Kelly Leigh Gets Busy

The American Dream

2015-02-09T21:43:00.001-08:00

In August 2013 my husband left his beloved job in England, where he worked as Head of Events and Commercial Development at Sheffield Hallam University, to join me in Columbus, OH as I complete my 4 years of veterinary medicine. We were told by everyone that the connections we had in America combined with the skills Nick had, would be enough for us to make a good life here. A year full of countless job applications and just as many rejections, and instead of working at an executive level, Nick spends his time running the family restaurant. We can’t afford our bills, so we live off our savings and the profit we made from selling our first home. Now, everyday I am saddled with guilt because I destroyed the career of the most important person in the world to me, my husband, just so I could pursue my own dream of being a vet. How fucking selfish. So many promises were made, and so many promises were broken. My world view on everything shifted.

My parents, who swore by their connections, were unable to set up a single interview for him. My perceptions of them altered irrevocability.

I prayed before I asked Nick to move to the US. I prayed a lot. I cried a lot. I asked God if this was the right thing for our small family. I missed him so much as I was studying in the US for a year before he got his visa. I could have sworn I heard God say, “Yes.”

I no longer believe in God.

Nick is the smartest person I know. He is not the strongest, or the kindest, or the funniest. I am not the kind of woman to brag about my husband, but he is really very fucking smart. But for some reason, the recruiters don’t see this on his resume. We think it’s because his credentials are British. Our theory is his Bachelors degree only took him two years so even though he graduated with honors, Americans only see that his degree took two years instead of 4, and think he isn’t qualified. Americans have never heard of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, one of the top drama schools in the world, where my husband went on multi country tours to improve their programs, nor have they heard of Sheffield Hallam University, one of the largest universities in the UK – so they assume it is small and insignificant.

If I could have one wish it would be for the American Dream to be real for us. My husband deserves a chance. Someone, please give this man a chance. I want someone to look at his resume, really look at it, and then tell me he isn’t qualified for the jobs he’s applying to.

I truly believed we would move to the US and be happy here. Everyone told us the US was better than England. Asking my husband to move to the US is the single biggest regret of my lifetime.

And so it begins...

2012-08-19T16:40:00.002-07:00

Hello Blog world,

I just wanted to stop in and tell you that I am back in the USA and I officially read and signed the veterinarian's oath on Friday. Can you believe that? It was a crazy week full of awful orientation ice breakers (not my scene) and meeting pretty cool new people.

I will probably post even less soon than ever before since apparently my life is going to be all consumed with studying and such, but I wanted to say thank you to the people who have been reading this and leaving comments through the past 3 years. This blog has provided me with an outlet and a lot of support through some extraordinarily difficult times, including adjusting to England, a long stint of unemployment and funnily enough, moving back to the USA. Please know that your kind words and encouragement were very much appreciated when I was down in the dumps.

Getting into vet school is hugely liberating and I am really really looking forward to starting it. Please remind me of this when I am bitching about how hard it is. Please also remind me that following your dreams is always worth it, because as happy as I am to start school, these two being 3,846 miles away sucks big time.

(this was taken on our 3 year anniversary)

Every time I start getting choked up Nick likes to remind me that 3 years ago I was curled up in the corner of a room sobbing about how much I wanted to be back in the states. Funny how life is isn't it?

It's a Kind of Magic: Loxley

2012-07-24T02:48:00.000-07:00

It's less than two weeks until I leave this place I've called home for the past 3 years. Truth be told living in Loxley has been everything from awful to magical. I'm not sure how I will come to remember this time in my life when I tell my grandkids about it in 50 years... but I guess I'll probably describe it as magical to them. The way most people do... we seem to forget all the drama and create a rose tinted view of the world. And thats how I want to remember it anyways...

So I made this little video of some of the magical bits of this place. It's full of little details that mean nothing to you but everything to me, but I thought you might want to see it anyways.

PS. I would like to note, less I look back at this video in 50 years to show my unborn children's unborn children... that I took some artistic liberties with the filming of it and only went outside on sunny days... of which there are very few around this part of the world. ;)

One Way

2012-06-27T14:45:00.002-07:00

After days and weeks and months of putting it off, today we finally purchased me a one way ticket home. Not many people ever buy a one way ticket in their life, and I feel like today I joined this little group of one way ticket holders for the second time in my life.

The reasons people in our little one way ticket holder posse purchase a one way ticket will vary - maybe for money and opportunity, love or adventure. If we're lucky all of the above. With the risk of stating the obvious, there is an overwhelming feeling that when you purchase this ticket, that your life is inevitably about to change.

I think that is why we put it off for so long. As excited as I am to start veterinary school in August - part of me is so scared and when I looked at Nick in the office of the travel agent it was all I could do to keep from breaking down.

In a couple weeks we will have our three year anniversary, and somewhere during these past three years its become harder to picture life without him. I know I am leaving England to pursue a dream, an American dream even. And we know the American dream is one of the best and most powerful dreams a person can have - and I believe in the American dream for me. I believe that if I work hard enough I can be whatever I want to be, and you know what, it's happening. I worked damn hard to get into vet school and now I am on the verge of beginning this next chapter...

but I'm also leaving my husband.... for 5 months - during which time he is unable to come to America due to absolutely ridiculous government legalities involving his visa process. And this is the real bullshit. Because Americans should be able to fall in love with whoever they want. And part of falling in love and being in love is getting to touch your partner, and feel their stubble and bury your face into that spot on their neck where they smell like cool water and sweat.

I believe it is my American right to be able to spend time with my husband - whether or not he is in the middle of applying for a visa.

Anyways, today I bought my one way ticket. And thus begins the process. Time together now will be veiled in a countdown, how many days do we have left before we part and begin the arduous 5 months apart?

A one way ticket will change your life.

May Kaidee's Vegetarian Cooking School Bangkok

2012-06-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

What vacation is complete without indulging in a bit of gluttony? Absolutely none if you ask me! And that is exactly what we got at May Kaidee's Thai Vegetarian Cooking School. We learned how to make 14 delicious vegetarian thai dishes and this was honestly a highlight of our trip.

May Kaidee is a charming personality and a good enough teacher to make you feel half like she thinks you're an old friend and half like she thinks you're an absolute idiot without being offensive at all...

To be fair I've never cooked with lots of the Thai ingredients before so it was fair enough if she thought I was a bit daft.

She educated us pretty quick though by stopping at a spring roll factory (which was basically one woman with a hot pan and some dough) and then a little market shopping for galangal, lemon grass, and kaffir limes.

The group consisted of a couple international teachers (Canadian and American) and a UN worker.

Pretty interesting group of people.

All cooking was done in a basic open air kitchen...

And they have everything sliced and diced already so it was pretty easy.

This was Tom Kha Soup I think.. whatever it was it was unbelievably delicious....

We were pretty sweaty since we were cooking over an open flame in 90 degree heat....

Somehow the Thai ladies don't seem to have a problem with this.

I felt like such a huge sweaty beast compared to them the whole trip.

Also good to note: Apparently Thai herbs give you a "pleasing body odor."

Nom nom.

This is Som Tom aka green papaya salad and was one of my fave Thai dishes...

May Kaidee apparently liked dancing, which was cool with me because I love dancing.

So she showed us some of her moves...

You know, as people usually do after eating 14 dishes.

And even Nick joined in!!

I would put this on the must do list for any epicurean travelling to Bangkok.

Delicious and fun! Yay!

ps. Delicious in thai is "Aroy" - definitely my favorite Thai word.

pss. I only learned like 3 Thai words.

The Grand Palace : Bangkok

2012-06-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hellllllllllllo Blogosphere!

Isn't it ironic that the busier I get the less action Kelly Leigh Get's Busy gets? I think so. But what can I say - I am super busy right now. So busy in fact, that half of you probably don't even know that we just got back from Thaliand!!!

I had been wanting to go there for like 5 years so it was really a dream come true. It was everything I could have asked for in a honeymoon that was 3 years in the making. Ha!

I really don't know where to start - I took 1,074 photos... and sorting through them feels a little mammoth task right now, but I guess the best place to start is the beginning...

We started our trip with a few nights in Bangkok, and did the touristy thing of going to the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is a Buddhist temple and it is hands down the most stunningly beautiful man made thing I have ever seen.... Imma be honest with you guys here and just come out and say it - it makes the Notre Dame look like child's play.

And my pictures hardly do it justice....

Yorkshire in the Spring

2012-04-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I just wanted to share some pictures with you all from our weekend.

It's been exceptionally beautiful around here lately. When the sun shines, it makes you wonder why you would ever throw massive temper tantrums about how much England sucks. (ooops) But right now when I look out the window and go on long walks with my dog and my husband, I have to think that God brought his A game when he created Yorkshire.

In fact, I have been in an exceptionally good mood lately. I don't know whether it is because the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining or because I have gotten into vet school... but I guess it might be a bit of both. There is something incredibly liberating about achieving your dreams.

The stresses of moving our little family to America are pretty big, but I somehow seem able to deal with them infinitely better than I ever have before, perhaps this is because my shitty dead end job has just become a short chapter in my life, and not my destiny.

There are a million things we still need to figure out... I haven't even decided where I am going to school yet... I'm still waiting to hear back from one school. And did you know that even when you don't live in America you have to file US taxes? This was news to me.

Somehow I have faith that we will get all of it sorted out, and before I know it our little house in England will be sold, and I will be most definitely be complaining about how !"£"$$ %%^ hard my vet school tests are. But for now, I am enjoying my time in God's country...

Joni Mitchell came on the radio today, singing about how you "Don't know what you got till it's gone" and I thought man that girl knew her shit. I guess it took me 3 challenging years to well and truly make my peace with this country, and now that I know I am leaving I can finally appreciate what it has to offer.

Without England I might not have discovered my passion for gardening, and I would have never thought about keeping chickens in my backyard (if you follow me on pinterest you know I am OBSESSED and we will be getting some asap)... I would also not know how much I freaking love tea and biscuits.

So for now, I'm enjoying my last few months in Yorkshire, and appreciating all this quirky country has to offer.

xoxoxo

Kelly

From Class Dunce to Silver Award!!!

2012-03-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

My little Doodle has just done me very proud.

Some of you may remember her first obedience class...

in which she quickly established herself to be the class dunce by breaking two leashes...

But she made us so proud tonight,

she passed her silver award level with the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme!

I couldn't be a happier dog owner!

And in case you don't believe me...

Proof below...

I love this animal!

Crufts! For the Love of Dogs!

2012-03-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

Well friends, Nick and I are completely pooped from yesterday's big day out to the Worlds Biggest Dog Show - Crufts! I know it is the "world's biggest" but nothing could prepare you for just how big it is. It took a good 15 - 20 minutes to walk from one end of the convention center to the other, dodging hundreds of sales people for EVERYTHING dog related, (I am still begging Nick to let me buy Heidi this goregous dog bed) and trying not to get distracted by the cute dogs that were competing for the prestigious best in show.
the whole day was massively jam packed with events, and we could have gone for the whole four days and not seen everything, but some highlights from the arena included...

The start of a canicross race... (we finally got our own canix hands free jogging belt... I'm pretty excited to not have my arm pulled off by Heidi everytime we go running...)

We also watched heelwork to music... which was pretty entertaining considering the winner was dressed as a giant frog.

We cheered at the neck and neck agility finals...

And learned a lot at the fantastic gun dog displays which we must get Heidi involved in ASAP.

But the best part of all was really just wandering between judging rings.. checking out people and their dogs. Like this cliche red head with her gorgeous Irish Setter.

The red and white setters really were stunning.

This made us laugh..

The Gordon and English Setter cuddling.

A poodle, a collie, a visla and a westie stopped to have a chat while their owners were buying them some well deserved toys...

A group of great danes hanging out at the Eukanuba stand.

This was our hands down favorite breed that we'd never heard of before - the Italian Spinone. Huge dogs, but soooo sweet and cuddly, I had one pretty much on my lap when I stopped to chat with his owner.

And of course, the real reason we have become so dog obsessed around these parts... The German Shorthaired Pointer... arguably the best breed ever.

What's not to love - playful, cuddly, low shedders, and soooo gorgeous! There were some incredibly handsome males around and I am seriously tempted to get Heidi a lil broski soon.

How could you not love those sweet faces?

And look at this little fella in his tweed with his GSP... I was cheering for him to win Best of Breed, but a lovely old lady won instead. I have to say I have never seen so much tweed in my life. Must be a gun dog owner thing. There were so many vendors selling tweed skirt/suit combos I was almost tempted to buy one and get in on the country dog showing lifestyle.

More German Shorthaired Pointers Competing for the big win at Crufts...

We really had the most fantastic time, and I can honestly say that before I went I was wary of the whole dog show scene - breeding for exaggerated features and creating mutant dogs that aren't truly healthy. But after yesterday I really got the impression that the Kennel Club is a great organization, that understands the value of dogs in our lives. They want you to get the most out of YOUR dog, purebred or mutt, and support activities such as Canix, Agility, heelwork, gun dog training, and obedience (which Heidi and I personally attend and I think is great...Heidi may have other thoughts..)

When I walked around the show rings at Crufts, there were so many happy healthy dogs, with their breeders and/or owners who loved them and were proud of them. There were dogs and owners cuddled up together, dogs being kissed and fussed over. While some of the judges and breeders may need to take a deeper look at the traits they are breeding for, The Kennel Club is developing more and more genetic tests which will hopefully eradicate some of the genetic problems we see today. Couple that with the introduction of the super strict vet checks and I think purebred dogs are back on the right track. Some of these people may have be misguided, but they still want the best for their dogs.

As much as I support adoption of mutts, I believe there will always be a place for responsible breeders in the dog world. Breeders who will stop to talk to you to tell you how great their breed is - but make sure you're not getting yourself a dog that isn't right for you. Breeders who will make sure no puppy will ever end up in a pound because they are strict about who they let buy their dogs. These are the breeders that expect you to send them pictures of your new dog on it's birthday, and will answer your emails when you just can't figure out how to break your puppy's bad habits.

Dogs are most certainly one of life's greatest joys. And I hope that all of you can experience the pure and unconditional love of a dog, whatever your breed (or nonbreed) of choice.

Paws Up!
-Kelly

Lemon Curd Muffin Top

2012-02-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends,

I just wanted to tell you that you should make these lemon muffins.

Here is the recipe. It's in British (weight not cups) so apologies for that but I used a scale. Also I always do the swap of flour for ground almonds that he suggests and add lots of almond extract. It's pretty delish. Nick inhaled them - I even made them with gluten free flour and they worked perfect.

In other news, it's February first! WTFFFFF! I haven't even shared my New Years Resolution with you! OK so here it is.... Get a PERKIER ASS!

So as you can see I am suffering from a bad case of secretary spread... thanks to my sedentary job. I'm also working on eliminating my chub rub. (That is when your inner thighs touch... see above)

So tonight while Nick is in London for work, Heidi and me are having a girls night in. We went for a run together.... during which Heidi puked, and I had to have a not so serious conversation with her on the dangers of Ana and Mia. (...but seriously - who is YOUR thinspo?) Then we came home and we did some yoga with Tara Stiles - (youtube her)... while Heid thought it was appropriate to skip the downward dog poses and drop her bone on me repeatedly... now she is taking a nap and I am seriously considering whether to paint my nails barbie dream house pink. (It's probs not office appropriate.)

Speaking of which, I am SO looking forward to vet school, but so NOT looking forward to my future inability to wear childish sparkly nail polish. (I hear it is hard to keep your nails long and nice when you have to stick your hands in places where the sun doesn't shine. )

In summary, please entertain me with the answers to the following while I am home alone and watching bad reality TV...

What is your new year's resolution? Are you still following it?
Who is your thinspiration?
What is your favorite color of nail polish?
What do YOU want to be when you grow up?

Good News!

2012-01-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

For those of you who I'm not fb friends with and haven't heard yet....

I got the results of that big, life changing interview I had in Decebember.

Thanks for your positive energy... it definitely paid off!

On Saturday morning I found out I was admitted into Ohio State University's veterinary program!!!

I'm SO pumped.

As you probably know vet school is pretty tough to get into,

and everyone I met at the interview was so smart and nice.

I couldn't figure out how they were going to cut so many smart and nice people.

But, praise the Lord, somehow I made the cut!

And hopefully those smart and nice people will be my new friends in the near future.

This news set in a whole bunch of things into action,

and it feels like my to-do list just grew exponentially....

Some things I've been thinking(stressing) about for the past 24hours:

Getting Nick's immigration paper work sorted out...

(which appears to be cheaper and more straight forward than we were expecting.

knock.on.wood.)

Figuring out about Heidi's export vaccinations/paperwork/vet checks

(Note: She does NOT have to be quarantined)

Tackling the last of the projects around the house

Selling the house

Finding a new house

Thinking a lot about loans/financial aid

Wondering if they sent me the acceptance letter by mistake...

and if I'm going to be the dumbest kid in the class

Wondering how I am supposed to keep all this a secret at work

Trying to think of a solid game plan for

maintaining my marriage while in school.

(rumor has it going to vet school is tough on spouses,

and it's probably even tougher when that spouse has to quit their job and move to a foreign country...I'm banking on the fact that everyone will want to hang out with him because of his charming English accent and eccentric British way - but any tips for this transition would be much appreciated.)

I guess it's going to be one exciting year!

2012-01-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

December 15th I had a potentially life altering interview. I have been compulsively checking my email and not sleeping since said interview, waiting to hear if it's good news or bad news. I thought I would probably hear by today, but I haven't. So if you could please send your prayers and positive energy my way I would sure appreciate it.

Love,

Kelly

ps. More details to follow.

Toora loora torra loo rye aye

2012-01-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted in like a month and you are all probably dying to know whether I got chickens for Christmas (I did not) but before I update this blog with Christmas pics I need to recap NYE 2011's events before I forget.

So for NYE Nick decided to make reservations at an Indian restaurant for 10 o'clock, and then we planned on heading to a bar for a couple drinks to ring in the new year.

Well we show up at this indian place - right, and there is a guy in the middle of a make shift dance floor singing a power ballad. And we were like that is a little odd - is it karaoke? Turns out it wasn't Karaoke - it was just a DJ slash singer who played power ballads and dance music and occasionally broke out in song. Please remember this was in the middle of an Indian restaurant. We actually had the waiters encouraging us to get up and dance because everyone else seemed to be just as confused as we were about the whole dance floor in an Indian restaurant thing. Nick told me I was racist when I asked our FOB waiter if he had requested Jai-ho, I guess political correctness is still something I need to work on.

By 11 there was one lady drunk enough to hit the stage, and after our fabulous meal (and a few drinks) I managed to get Nick up to dance to "Come on Eileen." So yeah, at 11:30 on December 31st 2011 Nick and I danced to Come on Eileen in an Indian restaurant.

We bolted after that and went to a hipper bar where I worked it to Shakira - hips don't lie just before the clock struck midnight and two scantilly clad girls with power tools jumped on the tables and created sparks from their crotches by sawing this piece of metal attached to themselves while dancing to gangster rap.

Right now Nick and I have absolutely no idea what 2012 holds. We honestly do not even know which country we will finish 2012 in. Everything is in the air. But if last night is anything to go by... At least it will be interesting.

Happy New Year Friends. May all your dreams come true!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

2011-12-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking really really hard about what I want for Christmas and my birthday. Mostly for the sake of my mom. Nick says he's bought me my birthday/Christmas pressie in the form of a plane ticket home. But my mom, she has Kris Kringle Syndrome. She HAS to buy things for her kids. It is really nice, but if I don't figure out what to ask for... she'll waste her money on something that I might not be crazy about. Not that she has bad taste, just that I am really really picky.

So I've been racking my brain about this for awhile and I can't think of anything. I suppose I need generic work clothes, but sometimes only getting clothes is a little boring. The only other thing that keeps popping into my head is that I would really like a pet chicken. Well actually two. (They are rather social creatures afterall...)

Via

In my opinion, chickens would truly be the gift that keeps on giving. Forget "___ of the month" clubs, hens can lay like 250 eggs a year, which would mean I would have plenty for baking and making quiches. I'd probably never have a moment where I'd need to run to the neighbors for an egg, I could just pop into the backyard and say "Heyyyy Ladies!!!" and they would cluck politely and show me how they made a cute little egg for me. I would rest assured knowing these hens had a cruelty free life because hello I would be raising them. (Though in fairness my biggest dilemma is how to get Heidi to coexist peacefully with birds. I'm not sure if this is possible.)

Via

I spent some time researching different breeds of hen - Did you know that some breeds are better for eating, while others are better for laying, and some just look cool - like show chickens. People seriously show them, like a dog show but a chicken show. Also some are feistier than others. I'd pretty much decided that I wanted a good layer, nothing too feisty and maybe one that lays those chic little blue/green Easter egg types. But then I discovered The British Hen Welfare Trust which rehomes commercial laying hens. Doesn't that sound perfect? Giving a laying hen a better future for Christmas? Better than ending up as Christmas dinner don't you think?

My boy Jamie Oliver with some rehomed hens.

Anyways, Mom, if you are reading this...

I would like one of these neato chicken coops for Christmas from Omlet.

Also, Mom, if you are reading this, Nick says please don't actually buy me this. He's not convinced of the merits of chicken keeping like I am, particularly when I keep telling him I want to move back stateside. But, between you and me, friends, when we buy our next house - it will have a massive garden and I WILL have chickens. Quote me. You're all invited for egg salad sandwiches when I realize this dream.

Anyways I need to know, bloggers, what's on your Christmas list? Maybe I will put together a little master list so we can help each other think of the most awesome presents/gifts. Be honest. I seriously need help this year.

ps. Before you think I'm a spoiled brat please know that I'm really very thankful that I am in a place in my life where deciding what to put on my Christmas list is a major dilemma.
pps. I would just like to note that I start a new job on Monday and am super pumped about it.
ppps. Check out this huge list of egg dishes on Wikipedia. Who knew?

Only Read This If You Have a Vagina

2011-12-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

I'm going to talk about periods. I've been toying whether to share this fantastic product with you folks due to the fact that some people aren't cool with talking about periods. And there is the possibility that my dad or other menstrual-phobic men folk might read this, or even menstrual phobic women and they would be totally grossed out by the knowledge I am going to share with you.

But this little invention is the best thing that will have happened to your period since you discovered if you skipped those 5 pills at the end of the pack then you can avoid the po po on important days of your life or vacation. Also, I feel a moral obligation to my fellow sister friends to share this product that has changed my period for forever. Seriously. I don't have to buy tampons or pads ever again - think of all the money you'll save and it's better for the environment. I have zero leaks. There are no more awkward moments where I have to sneak a tampon out of my purse or accidentally pull one out in front of a dude while looking for a pen. There is no super uncomfortable feeling when you put a tampon in at the end of your period and you take it out too soon and it gives you a little preview of child birth. You can't get TSS from it - don't tell me you've never stressed about this. Furthermore it's comfortable, and I feel so fresh and so clean with it.

This miracle product is the Diva Cup, and although it has a super lame name, I suggest you purchase one immediately. It is a little silicon cup that you fold in half and you stick up your hoo haa and then it pops open and forms a seal so every thing gets trapped in there. When you need to (and I didn't need to more than once a day) you pull it out and you dump it down the toilet and you rinse it in some water and you pop it back in. Easy. Don't freak out about this. It's not as gross as it sounds.

I will admit that it took me two periods to totally get the hang of it, but now I absolutely love it. Just give it a try. At least google it for pete's sake.

You'll thank me later.

A Day At The Races

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to show you some more Diana Mini's

from when we went to the Keeneland to watch the horses this October.

Nick and I were ballin. We won $100! Word.

Some other members of the family were less lucky - but we all had a good time.

I don't know what the recent horse theme is all about but you know...

They're pretty cool animals.

Also, just wondering how you all feel about

Obama's restoration of the US horse slaughter industry?

I don't really get what the big deal is, but what I am wondering is....

if you are against it....

is it just because they are horses and horses are cute animals?

Are you against the slaughter of all animals?

Am I just missing something?

Holler back.

B&W Diana in the Country

2011-11-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures with my Diana Mini last January...

I guess it was about time I got them developed.

My hipsterness is getting out of control.

Take it or leave it...

There's more where these came from.

Double Birthday

2011-11-19T13:47:00.000-08:00

On Friday Nick and Heidi celebrated their 29th and 2nd birthdays. Nick and I have been super busy working on graduation at the university we work at, so I've been pretty lame at planning birthday surprises this year. In fact, I passed out at 8 o'clock last night and left him to watch TV alone, on a Friday night, on his birthday. Wow. I suck. But at least on Thursday I did spend 3 hours slaving away in the kitchen making these... which some of you might remember I posted on this blog 2 years ago.

They were totally as delicious as last time, so if you haven't made them yet - find an excuse ASAP. We also went out for a romantic dinner Friday night, leaving Heidi alone on HER birthday. So today we decided to make up for it today by going on a long hike in the Peak District together.

Lately we've been bracing ourselves for what is looking like it might be an exciting but also a little challenging year ahead. But at least for a moment life seemed pretty near perfect in the Peak District this afternoon. It's funny how blue skies can do that to you.

The First Year : Gardening Lessons Learned

2011-11-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

As the end of the growing season is upon us, I just wanted to take a minute to say how awesome growing stuff is. I honestly can't tell you how much I love it. Well actually I love it so much that I have decided to make it my plan B in life. If all else fails (and maybe even if all else doesn't fail) I am going to go to school for organic farming or horticulture and create an organic cooking school/retreat on a farm. I know I told you that already. Whatever. It will be freaking awesome. You can all pay me and I'll let you come.

Also I just wanted to recap some things I have learned in my first year of growing... for all of our benefits.

Most importantly, plants WANT to grow. It's not that hard, if you water them and give them sunlight they grow. I don't know why before I started gardening I thought it was this big complicated mystery. Here's a secret: it's not.
Follow the instructutions on the seed pack. This may seem like a "duh" but sometimes I would plant things too late and then they wouldn't really work out.
Tomatillos are rock stars in the garden.
Everything that is from a warmer environment than here should have been grown in the green house; ie: eggplant, cucumber, peppers, etc.
lettuce and radish give you instant gardening gratification... and by instant I mean like a month.
Potatoes are really easy and taste 100 times better fresh from the soil.
Don't dump water on seedlings, just mist them with a spray bottle.
Grow bags are not all they're cracked up to be.
And finally, grow things you would want to eat!

And here is what I am looking forward to in my quest for food self sustainability:

Ducks and chickens... but especially ducks. They're much cuter than chickens don't you think? Chickens give me the creeps a little.
Growing Jerusalem artichokes - most underrated and totally delicious vegetable ever.
Planting fruit trees
An asparagus patch : it takes a few years to get these started, so we have to wait for our forever home to invest in this.
A pumpkin patch : Pumpkins are my favorite and they keep for months in the pantry. I have a few pumpkin recipes in mind for this month so hopefully I will get around to posting them. I know I have been neglecting the blog - especially the recipes bit.

Do you guys have any good growing tips?

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:46:00.000-07:00

It was a typical love story.

British Boy meets American Girl and they fall in love.

They also have crazy hair.

Can you guess?

In addition to dressing up, we went to a take that tribute band concert on Friday.

They called themselves... "Take That... Again."

Note to self : It was really awkward.

Like there were 30 ppl there and no one would dance and at least 20% of them were their family members.

Next tribute concert is Lady Gaga, we'll let you know how that goes.

October Trip to the USA - The Good, the Bad,and the Ugly.

2011-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

The Good

Spending time with friends and family
My godfather's spectacular wedding to a girl we are pumped to welcome into our family
Winning $100 at Keeneland horse races
Taking my husband to his first public sporting event EVER, yay Bengals!
Absolutely perfect weather... sunshine I missed you!
My first hot yoga class with my sister
Food, food and more food. My mom's home cooking really deserves a shout out. And I'm sorry British folks, but you're food sucks compared to American food.
Outlet mall shopping. Hell yeah.
Nick feels a renewed sense of America's awesomeness. Hopefully that means we will move back sooner rather than later.

The Bad

10 days is not long enough
Accidentally leaving my digital SLR on the train platform at Sheffield Station on our way to the airport. (Although the good thing is it has been recovered!)
Watching the $100 we won dwindle away to $2... but at least we still came out on top!
I probably gained 10 pounds.
It's raining a lot in England now.

The Ugly

Listening to the advice of the lady on the train to get off the train and go back and get my camera. A train NEVER came going the other way, we almost missed our flight, and this resulted in a lot of gesticulating and a few choice words between the husband and myself.
Drinking too much wine at aforementioned wedding and thinking it was hilarious to tell a woman that her kids were "mediocre at best." even if she knew I was joking - lets just say other ladies did not...
Man in front of me doing a downward dog in boxers at hot yoga class, dudes should be required to wear briefs for these occasions... talk about an eye full.
Getting in a dispute with the 20-something high on herself snooty snooterson at UK border control who told me I had to go to the back of the foreigners line because I went through the British ppl's line because I was with Nick. Apparently we are supposed to split up to go through different lines because all the other people with foreign passports are going to be mad at me for cutting in line even though I have indefinite leave to remain in England and a british husband. Are you following? Anyways, she sucked.

My Husband in a Tux

2011-09-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

One day, I'll be your plus one.

When we're a little more important.

You swanky man, you.

It's Mushroom Season!

2011-09-18T01:52:00.000-07:00

Last year Nick and I dabbled in a bit of mushroom hunting, but without the knowledge we were too scared to eat anything, and identifications seemed complicated and dangerous! We usually identified everything as poisonous or "no idea what that is" but yesterday we had a major break through! We identified this bad boy as a Bay Bolete.

And we're convinced enough to eat it. But we haven't yet. I will let you know how that goes. Unless of course I'm dead. Knock on wood.

Also this nifty website, Wild About Britain, has a forum where you can post your mushroom pictures and people can help you identify them. So you have to be a little trusting, but it seems like a great learning tool when you just can't find the right pictures in the books or you want a second opinion.

Speaking of books, the one that is our favorite is Mushrooms : River Cottage Handbook.

Have you been mushroom hunting? I highly recommend it, it's like a treasure hunt for epicureans.... which Lord knows most of you blogstars are!

The Taste of Tomatillo Success

2011-09-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Guess what......

My hard work has finally paid off because last weekend I made the most delicious enchiladas with tomatillo salsa ever. Like seriously, I got mad at Nick because he pretty much inhaled them, and I wanted him to savor them since I have been growing the damn things since the beginning of the year! How delicious do they look though...

Ok a little messy I'll admit but I think I could eat homemade enchiladas every day of my life.

Here's the recipe I concocted for the Enchilada Sauce :

Ingredients

1 can of crushed tomatoes.
Diced fresh tomatoes, (equal to about a cans worth)

I'm sure you could use two cans instead, but I had fresh on hand.

1/4 cup of diced onion
1 garlic clove, smashed
4 tablespoons olive oil
Chipotle powder
onion and garlic spice blend

Add tomatoes, onion, garlic, and oil to a wide skillet, and simmer until the water has boiled off and it's begun to thicken, about a half hour. Let it cool a bit and pour into a blender, puree until smooth and season with Chipotle powder, salt, pepper, and extra onion and garlic spice blends. The chipotle powder really adds an amazing smokiness to the sauce. I highly recommend not skipping that step!

Meanwhile while my enchilada sauce was simmering away, I made this simple tomatillo salsa:

Ingredients :

1 pound of tomatillos
1 onion diced
salt

I boiled my tomatillos for about 10 minutes, then popped them in the blender to puree with the onion and salt to taste. This recipe was definitely simple and effective, which I think is good for tasting your produce, but I think with my next harvest (which is currently waiting for me in the fridge) I will roast the tomatillos rather than boiling. But either way the salsa was still delicious!

Next I sauteed a bunch of mushrooms and peppers to fill my generic Old El Paso corn tortillas with (hey I can't make everything from scratch!). I smothered these with my smokey enchilada sauce and grated a heart attack inducing amount of cheddar cheese on the top, and popped in a hot oven to melt and get nice and crusty while I made a simple guacamole. (2 ripe avacados, some lime juice and salt.). And before I knew it I had this in front of me...

It was absolute perfection.

Best meal of the year.

Go make these for yourself.

You'll thank me later.

I love gardening.

Do you love gardening?

Are my garden posts the most boring ever?

Actually I love gardening so much I have been thinking a lot about screwing vet school and starting an Organic Farm / Vegetarian cooking school.

Where fabulous people could come and cook for a week at a time.

Like a relaxing cooking vacation. We could do yoga and ride horses in the morning and then pick our food and then cook. Would you come?

2011-08-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I would just like you to know that we're having fun exploring the Peak District.

Especially with all the heather in full bloom.

It looks like a purple blanket is covering the hills.

And sometimes I wonder why I'd ever want to leave this place.

But then it usually rains so I remember.