Aspiring Kennedy

4 Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:56:00 +0000

I know, I know...

it is awful to be back in the office

after having a three-day weekend.

It's super depressing to go immediately from a weekend of celebrating summer

to an office where you are reminded:

actually, summer doesn't really exist count for people with 9-5 jobs.

In light of the harsh downshift

you are ~~most definitely~~ probably experiencing today

as you sort through emails & sit in staff meetings,

I'm taking you on a quick trip to the French countryside.

Let's draw out this return to reality for as long as possible, shall we?

I leave you with an awkward series of Tyler being ridiculous. Look at that grab in the second picture.

Though there is one really good aspect

to coming back to work after a long weekend....

Friday is just four days away!

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

FOUR SALE: Summer Skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:47:00 +0000

I've been in Scotland for the past few days

for a quick work trip.

After the endless complaining I have been doing

about the endless crappy weather here,

I have been silenced.

The clouds broke, the sun appeared,

the temperatures have risen...

and we, my friends, are experiencing a heat wave!

I am so happy!

I've literally been going non-stop since the sun arrived

in order to enjoy every moment of the good weather that I can.

I'm back in London now,

but have a really exciting treat for you all...

this totally awesome skirt.

{If I do say so myself!}

Psst... I finally joined instagram! Username: aspiringkennedy.... duh. :)

I found this little gem in Edinburgh

and loved how perfect it was in the summer weather...

it's cool fabric feels great on a sunny day,

long length & pattern that is terribly summer appropriate,

and is, actually, totally flattering... which I really appreciate.

I instagram'd it from Edinburgh and it seemed that every comment was:

"Love your skirt!"

When I saw the general response,
a little bell went off in my mind:

Obviously, you all need one, too.

So, I bought some.

And now I'm selling them to you.

No special brand, just from a local store here...

but it is super cute and the perfect (cheap) addition for summer!

Please remember, all sales are final...

as I can't take these back. :)

Skirt US2/ UK 6:
SOLD OUT

Skirt US 4/UK 8:
SOLD OUT

Skirt US 6/UK 10:
SOLD OUT

Skirt US 8/UK 12:

Skirt US 10/UK 14:
SOLD OUT

*all sales final.

**please allow for cheap/slow shipping, as i like to keep the shipping price as low as possible. arrival is typically about 2 weeks from purchase. :)

It's fun having cool friends...

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:26:00 +0000

... because when you have cool friends,

you get to do cool things with them

instead of sitting around your flat

clicking through Suri's Burn Book,

eating yoghurt that is past it's expiration

while waiting for your pants to finish drying on the radiator.

I mean not like I do that or anything....

at least, not every day.

A good example of this

was when I got to help Helena style her flat

for a shoot for The Everygirl.

And when I say "style,"

you realize that actually, basically, means:

eat almond croissants, chat up the photographer

& root through Helena's make up & jewelry while she tried on clothes.

Yeah, it was super fun.

photos by lbk

Sarah Hogan, the photographer, was amazing.

Not only are her pictures fantastic,

but she is way fun to work with...

like, I want to go buy a huge house,

spend tons to decorate it

~~get in disastrous debt~~...

just to give me another excuse to spend the day

hanging out with her.

I stole a few shots from the piece to show off her skills...

photos by Sarah Hogan

So, go on.

Click through to see the entire shoot

and fall more in love with Helena

for being the incredible mix of exotically fabulous

(Greek girl- raised in Spain- who went to French school & works in London?)

and completely down-to-earth

You'll love seeing how NORMAL her house is.

It makes me happy to see her pretty life showcased this way.

I, in the meantime, will be sitting here...

drinking a tepid cup of chamomile tea & moving files to my external hard-drive.

Seriously.

Annnnnnd that is why I'm thankful to have friends that are actually not losers.

Med Degree: Tom Ford, Neroli Portofino

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The other day, I was in John Lewis and made a new friend at the Tom Ford counter.

I mean, this guy was really awesome...

he's was an LA native in a killer suit

with some sweet specs.

We discovered we had parallel lives as expats flopping between London & Paris,

got slightly emotional about the merits of dry oils,

& held each other as we confessed our desperation for sunshine.

Ok, now I'm exaggerating...

but one thing that happened for sure

was that I fell head over heels for

Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino line.

The least provocative ad for Neroli Portofino one can find.

This stuff is the real deal.

It's such a steady scent of fresh notes of the Mediterranean

wrapped in a luxe essence that only Tom Ford could master.

It's the perfect fresh scent to get you ready to prance around a resort,

get you in the zone for a ladies lunch over mimosas,

or to accompany you on a night of mingling on a Southern Italian terrace.

{Yes, I reside in a constant mental state of fairy tales...

but it's much prettier there & way more fun.}

The luxe range is killer expensive

with a 3.4 oz bottle of perfume costing $265.

{The real winners of the line, IMO, are the parfume & body splash.}

But as the line is gender neutral,

if you can get your partner on board with how great it is...

you could possibly justify the splurge as a "joint purchase."

Neroli Portofino, Tom Ford: Shower Gel | Private Blend Bar Soap $35 | Candle $85
50 ml Parfum $265 | Moisturizer $65 | Body Splash $70

Until I can convince Tyler to join in on the splurge,

I'll be enjoying the free samples my new friend sent home with me...

and dreaming of that future evening on the Mediterranean

dressed in a gauzy, white dress,

oversized sapphires,

& Neroli Portofino.

Do you have Neroli Portofino?

Have you found it has increased your presence at Italian soirees & resorts?

A Close Shave.

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Recently, my husband took a turn into his mid-life

and celebrated his 30th birthday.

{30? Really?}

Since we have been a little "experience" heavy lately,

it was actually really hard to think of an activity

that was worthy of such a monumental day.

I'm not sure how well I actually did at the overall day...

but I know I did two things right.

The first was booking dinner at the OXO tower

overlooking the skyline of London.

(One point, me. One point for you, too, if you go when you visit London.)

The second was taking Tyler to

Ted's Grooming Room

to primp & pamper him.

This quirky salon is the brainchild of Ted Baker.

Apparently, after experiencing a traditional Turkish shave in Turkey (duh),

Ted came back and opened up a shop to recreate the experience.

It's pretty fantastic, I must say...

and it wasn't even me with the appointment!

WHY I LOVED TED'S GROOMING ROOM:

The clothes the barbers wear are awesome Ted Baker clothes.

They all are the same... but they all rock.

You get treated to some mean Turkish coffee for you while you wait.

They move giant razor blades around men's throats like it's no big deal.

How smooooooth Tyler's face was for days. Lovely.

They have bowls of matches & combs to take for free...

except you may realize when you get home, they aren't actually matches...

they're condoms.

And I made a joke about never having "these"

when I need them to the guy as I shoved a handful in my purse.

And he giggled.

{Editor's Note: Sign up for 'Anti-Moron' coaching class immediately.}

Oh well.. regardless of the impression I made there,

the important thing is: Tyler really liked it.

And that's good...

because now that he's 30,

there's not as much to be excited about.

I kid, I kid.

PS. Im headed to Scotland for a "wee" work trip today

where I'll be hopping around Edinburgh & the country for a few days.

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

The Aspiring Kennedy's Show & Tell

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:06:00 +0000

Let's play a game of "Show & Tell."

First, I'm going to show you some of the food I've had lately...

Now, I'm going to tell you that all of these meals were delicious.

Wasn't that a fun game?

Between our trip to Northern Italy,

lounging in the Loire Valley,

wrapping up our time in Paris,

& getting back to life in London...

we have been eating good this month!

For as tasty as the food is in France,

I'm excited to be back in the UK.

{Yes, we are now back in London. It's official!}

I know it sounds crazy...

but I, actually, prefer the food here to France.

Not that the French cuisine wasn't delicious,

but it doesn't boast the ethnic variety that you can find here in London.

And this girl...

well, she needs some spice.

Ok, now that my foodie porn-reel is complete...

it's your turn to tell us:

What's the best thing you've put in your mouth lately?

Speaking of delicious food,

check out my updated page for traveling to Paris.

It has all my favorite places to eat updated for you

and is the perfect place to go when planning your next Parisian getaway!

*hah, not like that, ya freak.

**all images original to aspiring kennedy

Thinking Out Loud

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:00 +0000

My dad is a complete goof-ball.

I've seen him cross the line in so many social settings,

I can't even begin to tell you.

Some of his standard acts include, but aren't limited to:

telling hostesses at restaurants his name is "Shania Twain" or "Kobe Bryant,"

confiding in new acquaintances that he struggles with being half bulimic ("Just the binging..."),

& dressing in costume to speak to his daughter on skype.

No family get-together is complete

until his children have started in

on remembering his past shenanigans.

But don't let his giddiness & giggly self fool you...

the man is smart.

thank goodness for photos like this. the young aspiring kennedy is in the pink suit...my father in thigh-highs.

Like, he graduated from Harvard at 23 with an MBA

without ever taking a math class above high school geometry.

{Editor's note: I'm 92.6% sure I was adopted.}

So while he sometimes (read: often) can be someone to laugh with,

he also offers some incredible perspective.

In college, he introduced to me the idea that our disappointments are caused by expectations.

So, basically, me feeling bad about a situation

wasn't because I had been slighted by something

or because I hadn't been given something...

it was because I had thought I deserved it,

and not getting it had left me feeling mistreated.

That small thought dramatically changed the way I see life.

Instead of expecting things to be a certain way,

I learned to stop expecting things
that I had previously seen as "normal."

It helped me enjoy my life as a gift...

rather than something owed to me.

I stopped pointing the finger at something else for causing my unhappiness,

and changed the perspective that had originally caused me to feel entitled to it.

Whatever "it" may be.... being invited into a certain group of friends,

getting a certain position within a group,

or having my life look a certain way because that's what the other people

of whatever community I am a part of look like.

{Editor's Note: Keep going with me, people. I'll wrap this up soon.}

My dad taught me to change who I am

instead of sitting back & criticizing the conditions or people around me

in hopes that they would change the outcome for me.

It helped me start enjoying the life that is before me

instead of waiting around for some outside force to make me happy.

{Editor's note: It's totally empowering to take away that control from other people.}

If I start thinking about how "off" our life is from the status quo,
it can give me anxiety like nobody's business.

We move every few months into temporary housing.
Tyler doesn't have a "real job" because he has a start-up.
Everyone (and I mean, everyone) else has kids.

When I start looking at other's people lives,
I can start to want my life to look normal...
just because I think it "should be" like that.

But then I remember that if changed any of those aspects
-in hopes of fitting into someone's (or my) expectations of what my life should look like-
I'd be trading in a facet of my life that I cherish dearly.

(seeing the world, hanging out with Tyler every day, getting to pour my heart into my work)

Why the heck would I give up any just because it sets me apart?

The reason I'm writing all of this

is because I'm afraid that, if we aren't careful,

blogging & social media can often leave people feeling disappointed.

So, dear friends, can I just suggest something:

If you feel bad after logging on to Facebook,

reading blogs,

or scrolling down Pinterest...

stop doing it.

For lent, I gave up seeing certain people that annoyed me

because I wanted to give up something that would actually make my heart better

instead of my typical "no desserts" routine.

Yup. I stopped reading their blog & hid them on facebook,

and, actually, forgot about them for 40 days...

and it felt really good.

So let me suggest that you do the same...

even if that means you stop reading my blog.

Clear your head & enjoy the life before you...

because if you stop comparing yourself to other people

and feeling that your life would be better if it looked more like someone else's,

you'll probably realize the life you're actually living is quite nice!

*Did anyone survive the length of this post?

*images here & here

Paris: One Last Look

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Springtime in Paris has been crazy experience.

Sun & bliss one minute...

and rain & grayness the next.

It's always really cold though... a high of mid 50's every day!

It's makes it hard to muster up motivation to explore...

but on the days we do,

Paris never disappoints...

And neither do morning visits to the Louvre.

Those are the apartments of Napolean III.

I'd never seen them before,

but I was blown away by the opulence in this overlooked portion of the Louvre.

{And, remember people, I've hung out at Buckingham... so I feel like that's saying something!}

The gorgeous apartments are definitely a new favorite for me

and I place I'll be bringing all my guests from this point on.

After we had our fill of world-famous paintings & luxurious furnishes,

we wandered out of the Louvre

and down through the Tuileries...

where I bumped into my bloggy friend, Liz!

She obviously did not look as wrecked from the inclimate weather...ha!

Isn't she so cute?

Liz is just the sweetest,

and I was so surprised

to bump into her & Cory!

Hope to meet up with her again again in the future...

next time with a hairstyle that makes me look like less of an elf.

From there, we swung by Les Invalides

to say "Bonjour" to Napolean....

the themed audio guide tours there are pretty good.

See the pretty sky here?

Literally, by the end of the street,

we were hiding under an awning from a hail storm.

It was the craziest, most bi-polar weather I've ever been in.

Perfect one minute for strolling Paris...

and bone-soaking wet minutes later.

Crazy.

A quick stop to see the Gardens of Rodin...

with a price tag of €1,

it's hard not to poke in when you're near there.

I love this place so much.

And after a day that big...

it was only right to eat something of equal greatness.

Nutella + Almonds + Coconut.

Can I get an Amen?

So here's to our "springtime" in Paris...

when I return there in June,
I'll let you know if the summer weather is as soggy.

*Images original to Aspiring Kennedy. Please source accordingly.

You'll Want This, I Just Know It

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Coffee is so good...

it's the friend you need in the morning to wake you up,

the stomach filler that saves you when you're cutting back,

& the late-night companion that keeps you going on road trips.

Such a selfless drink, isn't it?

In the spirit of coffee being such a giving component of our daily lives,

I think it's time to to give away some coffee.

Well actually, a coffee maker...

you know, the machine that makes coffee for you.

So very kind of it.

We have somehow started to collect international coffee makers

as frequently as we acquire new stamps in our passports.

Some days, it's a lazy morning with the French press.

Other days the only thing my brain can handle is a Keurig.

And when Tyler is making coffee, it's always Italian style on the stove.

When I saw Marissa post about this mini espresso pot,

I went a little bizerk.

Like I emailed the nice people at Moka Pot

& begged them to let me host a giveaway for you.

Because one of you needs {dare I say "deserves?"} this coffee maker.

They sent me one to try out before I talked about it here,

and have been oh-so-happy every time I use it because...

1. In literally, 3 minutes there are two perfectly portioned cups of espresso waiting for you.

2. I can either share the other cup, or combine them in a warm of warm milk for a double.

3. It's super easy to clean.

4. It makes me feel Italian to drink coffee this way.

Watch the Moka Pot in action here... ain't it snazzy?

NOW, HERE'S HOW TO GET ONE:

{in my typical ridiculous fashion}

ENTRY ONE: Tell me which color of Moka you want to win (pick here).

ENTRY TWO: "Like" my facebook page and leave a comment saying you do.

ENTRY THREE: Tell me your favorite coffee drink in a comment.

ENTRY FOUR: Follow me on twitter and leave a comment saying you do.

Closed: Congratulations Jenny of Thompson Tales for winning the moka pot!

Winner will be chosen on May 21, 2012. Must follow Aspiring Kennedy via GFC, RSS or BlogLovin'

Open to both US & International readers. Void where prohibited.

Photography original to Aspiring Kennedy. Please source accordingly.

Get Out the Cigars!

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:50:00 +0000

I'm an aunt again!

Yesterday, my sister in law, Tara, had her baby...

she had pretty much the best birth I've ever heard of before.

Checked-in at 5:30, got induced, felt kinda crampy, pushed for an hour, baby born...

all by lunch time!

That's impressive baby-birthing people.

{And it was her first kid!}

Tyler & I were giddy all day.

Like, we were acting ridiculous.

Pacing, texting his family, making weight predictions.

We were just too excited!

Sweet baby Greyson {"Grey," if you will} isn't our first nephew,

in fact... we already have 3 nephews & two nieces,

but we LOVE all of their guts.

And this guy- with his scrunchy, little chubby face & fluffy hair- is no exception.

Summer Scarves: Give 'Em The Run Around

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Paul Smith, Multi Dye Stripe Scarf £95 | Alexander McQueen Anenome Scarf, $625 | Paul Smith Pink & Gray Canvas, £125
Missoni Coral ZigZag, £165 | Madeline Thompson Lattice Print Scarf , £170 | Me & Kashmere Pink Python Scarf, £125
Paul Smith Pink Polka Dot, £90 | Bindya Pink & Purple Scarf, $125 | Alexander McQueen Leopard Scarf, $475

I've never been one to stick with a particular style.

I ride the recent trends with gusto,

and relish experimenting with any & every style

as if I'm in a constant state of celebration for Halloween.

Instead of dressing like a fairy, vampire, or slutty sailor,

I opt for dabbling in genres like hipster, sorority girl & Northeastern trust-funder.

Flipping through styles allows me to constantly play a respectable form of dress up.

{Because we can't all be Lady GaGa.}

A couple of summers back,

as summer scarves started appearing on every girls neck,

my sister rolled her eyes at me one day

as I plopped down at the breakfast table.

"What the heck is the purpose of a scarf at this time of year?"

Erm, I don't know.

To look awesome?

It's probably true.

In Texas, there really was no need for a scarves

except to serve as decoration for your decolletage.

But now that I live in Europe,

I realize their merit

as they constantly provide the perfect transition

between the constantly fluxuating temperatures.

Hot bus to cold street.

Warm day out to chilly night on a terrace.

There never seems to be a day when I don't realize

how glad I am to have the extra layer.

As I begin to plan for my summer travel schedule & packing list,

a new scarf is definitely on my check-list.

I'd love to invest in one of the amazing scarves...

but until I'm ready to trade my awesome job

for a more lucrative one,

I'll just have to enjoy these from a distance.

What do you think about summer scarves?

Completely awesome or Completely ridiculous?

FOUR SALE: Ted Baker

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Hauling one's possessions for one too many trips

can teach even the silliest of overpackers

to trim down on what they are toting along.

While I do my best to keep my clothes to neutrals & smart layers,

one item that I won't apologize for is a large toiletry bag.

Make-up, straightener, hair products, jewelry case...

it's the only place in my travel wardrobe that offers any variety.

When I passed these bags the other day,

my heart stopped a beat.

A large wash bag from the Rose Bug collection... for £28.

The size is deliciously large...

you can easily fit a hair dryer & straightener alongside your other goods here.

The shape is terribly chic...

not only does it have a beautiful red & gold zipper,

but it folds over like a clutch.

And the fabric...

sigh.

It's a beautiful vivid satin print

of Ted Baker's spring pattern, Rose Bug.

So, in typical Four Sale fashion,

I bought one for me...

and four for you.

Canvas shopper £69 | Scarf $110 | Floral Shorts £89 | Sweetheart Dress $310

As you can see,

compared to regular prices for the line

this piece is a steal!

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share the love with all of you!

First come, first served.

A Little Introduction: Les Profiteroles

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Do you know what profiteroles are?

It's okay if the answer is "no."

I have to say, I dind't know what they were for too many years.

{It's a shame I bare daily.}

In case you are in the dark, like I once was,

let me do you a quick favor

and introduce you to your new favorite dessert.

I'll do my best to paint a picture of what awaits you

the next time you see "les profiteroles" on a menu.

Start with the basic construction of a cream puff.

Imagine the small, orbs of slightly-chewy pastry puffs

filled with cream inside it's cavernous center.

Now, subtract the cream.

Add really cold, vanilla ice cream to where it once was.

Then, pour warm dark chocolate over the top.

Quite a lot of it, actually.

Sometimes, you'll have the addition of roasted almond slices to sprinkle on top.

Once you have all the components in place,

grab a spoon

and get to work.

You don't have much time to waste

once that ice cream starts warming up.

For all you visual learners,

here is a quick tutorial.

These particularly delicious profiteroles were from Cafe Constant,

a really delicious restaurant near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

If you'd like to eat here

{which I highly recommend!},

be there when the doors open for dinner at 7pm.

If you are just 5 minutes late,

you could find yourself standing at the bar

for up to 2 hours waiting for a table...

which means you'll have to watch all the restaurant eat their profiteroles first.

*All images original to Aspiring Kennedy. Please source accordingly.

Beginner's Manual For Staying In A French Manoir

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:42:00 +0000

When our friends, Anthony & Kellee, planned a trip over here,

we wanted to do something that would get us out of the city...

so I started combing through the interwebs for private home rentals in France.

There were some amazingly gorgeous places out there- for about €12,500 a week.

They looked like the place where Eva Longoria + Tony Parker got married,

making them completely amazing... and totally unaffordable.

Somehow I hopped around the internet and found this place:

Le Manoir Champfreau.

It was €200 a night for the entire, three bedroom home.

We emailed the link back & forth wondering if it was too good to be true.

Well, thankfully we went for it.

And when we rolled through the main gate together,

we realized we had, indeed, hit the jack pot.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I present to you

Le Manoir Champfreau.

{Commonly confused with "the best place on earth.}

I can't recommend it more.

There are three residences within the property...
we stayed in the larger of the three.

Next time we'll be back to enjoy the pool!

Beyond the gorgeous setting in Saumur
and the amazing home you'll enjoy,
you'll also get the privilege of meeting Stephen & Bruce,
the proud owners of this glorious manoir.

Between their pasts as a private chef (Bruce) & butler (Steven) for a high-profile household,
you are pretty much guaranteed an amazing stay.

Bruce Riedner, Chef Extraodinaire. Bruce's spice rack (shown below).

But while you are in the midst of being pampered by these two dear American ex-pats,
you'll also feel like you've become a part of their family.

Between Stephen sharing his knowledge of the best area croissants,
Bruce pointing you in the direction of burgers topped with foie gras,
and being invited into their own home to see recent renovations,

you are going to hate leaving these two as much as le Manoir.

If you are planning to visit France,
I hope you'll consider the quick trip out of Paris
into the gorgeous countryside of the Loire...

Forget needing to see the famous Chateaux & Wineries,
you need to go just for the experience of staying here!

I'd love to introduce you to our new friends at the Manoir...
or if you contact them, tell them you came via Aspiring Kennedy.

They'll take good care of you. :)

*If you'd like to see pictures of the kitchen, read my post here.

*All images original to Aspiring Kennedy

Homesick Texan

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Sat, 05 May 2012 12:50:00 +0000

Most days, I find it pretty awesome that I get to live in Europe.

I mean with a constant backdrop of such stunning sites,

it's hard not to feel lucky.

But there are certain days when I just want to be back in Texas,

sitting on a patio with friends in the warm evening air,

a giant Mexican feast sprawled out before me

and hot sunshine beating down on my exposed shoulders.

Cinco De Mayo is definitely one of those days.

images via

I can hear what you're all saying to yourself:

"But Lauren, think on the bright side:

living in England gives you the chance

of becoming best friends with Kate Middleton..."

And you're right.

Obviously, it is inevitable that, someday in the near future,

the two of us will be giggling on her 15x15ft Kensington Palace bed,

comparing shades of our brunette hair,

& asking the MI6 man guarding the door to order us in a pizza.

However in today's vulnerable state,

I might be willing to go all "Esau" and trade my future plans

for a chicken chile relleno, tortilla chips, & a ~~side~~ quart of hot queso.

Instead, Tyler & I will rally,

head out to the best Tex-Mex we can find...

and celebrate the 6th anniversary of our first kiss.

Even though I have no sunset happy-hour at Gloria's with friends,

at least I have this guy...

and I wouldn't trade that for anything!

{If you haven't read our love story- click through & get cozy.}

*PS. This blog is titled after one of my favorite blogs as an ex-pat: Homesick Texan.

Brunch? Mais, oui!

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Weekend brunches in Paris might just be

one of the best perks of this enchanting city...

I know it sound sacrilegious to say

about the city that offers gems like

the Eiffel Tower, St. Germain, the Musee D'Orsay...

but I have to say...

it's pretty fabulous.

The entire city seems to crawl out of bed

after indulging in a full morning of sleep,

throw on something casually fabulous,

and serendipitously encounter their friends

at the sidewalk tables of a fabulous bistro

where they spend the rest of the day

chatting and drinking champagne.

I'm sure there is more to it than that,

but this is just an outsider's observation.

While I don't really know how this fabulous culture started,

I can tell you...

if you want to get in on the fun,

you'll need to dress the part.

Here's the basic anatomy of your wardrobe for Parisian brunching.

Oui, mon ami...

you are going to look marvelous!

How do you think about brunch?

Fabulous or Forgettable?

Scenes from a French Country Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I haven't had time to tell you much (or anything)
about our time in the Loire Valley

but while we were there,
we had the absolute luck to find ourselves

in one of the most charming manoirs, Le Manoir Champfreau.

We felt like royalty of our own special land

getting to have this 800 year old home all to ourselves...

Come on, admit it- you would, too, right?

After a day of castle-hunting & market browsing,

we decided to forgo a heavy, multi-course meal

and eat simple with the treasures we had found at the market.

As it often goes with understated moments,

this night ended up being one of our favorites of the trip.

Uncovering the quirks of a new kitchen together,

having good music cheering us on as we cooked,

laughing through disastrous attempts to caramelize sugar...

sending the boys out to pick herbs for us in the garden...

well, the whole night was just perfect.

And actually eating the food was nice, too. :)

My friend, Kellee, found a recipe in one of the cookbooks

that the owners of the Manoir left for the guests.

It was a risky choice, but we figured it just might be the combination

of two things that should had been keep away from each other for long enough...

French mustard + Italian pasta.

Could the marriage of these two beloved foods be a disaster?

Or could it be the joining of two houses once divided?

We decided there was only one way to know for sure.

Our instincts served us correctly...

it was delicious!

The recipe perfectly blends the tanginess of dijon mustard with cream...

and the addition of the fresh herbs brings in a fresh finish.

It would be amazing with roasted chicken.

This recipe is the best souvenir I took home from our trip to the Loire Valley...

From my (temporary) kitchen to yours,

Dijon Penne With Fresh Herbs

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of course sea salt

8 ounces penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons French Dijon mustard

Sea salt to taste

Freshly ground white pepper (or black, if you don't have white)

3 tablespoons of finely minced chives, for garnish

Freshly grated parmesan reggiano cheese, for garnish.

Method:

Cook the pasta in a large pot. Add a bit of salt to the water to add flavor, and a drop of olive to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook until it reaches al dente- soft, but with a bit of firmness.

Set aside for a few minutes until sauce is done

Meanwhile, in a sauce pan large enough to hold the pasta, combine the cream, egg yolk, and mustard.

Whisk to blend. Season to taste with sea salt & white pepper. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Remove from the heat & keep warm.

Remove the colander and drain the pasta. Shaking to remove excess water. Immediately transfer the drained pasta to the saucepan. Toss to evenly coat the pasta. Cover, and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes to allow pasta to thoroughly absorb the sauce. Taste for seasoning. Garnish with minced chives and freshly grated cheese. Serve immediately.

*Images original to Aspiring Kennedy

**Le Manoir Champfreau is amazing. If you are looking for a private home rental in the Loire Valley, I can't recommend a better place to stay in the Loire. You feel like royalty- but you'll only have to pay like a normal person! :)

Why Paris Parks are Perfect

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

A day in the Luxembourg Gardens

strolling along in the sunshine.

Yes.

This is truly is Paris at it's finest.

The only thing missing is a cone of peach Berthillon ice cream in my hand.

* all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

Happy Anniversary Will & Kate!

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:43:00 +0000

Happy First Anniversary, Will & Kate!

It seems like just yesterday that I was camped outside Westminster Abbey

standing for 8 hours without a break to rest my legs,

watching people act like total fools....

but oh man,

it was worth it!

I will never forget watching the Queen pop out of the car in canary yellow dress,

William and Harry grinning to each other as they arrived for the service,

and Kate turning and waving to us before walking down the aisle.

The whole day felt like Christmas...

the atmosphere was electric

& I still can't believe I got to witness it firsthand.

For a trip down memory lane,

click back to see the photos from my day at

The Royal Wedding!

PS. I'm still waiting for us to become best friends...

I know it's been hard with me being in France.

I'll be back soon though & we can get down to business.

Italian Dream Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:35:00 +0000

I shared some of our first moments in Lago Maggiore with you,

but you haven't seen the rest of the pictures....

And you should.

People as nice as you deserve a quick escape to somewhere fabulous

where the food is amazing & the weather is sunny & mild.

Thanks for all the kind notes regarding my grandmother.

The kindness you offer up in life's bigger moments never ceases to amaze me.

It endears me to blogging in an inexplicable way.

As many of you mentioned, it is hard to be so far away during a time like this...

but I credit my family for establishing in me firm roots

that, regardless of distance, still allow me to feel very connected & very loved.

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

The Littlest Angel

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:44:00 +0000

Sorry for the quiet week.

We've been spending some time in the country

with our dear friends...

it's been such a sweet week, as I'm sure you can imagine.

I'll tell you all the tales of gorging ourselves, castle visits & whatnot soon,

but today, I'm in the Loire Valley feeling a million miles away from "home."

My grandmother passed away last night after a quick encounter with cancer.

My grandma was 4'10'',

and had ten children in 11 years...

seven boys at the beginning & three girls at the end.

She sang like a bird,

ate more candy than might seem humanly possible,

and was definitely the genetic pool that my sarcasm was laddled out of.

Her name was Viola,

and, if you knew her,
you would have liked her.

For those of us that did know her
and have the privilege to have skimmed some of her unique DNA,
we're really going to miss her.

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity

to share someone so unique and special on my blog.

It may feel like a travel blog or lifestyle blog most days...

and it probably feels like a digital diary of making out pictures of us at times, too.

I don't really know how to label this blog...

except as a reflection of my life

and I can't skip a day like today

without including this moment here.

You Pretty Little Ring.

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:00:00 +0000

I don't have a house to buy a new couch for these days.

I don't have a car to repair these days.

There aren't any bambinos racking up any college funds for me yet.

No sir.

I'm living the gypsy lifestyle of a DINK.

And isn't the right of every vagrant DINK to buy lovely things?

My thoughts exactly...

too bad my husband isn't completely obliging. ;)

Seriously though-

I could pick out several things to suit my fancy on Anjolee.

Pretty diamond earrings for the everyday...

swanky diamond tennis bracelets to make me feel like a lady...

the perfect diamond engagement rings for all my single friends...

and of course, matching diamond wedding ring to match.

Yes ma'am.

Now I'll just have to convince the other side of this DINK relationship

of my indulgent intentions towards our 401k donation this month.

*As much as I truly do love diamonds, it's fair to tell you that this post was sponsored by Anjolee.com.

Anjolee offers amazing prices for jewelry. I like the site & think the prices are fair. This is my own opinion, but I hope you'll consider them the next time you leave a subtle reminder to your husband sitting book-marked as his internet homepage.

How Lago Maggiore's Grand Hotel Majestic Changed My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:37:00 +0000

Sometimes I gush about the food I've eaten,

type furiously about the sites I've seen,

or plead through these simple keys for you to understand

the necessity to add certain things in your life.

{e.g: homemade nutella pop-tarts & colored jeans.}

Today, I'm going to simply let these pictures do the talking...

But what I think you're going to hear is this:

The Grand Hotel Majestic on Lago Maggiore is amazing,

and Luxury Link is the best/cheapest way to stay there.

{I mean... it included two massages, free breakfasts, a 2-course lunch & a room upgrade.}

And please take note of the ENORMOUS rose bushes on the property.

I felt like a princess getting to walk on a layer of fallen petals

when walking around the hotel garden.

{Those are roses, right? Any gardeners out there to correct me?}

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

If I Could Wake Up Anywhere: Off The Map Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Ok, is it just me...

or does this guest series keep getting better?

Each series is packed with places I want to go.

It's a sick condition when you are on vacation feeling envious of another vacation.

None the less, who couldn't feel wistful

after hearing about these gorgeous destinations?

Four of my good blogging buds

talk about places they would like to find themselves.

I love that each of them are a bit obscure and off the beaten path.

{Not like those unoriginal people who constantly cycle through London, Paris & Italy. :) }

image

When traveling, I prefer to go to the "hidden gems" of the world.

As much as I love the big cities like Paris and Rome,
I would always rather be in a quaint village or seaside town,
or in this case..an Island.

The Aeolian Islands are off the coast of Sicilly,

and surrounded by volcanoes and blue water.

Perfection.

Megan Stern

Across The Pond | Across The Pond Shop

image

When Lauren asked me,"if you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be?"

I didn't hesitate with my answer,

"The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu!"

As a wife, mother of three children, blogger and e-shop owner of zhush.com,

running away across the country to a spa in Malibu sounds like a plan.

From the spa's own site:

"In one intensive week at our luxury boot camp,

you will gain physical endurance, shed unwanted pounds, tone up and detoxify

in a healthy and sustainable way

all while “getting off the grid” and back to nature."

Seriously, how amazing does this place look and sound? le sigh.

Sue Chiara

The Zhush | Zhush Shop

image

If I could wake up anywhere in the world...

it'd be in the all-white, clapboard bedroom of a rustic bach

on the beaches of northern New Zealand.

Sounds a bit specific, right?

Well, back in a time long, long ago (otherwise known as college),

I traveled with my Kiwi best friend to her native country of New Zealand.

In between visiting wineries, shopping and otherwise being a college kid,

we visited her uncle's rustic bach on the top end of the North Island.

It. Was. Heaven.

Luckily I realized the value of this memory as soon as we arrived,

so I tucked away many mental snapshots from our wonderful time there.

And if I could wake up anywhere in the world?

It'd be back there, again, in beautiful New Zealand.

Michelle

Ten June Blog

image

If I could wake up anywhere in the world I think it would be Thailand.

Its where we really wanted to go on our honeymoon

but silly monsoon season got in the way.

But I can still dream about it right?

Alexandra Berlin

Things That Sparkle | Alexandra Berlin Design

****

Italian Islands? Luxe fat farms in sunny California? Lonely islands in New Zealand? Tahiti?

Good grief.

Yes!

The only thing better than getting to go to one of these places

might be getting to shop for the clothes to pack before leaving!

If you could head off the map

to somewhere "forgotten,"

where would you go?

If I Could Wake Up Anywhere: EUROPE EDITION

noreply@blogger.com (Aspiring Kennedy) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Continuing on in the fun from yesterday,

is the second installment of the game we like to play called:

"If I Could Wake Up Anywhere..."

These {terribly awesome} bloggers all picked European destinations,

and if you've read this blog for more than one day...

you'll know that makes them pretty cool in my book.

When I read each of the first response,

I would nod my head in agreement...

'Yup. They picked it. That IS the best place in the world.'

And I did the same as I got the next one...

and the next one.

All of these are gorgeous settings

that I'm sure any sane person would be thrilled to find themselves.

Enough with me typing babbling,

let's get to good part: the other bloggers.

I would be alongside the coast of Spain, with my husband, and our babies.

We would cross the t's and dot our i's of our extended weekend stay

by indulging in the food and drink of the Spanish culture surrounding us.

I would make sure and connect with my family roots and hunt down any relatives.

For an added element of fun, my ten brothers and sisters would drop in for a surprise party,

and we would of course, dance the night away...

Anna Liesemeyer

In Honor Of Design

My fiance "H" and I have a travel wishlist of places we'd like to visit before we start makin babies.

No 1 on my list? Mykonos, Greece!!!

Despite all that unrest in Greece,

I can't help but to dream of SUNSHINE, beaches,

small winding streets lined with bright white stone buildings

and electric blue dome tops.

And the food!?

i could eat my weight in meat-on-a-stick, feta cheese, pita bread and tzataiki sauce.

So H, please take note...

and let's make this trip happen.

Jillian Dieter

Cornflake Dreams

I've been obsessed with all things British for as long as I can remember.

From my obsessive need to watch every movie Hugh Grant is in

to having a daily tea and digestives break

I adore all things from across the pond!

Now more than ever I desire to wake up in London

because my youngest sister has been studying abroad there since September

and she won't be home until next year.

The little sneak is also trying to find a job there

so her time their may be even more permanent

Ah I'm totally going to have to call the Queen

and tell her to kick my darling sister out of the country.

For the time being though I would enjoy a trip abroad to visit her

and get to say, "Hey kids, Big Ben.... Parliament.

Camilla Pavone

Effortless Style

When I had my adventure in Scotland last summer,

I had no map, no plan, and no idea that The Kingdom of Fife existed.

I love Scotland, I love the ocean,

and I love the thought of waking up to a beautiful horse nibbling on grass near a bridge...

so naturally I have to go back and visit (or live).

I day dream about Fife more than the places I actually visited

so that obviously means we are kindred spirits.

Tiffany Kadani

Dancing Branflakes

No this is not a tropical escape,

this is the most pure, refreshing, and crisp air, swiss chocolates,

the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen {hello, Swiss Alps!},

a beautiful lakefront, and charming architecture that makes you feel like home.

I was fortunate enough to visit this magical place in November 2011,

and words can't describe my love for this sleepy little town.

If I could wake up and escape reality for a day,

I would love to sit on the beautiful lakeshore,

outside of Mr. Pickwicks Pub

and gaze at the Chapel Bridge with a beer + my favorite people.

Life would be good!

Liz Schneider

Sequins & Stripes

***

The final round of bloggers will be here tomorrow...

and their destinations?

Well, let's just say they are off the beaten path.

In the meantime,

What European Destination Would You Like To Wake Up In?