FOODIE FRIDAY!

Hello, dear readers!

I'm sorry I've been M.I.A. this week.  As many of you know, being a new expat has its ups and downs and several days this week have been downers.  I just didn't have anything positive to post so I didn't post at all.  Another week without job news and being told I wouldn't be considered for two posts I was clearly qualified for just because I didn't have 3 years of UK-based experience.  Constantly being ignored and being told "no" eventually gets to you.  I never had this hard a time getting a job, even as a new graduate.  I'm not used to it.  Maybe I just got lucky in the past and now I'm seeing how it really is for most people.  It sucks, I'm not gonna lie.  But I have good support here fortunately so I'm chugging along and trying to remain as positive as I can.  I hope to look back on this with humor and learn from it.  It's hard to see the larger purpose of this roller coaster but I know in the not-so-distant future I'll see the forest through the trees and all will be for a good purpose.

The good news is, my parents just booked their flights to visit us in a few weeks!  yay!!  I'm so psyched to see them.  Our parting was so bittersweet (well, mostly bitter and full of tears) so I'm looking forward to saying hello again and having a fun week together.  My hubby has been my rock and full support system since I got here and I love him for it.  But a girl still wants her mommy sometimes!  I'm glad to have happy times to look forward to.  Better start planning fun day trips in Sussex!  At the very least, my parents are looking forward to some relief from the heat.  It was reportedly 105F today in D.C.  Whoa! 

After a rough week, I actually had a really nice Friday today, which I know will get me through to next week.  I had a lunch date with the hubby, applied for a few good jobs, made a yummy chocolate mousse (see below), and had the in-laws over to see the Worthing fireworks.  Considering I went without fireworks for the 4th of July this year, I thoroughly enjoyed the 15 minute show this evening from the pier.  Better yet, we saw it from the comfort of our own balcony.  It doesn't get much better than that.  Here's a video of a small portion of the light display!

FOODIE FRIDAY! Let's talk about pudding...
In the U.S. when someone says "pudding" you think of JELL-O or Swiss Miss brand custard.  If you're lazy, it comes in pre-package cups.  If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can make it from a powdery mix. In any event, you know what you're getting into when someone announces that pudding is on its way.
Not here! Oh, no!  "Pudding" refers to any sweet dessert you might encounter after your meal.  It could be pie, cake, custard, ice cream, or even cheese with grapes!  You never know what's in store.  I, for one, enjoy the element of surprise.  The following are my recent "pudding" attempts--Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Mousse. 

***KEY LIME PIE***

I made this pie (my first attempt ever!) last weekend and by Tuesday night it was gone.  I guess it was good!



Digestive biscuit crust--homemade, baby!



The key ingredient--lime juice and lime rind

Voila!

***CHOCOLATE MOUSSE***

My love affair with chocolate mousse all began at a Bar Mitzvah when I was about 10 or 11.  I've been a sucker ever since.  This particular recipe called for 3 bars of chocolate and was a little thick but had the characteristic "bubbles" you see in mousse.  Definitely a keeper!

I swear it tastes better than it looks!

Presentation is key



It's difficult not to over-indulge in "pudding" especially when one is having a down week.  Well, I did buy a bicycle last weekend so hopefully in the coming weeks there will be more of this:

And less of this:

Source

Lord help me! LoL.

Have a brilliant weekend!

A

FOODIE FRIDAY!

Just like any other warm blooded person, I have a love affair with pizza.  It's a love-hate relationship, though.  I love pizza and pizza loves to fatten my bum, which I hate.  I have to say, being here makes me miss my local Papa Johns pizza, but the Brits have pretty good pizza, I must admit.  However, they have some interesting toppings you won't generally find at U.S.-based Dominos chains like sweet corn, corriander, tuna, and shrimp ("prawns").  Don't knock it til you try it!

Anyways, yesterday Kieran and I made our own personal pizzas (note: I don't claim to make pizza dough, I bought the pizza base on offer at Tesco).  I think you can tell a lot about a person and their uniqueness by what they put on their pizzas.  Try to guess which one is mine.



Veggie Special



someone likes it hot, hot, hot!

Meat lovers.  With just a smidge of green

Let's eat!

Job update:
Well, the sad news is the job I wanted was given to someone with slightly more management experience.  But my interviewer said I did a great job and was very enthusiastic and passionate and that I should keep trying out for similar posts because an agency is bound to snap me up soon.  I guess the good part is that this particular post would have been a very long commute (at least 45 minutes each way) and I would prefer to stay in West Sussex if possible.  So I'm pressing on, submitted three apps yesterday.  Thanks to everyone for your encouragement.  It's tough being unemployed and looking for work!  I know there's something out there with my name on it, I just hope to find it soon!  I appreciate the support as I venture forth!

The sun and summer FINALLY showed itself today, everyone was out and about.  However, I already see the grey clouds out my window, so I better go do my errands before the weather turns (as it always does here!).  That's one thing I love about Brits, they appreciate that the good weather is usually fleeting so as soon as the sun pops out, everyone and their brother come outside to play.  They don't take it for granted.

Ta ta!
-A-

HUMP DAY HISTORY!

BRITSPEAK (Household Items)
"Bog Roll" = Toilet Paper
"Kitchen Roll" = Paper Towels
"Serviettes" = Paper napkins
"Hoover" = Vacuum
"Washing up liquid" = dish soap (like the kind you hand wash with)
"Telly" = Television
"Hob" = stove top

Today has been eventful and productive to say the least!  I am knackered (exhausted). 
Got up before the hubby and walked to the Enterprise car hire center to pick up my 24 loaner car.  A lovely red KIA Ceed, I could get used to a gal like her!  After safely getting her home, I walked to the weekly street market and stocked up on produce. It's amazing what £10-15 can get you at a street market.  I love it!  Now it's just a race against the clock to eat the fruit and veg before it goes off!  Maybe that's why they recommend "5 a day"!

Then it was last minute preparations/studying for my interview in East Sussex.  Then I was off!  Thanks to my trusty Garmin GPS (which, after giving it some time, eventually realized it was in England), I had no problems getting there and could just focus on staying on the correct side of the road and not side swipe bicylclists (there are a lot of them!), cars parked in the road (WTF?), or fellow motorists (the streets are so narrow!)

I had a few moments that made me go "EEEEEE!!!!" in a fit of terror, but overall it was fine.  I'm still alive to tell the tale, aren't I?  I think I still need some practice, though.  However, when I drove the hubby to the grocery store later, he didn't seem so sweaty and tense so that's an improvement! :-)

this is the sign for the "National Speed Limit" which is 70mph on dual carriageway and 60 on a single carriageway

The interview went quite well.  I don't want to say too much in case I don't get it, but I will say it was definitely a job that was right up my alley and would be a good fit for me.  I just hope the interviewers felt that I would be a good fit for them!  I had three people interviewing me which was a little nerve-wracking, but they were super nice and made me feel comfortable, so that helped.  It lasted about an hour. First I had to give a 10 minute presentation about the program I would be involved with and then they asked me about 9 or 10 standardized questions about the role.  I had a bit of verbal diarhea because I wanted to get my ideas out before they vanished from my brain, so I hope I got my points across.  They said I should hear either way tomorrow, so I will appreciate any prayers/positive thought vibes/crossed fingers!  If not, back to more apps tomorrow!  I'm pleased to have gotten 2 interviews in the month I've been at the job hunt, definitely a good sign.

I drove myself home (again, no bodily injury to myself or others--yay!), in the rain (silly rain, go away!  Don't you know it's summer??), and updated mom, Kieran, and facebook about the interview. 

Since we have the rental til tomorrow morning, hubby and I thought we'd do a big grocery shop at Tesco to keep us for a few weeks.  I love shopping at big Tesco!  Little Tesco sucks (AKA "Tesco Express").  Big Tesco is like Walmart and Tesco Express is like 7-Eleven...less variety and higher prices, but good if you need something quick.  Like yesterday when I had a massive sweet tooth and Tesco Express was the only thing within walking distance AND open after 6pm. 

My early start caught up to me after hauling the groceries inside, so I let the hubby make omlettes for dinner.  I say "let" because I'm slightly territorial about my kitchen and like to cook.  Unless I'm tired or feeling lazy on weekends, hehe.  But, to his credit, he is quite good!

Now I'm just chillaxin in front of the telly and waiting for the Aleve to kick in and dull this headache.  I've got the windows cracked and can hear the performers next door at the bar's weekly open mic night.  I wouldn't go calling Britain's Got Talent, but it's pleasant to listen to!

On a final note, the annual Worthing Lions Club Festival (including several fun activities spanning the next few weeks) has kicked off already with the "fun fair"/mini carnival thingie.  I snapped a picture of the lights from the rides and activities down the street.  We might have to go down there sometime over the next week and have a go at the carnival games or rides!  At the very least, there will be fatty carnival food to be enjoyed.

are we having fun yet?

The next Worthing summer fun activity to look forward to will be the SLASH FM garden party this weekend, featuring musical tributes to Kylie Minogue, U2, Phil Collins, and others!  I can only hope the fun stuff planned with bring some good weather to go with it.  Recently it's been rubbish!  Cold and rain, blechhh.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Well, in honor of my neighborhood (and favorite) castle, I am featuring Arundel Castle in this week's Hump Day History Lesson!

Hump Day History--Arundel Castle 

source

Can you believe that this is still a running home?  It's the stately home of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk.

That would be these fine people:



source



On a side note, they announced two weeks before the Royal Wedding that they were separating and the Duke was reportedly going to move out of the castle.  WHAT?  As one local put it (as published in the Daily Mail): "we are all wondering why then can’t they simply live in separate wings of the castle." Exactly!

Anyways, far before the couple moved their boxes into the breath-taking castle, the walls of the home had seen many families and historical events.  The castle has nearly 1,000 years of history to its name (that's a lot in American standards!).  It was built at the end of the 11th Century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel.  It has remained in the family of the Duke of Norfolk for 400 years.  During the period of the English Civil War, the building sustained damage.  However, there were several restoration projects over the 18th and 19th century, most notably by Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk, who made various improvements and expansions to the building as he desired to live and entertain frequently there.

In 1846, Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert visited the castle and stayed for several days.  In preparation for the exciting royal visit, Henry Howard (13th Duke of Norfolk) spared no expense.  A special block of rooms was built and decorated in the finest Victorian style furniture and art.  He also commissioned a special portrait of the Queen to display.  Much to the Duke's pleasure, the Queen was impressed and comfortable with her private suites during her visit.

Today the castle and gardens are open to the public at certain times of the year (for a fee, of course).  In fact, at the end of the month they are having tradition "medieval encampment" and jousting tournament, so I am hoping to check that out!

Thanks for reading!  Hope everyone has a good rest of the week!

A

M.I.A. Summer

Britspeak:

Camp -- Effeminate characteristics usually used to describe the mannerisms of a flamboyantly gay man.  As in: "He's as camp as a row of pint tents!"

Cheeky -- Impertinently bold; impudent and saucy, nervy.  As in: "You cheeky child, I saw you take a biscuit after I told you not to!"

Chuffed -- Pleased/Happy/Proud.  As in: "I got a promotion at work. I'm well chuffed with that!"

Wonga -- Money

Wonky -- Crooked; off-center; askew.  As in, "The wheels on my bike have gone a wonky and now it won't go straight!"

Pegs -- Teeth.  As in: "Go scrub your pegs, it's time for bed!"

I've been waiting patiently for the past month and it seems that our friend Summer hasn't quite reached Sussex yet.  

Just to clarify, when I say "summer," I'm referring to the familiar heat and sun (sometimes overwhelming) that I'm used to, growing up in the DC metro area.  As expected, temps in the DMV (DC/MD/VA) have been sweltering in the 90s for much of the summer already and I'm sure my friends and family are running their air conditioning units at full blast just to breathe.  Doesn't exactly sound like a fun situation, but it's familiar to me.

Since my arrival at the end of May, I've been waiting for summer to show up in my new neighborhood.  Every day I wake up expecting summer to be here and it's still cold here!  Only one or two days got up to the 70s but it's mostly been 50-60 degrees and quite windy by the sea.  Today was especially breezy and cold, I saw people walking outside with jackets on!  What is going on?  My shorts and tanks are collecting dust in my closet.  

Well, the good news is, we save money on not needing air conditioning and can open the windows during the day to enjoy the breeze and not have to worry about letting the hot muggy air (and bugs) in.  Also, living in a "temperate maritime climate" means winters are mild as well.  No more shoveling 2-3 feet of snow for me, yay!!

However, I am encouraged by weather predictions written by the Telegraph: "The good news is . . .this August’s school holidays are set to see the best of summer, with sunblock needed for early-month temperatures nudging just above 30C in the south and low rainfall" (Source) So maybe summer will show up yet.  A lady after my own heart, always just a little late to arrive.

Still, I grow weary of seeing brollies (umbrellas) and wellies (rainboots) around and could use a bit of color.  I hope to see you soon, summer!

BTW tonight is the season finale of The Apprentice UK!  The hubs and I have gotten into it the past few weeks.  Everyone who watches it (myself included) fancies themselves a business expert whilst watching, yelling out at the television, "what the hell are you doing, you idiot?!"  It's brilliant fun.

So who will survive the final axe from Lord Sugar?

Source

Here's my prediction . . .

Source

That's Helen.  She's the only one of the lot who isn't a total idiot.  She's got balls and brains.  I hope she wins.

I guess we'll find out!

Laters

Amanda

FOODIE FRIDAY! 24 hrs late (Sorry!)

I'm a bad bad blogger and am a bit late on this post.  But it's still post-worthy so here you go.

The other day I had a massive craving for traditional American apple pie.  Seeing as how my last few weeks of shopping left us with a surplus of apples in the kitchen, I thought it was fate.

In case you're craving the same (after looking at my pics you might!), here's a recipe.  I've modified from the original as I like using several types of apples and my final outcome was very thick, so I hope yours might be a bit more gooey:

Ingredients:
--Store bought pie crust (2)--meh, why mess about with flour and shortening when it comes pre-made in the shop? :-)
-- 3 bramley apples (or "baking apples"), 3 pink lady apples (my favorite, so sweet!), and 2-3 fuji or gala apples
-- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
-- 1 cup sugar
-- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
-- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
-- 1 egg yolk
-- Pie pan
-- Wax paper/baking paper

Directions
-- Wash and peel all the apples.  Cut into thin slices and put in a large bowl
-- Toss the apples in lemon juice
--In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg
-- Add the dry mixture to the apples and toss until evenly covered
PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 425F/220C
-- Cut a round piece of baking paper to fit on the bottom of your pie pan.  This will stop the pie from sticking to it
-- Roll out one of the pie crusts on the base of the pie pan
--Pour the apple mixture into the bottom of the pie.  Don't worry if it looks like a mound, it's just choc-full of apples!  You'll appreciate it later
-- Roll the remaining pie crust over the top and cut slits in the top.  Or, if you're feeling crafty, you can cut out strips and do a "lattice" design. 
--In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk and a little bit of water or oil.  Brush the yolk over the top of your finished pie for a nice shiny effect later
--Bake the pie at 425F / 220C for 15 minutes
--Reduce oven heat to 350F / 180C and bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly
--Enjoy with ice cream or custard!


Before



After

Get in my belly!!!

  Let me know how yours turns out!
A xoxox

HUMP DAY HISTORY!

In my last post, I showed a video of "Morris Dancing" taking place in downtown Worthing.  I had never seen or heard about it before, so I thought I'd do a little research about this British tradition for the blog!

Morris Dancing

As you can see from the video, it's a folk dancing tradition involving rhythmic steps and movement, often involving bells, scarves, sticks, and even swords.  It's usually accompanied by drums, singing/chanting, and wind instruments.

The term and style derived in the 15th century from "Moorish dancing," a nod to the celebrations that took place when the Catholic monarchs drove the Moors out of Spain.  In addition to becoming popular as court entertainment, it also became a traditional way of celebrating the Spring and Summer festivals.  Different communities across the country developed their own unique styles to the tradition over the years.

During the rise of Puritanism, Morris Dancing became seen as "pagan and ungodly" and fell out of favor with the reigning monarchs.  It was eventually outlawed under Oliver Cromwell's political influence.  Even after it was re-legalized during the Restoration period, it began to fade from popularity.

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, a handful of English folklore enthusiasts breathed new life into Morris Dancing and revived its tradition within British culture.  Morris Dancing is as quintessentially English as fish & chips and red phone boxes, but not widely known amongst outsiders such as myself.   In any event, it seems to cheerfully ring in the summer season and connecting us to historical pastimes--before TV, video games, and all that indoor stuff. 


ye old morris dancing

 Some good news on the job front--I got an interview for next week! It seems like a great opportunity, so I'm looking for to it (but nervous at the same time!)  I have to do another PowerPoint so I've been working hard on that and studying all I can about social care policy and trying to send out a few more resumes in between--just in case  :-)  Just getting an interview gives me a bit of a boost anyway!

RANDOM STORY
Yesterday I was having lunch with my sister-in-law and she noticed that as a car drove by a perfectly good book was thrown from the car.  I went to investigate and found a novel with a receipt in it.  Someone had just purchased it 20 minutes prior.  I still don't understand how it got thrown into the street.  Well I didn't fancy the book so I went into Waterstones (the book store) and exchanged the book for one I wanted:

Friggin hilarious.  I've nearly finished it already! I have a bit of an obsession with this guy right now.  YouTube his name or "An Idiot Abroad" and you might be mesmerized, too.  Just looking at his mug is making me giggle.

Right, that is all for now.  Hope everyone has a good second half of the week!

A

Another lovely weekend comes and goes!

Hi, folks!

This weekend has been eventful and chilled at the same time.  On Friday I was in a bad mood after another week with unsuccessful attempts to get a job, but Kieran dragged me out with a group of people to Arundel for "Beer O'Clock" at the Black Rabbit.  It was a lovely pub, we ended up having a nice meal and a drink or two.  Arundel is so beautiful in every season.  As you come around the bend in the main road, it opens up to amazing landscape and a breath-taking castle.

Source

This is a nice picture but still doesn't quite do it justice.  It also has a pretty creek/river/moat thingie with a long walkway.  The Black Rabbit is right on the little river thingie and has an outdoor patio area overlooing the small body of water and Arundel in the background.  Very picturesque and British, I love going there and even just driving through!

On Friday Kieran also got a letter in the post about a volunteer position he applied for with the young offenders, and they invited him for an interview.  So proud of him!  That was good news.

Saturday morning we were woken early by a clan of pigeons who have moved into the balcony next door.  There are like 5 of them protecting a nest which they built in a pot under our neighbor's chair.  They are so loud in the morning and produce so much poop, it's concerning.  I don't even know if our neighbor is aware of his uninvited squatters as he doesn't seem to be home much.




momma pigeon protecting her poopy nest. ew.




Me peeking next door to get a look at the brood

 When we ventured out for errands on Saturday, we were greeted with some interesting entertainment in the neighborhood.  Morris Dancing, which apparently is a type of English folk dancing dating back to the 15th century.  A troupe was downtown entertaining the crowd.  It was quite good!  Take a look at this video I shot.  It's kind of cool how the tradition has been successfully passed down over so many generations.

Saturday afternoon/evening was filled with a pirate-themed pub crawl around Worthing organized by some friends.  Needless to say, it got a bit messy and I had to be put to bed at 9:30pm, but I had a laugh.  We went to some really nice pubs with pretty beer gardens, it was so nice out. 



argghhhh!



This morning we were a little groggy and slow to get started but after some coffee and watching the sea of pink joggers/walkers go past in this year's seafront Race for Life, we ventured out to get some food for an impromtu picnic on the beach, just the two of us.

Hubs with the spread!

It was just what I needed to kick the hangover--sea air, sun on my face, and greasy chips in my tummy. 

I also noticed today that the basil seeds I planted a few days ago started to sprout.  Yay!!  I shall have to plant a few more herbs for the kitchen. 



And this is a mini rainbow I saw on Friday evening

So as you can see it was a bit of a mish-mash this weekend.  But overall it was quality and I had some good fun.  Back to the job drawing board tomorrow!

Laterssss!
Amanda

HUMP DAY HISTORY!

Hi, folks!

This week's history lesson is a short one.  More like "oh dang, fun fact" more than my usual lengthy entries.  I wanted to find out if the complex we live in had any history or at least how it got its name "Augusta House."  Well thanks to the internet, I got my answer!

Apparently the original building used to be called Trafalgar House and was built around 1810.  From 1829-1830, Princess Augusta Sophia (sister of King George IV in the Royal House of Hanover) stayed at Trafalgar House.  Presumably, it was a stately home or hotel-like building at the time.  After her stay, the building's name was changed to Augusta House in her honor.  Unfortunately the original building on this site was demolished and rebuilt in 1948 by city planners eager to modernize the seaside town.  But needless to say, this seaside town was popularized by many royal visits over the years, including that of Princess Augusta Sophia!


Princess Augusta Sophia (namesake of my home!)

 So there ya go :-D  imagine that!

Well this was my first time ever being out of the U.S. for the 4th of July.  It was a little sad but I tried to enjoy it.  On Sunday we went to the parents-in-law for a BBQ which was perfectly suited for a 4th of July weekend.  The sun was shining (the hubs got burnt), the grill was fired up, and Kieran's mum whipped up some cocktails, too!  It was a great afternoon.  On Monday there were no fireworks, but I did create my own patriotic touch to the day...

My red white and blue trifle!

Not much else going on here besides job hunting my little heart out.  I got my CRB background check in the mail today and it seems I am, indeed, criminality-free.  Woot.  Small victories, folks. 

Congratulatory U.S. shout-outs are due to my cousin on the birth of her healthy baby girl, Zoe, and to my bestie Erica on her engagement.  All the fun stuff happens when I'm away! :-(

Ta ta for now!
Amanda

FOODIE FRIDAY!

Happy July, everyone!

The end of this week has been a mixture of good and not-so-good.  My cousin Jenny had her baby girl state-side! Congrats!  A bit gutted I won't get to meet her til later in the year probably.  The weather has been marvelous.  I took a really nice run along the beach today barefoot, it felt great.

On the not-so-good end, I found out I was unsuccessful in the job I interviewed for.  Doodie.  Well, it's probably for the best as it wasn't exactly what I wanted to do and I got a weird vibe from the staff there.  Probably wasn't the place for me.  Still sending out loads of applications and trying to make connections with staffing agencies so I can get some temp-to-perm work.  Still chugging along!

Although the job news was a bit disappointing, my spirits were lifted when our friends dropped their 2-year-old off at our flat for us to watch her overnight.  She's so much fun, we had a blasty. 

So on FOODIE FRIDAY we accomodated our tiny guest with a crowd pleaser--spaghetti bolognese and veg on the side.  Needless to say, most of the sauce ended up on her face, hands, and bib but it was funny watching her try to "twist" her pasta like Kieran and feeding herself one strand of spaghetti at a time. 

Sometimes a childhood favorite is fun for adults, too

source

:-)

That is all.  Have a lovely weekend!