TOP TEN MOST 'TYPICALLY BRITISH' NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS...

Now Christmas is over and New Year is nearly upon us, us Brits absolutely LOVE to make New Year resolutions. Have a guess what the top most popular ones are?

1. Lose Weight

2. Read more

3. Save money

4. Get fit

5. See more of my friends and family

6. Write a book

7. See more of the world

8. Sell unwanted stuff of Ebay

9. Drink less

10. Start my own business

TYPICALLY BRITISH CHRISTMAS WEATHER...

Only in the UK can we have apples on trees and raspberries on bushes in December, even some blossom and wild garlic has been spotted flourishing.

According to the weather men an extraordinarily (that's a long word) mild December has brought an unexpected crop of raspberries.

Apparently the normal temperature for this time of year is 6.7C (44F) but yesterday people in many areas experienced temperatures of 12 to 13C (53 to 55F).

So I guess that means a white Christmas is out of the question then. 

GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE.....

THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL...

This great programme is doing a seasonal special treat for us all with winner Ann and runners up Stuart, Sandra and Lauren joining forces with Saville Row's Patrick Grant and sewing teacher Mary Martin from the show.

Make sure you record it before you miss it as it's on tomorrow night 15^th December, on BBC2 at 7.40pm

Watch and learn as they make everything from tree decorations to teddy bears and doll's houses and enjoy their memories of their own family Christmases.

TEA IN ENGLAND...

Tea in England is a blog written by Denise, an American living in Surrey and a self-confessed Anglophile.

Denise is fascinated by tea culture and everything that goes with it (she’s even a graduate of the UK Tea Council’s Tea Masterclass!) Her blog is a combination of recipes, reviews, tips, giveaways, and a lot of tea wisdom.

After two years of posting her adventures and unique finds on her personal Facebook page, she decided that it was time to start sharing it all with you and the rest of the tea-drinking-England-loving world, so she created Tea in England.

This is a place for you to talk about tea, England and Tea in England,  and although her husband thinks that Denise knows everything, about tea, she says that in fact 'the truth is: I don’t.'
There’s still a lot to learn about tea and about England, so pop in every now and then and see where Denise has been.
 

THE VERY BRITISH 'DOWNTON ABBEY'...

The fourth series of the iconic British Drama 'Downton Abbey' returned to our screens on Sunday, the same night as the Emmy's in America.  I was as usual, excited beyond belief, I just adore that programme.

The seasons begins six months after the death of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), killed suddenly in a car crash, leaving his wife Lady Mary in mourning. It is now 1922, and Britain’s post-war boom has abruptly ended.

Love is in abundance with secrecy, longing and fear: whether it be a dilemma for Lady Mary’s sister, Lady Edith, or among servants tenderly and hopefully reading Valentine’s Day cards.

I loved the scene where St. Pancras has a cameo role in it and of course the stunning backdrop of the grounds of Downton.

Downton is a well-performed, beautifully scripted insight into another England. There are fascinating, subtle insights into the impact of class on human relationships.

Its no wonder that we all love it so much.

THE BEST OF BRITISH CRAFTMANSHIP IN BRIDLINGTON...

According to a brilliant website called This is Your Kingdon which has some amazing things to see and do in the UK. One of which is to visit the best of British craftsmanship at Wayside Flower in Bridlington, written by Amy Bartle.

Wayside Flower is a gem tucked away in the old town of Bridlington, away from the bright lights and candy floss of the sea front. This gorgeous shop is a haven of vintage style and British design.

White washed walls and large windows showcase simple rails full of clothes. A mixture of well edited vintage including high-end designer pieces from the 60s and 70s such as Dior, Balenciaga and Courreges sit comfortably alongside new designs from the shop’s own labels, Wayside Flower and NorSea Industries.

 

BRITAIN'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONTH IN OCTOBER...

According to http://www.national-awareness-days.com/ this October we are being asked to Make A Difference.

The event is organised by the Community Service Volunteers (CSV), a volunteering and training charity.   Founded in 1962 they aim to help our society by encouraging people to volunteer to create happy, healthy communities!

In 2010 they were recognised as the winner of The Charity Awards following the hard work put into the Volunteers in Children Protection that gave support to 130 families affected by neglect and abuse.

CSV train over 12,000 young people every year, building their skills and giving them confidence.  Especially at a difficult time, this is CSV’s way of making sure everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Do you look after your community?   A big emphasis is put on our environment and what you could do to preserve it.   What should we be preserving?  Green spaces, old buildings that are a part of Britain’s history ... what about protecting habitats for our wildlife?
 
Make A Difference is the biggest event of its kind, encouraging thousands of people across the UK to take part in voluntary work.   At the official Make A Difference website you can find out everything you need to know to get involved.

If you want to set up your own activity they have lots of resources, help and advice to get you started.   Schools, universities, friends and workplaces can get involved, or you can simply volunteer for one of the thousands of projects happening across the country - details of which can be found on the site.

31 days and 31 ways
Each day of October our intrepid volunteers and brilliant partners are going to help us to provide inspiration so we will all get up, get going and get active.

Whatever your passion, whenever you have time and where ever you are – we're working with some of the nation's favourite charities to showcase the ways that you can volunteer in your community.

Everyone can make a difference

From stories of first-time volunteers, words of wisdom from volunteering veterans, and how-to guides from charity partners our 31 ways will showcase how easy it is to get involved with the community and how great it feels to make a difference.

In the meantime, as we gather momentum for an exciting October of volunteering, this will be your place to find out how to get involved and help us inspire others to take part.

How can you make sure you keep up to date with our Make a Difference month?

This your chance to try something different and get hands-on with your local community, so why not give it a go?

FOX'S CAUSING HAVOC IN THE UK...

In 2010, nine month old twins Lola and Isabella Koupparis were severely wounded when they were mauled by a fox in their cots in Hackney, East London. Today a month described her terror when she found a fox licking her young daughter's face while she slept.

Both fox's appear to have come into the house through an open door and both are in London, with the most recent one in Clapham Common in South London.

They say that a lot of people seem to feed the foxes, and forget that they are vermin, but people should be aware of how vicious they could be when on the look out for food.

Apparently foxes eat anything so people should make sure their bins are well maintained and not try to tame foxes. If they lose their fear they become more bold and that's when they get into houses.

They say there are around 33,000 urban foxes in the UK.

THE TYPICALLY BRITISH RED TELEPHONE BOX...

The red telephone box is a symbol of Britain, however with the modern world now using mobiles most of the time, it is fast disappearing from our streets.

Did you know that they can also be found (working) in Malta and Gozo. Also, Australia and New Zealand once had similar telephone boxes and some have been preserved as historic sites.

Some people have them in their back garden, including the Hollywood actor Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs).

They also say that there is a phone box in the Lancashire village of Dunsop Bridge which is supposed to be situated in the very centre of the British Isles.

Kingston upon Hull is the only place in the UK that does not have the red telephone boxes but cream ones instead. It is apparently because it was the only area of the UK not under the Post Office monopoly so the boxes were under the control of Hull's city council.

 

SOME TYPICALLY BRITISH SAYINGS...

Going to see a man about a dog (when they don't want you to know where they are going)

I'll just rubber stamp it (repetitive work)

Pig in a poke (when you're sold something what you did not want)

What has that to do with the price of eggs (no relevance to topic)

Billy no mates (loner)
Geezer (bloke: Man)

Cop shop ( police station )

Meat wagon ( police van )

Ol' Bill (Police )

whats that gotta do with the price of beef? (I the same as the price of eggs.)

apples and pears ( stairs )

jam jar ( car )

tea leaf ( thief)

Mince Pie(s) (eyes)

Boat race (face)

Plates of meat (feet)

Rose Lee ( Cup of tea )
Moby Dick ( sick)

Score: (Twenty Pounds )

THE BRITISH LIBRARY...

If you can't get down to the British Library, then head to the website instead http://www.bl.uk/

You will be amazed at what you can read on this site, explore the world's knowledge through this site.

Read the latest news on the unification of the Magna Carta where the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta are being  brought together for the first time in history in 2015, the year of the 800th anniversary of the issue of the Charter by King John in 1215.

The unification, which will be held at the British Library in collaboration with Lincoln Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral and supported by the law firm Linklaters, will take place over 3 days in early 2015 and will kick off a year of celebrations across the UK and the world.

You can find out what the Magna Carta means and what the unification means to many who enjoy learning about the History in the 12th Century.

Of course there is a lot more on this site about history over the years, as well as an online shop where you can purchase vintage inspired gifts and memorabilia.

However, if you are in London its near St. Pancras and Euston Train Stations so step inside to enjoy the History instead.

 

THE VERY VERY BRITISH CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW...

 

The very well known British Chelsea Flower show celebrates it's centenary year this year on May 21^st - 25^th 2013.

For its centenary RHS Chelsea Flower Show, many of the show gardens are promoting a greener, brighter future by highlighting sustainable living, ways to preserve Britain’s horticultural heritage and the protection of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

The show is sponsored by M&G Investments whose M&G Garden, designed by Roger Platts, will celebrate garden design over the past 100 years. A garden of modern plant varieties and classic design, it captures the design trends and themes of RHS Chelsea shows past and present, to demonstrate that, although design has evolved, many trends have stood the test of time.


There is also a Chelsea Flower Show Florist of the Year competition and Chelsea centenary Twitter and Facebook Photography Competition. Just head down to the website for details on tickets and competitions. Head to their website for details and tickets http://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/2012

THE FAMOUS BRITISH CARNABY STREET SHOPPING PARTY...

 

 

On Thursday 2 May, 5-9pm, Carnaby is the place to be. The Carnaby Shopping Party in association with Grazia magazine, features over 100 shops and restaurants including independent boutiques and  stores exclusive to Carnaby, all offering 20% discount. You can also enjoy loads of free activities including live music, trend talks and free drinks. Grab a bite to eat after at one of the 20 restaurants and cafés taking part including Cha Cha Moon, Fornata and Carnaby Burger Co. Register for your FREE ticket here.

 

 There will be live music, DJs, an instagram photo shoot with Benefit makeovers, spot prize goodie bags and a free drink at The White Horse Kopparberg bar in Kingly Court. Legendary shoe designer Terry De Havilland will be signing shoes at his new Carnaby boutique and Grazia's Fashion News Editor Katherine Ormerod will be hosting trends talks in Kingly Court, plus lots more. Register for your free ticket at carnaby.co.uk and follow @CarnabyLondon for updates and competitions.

LOVE BEING BRITISH.....

 

How wonderful is this - it's made by 'Love Being British' on http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/lovebeingbritish/product/grow-old-along-with-me-framed-british-print

 

Robert Browning was an English poet and playwright alive during the 1900s. This romantic Great British quote comes from Browning's poem Rabbi Ben Ezra.

                                                                   The quote reads:
Grow Old Along With Me. The best is yet to be
All of our framed products can either be hung or stood on a surface.
This Love Being British product comes in two different sizes (small or large) with two variations on the union jack background (soft or strong) and two frame colours (black or white) so you can tailor this framed quote exactly how you would like it.

 

 

 

THE BRILLIANT 'GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE'...

THE FINALE OF 'THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE'...

 

 

The last episode of the 'Great British Sewing Bee', presented by Claudia Winkleman was as entertaining as the previous three, and although I have put this post on my Vintage Blog I just had to share it with you here.

Patrick Grant and Mary Martin, I'm sure will now have some great fans, especially Patrick, if only for his love of a straight hem and dropped shoulders.

Making a man's shirt seemed to ruffle all the contestants feathers except for Ann of course.

Ann was crowned the winner after her 75 years of sewing experience. I guess with that amount of experience she could only be the winner, but everyone was a winner in my eyes.

It was a great program which I hope will be back on our screens again sometime.

With all the excitement and high viewing figures for this programme it was no surprise to find the Daily Mail have jumped on the bandwagon and produced a FREE 'Start Sewing' booklet in today's Daily Mail.

It has a brilliant step-by-step beginners guide to sewing and throughout next week Monday – Thursday they have four other projects for you to try. Of course there is also a book out to go with the programme which has all of their projects and 23 more to try, 'The Great British Sewing Bee', by Tessa Evelegh.

 

 

THE QUESTION IS – HOW BRITISH ARE YOU ?...

If your not sure, then why not take the test, 'How British Are You ?' - it's in a book of questions for the British Citizenship Test.

You might think you know everything about being British, but could you pass the test?

It's a test for a rite of passage for anyone wanting to live in the UK and is taken by over 100,000 people every year.

You can also take the test online at http://www.howbritishareyou.com/quiz – Have a go, I think you might be surprised at some of the questions.

LOVE OR FRIENDSHIP - WHICH DATING SITE WOULD YOU PREFER...

 

With so many dating sites online it's nice to see that some are 'just for friendship'.  And apparently the British prefer online 'friendships' as opposed to 'dates'.

One such site is www.4friendshiponly.co.uk - This site has a strictly no dating format for couples who want to make new friends. 4  Friendship Only helps you to find genuine friends with similar interests in your area. It could be a dinner party, a trip to the pub, or just a chat on the phone. Whatever you would like it helps you to make new friends.

 

Another site is www.4m8sonly.co.uk - is another genuine 'friendship only' website. They say that when you have added your profile and image this will then be checked by their team before being made available to existing members. They are confident that you will be greeted by lots of genuine people seeking friendship only and with 75% of women and 63% of men using social networking sites on a daily basis, it won't take long to find a friend.

 

Another one called http://rentafriend.com/index  has Friends from around the world available for hire. Rent a Friend to attend a social event, wedding, or party with you. Hire someone to introduce you to new people, or someone to go to a movie or a restaurant with. Hire a Friend to show you around a new town, teach you a new skill/hobby, or just someone for companionship.

I'm not so sure about this one but useful at times I'm sure.

 

With women being the ones that use the social networking sites most of all, it's no surprise that there is one just for women, http://womens-friendship-group.meetup.com/cities/gb/17/london/

most of these are based in and around London. Take a look at the list of others they have available and maybe start one yourself. The formats look easy to follow and if your area doesn't have one then maybe there is an opening to start one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US BRITS SURE KNOW HOW TO CAMP PROPERLY...

Does camping in the Great British outdoors appeal to you, waking up to nature, camp fires and beautiful walks in the country? Trouble is of course the reality is often very different with damp sleeping bags, cold tents and rain, rain and probably more rain...

 

Well, the latest trend is camping, not your traditional camping or festival camping but a lot posher than that.

 

 

Campers can stay in yurts, pods and igloos with designer furniture, luxury bathrooms and high tech equipment.

Or the more traditional, but luxury camping in a North Yorkshire camp site where guests can either stay in tent lodges of 75m2 with wooden floors, rugs, wood burning stoves, hot water and toilets. There's also cosy bell tents (shared facilities) with their own veranda canopy (ideal for families).

Jollydays, Village Farm, in Scrayingham, North Yorkshire is open all year round and won a 'New Business of the Year' award in 2009 www.jollydaysluxurycamping.co.uk

Some other great sites are Sawday's website is a must www.canopyandstars.co.uk for UK holidays in beautiful outdoor locations – from luxury treehouses to traditional style gypsy caravans.

Lincoln Park Farm just west of Oxford www.lincolnfarmpark.co.uk includes the positively luxurious loos, AA Best Campsite of the Year 2010.

Cotswold Yurts are raised domes which have decking to gaze down the Golden Valley near Stroud. www.cotswoldyurts.co.uk

Snowdonia campsite also has yurts www.graigwen.co.uk and finally for wigwam fans in Berwick in the North East the Pot-A-Doodle-Do holiday village has 20 wigwams (each sleeping five), as well as three yurts www.northumbrianwigwams.com

Right, well I'm off now to book my igloo for the summer :):)

THE GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVALS 2013...

 

Britain has become synonymous for it's food festivals and one such festival 'The Great British Food Festival, www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com is opening it's doors to the first one of the year, next May Bank Holiday weekend, 26/27^th May.

The Great British Food Festival was formulated in June 2012 by two brothers who had a great love for food.

The team, now, are also foody people who love local produce and strive to gain awareness to the fantastic foods we have on offer in the North West, many you wouldn't even know about!

It has over 100 producer stalls, chefs demo's, cake-off and Men vs Food eating competitions.

There's live music from local bands and a recipe booklet to take home with you.

It's being held at Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington, Cheshire. The only thing that could disrupt this great event is the great 'British Weather'. Fingers crossed for a dry weekend.

 

 

The other dates for 2013 are June 29/30^th at Shugborough Hall, Stafford, - July 13/14^th at Capesthorne Hall, Siddlington, August Bank Holiday Weekend 24/25/26^th at Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe, Lancashire and also on September 21^st and 22^nd at the Cheshire Food Festival at Arley Hall, Warrington, Cheshire. For more details head to their website 'The Great British Food Festival'.

THE BRITISH WEATHER...

 

What is it about us Brits that we are so obsessed with the weather.

Every time we go into a shop we comment on the weather, we chat about it on the phone, while out walking a dog, over dinner in a Restaurant. In fact we just don't stop talking about it. A survey has shown that we spend nearly six months just 'talking' about the weather.

Apparently the British in particular are obsessed with the English weather.

Its one of the most common ways to start a conversation, and I feel sorry for the check-out staff at supermarkets which must listen to people talking about the weather all day long.

We spend almost five times a day talking about it and spend longer discussing it, than on sport or work!

Women talk about it more than chatting about their men, love lives and gossip.

Even Twitter gets 500,000 'tweets' about it, and as for older people, well we have three times as many conversations about it and still believe in old wives tales, such as, cows sitting down (rain comes) something I 'always' say and the family make fun of me and of course, red sky at night is legendary.

These findings prove that we are a nation who is totally obsessed with the weather and with our unusually cold winter, millions of conversations at the moment are about the weather.

So, while I'm on the subject of the weather, where has the so called glorious sunshine gone to today, its more like cloudy skies to me...

 

 

 

MARGARET THATCHER'S GRANDDAUGHTER DID HER PROUD...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsslZNodDoM

          

Lady Thatcher's 19-year-old granddaughter Amanda Thatcher gave a reading at her Grandma's funeral at St Paul's Cathedral yesterday.

The young Thatcher looked composed as she read a lesson from the Bible to the congregation, watched by millions on television.

Her reading called for the righteous to put 'on the whole armour of God" and that her grandmother may be able to stand against the 'wiles of the devil'. Report by Sophie Foster.

 

BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT IS BACK, WOO HOO...

 

Brtains Got Talent is back on our screens on Saturday, in my eyes, it's one of the best shows on TV.

Most of it's talented winners have gone a long way which hasn't happened with most of the other talent shows, with winners Ashleigh and Pusdy and Susan Boyles to name a few.

The judges are brilliant, especially now that David Walliams is amongst them.

 

BABY NAME FOR KATE MIDDLETON, THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE ...

According to the Huffington Post - Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, will name her baby Philip if it's a boy, source says.

Well, I guess we shall just have to wait and see...

HOLIDAY IN THE CARIBBEAN...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA...

This is the biggest port in the world for cruise ships, and can hold a massive '90' ships at one time.