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Chelsea Flower Show Celebrates Centennial Year

May 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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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: , , , , ,

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

January 28, 2013 by

 Jane Austen books

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“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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Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas

November 26, 2012 by

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Growing up, one of my favorite Christmas songs was the 12 Days of Christmas (who could forget the classic version by John Denver and the Muppets). I used to imagine what it would be like to receive 12 days worth of gifts – all themed after the old English song. Today, I still enjoy the song but, realistically, I’m not sure what I would do with 12 drummers drumming under my tree. Not to mention, how I could afford to keep a partridge in a pear tree or six geese a laying in my backyard. In fact, a recent report shows that all of the 12 “gifts” mentioned in the song would cost $107,000 today – the swans alone cost $1,000 each!

Instead, I’ve expanded my interest to include holiday decor that reflects the lyrics of the song. Some of my favorite 12 Days items can be found at:

  • Williams Sonoma – a whole range of 12 Days serving items, including plates, mugs, glasses, and napkins
  • Pottery Barn – handcrafted, blown glass ornaments depicting the 12 Days
  • Neiman Marcus – mini holiday ornaments featuring a whimsical take on the song

….and all of these more modern-day depictions of the 12 gifts make it much easier — and more affordable — to enjoy Christmas and  its 12 special days.

Filed Under: Joie de Vivre Tagged With: , , ,

Walking the Dog in Baltimore

June 25, 2012 by

I am not a huge beer drinker. However, if there is one beer that I enjoy, it is Newcastle Brown Ale. From the slightly sweet, slightly bitter taste, to the rich color and smooth finish, this English beer is one of the best. I first tried Newcastle many years ago upon my first trip to England. I remember the bartender telling me a bit about the beer and that it was best to drink it from draft opposed to bottled. I also learned that the beer was known affectionately as “the dog” in England, short for “walking the dog”, which is a euphemism for going out for a drink.

Back in the States, it’s a challenge to find Newcastle anywhere (it was everywhere in England) – but especially  on draft. However, on my recent trip to Baltimore, I was excited to see Newcastle on draft at Tir Na Nog, an Irish pub in Baltimore harbor. The following week, while in Orlando, I found Newcastle on draft in downtown Disney at Raglan Road. On both occasions, I had to indulge – or walk the dog – for old times sake.

Who knows, maybe on my next trip, it will be third time’s the charm!

Cheers everyone!

 

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5 Days at Royal Ascot

June 18, 2012 by

(photo source)

This year marks the 301st year of Royal Ascot, the most valuable and popular horse race meeting in Europe. From June 19 to June 23, over 30 races will take place and £4.5 million in prize money will be at stake. If you are not one of the 300,000 visitors expected to attend this year’s big event outside of London, try celebrating at home. Aside from sporting a fancy hat or fascinator, be sure to follow the new Royal Ascot dress code. You can also try a few of the most popular Royal Ascot refreshments … according to Ascot’s website, during the 5 days in 2011, Royal Ascot attendees consumed:

  • 58,727 bottles of Champagne
  • 110,936 glasses of Pimm’s
  • 156,656 draught pints of beer
  • 40,000 strawberry scones
  • 2,000 kilos of fresh lobsters
  • 52,500 local spears of asparagus
  • 3,300 punets of strawberries

For full racing schedules, runners and riders, style guide, and other information, check out the official Royal Ascot website.

Filed Under: Joie de Vivre Tagged With: , , , , ,
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