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Touch wood

Posted by American to Britain on December 22, 2014

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This used the same way you use knock on wood. Touch wood dates back to 1899 whereas the American version dates back to 1905.

All the Best!

American to Britain

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Let’s talk about food

This topic has come up recently because of the issue with the Commissionary. I think people should shop off base as the food is far better quality as you know the produce and bread seem to go off before you even get it home. Of course those that have WIC can only use this on base but otherwise I would like to persuade you to shop on the economy in this post. I have tried to contact some of the fitness coaches to see what they thought of some of the points that I will highlight but I think that they are motivated to getting people to eat better to begin with so they would be happy if people choose meat and vegetables over processed foods not seem too fussed to also suggest shopping off base. I get it. Now I am not going to try to pretend I am this complete healthy eating guru but I have made this change to altering my eating habits purely because of my cow’s milk and soya allergy. I was diagnosed in early 2008 and therefore had to look at everything I ate to see what was in it....

Why don't the British celebrate Thanksgiving?

A few years ago, I decided that I was going to start celebrating Thanksgiving. It was always hard for me to explain to my in-laws that Christmas is important as Thanksgiving. I like to think I will keep some traditions from back home. It will be hard for you to explain to English people why Thanksgiving is so important to Americans, believe me I have tried. But if I answer the question why they don’t celebrate it and provide some history facts about Thanksgiving, then that might help you to spread the word. The easy answer is that it is an American holiday that dates back to when the pilgrims came over. The pilgrims had the “first Thanksgiving” to give thanks to God for the safe journey to the New World in 1621. They brought enough food from England to feed themselves for a year. Their first harvest failed and they nearly died but they learned skills from the Wampanoag tribe on how to grow corn and catch eels. It became an federal and public holiday in 1863 and falls o...

5 things I am looking forward to in April

I can't believe that April is next week! Here is what I am looking forward to: Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Angelesey Abbey- we decided to go here but there are many at National Trust properties. Easter Special at Audley End Miniature Railway- love this place! The Amazing Bubble Man at the Apex- sounded too good not to book tickets! Zog at the Cambridge Corn Exchange- we are huge Julia Donaldson fans so this was a no brainer! South Angle Farm Park - I think that we may head here to feed lambs and hold rabbits. You can see more events on my April Newsletter . All the Best! American to Britain

Why don't the British celebrate Thanksgiving?

A few years ago, I decided that I was going to start celebrating Thanksgiving. It was always hard for me to explain to my in-laws that Christmas is important as Thanksgiving. I like to think I will keep some traditions from back home. It will be hard for you to explain to English people why Thanksgiving is so important to Americans, believe me I have tried. But if I answer the question why they don’t celebrate it and provide some history facts about Thanksgiving, then that might help you to spread the word. The easy answer is that it is an American holiday that dates back to when the pilgrims came over. The pilgrims had the “first Thanksgiving” to give thanks to God for the safe journey to the New World in 1621. They brought enough food from England to feed themselves for a year. Their first harvest failed and they nearly died but they learned skills from the Wampanoag tribe on how to grow corn and catch eels. It became an federal and public holiday in 1863 and falls o...

Red Nose Day

Red Nose Day is an annual night of fundraising for vulnerable people in the UK and Africa. The country gets together to do something for money. Its a great way to contribute to the greater good and dress up with a red nose! Around this time you see red noses like the one in the picture go on sale which contributes to the cause. You will also be able to donate online at the link above. They have a huge night where celebrities and entertainers get together and put together entertainment, challenges and skits to keep the money flowing. If you don't laugh or cry you are made of some tough stuff! All the Best! American to Britain

Bluebells

One thing that I love about spring is the variety of colors that come up. I can be caught checking out the neighbors gardens looking at the tulips, snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells that signal that warm weather should be coming around the corner. It wasn't until recently that I have seen pictures of the bluebells that carpet local woods in the area. I could never imagine the natural beauty until I went to see them in person. Bluebells usually flower around late April to late May. But its best to listen out because they can flower early if the spring is out of character (like it seems to be). There aren't any particular places that you should go to but I went to Gamlingay Woods for the picture above but Blickling Hall in Norfolk is supposed to have the best in the East Anglian area. Here are some places to see if there are bluebell woods near you: National Trust National Trust- East of England The Wildlife Trust (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire Northamptonshire) The Wi...

Hot Cross Buns

I made these as I am unable to buy them as is due to my cow's milk allergy. You are able to get these in almost any grocery store leading up to Easter and are a traditional food. If you decide to make them, they take about 4 hours to make because you have to let them rise 3 times before you finally bake them. Mine took me longer than that because my house was not warm enough in the morning so I had to put them on top of a radiator cover to help the rising process. The cat was not amused because that is his favorite spot to lay! Mine look very homemade but not as bad as I think. They would have looked better but I did not have a piping bag for the crosses so only used a ziplock bag with the corner cutoff. I substituted the milk with almond milk and butter with pure spread and they worked! Here is the recipe I used from BBC Good Food . Ingredients For the buns 300ml full-fat milk, plus 2 tbsp more 50g butter 500g strong bread flour 1 tsp salt 75g caster suga...

Ely Eel Festival

Ely means the isle of the eels and every year it celebrates this through the Ely Eel Festival . They usually have a parade, food and craft stalls and performances. Also the last true eel catcher is there. Its a great day out and can be educational too! All the Best! American to Britain

Reach Fair

The Reach Fair falls on the first May Bank Holiday (the first Monday of the month). Although the base does not have it off, it is still a nice thing to take the children to if they are not in school already or off because they attend British schools. It is a fair that began in 1201 and is the first one in the year for the Cambridge area. You can expect rides, food and stalls. If the weather is good, then it is even better! But if the weather is not favorable, don't let that put you off! Reach is also at the beginning of the Devil's Dyke, a walk that I highly recommend. All the Best! American to Britain

How to get a letter from the Queen

One nice momento that you or your children could have to remember your time in the UK, is a letter from the Queen. I have done this several times with the Brownies and every time we have had a letter back. The best time to do it is for her birthday. Have the children make a card for her personally or you can send a shop bought one. Her real birthday is on 21 April 1926 and her official birthday is in June on a Saturday. If you wish to write a letter, the Royal Family website has some tips here . Send the card/letter to: Her Majesty The Queen, Buckingham Palace London SW1A 1AA Thought people would like to take something like this when they leave. Don't forget to include your UK address so they can send a thank you note back. All the Best! American to Britain

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