Author Archives: britrish
“The Elephant and the Bad Baby”
When I was growing up, my mother used to take me to the library twice a week. As I result, I’ve got a vivid arsenal of memories of pictures from books – many of which we never owned, and that I have no record of.
For most of them, my memory of the title of the book is completely gone, sadly inaccessible, but if I catch of glimpse of a particular page (now particularly when reading to my own kids and also going to the library) – it all comes rushing back.
“The Elephant and the Bad Baby” by Elfrida Vipont and illustrated by Raymond Briggs (of “The Snowman” fame) is one of those books for me.
It’s a very English story with references to crisps, biscuits, buns and barrow boys, as the Elephant takes the Bad Baby on a tasty trip through a variety of shops. My favorite pages out of the book (and every page, to be honest, is good enough to eat!) is the last scene of his mother making pancakes (in this case, hers are thin, French-style crepes), with lemon and sugar as the perfect accompaniments.
Rain, rain, go away!
There is no sign that truly summery weather will arrive before the start of July. Photo credit: PA
You’ve heard that the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain. But this year, it seems that the rain in England stays mainly … well, everywhere.
Last month, the country reported a record heatwave. Now, only a few weeks later, they’re calling it “European monsoon” weather, with hurricane-force winds and heavy downpours.
Experts are already predicting that this weather will continue through June. Summer, it seems, will be postponed until July.
Flat white
Have you tried a flat white?
This is the first I’ve heard of it but it looks like my cup of tea, er, coffee.
It’s a Kiwi invention – basically a strong latte, topped with swirled microfoam – and has been all the rage in England. A jet-setting friend of mine spent this week in New York and London and reported that Starbucks in England includes the flat white, while the Starbucks in New York does not.
America needs flat white! I need flat white! Bring it.
Orbit Tower is out of this world
If you haven’t yet seen the AcelorMittal Orbit Tower, take a gander. This feast for the eyes was unveiled last month and may give the Eiffel Tower a run for its money.
At 377 feet high, it’s Britain’s largest work of public art and it’s located in the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, where the Summer Games will be held next month.
So far, the reviews are mixed. Some people love it, some people hate it. Many are wishing they weren’t living in its shadow. What do you think? It reminds me of something you might see in Las Vegas – part rollercoaster, part revolving restaurant in the sky!
Mind the Gap! And its London line!
Have you seen the Gap London line? They really have an amazing collection of union jack items in adult sizes, as well as sizes for kids, toddlers and infants, just in time for the Summer Olympics.
I haven’t bought anything from the Gap in a long time, but this warrants a visit!
London in a Bag
My MIL sent over this sweet wooden collection called “London in a Bag” last week for the kids and they have loved it. The river has been the thing they’ve been fighting over – who knew the Thames would be so popular? I say there’s plenty of London to go around from the mini version of the London Eye to the Tower Bridge. I’ve been trying to locate it online and there are other versions of the London in a Bag but nothing quite like this collection…
Diamond Jubilee dinner
Well, those in the U.K. are enjoying the last of a four-day weekend in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (60 years on the throne), while the rest of us are back to the grindstone. Lucky.
We ended up celebrating yesterday with some friends. We hung our union jack bunting up on the front of our house and threw together an impromptu barbecue dinner of grilled rack of lamb with mint sauce, boiled new potatoes, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese (for the kids), strawberries and freshly whipped cream and a homemade berry pie from Taylor’s Market for pudding – all served with some union jack napkins and St. George’s flag plates, cups and even balloons (I know, I know, St. George’s flag is only representative of England, but we bought them cheaply on our last trip to the U.K. around the time of St. George’s Day and it worked in a pinch – at least more appropriate than this tableware.).
Diamond Jubilee memorabilia
Before you think that all the good (and by good, I do mean “tacky”) memorabilia celebrating the Diamond Jubilee is only available across the Atlantic, I humbly submit this thoughtful Queen’s Jubilee collection, courtesy of Cost Plus.
Limited Edition Solar Queen, $19.99
Union Jack Flag Lumbar Throw Pillow, $19.99
First Class Chef Apron, $19.99
London Booth Photo Frames, $24.99-$39.99
Get ’em before they’re gone! And have a wonderful Jubilee weekend!
The Museum of Celebrity Leftovers
Left to right: the piece of bread and butter pudding left by Prince Charles, Michael Winner, and the piece of lemon drizzle cake he didn’t finish. Photograph: Apex
If someone gave me the opportunity to view a leftover cheese and tomato sandwich from photographer David Bailey or some leftovers from bread and butter pudding enjoyed by Prince Charles, I would be all over it. I would be there. First in line with camera in hand.
I’ve certainly become Short Attention Span Lady these days but a museum dedicated to the leftovers of famous British people is just my cup of tea.
It appears that this curious collection exists. It just needs a home, if any like-minded Brit out there would like to step up to the plate.
Kudos and thanks to Ally for finding this!
Furzey Gardens
I’ve been catching up on this year’s Chelsea Flower Show and have been particularly taken by the story behind gold medal-winning garden Furzey Gardens, which was created by a team of young adults with learning disabilities.
With a budget of £60,000, raised through fundraising, they created this gorgeous woodland design, rich with rhododendrons, azaleas and primulas.
See in photos how the garden was built from start to finish!
BRITRISH.COM 