A Morning at the Central Park Conservatory Garden.

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This week went a little differently than I had planned. After the excitement of coming home to Georgia after a month in New York, I was a little bombarded by some pregnancy discomforts and a wicked stomach bug. I'm still coming out of the sick stupor but am taking a moment away from cloroxing everything in my home to share this post. Because it's a good one and it makes me smile.

One of the first things we did when we visited NYC this month was check out the Central Park Conservatory Garden - a formal garden tucked into the upper east corner of Central Park. It's a little bit of a hike to get all the way up there (which is why we've never visited), so there were virtually no tourists, but I am so, so so glad we finally made the effort. After coming off of our London trip and swooning over all the practically enchanted gardens there, it was really fun to see an American version of something so charming and well-kept. Also, I have been telling Everett all about the English rose gardens that we visited in London, and he keeps asking to visit "the garden", which is just so fun. He is so my kid, that little botanist.

This is typical. Even if we're in a mall, and there's a fountain, he's suddenly in it.

This is typical. Even if we're in a mall, and there's a fountain, he's suddenly in it.

This has got to be in a movie somewhere. It's too perfect.

This has got to be in a movie somewhere. It's too perfect.

This juice you guys. It's all the rage. Well, in my heart. It's Juice Generation's "Get Ur Green On" and it's SO GOOD.

This juice you guys. It's all the rage. Well, in my heart. It's Juice Generation's "Get Ur Green On" and it's SO GOOD.

These two. They tend to always match because almost everything I buy for them is blue :)

These two. They tend to always match because almost everything I buy for them is blue :)

This is a really special park of Central Park because it's divided into three sections - English, Italian and French gardens. Each garden has its own flair and obviously, plant life, associated with the gardens. The most formal entrance is through the Vanderbilt Gate on 5th Avenue between 104th and 105th and immediately leads you down a staircase into the English Garden, which is flanked by magnolia and lilac trees. The Italian garden is punctuated with crabapple and yew trees and features a gorgeous wisteria-laden pergola. To the north, the French style garden features a water fountain called Three Dancing Maidens surrounded by a myriad of low-to-the-ground seasonally changing foliage, including tulips, mums and Japanese holly. For anyone who loves flowers and gardening (or who has a child that likes to trespass into water fountains), this is such a sweet, quiet spot of the park that really makes you feel like you're in a different country. You certainly forget for a moment that you're in New York City, and some times, that's a nice reprieve.

He was racing. Himself.

He was racing. Himself.

We do a lot of the same things when we travel - we walk around, we find things to munch on, we explore parks and gardens, and we take too many photos. But really, is there anything more relaxing than lazily exploring a quiet garden with your loves?

Seeing these pictures makes me want to go back. And simultaneously makes me want to go home and get gardening again :)

The Last of London.

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Leaving to go on this London trip was so emotional. It was a little scary, thinking about an entire ocean being between me and my son. But you know what? He did so wonderfully (thanks to an army of family who loved on him so ridiculously well), and this trip was quite the adventure for me and Stevie. I am so grateful we got to have this British adventure together (and eat a lot of amazing Indian food!)

These are the last photos that didn't fit perfectly into any particular category, and in a way, those are probably the ones that best convey the trip - messy, sporadic, surprises of beauty around each corner, and random foliage that just wouldn't quit.

In Chelsea, there were private gardens every block or so that was just for the residents of the surrounding buildings. They looked like enchanted gardens, every last one of them. We peeked through the gates and just sighed.

In Chelsea, there were private gardens every block or so that was just for the residents of the surrounding buildings. They looked like enchanted gardens, every last one of them. We peeked through the gates and just sighed.

Stevie wants everyone to know that he took this. He says he wants credit where credit is due.

Stevie wants everyone to know that he took this. He says he wants credit where credit is due.

This is actually right outside Buckingham Palace. The Queen's gardener has it on lock-down.

This is actually right outside Buckingham Palace. The Queen's gardener has it on lock-down.

You just don't see buildings like this in Georgia. You just don't.

You just don't see buildings like this in Georgia. You just don't.

Cute man. He wore that backpack around for me, because it held all our camera gear. He's the kindest pack mule.

Cute man. He wore that backpack around for me, because it held all our camera gear. He's the kindest pack mule.

I really liked this outfit, because it was so comfy. And we were going to eat Italian, so, you know.

I really liked this outfit, because it was so comfy. And we were going to eat Italian, so, you know.

This is my chain swing.

This is my chain swing.

My ride. Not.

My ride. Not.

People live here, guys.

People live here, guys.

Dinner with our sweet friends Troy and Carrie! We are standing in front of Harrods and it's lit up like Christmas. The best. I feel like London would be the greatest city at Christmas. Also, it was chilly enough to pull out my favorite item in my cl…

Dinner with our sweet friends Troy and Carrie! We are standing in front of Harrods and it's lit up like Christmas. The best. I feel like London would be the greatest city at Christmas. Also, it was chilly enough to pull out my favorite item in my closet, the leather jacket, so... yeah, I was pretty happy.

See what I mean about the foliage? So intentional. And so beautiful!

See what I mean about the foliage? So intentional. And so beautiful!

Door envy.

Door envy.

Vine envy.

Vine envy.

It's a toss up here, between car envy, door envy and mini tree envy. Seriously, do they just grow like that?

It's a toss up here, between car envy, door envy and mini tree envy. Seriously, do they just grow like that?

I told him to stop mid-walk. Because LENS FLARE.

I told him to stop mid-walk. Because LENS FLARE.

Her majesty's!

Her majesty's!

All kinds of joy at the Palace. We didn't go in, although in the summer it is open for tours. You should have seen the lines though guys.

All kinds of joy at the Palace. We didn't go in, although in the summer it is open for tours. You should have seen the lines though guys.

When will we go abroad again? I have no idea. But I've already almost run out of my Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend tea (the best tea in all the Earth), and Stevie promised me that when we run out he will go back and get some. I reminded him of that little promise this morning and he just stared at me. It's crazy pricey on Amazon so it really makes no good sense to order it that way. I guess we will just have to plan a return voyage!

Call me crazy, but I would LOVE to bring my two boys (when this babe is born), back to London and do a tour of England. There are so many quaint countryside towns that need to be explored/hiked (like Bath, where Stevie's dad is from), and the whole Cotswolds region is really beckoning me. I think we would have to throw in a bit of Scotland, too. I mean, if we're there anyway. And Paris! Because PARIS. Now I'm just having Euro turrets.

Are there any spots we visited that you want to go back and see? I'd love to hear in the comments! Thanks for traveling along with us, friends! xox

Outfit Details:
ASOS Cold Should Maternity Top, Paige Verdugo Maternity Jeans (hand me downs from a dear friend :), color sold out, similar here ), Anthropologie Flats (sold out, similar here), Liberti Love Lariat Necklace (c/o)

P.S. - Missed a London post? Check out laid-back tea in the village of Hampstead Heath, a formal red dress for the wedding of the year, a Kate Middleton hat and a rolls royce for good measure, good ol' British fish and chips near Southbank, dressing up in a sari on Queen's Gate Road, and an obligatory wander through Notting Hill (with lavender lattes!). Whew. Good trip, guys. Good trip.

Picnic in Central Park on Labor Day.

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We had the laziest of Labor Days. It was wonderful. We are in our final stretch up here in New York (I have so many fun adventures to share with you over the next few weeks, I'm excited!), so we wanted to enjoy the city a bit more before saying goodbye. We grabbed some Shake Shack (they had a blueberry pie ice cream concrete, so heavenly) and walked to our favorite part of Central Park, in Strawberry Field, where the trees are so old and stretch into the sky. I love this part of the park, so stately and green. Everett and Stevie played frisbee while I stretched out on our blanket and just watched. This mama is feeling less sprightly lately, so sitting and laying are really my jam. Then our dear-hearted friends Anthony and Jessica joined us, and we sat in the park for a long time, laughing at Everett (who took up a solitary game of throwing sticks) while we talked about life. We capped off the day with a healthy concoction from Juice Generation - my favorite is "get your greens on", which has apple, mint, kale, spinach and pineapple in it. So fresh. I'm missing my Vitamix juices up here, so this is a good fill-in.

A few photos below!

See what I mean about those trees? I mean come on.

See what I mean about those trees? I mean come on.

This was a free frisbee that Everett caught in the 4th of July parade - it's smaller so it's perfect for his little hands!

This was a free frisbee that Everett caught in the 4th of July parade - it's smaller so it's perfect for his little hands!

This really cracks me up. When he throws it, he immediately looks behind himself in the other direction.

This really cracks me up. When he throws it, he immediately looks behind himself in the other direction.

The trees. The trees are so delicious. Can you see the twinges of autumn?

The trees. The trees are so delicious. Can you see the twinges of autumn?

He looooooooves him some Jess.

He looooooooves him some Jess.

Per the usual, kid ate all my concrete. (P.S. Concretes are a milkshake/ice cream concoction that God whispered in someone's ear and now we all get to enjoy, via Shake Shake. This one had pie in it. A whole slice of blueberry pie!!! #sopregnant

Per the usual, kid ate all my concrete. (P.S. Concretes are a milkshake/ice cream concoction that God whispered in someone's ear and now we all get to enjoy, via Shake Shake. This one had pie in it. A whole slice of blueberry pie!!! #sopregnant

I hope your Labor Day was relaxed. Pray for us as we get packed up and on the road this weekend - we are driving home from New York to Atlanta (I know, everyone says we are crazy, and I'm beginning to think they're right). Stevie actually has a big presentation today that is the culmination of his project work up here. I am so proud of that man for working so earnestly in every area of his life - his job, his family, his faith, his health. He is so super disciplined and really inspires me to be the best version of me, because I see him constantly honing who he is to be the best version of him. Just feeling really grateful for him this morning and how his efforts have given our family amazing opportunities like being able to come up to New York for the month. He's a rock star.

Next week we will be home! Hurray! I think my garden has literally turned into a jungle, so says my mom.

P.S. - Last London post is up tomorrow!

Tea and Scones in Hampstead Heath.

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Listen up, anglophiles. I'm about to give it to you straight - all that we simultaneously hoped and feared is true.

Those British movies that depict picture-perfect English villages - complete with cobblestone streets leading to a floury bakery and also, there just happens to be a moor that overlooks the big city in the distance (where you can eat your breaded wonders and moon over life choices)? Yep, we thought those kinds of places couldn't possibly be real. Just Hollywood magic. Just the stuff we drooled over in Jane Austen movies. "Mister Darrrrrrrcy!!!!"

Nay, friends.

It's real.

It's all real.

I've seen it. Tasted it. Walked those clickity-clack cobblestones. Munched on the breaded goods. Gazed upon the heathered hillsides. I'm here to tell you that our Hollywood dream is nothing phony, feigned or produced.

The perfect English village exists, located on the northern rim of London. Its name is Hampstead Heath. And it is, indeed, as delightful as our imaginations could have ever summoned.

We took the bus & train ride up to Hampstead Heath because our amazing friends reside there these days. These are our buddies from our time living in Boston, when we all had the same schedule (and no kids!) and therefore could hang out all the time. We would walk to each others apartments in the snow and would bake and play board games. But Troy and Carrie have always been international travelers and dreamers at heart (we knew the States couldn't keep them for too long), and it was so lovely exploring this bit of north London that they now call home. I am so thrilled that they are exposing their children to such an extraordinary slice of life, a true English village experience.

I was slightly dazed by the whole village experience, and completely forgot to take pictures with our dear friends (please tell me I'm not the only one who does this - it's like you get into real conversation and the camera stays put away for hours). They showed us around the picturesque hilly hamlet, introduced us to their favorite bakery and of course, we all picnic-ed out on the heath. A real heath, overlooking downtown London in the distance.

You could call it perfect, but I wish there was an even better word.

Stevie and I stole an hour away to have tea and scones on the terrace at The Burgh House. It was perhaps my favorite date of the whole trip, so relaxed, enjoying buttery sweets in what was the most wonderfully overgrown English garden. Truth be told, Stevie and I disagree so often, it would probably scare some of you who are even-tempered souls. We are both opinionated and often too strong-willed, so our day-to-day is often wrought with differences of opinion and trying to prove to the other that we are right. It's not the most shining quality of our marriage. So when we can actually connect and put our differences away and relax with each other, it is the most nutritious and uplifting thing.

This was one of those days, one that I will remember for a long time. We just laughed. We ordered seconds. We dreamed of what it would be like to live in a village like this - "how could we get our families to move with us?" - and It was everything I could have wanted. Just laughing with my beloved in the sunshine, sipping on some English Breakfast tea and wondering what this next child of ours is going to be like. Seriously, what is he going to look like?!

That village grabbed a hold of my heart and kept some of it, tucked into the wilderness of the mossy heath. One day I'll bring all my boys back, show them the tree their daddy climbed and force feed them berry scones (though they will probably ask for eggs, because "its manlier"), and keep building upon these sweetened memories in the charming Hampstead Heath. It was the most picturesque English village, and the quaintest of days.

The best part is that it was all so real.

Lady in London Red.

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Because when you're invited to a smashing wedding in London, you just go. Even if you're five months pregnant and have no idea where to find a formal maternity dress. Have I said "thank God for ASOS" enough? I know I sound like a broken record over here but I have been so pleased with my maternity finds from ASOS that I have to share. And hilariously enough, this dress isn't actually maternity but I just had a feeling that the empire cut would work for this 5+ month bump :) And it did the trick!

This was the perfect date night, one that I will always treasure. Not only was it really special to get gussied up and have a night out on the (foreign) town with my man, this wedding was such a standout. One of those that causes you to, over and over again, catch the sparkling eyes of your spouse and remember your own wedding day. Cherishing the years you've forged together. The speeches made us well up with tears. The meal made me wish for a bigger stomach (oh wait). The band made me regret not learning to play the saxophone in middle school and the dancing made my feet hurt (in that good kind of way). This was one of those nights that I will remember fondly in the months to come, when I am wrapped up in bed with my newborn baby boy and not going anywhere for quite a while.

One really good date night. And one really good dress. And one extremely good man. Too much to ask for? I think not, friends. I think not.

P.S. - More London maternity style here, here and here.