Heartfelt and Homemade

 Menu from Jamie's Italian in Covent Garden

Delicious baked mushroom antipasti

After hearing about Jamie Oliver's mega win against McDonald's (no more pink slime burgers!), I couldn't help reminiscing on the absolutely delicious dinner I had at Jamie's Italian while I was in London.  This led to my memories of watching Jamie's 15 minute meals in anticipation the summer before my travels.  Basically, I ended up taking a lengthy trip down memory lane.  Feeling incredibly homesick for my flat across the ocean I have been looking for ways to incorporate some of my fondest British memories into my life here in Chicago- especially anything Jamie Oliver.

Found a super simple recipe for my very first drink in London: Pimm's Cup

Made a big batch of Jamie's Leek & Potato Soup

Excited to try this Jamie recipe next! Ricotta Fritters with Tomato Sauce and Courgette Salad

I know what you're thinking... these are not quintessentially British dishes.  No, they are not.  In London, me and my roommates had so much fun experimenting with food since we were fending for ourselves over there.  We learned from each other and from the cultures around us.  Self-proclaimed foodies we were constantly trying new restaurants and foods- that is something that I very much want to continue here in the U.S.  Starting with these spectacular recipes! 

P.S. (Images 1 & 2 are from my friend's Instagram. 3- Honestly Yum. 4 & 5- Jamie Oliver's website).

Lost & Found 3: British Cathedrals

 The incredibly intimidating outside of Canterbury Cathedral. (Kent, England)

 After visiting way too many cathedrals, I've learned that the ceilings are one of my favorite parts. 

(Kent, England).

 Modern stained glass window, that most people think looks like a Disney drawing. ;) (Kent, England)

Collateral by Deborah Van Der Beek. Created as a memorial using actual bullets and warheads, many of which from battlefields in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Bath, England).

Westminster Abbey where Prince William married Kate Middleton. (London, England)

 Absolutely beautiful. (London, England)

 Oh hey. (London, England)

 Photograph from Queen Elizabeth II's coronation displayed in honor of her jubilee. (London, England)

(London, England).

It only seems fitting that the quote come from her royal majesty Queen Elizabeth II: "Discrimination still exists.  Some people feel that their own beliefs are being threatened.  Some are unhappy about unfamiliar cultures.  They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others; that diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat." 

Lost & Found 2

Forest Adventures in Germany

Turns out, I'm not a big fan of wobbly bridges

Vegetarian hot dog from Goji in York, England. One of two innovative vegetarian places there.

Some very naughty faces hidden around the York Minster Cathedral.

The view behind the church, taken from one of the medieval walls lining the city.

Can't really refute that logic.

Loved the bright colors. Can't remember the name of the mansion this belonged to.

Although the point of this series of posts is to share the many pictures I have hiding around my laptop, I also want to use it to put up some of my favorite quotes.  I collect quotes- to me they are little reminders of the important things in life. I have them in countless notebooks, word documents, and post-it notes. So expect them regularly.  Below is a new one that I find to be quite true. 

“When you're different, sometimes you don't see the millions of people who accept you for what you are. All you notice is the person who doesn't.”

-Jodi Picoult, Change of Heart

Lost & Found

Let's be honest... there is no way I am ever going to get caught up with all of my travel posts.  So I've come up with this idea: Lost & Found posts.  A glimpse of the best bits of my adventures without having to worry about order or anything else.  A random collection of hidden gems on my laptop that I never got around to sharing with the rest of the world.  Check out the first set below! And for more consistent updates follow me on instagram: sugarsprout.

 Climbed way too many stairs for this view of the Cathedral of Salamanca. (Spain)

 Dressed up for Carnival, far off to my left I could see the border of Portugal. (Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain)

 The only car I've ever wanted. (Ciudad Rodrigo)

 London street performer aka busker.  

You've got to be made of gold to set up in front of Michael Kors. (London)

Yup, I'm cool. Rocking the Gryffindor scarf.

And since I'm feeling in a Harry Potter kind of mood... A little wizard wisdom: "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends."