International Flair, from me to you!

Coming off two international events, Canada Day and the Fourth of July, I thought it only fitting to pay tribute to some of the countries of my other readers. Now, I am the first to admit I don't know many dates of other countries birthdays, at least without thinking really hard - which I'm not always up for - but I did give it a thought this morning as I ate beans and toast (beans on toast), which is a popular meal from my mother country (Ireland). While I ate it, I thought of where I came from and what traditions and traits still remain with me, all these years later. It also got me to thinking about chip sandwiches, which my mother resorted to feeding us when she was low on groceries or just wanted to fill us with a quick, tasty supper. Now, chips in my house growing up weren't the same thing as chips in North American homes today. Chips were french fries, deep fried in a chip pan, which was really just a deep pot filled with fat that was heated and reheated again and again. Sounds a bit unappetizing, but let me assure you: when Mum served up a plate filled with crispy, salted french fries and some soft white bread, it didn't take us long to make a happy marriage of the chips, bread and a squirt or two of ketchup by wrapping them all up temptingly together. Yumm!! Crispy, salty, sweet...don't judge it till you try it. Unfortunately, I haven't had one since I was a child (we don't own a deep fryer or chip pan) but I keep threatening to break down and treat myself to a little taste of my childhood someday. For those hailing from England, a chip sandwich is more commonly called a chip butty.
In a nod to my German readers (and there are a few) I will soon be attending the wedding of my brother to his lovely German bride. She will be wearing a dirndl, and she has promised there will be hearty German fare served up hot and plentiful at the reception. And I will do my bit to partake in this most international of culinary feasts.

I draw the line at swigging German beer, though...

To my Aussie friends, all I can think of is how much I love your lovely accent, and how much more attractive your men seem because of it! Australia is somewhere I have never been, but if I ever win that lottery I talked about a few posts ago, I just might head down and see you!

I realized today that my outfit was quite patriotic to my American friends:

Red, white and blue, the white being my legs, of course...

Aren't my shoes cute? $5...what a steal!
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Watch for my big announcement by mid-week!
I cannot wait to share it with you!!

Happy Fourth!!

photo source: Country Living.com
Happy Fourth of July, to all of my American friends!! I hope you all enjoy a relaxing holiday, and fire off a few good firecrackers so even we Canadians can hear them!! I look forward to heading down that way myself later this month. The turnip truck will be filled to the brim!!

Oh, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want!!


Why do I always gravitate to song titles for my own post titles? Probably because I can never remember any of the lyrics to anything. But I can always remember that chorus!!

Anyway, this is a very light and fluffy post for you today, folks, as opposed to the deep and meaningful posts I usually write..hah!! Today, it's all about my shopping fantasies. Those are always fun to share. Basically, what I would do if I had bucket loads of money, access to great shops instead of aimlessly wandering the aisles of Walmart...

Ah well, here is my dream list of what I'd buy with a lottery win (after I did my bit to help solve the world's problems, of course). After all, if you consider what others would blow their money on, my list is quite tame!!

First up, a Big Chill (below), or if I wanted to remain loyal to my fellow Canadians, A North Star fridge.

Seriously, the thought of owning one of those beauties sends shivers of happiness up my neck! Now, in the real world, I could just buy me some of this cool spray paint - meant for painting your refrigerator really fun, retro colours. Does anyone know if they sell this in North America? Those Brits...they are so smart! They know the importance of having a pretty, coloured fridge!!

This photo of my dream camera is just taunting me with its realistic size portrayal. Maybe that's hoe they sell so many. The ad is just too good! I have fantasized about owning one of these beauties for as long as I have drooled over the great photos on some of my favourite blogs. Isn't it pretty? Go on, reach out and touch it. I can just imagine myself clicking away. Well, at least after I studied the manual for six months!!
Now, as much as I love and appreciate my little tent trailer, my upcoming trip to the U.S. would be sooo much more comfortable in this beauty:

photo source: Airstream.com

(If you'd like to see inside, go here).


I would also like these lights...yes please:

photo source: besweden.com

Because you know I love lighting. Honestly, if the handyman were more agreeable, I'd have him change out some of my lights every couple of years. Of course, if I were a lottery winner, I could pay someone else to do it, and the handyman and I could drink cocktails by the pool!

I wonder is this lady knows how lucky she is? I mean, not one, but four beautiful blue chairs to sit and read on? And that view?! If I have any money left over after my big shopping spree, I would recreate this idyllic setting in my own home. I wonder if she won the lottery?


photo source: Coastal Living.com

Because I don't even play the lotto (I just fantasize about winning it...go figure) this list will forever remain my dream list, won't it? Well, maybe someday the camera will be within reach. Won't you all be excited if that day comes, so you won't have to squint at my pathetic personal photos?!

And if you want to see over-the-top spending, check out this: A Big Chill in someones back porch??!! Now that is just showing off!! Frivolous decadent, over-indulgence, pure and simple!

photo source: Big Chill.com

Pfft...I'm not one bit envious!

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Now check out Julia's "Hooked On" party over at Hooked on Houses. It's quite a patriotic celebration over there!!