Dear London, 

Here are some of my super insightful, never been said before, ground breaking, loves from your wonderful city with a few meh’s at the end.  Don’t worry, more love than meh. 

Love List (In order of my affection).

1. Men’s fashion (yep, number one!).*Don’t worry I wasn’t creepin’ these pics are stolen from Pinterest, ok I tried to creep – it didn’t work out. Here’s plan b. 

But seriously, it’s not like I don’t LOVE flannel, beards, puffy vests, gingham, band/graphic tees, etc. (I’m looking at you, Denver) cause I do. It works. It’s functional. And it’s easy. But, it just seems like the men of London put a bit more effort into their look. That’s right, they have a look. And I like it! 

*A couple tips for the American boy: 

-Find a good pair of jeans – it make a HUGE difference.

-Get yo’self fitted for a suit. Spend the money and get a good one. 

-Add a few staples to your wardrobe: a scarf, a leather jacket, sunglasses, a hat, a man bag, a watch, oxfords and again with the jeans!

-Find a barber and get a decent hair cut. Please and thank you. 

-Layers and accessories are your friends. Use them. Love them.

2. Cicchetti’s. Italian tapas – need I say more. Nope. But, I will. I’ve already been twice and I’m hoping to hit it a few more times before I leave. Cause, duh, Italian tapas. YUM! The atmosphere and price point can’t be beat. People complain about the food in London and I haven’t been disappointed yet. The trick is – go ethic (and that’s probably true for more than just food 😉)! 

3. All ye little English children.   

 Seriously, SO sweet AND I can’t even handle myself when they speak. I can’t… If for some reason you never hear from me again, you might wonder if I went off the grid because I kidnapped them ALL! Today, I was at the Tate Modern and they were everywhere doodling in their little sketchbooks. I mean look at that sketchbook. I can’t… I just can’t… 

4. Paleo, what?!. 

I greatly appreciate the “I’ll eat whatever the f*%& I want” approach to food here. Mostly because that’s always been a personal motto of my own. Finding my foodie kindreds has warmed my heart in a sweet and savory way. I don’t know if it’s because people walk everywhere or because Americans are EXTRA crazy about health food, insanity workouts and fad diets (aka the modern eating disorder). Whatever it is, it isn’t for me. I like being active, having a variety of food and remembering everything in moderation! Bon Appetit, to me (and all the people of London). 

5. The later start time.

Maybe it’s the shorter days (the sun rises around 8 and sets at 4:30) or just the lifestyle. But I like starting later and ending later. I am 100% my mother’s daughter. I would stay up all night and sleep all day if I could. Bliss. I mean, I can wake up early and I’m fairly functional but I would say my most alert time of day is dust. #vampire. 

Unrelated but similar – I appreciate the 6 week Holiday Time Off…what? America, it’s time to catch up, don’t cha think?

6. The afternoon cocktail.   In my mind anytime is a good time for a cocktail. And being that the late afternoon is my prime time, it’s win/win! I guess in America we call this, Happy Hour. And it’s true, The Afternoon Cocktail is the Happiest Hour. Cheers.

7. The juxtaposition of old and new.  Just like my Gen X/Millennial combo of a personality, I’m a lover of vintage (wait, can you even call it vintage, maybe pre-vintage?!) AND modern.  London is truly a city of old meets new. Where skyscrapers and castles unite. And it works. It works, well! For a city with this much history you’d think there would be no room for the common era but there is. Truthfully, I’m a little naive to the history of the how and when the addition the modern buildings and skyscrapers went down but from my eyes, it’s genius! 

8. Grab and go food, galore.

 
I love that the local grocers, corner cafes and coffee shops all have endless amounts of grab and go food items. From sandwiches and salads to Indian dishes and Tex-Mex casseroles. Yum. Even the grocery store here is a food lover’s haven. Not to mention, it has been a lifesaver for me. I try and eat whatever the f*%# I want, #londonfoodie, for lunch and try to keep it simple/cheap from dinner.  Plus, I gotta save my pennies for The Afternoon Cocktail. #prioritiespeople. And the locals must feel the same way.  I see them everywhere during the lunch hour eating such delicacies. 

 

9.  Hooray for free art. 

 

I am still shocked that the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Tate Modern and so many museums are all free. From my wallet to the bottom of my heart, I say, thank you London. Thank you!

10. You can walk everywhere!

Week 1: The 303 Sluggard.  

  

Week 2: The London Trekker. 

  
The proof is in the numbers, people! 

And finally, the few things I say “Meh, I’ll Pass” to.

1. Smokers. What is it, the 90’s? Who still smokes, oh right, EVERYONE in London. Gross. I’ll pass. 

2. The prices. First, I thought Denver was a bit pricey then there was San Fransisco and New York City, YIKES. And who could forget Vegas. But…London you win! Congrats? Eh, maybe not. 

3. Fast Walkers. The long and lean stride is ramped over here in London. Way more so than NYC. Be careful out there folks, you might get run over. Though, unlike NYC, Brits will politely say “excuse me” as they trample you down. 

4. Dehydration. Kinda my own problem. But kinda not. You have to ask for water wherever you go. And once you’re hydrated it can be hard to find a bathroom (easier than NYC but still challenging). 

ALL that to say, if some beautiful, well-dressed, English lad catches my fancy I will gladly make you my new home, in the meantime I will enjoy you from afar. Until we meet again, London…

XOXO (but just the kisses, ya know),

Em 

Nerdy Girl Book Club:

Quick disclaimer from last week’s Tell the Wolves I’m Home: It’s kinda a mix between the epic Tom Hanks’ film Philadelphia and the novel Bridge to Terabithia. A definite tearjerker. If that sounds like something you would enjoy, it’s wonderfully written and I would highly recommend it. If not, you might wanna sit this one out. 

Just Finished: We Are Called to Rise by Laura McBride

What it’s Like: If the movies Crash and American Sniper had a lovechild this would be it. Think about that, huh?

Favorite Quote: “Things happen to us that are more than we can take. And we break. We break for a moment or for a while. But the break is not who we are.”

Recommendation: A slow start with all the character intros but ends with a bang. I would defiantly recommend if you enjoy a story told from the perspective of multiple characters. 

Currently Reading: Hollow City (the second novel of Miss Peregrine’s Pecular Children) by Ransom Riggs