A TOWN IN AMERICA WHERE THEY SPEAK ENGLISH...

There's a small American town 2,500 miles away from the Mexican border which has be designated English as its official language !! (Don't blame them, it's a lovely language).

'Jackson' is in New York state and has a population of 1, 700 of which most are white with just a handful of Spanish speaking farm workers.

But apparently inhabitants were determined to protect their English speaking heritage after condemning the federal government for not acting.

And although the town has no shops, schools or even a church all business must be conducted in English.

Another nearby town called Argyle (sounds more Scottish to me) has passed a similar resolution while another, Easton, will debate the issue next month.

Unfortunately even though supporters claim the moves high light support for curbing immigration and preserve the culture which many fear is under threat in some states, the New York Civil Liberties Union wants the laws all to be repealed.

THE VERY BRITISH 'WOMAN'S WEEKLY' MAGAZINE...

Woman's Weekly has been running for over 100 years and is still one of the best selling women's magazines on the market.

It had everything a woman could want in the publication from fashion to weight loss.

Some of the advice was on recipes where housewives could earn a 'half a crown' by sending in their favourite recipe.

Readers offers were a little bit different from ours nowadays, with an offer of an 'ABSOLUTELY FREE' booklet of powder leaves, used to scent gloves and handkerchiefs with every purchase of a 2d packet of Oatine shampoo or toilet soap.

Fashion tips were ones we should learn from with for 6d, women could send off for a dress pattern of their choice (they mostly made their own).However, waists in those days were a small 26"!!!

Their answer to weight loss to keep slim was by taking a treatment called Antipon, which, they said contained 'vegetable ingredients of a quite harmless nature' and promised would shed 'between 8oz and 3lbs in the first 24 hours!( I could do with some of that).

Some of these vintage women's magazines have been selling on ebay for quite a lot of money with a vintage Vogue fetching nearly £50. Whenever I go to a charity shop I always look to see if they have any put away in a corner somewhere but I have only been lucky once.

THE BRITISH LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS...

Discover in this stunning portfolio of award-winning photographs, a celebration of British life in all of its most captivating forms. Interest in photography has never been higher, with high end digital cameras now available to all and sundry as well as expert photographers who regularly document around the world. The British Life Photography Awards exist to celebrate that interest, that expertise and the very best of British reportage, documentary and street photography.

This book collects the winners and celebrates the best of the rest, with hundreds of eye-opening images giving a thought provoking, beautiful and refreshing view of life in the UK today.

Available from Amazon at only £1.29 for hardcover version of it.

DO YOU HAVE ROYAL BLOOD?...

Do you have Royal Blood? Wouldn't you love to know if you or anyone in your family has any royal blood in them.

Well if you go to Ancestry you can soon find out if this is possible. On the Ancestry website it says that according to a new study of unique last names from around the world, moving in or out of the upper class doesn't take just a few generations, it takes centuries.

So, anyone could have royal blood in their family. If you have a unique surname, or even if your last name is Smith, Ancestry can help you find out where your ancestors worked, how well they were educated, and how long they lived - all signs, according to researchers, of their place in the social hierarchy.

THE DUKE AND #DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE WALKED FOR 3 HRS TO THE MONASTERY...

I'm sure like me that you are loving all the amazing pictures of Kate in India, She has looked fantastic in everything she has worn but reading that both William and Kate made it up 10,000 feet above sea level really made me feel proud. 

The Daily Mail wrote William and Kate climbed arm-in-arm to the Tiger's Nest monastery, some 10,000 feet above sea level. 

While the prince was seen wiping sweat from his brow, his wife appeared unfazed by the climb and simply pushed her hair back from her face with her sunglasses.

The prince, dressed in chinos, a shirt and walking boots, looked more flushed than his wife - who donned £475 Penelope Chilvers boots and a £495 Nubuck shoot waistcoat over a white Jaeger linen blouse costing £89.  

At the end of the walk, Kate told the press pack she was missing George and Charlotte 'massively', adding 'we're looking forward to seeing them...they're in good hands.'

THE #QUEEN'S HOUSES...

The Queen's Houses is an outstanding book written by Alan Titchmarsh. In the book, Alan takes us on a tour of the royal residences, where he examines the personal stories behind these magnificent buildings.

The Queen has dedicated her life to the public - every move is scrutinsed, every word noted. But her homes are havens where peace can be found,  and away from watchful eyes.

Through personal reflections, interviews with royal staff and meticulous historic research. Alan looks beyond the formal grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the imposing structure of Windsor Castle and the private escape offered by Balmoral and others. 

It has illustrations with intimate family photographs and evocative memorabilia and offers a glimpse of life behind the state banquets and sovereign duties.

A unique book that any royalist would love to enjoy and keep on their bookshelf. Available from Amazon and other good book shops. 

APRIL AND THE #GREEK GODDESS APHRODITE...

Did you know that in the initial Roman Calendar April was the 2nd month of the year until January and February were added in 700BC.

It is thought that the name April comes from the Latin word "to open" and describes the trees opening at Springtime.

It could also be that the name came from the Greek Goddess Aphrodite.

#ALEXANDER McQUEEN ON BRITISH FASHION...

'British fashion is self confident and fearless. It refuses to bow to commerce, thus generating a constant flow of new ideas whilst drawing in British heritage'...

Alexander McQueen  Lee Alexander McQueen, CBE (17 March 1969 – 11 February 2010) was a British fashion designer and couturier.^[2] He is known for having worked as chief designer at Givenchy from 1996 to 2001 and for founding his own Alexander McQueen label.^[2] 

His achievements in fashion earned him four British Designer of the Year awards (1996, 1997, 2001 and 2003), as well as the CFDA'sInternational Designer of the Year award in 2003.^[2] McQueen committed suicide in 2010 at the age of forty.

NATIONAL #PET MONTH - APRIL 1st - MAY 2nd...

We Brits LOVE our pets ( well, most of us do). My gorgeous little Bess (above) was with us for 15 fantastic years until she passed away last year. I miss her sooooooo much.

National Pet Month 2016 is running from 1st April - 2nd May. Two leading businesses are joining forces with National Pet Month to help promote responsible pet ownership and encourage pet fans to raise vital funds for UK charities.

Their Facebook page has all the information you need to get involved with National Pet Month/ Another Facebook page with details is Scratching Post  which is mainly cat related but lots of stories and great pictures to look at.

You can become a supporter of National Pet Month at their website and get help with your fund raising event.

THE BEAUTIFULLY #BRITISH PENNINE WAY...

The Pennine's Way, is arguable England's longest and finest footpath, which runs from the Peaks, in Derbyshire, to the Scottish border, over rough moors and over grown Roman roads. But it's certainly no walk for the inexperienced.

It has something to offer every long distance walker. The 270-mile walk will take your from the Peak District National Park along the Pennine ridge through the Yorkshire Dales, up into Northumberland, and across the Cheviots, and into the Scottish Borders. 

If you like a bit of history and culture then you will find that on this walk. Starting at the scene of the Kinder Scout mass trespasses of the 1930s, you will walk through the Southern Pennines, cradle of the Industrial Revolution, pass Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters, cross the limestone country of the Yorkshire Dales, follow the Settle to Carlisle Railway and enter a huge Pennine area that was exploited by every kind of mining activity, the lead industry in particular, as well as The Roman Wall and beyond the territory of the Scottish Borders.

The National Trails Website has lots of details on how to plan your visit.  

#QUEEN ELIZABETH 11 COMMEMORATIVE 90TH BIRTHDAY COIN...

To commemorate the Queens 90th Birthday milestone, a new 90th portrait of Her Majesty has been issued on the new Queen's 90th Birthday Coin.

Only one limited edition of the Queen Elizabeth 11 90th Birthday coin is allowed per household so claim yours today...

                                 

TEN OF #BRITAIN'S CLASSIEST COUNTIES...

According to the very British paper 'The Telegraph' Britain has 20 classiest Counties, and the first ten are-

1.Beautiful Norfolk which we also relate to Sandringham. They say the whole county oozes class, the Norfolk Broads are stunning as ever and the ultra-trendy town of Burnham Market attracts a 'sophisticated' set from London. Even though the famous Noel Coward said that Norfolk is 'very flat', nothing can change the pretty seaside cottages and beach.

2. Gloucestershire which has the beautiful Cotswolds countryside alongside as well as cosmopolitan towns like Cheltenham. Of course you can't forget that Prince Charles lives at Highgrove so if a property goes up for sale in the area it sells immediately. 

3. North Yorkshire - I've been on that train through Yorkshire, it's stunning. Old North Riding in Yorkshire is said to have some of the most distinctive landscapes in Britain. With its rolling moors and majestic ruined abbeys, it's a beautiful place to live. Lonely Planet voted this county as the third best region in the 'WORLD'.

4. Berkshire which is another place I have visited quite recently. I thought it was stunning and reminded me a little of Cambridge but Windsor Castle and Eton College in the county, then it's no wonder it appeals. 

5. Fife in Scotland which they say becomes like Edinburgh-by-the-Sea in the summer. The famous St. Andrews University was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Royal and Ancient Club, is the main attraction. 

6. Dorset, which is somewhere in the UK that I have not been to but is known for its off the beaten track charm with no motorway running through the County. The market towns of Dorchester and Blandford Forum are said to be the true glory of the county.

7. Aberdeenshire in Scotland which is famous for fishing on Royal Deeside or fourball at the Royal Aberdeen Gold Club.

8. Shropshire which is definitely somewhere I have been to. A few times in fact, I love a weekend break in Shropshire. With fab restaurants in Ludlow, which is a Mecca for all true foodies and antique shops a plenty in the town. 

9. Herefordshire which is also referred to as the new Cotswolds. London weekly commuters are in favour of living in this party of the Country, while the Hereford Cathedral School which was founded in 1384, attracts families seeking a good education for their offspring. 

10. Warwickshire which we all know is known as Shakespeare County. What more can I say....

THE AVERAGE ENGLISHMAN...

'The average Englishman starts his day with a walk in the park, afterwards he saunters to some coffee or chocolate house frequented by the persons he would see, for it is a sort of rule with the English to go once a day at least to houses of this sort ...'

Lewes, Baron de Pollnitz, writing in 1745

BRITISH PIE WEEK - 2nd - 8th MARCH...

British Pie Week is from the 2nd - 8th March to celebrate the nations love of pies. New research has shown that 75% of people enjoy a pie at least once a month

To help you decide on which recipe you want to choose from they have developed a free British Pie Week recipe book full of delicious recipes with hints and tips on making the best pie.

Head down to the website and download the free recipe book.  

THE BRITISH OBSESSION WITH CHOCOLATE...

According to the BBC for most of us, chocolate is a guilty pleasure, and the British are particularly fond of it.

Research shows that, on average, Britons enjoy about 11kg (24lb) of chocolate a year, making the UK one of the biggest consumers of chocolate in the world. Apparently only the Swiss and Germans eat more!!

However, it's not a modern craze, in fact, chocoholism may date back to the 18^th Century and beyond. Cacao beans, which are the basic component of chocolate, were roasted, ground and drunk with water by the Mayans from around 2,000 years ago.

The chocolate beverage was first recorded as being for sale in Oxford, England in 1660.

Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753) who was the physician to Queen Anne of England, was reportedly the first person to mix chocolate successfully with milk. The drink was then used for restorative purposes. 

BRITISH PETS ARE THE MOST OVERWEIGHT...

Did you know that one in three British pets are overweight and 82% of vets run special clinics for overweight pets, according to a survey carried out in 2007.

As you can see from the photo my little girl is definitely NOT overweight. 

WHY DO THE BRITISH DRIVE ON THE LEFT?...

Apparently when the horse was king, travelers liked to keep their sword hand free to deal with hostile traffic and as most were right-handed, they kept to the left and it became a rule of the Highways Bill of 1835. 

BRITISH YORKSHIRE PUDDING DAY...

I bet you didn't know that the 1st of February has been designated British Yorkshire Pudding Day ?

According to wikipedia, the Yorkshire pudding was usually made in a large tin, and often it was served before the main meal. The traditional way of eating Yorkshire pudding is with roast beef,but you can eat them with a chicken or pork roast.

British Yorkshire Pudding Day was first launched in 2008, by Florence Sandeman of Recipes4us as an homage to an iconic British dish.

If you pop down to the Yorkshire Pudding website you will find lots of great recipes, news and reviews.

BLUEBELL HEAVEN IN BRITAIN...

It's nearly that time of year where Britain is swathed in beautiful bluebell masses in our mass of woodlands through the UK. This spectacular display is only found in northern Europe, but Britain contains more than half of the worlds population. Common bluebells are a protected specie in the UK and the main threat to their survival is people picking the flowers !!!

Below is a list of some of the most glorious places to enjoy these very pretty flowers on National Trustland.

Allen Banks & Staward Gorge, Northumberland
Explore the woods and discover the carpet of bluebells and wild garlic (ramsons) covering the woodland floor.
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
The 1.5-mile woodland trail has a beautiful display of bluebells beneath the bright-green beech canopy.
Blakes Wood, Essex
This 106-acre ancient woodland bursts into colour in spring with carpets of bluebells, primroses and yellow archangel.
Blickling, Norfolk
The wilderness garden and the woodland in the park are renowned for their bluebells-there's a breathtaking two acres of blue in spring, with a single cloud of white formed by a clump of wild garlic growing in its midst.
Buckland Abbey, Devon
Discover wonderful bluebell displays in the Great North Wood and take a three-mile Bluebell Walk with the estate warden on Friday, May 7, 11am-1.30pm.
Calke Park and Abbey, Derbyshire
With secret walks and 600 acres of parkland, much of it a National Nature Reserve. Among this ancient woodland, bluebells flower in abundance.
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
There are several way-marked walks throughout the parkland and wooded estate where you can take in the gorgeous bluebell displays.
Emmetts Garden, Kent
One of the highest points in Kent, with magnificent views of the Weald and North Downs. The woodland slopes are famed for their carpets of bluebells in spring
Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire
A hidden beauty spot near Hebden Bridge. The three-mile Mill Walk is the ideal place to see a mass of bluebells in spring.
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
The 2.5-mile woodland walk and lime walk on the estate are both great ways to see the annual show of bluebells
Lanhydrock, Cornwall
At the start of the 1.5-mile Great Wood and Avenue Walk you'll come across the bluebell wood, famed for its carpet of colour in spring
Lyme Park, Cheshire
Wander up West Park Drive and enjoy a glorious bluebell display-along with great views across the Cheshire Plain
Nap Wood, Sussex
A tranquil woodland oasis along an ancient track of the Weald, which possibly dates back to the first few centuries AD. Mature tall trees tower above and a dense carpet of bluebells brightens the woodland floor in spring.
Osterley Park, Middlesex
One of the last surviving country estates in London, the garden and park are the perfect retreat from busy modern life. The bluebells appear late spring around the south and west woods
Rowallane Garden, County Down
This enchanting garden reflects the beautiful natural landscape of the surrounding area. Take a tranquil walk around the spring garden and the woodland trail, carpeted with bluebells in spring
Speke Hall, Merseyside
Wander through the estate to Stocktons Wood, where you'll see a glorious display of bluebells; keep going to be rewarded with great views of the Mersey estuary.
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Bluebells are abundant throughout the Estate and give wonderful displays through the wooded glades.
The Weir, near Hereford
A wonderful informal garden situated on the steeply sloping, south-facing bank of the River Wye. Richly planted with an abundance of bulbs, providing colour throughout spring, including bluebells
Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
Buried amid the gorgeous collection of trees and shrubs is the old English bluebell wood, which slopes down to the lake beneath a canopy of oak and Japanese maple.

ENGLAND V SCOTLAND THE BIG DEBATE...

According to the International Business Times    back on May 1^st, 2014 both the British and Scottish flags were flying outside the Lloyds Banking Group's Scottish headquarters in Edinburgh.

I was just wondering if this is still the same today.

I guess I also need to wonder is if by Friday I need to change the name of this blog? ….

All we can do is wait and see.