Posts Tagged "America"

How to celebrate the 4th of July

Posted by cafebebemama on Jul 4, 2011 in American Mum Me, Motherhood | 2 comments

Today is the 4th of July, aka American Independence Day. This will be my seventh 4th of July spent outside of the US. Wow! I hadn’t realised I’d been gone so long.

Understandably, the 4th of July is not really celebrated here in the UK. Unless you live on an American military base or are surrounded by other American expats or go to an American chain restaurant in London on the day, you’re going to be pretty much out of luck. I mean, a holiday which celebrates independence from the tyranny of King George and the “mother land” known as ENGLAND isn’t necessarily going to be high on the list of party days in England is it? I understand this but still always get a bit nostalgic on this day.

In honour of today and the millions of Americans celebrating a Monday off in America today, I’ll share with you a few tips to show you how to celebrate the 4th of July, American stylee.

FOOD:

It is imperative to have the appropriate food items to properly enjoy the 4th of July. All of the stereotypical American foods apply here. Hot dogs, bratwursts (yes, I know…German), burgers, potato salad, coleslaw, corn-on-the-cob (w/ the little holders on the ends so you don’t burn your fingers), Deviled eggs (is this just in my family?), watermelon, chips (crisps), apple pie, cake, ice cream (preferably home churned w/ an old-fashioned ice cream churn) and S’mores. All of these items must be piled on a picnic table with a festive table cloth and you must use paper plates, napkins and cups with festive designs on them. Think Stars and Stripes. This might be difficult to achieve here in the UK but go to the nearest party store and you’re sure to find some American kitsch. All food items should be grilled on a BBQ, in case you were not aware! (Of course I mean the items that need cooking…I don’t recommend grilling watermelon or potato salad)

DRINK:

Drink is exceptionally important on the 4th of July. It does not always have to be alcoholic but it is decidedly more festive if it is. Mind you (health & safety reminder): if you are in charge of any explosive devices during the evening festivities, please refrain from drinking alcohol until the last bang goes off.

It’s always enjoyable to start the morning with a Bloody Mary (even if it isn’t the 4th of July!) but then it’s best to move to non-alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day. Ice cold lemonade (in a jug/pitcher) w/ slices of lemon and/or strawberries in it is perfect accompaniment for the afternoon. Of course, having a cooler filled with every can of soda known to man and chock-a-block with ice for the day will keep your guests very happy. It’s ideal if you can have one large cooler with soda and one large cooler with cans of beer (we’re talking lager here folks…Miller Lite, Budwiser, etc) for the adults. This bodes well for a kick-ass party with happy guests. I believe that Americans would be very accepting of Pimm’s for the 4th of July but unfortunately I haven’t been back to the US on the 4th of July since moving to England. If I am fortunate enough to do so in the future, I will do my level best to start the Pimm’s trend in the US.

FESTIVITIES:

In the US, parades and family gatherings are the order of the day. Yes, we love a patriotic holiday. The chance to fly the flag, having a marching band or two, get family together and throw some pretty explosives in the air is all we really want! In my family, our parade was on water at our lake. The annual pontoon parade was and is a thing of patriotic beauty. My family has participated in the Sand Lake 4th of July Pontoon Parade for at least 60 years now. I tolerated it as a child and revelled in it as an adult. Competition, float-building and frivolity at it’s best! Sigh…I do miss it.

I would suggest that getting a parade going in your village might be a bit difficult and would most definitely be met with some strange stares BUT, having your back garden decked out with fairy lights, American flags, sparklers and fun music will do the trick just fine. Of course, fireworks are most important as well but may not be met with great pleasure from your neighbours. Proceed with caution with this one! Thankfully, fireworks are not illegal here like they are in most of the states of the US (yes, really!) so you stand a chance of producing a pretty good show here but I highly suggest seeking the approval of your surrounding neighbours if you are putting on a pyrotechnic display. Failing neighbourhood approval, go for some party poppers and sparklers and you’re set!

If you follow these tips you will experience a wee bit of what Americans are enjoying today. I truly have a heart-pang on this day every year. It is easy to forget the 4th of July over here for obvious reasons but I always think of my family around 6pm as I know that they will be furiously finishing the pontoon decorations for the 1:00 (CST)pm start time for the Sand Lake Pontoon Parade. One year we’ll be back for it…maybe next year when we are FOUR.

Happy Fourth of July to my American friends and family far and near. Wave the flag today…I will be doing the same!

PS- For a great take on views from an American Expat in the UK and an Expat Mum in the US, read this post by Pond Parleys which inspired me to get the keys clicking this morning.

Homecoming Celebration

Posted by cafebebemama on Sep 15, 2010 in Blogger Love, Gallery, Little Miss Adventures | 11 comments

In November of 2008 we made our first trip to the USA with Little Miss in tow. She was 5 months old and we were having a homecoming celebration of sorts. Little Miss is half-American thanks to me and this was her first time on what is my “home turf”. It was also the first time that my Dad and Stepmom had met her as they hadn’t been able to visit us in England when she was born.

Our first flight was an excellent one and Little Miss charmed the flight attendants and even slept in a wee bassinette (a plastic box secured to a table really). When we arrived in the US we popped Little Miss in her Baby Jogger pushchair (a new acquisition especially for the journey) and right before we went through the sliding doors I fitted this US Flag bandana on her wee head. She looks rather excited don’t you think? I’d like to think it’s because she was so looking forward to the adventure ahead but lets face it, she was just a happy baby!

This trip was a very special one as we were able to see friends and family and introduce our daughter to a bit of what Mummy knew. During the trip she officially turned six months old, continued eating purees like a rock star, learned how to clap and charmed the boots off of everyone she met. Life was good. It was well and truly a homecoming celebration.

This post is inspired by Tara Cain’s Gallery theme which, this week, is Celebration. Have a look at the other celebrations on offer from other magnificent bloggers/photographers.

Missing

Posted by cafebebemama on Jan 13, 2010 in American Mum Me, Motherhood, Writing Workshop | 4 comments

My hometown

When people find out that I am American, after the obligatory “Oh, really, where are you from?”, inevitably I get asked what I miss about the US.  And in support of the Sleep is for the Weak Writing Workshop prompt (Tell me something you miss) I will share with you the things that I miss.

• I miss my family.  My two sets of parents are both retired.  I left the US in 2005 and they all retired shortly after that.  Coincidence?  I miss being able to meet my Mom for lunch at Panera Bread (gorgeous soup & bread).  I miss visiting my Dad in his new workshop where he makes golf clubs as his part-time job.  I miss my Grandma’s oatmeal cookies and chicken & dumplings.  I miss visiting my Auntie & Grandma and going for a Coney Island hotdog.  I desperately miss the fact that I can’t just pop in the car and drive over to see anyone in my family.  I miss the fact that my daughter is missing out on her grandparents.  I miss my family.
• I miss convenience.  In the US, stores are open late and early and seem to have everything you need.  I miss Target and Old Navy.  I miss being able to get places quickly.  I miss WIDE OPEN highways with obviously marked road signs.  I miss Pay at the Pump gas (petrol) stations.  I miss drive through banks.  I miss drive through Starbucks!  I miss Starbucks (it tastes different here).  I miss convenience.

But you know what?  That’s about it!  I miss my family first and foremost but phone calls, Skype and the occasional visit make life easier.  I miss convenience, some foods and some stores.  But that’s all…and you know why?  Because I have such a wonderful life here.  I don’t mean to wax ridiculous, but, I have everything I need here (with the exception of my family).  I have a wonderful, loving husband who has made all of my dreams come true.  I have a gorgeous and amazing daughter who brightens my every day.  I have inlaws who defy the inlaw stereotype and are thoroughly supportive of me and love their granddaughter immensely.  I live in a country that’s beautiful and welcoming and I have found substitutes for all the quirky things that I miss.  So, despite having a little hole in my heart for my family back in the US, my heart has been filled to brimming over with England and my life here.  Thanks for making the “missing” so much easier!

Part of my Family at my brother's wedding, Oct. 2009

Great American Blog Friday

Posted by cafebebemama on Dec 18, 2009 in American Mum Me, Blogger Love | 2 comments

Fourth of July 2004

Did I ever happen to mention that I am American??  No?  Oh, well, I am.  And in a bit of patriotism, I would like to highlight a few American Expat Bloggers who are here in the UK.  Show them a bit of Blogger Love and learn a few things about life as an Expat.

• Erin at American Mom in England has a lovely post about her son Nicholas’ Nativity play and what he may or may not have worn.  Did you know that at public schools in the US, there are no NATIVITY plays as there’s a separation of church and state…no God or Jesus…only Santa.  They have Christmas programmes instead.
• Melaina25 is Transatlantic Blonde who’s impending arrival, at 38 Weeks is the size of a leek!  Interesting.  I love finding characters like Melaina25!
• Kat blogs at 3 Bedroom Bungalow and has a touching post to share about The Fear.  Show her some support…2010 will be a challenging year for her.
• Noble Savage has been blogging successfully for a while now but I never knew she was an American expat in London!  Her post about the recession is an eye opener for those of us who think we’ve got it rough!
• Tanya can be found at Random Musings from a Pregnant American in London.  Guess what?  She’s a Pregnant American in London!  She’s got some great posts about the differences between the US & UK when pregnant.  Great stuff here.
• Finally, the fair Susanna, A Modern Mother, amongst other things, has turned British Parent Blogging into a firestorm of press coverage and PR attention.  Who’d have thought that an American from California would make the whole of the UK take notice of parent bloggers?  Well done you!

There you have it for this week!  6 of my fellow Americans for your reading pleasure.  Great New Blog Friday will return in the New Year!  Have a very Happy Christmas everyone.

Thanksgiving Time

Posted by cafebebemama on Nov 25, 2009 in American Mum Me | 12 comments

Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving 2004

I’m sharing a few images from Thanksgiving’s past…the top photo was last year when, for the first time since 2004, I was present with my husband and daughter, for Thanksgiving in the US.  The bottom photo was the last Thanksgiving I spent in the US before coming abroad to eventually meet my husband in 2005.  My Grandfather, Dale, is sat with his side to the camera.  This picture was taken in the early years of his Alzheimer’s which would eventually claim him in 2008, two days before his 85th birthday.

I’ve become a bit emotional, suddenly realising that it’s nearly Thanksgiving in America.  You see, living here in the UK as I have done for the last 4+ years, you tend to forget those classically, singularly American holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July…understandably so!  I don’t imagine the English relish honouring two holidays which represent American freedom from the oppressor…England.

Thanksgiving for me was always a very special holiday.  Not for presents or special events.  Thanksgiving isn’t about that.  It’s about family.  Coming together, sometimes once a year in many families cases, for a meal and to share a day together.  The majority of Thanksgiving centres around the meal.  Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweetcorn, cranberry sauce, rolls, pumpkin pie and of course every family’s individual takes on the holiday: Deviled Eggs, Green Bean Casserole, Apple Pie in our. household.  Occasionally we would go around the table and say what we were thankful for.  So, in honour of American Thanksgiving, celebrated tomorrow, November 26, here is what I am thankful for:

• I’m thankful that I have found the love of my life and am living a very happy, healthy and fulfilling life in England.
• I’m thankful that we have an amazingly gorgeous daughter who makes our lives better and filled with laughter and joy.
• I’m thankful that my daughter, my husband and I are healthy and well (knock on wood).
• I’m thankful for my family in England who have welcomed me with open arms and make being 4000 miles away from my family easier.
• I’m thankful for my family all over the US…you all are LOVELY and I miss you a lot, especially on days like Thanksgiving.
• I’m thankful that although our finances are seriously limited, we can afford to have me stay at home and raise our daughter to be a stellar member of English and American society.
• I’m thankful for the generosity of friends and family who have made this year such a happy and fulfilling one.
• I’m thankful that my Grandfather is now in heaven and no longer suffers…I’m thankful that my memories of him are ones that are happy and joyful and not of him when he was no longer Grandpa.
• I’m thankful that I found blogging so I can share these thoughts and release some of the emotions that build up at times like this.

So, Happy Thanksgiving America!  I’ll think of you tomorrow, starting your turkeys in the oven at 8am and basting and basting throughout the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and sitting down at 1pm to glorious meals and beautiful tables.  Raise a glass for me in England…

Happy Thanksgiving America!