London foodie finds: The Orangery

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Who doesn’t love afternoon tea? The elegant ambiance, sense of tradition and fab food and drink pairing is what makes the whole experience nothing short of perfect.

The Orangery in Kensington Palace Gardens is my go-to afternoon tea spot when I have friends and family in town. The simple chic tearoom situated in pristine royal gardens offers adorable sandwiches, delicious cakes and tea presented on gorgeous mint and gold floral china. And if you’re feeling up for it, top it all off with a bottle of bubbles! Bubbles are always a good thing.

The Orangery makes you feel like you’re in the scene of a movie … with scones and clotted cream! I grew up having a cup of English breakfast tea every morning (thanks to my English father!) so I’m no stranger to the teapot. But even if you’re trying tea for the first time, an afternoon at The Orangery will start you off on the right foot!

The Orangery
Afternoon tea at The Orangery | Photo by McKenna
The Orangery
The Orangery | Kensington Palace Gardens

Whether your prefer to go for an herbal infusion or a cup of oolong … you’ll experience a unique English afternoon tea you’re sure to remember. When in England … drink tea, am I right?

But… my afternoon tea search hasn’t ended in the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Share your go-to spots  — I’m always up for trying something new!

xx

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Living the London life

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Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Every MDW I’m usually soaking up the sunshine on an East Coast beach with a pina colada in hand, Ray Bans on. Well, not this year!

Since my last post I have hopped across the pond and moved to London! This means Coffee and Cobblestones will be shining a spotlight on the everyday beauty and vibrance of good ol’ Londontown!

Tower Bridge
Photo by McKenna
St Pauls
Photo by McKenna
Chelsea
Photo by McKenna
Big Ben
Photo by McKenna
Carnaby Flowers
Photo by McKenna

 

From boozy brunches to gorgeous flower markets, my goal is to unveil every hidden gem this grand city has to offer 🙂

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Bottomless booties

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Since my office is approximately 40 degrees at all times, I have an abundance of booties. That’s right – I wear booties in the 90 degree DC summer heat … no shame for this girl! Flat booties, heeled booties, beige booties, suede booties, leather booties, studded booties … you name it, I’m a fan.

My summer intern took notice and asked me to put together a “wish list” of my dream booties for when she returns to the West Coast. As I started compiling my list I realized OH MY GOD, my bank account is going to hate me in the next few weeks because so many gorgeous styles are up for grabs this fall.

Here are a few of my favorites of my bottomless booties list.

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Bootiez on bootiez.

First up are Steve Madden’s Caveat leather booties. I mean come on, how amazing will they look with leather skinnies?! I personally love them in black, but they also are available in their cognac shade of brown.

You know it’s bad when your iPhone autocorrects “also” to “Aldo” – yep, that’s me. I have a ridiculous Aldo obsession. Their Allie booties are no exception. In my eyes they are PERFECTION. I love the contrast between the lighter beige leather and dark side buckle. Ugh, get in my closet right now!

What a surprise, another Aldo pair! When I first stumbled upon Aldo’s Vallorc ankle bootie I assumed it would be the perfect shoe for walking around the city on a brisk fall day. The flats look durable and comfy, not to mention will go with a variety of clothing options — everything from a casual shopping day ensemble to a nice dinner with the girls.

Chinese Laundry’s Bizarre heeled bootie is another beauty. The hue is gorgeous and the open sides give it a little something extra. And who doesn’t love buckles? The height is high enough for a night out of the town, but not too high for the office. Practical and trendy.

Last on this list — the Gimmie Gimmie Bootie by Chinese Laundry, which I actually stumbled upon on DSW’s website. Although these are too high for the workplace, I think they are the perfect shoe to throw on when heading out to the bar and even the club. Pair them with skinnies and you’re golden! Gimmie!

Which ones are your favorite? Are booties on your fall wish list?

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My good friend, Carroll

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Here’s my snapshot for the day. It’s an important one.

It marks the second time I ventured outside after my two-week-long tonsillectomy recovery and thank goodness I did. It’s a gorgeous day! Yay!

This is Carroll Creek in little, quaint Frederick, MD (my hometown and recently ranked in Livability‘s Top 10 Downtowns of 2014!), which is about 50 miles northwest of DC. You’ll find antique shops, cute boutiques, delectable restaurants with patios and the arts!

Carroll Creek in Frederick, MD on a beautiful April afternoon. | Photo by McKenna
Carroll Creek in Frederick, MD on a beautiful April afternoon. | Photo by McKenna

Come visit and take in this view yourself! 🙂

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Neutrals on neutrals … any day

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Yesterday was a beautiful day. Sunshine radiating, birds chirping, flowers blooming – I was even able to get a nice little bronzed base by sitting outside for a half hour.

Happy spring!

I spoke too soon. Rain, rain, rain today. I don’t know about you, but I like to coordinate my polish with the seasons. Dark hues for fall and winter, neons and pastels for spring and summer. So what’s a girl to do when D.C. weather is so hot and cold?

I turn to my lifesaver – what I call my transition shades: neutrals! Take a look at some of my favorites 🙂

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Yes, please!

Neutrals are beyond versatile. They serve as a perfect transition from day to night, casual to formal and from winter to spring!

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Photo via Pinterest

Zooey understands. 🙂

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