HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I know I completely ignored the memo about New Year’s recipes and that my silence has been a bit thick lately, but this. This is why. Take a look around, a gander (I hate that word so much), if you will.

This space, this cozy corner of the internet that I pretty much live in, and you so kindly visit, has just gone through a makeover and I am pretty excited about it.

This redesign has been a long time in the making. I began the process about two months before my wedding, which seemed like a really good idea at the time. HA!

Ever since Mr. Pedantic and I returned from our honeymoon, life has felt like we are running a never-ending marathon, but now that the holidays are behind us and a clean slate before us, I have great hope that I can finally figure out a more definite and realistic routine.

The past year was a wonderful one - the best of my life. When I realized it was nearing its end I began to panic. In many ways, I am not sure what this new year will hold, but now that we have come face-to-face I’m excited. There are many lessons to learn, much work to be done, and great fun to be had. I cannot wait.

Thank you for making 2016 such a joy. It was the first year that I could really consider this pursuit that I love so much a true profession, and I am immensely grateful to each one of you and to the sponsors I had the joy of working alongside.

Here I am, back in the game. Let’s go!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

Perhaps it seems odd to begin in the middle, but putting ten of the most beautiful days of my life into words has been a formidable challenge, and one that I am broaching slowly. I can give you the travel guides and the gritty details of what I ate (um, literally everything in sight), but for now, all I want to give you is a few of my favorite hours. A few, precious morning hours with my beloved. So here we go.

It was our next-to-last day in London. He walked down to our newfound favorite breakfast spot - a tiny French bakery that sat just around the corner from our hotel. He returned with three plump brioche buns as big as my face, in a paper bag -- two sugared and one with chocolate chips. We ate them, our faces sticky with the caramelized sugar, as we walked to the gardens - Kensington Gardens.

There was so much joy in my heart as we trotted down to the one place on earth that I had dreamt of visiting more than any other.

We walked through the gates and I am sure my smile nearly dislocated my jaw as I looked at Mr. Pedantic and exclaimed in an elated whisper, “We’re here!”

There was a soft, autumnal hush that fell over the landscape - interrupted only by the swishing of blowing leaves, and Londoners whistling for their strangely obedient and leash-less dogs that pranced about the green in front of Kensington Palace.

It was surreal and beautiful and breathtaking. I found myself wishing, more than I had at any other point on that trip, that I too could own the privilege of visiting this English sanctuary for my morning walks and weekend picnics.

Then, we saw it. The statue. The statue that I had so longed to see - a forever monument for the literary world’s dearest character.

“Good morning, Peter. I’ve been looking for you.”

I never wanted to leave.

Now, as I sit here in my new home, where I am completely content, there is a aching sense of longing for those moments gone by. I would live that morning over and over again forever, if only I could. Having Mr. Pedantic there by my side, no trivial responsibilities to separate our hands or hearts -- only us. That was the best of times.

our honeymoon in snapshots {Pedantic Foodie}

This morning I made breakfast that was not brioche buns. He left me to go to work instead of the bakery. I spent my morning hours working by the Christmas tree rather than walking through the park. I guess this too, is the best of times.

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

Hannah Everly kept me fashionable for our morning in the gardens and she would love to help you prepare for your holiday parties, or revamp your work wardrobe. You can find this skirt as well as a full line of festive patterns in her shop now!