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The little things that help you deal with homesickness

Published on by McKennaLeave a comment

Adventure, exploration, travel! It sounds so glam, doesn’t it?

Moving away from home and embracing a new city is a truly wonderful thing. Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and learning something new – it takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you grow up as a person.

But we’re all human – homesickness is real. I don’t get it often, but every now and then I think about how much I would love a cozy movie night in with my mom or to wine and dine at my favorite DC restaurants with my best friends 3,662 miles away (but who’s counting?).

But there are a few little things that help keep the pep in my step…

Snail mail 

Who doesn’t love gifts and pen pals, am I right? My mom and I send each other little care packages full of silly USA or UK-themed presents.

Photo by McKenna

Exhibit A: A USA-shaped cheese board. It’s the one thing I didn’t realize I needed until I got it. In return, I sent her a little German Christmas market souvenir and a British flag chapstick (it is cold season, after all!).

The sillier the better – it’s all about catching the other person by surprise.

Embrace your traditions 

Photo by McKenna

OK, any chance to whip up good American comfort food is fine by me.

Thanksgiving is of course one of the biggest days of the year for us Americans – it just doesn’t feel right to not embrace the holiday even if you are overseas. Don’t even get me started on Halloween!

So, make it a thing wherever you are. Invite your friends over, pop some bubbly! There’s always something to celebrate 🙂

Make your home…homey 

Photo by McKenna

Make your home away from home…yours!

Whatever your thing is…fluff on fluff, boho chic, plants and flowers – go crazy. There’s nothing better than coming home after a long, exhausting day and relaxing in your space.

Photo by McKenna

Your home away from home will eventually feel like home 😀

Your go-to treats 

Let’s be real, sometimes you crave your family’s homemade banana bread or a sandwich from your favorite cafe back at home.

Photo by McKenna

London has a few American places that I have to visit every now and then… Pinkberry, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts (for the iced coffee!)… #basic

A little taste of home is what it is. Although it may seem small, it helps me.

Last but not least…Facetime and Skype to the rescue! 

Honestly, I don’t think I could have moved abroad if Facetime and Skype didn’t exist. It’s 100% first world problems, but catching up with friends and family – and seeing their beautiful faces – make it so much easier to live so far away.

What helps you when you’re feeling homesick? Tell me your ways!

McK xx

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London snapshots: a visual walking tour through photos

Published on by McKennaLeave a comment

Let’s be honest. When you’re in a city as gorgeous as London, every now and then you just have to stop and take a picture (…okay, lots of pictures!).

From edgy street art in Shoreditch to spectacular homes in Chelsea, there’s always something interesting and beautiful around the corner.

Join my recent walk around London – through photos.

Kentish Town | Photo by McKenna
Chelsea | Photo by McKenna
Camden Town | Photo by McKenna
Photo by McKenna
Notting Hill | Photo by McKenna
King’s Cross | Photo by McKenna
Camden Town | Photo by McKenna
Angel | Photo by McKenna
St James Park | Photo by McKenna
Camden Town | Photo by McKenna
Camden Town | Photos by McKenna

After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Smile for the camera!

McK xx

Brighton bliss

Published on by McKennaLeave a comment

Good morning lovelies,

Hope you’re having a fab week – the weekend will be here before you know it! If you’re looking for an amazing day trip/weekend away in the UK you absolutely HAVE to add Brighton to your list. The beach town is only an hour away on the train from London and has a completely different, chill vibe from the capital.

You’ll find pebbled beaches, vintage clothing markets, quaint cafes, boardwalk bars and entertainment for the entire family (games and rides!). What better why to enjoy a bottle of bubbles than on the beach, am I right?

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Not to mention the city has some AMAZING street art. There’s an eccentric feel that I’m kind of obsessed with.

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As I perused amazing vintage clothing racks and handmade jewellery stands – I could not resist buying two gold rings, a hemp bracelet and a Minnesota Vikings NFL jersey (£5 for each!)… there’s something for everyone.

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So head to the coast and embrace that Brighton bliss! I promise you will not regret it.

McK xx

But first, tea and pancakes

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Hello, weekend!

It’s safe to say it’s been a very long, hard week and we’re all in desperate need of some much-needed “me time” 🙂 For me, I wanted to start the morning off right with a stack of delish strawberry and blueberry pancakes with a nice cup of tea. Nothing better than a hearty breakfast in comfy sweats!

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My adorable personalised Anthroplogie mug is a serious morning essential. It was a perfect gift from one of my closest friends from the states so of course it’s made itself a little home in my cupboard in London.

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How are you spending your weekend? I hope it’s fab!

McK xx

Queen of Warwick Castle

Published on by McKennaLeave a comment

One thing that lured me into moving to the UK was the absolutely insane amount of history at every corner.

The other week my boyfriend and I were driving back to London from my cousin’s wedding in Birmingham when we saw a sign for Warwick Castle. My “Should we stop?!” was met with his “Fancy a trip to Warwick?” – and we were off! And boy, I’m so glad we opted for the spontaneous day trip to this gorgeous gem.

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Warwick Castle is a medieval castle that was built in 1068! It was originally constructed by William the Conqueror – and he went BIG. This castle is absolutely massive. So massive it took about three hours to go through all of it! You’ll find beautiful, elegant bedrooms, gold-lined ballrooms, exquisite galleries, dining halls — even an enormous walk-in wardrobe for the ladies. I could do with that! But, you’ll also find eery dungeons, metal shops and walls of armour in its basement. The history is literally peeling off the walls. 
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The castle grounds are stunning as well. Not only will you find beautiful gardens and grounds, but you will get a front row seat to experience jousting, bow and arrow target practice, live musical entertainment and wildlife.

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The castle is located in the historic town of Warwick, which boasts an array of adorable tea shops, charity shops, pubs and a market. After we were finished perusing the castle, we headed to the pub for a cheeky pint.

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A day like this is exactly what makes England so unique. Which castle or palace should I go to next?!

McK xxx