First visitor to the UK!!

Sunday FUNDAY walk to the center of town.

My dad wanted to see Covent Garden and do some shopping

But somehow, we ended up at Belgo's for mussels and beer at 2 in the afternoon. Say Whaaaaaaaat?

Alright alright.. I guess I'm not complaining. Salud!! Only in the UK is it totally appropriate to have a drink in the afternoon without any discerning eyes.

For the light weights out there: my momma had the framoise beer. I think it had 3.5% alcohol content or so?

My dad and T had the Hoegaarden Grand Cru, a belgium beer. I ordered a Chimay Bleu and had a sampling of everyone's beer. 

Open faced mussels platter with marinere and mozzerella cheese.

We ordered three kilo pots of mussels: Marinere, Green Thai, and Traditionelle.

Everything was so delicious as always. Even for a non-mussels fan (someone else, not me!!), Belgos was still a hit.

We did make it out to Covent Garden and Oxford street to do some window shopping and walking around.

Please Rudolph don't go!! I'm going to miss all the festive Christmas decorations.

We went to the only place we knew that played the Bears game. Bodeans for light beer and Kansas City style bbq.
http://www.bodeansbbq.com/

Meat platter x2. Oh lordie that is a whole lotta meat.

It was SOOO yummy. Especially with the two meat sauces- bbq and hickory that you could smother all over the beef/pork ribs, chicken, and brisket.

Bbq pictures are always so flattering.. wouldn't you agree?? :o)

We still managed to finish most of the two platters even though we had eaten 4 hours earlier.

I'm so stuffed. I'm not even sure how all that food got in my bellay. Good news is that the Bears won 38-34. We're going to the Superbowl playoffs baby!!

Great news: My friend is flying to S. Africa and has a Heathrow flight delay for 9 hours tomorrow so she'll be able to come see me!! Yippee!! My first visitor and not even on purpose. :-D. Either way, I'll take it!!

Bear down

Yay! Things are definitely a lot livelier this morning. Went on a 5 miler or so (I didn't bring my Garmin Forerunner with me because I have yet to charge it!) around my neighborhood again. Jogging in the cold is a bit of a pain at first but after 15 minutes have passed, my muscles become looser and the run actually becomes pleasant.

After my run, I was greeted with this: Someone went to the golden arches!

McDonalds hamburger and cold french fries. I scarfed down the hamburger and a few potato spuds.

Only I would get excited about Christmas socks that my mom forgot to wrap yesterday. It is my firm belief that one can never have enough socks and underwear :)

 

My dog has completely neglected me. I see how it is. Traitor.

Agenda: Shopping around Covent Garden and then the BEARS GAME @ Bodeans. My first NFL game of the season. It's been waaaaaay too long since I've had some "American football" in my life. Heeellz yea!

Hey! I'm a hitgirl. hehehehe

http://hanna-movie-trailer.blogspot.com/

One in a million

Someone got a bath this morning!!

All clean. Shhh.. don't tell anyone I haven't had a bath in a loooooooong time.

Not sure who enjoyed it more, the dog or my mom.

I love a full house. Warm bodies also keeps the house nice and toasty.

Let's be asian shall we? Peace.

Apple cider roasted duck. So succulent and delicious.

Rosemary/garlic shoulder of lamb.

We ran out of plates so I had to improvise and eat off a Merlot serving plate :/

Bobby Flay's pumpkin soup.

Homemade mac n cheese, mashed potatoes and sauteed kale. Everything was amazing. I think I went up for thirds? I ate more today than I did on Thanksgiving! That's a first.

Let's burn off some calories

Kinnect is such a fun new toy!

The big boy wouldn't let the small boy win. Joe don't you know you have longer arms and legs than the poor kid! Sheesh!!

Somehow I don't trust her sitting lookin all innocent.

Sticky toffee pudding for dessert. It was warm, gooey, and mmmmm good! I can feel my waistline expanding as we speak.

Opening Christmas crackers. Joke of the night: Q: What do you call a chicken with a shell costume?
A: an Egg :o) :o)

Mom trying T's homemade spiked Eggnog or shall we say Rum with a little bit of eggnog?

Arf Arf had so much fun playing w. all the new guests.

Sonoma got a new toy and some table scraps. What a Merry Christmas indeed.

We're all pooped from the long day's activities.

Jad put on another clarinet performance for us. Bravo!! Great way to end a very busy day.

Song of the night: Ne-Yo "One in a million"

Christmas love

Christmas morning breakfast of toast, sunny side up eggs, and smoked salmon scrambled eggs.

Yummy! I ran around my neighborhood for an hour. Everything was so quiet and peaceful. I LOVED IT!

Delicious spread.

Time for presents!!

Everyone grab your stockings!

I got hot sauce in my stocking. Have you seen a happier face?

My mom smiles from the heart. :o)

I squealed like a pig being chased when I saw this voucher. A 3 hour house cleaning and I don't have to do it myself? SWEET!!!

I am fascinated by scary movies and scary tours. T got me a voucher for the London Tombs tour. Does someone know me well or what!

My stocking was stuffed with lots of fun goodies: a Chicago Michelin guide, a London for Londoner's Timeout book, and lots of candy.

Sonoma is trying to get in on the action in any way possible.

Trying to divvy up the presents is hard work when they aren't labeled!!

"Attack, Attack!!" Santa brought her some fancy canned dog food.

Lots of presents to be opened.

I got everything I asked for this Christmas: Zumba certification, gloves, scarfs, workout clothes, and a Barcelona book. SURPRISE!! T's taking me to Barcelona for my Birthday. YIPPEE!!!! I've already looked up a popular salsa club :) ME GUSTA ME GUSTA!!

More Kinnect Sports fun

The house is smelling lovely and I'm anxiously anticipating Christmas dinner.

A preview of whats to come!!