Something New!

Hello dear readers!

You may have noticed that I've only blogged a handful of times since returning from the UK in August.  The break was a much needed one and I also began re-evaluating my time spent in the blogging world. I've loved sharing about Kurt and my adventures here and the support I received while doing so has been really special to me. Now though that we're beginning to settle into a new season of life back in the US, it seems only appropriate that I also start something new in blogging too.

I'm excited to share that the something new is called Simple Domesticity. Simpledomesticity.com will be a more topic-specific blog. With an emphasis on interior design and a do-it-yourself approach, I'll share about living a joyful, simple, domestic life.

I would love, love, love for you to join me there! I've really enjoyed interacting with you here and I don't want that to end. Please follow the link to my new blog and follow along there. You'll notice I transferred some relevant older posts from this blog to that one, but otherwise, it's a fresh start! I'm excited for what's ahead. 

Michaela Rae

The Very Best of London | according to me

Having lived in London for a year, I often find it hard to sum up what I'd do if I had one week in the city. London is amazing and there's just so much to see and do. After some thought though, I've come up with my top recommendations. A lot of websites will fill you in on the popular tourist attractions, but here are my personal, perhaps less well-known, favorites. If I could go back today, you'd find me doing one of these.

+ Walk along the Thames at night. The city can be surprisingly quiet on a week night and there are twinkle lights and benches along the way, it's the perfect refresher after a long day of sight seeing.

+ Go to church. You heard me! Pick a huge, beautiful church and attend a service. Not only is this a free way to see churches like Westminster and St. Paul's, but it's an awesome way to experience a bit of English culture and see incredible architecture.

+ Go to market. Borough Market is a must if you're craving a taste of British and/or other ethnic foods. It's the most renown food market in all of England and it won't disappoint. Covent Garden is one of my favorite spots with live music, food and plenty of booths for buying a souvenir. You can learn more about London's markets here.

+ Relish Primrose Bakery. A couple blocks from Covent Garden sits the little Primrose Bakery. If you follow my blog and/or Instagram, you've probably heard me talk about it. This place is perfect for a traditional cup of tea and a delicious cupcake or two (raspberry coconut, amazing). I kind of feel like it's a hidden gem, but then again, the three tables inside are often full.

+ Enjoy a park. Everyone's heard of Hide Park, but my favorites are Regent's and Green Park (right next to Buckingham palace). And if you happen to be in Wimbledon, my haven, Cannizaro Park. In spring or autumn these parks are bursting with life - their beautiful trees and lawns just beckon for a stroll or picnic. You can find out more about London parks here.

+ Finally, if you have the opportunity, venture outside of the city! The rolling English countryside is one of a kind and a day trip to Bath, Oxford or Dover is well worth it. Some of my favorite memories are the Roman Baths, Jane Austen's home and having a pint at The Eagle and Child, where C.S. Lewis frequented. Coach tickets are cheap and there are always several time options for every day.

So there you have it, somewhat of a nut shell of how I'd spend my time if I had one week in London.  Of course, if you can manage a year, I highly recommend it. ;-)

Michaela Rae

Merry Free Printables!

I've been on a free printables kick recently. There are so many cute (especially, holiday) ones on the net right now and I think it's the sweetest that designers are willing to share their talent for free. Here are of my favorites:

+ This, DIY Holiday Paper Reindeer Postcard & Tag from Eat Drink Chic.

+ HelloBee's, Notes of Thankfulness.

+ Holiday Gift Tags from Love vs. Design.

+ Country Jam Jar Labels by Ellinee.

+ Holiday Mail Stripe Gift Tags, another Eat Drink Chic beauty.

+ Love vs. Design, Ugly Sweater Tags.

+ Cute Ellinee Paper Bows for Christmas and in Fall colors.

+ Gift Tags & Star Charm DIY by Dotcoms for Moms.

The possibilities are endless for these. I'm currently using the Notes of Thankfulness daily; I fill one out and put it in a jar so that at the end of the month I can remember the ways I've been blessed. I'm also contemplating the DIY Reindeer Postcard as our Christmas card this year.

Have you found any cute printables? Are you using them for your holiday crafts or gift wrapping?

Michaela Rae

P.S. I've enjoyed my hiatus from blogging. I often see a correlation between my time spent online and how at peace I feel (less being more). I do plan, though, to update a bit more frequently now that things are settling down. There are also some exciting things ahead that I want to document and share with you!

Sharing on Life Abroad

Today I'm over on Chelsea's blog, Lost in Travels, sharing about a couple ways that living abroad shaped my perspective. I feel really honored to share on her blog because she and her husband are the definition of an adventurous couple (or "life long honeymooners", as she calls it). They currently live in Korea and Chelsea shares all about their life there on her blog. I'll forever have admiration for anyone who moves abroad, but I especially admire people like Chelsea, who choose to look on the bright side and share all of the wonderful things they learn and experience as expats.

Head on over to read my post and to say hello!

In other news, Kurt and I have been taking in Autumn in the midwest. It's a spectacular thing. We went to a huge Pumpkin Festival this past weekend, it was really my first legit fall festival. There were 35,000 jack-o-lanterns and it was beautiful.

Michaela Rae

Autumn Chicken and Corn Chili

This autumn I've been trying to think outside the box a bit by making familiar seasonal recipes I love, but with a twist. Last week I had a hankering for something warm and hearty so I made chili. I'd normally make my mother's more traditional chili recipe but this time I went with a Chicken and Corn Chili. I haven't posted recipes in awhile because I realize I'm not an expert and there are thousands of foodie blogs more worth our time, but I do want to share this one. It was delicious and isn't online since I found it in Rachael Ray's EveryDay. 

Chicken and Corn Chili

You'll need:
2 TBSP vegetable oil

2 large onions, chopped

3 TBSP minced garlic

1/3 cup chili powder

1 TBSP ground cumin

1 TBSP dried oregano

Coarse salt and pepper

1 tsp. cayenne

1 qt. chicken broth

2 chopped red potatoes

3 cups corn

1 can chopped chiles (optional)

1 1/2 cus chopped raw chicken

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded jack cheese

Oyster crackers 

Chives

via

Instructions:
In a large dutch oven, heat the oil over high heat. Add the onions and stir over medium-low heat until soft. Stir in the garlic, 3 cups water, chicken broth and red potatoes. Simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the chile powder, cumin, oregano, 1 TBSP salt, 1 1/2 tsp pepper and the cayenne. Add corn, chiles and chicken, simmer for 15 minutes (or until chicken is fully cooked).

Stir in heavy cream and cheese.

Top with oyster crackers and chives.

This recipe says it serves 10, but it disappeared between four of us (ahem, seconds and thirds). I left out the chiles and in order to cut down on cooking time, cooked the chopped chicken prior to adding it. But any recipe like this is highly adaptable, I'll probably add more potatoes and corn next time.

Have you tried any unique seasonal recipes this year? Share a link below!

Michaela Rae