Free Listen

Who doesn't love a little Ray LaMontagne? Listen to his new album here for free!

Today's Top 5

1. Coralie Clement's Music





2. Cole Haan Nike Air Shoes = supreme goodness for people who walk everywhere.

3. The New York Book of Reviews

4. Macarons can be found in Edinburgh at the following: L'escagot Blanc's Epicerie  but also at Henri's and The Manna House. [Why doesn't Manna House have a website???]

5. A pop up chocolate shop on George Street: Chocolate & Love.  Anyone want to join me for a tasting???

The Next BIG Thing?

Have you seen this?

What do you think of being "nexted?"

"After our older son declared his desire to be a veterinarian, the seven-year-old said, 'I want to be a Chinese man.'" - www.onesentence.org

My New Pastime: BBC Languages

Festival Season is Upon Us

Edinburgh is super well-known for its festivals, most notably the International Festival and the Fringe Festival. However, there are many lesser-known festivals, many of which begin in June. Here are a few I have my eye on (meaning, I'm not sure which one's I'll attend ... and if I attend, which events within the festival, etc. etc. etc.):


Leith Festival
- Maybe we should take in a bit of comedy? A tour of Leith? The Indian food?

Old Town Festival
- Edinburgh is divided into Old Town and New Town. We live in New Town (which is not very new but is definitely not Medieval). Thus, I'm sure there's a few new experiences awaiting us at this festival.

West End Glasgow Festival
- Clearly this is not taking place in Edinburgh but it's only a short train ride away... and then -bam- you're in a totally different, huge city.

Edinburgh Film Festival
- Movies like Amelie and Little Miss Sunshine were debuted at this festival. Maybe I'll catch the next Amelie???

For a complete listing of Edinburgh festivals, check this website.

My Life Has Changed

I have a replacement for Pandora: Last FM.

No silly licensing laws. Sheer listening pleasure. Currently tuned to Robert Randolph and the Family Band. So happy.

Hello Fellow European Lovers!

This website is for you: Joobili.

Inspired???

Currently Reading

1. Real Clear World

2. Problem of Pain (sans the weird cover)

3. Front Porch Republic: Place. Limits. Liberty

4. Notes from a Small Island

No Food Network?

So I may not get the Food Network over here, but a close second has come to my attention: Devour TV. And I'm not even blocked from watching it in the UK. Amazing!

{Above Eggplant Pasta Dish was inspired by Pioneer Woman. Recipe here.}

Favorite "M's" of Lynchburg

Moyanne Interiors

Montana Plains Bakery in Boonesboro (Try the ham and gouda brioche)

Marlin - the Blue Marlin to be precise- fish tacos at lunch: yum!