In the post

Earlier this week I received two Amazon.co.uk packages in the mail from E.  You see, sometimes the UK has things that you just can't get in Canada.  Like awesome specialty teas, Trebor Extra-Strong Mints, and good books published in London.

So, what were in the packages you ask?

J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy and Jojo Moyes' The Girl You Left Behind!

Photo taken by Ms. C.  

Photo taken by Ms. C.  

Of course, Rowling's newest book can be purchased in Canada... but I really wanted a copy of her book from her country itself.

As for Moyes - if you have visited my blog before you know I love her work.  Sadly, it is very difficult to find in Canada... there are only a few select titles available.  The Girl You Left Behind is her newest edition that I cannot wait to read.

And, the big question... what should be read first?  

I sided with Rowling, like any good Potter fan would.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wedding Cookies

Sweet Sunday Yummy Lit Review:
Wedding Cookies

JJ (my brother and new sister-in-law) were married July 21st.  I, being the family baker, was in charge of helping create the wedding guests' gifts.  I spent one day making over 170 cookies, and another day presenting them on china plates which were designed for the couple in E's factory.  Here are a few pictures of the gifts in the making:

Cut out cookies with lemon icing and chocolate peanut-butter cookie duo were made by the dozens that day.  You can find the recipes here:

Cut Outs
Chocolate Peanut-Butter Cookie Duo

The cookies were later wrapped up in cellophane, tied with ribbons, and presented to guests... but alas, I have no pictures until the professional photographer sends his along.

From the Land of E to Home

Over the past four weeks I have been in England.  I seem to have good timing for travel - last year I was able to see Will and Kate's royal wedding while the jubilee was in full swing this time around.  I swear I didn't plan it!  Actually, I didn't even know the true date of the jubilee until I landed and heard all of the British news coverage leading up to the big weekend celebrations.


So, how was the Land of E? ---- Great! 

I loved each and every minute... besides those dreadful final goodbyes.   E and I were able to visit awesome literary sites (the birthplace of Shakespeare and the Harry Potter studio tour in London). Partly my jet lag and partly my cold - I managed to be sick my entire stay and am currently propped up in bed - prevent me from further explaining these awesome sites.  That, and the fact that Potter and Shakespeare deserve far more than a few sentences.   Over the next little while I will upload both photos and stories from these very places.

PS - I may be a coffee addict but tea is another one of my weaknesses.  Stay tuned for a very British tea tasting review held from Nottingham!

Hello, Hello!

So sorry to leave this blog unattended for so long! I finished my first semester at Library School in early December. I was exhausted and the thought of blogging was way too much for my body or mind to fathom immediately after handing in my last assignment.

Flash-forward a week after gaining freedom from Library School's due dates... and E was here for the holidays. He *almost* missed the plane. He's asked me not to glorify his actions - but I can't resist. He was stuck in traffic in London and ended up running for the plane (he's got all the athletic skill in this relationship haha). There were a few minutes I believed he wouldn't make the flight... and when he finally told me he was seconds from take off I was ecstatic!

During the holiday season I acquired a Sony ereader. I know this blog proudly displays the sign "i pledge to read the printed word." And, don't get me wrong, I still do. However, I have fallen in love with the ereader... and I know it will come in handy next time I travel across the Atlantic (*hint - there's a future trip a'brewing!).

I'm now in Library School's second semester. I am so glad I finished my foundation classes - they were brutal. However, I now have major procrastination problems... I'd like to think that is not why I'm writing here... but you and me both know it probably has something to do with it ;)

I may not be able to read as frequently as I would wish, but I am still planning to keep Coffee Tales up. Future posts will provide accounts of caffeinated graduate school adventures of many shapes and forms... along with book entries and hopefully a recipe or two.

Hope all is well,
Ms. C

Chaucer Fuss

I had heard of the British Library's special collections and exhibit marked "Treasures of the British Library" before leaving for England in April. The exhibit was said to be a room full to the brim of sacred texts, historical documents, and beautifully crafted manuscripts. There was no choice. I had to make a visit while in London, as any eager and upcoming librarian would do.

Picture Me Wednesday - 2011 Week 21

E is a potter. Not so much an Englishman with the last name Potter (hehe), but more so a guy who knows his pottery.

A few months ago I saw a sturdy white cup in the pottery factory and fell in love. Little did I know that I would soon be receiving one, with a few added personal touches, as a present.

I just love this cup and had to share it online. It is the perfect study companion for a caffeine addicted gal. I know it will be used many, many times come September.

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

You can participate here.

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

You can participate here.

1. I'm loving that in 24 days E will be in my hometown... I have a feeling these WILW posts will be very countdown driven over the next few weeks ;)

2. I'm loving Sara Haze's song, Lovely. A beautiful, beautiful song with lyrics that we all need to hear every once in awhile.

Getting to Know YOU

I've seen MannLand5's link-up over the last few weeks... Today, I give it a shot :)

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

You can participate here.

Let me begin by saying that I'm not loving that I'm home after a five week stay in England. It is nice to get back to a life of normalacy... but I left a very important person on the other side of the world.

So, what am I loving?

1.

This Youtube video is super adorable. The pup so reminds me of my own furry babies. I can only guess how many times I have hit 'replay' since a Facebook friend posted it yesterday afternoon.


2. That airport goodbyes are always followed by a new countdown. A few days ago I said goodbye to E in London. In just 28 days I'll be greeting him at my airport's arrivals area. This is our shortest time spent apart yet, and I am so so thankful!

Picture Me Wednesday - 2011 Week 14

E and I visited Poland in early April. I had no idea what to expect when we entered this country. Most of our time was spent in Krakow, Poland's former capital. It's a beautiful (and very old) city peppered with cobblestones, narrow streets, 14th century buildings, and brightly coloured walls.

The Wedding

I'll admit that I have taken a long time to write about the wedding... I wasn't really in one place shortly after April 29th. I wanted to see the wedding's aftermath in England. I also wanted to see how my North American hometown had reacted to the wedding.

A Real-Time Post

Hello all!

Most of you will be aware that I'm currently stationed in England. I have been posting updates (written before departure) over the last few weeks. But, I have yet to create a real-time post. A post that I have written while in foreign territory. Today's my first 'do nothing' day, and what better way to spend it than re-entering the blogging world.

So, how is the Land of E treating me?

Off to the Land of E...

I just wanted to let you all know that my bags are packed (kinda) and I'm ready to go (most definitely) to the Land of E.

Next time you hear from me I will be sipping tea, eating crumpets, and reviewing from England. Actually, I probably won't be that stereotypical. I am a coffee addict, after all :P

I am very excited (perhaps an understatement) of my journey to England and E, my very own Englishman. I love airport hellos and can't wait for mine in just a couple of days.

I'm going to be away from home for a rather large chunk of time. But, I promise each week will have at least two new blog posts. Heck, I pinky promise it :) Responses to any comments, however, will be delayed for a short while.


See you on the other side of the world,
Ms. C
xx

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

You can participate here.

1. This week I've been loving Paolo Nutini's music. I absolutely adore this man's unique voice. E introduced me to Nutini's music earlier this year and I fell in love.

2. I love the muffins I made this past Sunday night. They were so so so yummy. I usually can't get muffins to rise like the store-bought variety, but I managed to with this recipe.

Also, never ever make a Facebook status that says: "I can't believe what is in my oven right now!" People assume you're with child and not that your ever-so proud of your rapidly rising muffins! Whoooops.


3. And, what I love most of all? In just a few short day's I'll be with E. I'm off to England!

Picture Me Wednesday - 2011 Week 7

The most bookish Picture Me Wednesday to date...

Last week I blogged about my love for Jojo Moyes The Last Letter from Your Lover which just so happens to not be sold in Canada or America. But, I had a special delivery sitting on the kitchen table when I came home from work this Monday. E, my wonderful Englishman, seems to have read my blog and promptly sent me a copy of my new favourite book. I am so delighted that I can now add this book to my 'real life' bookshelf!
Thanks so much, E!
xxx

My Kitchen of Late

There is one cookie that has been an absolute hit here in Vancouver - JJ loves them, K loves them... heck, even I love them. These yummy treats are also E's favourite - so last week I sent him home with a container full to the brim of Chocolate Peanut-Butter Cookie Duos. I can't tell you how weird it was to be on Skype and see my little cookies being eaten halfway across the world! As a kind reminder to my old readers (and a pointer for new readers), make sure to try your hand at these cookies - if you love chocolate and peanut butter I'm sure you'll be pleased.


And, my most recent creation?

JJ kindly put in an order for Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies. I've been told they are as tasty as the batch I made last September.

Fresh out of the oven.

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

You can participate here.

1. I love that today I'll be seeing K, my good friend. I don't think we've seen each other since the holiday season. I miss our crazy talks on pop culture, history, and overall randomness.


2. I love that my puppies (okay, maybe they're a bit old to be considered puppies *shrugs*) are in an extra-cuddly mood. I need all the cuddles I can get, so bring it on!


3. I'm loving vests. Lately, I've been adding a vest to some of my favourite outfits. I love how vests are so versatile and can dress up a plain outfit ever-so-quickly.


4. And, I'm loving the fact that in 40 days I will be in Europe with E! We've had countdowns to see each other that span over four months, making a 40 day wait sound like a walk in the park... kinda :P

Picture Me Wednesday - 2011 Week 3

Long, long overdue... but alas, week 3 of Picture Me Wednesday!

The parliament buildings in Victoria.

This week I'm picturing one of my favourite areas in BC. Every night the buildings' silhouettes are outlined in golden lights. Me and E visited this spot earlier this February for a mini-getaway. I absolutely love this city!

The Very Thought of You

In January, E brought me one of his previously read books. He claimed that I would love it... lets just say he knows me pretty well.

The Very Thought of You, Rosie Alison's novel based on 1940s England, depicts a complicated marriage and kaleidoscope of love relationships during the Second World War.

Alison does an excellent job portraying the tale of a London girl sent to a Yorkshire boarding school for protection during the Blitz. Alison expertly describes relationships between lovers who must hide their infatuation in order to remain safe during the war-torn climate. And, most hauntingly of all, she illustrates the lifelong psychological effects of one's first love and the tragedies of war. The Very Thought of You is suspenseful, engaging, and an addictive read, yet also dark and depressing.

E was right - I do love this book. I found little excuses to bring out The Very Thought of You throughout the day (i.e. public transit rides, waiting in offices). It's not that I don't normally read during such moments... it is just that I didn't quite expect to be reading anything with E here for four weeks.

I most definitely recommend this book to those searching for a dramatic love story set in the chaotic time period of the Blitz. I don't think you will be disappointed.