I know some of you guys are familiar with the fact that the magazines over here (unlike in the States), usually come with a giftie attached to it. For instance my British Marie Claire came with some delicious smelling lotion from L’Occitane, my BBC Food mag came with a magenta spatula, and last year I bought Cath a British Vogue with an Alice Temperly tote bag attached. Pretty nice prezies for £3.50 plus a glossy mag, non? The consumerist in my gleefully claps her hands every time I pass the magazine rack at Tesco or the Scotsman.

So it is perhaps not surprising that when I saw that Hendrick’s gin (my favorite gin because it is made with rose and cucumber — delicious*) came with a tea cup, I did my consumerist happy dance in the aisles of Waitrose last week.

Here’s the thing. I’m not a big drinker. I wish I could be a slightly bigger drinker. I love going out with friends and having a tipple, but I have a rummy tummy that would prefer it if I just drank water for the rest of my life. Usually I just get a sip or two of whatever Cath or Matt order, and spend my evenings staring wistfully at other people’s tipsiness, with angry glances at my glass of water.

Anywhoddle, not being able to drink much, does not preclude me from buying a large bottle of gin (hoping Matt loves the stuff) because I want to keep the tea cup that comes with it.

You might wonder what a gin company is doing handing out tea cups. Well, Hendrick’s thinks you might be interested in switching your afternoon tea to something a bit stronger. Here is a suggested recipe (to be poured into your tea cup):

I’m going to geek-out on you a bit here about some designery stuff. I also bought this gin and tea cup set because Hendrick’s has some of the best product packaging (website included — you should definitely take a gander, those of age!). It’s glorious and witty, and makes me wish I had come up with the branding.

Oh also, Hendrick’s is made right here in bonnie Scotland! Girvan to be exact (note to self: must take field trip to distillery). So apart from appealing to my graphic designery self and consumerist indulgences, I’m supporting the local economy. Lovely!

*Disclaimer for readers under age: Gin is really not all that tasty until you get a bit older. When I was your age, I thought it smelled like pine trees and rubbing alcohol, and I swear that’s what it tastes like until you’re about 25-ish. Really.

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Dear Kitcath,

Thank you so much for wearing cute outfits that I can aspire to. Since I moved here, my one motivation when deciding what to wear has been “how can I stay warm.” So I end up wearing things like this (ack!):

This “outfit” above was for climbing up Arthur’s Seat on Guy Fawkes, so I was hoping the dark would disguise some of my sartorial shame. I am going to try to be less of a weather whimp and wear some nicer outfits so you don’t think I’ve completely lost it here.

Miss you ever so much! Skype date this weekend?

Love,

Larbar

Winter is slowly creeping into Edinburgh, but luckily we still have a bit of riotous fall color left to keep us from feeling too blue.

The Union Canal starts just a few blocks away from our flat. The canal flows west all the way to Glasgow: 31.5 miles of gorgeous waterway! I just discovered a café boat there this week, so Matteo and I went exploring on Saturday.

Just outside of Harrison Park, you’ll find Zazou Café. A canal boat that serves tea, coffee, hot chocolate and homemade soup. It’s lovely! While you sip your tea and chocolate, the boat gently sways back and forth. Not great for those with vertigo or motion sickness, but very soothing otherwise. We sat next to a sweet old couple that chatted away about hot chocolate and the cafe boat that used to be around before Zazou.

Outfit: thrifted Wrangler flannel • Blank black cords • Frye boots • Kate Spade bag

When you guys come to visit, I’m totally taking you to Zazou!

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Dearest Kitcath,

The other day I was wearing that beautiful scarf that Brie made me as a going away prezie, and I realized I was a woman in Scotland wearing a knitted tie ;).

I’m still trying to scope out some independent boutiques and thrift stores for when you get here. So far the style is a bit more cutsey than you and I would wear, but I’ll keep looking.

Miss you muchoooossss!

xoxoxo,

Larbar

During the week days, I sit and hack away at my mound of graphic design work while Matt goes off to the lab (I still imagine him holding bubbling beakers of liquid and having electrified white hair while he’s there). And I’ve decided, work really gets in the way of having fun. Harumphs. I mean this city was built for sight-seers. Just look at the castle!

So by the time the weekend rolls around, I’m jumping out of my woolly socks to get around town. When Cath and I studied abroad here eight years ago, we gobbled up the city in one gulp — so I’ve seen most of the sights. But I’m greedy (gobble-gobble), and want to see them again! This time ’round, I have my trusty knight-in-shining-armor with me (appropriate in a medieval city):

We spent last Saturday at the National Museum of Scotland. I’m not really big into natural history, but I love seeing the knick-knacks of yesteryear. especially the sartorial trappings (this was for the menfolk of the court, completed with a pair of high heels):

Even the tobacco shop signage dressed well:

This fella (bellow) was by far and away my favorite (and the best example of how tricky an all-plaid ensemble can be). I forget his name, but he was a parlimentarian English gent in the 17th century who visited Scotland and just loved the tartan. apparently. And he was quite sizeable for his day, towering above most of his fellow men at 6 ft. something. He is like Alexander Skarsgard with another Skarsgard wrapped around his belly, tied up in plaid:

Outfit dets: Jumper (I say “jumper” now) and skinnies from Next • Madewell belt • Frye boots • Kate Spade purse

This photo was not taken at the museum, but on the way to lunch (Mom, we’ll be going here come December!). I’m uber-impressed by all the gluten-free options they have in this city of fish n chips, scones, crumpets and Victoria sponge cake.

And the perfect way to end every day of exploration: nutella crepes:

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Dear Kitcath,

I hope your school stresses are abating a little! I’m so impressed by all the hard work you are putting into your class while working full-time! You are my hero!

We have to start planning what to do when you get here because you’ll only be here for five measely days — how is that possible?! What are the Musts that you have to see again when you are in Edi?

xoxoxo,

Larbar