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It's Mardi Gras…Bring on the Pancake Races!

February 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Ahh, Mardi Gras…a time of extravagance, gluttony, and pancakes? Yes, pancakes. You may think that pancakes seem a little bland for Mardi Gras, compared with the Polish Paczki or New Orleans King Cake, but for our British neighbors across the pond, pancakes and even pancake races are major elements of Mardi Gras.

Celebrate Mardi Gras like the British by trading your Paczki for a pancake.

Celebrate Mardi Gras like the British by trading your Paczki for a pancake.

The British don’t actually celebrate Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday by name. For them, the day is called Shrove Tuesday. The word Shrove is actually a variation on the Old English term shriving or absolving. Shrove Tuesday is similar to Mardi Gras and Carnaval in that the day marks the symbolic, yet temporary, end of indulgence and the beginning of the Christian time of Lent, a time of penitence and absolution. In other words, these celebrations represent the last day to “feast” before 40 days of abstinence and fasting. Unlike Mardi Gras and Carnaval, Shrove Tuesday has never really taken on the “party” image. Shrove is more of a time to focus on or even prepare you for the spiritual aspect of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Still, the Brits have their own, very unique traditions for celebrating this religious season.

My Pancake is Faster than Yours

The British may not consume cases of jelly-filled donuts or hide plastic babies inside sugary danishes, but they are not without their indulgences in the cake area. Shrove Tuesday has traditionally been associated with making and eating pancakes, of all sizes and varieties. Pancakes have been synonymous with Shrove for hundreds of years.

Runners race with their pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.

Runners race with their pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.

They are believed to represent one of the richest foods to eat before Lent, because they are made with many ingredients that were once avoided during Lent, like eggs and milk products. Pancakes have become so important to the Shrove celebration that many cities and even Parliament hold Pancake Races. These highly competitive contests involve running as fast as you can while holding a frying pan with a pancake in it. The catch is that you have to flip the pancake a predetermined amount of times while you’re running – a skill many in Britain have seriously perfected. Many believe that the tradition of Pancake Races began in the early 1400′s when a woman was making breakfast on Shrove Tuesday. She is said to have lost track of time and began running to the church for services, frying pan in hand, complete with a pancake still in it. Although the origin of the pancake race is still unclear, one thing is quite certain –  Shrove Tuesday and its pancakes are an important part of British culture and tradition.

Have Your Pancake and Eat it Too

For Americans, celebrating Mardi Gras like the British can be a fun and more refined alternative to donuts, colored plastic beads, and raucous street parties. So, if you’re not up for a huge Mardi Gras party or can’t make it to Spain for Carnaval, celebrate Shrove Tuesday by making a batch or two of pancakes. And, although the idea of pancakes is traditional in and outside of Britain, your pancakes needn’t follow the traditional recipe. Check out some of the more unusual pancake recipes online, like chocolate pancakes with chestnut cream or hot whiskey pancakes with raspberries, they are sure to tempt even self-proclaimed pancake connoisseurs. And remember, whether savory or sweet, fluffy or thin, a pancake is more than a pancake when eaten on Shrove Tuesday.

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Confessions of a British Shopaholic

February 18, 2009 By 5 Comments

Confessions of a Shopaholic May Reflect British Women Spending Habits

If you’ve ever read the book, Confessions of a Shopaholic, by Sophie Kinsella, you will know that it doesn’t quite follow the recently released movie by the same title, mostly because the main character Rebecca or Becky, is not from New York, but rather London. But the book and the movie share one big similarity, the main character is indeed a shopaholic by the best (or worst) definition. Ironically, the leading lady in Confessions, who can’t pass up a full price designer handbag, let alone a sale, may not actually be too far off from real British women and their overspending practices.

British women's shopping habits reflected in best-selling novel.

Shopaholic book may reflect real British women's spending habits.

A 2007 survey from Uswitch revealed that at least 3% of the British population are shopaholics, with more than 765,000 of these being British women. Shopaholics are defined as people who shop at least once a week and spend an average of £182 per month (about $260), far above the national average of £86 ($122) a month. Furthermore, these spendthrift women will go to any length to get their fix for fashion. More than 2% of British women admitted to sneaking fashion purchases on their significant other’s credit card, while 16% have admitted to lying about how much they spend on their purchases. These out-of-control spending behaviors have left British women with an average of £5,000 ($7,100) in unsecured debt.

Despite Economy, British Women Still Spending

What’s even more surprising, is that even with the poor economy, British women have reported that they will continue with their extravagant spending habits. In 2008, Elle UK surveyed 4,000 British women and found that more than 1/3 admitted their fashion shopping habits have not changed due to the economy. Furthermore, 70% of British women said they thought about buying new clothes “nearly every day”, while 1/4 said they spent between £25 and £100 ($35 and $142) a month on shoes alone. 

Are you a shopaholic? Take the test and find out.

God knows that you don’t have to be British to be considered a shopaholic. If you’re worried that your spending habits may be unmanageable, a simple test can tell whether you are just a typical shopper or if you are truly a shopping addict. The test, which was published in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Consumer Research, includes six statements, for which you rank on a 7-point scale, with 1= strongly disagree and 7=strongly agree. Using this scale, decide how strongly you feel about the following statements: 

  1. My closet has unopened shopping bags in it. 
  2. Others might consider me a “shopaholic.” 
  3. Much of my life centers around buying things. 
  4. I buy things I don’t need. 
  5. I buy things I did not plan to buy. 
  6. I consider myself an impulse purchaser.

Now, add up your total score. If your score is 25 or higher, you would be considered a compulsive buyer, or a shopaholic.

If you are a shopaholic, you may want to curb your purchases until you get your shopping habits under control. Sounds simple, but like all addictions, a shopping addiction can be hard to break. There are many books and Web sites that can help shopaholics change their ways and many offer step-by-step guides on how to do this. For example, GetRichSlowly.org suggests the following: 

6 Steps to Curb Compulsive Shopping

  1. Get rid of your credit cards. Although, you still need to pay them off!
  2. Use cash to pay for everything. You may be less likely to spend if you actually see your dollars leaving your wallet.
  3. Keep a diary of your purchases. Log everything you spend your money on. You may be surprised or even disgusted at how much you’re spending at Starbucks!
  4. Trick yourself into spending less or not spending at all. Do this by making yourself wait 30 days to buy new clothes, gadgets, etc.
  5. Avoid temptation by not going into your usual spending haunts. 
  6. Ask for help from friends/family or even a professional.

If you’re still not sure how you rank on the shopaholic scale, read the Confessions book or see the movie. If you can relate to Rebecca, and feel a stinging guilt because you do, then you may want to reevaluate your spending, not to mention avoid the spring and summer sales at Macys.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: , , ,

Yes, I Absolutely Do Need 5 Black Pants

February 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

A recent survey found that the average British woman has over 100 items of clothing in her wardrobe. But alas, our British cousins will actually wear less than 30% of these clothes on a regular basis. What a waste! Why not keep the 30% and ditch the rest? Well, apparently British women are nostalgic, for they also reported keeping their favorite item of clothing for an average of 12 years – hoping that older pieces would one day come back in fashion (sorry dear, those leg warmers will never be stylish again in your lifetime).

This made me question, what’s in my top 30%? Like British women, I too have an oversized wardrobe, with well over 100 items of clothing, most of which have not seen the light of day in nearly half a decade. Pre-2009, I would justify my clothes habit by saying to myself, “I’m sure I will need that at some point in my life.” But, in keeping with my New Year’s Resolution of staying on a Wardrobe Diet, I have resolved to change my clothes habits.

I have recently completed the first step of the Wardrobe Diet: purging my closet of those items that do not fit, are worn out, or are out of style. All my clothes, including dresses, suits, and summer styles, were scrutinized. I admit this process was very liberating, albeit difficult. On more than one instance, I contemplated pardoning some of those clothes destined for Goodwill, but I remained strong. In doing so, I was able to eliminate 30-40% of my wardrobe, most of which I promptly boxed up and donated before I could change my mind.

5 Little Black Pants

5 Little Black Pants Every Woman Should Have

Also during this process, I was completely amazed at the number of clothing items I was not wearing – some with the tags still on them, some that were lost in the back of the closet, and duplicate items for several wardrobe pieces, including 9 pairs of blacks. I wondered for a moment, how did I collect so many pairs of blacks pants? I tried on every single pair to see which ones would pass the test. Only 5 pairs made the cut and so, they shall remain. Now, some people may ask, “Do you really need 5 pairs of black pants?” to which I would reply in my best Charlie and Lola voice, “Yes, I absolutely do need these five pairs of black pants.”

And I truly believe that every woman’s wardrobe should include 5 pairs of black pants, even if she’s on a Wardrobe Diet. And here is the reason why. One needs multiple black pants for multiple occasions (and maybe personalities). And, each pair of pants is a different style, serving a different purpose.  So really, when you look at it from that perspective, they are five very different pieces.

So ladies, if you too have several pairs of black pants, here is how you can justify keeping them in your top 30%…

The 5 Little Black Pants Every Woman Should Have -

  1. Three-season Capri – With the weather’s cooperation, these very versatile pants can be worn in spring, summer, and fall. In spite of their short stature, these pants give the image of style and sophistication. They are especially perfect for business casual Fridays, or can be paired with a lightweight sleeveless sweater and jeweled sandals for a summer evening on the town.
  2. Work-week trouser – These smart pants always look good (even on your “fat” days) and can convey several styles. For a casual style, it can be paired with a cashmere t-shirt, or for a more professional look, wear a fitted button-down or cami covered by a brightly colored blazer. These are your “go to” pants that will no doubt be warn often. So, whether they are boot cut or wide leg, make sure the fabric is of good quality, such as gabardine (light wool) or a rayon/spandex blend, to withstand repeated washing or dry cleaning.
  3. Fancy pants – They may shimmer, shine, or are velvety-soft, but they will always be fancy. These pants are great for a girls’ night out dancing, holiday parties, or any special occasion when you want a little more attention from the opposite sex. When searching for your fancy pants, keep in mind they should be long enough to wear with funky mules, strappy sandals, or boots. A word of caution – although fancy pants can be considered anything out of ordinary, leather pants are almost always a mistake, unless you’re a supermodel or biker chic.
  4. Yoga loungers – Ahh….lycra at its best. These pants fit snug around the hips and thighs but are a little flared toward the bottom. The right pair can show off your curves and disguise your imperfections in one fell swoop. They are ideal for walking the dog at the park, a serious day of shopping when you are constantly changing clothes, when you’re feeling a bit bloated, or when you actually are attending a yoga class. As with all pants, finding the right fit for your yoga loungers is key – it’s the difference between looking like a casual hipster waiting for her manicure or a frumpy couch potato with no life.
  5. Suit pants – Your “I’m really the CEO of this company” pants look unbelievably polished and modern when worn with the matching suit coat or equally stylish blazer. However, these pants frequently have unflattering waistlines and, for the most part, don’t look right unless you actually wear them with a suit coat. So, if you opt to leave the coat on the hanger, make sure what’s underneath – a sleeveless sweater or button down oxford – falls slightly at or over the hips.

Now, there you have it – 5 perfect black pants for just about any occasion. Always reliable. Always stylish. Always in the top 30%.

Are you on a Wardrobe Diet? What’s in your top 30%?

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How to Make a Perfect Cup of British Tea

January 31, 2009 By 3 Comments

Like coffee in the United States, tea in Britain is a staple in nearly every household. According to the United Kingdom Tea Council, the British drink 165 million cups of tea per day or 60.2 billion cups of tea per year. Although most of these people will drink a cuppa (tea) out of habit or because it just tastes good, many British, as well as other cultures around the world, are drinking tea for its health benefits. 

The latest research suggests several associations between tea consumption and good health. In fact, the UK Tea Council recommends drinking four cups of tea per day in order experience the full benefits of tea. In just four cups a day, tea taken with milk can provide:

  •  17% of the recommended intake for calcium
  • 5% for zinc, 22% for Vitamin B2,
  • 5% for folic acid
  • Vitamins B1 and B6
  • Manganese, which is essential for general physical development
  • Potassium which helps to maintain your body’s fluid balance
A Perfect Cuppa

A Perfect Cuppa

And, not only does tea provide nutritional value, but studies from around the world are finding that tea consumption may help towards maintaining a healthy heart, while other studies suggest tea can help you recover more quickly from the everyday stresses of life. Furthermore, for those tea-lovers who are counting calories, tea without milk has zero calories, and only 13 calories if you add a splash of skim milk. Tea – the nutrition-packed, low-calorie, heart healthy beverage that comes in numerous flavor combinations – what more could you ask for?

Since I first traveled to the UK over 10 years ago, I have been drinking tea on a regular basis. I not only enjoy the simple and refreshing taste of tea, but I also find the act of tea drinking to be very sophisticated. But, even in all my years of drinking tea, I have wondered, How exactly do the British make their tea? and What do they put in it? If you ask 100 different Britons these questions, you are guaranteed to get 100 different answers. One thing they do agree on is this – whether it’s black, white, green, with cream or sugar, the art of making tea is to be taken seriously. 

Although many British follow the age-old George Orwell method of brewing tea…

A Nice Cup of Tea, the English Standard, 1946 by George Orwell

  • Use tea from India or Ceylon (Sri Lanka), not China
  • Use a teapot, preferably ceramic
  • Warm the pot over direct heat
  • Tea should be strong – six spoons of leaves per 1 litre
  • Let the leaves move around the pot – no bags or strainers
  • Take the pot to the boiling kettle
  • Stir or shake the pot
  • Drink out of a tall, mug-shaped tea cup
  • Don’t add creamy milk
  • Add milk to the tea, not vice versa
  • No sugar!
…new research from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) shows that Orwell’s method of tea brewing does not live up to the hype. The biggest difference has to do with milk – Orwell claims it is best to add milk to the tea, while the RSC suggests tea perfection is found when the milk is added first. Having been raised on the Orwell method of tea making for decades, many British citizens are up-in-arms about the new method of taking tea with milk. But, for an American girl, I tend to favor the RSC recipe for tea: 

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s definitive recipe for the perfect cup of tea

  • Ingredients - Loose leaf Assam tea, soft water, fresh chilled milk, white sugar.
  • Implements - Kettle, ceramic teapot, large ceramic mug, fine mesh tea strainer, tea spoon, microwave oven.
  • Method - 
    • Draw fresh soft water and place in the kettle and boil. While waiting for the water to boil place a tea ot containing a quarter of a cup of water in a microwave oven on full power for one minute.
    • Place one rounded teaspoon of tea per cup into pot.
    • Take the pot to the kettle as it is boiling, pour on to the leaves and stir.
    • Leave to brew for three minutes.
    • The ideal receptacle is a ceramic mug.
    • Pour milk into the cup first followed by the tea, aiming to achieve a colour that is rich and attractive.
    • Add sugar to taste.
    If you’re a tea lover, try both both recipes for making the perfect cuppa and let me know which one is perfect for you!
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10 Ways to Experience Britain Without Leaving Home

January 9, 2009 By 3 Comments
Great Britain is such a charming place to visit. From the narrow streets and churches of England, to the countrysides and castles of Scotland and Wales, you can find a bit of history, not to mention a pub, on just about every corner. For me, a large part of what makes Britain so appealing is the people. Like most Europeans, the Brits have great accents, are passionate about their sports teams, and can drink most Americans under the table.

British Beer: www.flickr.com/photos/18378655@N00/2375090052

British Beer

But, I also have to give them a lot of credit, they live all year round in a place where umbrellas are an essential accessory, yet most Brits I’ve met are extremely polite, accommodating, and humorous (I guess you have to be when it rains all the time).

It is both the people and the places in Britain that keep me wanting to return. And, as you can imagine, whenever I return home after a visit across the pond, I’m a bit sad because I feel so removed from British culture while in the US.
Whether you’re like me and are pining for a little more of Britain while in the US, or just want to experience life more like the British, try a few of the strategies below that will definitely leave you feeling more British than you were before:
  1. Get to know the teams and players of one of Britain’s best loved sports – football (known as soccer in the US). Once you have a grasp of who’s who, choose a favorite team and root to your hearts content. Now, check out current football schedules and start cheering!
  2. Become a master at making a proper cuppa – tea, the unofficial national drink of Britain. Take it one step further by ordering gourmet British teas from Harrods or Taylors of Harrogate.
  3. Watch popular British television shows – such as The Office from the BBC or Little Britain(similar to Saturday Night Live) for a good laugh and a look at the Brit’s dry and sarcastic sense of humor.
  4. Celebrate May Day, Boxing Day, or the Queen’s birthday (April 21), officially celebrated on the third Saturday of June.
  5. Watch a British movie like The Queen, Gosford Park, In Bruges, or V for Vendetta.
  6. Listen to classic British bands like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, U2, and The Police, and modern British stars like Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, and Coldplay, all downloadable at Amazon British Music.
  7. Read books by British authors including Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and JK Rowling, available for borrow at most local libraries or for purchase online. Better yet, attend a local production of a Shakespeare play and experience the stories as the bard intended.
  8. Watch the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race, which occurs every year in late March or early April.
  9. Learn to make a mean British curry from British Chef Jamie Oliver and invite your friends over for a fab dinner party.
  10. Know the difference between American and British beer, as well as the types of beer served in Britain. Enjoy a pint or two while you’re at it!

What are your favorite ways to experience Britain while in the US?

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