TEAM UPDATE: Post-Move / Pre-Holiday Edition

Hey y'all! We're enjoying a relaxing afternoon here in Aberdeen, so I figured what better time for a TEAM UPDATE!

J and I have been in Aberdeen two weeks and five days. Things are good. I've been enjoying life in our temporary housing—plush king-size bed (American queen), nice BIG flat-screen TV with comfy couch, amazing shower and bath with great water pressure, dishwasher—all things that were nonexistent at our London flat.

The flat also has a washer/dryer combo, but to my disappointment—just as so many told me before—it doesn't really dry your clothes, it just makes them hot and damp. Oh well, at least I don't have to wash dishes by hand anymore!

Our cellphone service has been a bit wack since we moved up here... I think I will probably have to change providers. I can make calls and send texts, but I don't have data ANYWHERE in the city and it sometimes won't ring when someone calls. That's just flat annoying.

Other than that, the weather has been pretty decent—nothing torrential. The first few days were VERY grey and wet, and then we had nice weather for about a week, and then this past week was a bit mixed, but more than anything, it's just been considerably colder than London. I swear I'm not just making this up, I actually need to go shopping for some new weather appropriate clothes. No, seriously James, for real!  Earmuffs, warmer shoes and jackets... my leggings are not cutting it anymore.

The early sunsets have changed my sleeping habits a bit a lot. I am setting my alarm for eight o'clock every morning—I would like for it to be earlier, but baby steps people, baby steps—in an attempt to get the most out of every day. I've had to make a hugeee effort to be "productive" after the sun goes down (3:30-ish) because in my head, my mental clock says, "it's time to wind down with a glass of wine, eat dinner and get ready for bed..." But in reality, James won't be home for another FOUR HOURS, and if I start drinking at three, I will be a bottle deep before he gets home... No bueno. Or maybe bueno depending on how you think of it.

One big difference between our life in Aberdeen verses our life in London is that we are cooking more than ever! We've only eaten out four times, and one of those was delivery Chinese on the day that we arrived... That's a HUGEEEE difference from what we were doing in London, which was eating out 4-6 times a week! We've made three big-mama grocery store runs since we've been here and we haven't wasted any food so far! That's also a huge difference from before.

Aberdeen is totally walkable, but it's not as walkable as London. I think I can partially attribute our new "eating-in" lifestyle to that fact—Convenience. In London, our flat was located 60 seconds from cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, shopping. Unlike London, Aberdeen is mostly residential. It doesn't have the whole "borough thing" going on where you never really need to venture out of your little community if you don't want to... From what I can tell, most of the fun restaurants and pubs are located on or near Union Street, so you have to walk, drive, or taxi downtown, which is much more of a process. 

Other than that, I think we are just looking to live a healthier lifestyle this time around.

Driving and taxing has also become a huge part of our lives. There is a zero-tolerance drinking and driving policy here, so anytime we go out to dinner, we walk or taxi. It might seem like a hassle, but honestly, it's. just. not. worth. it.  Plus, everyone can have as much fun as they want to!

Did I mention that James is a pro at driving on the other side of the road??! Big round of applause for James! I haven't attempted yet; I am going to wait for my driving lessons once we get back from the holidays. We have to get proper UK driving licenses since we have been in the country for more than a year. Oh, the anxiety. I have to take another driving test??! This is just a sick joke!

Sooooo, we put in an offer on a rental property here in town and it got accepted! YAY! I am really relived and excited! There are a lot of qualities and details that I am pleased with, AND the landlord even agreed to make a few changes to the decor—which is apparently unheard of—so LET THE NESTING BEGIN! We move in on Wednesday, December 17th, and then we fly out for the States the next day at 6:40 in the morning... yayyyyyyy! that's going to be sooo much fun! read: shootmeintheface.

Speaking of December 17th, that's J's birthday! Fingers crossed with everything going on that day, it is an enjoyable birthday! LOL!

I experienced my first adult pantomime on Friday with James and my Aunt and Uncle... Pinocchio. Dirty Pinocchio. It was a simple production, but it was actually pretty funny. Plus, it wasn't too crude and uncomfortable, so we all had a good time!

I can't believe that we will be back in the States in FIVE days! And I get to see my big baby in SEVEN! I can't wait! I'm so excited to see everyone! I'm currently on Day Two of a three-day juice cleanse, so I expect to have extra room for fast food and queso with the girls!

I'm also excited to look through all the goodies I've been ordering for this Christmas holiday! Erika, I am truly sorry for the non-stop packages you've been receiving every day for like three weeks. I just placed another one. I have a problem. I'm actually slightly embarrassed.  Speaking of goodies, I am excited to get my hands on my new Erin Condren life planner. Even though her patterns are too bright and smiley for my taste, I still love the layout of the planner and I can't wait to start planning our 2015 holidays—Suggestions anyone?  

Anyways, a couple of questions for you suckers:

#1: I am looking for a new lens for my cropped-body Canon 100d. I am looking for a wide-angle lens—good for landscape—but all other suggestions are welcome! FYI, I've already tried the 50mm!

#2: I am in the market for a graphic designer to help me create a header, watermark, button, etc,... If anyone has a referral or is a graphic person, please let me know and leave information in the comment section.

Welp, that was a long one! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to see many of you in less than a week!

Cheers! xx