Ah, summer...it's so close!

I'm sitting in my night class- trying to stay awake after pulling an "end-of-semester-paper-writing-all-nighter" - and it just seems fitting to post! After all, so much has happened since my previous post way back in February.

Summer is waiting just around the corner - 10 days, 1 paper, 3 finals, and counting!

I also got a house, which means lots and lots of decorating come June 1st!

I'm loving the thought of decorating with a ladder. Maybe, maybe not, but it's definitely a fun idea!

Also, I finally found a pair of candlesticks that I've been searching for. They looks something like this, only smaller and mismatched sizes.

For a fun activity between spurts of busy-ness, I'm also altering a skirt I bought at the DAV. This was my inspiration.

All of my recent studying has reminded me of the family photo shoot we took last summer - I could probably benefit by ready some of those books... + my sister is moving back home for the summer - so excited to see her more often!

Hello dear friends, it's Friday!

I'm in an exceptionally good mood today. It might be because of the snow (yes, it's snowing AGAIN, with a foot on the ground still!) or because it's Friday, but I'm attributing it to "Send Me on My Way." I even danced around the house this morning as I got ready for class - it's contagiously uplifting! Enjoy!

(The picture is of a barn just down the street from my house in Springfield - so pretty.)

Snow Day: take two

With another day spent at home, I thought it would be fun to experiment with another new recipe. Brace yourself for this, the muffins are called "Fetcha the Feta, You Betcha!" and are from the latest issue of Mary Janes Farm Magazine. If you've never seen the magazine before, it's definitely worth flipping through! Let me know if you'd like the recipe - they were delicious! (with lots of pesto!)

Oh - and I have to point out the muffin stand they're on. It's one of my favorite flea market finds, so I have to brag a little!

Happy February!

And what a start to February it is! About a foot of snow and 2-for-2 in snow days.

I've also discovered the joy in making crepes - "sweet" (Strawberry-Nutella) and "savory" (Ham-Provolone-Avocado-Spinach), both!







Now, off to the Mudhouse to play pinochle with the parents - and Amanda Vlieger, who's snowed in at our house with us.

Happy Snow Day!

oh, the yellow couch

I went down to Fayetteville over the long, holiday weekend, and my sister and I put the final touches on the infamous yellow couch. It was quite the project this summer.

Here's the final product - room decor and all!

a new look for the future

Starbucks has unveiled a new adaptation of its infamous Siren to mark its 40th anniversary. There was quite some planning that went into the change...

Plus, here's a little story about why their logo is a Siren. Some of the comments are pretty funny too - only coffee enthusiasts could have a heartfelt thread, writing things like, "As I studied her image I felt the freedom now of the siren, reaching beyond that circle she is THE PINNACLE without justification."

I'm fine with the new look, as long as they still have their Christmas cups! Happy reading!

Absolutely Adorable!

When her baby is sleeping, this Finnish mother creates various "daydreams" around her. This picture, "She Loves Me, She Loves Me Lots," is just the first of many that were taken.

Check out more of "Mila's Daydreams" here, AND there's going to be a book with all the pictures published in 2012!

music.

After 4 months without Pandora, I'm loving my new Christina Perri station!

Here's a little taste of some songs that keep showing up -
Regina Spektor Fidelity
Yael Naïm New Soul
Missy Higgins Where I Stood

life is one big coloring book

So much has happened in the last month.

Most importantly, I'm coping with no longer calling London home; I'm going to be a bridesmaid(!) for one of my absolute best friends, Jackie; and - drumroll, please - I'm actually going to try to continue blogging!

Also, check out my new account at pinterest.com! I've just started "pinning," & it's such a fun, simple way for everyone to share cute ideas. You, dear reader, should get one too! :)

My life has been full of changes but honestly, is not thrilling enough to put into words. However - I did stumble upon this Dutch coloring book, and thought some of these cute sketches pretty well sum up how I'm feeling. Hopefully you'll enjoy the cuteness as much I have!


Transport Then.


Transport Now!


I do miss seeing Big Ben...


I REALLY want it to snow!


So many of my friends are engaged!


Although I don't fit the Dutch stereotype for an American, it is nice to be home - and no, I don't understand the importance of the carrot either!

Interesting little tidbits...

This post is pretty random, but I just wanted to pass on a few things I've enjoyed in the last week or so.


Breakfast at Exki - a really neat Belgian restaurant that prides itself on being natural and fresh.




I've decided that I really like 3-legged lamps - this one is especially cute with the mix of metal and wood. It almost feels nautical.


I've come across a lot of chalk boards in the last few days - both in stores and in peoples' homes. This was taken in a store in Brussels, but my friend in Germany had one hanging in her kitchen. How fun would it be to use as a grocery list?

This would also be a fitting use for a chalk board around this time of year!


Photographic evidence that I road the Waterloo and City line - it only goes between two stops, and I didn't really need to go between them, but it was the only line I hadn't ridden...


This is a sign that was put in the War Rooms Bunker during WWII - I enjoyed wartime environmental statement!

Christmas Time in London

With classes complete and my departure from London quickly approaching, "it's beginning to look (& feel) a lot like Christmas!" London is beautiful with snow and Christmas lights, but I must admit, I am looking forward to sitting by the fire at home with a nice cup of coffee and a good book! And I'm super excited to do a puzzle with the family!!

Here are some pictures from a little at walk I took around the city on Tuesday night - a little showcase of London's Christmas spirit.


Trafalgar Square


Covent Garden - my favorite hangout in London!


St. Paul's Cathedral

The Start (and Middle) of December

So much has happened since my last post! My goal is to do a post each day until I go home; we'll see how it works out.

But for now, here's another "make-up" post, crammed full of all the things I've been up to.


I got the sweetest package of letters from the class I was an Orientation Leader for this Fall at Drury. It will be fun to get back and see how everything has gone in their first semester at "uni."


Visiting Amy, I got to see a very snowy England! This is in Durham, a town about 20 miles away from where Amy and Michael live. The snow was unbelievable!


I don't think this picture would fly on facebook, but it really is hilarious. Michael was picking on Amy, and I just happened to take the picture at the perfect moment - Amy's expression is priceless, and Michael looks quite innocent...


This was at breakfast on Saturday. It really was lovely getting to be in their home - even if the snow wasn't in our favor, we had a great time!


This was at the Westminster Tube Stop after the N London Special Meeting. A group of people met up after meeting at Heather and Becky's house in S London. Taking the Tube, this group actually ended up beating everyone who drove cars - I think Transport for London would have been very proud.


Cassie turned 21 - and the barista at Starbucks gave her a free drink, even though they don't normally acknowledge the same promotions that are offered in the US. It was a fun birthday present.


I received a "travel journal" in the mail from one of my sister's co-workers. The point is to mail it to people you know in different places, and then see where all it has gone after a year. I filled out my page with a picture, sent a postcard back to the 3rd grader who started it, and then sent it on to one of my friends who lives just outside Dublin, Ireland. I thought it was a very clever, interesting 3rd grade project.


This is just documentation that I did study for finals! This particular moment captures the core ideology and principle philosophers in conservatism.


The Weihnachtsmärkt (Christmas Markets) in Germany were a lot of fun to explore, but there wasn't much that could compare to the view from the Dom in Köln. The view after a 100 m climb was spectacular.


The lights were beautiful - especially the ones hanging in the trees! It would be hard to find more festivity than the German Markets.


This is a picture at my last London Sunday morning meeting. I'm not a fan of goodbyes - so hopefully I can come back and visit again before too long!

A Few of My Favourite Things

I had a lovely week with my sister - and now life's started to get back to normal - not too much homework and getting to take naps!

It has gotten rather cold in London during the last couple weeks - and it has actually been snowing all day today! I love snow, so I must say it has made for a lovely day!

Tonight, a group of Regent's students are planning to walk to the Christmas markets that are set up in Hyde Park - I'll have to make another post after I go.

Until then, here are a few more lovely bits of London!


Ice Skating outside the Natural History Museum. The city is so festive!


Nothing can quite keep you warm like a cappuccino topped with a chocolate heart.


Snow! What a lovely thing to wake up to!

tourist in London- guest blogger, Kathleen Bly

Cheers ladies and gents,

Because I'm in London this week, and Molly has three assignments due over the course of the next few days, I get to be a guest blogger! Having never done a blog post myself, I'm excited for the generous opportunity of being provided an avenue to the millions of followers who enjoy "mind the gap."

This week I've taken dozens of photos, talked loudly on the tube, and been thoroughly claustrophobic while walking around the city..... I'm playing the part of the tourist to the T, much to Molly's dismay. This is understandable since she has become a local, knowing all the bus and underground travel routes as well as the best little hidden restaurants.

Due to my desire to experience as much as is humanly possible in one week, I've already been to several great spots and would like to share them with you.

Regent's Park





Notting Hill







Oxford Street





Maida Vale





Lastly, this evening we got to ice skating at the Natural History





Hope you've enjoyed these snapshots of my first 3 days in London! Tomorrow we're off to see Les Miserables