Weekend re-cap via Instagram

layers of sawdust and wood chippings and other natural stuff. Despite looking like a cake, it is not edible.

Weekend highlights:

1. Going to the Glasgow Art Museum and seeing a giant perfectly formed pile of sawdust. Which simultaneously made me want to touch it and jump into it, both of which would have NOT gone over well..

2. Eating my weight in ice cream with Stephens little bro

3. Finally being able to wear my bright coraly/orange glittery flats that I purchased from Aspiring Kennedy LAST fall, days before the weather turned to winter..little did i know winter would last a year..jokes on me.

4. going to the art store and mentally clocking some lovely indian beads for future jewelry making purposes

5. Wearing my favorite scarf again..and again..and again...(It has special powers because it was made by an american living in scotland...)

*And in case you missed the tweet, I did a lil guest post about the UK here

For your weekend

Stephen's little brother is in town and staying with us for the next couple of days..

which is AWESOME for me because he reminds me so much of my little brother.

And he likes to sleep in like I do.
(he is single, ladies, andddd is 18...HEY, it's legal)

So here are some ladies to keep you entertained while Stephen and I squeeze in some family time

before we leave to LA

NEXT WEEK.

*****

Lindsey is a fellow American ex pat x 1000000

Because she has lived and traveled ALL OVER the place..

and her hottie of a man is a pro sailer (like  a sail boat but on crack) with a New Zealand Accent..

I know..

amazing.

I am sorta obsessed with her life.

Howdy y'all. I'm Lindsey. I write a little blog called Wanderluck. I've always loved traveling. Well, that, and never taking life too seriously. I lived in Milan, studied in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Panama, and Costa Rica all before graduating college, but I'm from Texas. Where do I live now? Depends on the day. I am part of the "Artemis Racing Support Team" which is a fancy way of saying my perfect, kiwi man (I'm a sucker for accents too!) is a professional sailor and competing in the America's Cup. Currently, we live in Valencia Spain. Next up, San Francisco. After that, who knows? But that's the fun of it. My blog is my diary about all of our adventures. New cities, new foods, new friends. And my cute little nugget of joy (with his own passport), my dog Tom. We love to laugh and embarrass ourselves on the reg, so you should probably come be friends.

BLOG

*****

 Anna is maybe the cutest nurse in the world,

I love reading about her funny and unfortunate run ins with patients..

and she likes food almost as much as I do..

match made in heaven.

Hello! I'm Anna and here's what I blog about (among other things): 

1. Food. If 'food' were a love language, it would be mine. All it takes is my husband mentioning "buffalo wild wings" and he has me wrapped around his finger.

2. Medical stuff. I'm a nurse. Because of this, my family automatically assumes I won't mind being the go-to expert. I've removed a tick off my MIL's back. I've consulted my SIL to call poison control when her 2 year old drank half a bottle of NyQuil. I've performed daily dressing changes to my grandpa's face when he had a spot of skin cancer removed. I should've became an artist or something.

3. Bikes. This is my second summer riding road bikes. Husband and I have plans to ride in a couple charity rides this summer! 

I'd love to meet you! Come say hi. :)

BLOG

*****

I LOVE Gesci..

and not just because she sent me the sweetest care package,

but because she is an american ex pat,

living in england (where i started out)

has dogs,

and lives in a converted barn in the countryside..

jealous.

Oh and her name is spelled pretty cool.

Hey, y'all, I'm Gesci (pronounced Jessie)!  2.5 years ago my husband, our two dogs, insane cat, and I moved to England- the North Yorkshire countryside, to be exact.  I'd love for you to come visit, so we could ramble through the fields full of sheep, hang out on the riverbanks at the nearby abbey ruins, or just eat some insanely delicious desserts full of cream… but, since you probably can't make it in person, I do my best to share all this with you on my blog, English as a Second Language.   It covers our European adventures, my confusion over using the same words to mean entirely different things, and, like any Mommy, there are always pictures of my kids… they're just furry! 

BLOG

New Hair

It was rainy, and windy today
(SHOCKING)
so this is about the only semi decent shot I have of my hair after a day out.

But you get the idea.

Confession:
I cried this morning over the 8 plus inches I cut off.
I know.
So dramatic.
I'm not proud of it.

But in my defense,
I had acupuncture for the first time this morning..
and I think it left me feeling emotional.
This would be what I like to call
justification


It's a middle part.
In case you were like
"but which way is it parted megan?!"

I went to The Rainbow Room in Glasgow City Centre.
Stephen came too..
We were seated next to each other..
I had Dean,
S had Zara.

They do a shiatsu head massage before they start cutting..
but get this..
it's not done at the sink while your getting your hair washed..

they get some lotion hair stuff,
bring it to their station where you are seated..
then proceed to put it in your hair and rub your head, neck, and shoulders..
which is nice..
I mean, who doesn't like a little rub down?
But i mean,
here I am,
getting a massage from 6'4 muscle man Dean,
who i just met..
while S is getting a massage next to me by petit Zara..
in the midst of the hussel and bussel of the salon..


I dont know about you..
But S and I dont like to mix our swinger lifestyle with hair products and sharp objects.

I joke.

too far?

Hair

This happened earlier today...

I lost a few pounds (in hair)..

and my hair has an actual style..

and it's alive..

My Stylist..

Dean..

said:

"oh your hair is well dead, it needs to go"

I mean its only been a year since I had a trim...

what?

I wasn't offended though..

because he was 6'4 with a scottish accent.

(single ladies in Glasgow..I highly recommend Dean)

And Stephen got his hair did in the chair next to me!
Perfection.

Pictures and details tomorrow.

(clearly it deserves its only blog post...)

* I was over here yesterday sharing what i've learned thus far in my twenties. One of my fav series by a blogger. 

Anthropologie Giveaway

The wonderful and generous Sue from the Blog Hello. Also, I love you

is giving one of you a $75 gift card to one of my all time favorite stores

(lets be honest, everyone's favorite store)

Anthropologie!

I know.
She is awesome.

Some items I am currently loving:

Peplum Blouse

Whirligig Spin Scarf

Tart Citron Skirt

   To Enter:

(must be a follower of Across The Pond to enter)

*Separate Comments for each one you do

1. Leave me a comment letting me know what you would get with your gift card

2.Follow HAILY here

3. Follow Sue on Twitter

4. Like HAILY on Facebook

5. Follow me on Twitter

6. Like me on Facebook


****CLOSED***

WINNER:

Re-Cap Instagram Style

scarf c/o designingMason   earrings: made by me  sunglasses: topshop  jacket: F21  White shirt: HM  Chambray top: HM

1. A giant picture of my face

2. Daffodil picking at the park..which I'm pretty sure is illegal here

3. Cherry Blossom trees FINALLY in bloom. They are my absolute favorite part of spring

4. Car shot = money shot. Doesn't get much better than that...unless you are both wearing sunglasses..then its better.

5. Most out of control top knot you will probably ever see. Stephen even tried to hair spray it for me to tame it. #fail

6. Mall. Or as the Brits call it..a shopping centRe, featuring Debenhams, which I think is closest to our Nordstroms? 

7. These beauties speak for themselves.

Sponsor ATP for May

I have some spots opening up for MAY sponsors...

shoot me an email at Megkristine@gmail.com,

or click the contact tab above, for more information and details.

I am a lot of fun..

just saying.

12 days

12 days until I land in Los Angeles, CA

(this count down is probably going to be popping up for awhile until I'm home..)

Stephen is peeing himself he is so nervous/excited

I plan on spending the weekend day dreaming about palm trees and white sand beaches,

while watching countless episodes of Gossip Girl

(I JUST started watching this show...so late to the game)

Here are some AWESOME ladies to keep you entertained

(two of which I know in REAL life)

*************

Debbi-Jo...

I cannot say enough amazing words about her..

I thoroughly  enjoy reading her blog..

she has a real talent for writing with her quick wit,

sarcasm,

and raw honesty.

She is a MUST read.

I mean, just read her about me below..

c'mon.

Around my blog, I'm pretty popular for a few things. 

Mostly for my cats. 

Everyone is always emailing me, "When will you send your cat to me? 

The fat white one?" 

And I'm always like LAY OFF PHOEBE. 

SHE'S FAT BUT UNMAILABLE. 

MOSTLY DUE TO THE WEIGHT PROBLEM. 

So anyway, you're waiting to hear who I am, and what I'm all about.

Although at this point you're like, OH GOD IF IT'S ANYTHING LIKE THE ABOVE

GET ME OUT OF HERE.

I'm 24, hate the term "newlywed" (but I am one),

 lover of all British period things (INDEED, SIR) 

and 

I want to give you some real professional-level help to get ahead on my blog.

The kind you can only get from someone who went to community college for five years.

I'm the one you've been searching for.

A beginnings course on marriage, blogging, bff break ups and my mini biography.

I BID YOU GOOD DAY, MADAMS.
 

BLOG

*******

Chantal and I went to high school together,

and we were actually friends,

not just strangers passing in the halls.

Although she was a little out of my league with her incredible book smarts

(this didn't happen for me until college..in HS i was too busy sleeping in and forging my mom's signature on absent notes)

and she was in with all the student council people

(the rulers of our class)

This all paid off for her because now she is an actual attorney.

a hot attorney.

"Hi! My name is Chantal (aka B).  I know the nickname doesn't make sense, but it will if you go to my blog (wink wink).  My blog is all about my move from SoCal to SF and now my life in the city.  It was recently given a little facelift so now it's easy on the eyes.  I have two little sidekicks (my pups B&B) who make plenty of guest appearances. I went to high school with Megan and I like junk food almost as much as her.  Clearly our small town produces blogging geniuses so if you like her, come check me out! (Disclaimer: i was not a model before an attorney- my pics are mostly awkward and embarrassing, unlike gorgeous megan's)."

BLOG

*********

Chanel and I also know each other outside the internet

We have mutual friends in LA who make their money by being good looking and talented in front of the camera.

Yet both Chanel and I have taken different paths (away from the spotlight)

which is probably how we ended up reconnecting some 7 years later via blogging.

Her blog is full of beautiful people and things..

herself included ;)

Hello Across the Ponders! Like Megan, I am a native Californian. I was born here, raised here and I am lucky enough to still live here in a small beach city of Los Angeles with my adoring husband. I am inspired by the creative and ever-changing world around me. My shoulders shake when I laugh and my man finds it hilarious. If something, especially dessert, has fleur de del (sea salt) in it, I can't wait to get my fork in it. My nails are almost always painted, it makes me feel put together even when I'm not. My mom says I was bald until I was three and I am determined to make up for it now. I grew up playing, and still play, soccer and volleyball and while continuing to work with families whose children have learning disabilities (my UCLA degree is in Psychology) I am also in the process of obtaining my certification to be a Pilates instructor. I consider myself a realistic optimist and I am dedicated to finding and CHOOSING JOY in every aspect of this journey called life. 

If you're a friend of Meg's, you're a friend of mine so come on over and stay awhile!

BLOG

Coffee

So this needs to be in my home...

The video is like coffee porn.
bow chica bow wow..

Pizza Hut

dont worry. i had pizza too.

top: Zara  Pants: H&M  Purse: Zara  Sunglasses: TopShop

These were taken the other day on an outing to the famous Pizza Hut.

Yes, they have Pizza Hut here in Scotland,

and in England too..

probably throughout the UK really.

Thank the good Lord.

Other healthy American hot spots?

Burger King

McDonalds

KFC

 (minus biscuits, mashed potatos and mac n cheese..A CRIME..so naturally I don't eat there)

Dominos

that's it I think..

and if I'm remembering correctly

(its been awhile)

it all tastes pretty much the same as any of the US ones.

See those pics above of me wearing my new awesome white pants?

This was the second time I had worn them..

and boom.

lady time come early.

maybe that's why my cheeks look so bloated in the first picture.

It's okay though,

the pants came out unscathed.

Just in time though..

just.in.time.

Also, new items up in the shop!!

(there just wasn't a good segway, sorry)

Date Night

Scarf c/o DesigningMason, Blazer: Zara   White T shirt: HM  Pants: HM  Earrings: c/o Poshlocket  Bracelet: c/o Jenna

Date night in all of its glory.

After our trip to the farm Stephen took me to our favorite restaurant in Glasgow,

The Corinthian. 

This place is seriously magical.

Each room/bar is different and unique.

And the food is some of the best I've ever had.

I demolished a lobster.

He had no chance.

Stephen had called ahead and had a bottle of prosecco already at the table

(man points)

We talked for hours,

laughed, 

ate,

drank, 

and felt uncomfortable next to the young newly engaged couple next to us who just sat on their phones the entire time.

I got to bust out my new white pants and scarf that I'm obsessed with.

All was right with the world.

Until i almost went the wrong way to the bathroom 

and one of the men at the door had to correct me..

embarrassing.

I blame the amount of stairs and levels..

definitely not the Prosecco....

*you can follow me now on instagram at username: msgram
*giveaway winner announced here

On the Farm

3 days old. her name was Bambi and i loved her.

Earrings: Made by me  Blazer: Zara   Shirt: H&M

Saturday Stephen and I had a date day of epic proportion,

so epic that has to be divided into two posts.

Every couple of weeks or so,

we try to take a little trip somewhere in Scotland.

(we arnt jet setting to France or Italy every two weeks..please).

Stephen knows I live for animals..

and still cry to this day about having to give up my dog back home.

So he found this farm way up in the hills near Perth.

We drove up this windy dirty road,

through the Scottish countryside,

passing hundreds of sheep and lambs,

wild pheasants,

rams,

and cows.

It was breathtaking.

Then we reached the entrance to the farm,

and immediately spotted a baby wallaby in its Mommy's pouch.

and I started to cry a little.

Yes, I am just like Kristen Bell with the sloth.

In fact, I cried watching her cry.

Again, like I've said before, my emotional reactions to things are not always normal.

I held a baby chick,

literally watched a baby duck hatch,

pet some baby lambs and watched them get fed with a bottle,

then drank some hot chocolate.

It was a perfect afternoon.

Hatchery

Tomorrow Stephen is taking me to a farm,

where they have a hatchery

(where baby chicks are born)

and you get to HOLD them..

along with other baby animals..

Our last trip to the Zoo failed in the baby animal department..

so we are going to be driving to Perth 

so I can get my animal fix.

I know,

I have an obsession.

Meet some ladies who also love baby animals
(it's a requirement if you want to be my friend..)

*******

A lover of all things lovely and theatrical
Kimberly's blog documents the beauty that life has to offer..
savoring the precious moments.
You will fall in love with her simple and sweet blog.

"In elementary school, I was cast as Reba the Elf in a country music inspired Christmas Pageant. I had one line, which I missed. None-the-less, I kept at it ("it" being theatre). Then, I grew up. Now I produce and direct plays, teach talented kids, and stay up-to-cuff on theatrical stuff. I like theatre that moves and shakes. The power of story is incredible. Which is why I'm here-- to tell stories. What kind of stories, you ask? The blog title "just enough foolishness" is taken from a Franciscan Benediction. Here's a snippet: "may God bless you with just enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world." Isn't that wonderful? We think so. That's what we're trying to live by (my husband and I...and our cat...and our dog). Come visit!"

BLOG

*******

Brittany is a fellow southern california expat! holler!
She is a pastry chef student in the best possible place to study the art..
Paris.
duh.
I need to go visit her asap..
so she can make me yummy pastries..
right Brittany...??

"Bonjour Across the Pond fans! I’m Brittany from Butter & Love; Love and yep, you guessed it. I write about food. Mainly the good, sugary variety. I am a Southern California beach girl living in Paris, France and studying French pastry. Butter & Love; Love is about dream chasing, life in France, the love of my life back in the states and all the amazingness and awkwardness in between. Come and stay a while, won’t you? :)"

BLOG

**********

Again,
funny mom bloggers make my life..
they are such amazing examples that having kids doesnt mean you have to lose your sense of humor,
or enjoying a glass of wine.
Melissa is one of these moms.

"Hi I'm Melissa from Pineapple Lily! Basically I'm a mom of three that loves booze and beauty products. But that doesn't totally define me. I share funny stories, review beer and wine, give unsolicited advice on fashion and post cute pictures of my kids too. I would love for you to visit my blog and follow along in the awesomeness! "

BLOG

  

18

Jeggings: F21    Top: F21 (decade ago)   Blazer: Zara  Bracelet: c/o Poshlocket

I got asked my age TWICE today,

in order to make sure I was at least 18 years old...

When I responded with "I am 26"

the response is usually a look of shock and embarrassment for asking.

I guess bright red pants make me look young,

Good to know for when I am in my 70s.

 Grey hair and tight red pants,

won't look a day over 26.

In an Insta

totally appropriate

I have instagram now...
username: msgram

Okay, Stephen does..

Because my phone is really just a glorified calculator..

it doesnt even have a camera on it..

GASP.

I just refuse to buy a nice phone out here because I dont really call anyone in the UK..
sad face.

so I kinda don't want to pay for a phone that i'll never use here.

If I'm out, I'm usually with Stephen..

hence my twitter account being active on his phone.

muahaha

Everyone wins.

But I do intend on getting a real life phone when I move back to the US..
for those that are concerned about my well being.

Maybe this iphone 5 will actually exist..

have you guys seen this iphone 5 concept?

could you imagine?

are we even this advanced yet?

It's only a matter of time before we get those dang cars to fly.

Anjolee Giveaway (I am EXCITED about this one)

Last month I was contacted by the online jewelry company Anjolee,

which is the leading manufacturer and retailer of fine diamond jewelry in the USA.

When I went to the site..

and I was like..

WHOA

(audibly, by myself)

The best part though?

Other than the gorgeous gems..

Is that you can CUSTOMIZE your own piece..

like Bridal Sets, Stud earrings, and Diamond Earrings
    
 all can be tailored according to preference of metal type, diamond size, quality and length..

I may have spent a couple of hours customizing one of the above..
i am not telling which...

For this giveaway..

Anjolee is letting you customize this pair of earrings
gasp. so pretty.

*important to note: the winner will get to select from either white gold or yellow gold, as well as a gemstone of their choice with the exception of blue Sapphire. For giveaway purposes only gemstone and/or high quality cz's will be set.

TO ENTER:

{open to US residents only}

*must be a follower of Across the pond to enter this giveaway

(separate comments for each one you do)

1. visit this page and leave a comment telling me how you would customize those stud earrings if you won.

2. "like" Across The Pond on Facebook

3. Follow me on twitter

4. "like" anjolee on facebook

5. Follow Anjolee on twitter 

6. tweet about this giveaway using @meganacrosspond and @anjolee_diamond


Good Luck!


****CLOSED****

WINNER:

 

one month

The Easter Holiday got me feeling all dramatic and homesick and nostalgic..

So I went through some of my photos from my last trip home..

which was in June..

OF LAST YEAR. 

so lame.

shane..being sarcastic and dramatic...per usual

i dont even think this needs a caption

BBQ...not to be mistaken for mexican food..side eye UK

Necklace c/o IHOD

RANCH DRESSSIINNNGGG

necklace: very loveleigh

I cant wait to show Stephen my home..
and be with my family..

Naturally I am about to start whitening my teeth and tanning my skin..
so that I can get through border control in LA.