Thursday, May 31, 2012

Cocktail Ambassador



For those of you who read my little bio over there on the right and think, Cocktail Ambassador... wtf? I'm happy to say I'm here to enlighten you.

When David and I were first talking about moving to the UK I had a two very serious concerns.  The first was how readily I'd be able to purchase my favorite bar staples- things like jiggers, craft-made bitters and my favorite whiskey.  My second was that our Hobbit Town likely wouldn't have any real bars where we could hang out and meet new friends.  In light of these two obstacles, I decided that I would move here as a sort of evangelist of the cocktail movement- a Cocktail Ambassador, if you will.  In my head, my Ambassadorship marries my love for brand development to my other love, cocktailing* and I can say with great certainty that it will be a great marriage, indeed!  

I'm not going to give away any secrets regarding my Master Plan, but essentially what this means is that I'll be hand-selecting bars that already have a successful cocktail presence, and helping them focus their brand, provide something special, and create a really wonderful customer experience. Because you guys, there are some bars here that kind of get it right, but they could be getting it SO RIGHT, and I think I can really help them. 

What this means for you as a reader is that you'll have to see and read a lot more about cocktails (I know, I know, you thought it was bad already...) as I'll be sharing my favorite places to celebrate the cocktail hour(s) and notes on my favorite drinks.  This journey will be interesting seeing as it's difficult to get a good drink in this country (especially at a reasonable price), and it's even more difficult to get good service.  When I bring this up to residents here, they just shrug and say that it's the English way, but now I'm here and I'm asking, But what if it doesn't have to be? 

So now you know what a Cocktail Ambassador is.  Hurray!    


*Cocktailing is the combination of drinking, getting to know people, and having a great time.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Hotel Bar


After dinner last night, David, Ben and I bundled up and walked down to our local Hotel Du Vin for some whiskey and a cigar.  What I've always liked about Hotel Du Vin is the way they thoughtfully convert old spaces into comfortably luxurious hotels.  Yes, sometimes the hallways are a bit wonky or you feel as if the stairs could be a little hazardous, but that's a part of their charm.  Instead of building a super modern hotel with an old-worldy facade, they actually amend the space so you feel as if you're visiting something that isn't exactly old, but definitely doesn't belong to this modern world.  They create special spaces, and I've always enjoyed visiting their hotels, though I've never actually stayed at one.  

I also like that they're  mindful of creating quality bistro, bar, and outdoor spaces, too.  David and I often go just for the cigar huts, which are complete with open air breezes, heated floors, and fireplaces so you can comfortably smoke no matter what the weather.  Best of all, their staff know how to make a proper drink.  You don't have to coach the bartender as they clumsily put together a Manhattan, and you don't need to sit anyone down and explain the difference between rye whiskey and bourbon- they know their stuff.  Plus, they're very attentive, which is a major rarity in this country.  It's for this reason that I am declaring my little Hobbit Town's Hotel Du Vin as our new Franklin- our new Hotel Bar.  See you there, maybe. 

p.s. How badass are my Evil Stepmother nails?   Guys, I got this position on lock-down.

p.p.s.  Many thanks to Christa Young for giving David and I such a lovely cigar to share.  We're already looking forward to smoking the next one!  Perhaps on a summer evening in a London park...

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Ambassador Kate, Part II

It's announced, it's official!  Jump over to The Adventures of Samantha House Jewelry to read a little bit more about my take on style, why I am so excited to be working with SHJ, and what I think her spirit animal should be.

Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, too!  I cannot even begin to imagine how much fun I'm going to have in this new position and I hope that you share the experience with me!  Like, we are going to have so. much. FUN.

Again, many thanks to the very talented Ollie Reimann for the pictures.   

xxx 

p.s. I'm wearing a Samantha House Slinky Earring in Gold in the photos.  I'm really enjoying this asymmetrical look for summer, which, by the way, is off to a glorious start here in England!

Monday, May 28, 2012

My Favorite Things




On Saturday, our 15 boxes of stuff arrived from America.  Having our things here allows me to finally feel as if I actually live here at Cox Quarters, and I'm not just a strange visitor.  I've had a fun (and frustrating) time arranging everything in the new space and slowly our flat is becoming our home.  Obviously I have my favorites amongst my processions, and I wanted to share some of My Favourite  Favorite Things with you.  I'm so so happy to have them back in my life!
  1. The only things I actually collect (barring shoes) are Blanton's Bourbon bottle stoppers.  Did you know that each bottle of Blanton's comes with a horse and jokey bottle stopper and on each stopper is a letter which, when you have a complete set, will spell out Blanton's?  David and I have been collecting the stoppers for a little over a year, and it wasn't until a week before our move that we completed our set (thanks for the bourbon, Lauren!).  I've seen Blanton's at a couple bars in London, but have yet to find a place that serves it in my little Hobbit Town, though my local liquor store said they'd special order some for me, which I must remember to do soon!  
  2. It is so comforting to have my books back!  Books are like old friends and even if I neglect them from time to time, it's always nice to look over at my book shelf and fondly remember their stories.  I love the tangibility of books and have always found the written word to be enormously inspiring. 
  3. I was very worried that my vintage champagne glasses, and ice bucket would arrive in hundreds of little pieces after being jostled around during the move.  Luckily, they all arrived in pristine condition and are ready for use!  Not only do I love them because they're pretty, but they're especially dear to me because they were wedding gifts from my parents.  I'm excited to share more pictures of them with you when I shoot some at-home mixology posts... Oh, they are so so glamorous!
  4. My vintage mink stole still takes my breath away.  As you can see in the second picture, the lining is frayed and in need of repair, but I can hardly bring myself to get rid of the sweet original monogramming.  Sentiment aside, I think it's almost time to make the fur mine and get it re-lined and re-monogrammed, this time with my own initials!  (If anyone has a recommendation for a great fur restorer in London, I'd be glad to hear it!)
  5. I have gone the last month without wearing heels!  Well, that's not entirely true- I've had one pair with me, but I've been missing my collection of wonderful sky-high footwear!  I've especially been missing these Isola pony hair leopard booties.  When the weather cools down, I'll definitely be wearing them with white denim and black tank tops.
  6. These Proenza Schouler sandals are slightly more practical for summer and I'm so pleased to have them back in my closet (and on my feet).  I was absolutely enamored with these sandals last summer and I'm excited to see what adventures they take me on this year, too. 
  7. And finally, my kimono, which my dad bought for me ages ago on a trip to Japan.  In my world, I wear this kimono as a house coat and can be found most mornings with it wrapped tightly around me as I sip coffee and fiddle around on my laptop.  I LOVE my kimono.  My mornings were definitely not the same without it. 

p.s. Happy Memorial Day to everyone in the States!  Between sips of your margarita, I urge you to take a moment to honor those who have served and protected our amazing homeland.  THANK YOU, GUYS!  xoxo

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Right Here, Right Now: Me

So here it is:

I've always wanted to write a book, a novel.  And have it be published.  I've always wanted my name on a strip of treated leather that binds 150+ pages that people stroke with their forefinger and display on a shelf.  Since I was little, I've wanted to be a writer.  And just right now, sitting on a lumpy hide-a-bed couch in a (our) flat in Tunbridge Wells, it just occurred to me that now is the time.  I have no idea where it's going, but I know how it begins- and it's right here, right now.  I am writing a book.  My book.  A book by me.  I'll share snippets with you along the way.

I've been in the UK for a little over two weeks now.  I'm settled and I'm lonely, but not in a sad way.  I'm lonely in a way that makes me brave.  I feel strong, creative, and fresh.  When David and I decided to move, I told him I wasn't going to compromise my vision, I wasn't going to work just to be paid, and I wasn't going to do things I don't believe in.  Well, here I am, with ample time on my hands, an amazing support system, and ten strong fingers.  I am going to write this book.

I just wanted to tell you that. 

xxx

Friday, May 25, 2012

Africana



Remember when I told you that David has a whole bunch of cool African art around the flat from his childhood in Nigeria?  Well, here's the proof.  How great is this stuff?   He also has boxes (and boxes and boxes) of stuff in a closet that I have yet to go through.  I vaguely remember him once saying that his family may even have a coat of arms... if he does, I'm totally getting it tattooed on my face, or something.  I didn't take his last name* but I'll totally take his coat of arms!

*His last name is Cox.  Kate Cox is a stripper name.  Therefore, I opted to continue being known as Kate Sims.  Can you blame me?

Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Bait and Switch... Or Something

Perhaps you've noticed something different about the look of this site... if you're having trouble putting your finger on what, it's just the big huge picture of my face up top.  You see, when I started this blog, I knew I wanted to do something that would allow me to reach out to my people- whomever they may be- in an authentic and engaging way.  Initially, I had grand plans of writing about the trials, tribulations and triumphs that come with running a small business in addition to writing about my life* and the things I like.  In the last few months, it was becoming clear to me that I was having trouble focusing my writing because this space didn't feel enough like me- in the back of my head I kept thinking Kate, you have to make it more business-ey, focused and informative and that made me feel stressed instead of excited about writing a post.  Though things have changed since I started writing in January, the premise I started with has stayed the same and even from the get-go, I knew a few things for certain:
  1. I wanted to generate all my own content and post my own photos, work, etc.  If, for whatever reason, I put together an inspiration post and feature the work of someone else, I will absolutely give them credit. The internet is for sharing, not stealing, amiright? 
  2. In addition to writing about my life and work, I want to use this space to feature people and businesses who are doing a great job of doing something creative, exciting, and unique.  It's important to me that this space focuses on optimism and authenticity and it's my dream that it somehow allows for the world to become a more beautiful place, even if it is in a super small way. 
  3. Cocktails are going to play a big role in the content on this site.  I haven't quite gotten my bearings- or my cocktail glassware- in this country, but as soon as I do you can be sure to see a lot of booziness right here!
  4. Sometimes I will get serious and, seeing as I do consult with small businesses to help them focus their brand and creatively engage with their clients**, I will sometimes talk about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of small businesses.  It won't be all I talk about, but I will certainly touch on it from time to time.  
  5. This space is going to be fun.  FUN FUN FUN.  At least for me it will be... but I sincerely hope you have fun, too.  
So, there you have it- a slightly improved version of what was.  Hurray! 

And many thanks to the handsome gent below for taking my new photo and for putting up with me for many many many hours yesterday.  Ollie Reimann, you are a shooting star!


*Having recently moved continents, I find blogging to be a great way to let my far-away friends and family know what I'm up to.  Regardless of whether or not people find it interesting, it's a way for me to feel more connected to the world and allows me to flex some creative muscle. 
**Shameless plug.  Sorry. (Actually not sorry.)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

A Tale of Joy & Much Woe


Remember when I told you that Samantha House made me two pieces right before my eyes when I visited her home studio a couple weeks ago?  Well, the above two photos are the pieces she made me.  The first was the Lauren Key necklaces, and the second are the super-long Slinky Earrings which I'm planning to wear in tandem from my left ear all summer long for a fun asymmetrical look. 

This is when the story transitions from one of joy to one of woe... My first weekend in London, David and I stopped at London Bridge for a view of the city from the River Thames.  As I leaned over to get a better view, my beautiful necklace hit the stone railing and shattered into a million* pieces!  It was beyond tragic and I maybe sniffled a little bit as I knelt down and picked up the pieces.  Despite my sadness, I'm sure I'll find another use for my silver agate and quartz beads again.


*Okay, more like five pieces.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Bling Bling


I got my left ear double pierced yesterday.  Though I got a couple recommendations from friends, I opted instead to go to Royale Retreat here in Tunbrige Wells.  I'm not in London again until Thursday and I was getting to the point where I had to do it now or I'd chicken out (though really, it didn't hurt at all... silly me!).  More details (and focus) tomorrow. 

xx

Monday, May 21, 2012

Ready, set, HELP!

 One thing I've never been good at is asking for help.  Way back in my wee days when I was home-schooled (only for a hot sec, THANK GOD) I rebelliously developed this aversion to asking for help because I didn't want to ask my 'teachers' (uh, parents) to help me because my parents were my parents and I didn't want their help [insert foot stomping and door slamming here].  After my poor mumsy and faja lost all faith in teaching me themselves, they flung me into the corruptive public school system and, though I was only in the second grade, the habit was stuck and I still saw asking for help as a terrible weakness.  (Did I mention that my brain wasn't fully formed at this point and most of my childhood decisions were completely irrational?)   As you know, old habits die hard and I still have to remind myself that asking for help is not a sign of weakness- on the contrary, asking for help allows people to be open with each other and often draws people closer.  Asking for help allows us to learn from one another and feel value in the goodness of humanity.  Asking for help is awesome!

I've had to ask for help a lot a lot a lot since moving here.  From train schedules to ear piercing, I've sought out guidance from strangers and have been so touched by how generously people offer their advice, knowledge, and assistance.  I hope I'll be able to return the favor often.

Here's a shortlist of some things I need help finding right now.  If you have a solution* for me, by all means... 
  • I want to find a cool salon/boutique in London to get my left ear double pierced.  I do not want a chain shop and I also do not want to contract hepatitis C, so please keep your recommendations to places that will offer a great experience, a good service, and a clean environment. 
  • To harken back to my aforementioned rebellious streak... I'm going to Ascot on the 23rd of June and have just read the dress code for the Royal Enclosure.  While I'm super excited to be going to such an amazing event, something about all the rules makes me want to push some boundaries, and instead of wearing a bridesmaidy dress and giant hat, I want to find a menswear inspired vintage suit and I want to adorn my own hat, probably with quail feathers.  Ergo, I am looking for the best of the best** vintage shopping in London.  And perhaps a good milliner, too.
  • What are these flowers on this shrubby tree thing in the above photo called? (Mom, you've gotta be all over this one...)  I saw them along the canal in London yesterday and was struck by how blue they are.
  • Cute London-based home goods boutiques?  I need some solid, well-made kitchen and bath things to make my English Gentleman's old bachelor pad a more welcoming place to live.  Besides, who doesn't love a great boutique full of homey things**? 
  • Once my yoga mat arrives  later this week (along with all my heels & books, YAY!!!), I will once again be in the market for a good yoga studio.  I prefer to practice Forrest yoga, but I don't mind Vinyasa or some of the hybrid classes that keep you flexible and moving.  I prefer not to attend a studio that asks me to chant things or try to sell me on some kind of spirituality... unless it promises me a Diane Kruger bod after just one class, in which case I might reconsider. 
*Advising me to 'just Google it' is not a solution.  I'm looking for legit word-of-mouth recommendations here, folks!
**In my book, 'best of the best vintage' = ohmygosh!-worthy deals & truly quality pieces. 
*** If you're in Boston and are looking for a wonderful home goods boutique, I cannot recommend Pod in Brookline Village enough!  From petite Spanish tumblers (which I am at this moment using as mini wine glasses) to eco-friendly shower curtains, linen scarves and glorious bath salts, Pod will have you covered!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Ambassador Kate


I am so pleased to announce that I am now the UK & European Brand Ambassador for Samantha House JewelryCue happy noises and spontaneous jig step!  

A few days before my move, Samantha graciously welcomed me into her home studio (snippets of which can be seen above) and, over tea and homemade biscuits warm from the oven, we talked about our partnership and plans for our English and European Invasion.  I love Samantha's energy and spirit, not to mention her pastel pink hair (yes, that's her pink hair in yesterday's Instagram post) and I'm so super psyched to be working with her!  This is going to be SO FUN!

The cases of jewels have yet to arrive, but when they do, you can bet that you'll be seeing a lot of them featured here.  Her work is really amazing and beautiful and different, which I lovelovelove.  Next week I'll show you the first pieces she made for me (like, made them right in front of my eyes, it was incredible) and tell you a tale of love and loss.  Until then, don't be shy and check out her (our!) blog and like her (us!) on facebook.  We have big plans so stay tuned... and have a super duper weekend! 

Friday, May 18, 2012

@ladykatherine

Now you can be with me while I eat sandwiches, cry at bars, snuggle with Le Chat and go on all kinds of glamorous adventures!  Just follow along on Instagram and it'll be like we're together all the time!

I stole the Redcoat away from Cox Quarters last night and we had a very necessary chat about our current state of life and I broke my rule about crying in public.  BUT I COULDN'T HELP IT!  I mean, I have a lot of emotions right now.  Besides, it was bound to happen at some point, so I'm glad it happened in a dimly lit corner of the Hotel Du Vin bar.  Speaking of bars and drinking establishments- what is with the no music thing in this country?  Doesn't Drinking Hall 101 clearly state that music is integral to creating a comfortable ambiance?  It doesn't have to be trendy or anything, but some light background music is important.  Just turn on some Vivaldi or something, pretty please?  I mean, it's difficult to tell secrets and have a quiet cry with all this silence. 

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Inane Drivel & Pretty Pictures of Wisteria




I've lived in the UK for an entire week without managing to get hit by a car, offend someone, or start crying in public. So far, pretty damn good! Here are some notes on week number one.

-Writing from the iPad today because David and I foolishly packed only one adapter in our luggage coming over here and it's being used to power our iMac, which he is currently using. My laptop is dead and I'm too lazy to walk to Boots for another adapter so... This is a stupid story and a hugely idiotic way of saying that the formatting might be weird in this post. Also an absurdly long-winded way of advising you to always pack multiple adapters!

- Someone left me a voicemail the other day and even after 15 listenings, I still can't figure out what the hell they're saying. Seeing as only 5 people in this entire country have my number, I very much doubt the call was intended for me, but regardless it makes me feel very insecure about my British telecommunication skills. 'Ello..?

- I'm lonely. I miss my books, I miss my friends, and I miss knowing things- like where to go shopping or what bar has Bollinger by the glass, etc. I had to ask someone which coin was 10 pence the other day and because I was soaked with rain I couldn't even pull the Cute American shtick. Embarrassing!

- Eggs here taste better than eggs in the States. Eggland, indeed! Most of the other grocery food taste better, too. Especially ginger biscuits!!

- I've had two urban fox sitings in the past week! This is very exciting because foxes are my spirit animal. My honorary spirit animal is Tilda Swinton who, now that I think about it, is quite fox-like herself.

- The train makes me very sleepy and I know for a fact that I will pass out one day coming back from London and will get robbed or something [touch wood!]. I need to find something to help me stay awake for the hour long journey... Tequila shots, perhaps? Weird Al polka music at high volumes? Recommendations are welcome...

- David has a whole bunch of vintage African art this his mother bought when they lived in Africa. I must remember to take a picture and share it with you.

I guess that's everything worth noting. Yes, I realize most of my notes (i.e. all of them) were not at all interesting, except maybe the Swinton-Fox parallel... and I must look into that further!

Until tomorrow, xox!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Put a Crown on It


I went to Windsor Castle yesterday with a friend who's visiting from the States.  Generally I'd be like, yeaaahhh, I don't really do all that tourist stuff, but I was beginning to go stir crazy here in Cox Quarters and it turns out a trip to see the Queen was just what the doctor ordered. 

The inside of the Castle is gorgeous in that Royal English sort of way and even though visitors aren't allowed to take pictures of the inside, I'm sure you can imagine the ornate splendor of the decor- lots of bedazzled sabers, stodgy old paintings, gold leaf... you know.  Luckily for this post's sake, the outside of the castle is just as beautiful as the inside and, when we weren't dodging rain showers, Lori and I had a great time gallivanting around the grounds, taking pictures, and asking each other questions like, "If Kate Middleton really loves her Pottery Barn dresser from college, do you think they'll let her move it into the Castle?" and "Do you think there's a secret modern wing full of Banksy originals and BoConcept furniture?"  I mean, are all the Royals still super gung-ho about the Victorian aesthetic?  Prince Harry needs a proper bachelor pad, after all...

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

@ The National Arboretum


After four full days in the new flat, I've decided to dub our new home Cox Quarters.  This place has been occupied by a steady stream of testosterone-charged young men for the last five years and the scuffed walls, layers of kitchen grime and utilitarian decor are all in serious need of a tasteful touch.

As I've been thinking about my plans for the flat, my mind keeps going back to the National Bansai and Penjing Museum at the National Arboretum in DC.  Ever since visiting a couple weeks ago, I've been obsessed with the chlorophyll rich greens, the teak wood, and subtle greys and browns of the bonsai trees.  The bonsai exhibit was breathtaking (I love that the trees are described as being "in training") and the crisp colors made me feel clean, serene and refreshed.  I'm thinking some grey-white paint, teak furniture and manicured houseplants are definitely in my future.

As much as I'm drawn to the beauty of bonsai, I'm also fascinated by the art and philosophy of bonsai.  How lovely that some of these trees have been in training for hundreds and hundreds of years and have been cared for by just as many people.  Just as a bonsai artist must know when to trim and edit a tree's growth pattern, so must a small business owner know when to trim and edit their business growth (and an artist their craft).   As much as you try, you oftentimes can't plan exactly how your business will grow and change over time, but you can adapt to make sure your growth is properly tended to.  Bonsai business- how lovely! 

And just to update everyone- Le Chat safely arrived in the UK on Friday.  She's acclimated wonderfully to the new space, though she is quite afraid of the step-sons who are approximately 2,000 times her size and 100 times louder.  Let's just say she and I are having a lot of quiet time together in the bedroom, with the door closed.   xox

Monday, May 14, 2012

For My Mother


Dearest Mother,

Yesterday wasn't Mother's Day in the UK, but I still spent most of my day thinking of you.  I wish so much that we could have spent the day together because I think you'd love my new home and I know for certain that I would love having you here.

We started our afternoon with a Sunday roast at The Black Pig, which was simple, fresh and oh so lovely.  We finished our meal with whiskey and espresso in the garden behind the pub.  The wind was cool but the sun warmed us and we were comfortable with our jackets on.  After we finished lunch, David and I went for a long walk through the village, stopping briefly to watch a cricket match in the park.  David explained the game to me but I wasn't paying close attention and I still don't understand how it works.  There were flowers blooming everywhere on our walk and I know you would have told me the names if you were with me.  The air was clean and fragrant from the blossoms and I missed you very much.

I love you, Mom.  Happy Belated Mother's Day!

xoxo,
Kate

Thursday, May 10, 2012

USA IN UK


 To catch you up on the last 24 hours:
  • Our darling kitten was denied flight approval at the airport last night.  Not because she didn't pass her medical exam or because she was misbehaving, no no no...  She was denied access because her cage was too small.  Though the carrier we had allowed her to stand, comfortably turn around, eat, drink, and travel domestically within the United States (keep in mind that a flight from Boston to California is longer than a flight from Boston to London), it didn't allow her to do jumping jacks or run on a treadmill (which, you know, we humans are given enough room to do when we fly...), so she was denied access to fly with us.  This has been upsetting for me and David for a number or reasons, but we are incredibly thankful to a number of amazing friends who have taken care of Le Chat, purchased a new carrier for her, and have loaded her onto tonight's flight to the UK so we will be able to receive her tomorrow.  Friends, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and willingness to help us through this very stressful situation and I cannot adequately express how excited I am to see my little kitten tomorrow! 
  • David and I landed in London without any hiccups (except the aforementioned incident) this morning and have since set up camp in our Hobbit Flat in Tunbridge Wells (photos of drab drapes and rugby shoes above).  It's grey and rainy here, which is appropriately depressing.  Our social calendar is booked for the next couple days, but I am most looking forward to getting things* figured out so I can start working on some exciting new projects.  YAY! 
  • I accidentally locked myself out of my Gmail account.  You see, I had 2-step verification set-up to access my account and realized this morning that, seeing as my US mobile is no longer active, I will have no way of receiving my text message verification code.  Ergo, I cannot access my Gmail until the nice people at Google decide I'm not a hacker.  This is both a happy escape from real life obligations and an enormous inconvenience.  Strangely I can still access Blogger... ta-da! 
  • My new roommate (step-son) has been amazing in helping David and I get situated in our new (David's old) home.  In my mind, this flat is far from ideal and I can't wait to get the paint samples out and start DIY projects to make it look beautiful!  Stay tuned for before and after pictures- everyone loves a makeover!  
  • I haven't even been here a full day yet and I already have Ginger Biscuit crumbs all over my sweater.  This whole tea-time thing may just be my greatest downfall... 
Tomorrow is a busy day and David is already sleeping beside me so I too am going to turn-in for the night.  Again, an enormous THANK YOU to everyone who helped us with Le Chat!  I am so thankful for having an abundance of wonderful people in my life and I'm literally weeping just thinking about how awesome my friends are.  Gaaahhh!  XOXOXO.

*Banking, mobile phone, apartment organization, toothpaste purchases, etc.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Remember Me


An incredibly thoughtful friend made these little Remember Me bracelets for me to pass out to my friends at a going away party last Sunday.  The instructions were simple: tie them on a friend's wrist and when they fall off, that person has to get in touch with me and see how I'm doing.  Isn't that sweet?

My friend only made a small batch of these bracelets, but I think this is a great idea and want to make more so I can mail them to friends all over!   I also think they make great wedding presents and birthday gifts.


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Le Chat Goes to the UK


For all of you who are wondering, yes, we're moving the cat with us.  Of course we're moving the cat!  Le Chat, as many of you know, hasn't always been my favorite friend, but I've really grown to love her over the last few years and the thought of leaving her behind in America makes my eyes swell and my mouth get droopy.  She is such a sweet kitten and she's really pretty, too- especially now that she has a brand new haircut* to show off her sleek physique (she's the Kate Moss of cats- so skinny!) and keep the shedding to a minimum!

I'm going to be honest, getting your cat to the UK isn't the easiest (or cheapest- oy!) process in the world, but it's not as difficult as it once was.  The biggest bummer about the whole thing is that animals are not allowed to fly in the cabin on flights to the UK.  Ergo, Le Chat will be stuck in the belly of the plane while David and I pick our nails and feel like terrible cat parents as we strain our ears for sad kitten sounds over the noise of the jet engines.  I mean, Le Chat freaks out when she has to take a trip in the car so I can't imagine how inconsolable she'll be flying alone in a dark and cold plane**.  Ohmygosh, I'm going to start crying right now just thinking about it...  I am such a horrible cat owner!  BUT, at least she doesn't have to be quarantined, which the government no longer does so long as US kittens have proper shots, a passport thingy, and a microchip in them. It's all very official.

We are very excited to get Le Chat established in her new home so she can become a refined UK Cat and speak with a British accent, etc.  I really hope she keeps her cool on the plane and doesn't hate us for moving her so far away so we can be a happy family on the other side of the pond.  Yay!

*If you live in Boston and need an amazing cat/dog groomer, you have to call Eddy (617.866.1690).  No only is he meticulous with his fur buzzing, he also comes to you.  How awesome is that?  He has a little cat grooming truck which looks like an ice cream truck if ice cream trucks didn't play music and had what looked like a small vet office, not kitchen, in the back.  We're really going to miss Eddy!  He is so so wonderful!

**I don't really know if it is going to be dark and cold. I sure hope it's not, especially considering how crazy expensive her plane ticket was!