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!