30.6.11

Perks + Cake

Working in special events has its perks.
The one perk I can't help but indulge in?

Wedding Cake.

From carrot cake, to almond cake, dark chocolate with raspberry filling, red velvet and my personal favorite, pineapple coconut, I simply must have a slice of the deliciousness. I'm even willing to admit that I've had two slices on more than one occasion. {Can you blame me? No, I didn't think so.}


While I have no immediate plans of marriage, I suppose a dashing gentleman is needed for that, I do often get caught up in the vivid details of what my wedding will entail. I love the unique look of this hydrangea and rose cake from I Am Baker.  

To me, it has an elegant vintage flair. I can see myself cutting this gorgeous cake with a vintage wedding dress and birdcage veil, drinking champagne from proper champagne coupes and dancing the night away with my dapper new husband.

Until that lovely day arrives, I will continue to enjoy my fair share of delicious and beautiful wedding cakes with all of my beautiful brides and grooms. Cheers! 

29.6.11

There weren't balloons, but...

{photo via: weheartit}

So it happened today. I gave my official letter of resignation to my office. {Deep Breath}

Not quite sure what I was expecting would happen. Balloons? Flowers?  Someone would crack open a bottle of bubbly and then everyone would crowd around me and lift me on their shoulders singing, "For he's a jolly good fellow!" {But you know, the feminine version}

Didn't happen. My boss actually has known for a while that I was accepted into graduate school and really she was waiting for the official 'Go' from me to announce it. I was hesitant in letting everyone know. What if plans fell through, my financial aid never came in or my Visa was rejected? But after much contemplating, and mini panic attacks, I said, "Go for it," and an email was sent out to the office.

Some people sent messages right away congratuatling me. One in particular said,
"You didn't have to go all the way to London to find a man!"
and another,
"Congratulations to a future filled with hot guys with accents!" 
Are you noticing a theme? Forget my academic endeavors, this is apparently all about the men.

Overall the office was quiet and I sat at my desk sipping my coffee, conjuring up details of my life in London.

28.6.11

Applying for a Visa: Part 1

So, where was I?
Right. London.
I have about 2 months left and then I'll be off.  From traveling around Europe over Thanksgiving holiday, to getting my acceptance letter a few days after Christmas, to applying for my flat and financial aid, time has accelerated quite a bit. I'm actually convinced I've been in some kind of time travel machine that makes a week seem like six months.

The biggest 'obstacle' left is applying for my actual Visa. I've heard enough horror stories about people missing flights due to not getting their Visa on time, or getting their Visa THE DAY their flight leaves, that I'm proficiently nervous about the whole bit.

So, I will be traveling to New York in August to get it all taken care of, in person. I will literally have to bring every important document that has ever belonged to me in a secure fireproof box, lock and key included, to prove to United States that I am a natural born citizen and in-turn  prove to UK that I will return to my home country. 

And if I'm missing one piece of information? Well, then rejection will be starring me in the face and I'll be forced to trek the eight hours back home, find my report card from the second grade that they just have to have, travel the eight hours back to New York and re-apply. {Well six hours if I decide to take the Chinatown bus, but their driving skills are scary.}

{Deep Breath} 'It's part of the process,' I keep telling myself. It's a bit uncomfortable for me, makes me nervous and a little sweaty. But believe me, when I walk out of that office with my Visa in hand this, all of this will be real.

27.6.11

Enchante

I haven't disappeared. Will chat with you lovely people tomorrow.  xo!

14.6.11

Writing + Healing

Hello dear friends.
I find myself still feeling a bit under the weather. But no worries, I am much better than I was over the weekend. I've missed quite a bit of work but my boss has been completely understanding even urging me to take today off as well. I'm pretty sure that by tomorrow I will be back to usual tricks.

In the meantime I've found myself reading, writing and watching classic movies. The writing and reading in particular has really drawn me in as I've been working on a specific project off and on for a year or so.

{How rad is this vintage typewriter? Image found here}

This morning, I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat outside to write. I found myself laughing as I spent time getting to know my characters and the unique way in which they interact with one another. After about two hours I gave myself a break but the story continues to develop and unfold in mind and I'm eager to put my thoughts on paper.

Perhaps having this time off, was just what I needed in order to re-engage with myself, my likes, dislikes, my habits, my hobbies and my writing. I feel pumped about going back to work and re-eneregized about graduate school in London. (Which by the way is only about THREE MONTHS away!)  Much to do dear friends. Much to do.

Wish me luck as tomorrow is my first full day back to work.

10.6.11

Get well + Weekend

Oh dear friends. I find myself quite sick today. After going to the doctor yesterday I was diagnosed with a bad case of bronchitis. I was quite disappointed that I wouldn't be able to travel to a Maryland cabin for a much needed girls weekend, but I refuse to sit around the house and sulk all weekend.

Planned for this weekend, are copious amounts of tea and books,


A trip to Paris via Funny Face,


Fresh flowers to brighten my bedside table, 


Precious time with my mom and lots of rest. I hope you all have a splendid weekend.
{images via: pinterest}

8.6.11

Wednesday's Treat

{Photo via:FoodBuzz}

A little something to help you over Hump Day. Perfect for those duo cravings of sweet and salty. Added bonus? Comes with a perfect crunch.

7.6.11

Wanted: Lo & Sons + O.G. Bag

This bag will change my life. On a busy day, I normally leave my house with my purse, a laptop bag, my lunch bag and my Starbucks travel mug. Any outfit that I have on suddenly doesn't look so cute when it's weighed down by three large bags and me wobbling on my heels trying to get out of the door as quickly as possible. But, this bag will change everything.  It's the O.G. Bag from San Francisco family based company Lo & Sons.

Durable yet light weight, this bag has a separate pocket for a laptop, and under carry section for a pair of shoes, perfect for commuters, and two easy access zippered front pockets to carry all your essentials.
I am totally coveting this bag.


Oh. Yes. I can see myself in London jetting off to class, stopping by the library to get some work done and then hitting up the gym all with this beautiful bag in hand. Talk about the perfect carry-all. To see a super cute video of the bags functionality, click here.
{All images via: Lo & Sons}


6.6.11

Q&A: Laurie Viera Rigler

I am so excited to be sharing this interview with you today. Laurie Viera Rigler is the noted author of Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict.  Laurie is warm and friendly and generously took time to be a part of London Lisa. Her books belong on every Jane Austen Addict's book shelf. Without further ado, here's Laurie.


Thanks for inviting me to your blog, Lisa.

I have been writing in one form or another since childhood. Writing has been an amazing journey of discovery, of the world within and the world without. Writing is, by turns, exciting, painful, effortless, difficult, revelatory, therapeutic, joyful, confusing, illuminating, and always changing. It would take a book to tell you every place it has taken me.



  • How does the writing process work for you? Do you find yourself writing at a certain time of day, in a certain space - what does your environment feel like?

I am reluctant to describe my process, because every writer has his or her own very personal process that should not be compared to another writer's process. We all tend to compare ourselves to others and then find what we do wanting. Some of us like to write in a quiet office with the blinds closed and facing the wall rather than the window. Others prefer to sit with a laptop in a crowded café. Some write longhand first, while others draft on the keyboard. Some of us outline and others don't. Some write every day at a certain time of day, and others follow no set schedule. I can only say to my fellow storytellers out there that whatever works for you is the right process. Stick to what works, and when it doesn't, when you need a change or think you're blocked, unchain yourself from your desk or café table or wherever you are, and try something different. Take a drive, or a walk, or a shower, or do some gardening. Something that's a brain vacation. Be playful. And the blocks will loosen up. 

     What authors inspire you?

Jane Austen is my biggest inspiration. I love her keen observation of human nature as well as her masterful plotting, her humor, and her  deeply satisfying stories. I am also a huge fan of Nick Hornby and Zadie Smith. I see Nick Hornby as a modern Jane Austen. I love all of his books, but I particularly appreciate A LONG WAY DOWN, ABOUT A BOY, and JULIET, NAKED. Zadie Smith's ON BEAUTY is one of my favorite contemporary novels. It's very Austen-like in its take-no-prisoners approach to human behavior,  and its exploration of academia in a "three or four families in a country village" sort of way.


     About how long did it take you to write, "Confessions..."

I spent about six years writing CONFESSIONS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT. Lots of research, rewriting, and confidence building during that time. I wrote RUDE AWAKENINGS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT in less than two years, though I must also count a good part of the six years I spent on CONFESSIONS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT, since the two books are linked.


     What did the publishing process look like for you? How did you go about finding a publisher, etc.

I queried agents very methodically, researching the ones who appeared to have similar sensibilities and interests. I landed with a wonderful agent who quickly found a publisher.

    
What are your future plans? Are you working on anything new?

I am working on a third novel. I also contributed a short story to the anthology JANE AUSTEN MADE ME DO IT, which is coming out in October. 


     Best piece of advice you could give to writer?

Be very discerning about the people with whom you discuss your work in progress and with whom you share your work, your hopes, your dreams as a writer. Trust your instincts, and stay away from anyone who has a whiff of competition or envy. 


     And last but not least, what is your favorite dessert?

Now that's a question I haven't been asked before.  Sour cherry pie. And now I'm craving some. 


Thank you Laurie for taking the time to be interviewed! Please take a moment to check out JaneAustenAddict.com as well as her hilarious web series Sex and the Austen Girl


Music + lazy days

{image via:let'sgetlost}

Good Monday morning dear friends. How was your weekend?

I had a rather interesting weekend. Saturday morning I was extremely productive, went for a nice long run, went to the library and once I was home I crashed. I literally spent most of the day lounging around, until finally around 8:00p.m. my friends dragged me out of the house to see a band play down at the Oceanfront. The band was fantastic and covered everything from Elton John to Jay Z. {They played Benny and the Jets. How could I not enjoy them?}

We rode down to the concert on our beach cruisers and I don't think I will ever tire of riding bikes down on the boardwalk. Feeling the warm breeze, riding in the trolley lane and people watching as you zoom by on your bike gives me such a child like good time.

I hope your weekend was lovely dear friends. Stay tuned for a post later today from noted author Laurie Viera Rigler author of Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. I read Confessions loved it and then immeidately purchased the sequel Rude Awakenings. Believe me friends, you'll want to pick up these books.

I hope to post more author interviews, as I am a fellow writer, and I hope that you enjoy them and find them creative and inspiring. Check back later for the first of many...

3.6.11

St. Thomas is home

Oh, happy Friday dear friends.

So glad the weekend is upon us yet again. With all of the warm weather we've been having these past few weeks, I have been wanting to reconnect with my island heritage. On this Friday in particular, St. Thomas is calling my name.
 {photo via:here}

My dad's wonderful family is from this beautiful place. With sea blue calm waves that lap against the shore,  terra cotta colored roofs that dot the hills, centuries of family history, fish frys, mangoes, and steel drums I'm wanting to click my heels and find myself lying on the beach.

 {photo via: here}

What I wouldn't do to be back home. Enjoy your weekend lovelies.

2.6.11

70% + 30%

So it just hit me the other day that I have about three months before I move to London. Am I freaking out? Um, yeah!

There are so many things that I want/need to do before I leave. One of my top priorities is getting in shape. To be perfectly honest, I want to look like my most fabulous self while I'm there. {Can you blame me?} I want to be healthy, toned and strong. So, I'm getting in the habit now of making healthy choices. I won't reveal just how much I want to lose, a lady has to have some secrets, but I will tell you that I am dedicated to making this happen. And, because you all are my friends, I'm sure some days I will rant and rave about it here. So, thanks in advance for listening!

I post recipes and great food finds that I come across. I'm not a healthy lifestyle expert by any means, so I am relying on my Weight Watchers community for the basics. And here is the number one rule...

Let the journey begin!
p.s. I made a delicious spinach, mushroom and cheese omelet this morning. But, I ate it too fast to take a picture. oops!
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