Twenty-Six (Also, Hi!)

HI!

It's 2016! I live in Canada again! And I'm now 26! A lot of things!

Celebrated my birthday on Friday night with a pizza and prosecco (so much prosecco) party with all my pals. Cake, balloons, donuts, pizza and friends. Dream.

Monday my mom and I trudged into the woods to take those balloon pictures. It may look easy-peasy and like we got some great snaps but let me tell you, there are about 5 good ones out of 100. Not kidding. I'll probably share some outtakes later. Balloons are difficult when it's windy and it is hard to tell what way a 2 should be when its four feet high floating above your head.

And yesterday, on my actual birthday, it was a disgusting blizzard out so I hibernated most of the day. It was also coincidentally pancake day, so we whipped up some bacon pancakes for breakfast and ate cupcakes for lunch, as you do on your birthday. I also opened dozens of cards from friends and family and pretty packages that arrived perfectly on time in the post, despite the raging storm. Then pizza for supper.

26 is going to be a great year, I can already tell by the food I've been eating.

Thank you so much to everyone who wished me happy birthday, whether it was on various social medias, by text or in person. I felt the love people, I really did.

Until next time! xxxx

Feeling Festive with TTDER

Tuesday afternoon I hopped on a train to head to the lovely Tea Drinking English Rose's house for a sleepover. Charlotte met me at the station and we practically blew back to hers, it was so so windy and rainy! Not exactly the nicest weather, but luckily inside Charlotte's it was toasty warm and oh-so-cozy. And, of course, we had a cup of tea straight away.





We sat on the couch and chatted away for a little while, and then Sebastian (her lovely beardy man!) and his sweet mum came in for more tea and chats. After Sebastian's mum left, Charlotte cooked us some dinner and we munched in the living room.. and then a bit of silliness ensued - for some reason Charlotte and I decided to braid our hair as beards and have a mini bearded photoshoot?? I don't know what got into us, but my suspicions lie in the Winter Berry and Prosecco crisps from M&S we snacked on (sidenote: if you haven't tried those, go get them immediately. Crisps covered in gold stars.. not sure there is a more festive treat).





After we'd calmed down a little we went into town to meet our friend Chris for a drink and board games at one of their local pubs. We attempted to play Cluedo but all that was in the box was the board, Mrs Peacock and the lead pipe so I feel the mystery wouldn't be all to hard to solve. Instead we played Connect Four (seriously, how long since you've played that game!?) and had quite a laugh doing speed rounds and blind rounds.





We ended the night having mince pies and mulled winter juice, all of us completely knackered and going to bed almost immediately afterwards.





Wednesday morning Charlotte and I woke up and made tea and porridge - bakewell porridge! Almond essence and cherry jam and creamy oats with a cup of tea and our pyjamas in the morning sun, couldn't have asked for a nicer, more calm morning.





We then watched Christmas films - Arthur Christmas and The Santa Clause - while eating all the festive treats; glitter macarons, more Prosecco crisps and Christmassy fruit buns filled with brandy cream. All the while snapping pictures and chatting and laughing loads and loads.





All too quickly it was time to leave my little elf buddy and return to Brighton. I packed up my floral bag, and Charlotte walked me to the station and we reluctantly said goodbye to one another. I'm unsure when I'll see her again as I'm moving home so soon.. it's never fun having to say goodbyes and harder when it's someone you've grown so close to.







But, next time we see each other there'll be a miniTTDER (!!!!) joining us on our elf adventures and I'm certain it will be just as lovely and fun and giggly as always. I love spending time chez TTDER & Sebastian, and I'm already looking forward to the next time :)

xxxxx

Afternoon Tea

We went to Julien Plumart (the one on Duke Street in Brighton!) for a little afternoon tea.

Our English Breakfasts came in tiny clear glass pots that I loved

And then our stand of treats showed up!

My pretty tea date in her new dress :)

Let's take a second to appreciate those treats, yes?

Felicia's apricot-lavendar-chocolate cake

My raspberry white chocolate mousse cake *heart eyes emoji*

Hi!

Obviously chose a pistachio macaron (along with black forest and salted caramel)

Hi again! (I had a new dress on too, and my new Brighton necklace! )

The cute little room we were in overlooking the street

Hard to resist not buying one of each rainbow macaron dreamy goodness as we walked out!
I really wouldn't mind having afternoon tea daily, especially with such good company :)

Borough Market

Our first stop in London was Borough Market.
I hadn't been since last year, and it was on Felicia's England To-Do List.
We got delicious bratwurst to fuel our day, then browsed the seemingly endless stalls of baked goods, cheeses, fruits and veg, mulled wines, meats and beers.
We luckily arrived just before the lunch rush, so by the time we were leaving it was a struggle to get through the crowds of people swarming in.
I think another visit before Felicia leaves is in order - perhaps for some mulled wine next time?