Independence Day, in Britain

Today felt very much like my Thanksgiving last year.

Though my eyes were particularly peeled for red, white and blue, I mainly saw them on a flag of a very different sort. There weren't any fireworks or piles of watermelon rhine, and a fish-out-of-water feeling accompanied me.

But, like Thanksgiving, Kurt and I had one huge blessing: friends from home. I love how it's happened twice now. American friends on American holidays, it's a sweet thing, as trivial as it may seem.

Matt and Julia are special to us for many reasons but what makes our friendship especially fun and unique is that we've been able to share in similar life seasons. We attended the same small church in Whittier, CA for a year and were also engaged at the same time and married within a couple months of each other. It's been fun catching up and sharing first-year-of-marriage stories, jokes and encouragement.

We got Nando's tonight for the 4th (the American BBQ restaurants were booked up) and then Kurt and I saw the new Spiderman movie, which felt like a very American thing to do. All in all, it's been a good (yet void of watermelon) Independence Day.

I hope you're enjoying it too, wherever you are!

I linked this post up to Try New Adventures Thursday. You can link yours up too. :-)

Michaela Rae

A Jubilant Jubilee Weekend

It's been a fun Jubilee weekend. First off, I admit, we didn't go to any Jubilee events, but I've still genuinely enjoyed the patriotic spirit and cute flag draped homes. Originally we wanted to try and catch a glimpse of the royal family today, but the weather was cold and very wet. We opted for a day in with friends for lunch and church life group that we host. Besides, yesterday we got our share of crowds at one amazing Coldplay concert. Remember that anniversary surprise I had up my sleeve? Well, those were the tickets, and I successfully surprised him. They seriously put on an awesome show, complete with confetti, huge balloons, fireworks, and colorful-rhythmic-flashing bracelets for everyone in the crowd.

I wanted to quickly say thank you to everyone who's been leaving thoughtful comments (and Facebook messages) on my more recent blog posts. I know I haven't responded to each of them individually, but I really appreciate the encouragement you've offered. I decided awhile back to open up a bit more on this blog, and I haven't regretted it. It's so uplifting to know that you're willing to not only read my posts, but to also offer support as well.

Michaela Rae

Valentines in Bath

I hope you all had a lovely Valentines day! I always enjoy the extra reason to make cards for friends and family and do something fun with my man. This year was especially sweet for me, not only was it my first a married Valentines (which in my opinion, is worlds more fun) but Kurt and I went on an adventure. Early Monday morning we left the city for a two day getaway to Bath. What a beautiful place! The town is surrounded by rolling green hills and River Avon twists through it. We did some touristy things - the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and the Jane Austen Centre - but mostly we just wandered, ate French pastries/desserts (Mille Feuille is incredible) and enjoyed being away from the hustle and bustle of London. It was so refreshing!

We climbed 212 steps to the top of Bath Abbey

Our favorite discovery was Patisserie Valerie.

The massive Crescent

Now we have Easter to look forward to (unless you're a big St. Patty's observer). Growing up my family, although Christian, never put much emphasis on Easter. In recent years though, the celebration of Easter has meant more to me. Without the resurrection, Christianity would mean nothing. And boy am I thankful for a Savior.

I'm curious, do you observe Lent? I never have, but am considering it this year. As my sweet former housemate said on her blog recently, "I want to give up an unnecessary thing that I have come to believe is necessary. Something I turn to for comfort, entertainment or solace instead of turning to God." So if you do observe it, I'm curious how it's helped you.

Michaela Rae

Week One, Full of Gratitude

My heart is full of gratitude for this week and for the year ahead. I love the feelings a new year brings of hope, anticipation and gratitude. A fresh outlook for a fresh start. As it has been for a couple years now, my goal is to be more intentional in 2012. Especially in the department of gratitude. So here are a few things that've blessed me this week.

Kurt and I took Monday to explore a new borough, something we love to do. We traveled North West to Richmond. A beautiful borough on the Thames, so unique and different from Wimbledon. It was cold but clear and bright - an extremely rare day. We wandered the historic streets and string-lit alleyways peeking in thrift stores and cafes. It gets me every time,  that renewed sense of wonder and excitement for being here and experiencing everything. I loved every minute of our exploration. Even the 7.5 mile walk home through Richmond Park, where we saw 16 deer peacefully lying, and Wimbledon Common, where we got our feet stuck in fresh mud and I screamed at a stick across the path that looked strangely like a snake (don't judge me I'm from Florida). Kurt told me I should name this blog post "There and Back Again, a Jaros Tale," I thought it a bit dramatic, but then again, I'm often that.

My sister Lindsey takes the best pictures. I love how soft and dreamy they are. It just so happens that she had the best subjects this week too - my two nephews. I just want to melt with every photo. I'm sure my sister Alicia will share some of these on her blog, so I don't want to steal all the fun, but I had to share some. I miss my family and I'm super grateful for every drop of closeness I can feel, even via photos.

Today I found the sweet memories of Kurt and my engagement a blessing as well. Again, major props to my sister for taking these photos (see them all here). She had flown from Florida to California to be there for our engagement and hid in the bushes taking photos until he proposed. The weekend we spent with her thereafter was such a blast. I love reflecting on how far Kurt and I have come and all the exciting times we've shared. Our trip to San Francisco and our engagement there are some of my favorite times. But it's amazing how much more in love we are now than we were then. Marriage is good for that. 

What's blessed your first week of 2012? Have any adventures? You can link them up here.

Michaela Rae

A Very Merry Christmas!

I hope you all had a very merry and bright Christmas, full of joy, peace, laughter and family. Mine was wonderful!

When my hubby and I first woke up, it was so quiet we wondered if the rapture had taken place. No bus running on the street below, hardly a car or person anywhere to be seen. It was glorious. I'm fairly certain we'll never experience another day here so quiet. We spent the morning eating a tasty breakfast casserole I'd prepared the night before, opening gifts (several packages all the way from the States) and watching classic Christmas movies, most of which I hadn't seen. Later we went on a long walk to admire the silent city, ate more food and Skyped with our families. My kind of day!

The season seems to be passing so quickly. I want to hang on a couple more weeks, just to make more paper snowflakes, bake another two or three desserts (you can get away with it this time of year) and write the four Christmas cards I never got around to.

But alas, we still have the new year to look forward too. And boy is there a lot to look forward too! Bring on the less-crazy work days, new baby nephew, Europe travels and continued learning in love for the Savior and friends.

More goodies: "Home is where the heart is" pic & frame, scratch map, jam made by my sister & One Thousand Gifts.

How was your Christmas? And what are you looking forward to in the new year?

Michaela Rae

Beating Homesickness {even Christmas week}

Perhaps you're in my situation, you're thousands of miles away from the place you call home this week of Christmas. If you're feeling a bit blue, even amidst the music, lights, food and laughter around you, hear you these tips. These things are helping me stay in the Christmas spirit this year; I hope they help you too. :-)

Handwritten Letters
One of my favorite ways to feel close to the ones I love is to write them. Not only does writing help ease the homesickness, it'll also bring joy to someone else. Even Christmas cards do the trick. It's equally as great when you get them in return. When I see a letter waiting for me with a familiar American stamp my day is permanently brightened.

Familiar Food
Baking my family's favorite Mommy's Cookies recipe, or my mom's creamy Chicken Pot Pie, puts me right at home (when I don't want to cook Papa John's does too). To make it extra awesome, I like to bake a favorite and then share it with my new friends here. That way I have an excuse to tell them about my family and hear about theirs.

Explore
Exploring is one of the absolute best ways to get out of a homesick funk. "I need a scenery change," is all I have to say,and Kurt knows exactly what I mean. Going somewhere new, even if that means catching the tube to a borough a few stops away, helps me live in the now and remember how blessed I am to be here. This week Kurt and I went to Winter Wonderland, perhaps the single most crowded place in London, with oodles of screaming children and wonderful smells of mulled wine and smoked chorizo, all enjoyed while freezing our limbs numb. We also experienced Carols by Candlelight, a beautiful concert at the Royal Albert Hall (Kurt's favorite event of the season). Works wonders I tell you!

Be Honest
Be honest with yourself and with others about your homesickness - chances are you're not alone. Even if you are "alone," sharing will help you feel understood. When I've been honest about what I'm experiencing everyone's responded with lots of love and support. Not only that, but just admitting to myself that I'm missing familiarity helps me accept my situation and move on.

Do you have any tips to add? If you're spending the holidays away from home, I'd love to hear about where you are and why. You're not alone!

Michaela Rae

Cranberry Coffee Cake

It's been awhile since I shared a recipe, to be frank, I haven't spent much time in the kitchen recently. But today (hooray for days off), I made baking a priority. I wanted to try something warm and Christmasy - something I could enjoy by my Christmas tree with a cup of hot chocolate. This Cranberry Coffee Cake was the perfect thing. I love anything cranberry and Greek yogurt is my new thing and this recipe perfectly incorporates both! Thanks Two Peas and Their Pod and thanks Pinterest for guiding me there.

Here's what you'll need

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 c butter at room temp.

2 large eggs

1 cup plain Greek Yogurt

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup fresh cranberries

Streusel Filling & Topping

3/4 cup all-purpose flower

3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 stick unsalted butter at room temp.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.

2. In a small bowl blend dry ingredients together: flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 

3. In a medium bowl combine sugar and orange zest. Cream together the butter and sugar mixture until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until smooth. Add Greek yogurt and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

4. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until combined. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries.

5. For the streusel topping and filling, stir together the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. With your fingers work the butter into the mixture until evenly distributed.

6. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over top. Spoon the rest of the batter over the filling and spread gently. Sprinkle the remaining of the streusel on top. 

7. Bake until golden and toothpick comes out clean, approximately 35-40 minutes. 

ENJOY! Before baking, I sprinkled a few finely chopped pecans on the top of my cake and it was a tasty touch. 

What recipes have you tried recently and loved? Has anyone made homemade eggnog? I can't find any here and I'm really craving it. Just might be my next venture.

Michaela Rae

A Merry Little Cross-cultural Christmas

If my lack of posting doesn't speak for itself, the last two weeks have been really busy. I can't believe how fast this month is passing! Kurt and I got our little 3ft tree up. It's white and I love how bright and jolly it is. I also hung our stockings and sparkly snowflakes in the windows. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, a very special cross-cultural one. We have yet to visit Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park or try the infamous Christmas Pudding, but you can count on hearing about those in the near future.

After work the other night I made the best sugar cookies, you must try this recipe. I wanted to use my Christmas cookie cutters but the dough was too gooey (I think because I used caster sugar instead of regular white sugar). All the same, they were really delicious and super easy. I'll be making more. What's your favorite Christmas cookie recipe to use cutters with?

My favorite part of this week has been receiving packages and Christmas cards in the post. It's so exciting! We already have 5 packages from family around our tree. Although it's different and sad at times, being away from family has a great way of helping you realize how blessed you. I'm really grateful for my family. It's especially fun to have twice the family this year. :-) We're feeling the love here in England.

Michaela Rae

P.S. My second favorite part of this week has been enjoying Sleeping At Last's free Christmas album, if you haven't already, you should download it.

Link up with your Thursday adventures at Alicia's Homemaking.

Stocking Stuffer Inspiration

Happy Friday all! In the spirit of this last week's Shop Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, I thought I'd share some awesome stocking stuffers on Etsy. I love buying (and receiving) gifts off Etsy; there are so many unique options and I'm all for helping small businesses. Most shops are still offering before Christmas guaranteed shipping, so there's still time to buy. :-)

I'm really looking forward to my day off tomorrow, it's been a long busy week at work. I hope to finish A Severe Mercy (a book I highly recommend), clean the flat, do some Christmas shopping, write Christmas cards and find a Christmas tree. Whew, I'll be really impressed if it all happens. What are your weekend plans? 

Michaela Rae

Stuffer sources: travel alarm clock, lavender sachets, mug warmer, card set, ideas notebook, milk soap

Thanksgiving in England

My family gathered at long tables, a fire blazing (always huge, no matter the Florida weather), lots of laughter and feeling like I'll bust at the seams - these are my most common Thanksgiving memories. Needless to say, this Thanksgiving was very different - my first away from family (besides Kurt) and in another country. Kurt and I definitely made the most of it though.

I requested the day off and we went into central London in the morning to meet up with our friend AJ from SoCal (and his entire family later on). We first visited Sacred Cafe, a kiwi cafe introduced to us by our kiwi friends, wandered through shops, had lunch at O'Neills, and then ate an incredible Thanksgiving meal at Bodean's BBQ. Turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, root beer - the whole 9 yards. If it weren't for some conversation about life in London, I would have completely forgotten where I was. I felt so at home - there was even American football playing in the background. When we got home, I even got to Skype with my entire family back home.

I woke up today feeling so refreshed. A little taste (more like a big one) of home goes a long way. And I was reminded of how blessed I am to be here. I'm learning and experiencing new things every day.

How was your Thanksgiving? Did you go shopping today? After work I started making ornaments! Here's my first:

MJ

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes w/ Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Good morning & happy haLlOwEeN!
You probably have pumpkin coming out of your ears by now, but if you're like me, and never get tired of it, here's another recipe (actually two) to try!

These Pumpkin Spice Pancakes are so good and would be perfect for breakfast on Halloween, Thanksgiving or even Christmas morning. They obviously call for pumpkin puree. So yes, I made my own! I'll first share my pumpkin puree recipe with you and then the pancake recipe.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to make puree. After cutting and emptying the pumpkin of it's seeds I simply baked it at 400F for 30 minutes on a baking sheet. Before baking I put a little water in the bottom of the baking sheet and rubbed a little canola oil on the outside of the pumpkin pieces. Once baked, it was so easy to scoop the pumpkin out into a bowl. I used my magic bullet (gotta love it!) to process the pumpkin a bit for a smoother texture. I then sieved out some of the extra liquid so the puree wasn't runny. And that's it! I have a whole bowl in the fridge that I'm slowly using for different recipes.

I found the Pumpkin Spice Pancakes recipe through Pinterest (my pins). I honestly wouldn't change anything about this recipe by Annie's Eats. The pancakes were so fluffy and the flavor was a perfect blend of pumpkin and spices. Not over the top but just right. Kurt's a picky eater and he really loved these. :-P

You'll need:
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 TBSP brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Dash of ground ginger
Dash of ground cloves
1 cup milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
2 TBSP vegetable oil or melted butter

Mix the dry ingredients together in one bowl and the wet in another. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk them together. The batter may still have a few lumps - that's fine.

Heat greased skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, add 1/3 cup scoop of batter to the pan. Cook until bubbles begin to form on the top surface. Carefully flip with a spatula and cook the second side until golden brown.

Enjoy with a little cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream or all on their own!

I'm just loving this fall season! I hope you guys are too. On Saturday Kurt and I road bikes through central London with two of our new friends. It was such a blast and a really cool way to see the city (not to mention get exercise, ouch). Experiencing the change of seasons is so awesome.

Green Park in central London

Michaela Rae