A visit to 221b

One of the best things about having friends visit is playing tourist but only visiting the places you really want to go. My guests arrives Thursday (St. Patty's day) morning and were surprisingly full of energy even though they'd just gotten off an over night flight. By the time I finished up work I wasn't sure what state they would be in but wanted to try and squeeze in a visit to 221b Baker Street with them. When I met them outside of Baker Street station they were still in great spirits and had accomplished loads for their first day. We dashed into Sherlock and Watson's famed abode before heading up the The Warrington for some dinner and drinks.

I loved reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's mysteries growing up and what they've recreated at 221b is darn near close to how I'd pictured it in my head (maybe not quite as narrow).

It's just around the corner from Baker Street Station.
(Is this even necessary?)
221b Baker Street
London NW1 6XE

image [via]

 

 

 

 

 image [via]

Japan on my mind

It's been a little while since the quake and it might not be on the NY Times homepage every day, but there's still so much that needs to be done in Japan. I saw this print and thought it was not only a cool design but a great way to give again if you've already given in the traditional ways.


My dear friend is currently living in Tokyo and while I was relived to hear everything was fine with her, I'm also nervous having a loved one so close to something so terrible.

image via

Back with blueberry muffins

My visitors have come and gone and I am finally catching up on everything, including blogging. I made these muffins for brunch one Sunday as well as for my guests for their breakfast. I used this recipe and they really were to die for.



Coat berries with flour so they don't sink to the bottom of the muffin



Crumble for the top. Best if you mash with a fork to get crumble consistency

These were far too full (only fill half way) plus I add extra berries on top

Yum!

Happy St. Patricks day

St. Patrick's day is such a great, festive holiday. Last year I made some delicious cupcakes that were a huge sucess. Tomorrow I have friends arriving from the states and my hectic schedule didn't allow for more than blueberry muffins this week (post coming). I'm always up for boozy cupcakes so I know they'll be something else in the near future.

Happy St. Patrick's day!

image [via]

Don't forget to wear green and enjoy!

We No Speak Americano

I think by now we've all heard this catchy jam but have you seen this video? I clearly may be the last since it's been viewed almost 7 million times!

Looking into the past

I came across this flickr group the other day and thought it was such a neat idea. "Looking into the past" over lays old photographs on top of modern scenes. It's so interesting to see how things have change. I can only image how much more powerful something like this could be if it came in the form of augmented reality. History would be so much more exciting!

image [via]

image [via]

image [via]

image [via]

image [via]

image [via]

image [via]

The Children's Hour

On Saturday evening the mister and I headed into town for an evening at the theatre. We were seeing The Children's Hour. I'm not sure I've shared this with you all but, one of my new year's resolutions (or just goals for the year) two years running has been to see at least 1 show each month. Having such great theatre (and general cultural activities) is something I really don't want to miss out on while living in London. I've recently discovered Off West End which is a great directory of smaller and more affordable shows. Back to Children's Hour...

We arrived at the Comedy Theatre, just off Picadilly Circus, right on time. As we took our seats I was absolutely thrilled they were legit theatre seats rather than those heinous bench/entirely made of wood seats that you find in some of the old theatres (including the Mouse Trap theatre).

Keira Knightly and Elizabeth Moss play two young women who have sacrificed much of their young lives saving for and building a boarding school for girls. One day one of the girls, who is a pathological liar and complete psychopath and I mean that in the literal sense, amoral and lacking empathy, starts a rumor that the two women are lesbians. What unfolds is not only a great story about love, loss and sacrifice but a somewhat sad wake up call that gays and lesbians still endure these judgements today. 

I had fairly high standards for this play considering the cast but it was Bryony Hannah that really stole the show for me. Playing the psychopath school girl Mary Tillford, Bryony hit her mark. Her mannerisms, her intonations - everything was spot on, so much so that I actually hated her character at the interval. 

Speaking of the interval, what would the theatre be without a bit of ice cream at the interval? I only put this in here because I had Beechdean's honey and ginger flavor, which was different in an amazing kind of way. I may have snuck more than my fair share while the mister was in the bathroom...

Children's Hour is only running until the end of April. I believe it is sold out but they're releasing standing tickets on the day (I believe). I urge anyone who has time and strong legs (for standing) to go see it. It is one of the best plays I have seen.      

Bourne and Hollingsworth

Back in January, after receiving a job offer, I scheduled in some celebratory drinks with friends. Vale recommended Bourne and Hollingsworth and at the mention of cocktails served in tea cups, I was in. Upon my arrival I was greeted with mismatching furniture, a fireplace in the center of the room, yellow floral wall paper and an old 1920's feeling. I really felt like I had been transported back in time to someone's living room turned speakeasy. The cocktails in tea cups were the final touch in completing the prohibition era feeling. 

image [via]

complete with cucumber sandwich. image [via]

the wall paper. image [via]

There are so many places like this in London, tucked away, unsuspecting and so hard to find! These spots are exactly what makes London one of the best cities and exactly why I love living here. I had such a great time that night (and guzzeled a few too many cocktails for a week night) and have added it to a suggestion list for some friends who are coming to visit in a few weeks. I know they'll love it just as much as I did.

image [via]

Style crush - Lea Michele

I have to admit, I am completely in love in Lea Michele's dresses - all of them. There are a lot of Hollywood starlets whose red carpet numbers I lust after but there's something about Lea Michele's look that seems...obtainable. Here are a few dresses that I just absolutely love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 all images via

Venison, pesto and mozzarella pizza

This is a fabulous pizza recipe I concocted mid-week. Not exactly screaming healthy but all the indulgence I needed at that crucial mid-week point. The mister of course polished off his entire pizza but mine was enough to take for lunch on Thursday as well.

I used pre-made pizza crusts, venison and red wine sausages, pesto, mozzarella and a bit of rocket over the top, all from Sainsburys. I removed the casings around the sausages and cooked them in a pan, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon for easy distribution on the pizza. I assembled the pizza and baked it for 10 minutes on 200c. Just some rocket on top to add a little pizzazz.

La Soirée

Last weekend I caught one of the final performances of La Soirée. It's returning to London in November (I know that's a long way off)  so you still have a chance to see it if you missed it this time. La Soirée is a mix of circus style performances, burlesque (although I found this portion to be pretty dull) and cabaret. The idea behind the show reminds me a lot of Teatro ZinZanni which I have seen several times in Seattle. I much preferred ZinZanni but it's also a permanent show, so I imagine there is a lot more flexibility.

La Soirée was performed in a pop-up venue on the south bank. The venue was charming although a bit rickety with so many people walking around. I would have loved to had dinner at La Soirée but they were only serving wine, candies and popcorn. (Teatro ZinZanni serves a wonderful 3 course meal.) 

We booked a table which was still crammed but at least you're cramming amoung friends. The performances were very entertaining and a few even had me picking my jaw up off the floor.

The entrance

dinner



Contortionist. Some very dramatic dislocation going on.



A guy standing on another guy's head. Wait, what?



Male pole dancing



Check it out when it's back in London!