New Video Clips!

New Clips!
Oh happy Friday. I've got a little entertainment for your holiday weekend kick-off. I've added a ton of new clips and photos to to my website, so feel free to check it out and let me know your thoughts!

We Need to Talk.
Let's have a word on self-promotion. You probably won't believe me, but I pretty much hate it. It's very, VERY uncomfortable for me to be spamming the world with my every entertainment move. It's kinda so awkward to be all, "Hey world, let's talk some more about ME!" However, entertainment is the industry that I want to be in, which means, basically, I need to play ball. In order to accomplish my aspirations, I've got to be putting myself "out there" and expanding my reach. So if you're like me, and find the phenomena of taking "selfie" photos a little uncomfortable/strange, please just extend your grace and understand that I'm really not self-obsessed. Seriously. However, I am un-apologetically dream-obsessed, and I WILL take the necessary measures to accomplish my goals. So, if you're half-annoyed with my blog posts, web updates, set photos and video clips, please feel free to un-friend me. I won't take it personally (that's probably a lie.) But in all seriousness. This venture I'm embarking upon is an uphill battle, and I could use all the encouragement and support I can get! Whew. I'm glad we had that talk. I've been meaning to put that out there. I wish I could give you a hug right now. And a Girl Scout Cookie. Now, let me tell you about a few projects.

Psyche.
Filmed in Boston this past spring, Psyche is an experimental film based on the mythological Greek love story of Cupid and Psyche. This little film packs a punch, featuring a back-and-forth "glitch" between myth and reality, some interesting animations and (don't say it!) a flirtation with having an affair. I know, I know. Crazy stuff. Check out a few clips.

Psyche (1) - What Is Reality from Kristen Nicole Hale on Vimeo.

Psyche (2) - "Why Are You Leaving" from Kristen Nicole Hale on Vimeo.

Psyche (3) - The Glitch from Kristen Nicole Hale on Vimeo.

Psyche (4) - "Where Is Your Husband." from Kristen Nicole Hale on Vimeo.

Kiwi Promo.
Kiwi is a mobile app that lets you store your paper/electronic receipts in one easy-to-use application. I recorded the voiceover for this in Boston, but the commercial was filmed in Atlanta. A big shout out to Drew Kaiser and his AWESOME team at Southern Lights Productions for this one!

Kiwi from Kristen Nicole Hale on Vimeo.

More.
You can also check out my brand-spankin' NEW voiceover demo, recorded by the ever-so-talented John Pitzer.  Listen here. Heh, or here.



Even MORE.
AND I have an updated reel. Can't be going on auditions without updated "stuff."

Kristen Nicole Hale Reel from Kristen Nicole Hale on Vimeo.

Media overload? I know, me too. But thanks for tuning in and being awesome! If you like these updates, shout it from the rooftops! (Or from the tweet-tops!) All these clips are up on my website. I hope you have the happiest holiday weekend!

New York Moment: Celeb Sighting

It Was A Tuesday.
I think I have this syndrome. The one where you think you keep spotting celebrities? Yeah, I have that. Is there a name for it? I swear, I keep thinking that I'm seeing everyone from Allison Janney to Jay-Z. I'm out in the grocery store, and I swear that I see, like, Michael Jackson (not possible.) Why have I fallen prey to the excitement that buzzes around celebrity culture? I should be thrilled to spot someone like Christiane Amanpour or Thomas Friedman or some other great influential thought leader. But no. I keep wanting to see Blake Lively, in mad hopes that they're secretly filming a Gossip Girl reunion. (I mean, I would be amped to see Thomas Friedman. Because I've got questions for him.)

Aaaaaaaaanyways, I was leaving an acting seminar the other day in Times Square, and I'm just walking along (half-lost), looking for the subway, and then I see him. It's only a glimpse, and it's only for a mere second, but Woody Harrelson is walking toward me in a loose crowd of people. I did a double take, and we locked eyes for a moment's fraction. And I'm thinking, "I know your face!" And then he was gone.

IT WAS SO COOL.

He looked like any other normal business person on the street. He was wearing a suit-type jacket and carrying a black leather computer bag. Oh Woody, did you really have a computer in that bag?

Apparently he's producing a play here in the fall. Oh Woody.

I just had to share. When I was in town visiting last fall, I saw Snoop Dog with his posse. That was cool, but this was almost cooler. Because, you know, this is now.

How to Combat Stress.

Sleep much? 
I took a moment to breathe this morning.

Whew.

Full disclosure. I've had insomnia since we moved to NYC. I just can't sleep. Lists keep running in my head like the opening, scrolling scene of Star Wars. Long long lists that appear to extend into the darkness of outer space... it's odd. "Long ago in a galaxy far, far away.... I dreamed of moving to New York!" And now here we are. It's an odd exhilaration, because I've also been on an extreme high, thrilled to walk down the street to the drycleaners JUST BECAUSE I AM IN NEW YORK. I feel like I'm hopped up on coffee all day long (even though it's only half), yet my frenzied heart can't rest when the nighttime comes and the lights get turned off. Frantic, flooded with to-do's, drowning with feeling like I'm ever-so-late to the game. What game? I don't really know. Isn't that the lie we all believe when we're trying to do something new? I am attempting to juggle several things and it's keeping me awake. It's sort of silly. But not, because the bloodshot eyes are starting to make me look like I'm on something. I know I'm not the only person in the world to experience this. But I've got to get it under control. Because sleep is necessary to accomplishing all those to-do's!

So, I decided to set all my lists and to-do's aside and just reflect. Just for a hot minute. 60 seconds, that's all.

Ha. It hit me all at once. The bevy of beautiful people who are WONDERFUL and love me so vastly. The smiles of my loved ones blur together into a sloppy, gleeful image in my mind, and wow. I am so grateful. My thoughtful sister who sent me a powerful book on art in the mail last week and my dearest friend who sent me a delightful Anthropologie housewarming present in the mail this week. The flowers my Aunt sent. My mom, who has called me and encouraged me everyday. My cousins, my sisters, my Dad, my friends. They care. Sheesh I am so blessed. I am overwhelmed with the unfathomable, infectious, present-infused love. And I am so incredibly thankful for these genuine pillars of strength in my life. These people quite literally create a firm foundation; I believe I can be big and strong because they tell me I can.

Get Grateful.
So I just want to encourage you today. Stress, anxiety, tension; they're all natural responses to transition. And if you're experiencing transition, whether severe or thrilling or somewhere in between, you don't have to experience an on-going bought of the painful stress. Take a moment, allow yourself to focus on the beautiful gifts around you, the joy of your relationships, even the lovely colors of summer. Whatever it takes. For your mind to quiet, your face to relax, your eyes to finally close. Your gratitude breeds peace. And once you have that peace, it's yours to keep.

Try It.
If you need to do an exercise to pull you out of a funk, unearth some of that pretty stationary that I know is sitting somewhere in a side drawer. Take a moment to think about 3 people who have really impacted your personal journey in the past year. It might be your mom, it might be your husband, it might even be a co-worker that you're not that close with, but has recognized your contributions and verbalized it. Whoever comes to mind, take 5 minutes and write it down. Tell them why they are wonderful to you. I promise that you will feel. So good. And now... look what you've done! Not only did you quiet your mind and find your peace, but now you're giving it away to others! Mmm win/win. Stamp it. Mail it.

Final Note.
In case you haven't heard it yet, you are enough. All the to-do's, the busyness, the job stress, the family tensions and the responsibility you feel toward all of it. Of course you have your reasons to be stressed. Of course you are justified in all your emotions. And there is probably so much that "needs" to be done today. However, you just need to know. You are. Enough. Just you. So give yourself a slice of grace today. Because seriously, you are enough.

Love to you today.

DIY: Pretty Up Your Bathroom for $7

Easiest DIY Ever.
Want a weekend project? I've got the EASIEST ever DIY for you. Project "pretty-up-my-creepy-bathroom" has been enacted on all fronts since we moved in. NYC apartments just aren't the cleanest. Or remodeled. Or pretty. So little by little, my apartment is getting a facelift. The bathroom got voted first. Mostly because it's small and easiest to tackle and see semi-quick results!

Materials.
Ok, here's the deal. My bathroom mirror is an old-school medicine cabinet that opens in 3 panels. Behind each mirrored panel is some of the oldest, skeeziest particle board ever. I tried scrubbing it when we moved in, but to no sparkling avail. The next best thing? Covering it up. I bought this Green & Gold Tile paper at Paper Source down the street for approx. $7. And that is all you will spend on this marvelous project. Seriously.

// Sorry for the spooky lighting. Bathroom lighting is always a tough one for me. //

Method.
1. I pulled out all the toiletries in the medicine cabinet and wiped everything down again. I removed the shelves and then I tucked the paper behind the mirror. Some excess paper hung outside the cabinet. It's all good.

2. & 3. I folded the paper back when it needed to be trimmed. Using my husband's favorite tool, I cut along the edge of the paper. You can also use an x-acto knife.

4. Using tape (it doesn't have to be any specific kind), I carefully taped the back of the paper to the edges of the inside cabinet.

5. Voila. Open the cabinet, prettiness abounds. Thank goodness. It's the little things that can make you feel better about the space you live in, am I right?

6. This post was NOT endorsed by Tom's. Ha but I do love him.

Let me know if you decide to give this a try! I will be doing some more work on our apartment this weekend and will have more projects to share. Have the happiest of happy weekends.

New Headshots!

Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I want to be apart of it
New York, New York.
- Frank Sinatra, "New York, New York"

Let's Get It Started.
Well... we've moved. To New York. For those of you who don't know, my husband got a post-MBA job here in this big, apple-icious city, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I have worked part-time as an actress and voice over artist in Atlanta and Boston over the past several years, and I am eager to take the plunge full-time and learn the industry in New York. Because it's out there! Right out my door! And I've gotta leverage that.

All that being said... I'm excited to share my updated headshots with you. Shot last month in the grand green pastures of Georgia with the uber-talented photographer/acting coach extraordinaire Barbara Benevil, these snapshots are ready to showcase a new (and hopefully improved) Kristen to the entertainment industry. Check them out and let me know what you think in the comments section!

These are just a preview! Link over to my acting site for more photos and stay tuned to my new Facebook page for more info and updates on my journey in entertainment - there are exciting things brewing over here in the Hale household! Excited to share more in the coming weeks!

You can help! If you are someone or know someone I should reach out to in the Manhattan/Brooklyn area regarding Film/TV/Voiceover/Print work, please don't hesitate to reach out! I am eager to meet people in this industry. I've got a lot to learn!

Thanks for your support!

How to Make Moving A Little Easier.

// Photo: Museum of Natural History //

It's Ongoing.
We moved into our Upper West Side New York City apartment almost two weeks ago. And it's still a wreck. Why is that? I'll tell you why. Because moving is HARD WORK. I'm beginning to understand why people don't do this very often.

Our backs hurt. From building stuff.

My husband and I have been married for 6 years. In that time frame, we have moved 5 times, with 4 of those moves taking us to different states. We haven't had the chance to get too comfortable anywhere yet. However, we always feel at home, no matter where we live. We purposefully take the time with each move to create "home" where we are. It takes a lot of time, building shelves and arranging photos and measuring every inch of our tiny abode (we have only lived in apartments), but the extra effort is worth it. Though we haven't finished unpacking quite yet, I am beginning to see a pattern of how to make moving easier.

// Left to Right: // Forgot the key to the storage unit. This is how the door was opened. // Anthropologie trinkets and Black & Decker tools. // Brown boxes and Blue Moon. //

1. Set up your TV. 
This should be almost the first thing you do. I'm not kidding. Because at the end of a long day of unpacking, you just want to kick back with a beverage and watch a re-run of Friends. Do not underestimate the importance of zoning out for just a bit. Because the next morning, it's back to the boxes. And those boxes? They are practically never-ending.

2. Visit Starbucks. Home Away from Home.
The Starbucks tip is two-fold. Not only do they brew the happy stimulants that make the day go round, you can get online well before the Internet is up at your new apartment. There is always a reason to need Internet, which becomes blazing-ly clear when you don't have it. Where is the local hardware store to buy the extra drill bits you need? How to clean the strange bathroom scum left by the previous tenant? What is the amount of weight that IKEA shelf can hold? All of these answers can be found on the World Wide Web. At Starbucks. With the happy coffee in hand.

3. Get IKEA Delivered.
IKEA has made a pretty penny off of us over the past several years. I don't mind. Being car-less in the city is wonderful, but it makes bringing home furniture from my beloved IKEA a bit more challenging. This is the first time we have ever gotten furniture delivered, but wow. It was well worth it. We trekked out to the Brooklyn IKEA, picked everything out, paid for it, and then paid a mere $99 extra for everything to be delivered directly inside our apartment. We couldn't have rented a truck for cheaper than that, let alone attempted to move all those heavy furniture packages up and down the stairs by ourselves.

4. Visualize Your Goal.
One of the fun parts of moving (for me), has been the opportunity to try out different types of decor. We always sell most of our stuff before each move so that we can buy specifically for the new space, which gives us the opportunity to try out a new aesthetic. Trying out new styles is an exciting part of the move. For me, I visualize exactly what I want the "feel" to be, and I build the rooms around that. I have taken risks, made quite a few trendy mistakes, and slowly learned the patterns within my own preferred style. I am becoming more confident in what I know I like and don't like. Visualizing the goal helps overcome those "stuck" moments.

5. Grant Yourself Permission.
There is a lot of hard work that goes into moving, but one of the most important keys is having grace. Give myself permission to take time, think about where I want everything to go, and reorganize the last's apartment's mess. If you're in the midst of a move, take your time. Take breaks. Make sure to laugh, even if you feel like crying. Being surrounded by an endless amount of "We don't need ANY OF THIS!!!"-stuff can be overwhelming. It's okay. Just take a deep breath, maybe take a re-run break, and then get back to it.

These few elements have helped with this particular move. It doesn't make the art of moving a stroll in the park, but it certainly helps. And this move has been particularly special, because this time, it's NEW YORK. This stellar marvelous city. I'll take it.

Sunday Gratitude.

// View of the San Remo from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park. //

Grateful.
I started running again.

It's been a bit busy around my new home. Building. Cleaning. Unpacking. Overwhelming. I realized I needed to get out and get a bit un-focused. So I started running in my new hood. And wow. I am blessed. There is something fantastic to look at each and every moment.

I know the month of August is more than half over, but I only just realized that we're in the month of August yesterday. That's how crazed my mind has been. Downloading this darling calendar from Rebekka Seale has helped me appreciate the bits of the month that are left. It's like receiving a virtual bouquet of seasonal bliss.

I've been re-grouping and prepping for the week ahead. It's time to take action, get my work plan initiated, and engage this city with all that I have. My expectations for me are stacked to the Heavens. I have to remember to take a deep breath and give myself time to adapt to the new surroundings. The new surroundings make me marvel.

Thankful today for a husband who is as crazy nomadic as I am. Thankful for my new little home. Thankful for the sun coming through my window. And thankful for excellent Thai takeout that delivers 24 hours a day!

I love New York!

11 Tips for Planning A Euro Trip

Tips for Planning A Euro Trip.
This past June my husband and I went on a 4-week trek across 5 countries and 20 cities. We had an ABSOLUTE BLAST and learned a ton along the way. Many of you have asked questions about how we planned, what we learned and if there are any tips I would offer in planning and trekking across the old country. Since we didn't die, get robbed or even become separated for the 30 days of our trip (which is another story entirely), I would consider our experience a safety success. Below is a compilation of tips that I would offer to you if you're planning a Euro trip. Learn from our mistakes!

1. Find Your Book.
We used Rick Steves for EVERYTHING. He is this awesome Euro-tripper who has traveled to Europe every summer for 30 years and written books about experiencing Europe on the cheap. His books reference everything, from how to pack to where to buy train tickets and must-see itineraries for each city. I used Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door 2015: The Travel Skills Handbook, Rick Steves Best of Europe and the Rick Steves' French, Italian & German Phrase Book. These were holy texts to us.

2. Research. Meaning Pinterest. Blogs. Webpages.
I read a lot of blogs. I kept a Pinterest board with tons of packing/planning tips that I continued to reference during the months leading up to our trip. Feel free to browse my board for a list of helpful sites.

3. Create Your Tool Box. With Electronics.
If you don't have an iPhone already, you should have one. Because it makes travel so convenient. You can Facetime with your family back home FOR FREE when you are connected to wifi. I have not found Skype to work as seamlessly as Facetime. This small feature alone makes the iPhone so incredibly boss to Android. Sorry, Dad. I've drank the Apple-flavored Koolaid. But in all seriousness, on Father's Day we Facetimed my dad from a sidewalk cafe in Rome. While drinking wine and eating bruschetta. THIS REALLY HAPPENED. I am like a walking ad for an iPhone. Please go and buy one now. And call me from a sidewalk cafe in Rome. K.

Other Necessary Electronics:
Also super important to have? Other than the righteous iPhone?
- Canon Rebel XTi DSLR Camera - This was literally the most important thing on our trip. Literally.
- A Universal Plug Adapter
- An Acer Aspire Mini Laptop
- iPhone Chargers (one of ours broke due to the changes in voltage, so pack extra!)
- An extra camera charger, like this Canon Battery Charger (for the same reason)
- Perhaps an extra camera lens if you like to get funky with the photos
- A Thumb Drive
- A Petzl Headlamp (Stevie proudly used this all the time)

4. Contact Your Cell Service.
Call your cell phone company and work out your calling/data plan. It might be worth tagging on an extra data or international calling package for the time you will be away, in case you want to use your phone for Googlemaps (which proved to be extremely helpful) or if you need to call home in case of emergency. Otherwise, it will cost you an arm and a leg when you do need to use your phone for these things. Anticipate your need to use the data on your phone. You will use it! So pay the extra $25 to add that coverage to your phone for a month or so. Otherwise you will pay $500 for the same thing when you're roaming. Yikes.

5. Plan Your Banking & Budgets.
On the same note, call your credit card company and tell them your trip itinerary. That way you won't have an issue in case your card is stolen and being used in a country longer than you're supposed to be there. Plus, they will shut off your card if they start to see the activity in a ton of other countries. Your credit card company is your friend. That is, if you have Amex. They are just so darn nice when you call.

Also, always over-budget. For everything. Some of these cities, like Venice, Paris and London are so stinkin' expensive. And you want to be able to enjoy what the city has to offer and not be stressed about finances! So plan and save. Expect that you will spend more than you think. Florence has an incredible leather market, London has decadent tea, Munich has beer mugs that look like they are straight out of The Hobbit and you just might want to splurge a little to bring some of that fun home with you. So plan your budget accordingly.

6. Plan Your Packing.
Oh, there is much to be said about packing. Here are just a few fun tips:

// Elliot and Lena. They have a shared passion for vests. //

*Pack a vest.
Major props to Lena Hunt for loaning me her ridiculously cool Gap vest that can be folded down to pocket size (so convenient for travel!) I honestly didn't think I would use this much since we were traveling Europe in June and it's supposed to be HOT. But I wore that vest in every country. The trains, planes and buses can be seriously cold. I am not a fashionista (that accolade goes to my two sisters), but this is such a great layering item.

// The Vest made its way around Europe. Clearly. I'm wearing it in far too many pictures. //

*Material and Color.
Choose your coloring and clothing material carefully. Pack items made from simple materials, like cotton. They dry quickly when doing laundry and they hold up surprisingly well. Make sure to bring clothing in similar colors. I chose to bring black sandals, so all my clothing matched with black. I'll bet you didn't see me wearing any brown in any of my pictures! Other than the semi-brown slash golden vest. Obviously.

*Pack Tennis Shoes.
Yes, it's Europe, and yes, you want to look like a fashion model while you're touring the Old Country. But listen to me. You will wear your tennis shoes A LOT. So pick comfy ones. And relatively light-weight, easy-to-pack shoes that match everything. It's not as difficult as it sounds, I promise! We opted for Merrells. Mine were the Merrell Women's Barefoot Pace Glove and his were Merrell Men's Mix Master . We were excessively pleased with these purchases, as they made our touring so smooth and comfy.

*Use Packing Cubes.
These might be the most clutch item we have used on our trip. Stevie and I each purchased eBags Packing Cubes set of packing cubes to organize our clothing within our backpacks. We were able to fit more in the space and everything stays organized. I was a bit hesitant about making this purchase but I don't think I will ever pack a bag without them again. They are so, so convenient. Do not underestimate their power, ladies. You can pack a LOT more clothes in the same amount of space.

7. Mmm Matters of Hygiene.
It's really hard to keep everything perfectly clean when traipsing through multiple countries with one sweaty backpack. Doing laundry often really helps equalize the strange smells. Pack more laundry detergent than you think you will need. Because honestly, it's semi-impossible to buy the Tide Travel Packets once you're abroad. I have no idea why no stores carry it, so make sure to stock up while you're still in the U.S. Seriously.

8. Extras That You NEED.
*Plastic Bags. Specifically, Ziploc Bags
. Pack lots of them. In multiple sizes. We have used them for so many random things. Packing snacks for day trips. Containing sunscreen. Waterproofing tiny gifts. Using them to quarantine dirty socks. The opportunities for this little invention to shine are endless on a backpacking trip.

*Lip Balm.
I am obsessed with eos Organic Lip Balm. My favorite flavors are Honeydew Melon and Passionfruit. We used this all the time, on dry trains and planes, and it was a little taste of home. Best lip balm ever.

*Leatherman Tool.
Whether you need to open a bottle, cut a string or unscrew a tiny opening for batteries, Leatherman Tool was my husband's favorite accessory on this trip. He wore it on his belt like some kind of urban cowboy. I had to stop complaining about how dorky he looked because we used it so often for so many random things.

9. Download Your Tours Ahead of Time. And Use Rick Steves.
I know I've said it once but I'll say it again: the man is a genius. Read his books, download his audio guides (saves you so much $$$!) and take his self-guided walks. He's so bril. I hoped I would magically bump into him while we were on our trip so that I could casually whip out my 3 travel books I carried with me at all times, but alas, I did not.

The tours that museums offer are always expensive and often sort of a snooze. Rick is hilarious. Maybe it's just an American thing. But I got a big kick out of him. Make sure you download your audio tours while you still have wifi at the hotel, then just click on them once you get inside the entrance. You won't be disappointed.

// Left: What happens when you purchase the museum tour. Right: What happens when Rick is cracking jokes in your ear.  PS I so wish that were him photobombing on the right. Sigh. //

10. Wear a Moneybelt. 
They are so dorky. But just use it. Ours looked something like this Money Belt. We never got robbed and I think that's because Stevie was reaching down into his pants to get our money for anything. People just don't want to get that close to you. So the moneybelt, yeah, it works.

11. Zzzz.
Get lots of sleep! We got sick because we weren't sleeping enough. It's really hard to resist staying out late because everything is so wildly fun late at night... and it's hard not to get up early because breakfast is just so decadent. So you see the problem. Staying out late and getting up early AND pounding through the sights for 30 days in a row...? Yeah, your immune system will cry into it's pillow at night. So don't make it cry. Create a sustainable sleep schedule and make sure you're getting at least 8 hours per night. Sleep will give you endurance for the emotional and physical exhaustion that will occur.

These were some of the most important lessons we learned during our trip. If you have any specific questions while you're planning your trip, feel free to drop me a line!

Tran. Si. Tion.

One Day. At a Time.
Taking a deep breath. While sitting on my new emerald-green couch. Coffee in hand. The light is pouring through my window and I am studying my surroundings intently. Clarity is beginning to settle in. For the first time in, honestly, quite some time.

I know I keep saying this, but it's true. This week has been a complete whirlwind. This summer has been a whirlwind. THE PAST THREE MONTHS. I can draw a (very blurry) semi-frantic line from May 31, when my husband graduated school, to today, where I am sitting in an unfamiliar apartment in the center of all urban divinity. And somehow it's very quiet. Strung between these monumental moments is a series of sweet messy memories, eating in European parks, goofing off in the Georgia grass with my niece and nephews, laughing with my dad on the back porch, drinking wine with my dear old friend, sometimes crying, fighting, swimming, running, singing, squeezing the pulp out of a three month period of bliss. It's been anything but numb. I feel like I have lived a lifetime in a summer. And now here I sit.

The past week has contained its own little timeline of intensity: Left Georgia on a road trip to my new world (New York City!), moved into the new place, shopped at IKEA, built a bunch of new furniture, had friends in town for a mere moment, ate some cookies, and now it's all starting to settle in. Just barely. Because I am still surrounded by boxes and random bits of my past life, sprawling across the wooden floor, irritating me for their lack of a place in this foreign space. But then I just breathe again, because I know everything will settle in nicely. At least I have Internet now.

There is much more to be said, explained and shown. This season holds a new life for me and therefore, by extension, this blog. I look forward to chronicling the next season! I've been brainstorming throughout the summer (those long train rides in Germany gave me some time to think about some new things for Oy!), and September will kick off a new chapter for the blog. I'm thrilled to share these new adventures with you. Hang with me, dear Oy-sters. A monumentally Big Apple-infused adventure awaits!

Our Final Euro Trip Destination: Lovely London.

A Foggy Day In London Town. Not.
(Cue this jam. Now read.) 
London, you are one snazzy town. I think London is just about the perfect city. The people are polished, the children are polite, everyone has the GREATEST accent, and there is teatime and royalty and the Union Jack. What else could you ask for? London's allure hinges on a pristinely manicured edge, balancing it's wizened history with the city's fresh, innovative air of confidence. Steeped in rich fairy tales of knights in shining armor and queens in crowns, this town hosts an entire dream life for a little girl. Or 25-year old girl... Or a 29 year-old man, because Stevie fell in love with this place as much as I did. Let me tell you why.

// A bit squinty in all that London sunshine. We'll take it. //

I'll Have the Royal Wedding Blend, Thank You, Jeeves.
The waiters are all walking around in coat tails. Oh my word, the fanciness of it all. Our dear friend Nabihah, with whom we stayed near London Bridge, wanted to give us a proper introduction to London. She actually used that term, in her perfectly classy British accent,  

"Kristen, you need tea. In order to get a proper introduction to London, you need to take High Tea at Fortnum & Mason."

Well twist my arm. Tea time is one of my all-time favorite things on the planet, and it just so happens that Fortnum & Mason is the fancy of all teatime fancy. Fortnum & Mason is the queen's royal tea and food supplier. Thaaaaat's right. Me and Queen Elizabeth. We drink the same tea, so you could say we're thick as thieves these days. I ordered The Wedding Blend, which was created especially for Will and Kate's royal wedding. Tea time was so elaborate, with the crisp, lady-like linens set off by Tiffany-blue tea cups and saucers and petite sandwiches and lacy petit fors and clotted cream (which is heavenly). Oh. I could go on and on. We were sorely under-dressed in our unwashed hippie clothing, but Nabihah was too polite and un-judgemental to notice. She is one classy broad. I'd like to take etiquette lessons from her. I wanted to take pictures in the tea room but it was so formal that it felt wrong to whip out my camera. You know what I mean? Let's move on. Though I really don't want to. The memory of high tea really lives on.

We Did the Stuff. We're Not Slackers.
Post-tea time, we were off for the day. I kept expecting to see a very pregnant Kate Middleton traipsing around (this was pre-George), but alas, she was being good and staying home. Resting her bones. So we didn't catch any royal glimpses, but we were always hopeful. We walked through Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, scouted for some cheap theater tickets (didn't find any) and then visited the Tower of London. This is the site of some serious historic action. Anne Bolyn and her infamous beheading (amongst many others), the Beefeater Tour, the White Tower, and the insane CROWN JEWELS. Holy cow. I've gotta get me some of those. I like to imagine that sometimes, her Royal Majesty wakes up, looks at the window, snaps her fingers and says, "Jeeves, I'd like to wear my jewels today. Just because I CAN. Fetch them for me, won't you my pet?" I mean, that's what I would want to do. Walk around that gigantic palace in my bathrobe and jewels. Maybe a cocktail in hand. I hope she does that, even if it's only once every few years.

More! And More!
We lunched on the Thames, caught an organ recital at Westminster Abbey, marveled at the footsteps of Parliament and Big Ben, wandered hand-in-hand through St. James Park (and Hyde Park, AND Princess Diana's delightful Kensington Garden), tried to stalk the queen at Buckingham Palace (she wasn't home, but her guards were pretty entertaining), enjoyed the epic British Museum (the epitome of an encyclopedia come to life) and the London Natural History Museum (British dinosaurs!), took a twirl on the London Eye, and tried to find Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. We were unsuccessful at that last one, but we decided that's where we want to live. When we move to London. In my dreams. I shall have a red front door. And maybe children who call me "Mummy." Oh gosh that is so friggin' delightful.

// Parliament. Union Jack flies high. //

// Who lied. These phones booths aren't quaint. They smell the equivalent to a urinal. //

Icing on the Cake.
One of the most spectacular parts of our London trip was seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Shakespeare's Globe Theater. We bought 5-euro standing-room-only tickets and pushed our way as close to the stage as possible. Oh, we were close. I was absolutely enthralled. Thrilled. My age-old love for theater was ignited once again. These actors were FUNNY. And my God, they were so so talented. They brought Shakespeare to life in such a real way; you just know that guy was a piece of work. I was floored and all the more excited about getting back home and getting my audition material polished.

// Nighttime skyline. //

The End.
London made me feel strangely at home. You might say it was because everyone spoke English, but I really don't think that was why. I think London is a land of opportunity, of optimism and incredible poise. The dozens of busy cranes on the city's horizon only emphasize that I am not the only one who thinks so. The growth is spectacular and I love, love LOVED being a part of this bustling community for a mere moment.

The VERY End.
Well, this is it. I am sad for this epic trip's end, but thankful for the opportunity to have explored God's grand Earth. What a journey. What an education. My head is swimming with comparisons of Greek and Roman art, Michelangelo's brilliance to Da Vinci's nuance, Munich's foamy beer to Tuscany's articulate wine, Bavarian castles to French Gothic architecture, Pompeii's tragic tale to Britain's frilly monarchy, Amalfi's lemon orchards to Berlin's trailing Wall, the intoxicating Italian espresso, the spicy Spanish sausage, the sweet Parisian crepes, the decadent cheese, the - are you out of breath reading this yet? I am overwhelmed by just typing it. This trip is going to take a bit of time to process.

There's a Lufthansa flight back to New York and I. Am. On it.