Taking a style cue from this weekend's movie Helvetica, today's quote is from good ol' Abe. I love this one because it's so easy to measure everything (happiness, success, failures, relationships, wisdom, etc) by the number of years we've been at it. When really, life is so much more than counting numbers. If anything should be counted it's the lessons learned, time spent with loved ones, struggles that made you grow and moments that made you smile. So on that note, cheers to living in London for one year!
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(design by me)
Hello, how was your weekend? I did a little bit of everything from exploring Bermondsey Street and trying
I hope you all had a good week and are ready for a few days of fun and rest. I'm going to check out the Bermondsey Antiques Market today (though I'm already late since it opens at 5am!) but the rest of the weekend I hope to relax, meet with friends, and do whatever suits my mood.
Where does the time go??? Next weekend marks my one year anniversary of living in London and though we have done and seen a lot in this beautiful town, we've barely made a dent in these guide books. I think I'll dust them off and pretend like I've just arrived all over again since there's still so much to explore. In addition to planning new adventures around town, I'm going to commemorate our first year as American Expats by compiling my favorite photos and moments for next week's posts. There's plenty to share on that end so stay tuned!
"What do you do?" - the inevitable question that has become increasingly challenging to respond to. It used to be so easy when I worked for someone else and they told me what I did - I was intern, a manager, a marketing director...easy, it said so on the company business cards. Now that I'm pursuing freelance work in graphic design and photography - while writing this blog, doing DIY projects for 
Spring is officially here and this playful window sill gracing our street couldn't be any more perfect. Is this a spring tradition in a certain culture? Or is our neighbor just really fun and creative? Either way I'm glad it's there to jump-start the season and perk things up around here!
When I look at my iPhone I still can't believe what it's capable of doing. I mean, I remember having to wait in line at my High School's payphone to call my parents for a ride home after track practice was cancelled. The fact that I now have a neatly arranged digital wall of services and tools (with phone capabilities) ready to launch at the tap of a finger is still absolutely mind-blowing. And yet, I can't imagine my life without it. On a previous post I mentioned a few London transportation apps that save me in this city and one of you commented that you'd love to hear what those were plus more. So, here are several of my favorite apps in different categories that make my everyday things, tasks and thoughts more simple and efficient.
My parents recently moved back to Colombia - their native country- where they're setting their roots down after decades of being away. They were the first from their families to fly the coop when they were eighteen and nineteen years old, opting for new adventures that would eventually create our own beautiful family. Their spirits, bravery, and yes, craziness, have been the biggest inspirations in my life. They were the first to tell me to follow my heart and move halfway across the world with Joe - "go, have an adventure" they said "it's what life is all about". They are always so right.
I'm back to spending GBP and boy is it tough to do after paying much less for things in the States. When we first moved here I adapted to the exchange rate quickly but the one thing I still cannot let myself buy/pay for in London is a mani-pedi from a salon. First, I'm extremely picky as to where I get my nails done. If I can smell chemicals or see wall-to-wall carpet on the floor, I'm not going in there. Second, I do care about ambiance. I don't need a spa but I also don't want to feel more stressed out than when I arrived after loud TVs or constant chatter becomes too much.
Hi, how was your weekend?
The greatest thing happened this week: I felt totally over-dressed (and hot) in my now default down-feather jacket. This is a big deal because for the past several months I've done nothing but thank my lucky stars every time I stepped outside and felt the cold on my face but nada on my upper body. It's a pretty amazing jacket but I may not need it much longer since...ta da...spring is just around the corner! For the first time in my life I can legitimately feel the excitement of a new season. A warmer and brighter season. I know that it's not saying much being in London but I do recall some incredible days last year when I first arrived. Can't wait to welcome them back with open arms...and open toed shoes ;)
It's been nearly one week since I last saw my nieces and I'm totally going through withdrawals. They just make me SO happy. Even though they're probably the little culprits behind our week's sicky-icky fest, I wouldn't trade our time together for anything in the world.