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A Royal Father’s Day Tradition

June 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Royal Ascot Horses

(Photo source)

This weekend marks one of our biggest family traditions of the year – Father’s Day Weekend at Arlington Park Racecourse. It just so happens that each year around this time is also one of the biggest horse racing events in the world – Royal Ascot.

Steeped in pagentry and tradition, Royal Ascot is defintely the most popular race meeting in Britain, with over 300,000 guests attending Ascot over the 5-day event. It is also one of the many events still attended by Queen Elizabeth II.

Although I may pretend our Father’s Day outing is like Royal Ascot, the blue frozen drinks and popcorn are no match for the high-end treats served in Britain. And, even though hats are plentiful at Arlington Park in the summer, the pomp and circumstance that the beautiful dresses, chapeaus, and facinators command is beyond compare.

So what keeps me going to and writing about my big weekend at Arlington? It’s the beautiful grounds, the elegant horses, gorgeous flowers, the chance to buy and wear a new hat, and, most importantly, the thought that one day, maybe I’ll attend the real Royal Ascot – complete with fascinator attached.

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Germany Voted Most Popular Country

May 27, 2013 by

German Castle

(photo source)

In a survey of over 26,000 people around the world, Germany was seen as the most popular country. When asked to rank 16 countries (excluding their own country), 59% of respondents ranked Germany positively. Some analysts believe the positive rating is due to Germany’s strong dipolomacy, where ministers frequently tour other countries with markets for German goods. Germany has also faired better economically than almost every other European country in recent years.

Take a look at how other countries ranked on the “postive” list (percentage of positive ranking):

  1. Germany – 59%
  2. Canada – 55
  3. UK – 55%
  4. Japan – 51%
  5. France – 49%
  6. EU – 49%
  7. Brazil – 46%
  8. USA – 45%
  9. China – 42%
  10. South Korea – 36%
  11. South Africa – 35%
  12. India – 34%
  13. Russia – 30%
  14. Israel – 21%
  15. North Korea – 19%
  16. Pakistan – 15%
  17. Iran – 15%

Read the full story here…..

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Chelsea Flower Show Celebrates Centennial Year

May 13, 2013 by

image

(photo source)

Chelsea Flower Show, May 21-25, 2013

This year marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world – the Chelsea Flower Show. First known as the Royal Horticulture Society Great Spring Show from 1862 through 1912, the Chelsea Flower Show has been located at its current site on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, in the United Kingdom, since 1913. Once Britain’s largest flower show (now held by Hampton Court), Chelsea’s draws 157,000 vistors each year and is the show most associated with the Royal Family.

5 Facts about the Chelsea Flower Show

  • It takes 25 days to put up the entire show
  • The number of exibits in 1913 = 244; in 2013 = 550
  • Garden gnomes, along with all colored sculptures are forbidden (although exhibitors try to sneak them in)
  • Two firms have exhibited every year since 1913, including McBean’s Orchids, and Blackmore and Langdon
  • The Great Pavilion, introduced in 1951, was name in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest tent, until it was replaced in 2000. The tent remains were used to make 7,000 bags, aprons, and jackets.

Learn more about the Chelsea Flower Show and other flower and garden shows around the UK.

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Italian Bellinis and French Macarons: Sampling “The World” in Chicago

April 22, 2013 by

Bellini

(photo source)

Happy Birthday to me! And how did this Bistro Chic celebrate her extra special day? Not only was I spending two luxurious days in an awesome Millennium Park hotel, but I was also off sampling the world in downtown Chicago.

Take a peek at my itinerary:

  1. Spain – Strolled among Picasso’s (Monet’s, Dali’s!) at the Art Institute
  2. Italy – Dined on small plates at Quartino’s Italian restaurant
  3. Italy – Enjoyed fancy drinks, including Bellini’s, at a swanky Chicago bar
  4. Hawaii – Shopped for Maui Jim sunglasses – check out my new shades!
  5. France - Topped off my post-birthday morning with a few French pastries, like these lovely macarons and madelines, oui oui!

Macarons from raddisson blu hotel

French Madelines 

And the best part of all? I get to do it all again next year!

Ciao!

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Happy Anniversary, Mr. Darcy: Pride and Prejudice Turns 200

January 28, 2013 by

 Jane Austen books

(photo source)

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

This week marks the 200th anniversary of one of the most beloved novels by British author Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice. If you are not familiar with this tremendously clever and romantic early 19th century novel (but don’t want to actually pick up a book), check out the BBC mini-series version.

For those familiar with Austen’s work and her deliciously, complex characters – aka Ms. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bennet and Mr. Darcy – celebrate this anniversary by testing your Pride knowledge.

Ciao!

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