2011: A Year in Review

2011 truly was a banner year in the World of the Wendy.  So much has happened, many of which I won't post on the blog (you never know who reads this)!  But to recap:

Best "OMG I live here moment"
The Royal Wedding!  We wandered around the Mall the night before Kate and Wills' big day, and feeling the excitement in the air and Union Jacks everywhere made me so excited to be living in one of the greatest cities in the world. Plus I have a complete girl crush on Kate (who doesn't love blow-outs, classic dresses, and nude LK Bennetts), so seeing her wedding one week after ring shopping with my now-fiance (aka f-hubs) was just amazing.

Best Royal Wedding Moment
My fiance and a couple friends watched the whole event from Bluebird (I would have loved to be on the Mall, but wanted to see her dress up close the second she got out of the car, it was supposed to rain that day, and f-hubs had been sick with the flu that week so being outside wasn't in the cards). We had a prime seat next to a TV, and when f-hubs saw Pippa's dress, his mouth dropped. To cover up the fact that he knew I saw him checking out another girl, he recovered by saying "That dress would look awesome on you, babe."  A+ for effort on that.

Best Fashion Moment
Finding my wedding dress. 'Nuff said.

Admitting I'm a Big Girl Now
Giving away our giant comfy blue chair to make room for a dining room table.  Next up: learning how to prepare 3 course meals for big girl dinner parties.

Best Technology Purchase
iHeart my iPad. And my Missoni for Target case.

Best Holiday:
Our weekend trip to Marbella and my girlfriend and my trip to Positano are a tie.  Beach, awesome food, and great company is always a winning combo!

Best YouTube obsession:
While the honey badger is a close 2nd, I'm completely smitten by these 2 little girls.  I also loved their stint on the red carpet, and all the other crazy videos showcasing their shenanigans!

Best American Invasion:
Tie between the 2nd Chipotle opening near Baker Street, Pinkberry opening, and the NFL game at Wembley.

Best Purchase:
This Longchamp Tote in black from the Nordy's sale.  I seriously use this at least 5x a week.

Best Fitness Moment:
Jogging a 5K to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.  The fact that I jogged the entire time was an achievement, since I've never been a runner... and has inspired me to sign up for the Bupa 10K in May of 2012.

Best London Tradition:
Sunday night roasts... Which have turned into Sunday night NFL watching at our place with a few friends.  Everyone on our computers and iPads keeping track of their fantasy football teams, RedZone, more food than what the average human being should ever eat, great banter, and great friends helps make London feel like home.

Fave Date Night:
F-hubs' birthday dinner at the Hawksmoor and Valentines Day at Il Portico are 2 that come to mind.

Best Moment:
Taking a walk with my then-boyfriend near his parents' house in the Dirty Jerze... and being shocked when he got down on one knee under a tree he planted when they first moved there. Ring shopping expedition in Manhattan followed, and the heart rate finally normalised about 3 am that night.

Runner Up for Best Moment:
Finding out I'm going to be an aunt in February of next year!

2nd Runner Up for Best Moment:
Finding out that f-hubs got a job offer from a premier law firm where he is a part of a great team, learning a lot, and has already had his first big boy business trip (where he failed to bring me back a present). I was so proud to be on his arm at their holiday party this past Friday night, and love seeing that he's doing what he loves to do!

As you can see, 2011 was a great year for the Wendy.  2012 promises to be another exciting year with our wedding, more holidays, the London Olympics, my sister's due date, and more!  Happy New Year!!!

How To Buy His Love

Someone once told me is the best gift is something that someone wouldn't buy themselves, but would use often.  Keeping that in mind, here are some ideas I thought of while shopping for f-hubs...

1. Comfy robe - F-hubs has a job at a big-boy firm and works late into the nights, and sometimes on the weekends as well.  Therefore, when he's home it's important that he gets to relax and veg out (hence our giant tv and iMac).  A robe would be perfect for him to wander around the flat in - while making pancakes, working on the computer, playing his video games, etc.

2. Man bag - F-hubs has been using the same canvas messenger bag since he moved to London back in 2008.  Time for an upgrade!  A nice leather bag would look great when he walks into important meetings since you only get one shot at a first impression.

3. Massage - Men don't really take time for a beauty routine like the females do.  I'm thinking about buying him a massage at a gentleman's spa or a couples day where he could also get a badly needed mani/pedi (those cuticles may have never been trimmed), and maybe even a facial (he had one once as a part of a couples facial with me and loved it... but would never go on his own)!

4. Cooking stuffs - My man loves food. His mother is an AMAZING cook, and he is his mother's son.  At our BBQ this past summer, it seemed as though cooking raw meat was therapeutic for him, and every weekend he is always analysing whether he overcooked his eggs.  Raiding John Lewis or Peter Jones is a thought, since I could get him some specialised cookware for him to use.

5. More technology - As I look at our flat - with the PS3, giant flat screen tv, surround sound speakers, iMac, his iPhone 4, his MacBook Pro, giant earphones... Maybe he has enough.

6. Wine club - Need I say more?  Plus this would be a present for me too!

7.  Tickets - Date night, date weekend, etc.  Buying 2 tickets for us to head to the theatre or to the continent would be a great getaway, and you can't put a price on memories (puke)!

I did end up getting him something off his list, but I won't say what since he occasionally reads the blog... But I know he'll love it!

Working Girl Wednesdays: Desk Essentials!

It has been a while since the last installment of Working Girl Wednesdays, but after heading out for drinks straight from the office, I realised that it is a good thing that I keep certain items handy at the desk....

1. Spare pantyhose/tights - I'm a magnet for accidents.  The moment I step out of the flat, I get a run in my pantyhose.  Therefore, I try to keep a spare set handy at the office... and have had to replace that spare set more than once.

2.  Hair straightener - My office has a gym, and if I have a good workout during the day, I still want to have the option of wearing my hair down that night.  But I also keep these guys handy for the perfect messy bun look! (I keep the bare minimums for makeup in my handbag at all times.)

3.  Gym bag - As stated above, my office has a gym .  Also, there have been days where I just head straight to yoga from work, and having my yoga mat/towel (I prefer towel since it folds up nicely so you can carry it in a tote) handy has been a huge help!

4.  Healthy Snacks - If I pass by the common area and see brownies, I can't resist.  Therefore, I have a box of granola bars, Special K, graze boxes, and some other healthy items to eat if I get a little peckish.

5.  Pictures - Makes me happy to see the faces of loved ones.  'Nuff said.  But I do make sure they're appropriate (no shots of you doing shots)!

6.  Black heels - In case of important meetings, or important fun times after work where my ballet flats or boots won't cut it.

Any other ideas, ladies?

How Bea's Saved Thanksgiving

Back in October, f-hubs and I had a dilemma.  He was in a wedding back in the States the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but was just starting a new job with a British firm.  Since he didn't want to take too much (if any) time off for the wedding, we booked the last Virgin Atlantic flight out on Thanksgiving night, and the red eye back that Sunday night.

That sucked.

Not only was the trip so quick (by the time I got over the jet lag, we had to get on a plane to come back to London), but we missed the traditional American Thanksgiving!  Sure our British friends took us to a lunch the Saturday before (hosted by a fellow ex-pat who is trying to introduce everyone to the spirit of the holiday)... but it just wasn't the same!

Luckily, I had the day off and was able to salvage Thanksgiving dinner with the help of Beas of Bloomsbury.  I'm a fan of their afternoon tea, and via their twitter feed had announced that they had more turkey available for takeaway for Thursday night.

I emailed in an order and sure enough within 20 minutes had confirmation that my order would be ready to pickup on Thursday at 3:30 at their St. Pauls location.  SCORE!  They were prompt, friendly, and punctual which bode well for me and f-hubs.

 Plus I love the decor!

I arrived 15 minutes early and they already had my order ready, packed, and set to go!  By 4 pm, f-hubs and I were scarfing down turkey, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and biscuits with plenty of time to pack our stuff and make our flight!

Bea's is on my list officially... for tea, snacks, and maybe even a holiday dinner!  The food was delish, and even though I didn't get to stay in their store too much, it was adorable.  Guess I have to head back there with some girlfriends for food, tea, and gossip!

Dear Hanukkah Harry...

Please to get me some or all of the following...



1. Mulberry Bayswater Shoulder Bag - I would wear this EVERYDAY.  Much like my Longchamp, it is chic, work friendly, can hold all my stuffs, and I can use this as a carry on for the various trips that f-hubs and I have lined up.  Oh, and it's Mulberry so it will last forever.

2.  QMS Cosmetics Voucher - I first heard about QMS through American Girl in Chelsea, and after her event went to a facial.  The only way to describe it is LIFE-CHANGING.  Even though the products are expensive, I honestly think that they're so worth it.  I've been using the Night Collagen and hope to book another facial near Sloan Square ASAP since winter is coming!

3.  Chanel 2.55 bag in black and silver (but I'll settle for gold) - Hummina hummina hummina hummina hummina hummina hummina.....

4.  David Yurman jewelry - My persnal faves are the pearl cable classic bracelet, the heart locks gold and silver bracelet, the pearl quartefoil necklace, or the pave diamond confetti necklace.  But everything on his site is GORGEOUS.

5.  Tickets - two types in particular - to the theatre or out of town.  Sometimes the best gifts are giving memories.  Honey, I'm talking about a getaway to Paris, Spain, Italy, or a nice bed and breakfast outside of London... or even to Rock of Ages (don't judge, I heart 80s rock) or another West End Show!

6.  Stella and Dot Jewels - I love this one and this one and this one!

7.  Cooking classes - The Nosh ones are perfect for the pre-wedding diet! Plus they're on sale!

That should last you through the first night...