Monthly Archives: May 2013

17 types of people you see on “Jeremy Kyle”

The Jeremy Kyle Show

I know I’ve blogged a bit about the “The Jeremy Kyle Show” here and here.

But I have to do one more and share this amazing collection of characters – “The 17 types of people you see on ‘Jeremy Kyle’ – that Buzzfeed.com so thoughtfully put together.

Read on and I dare you not to smile.

British fashion featured on Goop.com

Stylist Elizabeth Saltzman has rounded up some lovely British designers and fashions this week in Goop.com, Gwyneth Paltrow’s digital media and e-commerce brand. She’s pulled together a range of looks from designers like Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham and Antonio Berardi.

My favorite pieces of the bunch are these soft pastels, perfect for dressing up and for more relaxed weekend fun.

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Colorware

Will Smith’s London visit

Will Smith and his son Jaden were in London last weekend to promote their new movie “After Earth.” Some highlights from their visit:

Graham Norton interviewed them, but the best part was their impromptu performance of the theme song from “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” with DJ Jazzy Jeff! (Also, love Bradley Cooper and Heather Graham rocking out on the couch with them!)

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Portland’s Shakespeare Garden

On our trip to Portland this month, we visited the International Rose Test Garden, the oldest public garden of its kind in the U.S. Inside, I was surprised (and delighted) to find a Shakespeare Garden.

Shakespeare Garden

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Interview with Anglotopia founder Jonathan Thomas

Jonathan and Jackie Thomas

I discovered Anglotopia.net a few months after I launched Britrish.com and have enjoyed the content, from its travel pieces to news headlines to British tips and everything in between.

I finally had a chance to connect with founder Jonathan Thomas, who runs the site with his wife Jackie, from their home in Valparaiso, Indiana. Here’s what he had to say:

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Portland’s Frying Scotsman

Last weekend, we spent three days in Portland, Oregon. It was a wonderful little mini break! Have you been to Portland? Isn’t it charming?

We missed trying the food carts last year when we were in Portland – this time, it was on my list! We went to the one on SW 10th and Alder Street and scoped out the scene!

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I had heard great things about the Frying Scotsman, which is a fish-and-chips spot run by a Scotsman! The menu includes mushy peas and Irn-Bru!

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We got the haddock and chips. He adds a touch of turmeric to the batter, which gives it a hint of curry flavor. Just a hint. The fries were double fried and delectable. It was certainly the best fish and chips we’ve had on the west coast!

Fish and chips

On another note, I also tried the famed chicken and rice from Nong’s Khao Man Gai, which was great comfort food, as well as a pork taco from Korean Twist. All in all, it was a stellar first Portland food cart experience!

America’s ‘Masterchef’ Season 4 premieres

Masterchef

Graham Elliot, Gordon Ramsey and Joe Bastianich are the chefs in Fox’s “Masterchef.”

“Masterchef” Season 4 premiered tonight with a two-hour kickoff. Did you watch?

I DVR’ed it and will check it out this weekend. I haven’t watched any episodes of the American version – only the British version so am interested in the compare and contrast. Based on the clips I’ve seen, the U.S. version already feels more sensational, more “Hell’s Kitchen”-y, than the dignified BBC version.

I find it hard to even think of “Masterchef,” without conjuring up the old British “Masterchef” theme tune!

Richard Branson’s commencement speech

Check out Richard Branson’s inspiring commencement speech to the Class of 2013! I feel inspired!

Richard Branson

The best advice I could give any graduate is to spend your time working on whatever you are passionate about in life. If your degree was focused upon one particular area, don’t let that stop you moving in another direction. If college hasn’t worked out for you, don’t let that put you off. Virgin’s expansion into so many different areas is borne out of my insatiable curiosity to enjoy new experiences and pursue fresh challenges.

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Tea at Wickle

After our visit in Devon, we headed back on the train to visit friends in the town of Lewes for a couple of days. Lewes is a gorgeous little town just an hour from London on the southeast coast.

One of our favorite moments was having afternoon tea and cake in the children’s shop Wickle. The shop sells beautiful clothes, high-quality toys and games and tucked in the very back of the store is a little cafe, perfect for children and grownups. The kids got the most decadent hot chocolates and we sampled ginger cake, brownies, millionaire’s shortbread and victoria sponge cake.

Wickle

Wickle

Wickle

Wickle

Wickle

Goodbye to “The Office”

The Office Season Finale

I’ve had a terrible head cold this week – sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, the works! The best part of it all has been hunkering down with old episodes of “The Office”. The American version. I’ve watched the show on and off all of these years and it’s just fallen off the radar the past couple of years. Nothing personal, just a lack of time and perhaps other shows (“New Girl,” “The Mindy Project,” “Girls”) have taken precedence. But this week I’ve managed to get back to it, starting with Michael Scott’s farewell and continuing through Season 8.

I still remember when I first heard that Americans were remaking “The Office.” It was not long after we had moved back to the States and I couldn’t imagine a show without Ricky Gervais and his very talented cast of characters from the original. I assumed it would fall flat, but then I watched it and was pleasantly surprised by how well the American version worked! It began from the same point of the British version and then went a completely different way.

I still have a lot to catch up on and was probably cheating by skipping to the end but in my current “Office” state of mind, I couldn’t resist watching the season finale last night. Did you watch it? Great, right? After nine seasons, I loved the wrap-up, seeing all of those familiar faces and finding out where they landed. No spoiler alert. I’m just proud of what the show accomplished and am excited to go back and continue watching from where I left off.