The Fenn/Walker reunion
So great to see my co-author Heidi Walker and her family who were visiting the UK on holiday. I’ve known Heidi since college, we graduated together from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph-College) in 1994 but it wasn’t until we wrote our book together in 2013 that I realized just how much we have in common. […]
One of my favorite places
One of the great joys of living in England is the setting. Just down the road from us, there is this beautiful little town complete with medieval castle, winding river, historical ruins, museum, riverside walks, ducks and swans. It has something for everyone – playground, walks, shops, cafes, ice cream, restaurants, art galleries, antiques, churches, […]
Happy 4th of July
Wishing all Americans near and far a very Happy 4th of July! We are celebrating in Arundel, a beautiful castle town in West Sussex, at The Loft in Sparks Yard where they are putting on an all American weekend. It’s burgers and beer (A&W for the kids), fries and milkshakes. This time last year, my […]
Top Tips on Getting Stuff Done
People sometimes ask me “how do you do it?” Meaning, how do I manage to run a design business full-time with three children, blog regularly, keep on top of emails, keep up with social media, manage a household as the main child carer, sell books, and organize fundraising events? Well I thought I’d post a […]
The older they get…. my three cross cultural kids
Raising cross cultural kids means different things at different times during their lives. It’s hard to say how much my American-ness influenced them when they were babies. I’d like to think there was an American influence but in reality, maybe not so much. I do know that before my eldest went to school, his accent […]
The Joy of Living by the sea in England
The joy of living by the sea in England really comes to light during the summer months. It’s been an incredibly busy time with work and this past weekend was jam packed both days! Didn’t get any R&R but I did manage to enjoy a few minutes on a lunch break to sit quietly and […]
It’s the little things that make you happy when living in England
Living in England as an American is mostly good. It takes a long time to learn how things are done, adapt, fit in, find friends, feel at home, and love the way of life here. It’s not easy, but it does get easier. I love talking to newbies, people who are struggling, people who need […]
School uniform – a life saver or a no no?
Here in England, most State schools require pupils to where a uniform or at least a ‘jumper’ (sweater) with the school’s logo or emblem. The standard school uniform for first and middle schools normally consists of black or grey trousers (I usually forget and call them pants) or skirts, a white polo style shirt, black […]
A little show called ‘Friends’
Many British people have told me how much they loathe ‘Friends’ one of the most successful television shows ever because it’s either too loud, too stupid, too American, not funny enough or the actors are just annoying. Thankfully, my British husband is not amongst those who don’t like it and tolerates my forever addiction and […]
Happy Mother’s Day to American Moms
I’m not a Mom, I’m a Mum. But I am from America and my own mother is a Mom. So happy Mother’s Day to my Mom and to all Moms today whether you are in the States or elsewhere! Have a wonderful day! I’ve already celebrated Mother’s Day here in England back in March, although […]
UK election 2015, an American parent’s view
My Bringing Up Brits blog has never been political nor do I wish it to be, but how can one escape a national election? And as someone who is raising children in the UK, why wouldn’t I be interested? It has been exceptionally captivating with a disappointing outcome. My British husband stayed up most of […]
Daughter swap
I had a great conversation a few days ago with Jenny Rutterford a British mum who spent several years in Miami, Florida. We were talking about our daughters who are of a similar age; however, her daughter’s first school experience was in the US and my daughter’s of course was here in the UK. Since […]
Glorious Britain in Spring time
Spring in Britain is definitely my favorite season. Summer is always disappointing no matter what because we expect it to be hot and it rarely ever is. Winter is just cold and damp, and Autumn marks the end of summer – most times before it even begins. So Spring is perfect because if the weather […]
The British Accent
I was talking about accents the other day with a Canadian friend who used to live here but repatriated a few years ago. She was saying how British children sound so posh and sophisticated due to their accents. I used to think that too! Until I had children who speak with a British accent….. ! […]
An eventful March – birthdays, NHS and fundraising!
Gosh this month has been full of birthdays, hospital visits, a surprise surgery and lots of work. I think I’ve re-defined my own definition of busy! Through it all, we’ve been safe in the knowledge that the National Health Service (NHS) here in Britain is here to help no matter what the hour or the […]