Well rested

{photovia:Molly Brynn}

Hello dear friends.

Can I just tell you, how much I needed to unplug, last week and over the long weekend that we just had here in the States? I was totally overwhelmed. I wanted so badly to sit down and write great posts for you all, but every time I did, instead of feeling excited and happy, I had this overwhelming since of dread.  I was working so much and trying to maintain a social life and I was successfully burning the candle at both ends.

But this weekend? Oh, this weekend was perfection. I was off for three full days and was at the beach every single one of them. The sun felt so good against my tired skin and the water, though cold, was completely refreshing. I felt weightless as I dove under waves and felt the tide gently toss me.  I was a fish.

I was a tourist in my own hometown too. My friend and I rode bikes up and down the boardwalk all day and at night we would get dressed up and ride again, stopping to have a drink, hear a band, have a dance, and enjoy each and every moment.

And, now I'm back. Refocused, rested and re-energized. Oh, how sweet it is.

Simple Joys + Letter Writing

{photo via:That Kind of Woman}

When I was in England last Thanksgiving, I ventured to Bath, by train specifically to visit the Jane Austen Center. I was captivated by the history as soon as I walked up the creaky stairs and into the room which housed the exhibition of all things Austen. Although the Center was quite small, I could have spent hours upon hours reading every snippet of life in Bath for Jane and her family.

On my way out, I stopped by the gift shop to browse around and find at least one small treasure. I came across an initial seal and wax set and imagined myself writing lengthy letters and sipping tea on leisurely Saturday afternoons.

That didn't exactly happen, but I did use my sealer from time to time. Every time I used it to seal a hand written note, my friends would notice and rave over how special and classic it was. It was that added touch that really made something as a simple letter seem like a true gift. 

I have plans of sending letters to my mother from England and quite honestly I want to start practicing the, 'Art of Letter Writing' now. Want to join? Send me an email at londonlisablog {at} gmail.com with your address {P.O. Boxes are fine} and first name with a topic you would like to discuss, no later than Monday, May 23rd. I will put you on my list and respond to you via post.

I can't wait to stock up on my stationary and elegant pens and writing letters to each of you.


"I have now attained the true art of letter-writing, which we are always told, is to express on paper exactly what one would say to the same person by word of mouth." - Jane Austen, from a letter to her sister Cassandra
Published 05/12/2011 By Lisa M. Vanterpool

Oh sweet Jane

{Photo via: Oh, Hello Friend}

xo,

London Lisa

Published 05/10/2011 By Lisa M. Vanterpool 

Have a rockin Mon+day

I'm ready for a good day! Who's with me?!

My Aunt's memorial was this pass weekend. Oh friends it was tough. I was able to participate in the service by reading four pieces that had been written for her. It was tough, but I was praying the entire time asking God to strengthen me and not lose it while up there. It was such a joy to hear people laughing during some of the lighthearted parts where we described her vibrant personality. And it hit me, and I was filled with joy at  how alike we really are. And I was also moved to tears to read the poem that her students had written in her honor. The time I was able to spend with my family was lovely and so many pictures were taken to reserve the sweet moments.

And today friends, after the emotional weekend, I am just ready to freakin' rock this day's face off! Perhaps cocktails with friends after work, a little mani-pedi, and definitely some Starbucks in the very near future. Oh yes, I'm ready for an awesome day! 

{photo via:monk3y.tumblr.com}

XO, 

London Lisa

Warm, sunny and lovely

The high today in Virginia is 80 degrees, {Eighty!}  While I am inside for most of the day, I will not be deterred from enjoying this beautiful day. For lunch, I'm heading outside and grabbing a Venti passion tea from Starbucks and soaking in all of the Vitamin D I can while catching up on my latest read. 

After I happily skip out of the office at 5:30 p.m, I plan on picking up a lovely bouquet of fresh flowers for my bedroom, and then head home, to throw on a maxi dress and walk the one block from my house to the beach and enjoy the sand between my toes as  I write, read and enjoy the extended day light. I'm looking forward to a most sunny and beautiful day. I hope the weather is nice where you are friends!

{photos via: pinterest and That Kind of Woman}

XO,

London Lisa

Taste and See

Happy Monday dear friends. I hope you all enjoyed the weekend. Mine was quite bittersweet as a dear family member passed over the weekend. It's so hard when you lose someone and it makes me want to cherish each and every moment that I have with my family.  Often times I get, "too busy" and want more "me time," which I do think is important, but believe me, when it comes down to it, I will cherish the time I spent talking, laughing and learning from those close to me, than lounging around on the couch. So now, with my morning coffee in hand I am remembering that the Lord is awesome, all the time.

So, with that said, I am looking forward to having a good week, and I have lots of things to share with you all; London updates, writing updates, and so much more. Can't wait! Have a great week everyone.

{photo via: HomeSpunThreads}

XO,

London Lisa

lovely packaging

Ok - after downing a Grande Cafe Misto from Starbucks this afternoon, I'm feeling much more alert and inspired. {yay!} And it's a good thing too. Had I stayed in my sleepy fog, I would have missed this lovely packaging on Hello, Friend.

{photo via: Hello, Friend}

Seriously swooning. And here are a few of the essentials that she uses while putting these lovely packages together.

{photo via:Hello, Friend} 

I headed over to her etsy shop and there were several little gems that had my name all over them, and all for reasonable pricing! {$7-$30} 
{By the way, you will never find me on this blog recommending things that are outrageously expensive. I just don't have that kind of money, I'm about to be a poor graduate student for goodness sakes!}

I can't wait to pick up a thing or two from her Etsy shop. Their just too good to pass up.  

 XO,

London Lisa