A British bloke meets an American girl…

…and now they are getting married!

Immediate family will join Anthony and me at our NYC City Hall wedding in two weeks which precedes two other small ceremonies to take place next year in Buffalo, NY and Birmingham, UK.

If anyone is considering any wedding gifts for us, we've registered with Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma.

To find our registries you can follow these links:

Pottery Barn

Williams Sonoma

We've selected items to help create our new home in NY and these registries will remain open until approximately 15 September 2014.  Both registries are to accompany all three wedding events in order to keep it simple.

We look forward to finalizing the rest of the wedding details and celebrating with everyone in NY and Birmingham!

All our love,
Anthony and Katie xox



http://www.potterybarn.com/registry/3394040/registry-list.html

Pete's Famous Restaurant in Rhinebeck, NY: Trust me, it's worth the visit!

Rhinebeck, New York: quaint, home of America's oldest working inn and also the site of Pete's Famous Restaurant - all worth a visit!

Pete's Famous Restaurant is a food home-run!

On a visit to Rhinebeck, my sister stopped off at Pete's Famous Restaurant with me to have a bite to eat and we were pleasantly surprised with not only our lunch meal but with the cheery, well-maintained village this restaurant was set within.

TheThe Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, and a speckling of the cutest antique shops, restaurants and local businesses you ever did see.
area contains the oldest working inn found in America,

Our meal was served to us quickly, was every bit as tasty as any diner-style meal should be and was of super value; my sister had a submarine sandwich and I had a greek pita wrap along with a shared plate of french fries (see photograph below), all of which cost only $24.00 (including tip) - what a bargain!

The interior of Pete's Famous Restaurant is diner-style with eclectic bits an bobs like a train-platform style vintage-looking clock hanging from the side of the upper ceiling area, a ceiling painted as though it were the sky and a small diner section complete with the traditional bar stools and a counter replete with pastries - a requisite for any diner.  All of the decorating pieces and feel of the place makes you feel like you are truly in a small-town environment which is fun and unique as a visitor or a local.

I would be the first to recommend this location for anyone looking a little weekend break or a slight weekend day trip.  You'll feel as though you've stepped onto the Gilmore Girls TV set, it is an excellent way to spend your Saturday or Sunday!  And don't forget to stop at Pete's Famous Restaurant!

This message has been approved by Her Majesty The Queen (well, not actually)

I was meant to stay in England two years.  Over four years later, I’m exiting and Blighty will be “seeing the back of me” (to use an English expression I’ve heard many times over here).  

Merry old England, you’ve certainly shown this Buffalo gal a jolly good time.  I’ve walked your Zebra crossings - including Abbey Road - admired your stunning countryside, enjoyed the pleasure of going to your free museums (amazing!), visited Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, spent numerous hours in your fantastic pubs sampling your pasties and your bangers and mash (yum!) and drinking (an essential part of an English pub visit!).  

I’ve travelled to some of your incredible places: Cambridge, The Cotswolds, Derby, London, Manchester, Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool (hello, The Beatles’ home, it was a must!), Uppingham, and last but not least, lived, explored and met my now-fiance in your second - and best - city of Birmingham.   

You’ve taught this Yankee how to make and drink a cuppa properly: with English tea, often and accompanied by Cadbury fingers!  Where would I be without proper afternoon tea experiences and a life which regularly included the sentence: “Would you like a cuppa?” (p.s. the answer to this is always: YES!)  

I’ve learned the right way to wait in line/”queue”, with patience and reserve, not the NY-style, push, shove and complain way.  And I’ve been taught the correct way to decorate a Christmas tree: with “baubles”, not “ornaments” or “decorations.”  

Although I never got into it myself, the seriousness of a good bacon sandwich was also spelled out to me.  

I’ve discovered that timely public transport is uncommon and train delay announcements always prompt a unanimous “typical” from passengers.  I certainly know now that the weather is quite “changeable.”  I never did learn to carry an umbrella consistently, I think the ever-positive American in me believed bad weather would hold off until I got home and indoors.  Always wrong! 

The Royal Wedding of Kate and William, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics all took place while I lived here and it was an incredible time to be living in Britain.  I feel so fortunate to have been at a pub watching Prince Charles’ televised speech during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and after his speech concluded, hearing and seeing all the English pub-goers singing 'God Save the Queen' in the area around me - just magical and a moment that’ll never be erased from my memory.  I’ll also always remember Anthony discussing with me what we’d say if we ever met Queen Elizabeth and he proclaimed: “I’d ask her, ‘how do you keep your hair so round?  And what’s your favorite biscuit?”  His response caused a fit of giggles which carried on for several minutes.  I imagine this will be a joke in our relationship for many years to come.

A little of "Little Britain" goes a long way in laughter!

I’ve been fortunate enough to study, work professionally, learn and explore this culture.  The people, the accents and the lingo of England is amazing.  I wouldn’t trade the experiences and things I’ve learned or the relationships and bonds I’ve made with the people here for anything.  

To my friends, both those who are English and those who are from this part of the world - thank you for being the super people that you are.  You took on a crazy American and taught her the way things should be done around here!  Thank you for showing me around this great green country, “taking the Mick” out of my nasally Buffalo accent and hopelessly trying to correct all those pesky Americanisms which I couldn’t forget (even after four years I still use a “z” in the word “organized.”  Guess old habits die hard!).  I look forward to visiting with you again soon, on both sides of the pond!

To my English/American family -

Maggie and Jim - Thank you for watching dozens of Gavin & Stacey episodes with me (sometimes the same ones over and over again!) to help me prepare to write my university dissertation.  Oh, Gwen, I know it was hard work but someone had to do it!    I know my Birmingham bus route 45 and train commuting stories were probably entertaining but I’m sure sometimes they were annoying too, thank you for not telling me to “leave off” on those sometimes-endless tales!  All the dinners and laundry you did, the loud music you suffered through and the times I was a “dirty stop out” must have been tough times but you were both always there for me.  I appreciate everything you did and still do for me.  Thank you for being incredible parents and friends and for welcoming and taking good care of me during my time in England.

Sheila and Anthony -

Thank you for not telling me that my house DIY ideas (and my day-to-day general ideas) were totally crazy and for “looking after me” for almost three years.  Sheila - You’ve raised a fine man who I feel honored to be with.  You have helped us both so much and put up with so much from a pushy Yankee - you deserve a medal!  I am indescribably grateful to you for your kindess and I feel terribly lucky to have both you and Anthony in my life.

Anthony - Thank you for being the upbeat, English man who I’ve fallen in love with.  I’m ‘well chuffed’ that you fancied dinner, ‘just the two of us.’  Don’t ever change because I love you just as you are especially when we sing “all night long” together - a little bit of Lionel always brings a smile to our faces!  If I had to pick my most treasured memories from my time living here, the ones with you would have top billing.  I’m so happy I was here at the right time to meet my brownie redcoat. 

My stepbrothers and their families -

Thanks for taking the time to show me around Birmingham and for including me in your lives.  You’re both real stars and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and your families during my England journey.  Here’s hoping we can catch up again in the future!

I don’t want to “put you off” by “banging on” about my favorite (sorry, favoUrite) things/memories of England, so I’ll finish this up by saying: it’s been fun, old Blighty, and I’ll never forget you, mate.  Until we meet again, “mind how you go” and bye bye bye (because you can’t just say it once, bab).  Cheers!

Why YOU should read "Watching the English" (even if you aren't English)

While studying abroad in England, I had to undertake a dissertation as part of my degree requirements .  I knew that I wanted to write about something that mattered to me and that I was interested in.  So, I choose to focus on a popular TV programme, Gavin & Stacey, and looked at the constructions of Englishness and Welshness in the show.

Long after completing my dissertation and finishing my degree, my boyfriend (who happens to be English) came across the book, Watching the English by Kate Fox, and bought it for me since he knew of my interest in Englishness and that I had studied English culture for my dissertation.

After finishing this book I can tell you without doubt: it's fantastic!  Although some topics in the book may not be as funny to someone who is not a) English or b) has not resided in the country/visited for a period of time, it is still a worthwhile read that will delight and amuse anyone who enjoys and appreciates English culture.

Having lived in England for nearly four years now, I loved and fully understood many chapters in this book.  I'm not a native, but my time spent in England allowed me to really understand and enjoy the humour of this book.  Kate's work made me reflect and giggle at certain pages/chapters which exactly replicated moments/experiences I've had with English people while living here.  Moments such as: train delay reactions from English passengers awaiting the upcoming (and late) trains - which often provoked responses from English rail passengers like "typical!" (which is mentioned in the book), pub etiquette and how to queue up properly in Britain.

So many chapters in this book are really "spot on" about how things work in English society and will really make you laugh - or at the very least give you a better understanding of the workings of this proud island nation.

Those who have visited or lived in Blighty or those who are actually English will definitely enjoy this read but it would also entertain any Anglophile.

In the year of the Diamond Jubilee for her Majesty the Queen, this book is a must read!!

If you should read the book, please let me know your thoughts!

Break out the pumpkin pie-it's Thanksgiving!

For as long as I can remember, whether it's been hopping off the school bus or getting out of the car from a long day at work, I've come home to the happy sight of a beautifully decorated and yummy-smelling house.  Front door windows that were hand-painted with Valentine's hearts and groundhogs, cookies baking and dining room tables covered with beautiful dishes awaiting delicious home cooked dinners.  All of those good memories and happy homecomings I can attribute to my lovely mother.  All of her hard work always made our family holidays memorable.  This year, she was busy at work on her favorite holiday, so I, along with the help of my wonderful stepdad Jim, were able to give her a similar homecoming (although I'm still not as good as she is at decorating/cooking so me and Jim did our best!).  We both had a fun (but tiring!) day and were happy to give her a special dinner and show her how much we appreciate her.

So, this year I am especially thankful for my fantastic mother and all that she does for me and our family.  I'm thankful for the rest of my family too, those who are far away and those who are near, my boyfriend, Anthony, who has made life exciting, silly and very, very happy, good friends, both old and new, and finally, for pumpkin pie!

p.s. I'm also thankful for those family members who aren't born yet-next year it will be my sister's baby Michael's first Thanksgiving!

In the words of Marcy from A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (because I had to include something from that cartoon-it's essential!): "But Thanksgiving is more than eating Chuck, you heard what Linus was saying out there.  Those early pilgrims were thankful for what had happened to them and we should be thankful too.  We should just be thankful for being together.  I think that's what they mean by thanksgiving Charlie Brown."

A splendid English hockey game

Sunday night at six o’clock, I got my first taste of English hockey.  

Paired up with my English friend Holly, we booked our tickets early in the week and anxiously anticipated our first viewing of an English hockey game (or “match” as they say here!).  After  a little car/directions trouble Holly had in getting to my house (bloody useless navigation systems!), we jumped on the train and set out for Coventry.

We first ate dinner a few doors down from the stadium at “Old Orleans,” a very American restaurant where we even ended up chatting to some fellow Americans, from Texas.  After our tasty meal, we walked the couple minutes to the Skydome arena.

The Edinburgh Capitals fans!

Coventry fans!

Inside the Skydome, we were greeted by welcoming ticket holders, blinking colored overhead lights and an ice rink marking time until its use.  After finding our seats, we absorbed all the sights and sounds of a peppy arena and its spunky Coventry Blaze and Edinburgh Capitals fans.

God Save the Queen...ok, now, time to puck drop!

Soon the Blaze boys appeared on the ice and also, their opponents, the Edinburgh Capitals, all the way from Bonnie Scotland.  What started, as we thought, as an unquestionable victory for the Blaze (they scored twice in the first two minutes), turned out an unpredictable game.  The Capitals fans (all eight of them!) energetically cheered for their team and were unwaveringly set on their Capitals stealing the game back from the Blaze.  Scottish pride!

The Blaze thought they had the Capitals bagged up...not!

The first and second periods saw the Capitals getting more puck control and better passing.  They gained confidence from goals scored and the score at the end of the second period was Blaze 4 and Capitals 3 .  The Capitals paraded their comeback, proving they didn’t make the journey from Scotland for nothing; they came to play, and win.

One of my favorite parts, silly and fun!

"Penalty box" on the butt: too good!

During the break, they offered rink entertainment in the form of kids who did figure skating and the Coventry Blaze mascot played games where participating kids could win prizes.  When I went to look at Blaze merchandise I was surprised to see there wasn't a bunch of stuff, just a small table of items.  Although different than the NHL (we usually have tons of merchandise), the items available still allows Blaze fans the chance to buy items which will help them show their Blaze team spirit.  Also, I now understand that “jersey” in England is the same thing as “shirt.”  I asked if they had a “shirt” (and was very excited when the response was, “yes”), and learned it’s not a cotton shirt with the team’s logo here as it might be stateside.  Gosh, was I surprised!

Nearing the end of the third and it's getting scrappy!

Each team battled on (many penalties were called!) and at the end of the the third, the score was an even 5-5.  Holly and I looked at each other and wondered out loud, “do they do overtime in regular season games in non-NHL leagues in England??”  Not long did our question go unanswered: they do!  1:50 minutes into overtime, Luke Fulghum charged to the blue line shooting the winning goal over the glove-hand of Capitals goalie, Cody Rudkowsky.  It was “too bad so sad” for the Capitals that night, but we know with the support of their animated fans, they’ll be back.

Game over-we out!

We cheered and clapped (I'm not a beer drinker and even I considered buying one, everyone had them and they looked good-but quickly I remembered I'd actually hate it, despite its alluring, game-beverage feel), giggled at both teams’ fans songs and “goblaze” cheers (somewhat unenthusiastically shouted repeatedly from the man behind us-all night!) and we discovered: we’re Blaze girls now.

Blaze girls, and we like it that way- "goBlaze!"

"Who Says" Mayer has changed?

I'm only slightly obsessed.

A mostly Mayer-filled bedroom door.  Just the way I liked it.

I know I'm just a little late (like a few months or so) to post a review of John Mayer's Battle Studies, but I've been busy!  Now, as you can see in these pictures...I might like Mayer, a little bit.  So, this post is going to be slightly (just a a tad) biased.  I know he's been in the news recently and I don't agree with everything he's been saying, but in the end, he's a kick ass musician-end of.

Yes, yes I had a car banner which said, "honk if you <3 John Mayer."  And I'm damn proud.

From Room For Squares to Battle Studies, John Mayer fans travelled with John through various stages of his musical career.  Battle Studies, released this November, sees Mayer heading back, in my opinion, where he started: just a regular guy singing his songs.  John may have changed and progressed as an artist along the way but this album gives his fans exactly what they want; the John they fell in love with.

Ten years since he started with his independent Inside Wants Out album and Room For Squares (his first studio album), Mayer released Battle Studies; an 11 song album which shows us an older, more mature artist.  Yet the artist we see now reveals emotions and song writing which match the John we saw in those earlier albums.  The themes of Battle Studies are those of heartache, love and the change and lessons learned from life.  Battle Studies lyrics mimic those of Room For Squares.  Songs like “War of My Life” (Battle Studies) resemble “Why Georgia” (Room For Squares), with their talk of life as it is now and how John views living it.  Just as “Why Georgia” questions a “verdictless life,” “War of My Life” struggles with the battle of life and carrying on in it despite its chaos.  “All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye”(Battle Studies) and “Back to You” (Room For Squares) also parallel each other, reflecting on the miscommunications and hurt caused by love but the desire to return to love over and over.  

“Half Of My Heart” (featuring Taylor Swift on vocals) is a light and pop styled song like the John of old both in its lyrics and form (presence of drums, bass and acoustic guitar).  Also included in Battle Studies is John’s version of Robert Johnson’s bluesy “Crossroads.”  With the use of different forms of music like blues styles in his albums, John demonstrates how he adds his own slant to that style of music.  It also gives the audience a taste of styles which may influence John’s work.

Many Mayer fans may have noted the changes in band members over the years; John now has Pino Palladino on bass and Steve Jordan on drums and percussion.  Despite the changes in musicians, the basic instruments and sound have remained close to John’s beginnings.  The styling of this album is more enhanced and grown up than Room For Squares but some change is to be expected as an artist moves through his/her career.  Any style changes in the work do not mean that Battle Studies assumes a grandiose position or one which overpowers where John began-listeners will rejoice at the simple yet introspective Mayer they know and love.  His style of writing and creating music has always offered his fans the feeling that he is learning and struggling in life in the same way his listeners’ do, which I believe is what created Mayer’s success.

What’s next for Mayer post Battle Studies?

According to what has been released already, I think fans can only expect more good things from Mayer.  As he gets older, his lyrics and style will continue to reflect what he feels about life, love and his relationships-we just have to sit back and enjoy the journey with him.