dynamic duo. <br />Word to the wise, one order of mash was enough for all three of us.</td></tr>
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<br />Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com1South Kensington, London, UK51.4912 -0.1768999999999323351.471534999999996 -0.21724049999993233 51.510865 -0.13655949999993233tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-28989965020215990922012-12-13T09:30:00.000-06:002012-12-15T12:04:19.138-06:00Duck Soup SohoOur first noteworthy outing in London was to the über chic soho restaurant, <a href="http://www.ducksoupsoho.co.uk/Ducksoup.html">Duck Soup</a>. This establishment is one of those "in the know" kind of places. While sitting outside in the freezing cold waiting on our table to be ready.... because the 5 of us waiting on a table crowded all of the waiting room..... people kept walking by questioning what place this was. "what is duck soup?" "look how packed it is, let's go somewhere else" All I can say is that I feel bad for those people because they totally missed out. If you like a good mystery cocktail and classic rock tunes played on vinyl, this is the kind of place for you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt6aNSLXxYnQCAaNcvJbqvGirmKA35oHRU45qb7RopDM_L8PQAND2P2cQmPMIkQlQRTza1IH7gy0YzGJvMJS377VNWdMtfzCTcRvm_xzPalfR3lK-A3LW9PI0GbUaDEIAwf-v02uxN1Xr/s1600/IMG_2978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt6aNSLXxYnQCAaNcvJbqvGirmKA35oHRU45qb7RopDM_L8PQAND2P2cQmPMIkQlQRTza1IH7gy0YzGJvMJS377VNWdMtfzCTcRvm_xzPalfR3lK-A3LW9PI0GbUaDEIAwf-v02uxN1Xr/s640/IMG_2978.JPG" width="453" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Duck Soup</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnWU35yyvRtZ27yH71nTNYpE9lHE96yhDHoW2WdT0-1AYiQnl8d8xyU4TuPm2CcpaGlTQOV-x_j3ZQ7dJIVcPChlX42Mt8muhhlG1s2hXfkN27qQX9duYGPyiq2WswLAj65EY5zJt1I4R/s1600/Ducksoup+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnWU35yyvRtZ27yH71nTNYpE9lHE96yhDHoW2WdT0-1AYiQnl8d8xyU4TuPm2CcpaGlTQOV-x_j3ZQ7dJIVcPChlX42Mt8muhhlG1s2hXfkN27qQX9duYGPyiq2WswLAj65EY5zJt1I4R/s640/Ducksoup+2.JPG" width="495" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Specials board in the front window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmXYwqhCbERpNkkyttPAGNXArSn9V0Jo1UscEi50hCmRQfgDy3odoGPqlj7aNFppGMQnpmryEJrQEPEnftABCfXXMjH_hUBXF6umfPuwtYmlCSLcTiPvKW9pGg0rrgjpQsSsT1NMKsitQ/s1600/Ducksoup+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmXYwqhCbERpNkkyttPAGNXArSn9V0Jo1UscEi50hCmRQfgDy3odoGPqlj7aNFppGMQnpmryEJrQEPEnftABCfXXMjH_hUBXF6umfPuwtYmlCSLcTiPvKW9pGg0rrgjpQsSsT1NMKsitQ/s640/Ducksoup+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our nice little table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVAJbBapUasp9uRUFGVW-aWo8zebpLrs6hphs5jMnm_yg34zf7y_pjVKEkFvuPsq770kapO-ScEMdKu4HEX58KZiaPTprWzWAr2eBYVGl8uFoU28iq_oaDpcFNmhyt1DRGhwL06PV-lQS/s1600/Ducksoup+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVAJbBapUasp9uRUFGVW-aWo8zebpLrs6hphs5jMnm_yg34zf7y_pjVKEkFvuPsq770kapO-ScEMdKu4HEX58KZiaPTprWzWAr2eBYVGl8uFoU28iq_oaDpcFNmhyt1DRGhwL06PV-lQS/s640/Ducksoup+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubbub of Friday night.... this was taken about the same time "Sweet Home Alabama" came on the turntable</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-w-iTou4lHsn4k6yDARoivV0s92vq0JiI-2zIdgt8wmeDnfsh3gz5tUNSSVB6NiFvwqdUk8hG93LOJ2YILdnKcYWlTd_Eh712rRQ8S5L_XqzGVIhKh9oOjyRODd48bEJPC13Epbisy9H-/s1600/Menus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-w-iTou4lHsn4k6yDARoivV0s92vq0JiI-2zIdgt8wmeDnfsh3gz5tUNSSVB6NiFvwqdUk8hG93LOJ2YILdnKcYWlTd_Eh712rRQ8S5L_XqzGVIhKh9oOjyRODd48bEJPC13Epbisy9H-/s640/Menus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samples of the daily handwritten menus. Their daily menus are posted on their <a href="http://ducksoupsoho.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-dyUIzFQC8MMDSG895_wUTk9TiaY387qof8DWfxxElgRpMLHEzMFxV7cc_Fcd1-tdtqdfc6ERdwyQtTNnj3CI7eKnZudyCOcqhnlKQRU0aX9HcTGD08rwibiP-ijIxvSG25Xkp_5A1UV/s1600/1+Salami.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-dyUIzFQC8MMDSG895_wUTk9TiaY387qof8DWfxxElgRpMLHEzMFxV7cc_Fcd1-tdtqdfc6ERdwyQtTNnj3CI7eKnZudyCOcqhnlKQRU0aX9HcTGD08rwibiP-ijIxvSG25Xkp_5A1UV/s640/1+Salami.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salame Toscano</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76zkZh2ndQk50JU2LAqyJki_AHkoLX07BsC_RCs1fIFMq0iyTr24hWNJ09GNN3bKD367U6tyxJS-XaQmZUf_WZ6V0jxA4-BAfIj54vsz-DIi20GOcrdSiPgSAFvnSddqMuv7HX_A2H0Tt/s1600/2+lardo+scallops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76zkZh2ndQk50JU2LAqyJki_AHkoLX07BsC_RCs1fIFMq0iyTr24hWNJ09GNN3bKD367U6tyxJS-XaQmZUf_WZ6V0jxA4-BAfIj54vsz-DIi20GOcrdSiPgSAFvnSddqMuv7HX_A2H0Tt/s640/2+lardo+scallops.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops, Hazelnuts, & Lardo -- I'm a fool for lardo, but this takes my obsession to another level.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94ZC7xUNb47Aqn1PY62agd5z3amWPyzqmHCk886EeVS3dK3IF4yaolvNur2PmGY9ani8B39Meuy__QOO8a3GrvCZsR70csLZu9YrRHGTWiN-YK7nwEQy0f4aiJsPY3zqvMVTjtvJbuYNs/s1600/3+mozzerella.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94ZC7xUNb47Aqn1PY62agd5z3amWPyzqmHCk886EeVS3dK3IF4yaolvNur2PmGY9ani8B39Meuy__QOO8a3GrvCZsR70csLZu9YrRHGTWiN-YK7nwEQy0f4aiJsPY3zqvMVTjtvJbuYNs/s640/3+mozzerella.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mozzarella Cavolo Nero - these bitter leaves were amazing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2ixd3ISnAu05D7xSnjzRfouFvahAQL1s_IJY00kaFOYuUxKsSpAz2TqEm6fURWHftP2rAFilfUMq21MXSetvONmrr6TmCuAPxk8cqNA6jetZEsfZa-GXSMbeqiA42tRE_b3awuacaLvl/s1600/4+lardo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2ixd3ISnAu05D7xSnjzRfouFvahAQL1s_IJY00kaFOYuUxKsSpAz2TqEm6fURWHftP2rAFilfUMq21MXSetvONmrr6TmCuAPxk8cqNA6jetZEsfZa-GXSMbeqiA42tRE_b3awuacaLvl/s640/4+lardo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lardo Crescentine - this was lardo over a dense, fried bread, great combo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdymUsR_NGGl7eu_BdYrXvTgOI0WJEWXwRLeYqYvpQBemiAC4QfDM_haUMCNGSmHU3ASd444SlJ_LJRcssyOHw4sgyUQuHaF1EyMq2qH-r2NamUrFbe2ByXDJ-YRjZQrEMTO1SLn4SQaTb/s1600/5+lamb+with+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdymUsR_NGGl7eu_BdYrXvTgOI0WJEWXwRLeYqYvpQBemiAC4QfDM_haUMCNGSmHU3ASd444SlJ_LJRcssyOHw4sgyUQuHaF1EyMq2qH-r2NamUrFbe2ByXDJ-YRjZQrEMTO1SLn4SQaTb/s640/5+lamb+with+.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb with Pomegranate and Feta</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyFSR5v-PYSxAWsgR1t9joWUZO5psN9mIswZpJupIIEaRf73CQDjhoUFC2yhA1ZuxFEbQfHdaAozs6SkI9uA9EGBoWP1Na3qi26yk2SlZPOoT5C4P-dcmzk4ivqTDqUcFVYcAys5akziP/s1600/6+Fondue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyFSR5v-PYSxAWsgR1t9joWUZO5psN9mIswZpJupIIEaRf73CQDjhoUFC2yhA1ZuxFEbQfHdaAozs6SkI9uA9EGBoWP1Na3qi26yk2SlZPOoT5C4P-dcmzk4ivqTDqUcFVYcAys5akziP/s640/6+Fondue.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vacherin, Pink Fir Potatoes, Cornichons - This fondue type dish was mind blowing. I've never had such pillowy soft, fresh cheese like this. You could eat the cheese off a spoon or dip the potatoes. Fantastic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmme4LMcMpVktabHoYxoZiJ96NZ5CFu27WXYlrvdeiVEZLxeB1z7HRdJCvea-fYvqUyonrGNgly0P3CCD6ouYgb7hBmdVuj4aPIrTB49g8PXvxqbvTlgfBQgVVLBUYf_u2gOGUEZGldbx/s1600/7+duck+drink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmme4LMcMpVktabHoYxoZiJ96NZ5CFu27WXYlrvdeiVEZLxeB1z7HRdJCvea-fYvqUyonrGNgly0P3CCD6ouYgb7hBmdVuj4aPIrTB49g8PXvxqbvTlgfBQgVVLBUYf_u2gOGUEZGldbx/s640/7+duck+drink.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"In Duck We Trust" the Duck Soup signature cocktail. It was a great last drink. It tasted like a late harvest wine blended with a brandy type liquor. You can see their wine list on the Duck Soup wine <a href="http://ducksoupwines.tumblr.com/">tumbler</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6QAiOCTVPwg93wyeF5VDXeZBJCRvsNA-1wugR94O6gD7WGCVoZ2pIjfom4g1e_euI1QT6NP7ZvTksnTX_I2VodYgv3GXBSqkFPL9ppL5dbnyyTIrq8ywd8h4S0kLvoPGSMrd5Uo-7dKE/s1600/Ducksoup+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6QAiOCTVPwg93wyeF5VDXeZBJCRvsNA-1wugR94O6gD7WGCVoZ2pIjfom4g1e_euI1QT6NP7ZvTksnTX_I2VodYgv3GXBSqkFPL9ppL5dbnyyTIrq8ywd8h4S0kLvoPGSMrd5Uo-7dKE/s640/Ducksoup+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Soup is definitely going to be a place I bring foodie houseguest who come to London for a visit.</td></tr>
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<br />Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0Soho, London, UK51.5162459 -0.133620651.5064179 -0.15336160000000001 51.5260739 -0.1138796tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-51963987129420655312012-12-10T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-10T09:23:34.179-06:00We Moved Across the Pond!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm excited to say that my husband and I moved to London!! I know that it's been a while since I've posted last. Also, I realize that my last posts were actually on our August 2011 trip to the UK. Looking back, the last year was full of major life events intermingled with travel and making plans for our future. New job, Vail ski trip, new apartment, Prague/Vienna trip, Engagement (eek!), Marriage (double eek!), husband's job transfer to London. You and I have a bunch to catch up on!</div>
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Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com1London, UK51.5073346 -0.127683151.3500581 -0.4435401 51.6646111 0.1881739tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-44623086732606789402011-08-28T11:00:00.004-05:002011-08-28T11:00:03.206-05:00Heavens Bazaar of Bath: Vintage Shopping in Bath, UKWhile in Bath last weekend, we had ample opportunity to walk the streets and shop! On our way to the Royal Crescent, we strolled down an alleyway and happened upon the cutest little shop, Heavens Bazaar of Bath. I was first lured into the store by the wonderful storefront -- and a little nudge by Eric didn't hurt. Once inside, I fell into awe with the case of vintage jewelry. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, it was almost too much! I spied a little leopard ring and knew I just had to have it. Well, after taking my eyes from the case of jewelry, I quickly hopped to a rack of clothes, then to another rack, then another rack! It all happened so quickly!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BHv39u7HVQ/TldxjlF5lyI/AAAAAAAACbI/GKVSpeKKUBo/s1600/DSC_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BHv39u7HVQ/TldxjlF5lyI/AAAAAAAACbI/GKVSpeKKUBo/s920/DSC_1092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a cute shop inside!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiYknwFkp38/Tler0PoGAeI/AAAAAAAACbo/xFP26nkJk7Q/s1600/DSC_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiYknwFkp38/Tler0PoGAeI/AAAAAAAACbo/xFP26nkJk7Q/s920/DSC_1083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was drawn to this case of really great vintage jewelry finds!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vfNK_yCrRQ/Tldy2topb6I/AAAAAAAACbU/YUZhZwSGLvU/s1600/DSC_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vfNK_yCrRQ/Tldy2topb6I/AAAAAAAACbU/YUZhZwSGLvU/s920/DSC_1086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmzJjwSQXA0/Tldy9vGzcDI/AAAAAAAACbY/eTna1AHmtyA/s1600/DSC_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmzJjwSQXA0/Tldy9vGzcDI/AAAAAAAACbY/eTna1AHmtyA/s920/DSC_1087.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrH-QCw0t1U/TlesCw5K0oI/AAAAAAAACbw/9lDox8j-7Ag/s1600/DSC_1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrH-QCw0t1U/TlesCw5K0oI/AAAAAAAACbw/9lDox8j-7Ag/s920/DSC_1079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarves, gloves, brushes, glasses!! So many choices!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After glancing up to a shelf above a rack of clothes, I spied a handmade leather belt that I just had to have. The belt has the most brilliant mixture of browns, tan and black leather. I think this belt is going to be so cute with a denim shirt for the fall. The lady helping me even gave me tan and black straps to change out the color of the ties. The other item I grabbed was a vintage 1960s snakeskin clutch. I love all the combinations of snakeskin in a patchwork pattern on the purse. I think is going to look great with some outfits I got in London our first weekend here. (I'm looking forward to adding outfits to my collection to wear with this purse!!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My goodies!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLHi2j4ozvo/TlesHgAAYeI/AAAAAAAACb0/_GgoeWYSz8g/s1600/DSC_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLHi2j4ozvo/TlesHgAAYeI/AAAAAAAACb0/_GgoeWYSz8g/s920/DSC_1081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the front desk and how it's crowded with great last minute grabs!!</td></tr>
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Downstairs, I could hear the ladies helping a customer sort through their assortment of vintage designer items. In the back room, more designer vintage! It was such a great place and the shop ladies are so friendly and more than willing to help you piece together outfits. Jo, one of the proprietors, even came by the the front desk to say goodbye to the leopard ring I was purchasing. I was sure to let her know I would take really good care of her favorite little ring!<br />
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What are your favorite shopping finds when on vacation? Vintage or not, I would love to hear about your finds.Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-38786074757674771552011-08-26T11:00:00.004-05:002011-08-26T11:00:06.240-05:00Bath, Stonehenge and SalisburyLast weekend, we headed out for a nice drive out to Bath for one night and then swung by Stonehenge, then Salisbury. I really loved Bath! The city is a great weekend city with lots of antique furniture and vintage clothes shopping. I found the cutest shop and snagged a couple of vintage items myself. *Yay!*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJOaS6UkUNI/Tld0zYlSepI/AAAAAAAACbg/LRm-xzxZnJM/s1600/Driving+Directions+from+Reading%252C+undefined+to+Farnborough%252C+undefined+%257C+MapQuest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJOaS6UkUNI/Tld0zYlSepI/AAAAAAAACbg/LRm-xzxZnJM/s920/Driving+Directions+from+Reading%252C+undefined+to+Farnborough%252C+undefined+%257C+MapQuest.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our route<br />
<i>Via mapquest.com</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--soZNFxaG9Q/TldvGxZ_0EI/AAAAAAAACZk/X8E_rW1tGaM/s1600/DSC_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--soZNFxaG9Q/TldvGxZ_0EI/AAAAAAAACZk/X8E_rW1tGaM/s920/DSC_1047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral in Bath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgQ_taPZ3RQ/TldvQ-pVbzI/AAAAAAAACZw/qQkqw9k_sxo/s1600/DSC_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgQ_taPZ3RQ/TldvQ-pVbzI/AAAAAAAACZw/qQkqw9k_sxo/s920/DSC_1050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Bath entrance - The museum tour was really interesting. I liked seeing all of the artifacts, especially the curses that were written and tossed in the Baths!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protesters blocking a nice photo opp of the front of the cathedral!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EzL17K85dU/Tldve0kBPBI/AAAAAAAACZ4/JqUyduh79BU/s1600/DSC_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EzL17K85dU/Tldve0kBPBI/AAAAAAAACZ4/JqUyduh79BU/s920/DSC_1054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view of the cathedral</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHDtta2BCLw/TldvmpELh8I/AAAAAAAACZ8/GmThZ2r426Q/s1600/DSC_1055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHDtta2BCLw/TldvmpELh8I/AAAAAAAACZ8/GmThZ2r426Q/s920/DSC_1055.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Roman bath with the cathedral in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Zp_t2dNQ0/TldvxbJJwkI/AAAAAAAACaQ/C9m_NPfQV6o/s1600/DSC_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Zp_t2dNQ0/TldvxbJJwkI/AAAAAAAACaQ/C9m_NPfQV6o/s920/DSC_1066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain of water from the actual hot spring that fills the baths. British women would came to drink the water to aid in producing male heirs while a King consumed the water to cure his gout.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wPoZjHpIX8/Tldv9mQXAhI/AAAAAAAACaU/LqwtNB2_AMI/s1600/DSC_1094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wPoZjHpIX8/Tldv9mQXAhI/AAAAAAAACaU/LqwtNB2_AMI/s920/DSC_1094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Cresent</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKNk8j20YpE/TldwsUg5IAI/AAAAAAAACas/0J82aThoxjA/s1600/DSC_1114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKNk8j20YpE/TldwsUg5IAI/AAAAAAAACas/0J82aThoxjA/s920/DSC_1114.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Bath on the hillside</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzGuSkQ95uI/TldwMB9MMPI/AAAAAAAACak/o8oBu0_m0Bg/s1600/DSC_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzGuSkQ95uI/TldwMB9MMPI/AAAAAAAACak/o8oBu0_m0Bg/s920/DSC_1110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Bath</td></tr>
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After a day in Bath, we headed out to Stonehenge to snap a pic from outside the fence. We didn't really want to pay the fee and stand in the incredibly long line. We've both seen plenty of Discovery Channel specials on the stones, so it worked out well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGv0Icu59DQ/TldwyJ7L9mI/AAAAAAAACaw/n2NUntEe6As/s1600/DSC_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGv0Icu59DQ/TldwyJ7L9mI/AAAAAAAACaw/n2NUntEe6As/s920/DSC_1134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stonehenge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last stop on our journey, before heading back, was Salisbury. This is a really cute town. The cathedral was incredible. It is set on a nice lawn where many people were enjoying the sunshine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XdtLUTi4LWY/Tldw1a-JIJI/AAAAAAAACa0/fPEoKX5gStM/s1600/DSC_1140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XdtLUTi4LWY/Tldw1a-JIJI/AAAAAAAACa0/fPEoKX5gStM/s920/DSC_1140.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salisbury</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dr7S2RqZjw/Tldw2whbhcI/AAAAAAAACa4/e0q-WMgkDKY/s1600/DSC_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dr7S2RqZjw/Tldw2whbhcI/AAAAAAAACa4/e0q-WMgkDKY/s920/DSC_1141.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a cute little town</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQDBPxYHk-0/Tldw4-vknJI/AAAAAAAACa8/o0n8vl1JrXc/s1600/DSC_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQDBPxYHk-0/Tldw4-vknJI/AAAAAAAACa8/o0n8vl1JrXc/s920/DSC_1142.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ate at this pub for lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XbZQUbOOlZQ/Tldw8JZLjKI/AAAAAAAACbE/TFrvq1CmlRo/s1600/DSC_1147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XbZQUbOOlZQ/Tldw8JZLjKI/AAAAAAAACbE/TFrvq1CmlRo/s920/DSC_1147.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cathedral spire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This weekend, we are heading back into London. I'm excited to do some more shopping and seeing some of the sights we missed our first weekend!Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-41025559973540150472011-08-19T11:00:00.002-05:002011-08-19T11:00:07.818-05:00This weekend in BathWe are packing up this weekend to continue our UK journey into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath,_Somerset">Bath</a>. I'm excited to see the Roman baths and, of course, the Royal Crescent. We also have a dinner reservation at <a href="http://www.thebathpriory.co.uk/restaurant/">The Bath Priory</a> on Saturday night. The executive chef, Michael Caines, has received two Michelin Stars and the head chef, Sam Moody, is an Acorn Award recipient. I'm really excited to see what these guys have to offer. This is going to be a great weekend!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChC21oIbOKACrkeBpGbEZqFKcms73vPSoI5der_No-HwrDuQMBR50-t-ysqQqu_j3H1ael-3w_rOXQVQWzYExIPho3WA0dF1sELe-hbhTWwjJdo6Dsh-yOXxFfxBYnFOigjsYip9Qx4SV/s1600/689px-Roman_Baths_in_Bath_Spa%252C_England_-_July_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChC21oIbOKACrkeBpGbEZqFKcms73vPSoI5der_No-HwrDuQMBR50-t-ysqQqu_j3H1ael-3w_rOXQVQWzYExIPho3WA0dF1sELe-hbhTWwjJdo6Dsh-yOXxFfxBYnFOigjsYip9Qx4SV/s920/689px-Roman_Baths_in_Bath_Spa%252C_England_-_July_2006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Baths<br />
<i>Via Wikipedia</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5mXvM1dLhqg8kyoOkH6gkPrtypjtiLaIBFDxj6Z0VmhN1b5Lmy4EFp7uKd0q_WNcfJ-_Q9vba078A-ukF1pnw7kawAK6TYqZmRK5fdzbionQ7RyS8h8SKVPmGgtTpNy6y1UHh4BbKgpW/s1600/787px-Royal.crescent.aerial.bath.arp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5mXvM1dLhqg8kyoOkH6gkPrtypjtiLaIBFDxj6Z0VmhN1b5Lmy4EFp7uKd0q_WNcfJ-_Q9vba078A-ukF1pnw7kawAK6TYqZmRK5fdzbionQ7RyS8h8SKVPmGgtTpNy6y1UHh4BbKgpW/s920/787px-Royal.crescent.aerial.bath.arp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Cresent<br />
<i>Via Wikipedia</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div>Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-85075575320854669672011-08-16T15:00:00.052-05:002011-08-16T16:23:07.678-05:00Hanging in the UKWe have had the best time since we arrived in the United Kindgom on Sunday morning. We took the train into London from Heathrow and immediately hit the town. One of our "jet lag" fighting techniques is to see the sun set before we allow ourselves to sleep the first night. There is something about your mind seeing the sunset that allows you to function like a semi normal person the next day -- or at least that's what we think!<br />
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We checked into the Hilton Park Lane Sunday and immediately headed out to see some sights. I can't believe how warm it was last weekend. I was certainly too warm walking around in jeans and a tank. I know that everyone says to stay away from the Oxford Circus for shopping, but we wanted to check it out. The area is incredibly congested. I tried to peruse a Top Shop and it was basically a nightmare!<br />
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Anyway, we kept going until we ran into the British Museum. We did a little bit of walking through the museum, which is free to the public. It's so interesting to me that all of the precious artifacts are just on display with nothing but a sign to discourage people from running their grubby paws across an ancient marble statue or an Egyptian casket. The Rosetta Stone was incredible! The bathrooms, not so much. We took the "underground" back to our hotel to change clothes and have tea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MmYXbkKML0k/TkqrX4TRfZI/AAAAAAAACXE/TS3j4vDGF_o/s1600/DSC_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MmYXbkKML0k/TkqrX4TRfZI/AAAAAAAACXE/TS3j4vDGF_o/s920/DSC_0959.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RTnqKS3R3E/TkrYR_iTMnI/AAAAAAAACYE/xuCxDYVRb6A/s1600/DSC_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RTnqKS3R3E/TkrYR_iTMnI/AAAAAAAACYE/xuCxDYVRb6A/s920/DSC_0972.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British Museum is known for its Egyptian collection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdoRxSNRiQc/TkqrWtRqNJI/AAAAAAAACYI/Cc_iGlL_15A/s1600/DSC_0982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdoRxSNRiQc/TkqrWtRqNJI/AAAAAAAACYI/Cc_iGlL_15A/s920/DSC_0982.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea at our hotel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After tea, we headed over to Kensington/Knightsbridge area to check out Harrods. Love Love LOVE Harrods! It was so incredible inside. I mean, I live in a large city that has tons of shopping, but this department store was all that had expected! I loved walking in the door to the purse department. Then, we headed straight for the food hall. We walked around, then decided to grab some chocolate ganache macaroons. We then took the "Egyptian Escalators" all the way to the top, stopping in random departments along the way. Love Harrods!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejAsH2Jb3dI/TkrYo_oJPVI/AAAAAAAACYM/M62IY-WNFYc/s1600/DSC_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejAsH2Jb3dI/TkrYo_oJPVI/AAAAAAAACYM/M62IY-WNFYc/s920/DSC_0986.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric playing model riding the escalators down for a photo op!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We hit a Top Shop across the street from Harrods and then found our way to Amaya for dinner. Amaya is one of just a few restaurants featuring Indian Cuisine to receive a prestigious Michelin Star. More on that in the next post! On the walk back, we hit my first genuine British Pubs for some "bitters". It was a great first day!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRFAnNEoMPM/TkrZsgYA7kI/AAAAAAAACYc/DaP_zb2VDD8/s1600/DSC_0999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRFAnNEoMPM/TkrZsgYA7kI/AAAAAAAACYc/DaP_zb2VDD8/s920/DSC_0999.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nags Head</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvNSCpsv4Sk/TkrY37kT3lI/AAAAAAAACYQ/m32XnSLl4lQ/s1600/DSC_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvNSCpsv4Sk/TkrY37kT3lI/AAAAAAAACYQ/m32XnSLl4lQ/s920/DSC_0993.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fg0dS78POjc/TkrZrQ7gyXI/AAAAAAAACYY/sUqXQK4aW9s/s1600/DSC_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fg0dS78POjc/TkrZrQ7gyXI/AAAAAAAACYY/sUqXQK4aW9s/s920/DSC_0998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWumiQfwMVo/TkrZto6FmkI/AAAAAAAACYg/lMg55mwsaZM/s1600/DSC_1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWumiQfwMVo/TkrZto6FmkI/AAAAAAAACYg/lMg55mwsaZM/s920/DSC_1002.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grenadier pub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Before we headed out to Reading on Monday, we made sure to see some sights -- duh! We took the underground to St. Paul's Cathedral and did the audio tour there. Then, on the way back to the hotel, we stopped by Parliment and Big Ben. It was really cool and I snapped some good pics. Lastly, we swung past Westminster Abbey and by Buckingham Palace (our reservation isn't until the 26th, so we didn't go inside) for a quick look. We finished our trek by cutting through St. James Park and Green Park. Whew! We don't believe in easy vacations, even if they are work vacations!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0p14xqcuaHM/TkrZ6cyYBkI/AAAAAAAACYk/BJkh416JViQ/s1600/DSC_1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0p14xqcuaHM/TkrZ6cyYBkI/AAAAAAAACYk/BJkh416JViQ/s920/DSC_1005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul's Cathedral</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZhVGhrfaIQ/TkraFoA2V7I/AAAAAAAACYs/qx9Qc4E-Zyk/s1600/DSC_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZhVGhrfaIQ/TkraFoA2V7I/AAAAAAAACYs/qx9Qc4E-Zyk/s920/DSC_1017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look kids, there's Big Ben, there's Parliment...."<br />
- European Vacation</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1i046J9k9lo/TkraiNRthpI/AAAAAAAACY0/Ws6W6tX83Tk/s1600/DSC_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1i046J9k9lo/TkraiNRthpI/AAAAAAAACY0/Ws6W6tX83Tk/s920/DSC_1019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjNyaI8kVfQ/Tkrde5KtFzI/AAAAAAAACZQ/R2SbFBPTgAk/s1600/DSC_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjNyaI8kVfQ/Tkrde5KtFzI/AAAAAAAACZQ/R2SbFBPTgAk/s920/DSC_1025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parks are so beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-McRmmtCyMQc/Tkrdh95yUmI/AAAAAAAACZU/QSrJjC_W40w/s1600/DSC_1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-McRmmtCyMQc/Tkrdh95yUmI/AAAAAAAACZU/QSrJjC_W40w/s920/DSC_1028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the edge of St. James Park. This park will be used for rowing events in the 2012 Olympic Games.</td></tr>
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What should we see when we head back into London in two weeks??Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-74022340039020375772011-08-12T15:00:00.014-05:002011-08-12T16:21:37.717-05:00Heading Out of Town..... London!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1fFtiUdz_lgLSukGXvYlqGG3EXdAmuaFpMgydv5AsVW9NUTnWNI52QohYFATVwzg8DPUx-207E3ZAn4z5CGnQ18lpXZIyriG_i1_dodOJeJDjBS_aNbPuRaK8hC4RQcg7CF2w_4tp9QH/s1600/brochure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1fFtiUdz_lgLSukGXvYlqGG3EXdAmuaFpMgydv5AsVW9NUTnWNI52QohYFATVwzg8DPUx-207E3ZAn4z5CGnQ18lpXZIyriG_i1_dodOJeJDjBS_aNbPuRaK8hC4RQcg7CF2w_4tp9QH/s920/brochure.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image via Travel Vacation Package Info</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We have booked a last minute, two week trip to the UK!! When I first began this post, I was incredibly excited to see London in person. I have never been to the United Kingdom which has the reputation of being a safe place to travel. Unfortunately, the rioting, violence and unrest across the country has lead to concern about our safety. As of now, we have been keeping up with the news and feel like the city will be a great first stop on our UK journey -- thanks <a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/rick-steves/london-riots-plundering-your-travel-dreams/10150257804109702">Rick Steves for your reassurance</a>!<br />
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Our current plan is to arrive and stay the first night in London, work out of Bracknell during the week, visit Bath for the first weekend, spend the next week in Bracknell, the second weekend in London and then head home. <br />
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</div><div>I hope we will see plenty of historical sights, eat incredible food and shop Shop SHOP!!</div><div><br />
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What are your favorite parts/sights/places of London? Anywhere you've been dying to visit?</div>Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-71215514171003479462011-08-10T15:00:00.023-05:002011-08-10T15:00:05.145-05:00Tuscany on Valentine's DayDuring our <a href="http://takenawayblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/destination-siena-italy.html">Tuscan road trip</a>, we were in the hill town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montepulciano">Montepulciano, Italy</a>, on Valentine's Day. We didn't make any restaurant plans ahead of time (good going E!), so we relied on TripAdvisor.com for recommendations. After a quick search, we found Borgobuio. The dinner was a blast! The owners are a married couple, Piers and Elda. Elda is the chef and Piers runs the front of the house. While waiting for the wine to breathe, Piers brought over a leather bound book which showed Borgobuio ranked in the top 100 restaurants in Tuscany and had me read the entry aloud for all the guests -- he was VERY proud! Piers gave us the best wine service either of us have ever received. <br />
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The atmosphere is intimate and comfortable. The food was arguably the best meal I have ever had. I loved dining in a former cellar. The architecture was so interesting. Also interesting was the flat screen TVs playing concert DVDs during the meal. That element prompted some bad reviews on TripAdvisor. I feel like seeing "Cool and the Gang" in concert was just the quirky touch that really revealed Piers sense of humor. As soon as we walked in the front door, we knew this was going to be a special night!<br />
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We had a very special Valentine's Day together. What is your favorite romantic evening? I'd love to hear about your special night stories!Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-30602076643765791412011-08-08T15:00:00.000-05:002011-08-08T15:00:01.461-05:00Destination: Montepulciano, ItalyOne of my favorite stops during our <a href="http://takenawayblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/destination-siena-italy.html">Tuscan road trip</a> was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montepulciano">Montepulciano, Italy</a>. This medieval hilltop town completely stole my heart! The streets are so narrow that I was nervous riding in our Fiat Panda through the small corridors. We had the most incredible views of the countryside from our hotel room. We arrived right at sunset and had the opportunity to see the most magical sunset! After sundown, we wandered through wine cellars and cheese cellars. We bought cheese and cured meats for road snacks for the next day. Montepulciano has the most beautiful ceramics and copper wares. Of course, how could you not mention the wine?! Montepulciano is home to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, d'Abrezzo Montepulciano, and the young, yet incredibly tasty, Rosso. (I have even recently added a Rose from the region into my summer wine rotation!)<br />
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One of the more exciting finds in this town was when we realized that New Moon was set in Voltaire, Italy, but filmed in Montepulciano. Then, we discovered that RPatz and KStew not only stayed in our hotel, but in our exact room! The small hotel was within feet of the center of the town and a perfect location for them to post up before and after shooting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our hotel room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the valley from the edge of the town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agritourismos in the distance!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BS6B3PDLygw/TWUWTiaeUCI/AAAAAAAAAww/0gAzjpskPRs/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BS6B3PDLygw/TWUWTiaeUCI/AAAAAAAAAww/0gAzjpskPRs/s920/DSC_0168.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the warm colors of the sky set against the cool colors of the hills below</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo - The pope wouldn't allow a lot of the hill towns to finish the construction of their duomos since the structures represented allegiance to the town and not to the church as a whole</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palazzo Tarugi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palazzo Comunale - This should definitely remind you of New Moon!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cantina Contucci - We did a quick tasting here and bought some bottles of wine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine barrels in the cellars</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winding roads at night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E63SKOayi_Y/TWUWoRfg9QI/AAAAAAAAAzA/ongMl_Y_1JU/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E63SKOayi_Y/TWUWoRfg9QI/AAAAAAAAAzA/ongMl_Y_1JU/s920/DSC_0216.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found the cutest mechanic sweeping out his shop. Eric thought his dad would love to see these pics. We had a very strained conversation in Italian. He wanted to know so much about Eric's family's Harley Davidsons. I should have spent more time with my Rosetta Stone!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was so sweet and welcoming. I was surprised to see an Oklahoma plate. He loved finding out that I was from there!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steep and narrow streets in Montepulciano</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures of the New Moon mania in and around our hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RPatz leaving the front door of our hotel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Duomo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just down the hill is The Sanctuary of San Biagio</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Montepulciano from the bottom of the hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside The Sanctuary of San Biagio</td></tr>
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We had the best time in Montepulciano! I don't think I'll ever see another town quite like it. In my next post, I'll share our very special Valentine's Day dinner with you and talk about the importance of Slow Food to Italians.Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-47802939951312068972011-08-05T18:00:00.011-05:002011-08-05T18:00:04.617-05:00Gruene, Texas Float TripLast weekend, we packed it up and headed south to float the <a href="http://guadaluperiver.com/site/">Guadalupe River</a>. We left Dallas early Friday morning and got to New Braunfels mid day. The river trip was full of the usual road trip shenanigans. First, we floated the wrong river than the group we were trying to meet up with. Who knew there are many different Rockin' Tubes?! Then, we lost the tube that had the cooler on it while going through some rapids. Eek! Luckily, Kara is a former ballerina and gracefully climbed back up the rocky bank of the river to retrieve the lost tube! Kara immediately received hero status for her feat!! It was fun talking Housewives and Gypsy Weddings with the women and men alike in our 16 person group. We met some new people and had tons of laughs on the water!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies! Snacks, sunscreen, games and water toys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We headed into Gruene for dinner at the Gruene Cotton Gin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking up to the cotton gin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hostess writes your name on the board when your table is ready. So cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diners inside cotton gin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsnPb-lwP-M/Tjdf58EqndI/AAAAAAAACUQ/RC4TCXd237A/s1600/Cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsnPb-lwP-M/Tjdf58EqndI/AAAAAAAACUQ/RC4TCXd237A/s920/Cabin.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cabin was as close to the water as you could get. This is the view from the our deck!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfFEhlQPYsA/Tjdf2w13OII/AAAAAAAACUM/cMREUGd52X0/s1600/Guadalupe+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfFEhlQPYsA/Tjdf2w13OII/AAAAAAAACUM/cMREUGd52X0/s920/Guadalupe+River.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river is peaceful -- at least after the tubers leave!<br />
<i>via Kara Legako</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm looking forward to this weekend. It's always a good time when my family comes to Dallas. My little brother's band, <a href="http://www.tillmetro.com/">Till Metro</a>, will be playing in the Dallas Music Festival Saturday night. I can't wait to see those little rockers jam out!<br />
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</div><div>Have a good weekend!!!<br />
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</div></div>Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-78844712755055434832011-08-03T18:00:00.027-05:002011-08-03T18:00:04.066-05:00South American Wine Dinner<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">South America has brought a lot to the world. We have Machu Pichu, Amazon Rain Forest, the Andes, Inca ruins, and, of course, wine. Wait, what?! Yeah, I said wine! Until recently, all I knew about South American wine was Malbec. And, as a self proclaimed student of all things Vino, I'm always open to experiencing new wines. The wineries of <a href="http://www.donapaula.com/ingles/sobredonapaula.html">Dona Paula</a> from Argentina and <a href="http://www.carmen.com/index/">Carmen</a> from Chile contributed some incredible wines for a four course wine tasting dinner at Abacus.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The stand out wine was the Dona Paula, Estate <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torront%C3%A9s">Torrontés</a></span> 2010 from Argentina. This white is incredibly light and aromatic. Comments about this wine at our table included "It's like Champagne without bubbles" and "This wine is like tasting a light perfume". I totally agree with both. This was my first encounter with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Torrontés. I am by no means a white wine drinker, but after experiencing the airomatic, but not overly sweet flavor of a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Torrontés, I can see myself enjoying this wine in the future!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Of course, when you're attending an event at Abacus, you expect exceptional food. This time was no different. The first course was a lovely "pizza". There is a large Italian immigrant population in South America, so this course was certainly more appropriate than one first expects.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">The second course was the best chicken I have ever eaten. The meat was <a href="http://sloanscreekfarm.com/sloans-creek-heritage-meats-llc/windy-meadows-pastured-chicken/">pasture raised</a> and incredibly decadent. Think "happy chickens". I can't say enough about how well treated animals make the best tasting dishes. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Third course was Kobe hanger steak with a pecan tortilla. Both items melted in your mouth. Who doesn't like steak you can cut with a butter knife?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Last, we had brown butter cherry tamales. These things were RICH. Texturally, they were a little much for me. The sensation of swirling course brown butter around my mouth wasn't really my bag. The genius of this choice in dish was the wine pairing. Our entire table was a little unsure of the choice because of the strength in the Carmenere. Alone, you would expect this wine to be served with a meat dish. Next to the tamale, the wine was immediately subdued and rounded out the course nicely.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>First Couse</b><br />
"Porteno Pizza": Fugazza con Queso, Carmelized Cippolinis, Heirloom Tomatoes, Salchicha Parrillera<br />
<b>Second Course</b><br />
Pollo la Plancha: Grilled Windy Meadows Pasture Chicken, Roasted Corn-English Pea Hash, Natural Jus<br />
<b>Third Course</b><br />
El Parilla: Chargrilled Kobe Hanger Steak, Yellow Tomato-Pozole Stew, Crispy Pecan Tortilla<br />
<b>Fourth Course</b><br />
Brown Butter-Cherry Tamale, Caprino Royale Cajeta</td></tr>
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</span>Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-33481157499066660052011-08-01T18:00:00.004-05:002011-08-03T11:41:36.586-05:00Destination: Arezzo, ItalyUpon leaving Bologna, we headed South towards <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arezzo">Arezzo, Italy</a>. Arezzo rests atop a very steep hill. This placement allows for steep sloped streets and wonderful views once you've trekked to the top. In Arezzo, we had our first taste of authentic Tuscan food. I loved the iron work, the vanishing frescos in the churches, and the beautiful painted crucifixes hanging behind the church alters.<br />
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We happened to be there during the feast of the Virgin Mary so the city was alive with activity. The chapel dedicated to her in the duomo was decorated with the most beautiful roses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First stop, lunch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't know what to order, so the owner picked the courses for us. He was wonderful, it's so great to be in Italy!!<br />
<b>Top</b><br />
(L) Traditional Tuscan bread soup with olive oil on top<br />
(R) Antipasto and buffalo mozzarella<br />
<b>Bottom</b><br />
(L) Bolognese sauce<br />
(R) "Tuscan Sampler" - Beans, roasted meats (I loved the one in the wine sauce), mushrooms, spinach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We declined a coffee service, so the owner brought us a surprise anyway. An espresso cup with a fresh, still warm muffin inside!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_2MZL3GPNsyegenz6FkaFYxXp7yPZA9ZRqNNplhO-GmEgLKYFoFmsc27fYy1c4qm9pmri4Ynl97gQN7_q25obHszupjmlZrQRB2oZAOXKyserph9zi5aP8nJyQ5nk4c7KIvhb8FqbDx3/s1600/Mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_2MZL3GPNsyegenz6FkaFYxXp7yPZA9ZRqNNplhO-GmEgLKYFoFmsc27fYy1c4qm9pmri4Ynl97gQN7_q25obHszupjmlZrQRB2oZAOXKyserph9zi5aP8nJyQ5nk4c7KIvhb8FqbDx3/s920/Mary.jpg" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these little dedications all over the city.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiKOBeCfksA/TWUV7t5BIFI/AAAAAAAAAuM/WKFB3jM5UGI/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiKOBeCfksA/TWUV7t5BIFI/AAAAAAAAAuM/WKFB3jM5UGI/s920/DSC_0118.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of San Domenico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCUIUp8xb8M/TWUV8CBT2zI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/PTGvcoq0gWQ/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCUIUp8xb8M/TWUV8CBT2zI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/PTGvcoq0gWQ/s920/DSC_0119.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love picturing the walls covered with these beautiful frescos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aT-XZzYdq4A/TWUV9d0Y_ZI/AAAAAAAABfs/KhzTx8H_saI/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aT-XZzYdq4A/TWUV9d0Y_ZI/AAAAAAAABfs/KhzTx8H_saI/s920/DSC_0121.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crucifix </i>by Cimabue; this work is so amazing in person, delicate, simple, yet, so moving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZxzYfziE9w/TWUWBQwxD5I/AAAAAAAAAu0/d8POcFQwpww/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZxzYfziE9w/TWUWBQwxD5I/AAAAAAAAAu0/d8POcFQwpww/s920/DSC_0129.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the town below the old part. If you can tell, it's much more modern than the ancient hilltop portion of Arezzo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JFMX8o_mto/TWUWD_HNCMI/AAAAAAAAAvE/BuXKqdFCwSQ/s1600/DSC_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JFMX8o_mto/TWUWD_HNCMI/AAAAAAAAAvE/BuXKqdFCwSQ/s920/DSC_0133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of the medieval ironwork. Beautiful!! -- You'll begin to notice a trend as this journey continues.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUsju8SELSc/TWUWFnLJOII/AAAAAAAAAvM/ctZCMF5k9u8/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUsju8SELSc/TWUWFnLJOII/AAAAAAAAAvM/ctZCMF5k9u8/s920/DSC_0138.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman tribute statue. Just outside the amphitheater.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqfEpE8uuUI/TWUWGEavIwI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/WZf1cxM4v74/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqfEpE8uuUI/TWUWGEavIwI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/WZf1cxM4v74/s920/DSC_0139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were there on such a glorious day. The clouds and blue sky were so inspiring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUGS5JB3RQ8/TWUV2wAGegI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Ri2JAGsYffw/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUGS5JB3RQ8/TWUV2wAGegI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Ri2JAGsYffw/s920/DSC_0109.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivyaJK49xCI/TWUWKsloHqI/AAAAAAAAAvs/_3pwQpKQWQw/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivyaJK49xCI/TWUWKsloHqI/AAAAAAAAAvs/_3pwQpKQWQw/s920/DSC_0148.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSCSJ-IvlbY/TWUWNz_RqYI/AAAAAAAAAwE/wjBITLA2HsY/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSCSJ-IvlbY/TWUWNz_RqYI/AAAAAAAAAwE/wjBITLA2HsY/s920/DSC_0154.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chapel was decorated for the Feast of Virgin Mary</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytM9Pg9Ud5E/TWUWMFMYwTI/AAAAAAAAAv0/0HTer5pNzZY/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytM9Pg9Ud5E/TWUWMFMYwTI/AAAAAAAAAv0/0HTer5pNzZY/s920/DSC_0150.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGhMmlZ-AA4/TWUWNHNDB1I/AAAAAAAAAwA/oA3KFOlHh7g/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGhMmlZ-AA4/TWUWNHNDB1I/AAAAAAAAAwA/oA3KFOlHh7g/s920/DSC_0153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qt3mW1q4XyU/TWUWPb_yzkI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/pM6aKSlKNyg/s1600/DSC_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qt3mW1q4XyU/TWUWPb_yzkI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/pM6aKSlKNyg/s920/DSC_0157.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main shopping street</td></tr>
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<div>If you're keeping up with our trip, this was actually Valentine's Day! We left Arezzo and headed into Montepluciano, next. If you happen to be a "Twihard", you'll recognize some of the sites we see as they play the backdrop in "New Moon"!</div>Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-5519184519375731482011-07-29T10:00:00.003-05:002011-07-29T10:00:10.584-05:00Heading Out of Town..... Float Trip!So, have I mentioned it's hot in Dallas? The worst part? It's hot almost everywhere! So why not hop on an intertube and float lazily down a river? My thoughts exactly. We're packing it up and headed just south of Austin to New Braunfels, TX. Our cabins are right on the river and the grounds are complete with a swimming pool and grilling pits. All the accommodations one needs for embracing summer. I'm looking forward to bringing back some wonderful pics of the trip!<br />
<br />
These are a few things I'll have in my travel bag:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0m2DwbUFLiJZQqQ2eP-ALx9hsrWllqc5CARuTlcft910R8xjyHIkjFgFElhE8k1SVUitaRzPQ1yEktFOZ3_AzSM1r2eoul10VTYSPrScvOJbURudu9_oPmEKVktsQWrcG4k-ZEhf4YP0/s1600/FLOAT+COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0m2DwbUFLiJZQqQ2eP-ALx9hsrWllqc5CARuTlcft910R8xjyHIkjFgFElhE8k1SVUitaRzPQ1yEktFOZ3_AzSM1r2eoul10VTYSPrScvOJbURudu9_oPmEKVktsQWrcG4k-ZEhf4YP0/s920/FLOAT+COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(1) <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product-Archive/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25218/D70s.html">Nikon D70</a><br />
(2) <a href="http://www.bluefly.com/Dolce-Gabbana-red-triangle-side-ring-detail-halter-bikini/cat20030/315844501/detail.fly">Bikini</a> for max sun exposure!<br />
(3) <a href="http://leinie.com/summer_shandy.html">Leinenkugel Summer Shandy</a> -- lemonade + beer = the ultimate summer bevvy<br />
(4) <a href="http://www.target.com/Merona-Coconut-Buckle-Floppy-Hat/dp/B004C156DY/ref=br_1_13?ie=UTF8&id=Merona%20Coconut%20Buckle%20Floppy%20Hat&node=13913591&searchSize=30&searchView=grid3&searchPage=2&sr=1-13&qid=1311863485&rh=&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=salesrank&frombrowse=1">Floppy hat</a> to shield my face<br />
(5) <a href="http://www.dillards.com/product/Betsey-Johnson-Mermaids-Tale-Starfish-Stud-Earrings_301_-1_301_502762048?splashlink=dd_a_tc1_Jewelry_062411">Stud earrings</a> -- just because you're on the water, doesn't mean you're not a lady!<br />
(6) <a href="http://www.target.com/Xhilaration-Juniors-Jacquard-Stripe-Coverup/dp/B004CZ0S56/ref=br_1_28?ie=UTF8&id=Xhilaration%20Juniors%20Jacquard%20Stripe%20Coverup&node=13680261&searchSize=30&searchView=grid3&searchPage=1&sr=1-28&qid=1311864311&rh=&searchBinNameList=target_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=salesrank&frombrowse=1">Cover up</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQujU3K24_TUDux6BDO3vdmLf3Bhhqoh9V6uXT0FMMOMYY9bNnuY4wom5ess-ihDAPltbBF7UGzw-UrkyandaGFf2DleGvJJgFcCjdBaTXuw39b4dkofLr5CSbbyITEigFUPFeVea4yNh/s1600/51BDaQJu4aL._SL1000_AA300_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQujU3K24_TUDux6BDO3vdmLf3Bhhqoh9V6uXT0FMMOMYY9bNnuY4wom5ess-ihDAPltbBF7UGzw-UrkyandaGFf2DleGvJJgFcCjdBaTXuw39b4dkofLr5CSbbyITEigFUPFeVea4yNh/s1600/51BDaQJu4aL._SL1000_AA300_4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm hoping to find one of these babies to rent for the day!<br />
via <a href="http://floatingpoolchair.net/intex-pool-floats/intex-recreation-river-run-ii-with-ice-cooler/">Intex River Run Revew</a></td></tr>
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Have a good weekend!!Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047328708396956446.post-85135990235201202182011-07-27T18:00:00.035-05:002011-07-27T18:00:02.139-05:00Cured by Cured Meats!Ever just have one of those days? Software isn't working, customers constantly calling, the boss is MIA? Well, maybe it's not that's not your specific tipping point, but when you work in a high tech startup, you often find yourself backed against a wall. When that happens to me (and/or Eric -- who works for a different high tech startup), I pull out the big guns. By guns, I mean delicately wrapped, freshly sliced cured meats and cheeses. Nothing turns my frown upside down like a meat and cheese plate. This a plate we recently put together at our house. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiramcE2li9maNJmwJ0JcySDAQel2EycnvcW-lzzwNIeS8fEtCh7MCacZArnSug9XiY3c5nzGZBXydya5nM0d2wqf7ZDgxX3vcXq4p7SieBKhdew9xMWaLdL_DOH67RWM70fpseiXxpsPDd/s1600/Meat+and+cheese+plate.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiramcE2li9maNJmwJ0JcySDAQel2EycnvcW-lzzwNIeS8fEtCh7MCacZArnSug9XiY3c5nzGZBXydya5nM0d2wqf7ZDgxX3vcXq4p7SieBKhdew9xMWaLdL_DOH67RWM70fpseiXxpsPDd/s920/Meat+and+cheese+plate.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Meats (1) Iberico Loin, (2) Jamin Iberico Reserve, (3) Porchetta, (4) capicola. <br />
Cheeses (5) Truffle Goat Cheese, (6) Aged Cheddar, (7) Truffle Tremor (basically truffle Brie), (8) Roquefort (soft bleu cheese), (9) Dunbarton (hard bleu cheese - a bleu for people who do not like bleu cheese like me!).</span></td></tr>
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Try adding some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Italian-Products-Acacia-Truffle-3-6-Ounces/dp/B001D6B1SU">truffle honey</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Confit-Balsamic-Vinegar-French-lEpicurien/dp/B001FPX13C/ref=sr_1_4?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1311647410&sr=1-4">fig confit</a> with some crackers to top off this spread. Serve as afternoon indulgence or an appetizer which will certainly cure the day you are having!<br />
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What are your guilty pleasers? It can be food, wine, yoga, anything. I'd love to hear about what gets you going after a hard day.Brittneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257776347301466014noreply@blogger.com0