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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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Queen Celebrates 60 years on British Throne

June 3, 2013 by

Queen Elizabeth Coronation

(photo source)

This week, Queen Elizabeth  II celebrates her 60-year reign as Monarch of England. On June 2, 1953, her majesty was officially crowned with the highest ranking royal title, although she had been seen as Queen more than a year earlier at the age of 25, just months after her father King George VI passed away in his sleep.

The 1953 coronation was attended by 8,000 guests, including prime ministers and heads of state around the Commonwealth. The ceremony has largely remained the same over a thousand years, with the Archbishop of Canterbury presiding for the last 900 years.

During the coronation, the Queen was handed the four symbols of authority:

  • The orb
  • The sceptre
  • The rod of mercy
  • The royal ring of sapphire and rubies

An estimated three million people lined the streets of London to catch a glimpse of the Queen while millions more watched the broadcast live on television or listened on the radio. As well-wishers shouted God Save the Queen, Her Majesty could be heard saying….

Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your your trust.

Learn more about the Queen’s Coronation and upcoming festivities to celebrate her 60-year anniversary as Monarch.

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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.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , , , ,

Destination Nespresso

May 6, 2013 by

Miami Nespresso

Although traveling for work can be tiring, tough on the family you leave behind, and often lonely, getting to know the cities you’re in can often provide just enough fun and change in scenery to make you appreciate your job, family, and your wonderful life. And, if you do your homework, you can become familiar enough with the city to feel somewhat like a local, or at least, comfortable with your surroundings.

When traveling, there are always three things I research in advance to help me feel more in tune with my destination city…

  • Running paths or trails
  • Local patisseries or dessert places
  • Coffee shops

Last week, I was fortunate to be in both Miami and Boston. Although each city is remarkable in it’s own way, I seem to focus on what matters most….and that’s finding a little bit of home through a safe and scenic place to run, fantastic food and desserts, and a great cup of espresso.

Now, as most of you know by now, my espresso habit is fueled by my Nespresso machine. Each morning it puuurrrs to me in that wake up and smell the dulsão de Brazil way. So it’s only natural that waking in a strange city becomes even stranger sans Nespresso.

Ironically, Miami and Boston (and Chicago for that matter) all have something in common… and more than just great food and fantastic running paths. They are all home to Nespresso boutique stores. This may seem insignificant, but if you know anything about Nespresso you know that they have very few boutique stores in the US (in only 8 states). And I just so happened to stop in two boutiques in two different states in the matter of 5 days!

 What I loved about each was how similar they were to the overall design (sleek, clean, and modern/edgy) and that they hosted a tasting area to sample their most popular espressos. Miami actually took their “tasting area” one step further by provding a full cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a tres chic experience on a warm spring Miami evening.

With so many sites to see in Boston and Miami, you may wonder why I spent my time pining over coffee. In reality, coffee was just one small part of the overall experience on my trips – albeit an important part and one that made me feel a little closer to home.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , , , , ,

Adventures in Wales

February 25, 2013 by

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(photo source)

Nearly 15 years ago, I ventured to Europe for the first time. Actually, it wasn’t so much Europe where I landed, but rather the United Kingdom. For three weeks, I traveled around England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, having, what I would consider now, a very enriching experience.

I’ve detailed several parts of my UK adventure on Bistro Chic, but haven’t mentioned one of my most interesting jaunts. While in Wales, I spent the better part of three days touring the capital – Cardiff; Caernarfon – home of the famous Caernarfon castle; and more.  I have so many memories of Wales —  even though it’s such a small country and I was only there for a short time. From Snowdonia National Park, to Holyhead, to Swansea, I went from North to South, more amazed by the people and culture after each day.

Some of my most memorable experiences in Wales include hearing the beautiful singing voices of the men’s choir (Welsh men are known for their singing); buying a little green-jeweled ring outside of the Castle from a little Welsh man that I couldn’t understand; and spending an afternoon in the city with the longest name in the world:

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – which the locals affectionately refer to as Llanfair PG – and which translates to:

St. Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of St. Tysilio with a red Cav

Although this post may not provide great detail about the beautiful country of Wales, it is definitely worth a stopover when traveling to the UK – if not for the interesting people; rolling landscapes; and rich Celtic history, then for the awesome passport stamp from the longest city name in the world!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , , ,
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