So the best place to get natural light in our flat is by the bay window. That also happens to be the coldest spot in our flat. The glass acts less like a barrier to cold weather and more like a conduit (“See these cute cracks, wind? Just sneak through here!” Damn you, window). It was roughly 3°C (that’s about 37 °F), so I would guess our bay window area is about 4°C with wind gusts of 10 mph. Hence the lovely I’m-so-freakin’-cold pose:

Another classic pose (“Matt, I swear I can actually see the wind whistling through the window frame”), but I had to include it because it shows the actual gorgeous color of this paisley shirt jacket I picked up at vintage clothing store Armstrongs the other day.

Jacket from Armstrongs • H&M turtleneck • Next pink trousers • Frye boots • thrifted leather bag (Finders Keepers, Atlanta) • necklace from Snoozer Loser

Isn’t that a lovely use of paisley? I think someone hand made this shirt/jacket because there isn’t a label and certain bits look hand-stitched.

I added my Eugenia Kim hat and snood before piling on my jacket and coat (four layers!):

Below is an outfit photo of my kitchen chair. S/he decided to wear my other Armstrongs purchase: a floral printed shirt. I personally wouldn’t wear it open like that, and I would pair it with skinnies instead of a beige pillow, and put my hair in a top knot. To each their own, Chair.

Oh and look at our lovely prezie last weekend. More snow! Snow, I love. Wind, screw you! As I type this the wind is attempting to batter down my kitchen window and is succeeding in giving me palpitations.

Sorry AsianCajuns has been so Lar heavy this week. Cath has been wrapping up a hectic week at work and getting ready to come visit us – yipppeeee! I promise we’ll have more Cath posts post-Paris!

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Kitcath!!!!! Pastries together in Paris in just THREE days. THREEEEE!!!

I hope our American readers had a lovely Thanksgiving and that everyone else had a beautiful weekend! Matteo and I staved off homesickness by doing nothing turkey-day-ish. We had friends over for Tex-Mex (not something you can easily get over here) and then headed to the German Christmas market in the middle of town. It would have all made a brilliant post if I had thought about bringing my camera along — drrr!

Instead, I offer you the much less photogenic Saturday adventure we had — a foray into the wilds of the Edinburgh suburbs!

Matt and I are hoping to cut our weekly food budget down a bit by shopping at Asda. For those of you who don’t know, Asda is owned by Walmart (I know, shudder, shudder). We rarely went to Walmart in the states, but are happy to take a bus to Asda (and the burbs) here if it means saving a few quid. Cost of living is higher here than in Atlanta, and in order to afford going to fancy places in Edinburgh (pastry shops! castles!) we have to lower the bar by genuflecting to Walmart/Asda’s lower price point.

Growing up in American suburbia and watching Masterpiece Theater (my intro to all things British), I thought the UK was made up entirely of beautiful farm land and quaint little villages. And that does very much exist, but so does mega box stores with large car parks (i.e. parking lots). Shocking! Don’t all Europeans use public transport or bikes, and buy their daily groceries at little local shops?!

I know that the death of mom and pop shops and other independent groceries is a sad loss. But I think most people can’t afford shopping entirely at little local places, especially in-town where prices are higher. How about a balance? Support independent shops while simultaneously shopping where it’s cheaper so that you can afford those independent places as often as possible. I still feel a little guilty and bashful for “going suburban” while living here, but my wallet seems somewhat relieved.

One difference between Edinburgh’s suburb and much of the American suburbs is the public transport. It seems most people do drive to this Asda just outside of Edinburgh’s city center, but the bus is there for those who don’t have a car. It runs every 15 minutes and costs about $2 one way. Without the bus we would have to walk about an hour one way, and then back again laden with groceries. (The photo below is taken from the top deck of the bus sitting in the front row of seats — my favorite spot):

Even our little five block wall home (uphill! in gale-force wind!) with our groceries bags and backpacks nearly outdid me (the photo on the left is a much more accurate depiction of how I look after walking around the city):

Outfit details: J.Crew puffer coat • Eugenia Kim hat (stayed on my head even when the wind rammed me into a stone wall) • Land’s End sweater • Scarf from Vivid Boutique in Decatur • Skinnies from Next • Hunter wedge, lace-up wellies (I got them via Shopbop earlier this year, but you can still find them online and on sale at Neiman Marcus!)

I live and die by these Hunter wellies. I’ve always loved the look of the classic Hunter wellie, but never was convinced they would look good on me (tall rubber boots on a shorter frame), when I saw these shorter ones with a wedge, I went all google-eyed. They keep my toesies warm and dry and are quite easy to walk in.

Speaking of battling the wintry elements here in Scotland, I just purchased this awesome scarf from fellow blogger Laura (Blog of Worldly Delights) from her new Etsy shop. All of her items are so cute and so reasonably priced — do check out her etsy store. I can’t wait to wear Sly Pete around Edinburgh and make the Fantastic Mr. Fox whistling noise.

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Dearest Kitcath,

It was so nice to “see” you on Thanksgiving, but made me miss you guys terribly! I’m so glad you will be here in just a few weeks -eeeee!!!

I think winter has finally come to Edinburgh, so I think your giant puffer coat from Eddie Bauer is going to be perfect. Don’t worry about not being “fashionable,” I’ll be right along there with you! I’m trying to not go out shopping so that we can spend a bit at Merci in Paris. I need to reread the Haute World’s post on Merci (found it here ;)).

Hope we can skype chat tonight! Good luck on your paper!

LOVE,

Larbar

On Lar: new red beret from Debenhams • vintage scarf from Stefan’s in Atlanta • thrifted gap shirt • Blank black cords • Frye boots

(Apparently I like to dress franco-phoney when I go to American places.)  You like our new clock (above my head)? It’s from Pound Stretcher and slows down about every two days or so.

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Matteo and I stumbled on Katie’s Diner on our way to the pub one night, and thought we should try it out. It looks a little more bistro-y than diner-y, but its menu claims to be American: steak and potatoes, hamburgers, and a few other main courses.

I have to say Katie’s reminds me more of American places circa 1989 or so. We started with breaded mushroom caps:

And each got a burger with fries for our main course (iceburg lettuce included!). It made me a little nostalgic for my childhood — pre low-carb and/or gluten-free diets:

To top it off, a delicious, buttery apple crumble and vanilla ice cream!

I missed you, 1980s/90s Americana! I just didn’t expect to find you in Scotland of all places!

Oh and I meant to update those of you interested in treacle when I mentioned it a few weeks ago. Turns out that treacle isn’t some wonderful sugary concoction to be eaten by the likes of Alice (in Wonderland), but just the British version of black strap molasses! I was appalled. Something called treacle shouldn’t be so nutrient rich or taste like iron. but it does:

I’ve been eating it with my oats and nuts every morning to offset my baked-goods and burgers that I eat later in the day:

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Dearest Kitcath,

Two things:

1) This is what your package looked like when it arrived! Came at such a perfect time — feeling a little blue that day, missing everyone. I’ve actually got the Vivid Boutique candle lit now and we plan to use another packet of the taco seasoning tomorrow night (for our non-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving):

2) Should I get this as an early giftie to myself from Shopbop via Madewell? A good size for carrying around french pastries and museum guides whilst we stroll arm and arm down the Champs Elysees, non?

(edit: Nov. 24 • 10 am BST) I just saw this in my email, maybe a sign? (Even if I don’t plan to spend that much ;)):

Miss you, Kitcath!!!

xoxox,

Larbar

That (above), my friends is a delicious raisin brioche made by Falko Konditormeister. What is a Konditormeister? Only my favorite kind of person in the whole wide world — in any language — a master pastry chef! In this case, a German man by the name of Falko.

Not only do we live by some of the best French bakeries in Edinburgh, we also happen to have Herr Falko’s delicious establishment just a few blocks away from our flat. It is really an incredibly lucky thing that Matt and I can’t afford a car here. Without the walking we have to do, we would both turn into butter balls — happily munching away on croissants, pain au chocolats, and apple strudel until we collapsed from simultaneous heart attacks.

Here is a photo of my favorite handsome and svelte mans sitting in Falko Konditormeister’s bakery:

His cappuccino:

His Swiss toast (béchamel sauce, ham, swiss cheese on delicious kondistormeister bread):

This is what I wore to eat my butter delicious baked goods (I forgot to take pics of myself there – so I’m actually standing in my kitchen. Please note the very yellow walls, which are more orange in person):

Thrifted shirt from Finders Keepers in Atlanta • Citizens of Humanity skirt • Shuropody boots*

There’s a close-up of my shirt. It’s one of my favorites: it’s got this slightly Asian fan motif going on, and I love the colors.

*Shuropody boots: I have no idea how to pronounce the name of this store (Shoe Ro Pody? Shoe Rope-dy), but I stumbled upon it on Rose Street and thought it looked like one of those places where you buy orthopedic shoes. Sounds like a weird choice for someone who used to swear by 5-inch heels, but ya’ll, I is a-getting old, and walking around everywhere in Edinburgh is killing my poor, abused feetsies. And really, Shuropody (say it three times fast) had some cute things, plus they had a sale going! I needed another pair of boots because I’m wearing down the other two pairs I brought from the States. These newbies are lovely and warm and –gasp!– only two inches high. One day when I no longer live in a city of cobblestone, without a car, I might consider those 5-inchers again.

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Dear Kitcath,

It’s weird but I really haven’t seen much appeal in the High Street shopping since I’ve been here. Does that mean I am getting too old for trendy trends? I just can’t muster the strength to spend £30 on a cheaply made shirt with birds on it. Maybe it just means I’m too “poor” and should stick to the charity shops (£3 for an angora sweater- yes!). Maybe I’m just becoming thrifty and Scottish? One can always hope.

Anyways, I would like to save my hard-earned cash for some independent boutiques around here — though those seem a bit spendy too (but worth it right?), and to travel and see you more often. I’ll keep you abreast of any fluctuations in my shopping habits and what I discover.

Love/Miss You Muchos,

Larbar

H&M scarf • J.Crew puffer • thrifted purse • Next pink jeans • Frye boots

Like any good exploring adventure, this one starts out with the requisite outfit pic and. food! Matteo and I made it half way to Calton Hill before we decided it was best to stop for a quick bite (he also let me stop at every charity shop along the way – so I think he deserved at least a cuppa!).

We pottered into Henderson’s at St. John’s. It’s a vegetarian café in the basement of an historic church, right in the heart of Edinburgh. I had the frittata:

I think Matt must get so sick of me taking photos of him, but he is usually the one stuck with me all weekend! Look at those stone vaulted ceilings:

And just outside of Henderson’s is a beautiful cemetery:

This is the view southward from the church/café grounds:

You can also get a beautiful view of Edinburgh Castle from the park by St. John’s. Isn’t it so lovely in the autumn sunlight:

So after a stroll post-lunch we finally ambled over to our intended destination: Calton Hill. You can see it behind Matteo’s head (below) — see those bits and bobs that look like Roman ruins? Well, they aren’t exactly Roman, but they are meant to look like classical relics. Most of the monuments were built as memorials around the early 19th century:

You can get some lovely views of the city from Calton Hill (and it’s much less of a climb than Arthur’s Seat — much more my speed). That’s Leith and the Firth of Forth (watery bits in the far background) behind us, so you’re looking north west-ish.

And what about this view?! That’s Edinburgh Castle to the left on the hill and New Town to the right of that:

This is what the “ruins” (monuments and observatories) look like on the top of the hill:

This is the oldest observatory tower built in the 1700s. (Matt thought he was being sneaky and getting out of the shot– but I got him and his Remembrance Day poppy – muahahaha!):

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Dear Kitcath,

Here’s our twinsie skype photo! Skype stripes:

Still not seeing you in person is so hard! Only one month left to go!!

xoxoxo,

Larbar

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