I’m finally settled into my flat at 5 Brunswick Mews. Loving my flat and my new ‘hood.  It’s a short walk from all the amenities including TONS of adorable cafes, a street lined with authentic Lebanese cuisine, Marble Arch and Hyde park a couple blocks away, Pret A Manger and Starbucks down the street, Waitrose and Tesco grocery stores… and the list goes on. It really is the lovely charming 4-bedroom flat that I share with 3 other MBA 2012 students: 2 guys and a girl. It’s a Brazilian (from Brazil), an Egyptian (from Egypt), a New Yorker, and me.  I feel oh-so-European as a flat-share like this is quite common abroad.

Since the flat came unfurnished, we rented the big items, but one thing was evident: we had to go to IKEA. What better way to bond with the new flatmates than a trip to IKEA?  As fun as it is to move in and get situated, I was dreading the trip to IKEA.  You always end up spending way more time than allocated, way more money than anticipated, and way more stuff than you really need.  But off we went in search of select items that would fit our student budgets…

A successful trip indeed and 700 quid later, they delivered everything to our door step that night.  Sa-weeeet.

My hands may still be raw from building Swedish furniture, but the outcome was quite nice…

Plenty of room for visitors indeed! So glad I brought my 1000 thread count sheets, West End duvet, and heavenly pillow with me from the states. What a pain to schlep them over but I am thankful every night I sink into my bed.  This city makes me so tired, and I am happy to report that I have been sleeping like a rock every night – no ambien needed – and the lovely mews that we are in protects us from the noise of the thousands of tourists shopping on nearby Oxford Street or the echoes of Hyde Park/Speaker’s Corner.

So the boys. They crack me up. I think the Egyptian had maid service of some type his whole life because he does not know how to use an oven.  I looked over at the oven the other night and sitting in there was a dinner plate of food. He had put his dinner on a plate and proceeded to cook it in the oven ON the dinner plate! I laughed for a good 20 minutes. He looked perplexed.

Another thing I find funny. They slip their shoes off immediately at the steps {see photo}. Wouldn’t want to waste any time putting them neatly to the side right? After all, b-school is all about time management!

that’s it for now. I’m off to Oxford Street to do some shopping. oh yes, it’s good to be unemployed… there is no “saving” – just spending! ciao xx

Tuesday, 9:30 PM.

Gaga takes the stage for night two in St. Paul.

Best.Birthday.Party.Ever.

2 posts in one day from me? I’m awesome. So much to share with you all about London! As mentioned previously, I moved into my flat about 2 weeks ago.  I wasted no time, and randomly met a club promoter nearby my flat who promised me and any other lovely ladies in my party free entrance into the hottest clubs in London, no queuing (aka waiting) at the velvet rope, VIP, and free drinks.  Too good to be true? perhaps. but I was intrigued so I went against my skepticism and gave him my digits.  Well not 3 days later, he texted to let me know I was on the list to 2 of the most exclusive clubs in London. I phoned my dear friend Bonnie as she is English and would be able to decipher whether or not this was legit.  This is where it gets crazy. Convo went a little like this:
Me: Bonnie! How are you? We’re on the VIP list at Maddoxx and Chinawhites tonight. you in?

Bonnie: Impressive, who do you know?

Me: oh some promoter guy that randomly chatted me up. Tony something or other

Bonnie: omg Tony? Short, Spanish guy?

Me: um yeah actually

Bonnie: that’s [my boyfriend] Dan’s flatmate!

Um SMALL WORLD.

So B and I hit the London scene. Also stopped by a cool place called Jalouse. One of many nights out rocking the VIP…

In a matter of weeks, I have become a Londonite. I shop at Marks & Spencer and occasionally step foot in Primark (if I’m feeling brave) I run in Hyde Park. I play football in Regent’s Park. I enjoy my lovely charming flat tucked inside my quiet mews. I can navigate the bus system and [...]

Monday, monday. How quickly you come. So this live blog on Saturday was kind of a bust. Lisa and I were all set – ready to document the official Vikings kick off party at Aqua for you guys – when their internet went out. Wouldn’t work. Nada. So instead, we took tons of pics and [...]

Hey guys, liveblog postponed due to internet issues. Rescheduled for Sunday night, but the event is still going on at Aqua so come check it out!

Hey-o Vikings fans! I know how excited ya’ll must be that the Vikings season is kicking into high gear with the first HOME game on the Minnesota Vikings schedule! But even MORE exciting than this…preseason….game, is going to be the OFFICIAL VIKINGS KICK OFF PARTY tonight at Aqua Nightclub in Minneapolis, hosted by Midwest Divas. [...]