Category Archives: Children
Bernard
Last week, I blogged about popular baby names in the U.K. versus the U.S. Which led me to start thinking about how some names are pronounced differently in the two countries.
Case in point: Bernard. Yesterday, we watched the lovely “Love Actually” as we do around the holidays. I’ve watched it a gazillion times but never caught on to the fact that Emma Thompson’s character’s son is named Bernard (minor, if completely irrelevant detail), which is pronounced in the usual British way (BER-nəd) as opposed to the American way (bur-NAHRD).
Bernard is a fascinating one, in particular because we’ve all grown up learning about the St. Bernard dog with the little barrel of brandy under its neck. It’s a bur-NAHRD that does this. Not BER-nəd. At least that is the pronunciation we have been programmed to hear. Having said that, I’ll say that BER-nəd is an altogether nicer pronunciation, which probably explains why it is still used in Britain and also why the American pronunciation of Bernard ranks #1413 on a popular baby names list in the US. It also may explain why I have never met a Bernard.
Father Christmas or Santa Claus?
I always forget that Brits call Santa “Father Christmas.” It doesn’t come naturally to me. He’ll forever be Santa to me.
But perhaps the British moniker will be fresh in my mind, thanks to this little addition to our library – “Father Christmas Needs a Wee!” by Nicholas Allen.
In this charming little book, it recounts all the different drinks that Santa, ahem, I mean Father Christmas imbibed over the evening (all non-alcoholic, I should add. He must’ve missed the glass of sherry waiting at our house), before he makes his very quick return to the North Pole and his loo and goes for a much-needed “wee.”
Clearly, this is a point that was completely missed in “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
2011 Pressie Guide
This weekend, I will be boosting the American economy by finishing the rest of my Christmas shopping. Okay, I’m being optomistic, but we can all hope for a little Christmas miracle.
In that spirit, I proudly present the first-ever Britrish.com Pressie Guide. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.
Monocle Magazine’s Five Issue Gift Subscription, £45. Ships to the US or anywhere else on the globe. A discerning read for a discerning recipient.
Jonathan Adler’s British flag coaster set, made from 100% wool needlepoint. $45. The perfect partner to an IPA or creamy stout.
Adagio Teas 16-Ounce Ingenuitea Teapot, $17.45. The most convenient teapot you will find anywhere.
London map handkerchief, $12.95. Because runny noses like London, too.
London in a box. $17.95. Recreate your favorite London memories with this wooden collection, which includes Big Ben and the London Eye.
Kate Spade hedgehog coin purse, $95. Stylish little hedgehog purse puts boring coin purses to shame.
Masterpiece Theatre: Downton Abbey, $13.99. An already small-screen classic.
Plenty: Vibrant Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi, $21.63. Vibrant veggie recipes for carnivores and herbivores, alike.
Trunki, $39.99. The perfect pack, ride and pull along suitcase for trips to the UK and invented by a Brit.
Gruffalo, $6.99. This British Book Award winner is a sweet read for kids and grownups alike.
Mini Boden is big on style
The Brits have a knack for making lovely, high-quality children’s clothes and Mini Boden is proof of that. I’ve purchased a few items through their catalogue in previous years, but recently Nordstrom started carrying their line in its stores – not in its entirety but the highlights, which is good enough for me. Their fall collection can be pre-ordered now.
Pictured above: Layered Sleeve Tee in Blackcurrant Apple; ‘Bold Print’ Dress in Indigo Giant Flower; Heart Patch Pants (Toddler) in Raspberry Mouse; and ‘Fun Pocket’ Jumper in Aqua
BRITRISH.COM 