{wedding in the Black Forest part I}

At the start of last month, I travelled to the Black Forest in Germany to celebrate my cousin's wedding. It was absolutely wonderful. It was an amazing mix of fun people, and involved lovely excursions organised by the groom's family, who is from the area.
We had a tour of the textile factory owned by the groom's family; we went to Strasbourg one day and ate at a fantastic restaurant, l'Orangerie; we lunched at Staufenberg Castle, & enjoyed German hospitality.
The pictures below are from the the excursions, another blog will follow with wedding pictures.

{the view from my hotel room!}

{a visit to the Apelt Factory}

{day trip to Strasbourg}

{the bride & her ladies!}

{dinner at l'orangerie}

{walks around the Staufenberg Castle}

{your truly enjoying the sunshine!}

{a walk in the black forest}

{the gang!}

more of the wedding to follow!
xo,
L

{quotable thursdays}

{home & comfort}

What better person to give us a quote on home & comfort, than Jane Austen? Her books, wherever I'm reading them, bring me comfort and conjure memories of tucking into one of her great reads, cozy & curled up on a comfortable sofa or chair.

but 'home' has been on the forefront of my mind because (drum roll)...I've started looking at buying a house! It will be my first owned property, and it's all very exciting. I'm just starting the process, so it'll likely be a while until I move. But as an art historian, it's *pretty* amazing to think that I could buy a lovely historic property--Victorian terrace, or *even* even a 17th-century cottage! Now my budget is pretty low, so London is out of the question for the kind of property I'd like, but even still, it's wonderful to think of me & Simla the Siamese cat settled into a lovely property filled with character charm!

Some places I've been looking at are all renovated already, others would need some work, or as my parents say, they need to be 'clarkified'... But as a daughter of 2 renovators extraordinaire, I can see the potential through 80s wallpaper, bad carpet & hideous decor.
here are some images that are inspiring me at the moment:

{gorgeous inglenook & exposed beams--replace dog & shag rug with Siamese cat & Persian rug!}

{old rustic world charm}

{Victorian charm!}

{very rustic!}

can't wait to blog about the final purchase (when it comes) and the renos/decorating that will ensue!
This weekend I'm going to the Savoy for a black tie charity event--will try to take pics if I can!
I still have some catch up blogging to do, including my cousin's wedding in Germany. so more soon, I hope!
xo
L

{Canadian Thanksgiving in London}

Sorry, finally getting caught up on blogging. 

This year I hosted my second annual Canadian Thanksgiving in London. It was a full house this time, with about 16 people crowded into my tiny flat. But I managed it! 3 chickens later...

{the invite, featuring my mantle from last year}

{Vicrtorian crockery all ready!}

{cloth napkins for every guest!}

{all set up & ready to go!}

& in the kitchen...

{Simla was a gracious co-hostess. Normally of a shy disposition, my cat was very kind and affectionate to all the guests!}

{2 out of the 3 chickens!}

{the spread!}

{Bon Appétit!}

so thankful for a roof over my head, a loving cat, wonderful friends, and a life in London.
xo,
L