As a wedding photographer based in Pittsburgh, you might think my favorite things from February would be centered around Valentines’ Day, Penguins hockey, and snowy days in the city. Okay, those things are all pretty great, and Penguins hockey actually is on the list. Admittedly a lot of my favorite things from February are inspired by our trip to Europe. I’m not saying I came home speaking with a British accent (except for a few phrases of course), but spending time in England definitely had an impact on me and opened my eyes to some European awesomeness.
1. Yorkshire Tea
Abbey and I spent a couple of days in York, which is one of the most historic cities in Europe. More importantly, they make one heck of a tea. There is nothing quite like relaxing with a good brew, and the Brits know how to do it right. Abbey was lucky enough to get 20 boxes of Yorkshire Tea for Valentine’s Day instead of flowers, a gift we enjoy every day, sometimes twice.
2. Wellies
I’m pretty certain if it weren’t for Wellies, Abbey would have gone home from our trip halfway through. She bought a pair in Alnwick just in time for our two-mile hike around the castle grounds in mud and snow. I caved and got a pair the following day. These boots were lifesavers in the harsh winter weather over there and, not surprisingly, have come in handy in Pittsburgh. You kind of look like a crazy sailer when you wear them but crazy sailors are always ok in my book!
3. “Downton Abbey”
If Yorkshire Tea and Wellies were not British enough, Masterpiece Classic “Downton Abbey” rounds out the top three on my favorites list for February. I can’t really say anything here that critics and fans have not already raved about, but wow. This show is amazing; the costumes, sets, script writing, and acting are all fantastic. You love most of the characters and hate the rest (Hate in a you are so good at acting a “bad guy” character I hate you kind of way). To put it simply, watch it and you won’t be disappointed. If you have an Amazon Prime account you can watch it for free!
4. Roasted tomato soup
I got this recipe from my favorite cooking blog, “Smitten Kitchen” and it would be on every month’s list if I had a choice. I’m a bit of a soup connoisseur, meaning I order it before the waiter can even ask for drink orders, and this recipe does not disappoint. Smitten Kitchen has some kick-butt recipes and pairs them with downright killer food photography. I’ll let the photos do the rest of the talking on this one.
5. Hockey
The Steelers are getting rid of players left and right, the Pirates are well….the Pirates, and I am sure my Pitt Panthers will find a disappointing way to get the boot from the tournament, but at least it’s a great day for hockey again. The shortened season has made for an exciting one and I am already pumped to grow a playoff beard for the guinos. Lets hope they do a little better than last year!
So those are my Euro-Pittsburgh favorites from February. It’s only the beginning of March, but I already have a funny feeling “Game Of Thrones” will be on the next list.
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