British Imports

Today marks the day I’ve been dreading for the last couple of months. My little sister is off this morning to London for about 9 months to get her Masters at the London School of Economics. Of course I’m proud of her, but I was totally sad to see her go. The only thing keeping me somewhat sane today is that she’ll be back in early December for a month during her Christmas Break.

{Here is the stinker that is leaving us for the UK today. For more shower pictures head here.}

Since London is on my brain today I thought it would be fun to spotlight some of my favorite British imports.

1.UK Based designer Nina Campbell has the most amazing line of wallpaper. My current favorite is her Farfalla pattern. How pretty are those butterflies! Caitlin recently used it in her office and I’m even more in love now.

2. Anytime I travel somewhere new I always hit a supermarket and stock up on whatever candies/chocolates are available only in that area. I know Cadburyis available in the states, but I love all of the different types of bar that are only available in the UK. Yum.

3. One of my favorite things about design work is finding the perfect fabric. I adore all of the hand printed fabrics designed by UK based GP & J Baker. They have stunning patterns that come in beautiful color stories. Magnolia, which is featured above is one of my favorites.

4. I love reading. I constantly have one or two stashed in my purse. I even bought 7 books with me when we went on our Honeymoon! One of my favorite series by Jennifer Donnelly. The series starts out with The Tea Rose and then continues with The Winter Rose and finishes off with The Wild Rose.

5. In searching for unique items for the baby I stumbled upon on all of these cute hand crocheted toys. Sadly they were all in pounds and only available in the UK. I of course started bombarding my sister with links of all of the lovely gifts she can buy her new nephew when she arrives in London. Today though I found a UK site that ships to the US! So if you love that elephant pull toy as much as me you can pick it up here.

6. I’m not a big coffee person so I love the British tradition of tea time. What better way to have your tea than to drink it in a Wedgwood greek key tea cup.

7. I think at one point we have all dreamed of owning a SMEG refrigerator. SMEG is a UK based company, but in recent years you have now been able to purchase them via Sears. So pretty. I want one in every color.

We are having a dreary London sort of day in NY today. I sort of feel like stuffy my feelings with Cadbury chocolates, tea and perhaps watching Love Actually on repeat. Have already called my sister and told her I totally wouldn’t hate it if she changed her mind and wanted to hop on a plane back home when she arrives to London later today.

So in order to cheer me up lets think of wonderful treasures that are only available in the UK that I can ask dear sister to purchase for me and bring back to the states.  Any favorite items?