Portobello, Not the Mushroom

Why I love Portobello Road Market

THE Premiere

Unfortunately, today is an epic day in London that I am not there to experience. I was literally glued to my computer for the last few hours as the final premiere of the Harry Potter series was streaming live. I have been a major GEEK fan since the books first came out, and the books and movies have been part of half my life. The London premiere was held in Trafalgar Square, with the longest red carpet in history leading to the theater in Leicester Square. Not only did seeing the ariel shots of the area make me miss the city so much more, but I will miss not having more of the story and films to look forward to.

Thank you, J.K. Rowling.

Jane Austen Lived Here

On a trip to stonehenge and bath, other than the stones, I found one of my favorite author's homes. She moved to Bath around 1801 and lived in Bath Circus for five years. Her previous home is still marked among the other homes in the crescent buildings.

Before moving to Bath, she had already finished First Impressions, later becoming Pride and Prejudice, at the age of 21. During her time in Bath she continued to write Sense and Sensibility, revised Susan (the first version of Northanger Abbey), and began and abandoned The Watsons. Two of my favorite novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were both set in Bath. Though her time in Bath was not easy, suffering from depression that affected her writing. After her father's death she moved on to Southampton and then Chawton, were she published four novels and lived the rest of her life.

Bath

Roman Baths and Pump Room

Bath Abbey

Sally Lunn's Bath Bunns, since 1608

Brissi Love

My favorite home store in London had to be Brissi, on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill (stores located in Chelsea, Marylebone, Wandsworth, and Surrey also). The boutique sells mostly kitchenware and bath essentials, with special decor and very cool furniture pieces. Crystal and mirrors cover the walls and ceilings of the all white interior. Beautiful silver consoles hold simple ceramic dishes and glass pieces. It is the perfect balance of shabby chic and French simplicity.

One of my favorite London buys was a BIG mug from here, the best for coffee or tea and big enough for soup! It's as if it came from Central Perk... Also, any full priced purchase comes in a very pretty reusable bag that is great for carrying wine!

Visit Brissi Online

All That's Left Behind

I have just returned from London. My six month experience was one of the greatest of my life. I stopped blogging in the middle of my travels, because I wanted to just live and not worry about typing it out. I have a written journal that I will use now to share the best of London and Europe that I have seen and experienced. It will pick up where I left off in March.

Burberry in Piccadilly Circus

Last week I was lucky enough to catch the live streaming of Burberry Prorsum's Autumn Winter 2011 collection in Piccadilly Circus. I snapped photos of Anna Wintour and Alexa Chung walking into the venue. As for the collection, it was a colourful dream so perfect for the grey sky of winter. Here are some of my own photos and favourites from the runway and press.

Alexa Chung walking in