ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomOh Happy Day!
so glad you had everything saved.
Good to know you have a camera phone. I'll take pictures of the fish and chips I am going to eat next friday and send it to you!

I know, don't thank me....I am too much, I know! :hehe:
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-29 13:32:00
United KingdomInterviews on Wednesday
Don't focus in rejections! Focus on approvals!!
Good luck!!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-29 14:20:00
United KingdomFinally - done and dusted
This is fantastic news to read about on this Monday morning! COngrats to you both! Continued success for the rest of your journey! FINALLY right??!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-29 08:50:00
United KingdomThis might be a stupid question...

I travelled from the UK to the US on the Queen Mary, it was a 5 day cruise and was a great alternative to flying.


That would be a great thing for Chris' parents to do sometime...
as a gift or something!

I'll have to remember that! Thanks
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-29 13:34:00
United KingdomWondering which is faster?
I think we sent ours together. Not sure if it took longer. All I know is that it took about a month to get our packet 4. That was long enough.
So far this process, as long as it is, hasn't been as terrible as I once imagined!

But I will not count on anything as of yet!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-26 07:55:00
United KingdomWhat's everyone doing today?
Today I am sitting in my office. Waiting till 12 noon when I can leave! Iwork half a day on Wednesday.

I was glancing to see if possibly my packaged arrived. BUT NO.

This afternoon I think I will take a nap, do my exercise bike, perhaps I will cook a yummy dinner~

Hopefully we get come nasty weather and I can wear my winter coat tomorrow!

This time next week I will know if Chris has his visa and preparing for my flight on thursday!!

I am going to be worthless the rest of the week!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-31 10:48:00
United KingdomInterview date
Congrats guys!! Continued success!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-31 07:30:00
United KingdomAPPROVED
fantastic! Congrats!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-01 06:48:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

I've never tried Branston Pickle but I've heard about it for ages...will have to ask Craig what the big difference is..is it just....cut up pickle??? (he's gone up to bed and can't ask him now, but it's buggin me..will have to Google it or summin. :) hehehe M.


Branston is not actually chopped up pickles - its various veg and I think some apple and its in a tangy brown sauce. I never thought I'd like it, but it comes in large chunk and small chunk and I love the flavor, but prefer the small chunk variety. Cheese and crackers is no longer the same without it!

Michelle - try it, you'll like it!!!!!! :thumbs:


I've never had it either! But I will try it next week!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-01 09:07:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

mmmm...I get to have fish and chips in...11 days!!


mmmm you are so lucky ....though we were in Chicago this month and found a very authentic English pub - the Elephant & Caste and the fish & chips were spot on!

Anyway, enjoy your trip and more importantly, the cuisine!!!



:) Thanks. I will. Gonna go for an indian too!! Mmmmm Naan bread!

mmmm...I get to have fish and chips in...11 days!!


b!tch


:P



I nearly spit my water all over the computer screen. Hee he!

I'll bring some back for you...can't promise it will be any good...but I will!!

Plus Lisa...it will be on the coast of the North Sea at Whitby...best damn fish and chips there are!! SOO fresh! mmmmmm



went for the jugular with that one!!!!

I'll say it again: biznatch! :devil:


as I said I will take pictures for you.
:devil:
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-29 15:51:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

mmmm...I get to have fish and chips in...11 days!!


mmmm you are so lucky ....though we were in Chicago this month and found a very authentic English pub - the Elephant & Caste and the fish & chips were spot on!

Anyway, enjoy your trip and more importantly, the cuisine!!!



:) Thanks. I will. Gonna go for an indian too!! Mmmmm Naan bread!

mmmm...I get to have fish and chips in...11 days!!


b!tch


:P



I nearly spit my water all over the computer screen. Hee he!

I'll bring some back for you...can't promise it will be any good...but I will!!

Plus Lisa...it will be on the coast of the North Sea at Whitby...best damn fish and chips there are!! SOO fresh! mmmmmm
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-29 13:18:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK
mmmm...I get to have fish and chips in...11 days!!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-29 08:48:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK
mmmm I love a good bitter.
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-26 13:12:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

Simon hates everything all tucked in, he's happy with only a duvet flopped on top of him and that's it. I have to have everything military tight and neat, and it makes him crazy.

We have a down duvet and I have two gorgeous covers for it. In the summer we just use a light weight cotton coverlet for the bed.

But always a top sheet!! Gotta have a top sheet!! :)

~Liza


Where did ya get your pretty duvet covers??
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-26 11:42:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

I'mma stand up for the top sheet. The top sheet is good. :D


I am a top sheet kinda gal myself!
Never really asked Chris. I think he isn't bothered.
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-26 09:57:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

We have Duvet's in the US and duvet covers (Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens N' Things for example)....we have down or Synthetic fill (the synthetic being more like the UK kind)...ok so you can't get them for £10 at ASDA's but they work...

btw...ASDA is somewhat nice while WalMart is...well a nasty word I won't say (though cheap....in all sense of the word). The south maintains them well and they are nice, but if you head up north...they are pretty ding dang gross...



Only been to one Asda and it is maintained pretty well! (in South Yorkshire)

I should be clearer that our(USA) Duvets are not the same IMO. I also think they cost a lot. Not as much variety.
I like to change my decor in my bedroom...everything I like here is so expensive to change often. I've found nice looking ones in the UK for cheap. Just hard to transport.
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-25 11:55:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

Kinda OT but not really. The SO is big time into cooking and so of course has a spice stash. There are some he's going to want to ship (saffron is the first one that springs to mind). Would that cause a brouhaha in customs?


If it is saffron threads then probably not! But I can find saffron here! I got some at a spice store just last week. I've see it else where as well!

There are TONS of things I would love to ship over. Cheese for one! :)

Would Black Diamond (or McLaren's) cheese work?

You CAN have foreign--at least, Canuck--cheese shipped to you; also Canuck versions of many Brit candies (also, the ORIGINAL ones in desi stores--btw, saffron is a very common item in these, sometimes it's included in some Basmati rice packets as special).



Actually I shouldn't complain! I've been able to find some british cheese in a store here. Just always in small quantities and pricey. For our wedding our caterer was able to get some cheeses for us as well! So it is okay.

Not a big candy person....Chris' mom sends me loads of chocolate and it always ends up sitting around. I have several Delights and Chunky Kit Kats in the freezer as of right now!


I have loads of tea as well. I can find several brands at The World Market!
But no Duvets! :(
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-24 11:39:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

Kinda OT but not really. The SO is big time into cooking and so of course has a spice stash. There are some he's going to want to ship (saffron is the first one that springs to mind). Would that cause a brouhaha in customs?


If it is saffron threads then probably not! But I can find saffron here! I got some at a spice store just last week. I've see it else where as well!

There are TONS of things I would love to ship over. Cheese for one! :)
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-24 08:38:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

There are some grocery stores (Harry's Farmers' Market in Metro Atlanta area, with Duluth and Marietta branches, is an example), you can actually get many Sainsburys' products (I know I've seen Sainsbury's paneer at both those Harry's branches).


I love harrys!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-19 14:55:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

Can I play too?

Yes, it's Aussie - but same difference.

* Like Lisa, I LOVE those Smirnoff things...Well the one I love isn't Smirnoff, It's called UDL - but those prepackaged vodka drinks are the BEST.
* A good cider, indeed.

* Fish and CHips! We go to the store and get two flake, two potato cakes and chips...all wrapped up in paper and good to go! YUmmmm....

* Schweppe's Lemonade. Yum.

* Aussie Dorito's. SOOO good.

* Any proper Cadbury (And yes I know Aussie Cadbury isn't...but HUSH :) )

* Noooooodles. I miss my noodle bars :(



mmmmm schweppes lemonade
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-18 16:06:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK
yarr..I buy lard at the grocery. Lasts me ages as I don't use it much!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-18 10:15:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK
My favorite CRISPS! Thai Sweet Chili...mmmmm Sensations.

Chris sent me a small box of them at Christmas! I have one packet left!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-18 08:29:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK
ohh I can get mini baby bell cheese here!!

The first time I went to England I was 13...MANY years before I met chris..I always think I was destined to marry a brit...anyway...the first meal I had off the plane after napping from jet lag was baby bell cheese and a seedless spanish tangerine. I'll never forget it!

Edited by ajames79, 15 January 2007 - 09:17 PM.

ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-15 21:13:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

Robinson's No Added Sugar Apple and Blackcurrant. In fact, I miss ALL squash/cordial. You just can't get it here. All the equivalent drinks are pre mixed and FULL of sugar. I have managed to find one that isn't, but it IS a rarity.


never was a soda girl myself.
But when I am over in Feb I am going to look for the no sugar apple and blackcurrent. Sounds yummy!


It isn't a soda. It is a highly concentrated fruit juice that you add one part of to eight parts water. The UK has cordial/squash everywhere. It is the second most popular drink after soda, for kids.

It is just nice because it isn't full of the additives ####### that you get over here in the USA.


Yeah I know soda was the wrong word for me to use. Not a fan of sweet drinks in general. I like Robinsons bitter lemon my self. :)
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-14 16:58:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

living in Westside Los Angeles there are very few British foodstuffs that you can't get -- the British pubs do decent enough fish and chips, shepherd's pies, sunday roast and what have you. And the Indian food is proper Indian as opposed to "British Indian" (though you can get that too) so it's better than yer average curry house in the UK.

Never been a fan of the English breakfast - I miss American breakfasts in the UK


What I miss most is CHEESE. THe sharp cheddars, the stiltons, the creamy lancashires, red leicesters, sage derbys, windsor reds, etc etc

Nothing would make me happier than a trip to Neil's Yard cheese shop in London.


I miss cheese too. For our wedding I am having Stiltons, a Red Leichester, a Cottswold (which I am unfamilar with) and a few other cheeses.

Never was a fan of english breakfasts mainly because I don't really eat american ones either...

I do miss having a fantastic strawberry tart from Tesco for pudding!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-14 15:05:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

humm gonna think on it..But I didn't want Lisa to get lonely making all these threads!! ;)


Well, in a truly British manner it HAS to be Fish & Chips, simply because they are VERY scarce here in the USA. I also miss a good curry though. Can't beat it: vegetable or prawn dhansak, pilau rice and a peshwari naan. Also a BIG fan of butter chicken. *drools*

We should have a drooly emoticon! :thumbs:

Drink wise? I rarely drink alcohol, when I do it tends to be wine which I can get over here. Otherwise it is soft drinks which are plentiful over here!



mags....I have re-created fish and chips..it is pretty darn close. We even had a big fish and chips night last time Chris was here! To be honest...as many times as I've gone over to England in the past 3 years I've not had a curry..Had a thai curry but and plenty of naan bread. But no indian. Not since I was 13. I will....in Feb. I promise


I love a good pint at the pub. I don't miss any drinks really. I like my drinks super cold, Chris family always keeps my Lemonade in the fridge for me...not typical for them!




You will HAVE to tell us all how to make your british chips which taste like chip shop chips! Looks like everyone on this post misses chips the most, me included. I swear when I go back I will have chips for dinner every night! lol Seriously though, how do you make them to taste like that? What kind of potatoes and what kind of oil do you make them in?



Well to be honest I guess I have to admit that I did use frozen steak fries. But I found that if you cook them first..in oil. til they are almost done...then you cook the fish up...then slide the chips back in...it gives it the chippy flavour. Always let your fish rest on top of the chips as well...get the full grease affect! *smile*

I've done them a few times and honestly being that nothing is as good as a chippy...they are still pretty good.

It is a bit of a process for the cook. Much more fun to do it in small batches for you and your S/O.
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-14 12:24:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK
I have to stop coming back to this thread...it is making me hungry!

Would love a think slice of bread right now with some butter!! Yum
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-14 11:26:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

Robinson's No Added Sugar Apple and Blackcurrant. In fact, I miss ALL squash/cordial. You just can't get it here. All the equivalent drinks are pre mixed and FULL of sugar. I have managed to find one that isn't, but it IS a rarity.


never was a soda girl myself.
But when I am over in Feb I am going to look for the no sugar apple and blackcurrent. Sounds yummy!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-14 09:00:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

The classic bacon sandwich, Im told Irish bacon in America is similar

Scottish or English fry up breakfast, easily made at home

Fish and Chips, still on the look out for a good one in our part of Virginia

Sunday roast dinner, including yorkshire puddings, also easily made at home

Indian Food, I've seen indian resturants in the US, just not so many

Fray Bentos pies, I hope to find some of those over there soon

Drinks wise, I like jack and coke anyway :lol:



So do you make any of those things at home!? Besides the Jack and Coke?? :)
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-14 08:58:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

I like yorkies...."Don't Feed The Birds"! Haa

I am so shocked they are allowed to have that slogan still....with the PC that goes on in England!!


OHHH and the bread...yum...and cheese. RedLeicester YUmmo.

Can't do the mushy peas....and I am not a big Bacon fan. It is really to salty for me.

mmm...food. Thinking of more


Is there something that you take over to England to cook that your inlaws/family like you to do??


When I was there, the slogan was 'it's not for girls' with a girl and a circle and line thru her.

Fcukin yorkies! hahahahahha


oh, and as far as cooking....Lisa don't cook :no: and I'm sure my in-laws don't want me to either :lol:


It still is the slogan! I have some in the freezer right now! I was mad...but then they came out with a pink wrapper version!
What about chunky kit cats????
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-13 17:29:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

I like yorkies...."Don't Feed The Birds"! Haa

I am so shocked they are allowed to have that slogan still....with the PC that goes on in England!!


OHHH and the bread...yum...and cheese. RedLeicester YUmmo.

Can't do the mushy peas....and I am not a big Bacon fan. It is really to salty for me.

mmm...food. Thinking of more


Is there something that you take over to England to cook that your inlaws/family like you to do??



okay I'll answer first. My inlaws love me to make a mexican meal for them. Taught them (amandas version*thats me*) of quesadillas, and fajitas, and tacos...guacamole...homemade salsa...They love it.

Last time I bought fresh tuna steaks, did garlic/basil mashed potatos , and asparagus(I know it is spelled wrong) and they loved it too.

I love to cook. But man I get nervous making things perfect for Chris fam! :)
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-13 17:26:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK
I like yorkies...."Don't Feed The Birds"! Haa

I am so shocked they are allowed to have that slogan still....with the PC that goes on in England!!


OHHH and the bread...yum...and cheese. RedLeicester YUmmo.

Can't do the mushy peas....and I am not a big Bacon fan. It is really to salty for me.

mmm...food. Thinking of more


Is there something that you take over to England to cook that your inlaws/family like you to do??
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-13 17:16:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK

humm gonna think on it..But I didn't want Lisa to get lonely making all these threads!! ;)


Well, in a truly British manner it HAS to be Fish & Chips, simply because they are VERY scarce here in the USA. I also miss a good curry though. Can't beat it: vegetable or prawn dhansak, pilau rice and a peshwari naan. Also a BIG fan of butter chicken. *drools*

We should have a drooly emoticon! :thumbs:

Drink wise? I rarely drink alcohol, when I do it tends to be wine which I can get over here. Otherwise it is soft drinks which are plentiful over here!



mags....I have re-created fish and chips..it is pretty darn close. We even had a big fish and chips night last time Chris was here! To be honest...as many times as I've gone over to England in the past 3 years I've not had a curry..Had a thai curry but and plenty of naan bread. But no indian. Not since I was 13. I will....in Feb. I promise


I love a good pint at the pub. I don't miss any drinks really. I like my drinks super cold, Chris family always keeps my Lemonade in the fridge for me...not typical for them!

Edited by ajames79, 13 January 2007 - 02:15 PM.

ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-13 14:14:00
United KingdomFav. all time food and drink in the UK
humm gonna think on it..But I didn't want Lisa to get lonely making all these threads!! ;)
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-13 14:06:00
United KingdomLosing My Mind One Day At A Time
congrats! feels great doesn't it!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-01 15:10:00
United KingdomHi Im New.. wish me luck!
Hello!! Lots of good luck through this process!
It isn't as bad as it seems!
:)
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-29 15:50:00
United KingdomWish Us Luck !!

Hi ......

We've been VJ members for a few weeks and the day has come that we are to file our I 130 with the USCIS in London. Been waiting for this day in ages so we are both nervous and excited. !

Just wanted to Hi to everyone and say what a great source of information this site has been to us !

Wish us luck on what we hope won't be too bad an experience...... :D


Much luck to you!
You'll be fine! :)
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-02 06:40:00
United KingdomALAN'S VISA
many congrats to you!
I am sure you feel wonderful!

Continued success!
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-05 11:45:00
United KingdomI need some good thoughts please

WoooooT! That is great, girl! :) (and no..actually it must have been my dancing around the house singing "please pleaseeeeeeeee, Mr. Postmannnnnnnnnn) :lol: Yeah, ok..j/k Glad it got there! M.


Ohh it was definatly the dancing! I feel sure!!

Tomorrows the big interview!! Whohoo
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-06 07:12:00
United KingdomI need some good thoughts please

Excellent news! :D



Thanks Mags...

did you get over your chocolate cravings!!?
I went to the World Market yesterday and thought of you in the English food section! :)
ajames79FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-05 15:14:00