I Spy Friday featuring Notting Hill

Today we are busy packing up our cute little two-bedroom flat.  (Pout.)  We were able to extend our lease by a few weeks, but sadly, now it's time to go.  I absolutely love this area and I will never forget the two months we spent living in Notting Hill.  This is where I truly fell in love with London.  

It's also where I started running, which is pretty special.  I'm finishing up week four of the Couch to 5K challenge.  And running through this gorgeous neighborhood has certainly made it easy to stick to the plan.   It's been a special time in a special place that I will always treasure.  

We are heading South again to Folkestone for a few weeks to plan our next move.  So, this Friday, I thought I'd just post some pictures of this lovely neighborhood.  

xoxo

Selena 

     

 

 

 

 

   

 

I Spy Friday

And just like that, another week has flown by.

Sorry I'm late with the Friday post again. 
My favorite movie ever Sense & Sensibility was on last night. 
So, I was under the woobie having a good cry while my stoic Englishman rolled his eyes.
Sometimes you just need a good chick flick.

Guess what?  I did my very first guest blog post this week!

I've told you about one of my favorite expat bloggers Beantown Prepster. 

She was lucky enough to spend the week in Berlin, so I was lucky enough to be one of her guest bloggers.
The theme was travel and you can read it here.

  I've also done some more traveling about London on the Tube.

Check out these escalators, they go on forever.

In search of a notary (yay, CPA), we headed to Heddon Street which is famous for this album cover.

Now it's much better lit and a  pedestrian street with cafes and lawyers.

On Thursday, I went to Borough for a blind lunch date.

 Emm in London is a successful writer and blogger from South Africa.

We grabbed lunch at the market and sat in the church courtyard for a nice chat.

As much as I love the Englishman, it was so nice to talk to a new face.

She is terrific and we had a great time.  

She pointed out some of the highlights of Borough for me.   

It's south of the river and I can't wait to go explore further. 

On a side street, we passed by the Cross Bones Graveyard.

 A memorial shrine has sprung up for the ladies of the night and paupers buried there. 

 It's a special little place.  

I also spotted another Beau Brummel at the market. 

He's quite dapper, isn't he?

And did you know that this is how the wheels on the bus go?

I've had that stupid phrase stuck in my head for a week so I decided to share the suffering.  

 Found 'em!

It's been unseasonably warm and sunny for the last week. 

And did you know that at the first sign of warm weather, the sun-starved English run outside and strip off their clothes to soak it all up? 

 No really, they do.  See.
This was at the Kensington Gardens.  I wonder if he is a Royal?
(Actually, he's probably American.)

 Unfortunately, they are threatening snow for Easter weekend and everyone will be all bundled up again. 
Er, maybe that's a good thing.

And I saw these yesterday.

  They made me long for Texas Bluebonnets and home.

xoxo

Selena


P.S.  I've completed week 2 of Couch to 5K without incident.  So far so good.  

Here are the Photo a Day shots for this week.  Not sure about the prompts this week.  Should I continue and play along for April?

Key

Name

Trash

Breakfast

Animal

Moon

I spy Friday

Another seven days have flown by and it's time to post my random sightings from the week. 

Sorry I'm a day late.  I was being held hostage at The Prince Edward Pub by a large Pinot Grigio.  

We celebrated Mother's Day on Sunday.  It is usually called Mothering Sunday in the UK and is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent.  We spent the day in Folkestone with Matt's parents. 

Sunday roast is one of my favorite British traditions. 

 I've already posted about our trip to Camden Market, but I didn't post that if you want to have a fish pedicure, here's your place.

 The water temp was 82 degrees and it only costs about 13 quid.   But curiously, there were no takers.  Who doesn't want to stick their tootsies in foot soup and have little fish chew on them?

I apologize for the poor quality of the picture.  The bus window was dirty. 

But I just have to show you this London fashion trend. 

Short shorts and tights are quite the rage here.  

Every once in a while someone gets it right and it looks great.  

But often, they get it wrong.  

Such as when they wear control top pantyhose and the control top is longer than their shorts. 

Apparently, even the guys are getting in on the shorts and tights rage.  

 And don't even get me started on the trend of wearing tights or leggings as pants.  

If I can see your knickers through your clothing, then something is missing. 

I was needing a taste of home, so I stopped at McDonalds.  

Nope, that's not coffee.  That's my diet coke.  I forgot that ice is only upon request.  Seriously?

Oh, I don't have a picture of it, but I had my first European kiss kiss!  We met up with one of Matt's old friends for drinks and I was greeted by a kiss to both cheeks.  It's a usual greeting here, but I'm always afraid that I'm going to get it wrong and end up kissing someone's nose or something.  

I saw this one day at the entrance to a local residence.  

One buzzer for guests and another for servants.  Very Downton Abbey, isn't it?  

I've also decided that I want a scooter.

All the cool kids have them. 

Oh, and I want one of these, too. 

A Butterfly Mobile. Too cute, huh?

And last, but not least...

The Krispy Kreme Quest was a success!!

 So, there you have it... my random sightings for the week.

I've finished my first week of the Couch to 5K and was successful! 

And by successful, I mean that there were no medics required. 
We are still in the temporary lease in Notting Hill for a few more weeks
and still waiting patiently for the magic phone call.

 
Spring has arrived in London and it's lovely!

 xoxo

Selena

Here are my Instagram Photo A Day pictures for the week...

Sunglasses

Green

Corner of my home

Funny

Sink

Delicious (Jaffa Cakes!)