{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!!!

{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!

{Row, Row, Row Your Boats… to the Thames River Festival}

With the end of summer comes the beginning of autumn and with that – the annual Thames River Festival, a weekend “block” party celebrating art, culture, food, and of course, the Thames.  Along the waterfront, from Westminster to Tower Bridge, pennant flags wave over the south bank.  Market vendors, pop-up theaters, and interactive art installations line the bank’s perimeter.  Swarms wander along the route, popping in and out booths, perusing the handmade crafts and homemade food.  Kids wearing brown paper hats fashioned à la Dr. Seuss, dart through the crowds, laughing, as they pull each other into designed “play” areas.  Friends relax at tables on Blackfriars Bridge, overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral, while indulging in a cup of Pimm's and some paella.  A parade of boats ensues, capturing everyone’s attention.  Bagpipers on a barge sail by, filling the air with music, urging the merriment on, all weekend long…

Here are a few pics of my Saturday afternoon along the river, moving gently down the stream…

…merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.