Instagram Update

Things have been terribly quiet around here for a few weeks, but I'm back and I have so many photos to share with you.  Before we get back to regularly scheduled programing here's a little Life Lately update with the help of Instagram.  My blog posts are a bit behind but here's what we've been up to. 

First and foremost... Grandbaby!  Jessica is now at 31 weeks and doing terrific.  She had a baby shower a few weeks ago.  It broke my heart to not be there but they were surrounded with love and presents.  We'll be going to Texas for three weeks in August for the delivery.  I can't wait hug my sweet baby and meet her sweet baby.

My daughter Jessica & son in law Johnny at the baby shower for little Michael. 💙 I couldn't be there but my sweet momma got all my presents there & made sure to send me lots of pictures. I just love this one!!! We'll be going to Texas in August for three weeks!! I can't wait!!! #gigi #babylove

A photo posted by Selena (@selenatheplaces) on Jun 14, 2015 at 11:58pm PDT

Instagram Egypt

I've started editing the photos, but it will still be a few weeks before I start posting about our week in Egypt.  I couldn't let another day pass without something on the blog.  

I'm addicted to travel and every trip is a treasured experience.  But there are a few trips that have affected me on a deeper level.  Egypt was absolutely one of those life-changing experiences.  I don't really know how to explain it.  It went by so fast but I can remember almost every single moment.  

The place, the people, the history, the dessert, the red sea, the tombs, the pyramids... all of it combined into the most epic week.  I love the way it challenged me, both physically and mentally.  It caused a big shift in my worldview of the both the ancient and the modern.  That's where travel holds the most magic.  Where it changes you.  Egypt changed me.

It's also been a difficult trip to return from.  I commute to work and sit at my desk longing to be traveling again and experiencing other parts of the world.  Egypt has taken my wanderlust to all new levels.  

Here are a few of my instagram photos from that week to give you a taste.  I couldn't resist adding a little music, so click on the mute button bottom right if you're at work.

What place has caused a shift in your worldview?

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Jumping Rope

Remember when you were a kid, jumping rope with your friends?  They'd get the rope going.  You'd stand on one side.  Bouncing along to the tap of the rope on the sidewalk.  Trying to find that rhythm before you jumped in and got going.  That's what I've been doing for the past few weeks.  

I took a little break from the blog for the move and the new job.  But as things settled down, I couldn't quite find my way back into blogging.  My rhythm was off and I was afraid of getting tangled in the rope.  It's still a bit off, but I thought I'd better just jump in and get going.  Besides I've really missed you guys.  

I'm gonna start off slow with just a little up date on life lately with the help of some instagram pics.  

The weekend before the big move we hopped a plane for Majorca.  We had beautiful weather and spent a few days lounging by the pool chillaxin'.  It was a good thing because the following weekend was the move.  There were definitely some glitches.  When we arrived at the new flat, followed quickly by the moving van, we discovered the it hadn't been cleaned along with some other issues like a broken showerhead.  

It was a long day of phone calls and arguments trying to get everything sorted.  We just piled everything up in the center of the living room and went to the pub.  The next day it was cleaned so we could start the long task of settling in.  That very next Monday I started a new job (which I really like).  Talk about a stressful week.  But I'm so glad that we did it.  I never have to deal with that 90 minute walk/bus/train/tube/walk commute ever again!

I really love our new place!  It's a one-bedroom on the 3rd floor (4th really) of a gorgeous red brick Victorian building, complete with red carpeted hallways and beautiful birdcage elevators.  The location is crazy.  Sloane Square is in central London at one end of Kings Road near Chelsea.  It's the best place for people watching.  You never know what you're going to see.  I plan to take my camera on a little walking tour in the next few weeks, so I can show you more. 

I also had to say goodbye to dear Erin.  (You'll remember her from the Provence posts.)  She's now back home in Canada and we all miss her terribly.  But before she left we did a little time traveling.  We dressed up and went to see the Secret Cinema Production of Back to the Future.  I can't even tell you how amazing it was.  One of my top three nights in London.  I'm going to try in a future post.  

Oh, and I celebrated the 20th anniversary of my 28th birthday.  Matt did good, don't you think?  Love my new earrings.  

I'm settling into my new job and we're settling into Central London. I'm even looking forward to cooler temps and the holidays.  But not before a huge trip home at the end of October to see my sweet baby girl get married!  It will be the very first trip home in almost three years.  I'm so excited and nervous at the same time.  

So there's a little update on what's been happening.  Here's to finding that rhythm again.

How to you find your rhythm?

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Instagram Update

You know how when life gets busy and you're spinning a few more plates then normal?

How do you react?  I always feel a bit untethered and disconnected.

That's how I'm feeling about now.  There is nothing major going on.

(Don't worry, Mom.)  Just life stuff, a few things up in the air.

I thought I'd give you a little instagram update on what's going on around here

on a more personal level.  I miss connecting with you.

1//  I'm still struggling with balancing the blog with full-time work.  I made a commitment about a year ago that I would respond to every comment that you leave me and I hate that I'm so behind on that.  I hope you know that I read and appreciate every comment.  I will get caught up soon and I'm still committed to responding to each one.   As always, thanks so much for reading and commenting.

2//  Thank you to those of you who voted for me in the Britmums Brilliance in Blogging Awards. I went to the awards ceremony and it was great to catch up with some fellow bloggers. Congratulations to Gretta for taking home the award!  Well-deserved, my friend.  

3//  My job is in such a great area of London.  Taking my lunch and a book to a local church yard is a great way to break up the day.  Speaking of work, I've been there four months now and I love it.  I really respect the organization and enjoy my coworkers.  However, that's one of the things that is still up in the air. I'm currently on a six month contract and it hasn't been decided yet  if they are going to retain my position or not.  So, the thought of finding a new job is one of the additional plates that I'm spinning.

4//  Achilles tendinopathy was the final diagnosis, and my foot is feeling much better.  The physiotherapy helped immensely. As long I do my stretches and exercises, things are good.  Wearing tennis shoes (trainers) with work dresses isn't the best look.  But, I can get away with it in London.  With a three hour commute each day, usually spent standing up, shoes are pretty important.  Ballet flats just don't cut it. 

5//  That crazy commute is soon to be a thing of the past.  One of those other spinning plates is an upcoming move.  Blackheath is lovely, but we are just too far out.  The commute is cumbersome and exhausting at it's worst.  It keeps us from getting out to enjoy London as much as we would like.  So, it's back to central London for us.  We went flat hunting yesterday and saw a few possibilities.  Then our wonderful agent (Jack at Drake Lettings) squeezed in one last viewing before running off to his next appointment.  Let's just say that I might have shed a tear.  After convincing Matt that a quick decision is sometimes just the best way to go, we made an offer.  Fingers crossed!  If we get it, I can't wait to tell you more about it. 

6//   We did spend a few hours considering, discussing and exploring the area before making the offer.  And what better way to do that then a pub crawl around the neighborhood.  We found some really good candidates for our new local.  But then we found a pub with air conditioning!!!  Considering the heat wave that is baking London currently, that might have been the deciding factor.  I love London and I miss the warmth of Texas, but London at 86 degrees is a challenge considering AC is nearly non-existent and personal space is limited.

7//  I really don't want to complain too much about the heat.  It's been a nice change and we are really enjoying a London summer. We've been to some fun events with Matt's work.  He works with such a great group of people.  We attended a Bumpkin Summer Garden Party and also an A-list event at the Serpentine Gallery where there was a lot of celebrity spotting.  I was mingling with actors, models and was within a few feet of two princesses.  It was definitely a "how did I get here" moment.  I'll tell you a little more about it in a future post.

8//  We celebrated the fourth of July complete with s'mores and a campfire.  We have made some amazing friends here in London.  I feel so very blessed to have these people in my life.  They are wonderful, intelligent, creative and so much fun, from all walks of life and different countries.  I miss my family and friends from home every second of every day.  I'm so lucky to have friends who know exactly how that feels.  They make life in London so special.

8//  It looks like I'll be seeing family and friends back home very soon.  My Sugar Bear is getting married!  I know, can you believe it?  I haven't met him yet, but he seems like a terrific young man and I've never seen Jessica happier.  So a wedding is in the plans for early next year.  I might have to make a trip home before then to help with plans and meet this guy in person.    

9//  Some might say this is all moving fast, but I can't say a word.  I don't have a leg to stand on since I knew after the first day that Matt was the one for me.  We were married three months later and I love the life that we're building together.  There is no one I'd rather be spinning plates with.  Luckily, it's not all plate spinning.  We have two upcoming trips planned, a city break in Germany this month and a long weekend in Mallorca next month.  I can't wait.  Of course, Instagram will be involved if you want to follow along. 

So, that's what's up with the Jones lately.

What's up with you??  Spinning any plates?  Any big news?

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Instagram Iceland

Y'all are incredibly sweet to indulge me with my whining yesterday.

I'm feeling better today.  The weather today is as up and down as I am.
Sunshine one minute and sleet the next.  Crazy!

Matt says "Thank You" for all of the wishes for a speedy recovery.

We are both ready for him to get back to work. Very. Ready.

While we were in Iceland, wifi was a bit hit or miss.
 But, I couldn't wait to post my instagram photos at the end of each day.
It's my favorite of all of the social media options.
And I loved all of the Likes and comments.  Thanks so much for following along.

Since I'm not quite ready to start posting about Iceland,
today I'm going to share some instagrams shots from our wonderful trip.


I've decided to link up with Instagram Travel Thursday for the very first time.
Skimbaco Lifestyle online magazine came up with the #IGTravelThursday hashtag
to answer travel questions and give travel inspiration for others.
I'm very excited to participate in the weekly link up.

Iceland was the Perfect Winter Getaway from London.  The flight is less than three hours.

We were there for just over three days and were able to fit so much in without rushing at all.

This is how we scheduled our time:

We flew out Wednesday night arriving late and stayed at a airport hotel.

We awoke early the next morning, picked up the rental car and headed out to explore the South Coast.

 This was our longest day and we stayed on Route 1 about an hour outside of Reykjavik.

Next day we slept in a little later and had plenty of time to tour the Golden Circle and visit a spa.

That night we stayed in Reykjavik and had dinner out on the town.

Saturday we toured the city in the morning, when to Blue Lagoon in the afternoon,

and did a Northern Lights Tour that evening.

We checked out of the hotel early Sunday morning, dropped off the car and caught an early flight.

We were home by 2pm on Sunday.

I'm amazed at how well it all worked out with a bit of planning.

 I have many more posts scheduled going into greater detail and with a ton of photos.

If you have any specific questions, just let me know. 

I hope you will check out some of the links below to share some love and maybe even link up.

 Here are the rules for participating:

- Link to a new Instagram travel post and use the permalink of your post, not the homepage URL.
- Only new posts from the week of the linky and no giveaways, other linkys or sales pitch posts.
- Don’t add links to your Instagram profile in the linky, only links to your blog.
- Link back to one of the Instagram Travel Thursday hosts.
- Visit a few other posts in the linky and show them some love (comment, tweet, Pin etc.).
- Links that do not follow the guidelines will be removed.

If you want to connect with me on Instagram, I'd love to follow back. 

Are you on instagram?

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An InLinkz Link-up

Instagram Friday

Don't you just hate being sick?

I've been fighting a chest cold for what seems like weeks and it's winning.

My husband is begging me to go to the clinic.

Not so much that he's worried about me, but the coughing is driving him nuts.

I just don't have the inclination to edit photos for today's post,

so I'm going to throw a bunch of Instagram images at you and let you know what I've been up to lately.

 We spent a weekend exploring Devon.  England is just breathtaking.  I don't think I will ever get over the scenery.  Small coastal villages, patchwork green countryside, and animals grazing.  I love it.  And there's always a surprise.  What are your thoughts on Verity in Ilfracombe?  She's caused quite a scandal, but I kind of liked her.  When you eat scones, do you put on the cream and then the jam, or the jam and then the cream?
Apparently, it's a great British debate.

 We also spent a few days in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  We walked into a random pub one evening and had the most amazing experience.  A group of musicians were just casually playing and drinking beer around a few tables.  One would finish the last dregs of his beer, pack up his instrument and tell everyone goodbye.  Another would arrive to cheers of hello, unpack his instrument, order a beer and join in the melody.  Flutes, drums, fiddles.  It was absolute magic.  I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.  That has to be what heaven sounds like.

Then we hopped on a train south to Dublin, Ireland. Matt and I spent a few days enjoying Dublin before he returned to London.  I spent the rest of the week exploring Dublin and the surrounding area,  as well as attending TBex, a travel bloggers conference.  I had so much fun (and learned a lot, too).  Ireland is everything that I dreamed it would be and more.  I can't wait to tell you all about it.  Simply amazing.

As much as we love to go, it felt so good to have a weekend at home.

Last Sunday was such a pretty blue sky day so we decided to take a blanket over to Blackheath and just relax.

It was lovely.  

I'm writing this on Thursday in bed in my pj's watching old John Wayne movies.  We have another weekend in London to look forward to and plan to catch up with some friends.

In more news, I have an interview on Monday that I'm really excited about.

As much as I've loved not working over the summer, it's time to get back to what I do best... accounting.  Wish me luck!  It's just part-time, so I'll still be able to spend time on this blog that I've come to love so much.

Now I'm just going to be shameless and ask you to vote for us in the Avis A list Awards.

So is it cream and then jam or jam and then cream?

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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!)