This Week in the World: Week 9

Outfit Links: Jacket, Sweater, Jeans, Bag, Shoes

Welcome to another issue of “This Week in the World!” We had some optimistic news about the weeks ahead here in the UK this past Monday (more about that in the links below) so I’m finally starting to make some plans! Between nail appointments, buying museum tickets and planning some domestic weekends away… it’s so wonderful to feel like normalcy is inching closer by the minute. Not to mention, travel planning has picked up significantly— I think we’re all so excited about the hope that lies ahead!

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 9.

TRAVEL NEWS + UPDATES:

• Big news for us Londoners this week! The UK has announced dates to lift restrictions on dining, travel, and nightclubs.

• If you’ve been plugged into travel news during the pandemic, you’ve probably heard the term “vaccine passport” or “immunity passport” more than once. Here are 5 things to know about IATA’s Travel Pass app right now.

• With travel stalled for the past 10 months, its sustainable comeback has been a popular topic. Here are some of the many sustainable initiatives that have been started during the pandemic, awaiting the return of travelers.

• I really enjoyed listening to this discussion around immunity passports and what travel could soon look like (plus major trips people are starting to plan!)

AROUND THE WORLD:

• I always love anything James Corden does, but it was especially fun to watch his latest video featuring Prince Harry! The whole thing felt so refreshingly human.

• I loved this list of 10 eating and drinking rules that Italians live by.

• Should school meals be meatless? This is a hot debate in France at the moment, as Green mayor’s decision to serve lunches sans meat turns into heated beef among ministers and MPs.

• London’s West End will be turned into a huge outdoor dining area this summer (and I am so excited about it!)

• These six European cities are going green in 2021 (we love to see it!)

• Three excellent International Women’s Day events coming up in London (and online!)

WEEKLY FAVORITES:

• FAVORITE READ: I loved this piece from the NYT about why tea might be the perfect drink for the pandemic malaise. If you’re willing to splurge on £25 shipping, you can even get your tea and biscuits directly from Fortnum & Mason: one of the most iconic stores in London that’s loved by locals and tourists alike. Which brings me to…

• FAVORITE PURCHASE: I recently topped up some of my favorite Fortnum and Mason items (they’re one of the few shops still open during lockdown since they are largely comprised of food items). Whether you’re placing an online order or making a list for when you come to London, here are some of my “musts”:

  • Teas: Rose Pouchong, Fortmason & Countess Grey.

  • Biscuits: Rose, Piccadilly Lemon Curd, & Chocolate Orange Afternoon Tea.

  • Condiments + Spreads: Fig Cheese Spread, Chef’s Truffle Honey, Blood Orange & Rose Petal Marmalade, and Dill & Mustard Sauce (great on salmon!)

• FAVORITE WATCH: I take my WSET exam tomorrow so I’ve been watching a lot of wine-related videos to sharpen my knowledge. A few of my favorites have been Jancis Robinson’s YouTube videos (especially the ones from the 90s- they’re a real vibe) as well as the “A closer look” series on different varietals from the Somm streaming network. If you want to learn a bit more about wine these are some helpful starting points.

• FAVORITE FIND: I purchased a version of this picnic basket last year and used it so much (and am excited to start using it again soon!) With outdoors being the safe play during a pandemic, now is a great time to invest in a nice picnic basket.

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 8

Welcome to another issue of “This Week in the World!” I am feeling so re-energized after a weekend in London that felt a lot like Spring. The temperature yesterday got up to 60 (F), the trees are starting to bloom, flowers are budding everywhere and the streets were buzzing with energy yesterday. We rented bikes and spend the day riding around the city, and it felt like everyone had just woken up from hibernation yesterday after a long, hard winter (not to mention, lockdown!) Tomorrow Boris Johnson is announcing our roadmap to come out of lockdown and I’m feeling a lot more hopeful about the road ahead.

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 8.

FIRST UP: It’s not too late to register for this afternoon’s class: “So you want to move abroad?” from 4-5pm CST

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• The latest on vaccine passports (as of yesterday). Here is everything you need to know.

• Where you can travel once you’re vaccinated: a country by country guide.

• Vaccinated international travelers are not exempt from quarantine or the CDC's requirement to get tested before boarding a flight to the U.S.

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• FAVORITE LISTEN: I listened to several episodes of NPR's "Life Kit" podcast this week. I love how they cover a diverse range of topics, but

• FAVORITE FINDS: I ordered a few basics for spring from Sézane, one of my favorite sustainable brands from France. THIS short sleeve knit top, THIS long sleeve knit top in one of my favorite colors, and THIS striped basic all arrived, fit beautifully and I know I'll get a ton of wear out of for years to come.

• FAVORITE WATCH: This 5 minute video on “What Everyone Really Wants” is a good reminder.

AROUND THE WORLD

• The Italian government recently revealed that it's planning to add a retractable floor to the Colosseum to host performances and give visitors the chance to see the basement.

• I just purchased tickets to go to the "Bags: Inside Out" exhibition at the V&A in May (fingers crossed it will be open by then!) which explores the style, function, design history and craftsmanship of handbags… I am so excited to go to a museum again!

• Naomi Osaka (a 23 year old badass from the US) just won her 4th Grand Slam Title at the Australian Open, meaning she has now won every Grand Slam final she has reached!

• Italy’s new prime minister, Mario Draghi, was sworn in last week.

WINE

• I want to do a better job of sharing some articles each week that can help give a baseline knowledge of wine. You’ve likely heard lots of terms thrown around, but may not know what they all mean. So this week, have a read about how to understand acidity in wine so you know what to look for and how to taste it.

• The Loire Valley is home to the grandest Châteaux in France — and some of the boldest new winemakers in the country.

• Looking for a great bottle of wine for under $20 as we inch closer to spring? I love this Chateau Guiraud G Bordeaux Blanc 2016 (usually $19.99 online) . The Bordeaux region is best know for it’s Cabernet Sauvignon, but you may not realize that one of the parent grapes of Cab. Sav. is Sauvignon Blanc! This blend is 50% Sauv. Blanc (and 50% Semillon) and is a great, easy-drinking wine for warmer weather.

ACTIVISM

• The winter weather leading to crisis in Texas has been heartbreaking to see. Brené Brown, one of my favorite Texans, shared some great resources of how to help in THIS POST.

• Furthermore, @sharonsaysso started THIS SPREADSHEET of people with urgent needs that you can help directly.

• When we see a winter storm sweep the US like this last week, it’s common to hear comments like “yeah, so much for global warming!” Yet exacerbated weather patterns (both heat and cold) are usually direct signs of the impact of climate change. THIS ARTICLE explains how the wintry weather that has battered the southern US and parts of Europe could be a counterintuitive effect of the climate crisis.

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 7

A snap from this last week that I shot walking through Kensington.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Regardless of your relationship status, I hope you are taking full advantage of this excuse to spread love to the people in your life. While we’re still locked down here in London, we’ve managed to have a really nice little weekend over here (including a virtual wine class, our favorite pizza and watching a few good films). I’ve really felt the lockdown blues a lot this last week, so this weekend has certainly been a nice little antidote to combat some of that. I hope you’re feeling lots of love and micro-doses of joy today… whatever that looks like for you.

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 6.

MISCELLANEOUS:

• I recently found this "Wine School" section in the New York Times with lots of great articles for all my fellow oenophiles!

• Black Travel is not a monolith.

• Here's How You Can Score an Italian Home for As Little As €1

• A friendly reminder my “So You Want To Move Abroad"?” online course is happening one week from today! Register now to join us.

• I really enjoyed the virtual wine class I did on Friday with Franklin's Wine. They are doing another one on the 26th of Feb. that I just signed up for featuring Burgundy vs. Bordeaux (it's at 7pm GMT so even if you're in the US, feel free to sign up just to listen on your lunch break!)

• Politics aside, this little act of spreading love made me smile.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• 7 Valentine’s Day travel deals to book now for travel later.

• Spring Break's new look: older and socially distant.

• Starting tomorrow British travellers returning from certain countries will need to pay £1,750 to quarantine in hotels. Here's what you need to know.

• With so many weddings on hold, that means extra time to plan a honeymoon! Here are 30 of the best destinations to consider.

• In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here are 10 romantic spots in London and here are the most romantic things to do in London.

• I'm dreaming of these 19 most beautiful villages in France (I've been to number 14… it's a favorite!)

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• FAVORITE LISTEN: I really enjoyed listening to THIS EPISODE of The Daily where they discussed "Laïcité" and how the French government's role regarding religion is adapting.

• FAVORITE READ: The joys of living alone

• FAVORITE PURCHASE: I recently saw my friend Emily, who lives in Paris, wearing such a cute beanie, and it turns out it's merch that "Bisou", the chic (and sustainable) bar in the Marais, is selling! I e-mailed them to order one and they were happy to ship to me (not sure if they will in the US? But worth a shot to ask if you want to support a small business while getting a cute hat!)

• FAVORITE FIND: Since there is still no sign of being able to go to Italy in the near future, I recently signed up for Nonna Tonda, a fresh pasta delivery service here in London. I'm so excited to give it a try!

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

xx

Whitney