{Postcards from... Munich}

The Glockenspiel

Hi all!

I just got back from a quick, but no less festive, trip to Munich, Germany.  ‘Tis the most wonderful time of year there, with lights strung along the city’s streets and market booths swarming around its famous Glockenspiel – a giant coo-coo clock centred in Marienplatz square.  Markets, selling all sorts of handmade fare – from ornaments to nutcrackers – lure shoppers forward, while wafting smells of freshly grilled bratwursts and piping hot glühwein (mulled wine) keep crowds lingering.  Filled with the holiday spirit, I bought myself a hand-blown glass bird (vögel) ornament and indulged in a cup of glühwein, with an added shot of Amaretto, with some friends – a sweet way to enjoy the chilly December snow.  For some more alternative fare, I checked out the markets just outside the city’s centre, where massive tents of markets and bars set up camp, selling more bohemian and global-centric crafts.  For the full Germanic experience, I ended my nights with a stein of beer at the Hofbräuhaus, a traditional beer hall with a live German ooompah band and many boisterous patrons.  After completing my holiday shopping, I ventured to see the Schloss Nymphenburg – a beautiful palace housing one of the prettiest collections of portraits in its “Gallery of Beauties.”  A beautiful end to a lovely weekend.

Wishing you a festive holiday season!

Cheers, Jenn

Christmas markets

Drinking gluhwein with friends in the snow

Market tents

Inside the Hofbräuhaus

Inside the Schloss Nymphenburg

Some travel tips…

Hotels
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Promenadeplatz 2-6
80333 Munich, Germany

Restaurants
Lowenbrau – a traditional Bavarian restaurant, festively decorated for Christmas.

Spatenhaus – a traditional Bavarian restaurant, in a casual and rustic-themed setting.

Haxnbauer – a traditional Bavarian restaurant, known for their pork knuckles.

Augustiner am Dom – a Bavarian restaurant, serving the best spätzle of the weekend.

Bars

Hofbrauhaus Munchen – a traditional German beer hall, giant in size, with steins and banquet-tables to match, accompanied by live music – the perfect igniting forces for some table dancing. A full food menu is available as well.

*Note – it can be hard to get a table as it operates on a first-come first-serve basis.

Polar Bar – on the roof of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, serves up hot mulled wine, among some splendid views of the city.

*Note – only open during the winter, alternatively the Blue Spa Bar during warmer months.

Falk’s Bar – in the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. White moulded walls and ceiling, brilliantly lit with by an electric blue bar.

{P&P's Top 10 Holiday Movies}

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas

10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – a black and white movie that embraces not just Christmas, but the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade.

9. While You Were Sleeping (1995) – a heart-warming story, staring Sandra Bullock, featuring the quirkiness of familial get-togethers.

8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – Chevy Chase epitomizes holiday traditions while wearing full-fledged 80’s Christmas sweaters.

7. Trading Places (1983) – who doesn’t like an old-fashioned rags-to-riches story, set in NYC.

6. Just Friends (2005) – Ryan Reynolds transforms into his stud self, without the loss of comedic humour.

5. White Christmas (1954) – the romance of being snowed in a Vermont lodge with Bing Crosby and a plethora of party dresses is dreamy.

4. Home Alone (1990) – the classic story of the blonde-haired boy who cleverly takes on two robbers, defending his home.

3. Love Actually (2003) – London represents the spirit of the holidays with its web of stories, all laced with humour and charm.

2. Elf (2003) – Will Ferrell, wearing tights, with child-like innocence and enthusiasm never loses its hilarity.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – a black and white iconic story evoking the Christmas spirit – bells never sounded the same.

{See Santas Run}

Reindeer aren’t the only ones dashing this Christmas season.  In an effort to raise money and awareness for Disability Snowsport UK, a national charity helping people with disabilities access the thrill of snow-sports, 2,000 santas took to the street.  Runners donning red felt suits, black paper belts with big white buckles, and full snowy beards, laced their trainers, congregated for some quick calisthenics and ran a 6K in the full spirit of the season.  It’s a wonderful run!

{Thanksgiving Leftover}

As an American expat living in London, Thanksgiving continues to hold a special importance.  While my family in the states, congregated together on the fourth Thursday of November, my anticipation for the holiday steadily built up for that following Friday evening (when “Londoners” are finally released from their daily duties).  In the spirit of food and friendship, I travelled across town to my friend’s flat for a celebration with other expat Americans (and peculiarly, a few French – the consensus being that they too appreciate good food).  There, we relished my home country’s culinary traditions: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, greens, cranberry crumble, and fresh rolls, followed by pumpkin cheesecake and various delectable pies.  We engrossed ourselves in our plates, wine glasses, and conversations, with the omnipresent thought that there is so much to be thankful for...

{This year, I am very thankful for so many things.  To name a few: the opportunity to continue my education, a husband who encourages me in all my steps forward, my family in the states, the new friends I have made, as well as the old ones I cherish.}

My husband loves Thanksgiving because there is no added pressure of gift-giving.  I love Thanksgiving because its spirit persists past sundown, into weekend, and through the winter season.  And with that in mind, I made one of my all-time favourite meals – the post-thanksgiving day leftover sandwich – made possible by: my friend Maria’s amazing cooking and a loaf of fresh bread from Clarke’s bakery – both to which I am eternally grateful.

Hoping your Thanksgiving was dually happy and healthy!!!

{A Gift Guide for Ladies & Gentlemen}

'Tis the lovliest time of year... Because although the days darken early, the nights illuminate with twinkle lights strung along the cities' avenues. Electric snowflakes float in the air, while buildings wrapped with red bows beckon shoppers forward to their glittering and elaborately decorated storefront windows (a future post in the making). Marking this season's shopping adventure is today – Cyber Monday, the more civilized and cultivated cousin of the notorious Black Friday. And with that in mind, I’d like to offer you a little helpful gift guide for the special ladies and gentlemen in your life.

Ladies

Faux Fur Pullover @ Kate Spade – Very old hollywood, and so warm for those chilly winter nights!

Penguin's classic hardcover novels @ amazon – I love the refined covers of these classic and heartfelt stories!

Artist’s Attache Case @ Anthropologie – Such an elegant confection for the aspiring creative.

Crystal Brulee Bracelet @ J.Crew – The perfect amount of sparkle in a great neutral dusty rose color!

Claus Porto Soaps @ Santa Maria Novella in NYC and London – The scents and packaging are so lovely!

Gentlemen

Country Tweed Sport Jacket @ Barbour – So perfectly English prep!

Vintage Bison Stamp Cuff Links @ Brooks Brothers – Evokes a certain sense of history and quirkiness.

USB Typwriter @ etsy.com – This looks amazing!  I kind of want one too!

How to Be a Gentleman @ amazon – Who couldn't use a few tips of the trade!

Library Decanter @ Pottery Barn – So very James Bond!  Fill it with his favourite spirit.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

{Quilters Unite}

It is my pleasure to introduce my first guest blogger to Peacocks & Peridots… Susan Monsegur – a quilting aficionado.  Recently she ventured to the great state of Texas for a quilting affair to remember and has been kind enough to share her experiences with us.

…………………………………………………………………

by Susan Monsegur

The International Quilt Festival is held every year at the beginning of November in Houston, Texas. This is the major quilt show for quilting consumers worldwide.  I was lucky enough to attend for the first time this year. The festival is held in the George Brown Convention Center in Houston and like everything done in Texas – it was huge! There were row upon row of vendors (at least 1000), as well as many, many quilts and exhibits.  The quilts displayed encompass traditional to modern, portraits to landscapes – all made with a variety of fabric, thread, and batting. Some are quilted by machine, while others were made by hand. 

A quilt with over 12,000 pieces, quilted by hand.

A portrait quilt.

A floral quilt.

A quilt made by an artist from the U.K., inspired by the Devonshire Tapestries in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

My favorite exhibit was Twelveby Twelve: The International Art Quilt Challenge, where 12 quilt artists take on the challenge, together, to produce quilted art works based on themes, such as a word or color, chosen by each member, every two months.  The result was 24 uniquely stylized mosaic quilts.  Below are a few examples of their interpretations…

Dandelion

Community

Blue

All in all it is an overwhelming feast for the eyes. Art lovers, especially fiber artists, should go to this show at least once in their lifetime!

{Postcards from... Edinburgh}

Edinburgh at night

This Halloween weekend I ventured north to Scotland’s Edinburgh – a prolific gothic city, composed of grey, windy cobblestone streets and looming turrets.  Only an hour plane ride away from London, Edinburgh is the ideal city to toast to ghostly ghouls as it is filled with glorious and gory histories.  Highlights include the Edinburgh Castle, a medieval fortress from the 12^th century, where Mary Queen of Scots once lived and legends of revenge reign supreme.  There her lover was dragged from his dinner and stabbed 56 times – ouch!  Also, the Holyrood Palace, the current Queen’s summer home, enchants crowds with its majestic glory and decomposing abbey.  Aside from the city’s histories, its effervescent energy runs through the streets from its many bagpipers and William Wallace impersonators to its shoppers scoping out tartan keepsakes.  In the spirit of the holiday, I dined at The Witchery – an intimate eatery, with intricately carved wood-panelled walls and thistle and rose tablepieces, dangerously illuminated by candlelight.  Their menu offers traditional Scottish specialities like haggis (a kind of sausage containing sheep’s heart, liver and lungs) and grouse (a game bird).  Unsurprisingly, I skipped the main course for a chocolate torte with pistachio ice cream – my preferred holiday treat.  Hoping your Halloween was equally sweet!

Yours, Jenn 

The Royal Mile

Holyrood Palace

The abbey at Holyrood

The Witchery



Edinburgh Castle



Some travel tips...

Hotel
The Balmoral
1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
Tel: +44 (0) 131 556 2414

Restaurants
The Witchery
Castlehill
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NF
Tel: +44 (0) 131 225 5613

Stac Polly
38 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SX

Shops
Ness
Ness Castle
336-340 Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, EH1 2PH
Tel: +44 (0) 131 225 8815

Ness St Giles
367 High Street, Royal Mile, EH1 2PW
Tel: +44 (0) 131 226 5227

{Trick or Treat}

Given the choice I almost always opt for “treat.”  This Halloween I am indulging my sweet tooth with red velvet cupcakes from The Cupcake Company, a boutique bakery operating out of a small bay-windowed shop in Kensington.  Their cupcakes, draped in delicious frosting, are some of the loveliest I’ve ever seen.  Check out their new storefront window, all dressed up with edibles in the holiday’s spooky spirit.

Happy Halloween!

{Degas Takes The Stage}

'The Dance Lesson', by Edgar Degas, c. 1879.
(National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon)

Poised in front of two large opaque glass doors, ticket collectors scan patrons’ tickets, allowing them entrance into Degas and the Ballet: Picturing Movement at the Royal Academy of Arts.  The doors swing open, into an octagonal room, where an oversized tufted brown leather ottoman, centred in the room, invites attendees to sit before the stage and watch dancers’ shadows spin in arabesque, high along the back wall.  Per the museum’s docent, this shadow “puppetry” mimics a technique that Degas practiced in his own studio in order to study and understand light, form, and movement.  Displayed on an adjacent wall, a map of the gallery depicts the exhibit’s progression.  Viewers, armed with their gallery guides as playbills, are ushered “backstage”.

Immediately, Edgar Degas, famous for his impressionistic depictions of ballet dancers, greets viewers as a life-sized black and white photographic portrait where he stands looking stoically at the camera – an ironic introduction given that Degas’s strength in imagery lied in his ability to capture what photography could not – moments of dancers in advanced and strenuous positions.

While Degas’s finished paintings and pastels draw crowds to his ‘stages,’ preliminary sketches of the dancers pirouette around them paying tribute to the artist’s special attention to line and form, as well as to his precise artistic process.  Joined with the artist’s works, television screens illuminate throughout the rooms, playing roughly filmed images of dancers.  Degas briefly experimented with photography using the emerging medium to develop his own techniques in displaying movement.

The final room of the exhibition, a dark theatrical space with rows of benches arranged in front of a large screen, plays a looped 30-second black and white film, Ceux de Chez Nous (c. 1914-15) by the documentary director Sacha Guitry, of Edgar Degas as an old man walking down the street in Paris.  Here, the artist becomes (moving) art – another ironic note.

Degas and the Ballet: Picturing Movement proves to be more than an exhibition about an artist and his subject, but rather an exhibition of evolution, full of clever curatorial jokes.  As viewers walk through the exhibition space, from the ‘stage’ to the ‘cinema’, this impressionistic exhibition becomes one of postmodernism, using the audience to reinforce the idea that motion is inherent in all of Degas’s works, as well as in art as a whole.  And with that, the curators wink.

Degas and the Ballet: Picturing Movement, on until 11 December 2011, has been curated by Richard Kendall, Curator at Large, The Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, USA; Jill DeVonyar, independent curator; and Ann Dumas, Exhibition Curator, Royal Academy of Arts.

'Two Dancers on the Stage', by Edgar Degas, c. 1874.
(The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London)

{It Takes A Giant To Wear Pink}

October has long been dubbed Breast Cancer Awareness Month (both in the U.S. and in the U.K.) and has generated great awareness as well as huge proceeds towards research for its treatment and elimination.  Each year, walkers take to the streets for The Cure, while fashion retailers promote their prettiest pink merchandise, with portions of their proceeds benefitting the cause – noble efforts made for better lives.

This Sunday, while watching American football via my slingbox, I noticed that the New York Giants donned a different hue.  Along with their royal blue jerseys and helmets, they ran, rushed, and tackled with determination wearing shockingly hot pink knee socks, gloves, armbands, and ribbons.  Along with The American Cancer Society, the NFL is promoting A Crucial Catch – a campaign encouraging annual breast cancer screenings, by wearing pink during games in October.  The NFL’s and Giants’ whole-hearted efforts in advocating for prevention tickled me pink as breast cancer is an issue that transcends gender groups and affects all people.  Go teams!

{Fall Fever}

“Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies.”

~Tom Hanks, as Joe Fox in You’ve Got Mail

Around my neighborhood, the leaves are just beginning to turn from green to yellow.  Children, wearing navy, woolen blazers with matching brimmed hats, re-inhabit the local red double-decker buses.  My local wine store has switched out their window display from roses to reds.  Fall is in the air!  And with that there is the prospect of stepping into a “new year,” which I suppose is due to all those years of conditioning for going back to school.  Despite London’s current weather, a record high of 80 degrees, I feel that fall excitement – maybe even more so since I am once again entering the world of academia as a student at “uni.”  Infected with that fall bug, here are a few academic essentials that I am toting with me to that eminent first day of class…

1.  Longchamp Le pliage bag – the perfect size for a few notebooks and a small laptop.  And it's water resistant.

2.  Super slim mid-year calendar book – a calendar that starts in August instead of January – how brilliant! 

3.  Retro multi-colored pen and Stabilo Boss highlighter – at the risk of looking like Elle Woods, I couldn’t resist these ones in pink and purple.

4.  Smythson mini jotter – a bespoke, pocket-sized notebook, perfect for taking down notes on the go – or in a museum.  I just love the array of colors and fun titles, like "OMG!" and "Tickled Pink".

5.  Stylish thermos – perfect for that needed AM caffeine kick-start. (I found this one at a local camping shop.)

{A Wee Bit of Dancing}

Friday nights, just outside the northeast perimeter of London’s Regent’s Park, Celtic music echoes through the neighborhood’s quiet residential streets.   Each week, the Cecil Sharp House, home to the English Folk Dance and Song Society, hosts The Ceilidh Club.  Ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”), the Gaelic word for gathering, is just that, but more – rather it’s a Scottish country dance party, inviting people of all nationalities, ages, and dance experience levels, to partner-up and pair down the line.

I was initially a little intimidated by this venue, as I don’t own any tartan except a long, oversized nightgown.  And despite being an American, I have never once attended a square dance.  However, my fears were soon relieved after I saw that much of the attending crowd donned jeans and tees, and knew as much about Scottish line dancing as me – which was nothing.

After a quick pint of beer and an even quicker instructional session, given by the band, I joined the party, hand-in-hand, with my husband in Black Watch trousers to my left and a random man in a plaid kilt to my right.  Linked together in an eight-person circle, we ran to the right, then to the left, intermittently dosey-doeing and jigging in the center.  The next 20-minutes were a visual and mental blur, leaving me exhilarated from the fun and thirsty for another pint.  Overall, a wee bit of dancing = quite good fun!

Here are a few snapshots from my Scottish soiree experience…  See if you can spot me!