Yuletide Mayhem: Learning to love the Christmas crazies!

Havoc. That's how I would describe popping into the local grocery store for a pint of milk this time of year. A couple of evenings ago I had the shock of my life when I attempted to run in and out of our nearby Target for a few pantry essentials. The automatic entrance doors drew back and I was met with a veritable sea of shoppers, driving paths through one another with their oversized, overstuffed shopping carts and producing a noise level that was frankly mind shattering. I didn't fancy that milk for my cup of tea quite so much anymore, let me tell you. 

http://mattalltrades.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-crazies-are-back.html 

I've seen this sort of thing before of course. The Christmas Crazies are nothing new here in the US or in fact back home in the UK, but this was almost breathtaking. I had to fight to even set foot in the store, let alone to explore the aisles, gather my grocery goods or to pay for them at one of the 20+ overrun checkouts. And did I mention that this wasn't the evening before Christmas, the weekend before Christmas or even the week before Christmas? This was in fact mid December, in a usually quiet shopping strip on the far outskirts of the city. Oh my. 

It's true that everything is bigger in the States and holidays are not exempt. From the blinding (but occasionally charming) strings of lights that adorn 80% of our neighborhood, to the way the grocery stores empty out of anything even vaguely related to seasonal festivities by the weekend before the big day, everybody I meet seems to be onboard with the lunacy of the Christmas retail countdown. There is, however, only so much honey glazed ham, free range turkey and 'dressing' (stuffing to the Brits among us) that one person can eat. 

http://macooshoes.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/christmas-madness/

I do enjoy the hubbub though. The way that stockings, Christmas trees and twinkling fairy lights disguise even the most generic fast food restaurant with sincere holiday cheer and the joy these simple decorations combined with the rush of holiday preparation seems to bring to the people around me. 

Perhaps I will just stock up on milk next year and appreciate the madness from a safe, snuggled distance. I'm thinking cocoa could accompany this decision nicely. Maybe I'll just pop down the shops...

Winter Wedding Fever: Eloping In Snowy Style!

http://wedding-splendor.com/celebrating-your-winter-wedding-in-the-snow/

Winter has finally found us, bringing with it notions of romance that can be hard to ignore. For me, choosing to get married on US soil was both a blessing and a sacrifice. The opportunities for a unique and uncomplicated ceremony were abound, yet we were unable to share our special day directly with friends and family due to the distance posed.

I've talked before about elopement options here in the US, but I haven't yet paid mind to the spectacular views, unforgettable experiences and dramatic memories that certain seasons can bring (to even the simplest) of ceremonies. And winter can be magical, can't it? The fantasy of snowflakes descending, coating the scenery and the frozen ground, whilst below your vows are sealed with a kiss. Imagine that roaring rustic fire awaiting the new Mr and Mrs (fill the blank - go on it's fun!) as the sun begins to slide away behind the dazzling mountain tops. Yes. please.

If you find yourself planning a winter wedding, either due to the season's personal appeal to you or in fact your need to 'seal the deal' by a certain date to satisfy visa requirements (as we had to), then let me share with you a couple of personal favorites, right here on North American soil.

The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Park, CA

With breathtaking architecture and scenery the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Park, CA is a iconic choice as a backdrops to those forever vows. With it's majestic setting this hotel offers intimate ceremonies and receptions to appeal to any wedding party. Soaring pines and towering granite cliffs surround the building and it's expansive lawn, perfectly framing your perfect day and with endless fab photography opportunities to boot!

 

Yosemite Park, CA

http://yosemiteweddings.com/elopements

The Preacher's House, Great Smokey Mountains, TN

Offering a range of breathtaking elopement packages including Mountain View and Cabin ceremonies, this family owned business will help you to sculpt the day of your dreams. With more than 5,000 ceremonies performed and inclusive lodging available you can truly get away from it all and hush any wedding day jitters with the peace and unforgettable elegance of the Great Smokey Mountains. The simplest of ceremonies start at just $99 and there are scores of options to choose from. If this is an area you are considering, these winter wonderful ceremonies are worth a glance. 

Great Smokey Mountains, TN

http://thepreachershouse.com/

Pigeon Forge, TN

http://www.pigeonforge.com/

The Ahwahnee Hotel, Official Site

The Preacher's House, Official Site

Hockey Sticks At Dawn! US sports I'm loving this season

Every time winter hits this exciting little East Tennessee city, I find myself scuffling through the far reaches of my wardrobe, dragging out long forgotten thermal wears and hoping to rediscover one very important piece of seasonal clothing... my orange Ice Bears sweater.

No it's not attractive, flattering or particularly practical but it is a staple when those fascinating, semi-violent ice hockey matches roll around. My first experience with a professional ice hockey game was unlike anything I had encountered before. The audience, rampantly chanting and sloshing their $6 beers left and right were muddled in a free-for-all of ground floor seating, daring me to squeeze myself into an arena side spot.

The players were fierce. Slamming into the perspex protector surrounding the rink with such gusto that it caused me to flinch, squeal and throw my own drink around in a way that definitely marked me out as fresh meat. Yes the others laughed at me. No I didn't mind too much. I was far too caught up in the arena's atmosphere; the screaming, the heckling and the random fights breaking out between the teams' players on the rink, to care what I looked like. It was fantastic.

You'd think that coming from the land of football hooligans and hardened Yorkshire lads and ladettes, that an ice hockey game wouldn't be anything to write home about but it was a whole different vibe to what I'd encountered before at professional UK sporting events. The crowd enjoyed losing it, chanting and cheering and jeering but I never felt unsafe or like I should slowly start edging backwards out of the arena before things really kicked off. That was nice.

I'm not entirely sure what difference helped me to feel more secure, maybe it was the fact that every time a large animated man bumped into me while throwing his arms high in the air, he would turn around and offer a most sincere apology before returning to his game with just slightly more controlled gusto than before.

Not your average sporting event clearly. Anyway, I can't wait to get in on this season, don the luminous orange sweater and scream my lungs out as hockey sticks collide. Fab.

Best of British: TV As It Should Be!

Hello again folks!

Just a speedy mention of a fab BBC television show that I've recently enjoyed via the American TV station PBS!

'Call the Midwife' is set in 1950's East London and has a range of British faces that you're bound to recognize, all tucked away nicely within the fantastically entertaining cast. Following the experiences of new midwife Jenny, this program had me chuckling and sniffling all the way through each of the 6 episodes (wish there were more, honestly). Best of British all the way!

www.bbc.com

Plus, look out for the cheeky Christmas special via the BBC this December!

Call The Midwife BBC                         Call The Midwife PBS

Five Fab Reasons For Living In The USA!

Hello again lovely folks! Today I felt inspired to reflect on my journey of the last two years or so and pour out my gratitude towards the country I now call home, into a cheeky blog post!

It may have something to do with the crisp, blue winter sky outside my living room window or the clean mountain air I breathed while walking the dogs through the woods this afternoon, but I'm feeling particularly spoilt by my surroundings today. So here we go, my own personal list of why I'm loving where I live!

1. Historial Happenings

No matter how you dress it up, America has gifted the world with endless tales of plight, of struggle and possibility and with examples of overcoming odds and forging success (and all in a substantially short amount of time). From pioneers and the wild west to the carnage of the civil war, all the way up to the rise of industry and power, this country has so much to explore and so much to teach us that I often feel overwhelmed, especially by how close many of it's people still are to those not-nearly-forgotten events.

http://historyinworld.blogspot.com/2012/05/history-of-north-america.html

2. You've Got A Friend In Me

Speaking from personal experience and having lived a time or two in a variety of places across both the UK and the USA, I do believe that the US takes the biscuit when it comes to super friendly people. More over, the southern states of the US (Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas in my experience) are above and beyond the most jam packed with so many lovely, caring, I-want to-know-your-story-please kinda people that it can't help but brighten your day. If you don't get frustrated easily with answering a stranger's question just because it's fun to meet someone new, there is definitely space for you to flourish down here in the south. Smiles all around then!

http://www.languageatwork.com/friendly-february/

3. Climate Control

As a whole the USA offers such a wide range of climates, cultures, scenery and terrain that I'd bet it's near impossible to become an uninspired traveller, even without a passport to your name. From the snow-capped mountains of Montana to the wide, windy plains of Kansas, or the rich rush of the Big Apple all the way down to the chaos and shine of Las Vegas, how could one becoming disenchanted with so much on offer?

How about the gentle rocking of wooden chairs, perched upon a perfectly shaded porch? Watching out over the depths and heights of the red orange fire of leafy mountains and a fading sun while sipping sweet iced tea?

Perhaps the glistening white beaches of the Florida Keys would take your fancy? Or the forgotten ways of a simpler life still thriving and surviving in Northern Alaska?

http://hmcurrentevents.com/?attachment_id=314

With so much to see and so little time to see it in, thank goodness we don't have to waste any of it on waiting for the passports to arrive!

4. Patriotic Pledgers

When my wonderful husband asked me to sing along with the British national anthem 'God Save The Queen' during the 2012 London Olympics, I had to pretend that I had forgotten the words (it's been a while you know, since moving to the States and all... ahem*). Truth be told I never really knew them to begin with. I may have been able to mutter a line or two of the first verse, but even that would have been pushing it and I'm sure I would have ended up ad-libbing before long (he would never have noticed I'm sure).

Yet due to just three seasons of working for the Girl Scouts of America, I can now recite the Pledge of Allegiance like its nobodies business. Why is that? Why is it that folks still stand, right hand carefully placed upon their heart, when the anthem begins to play or why perfect strangers (and businesses) insist on thanking and honoring military individuals for their sacrifice? It's genuinely a beautiful thing, usual to many but a new and endearing experience for me.

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/uncle-sam/patriotic-poster.htm

5. The Great Outdoors

Ah, what it is to fill your lungs with clean mountain air, to glance outside early in the morning and spot a nervous doe passing through your back yard. What's more, how splendid to have the opportunity to interact with that hidden world and leave society behind you, if only for a day. Coming from the small isle of England, it would be fair to say that there's not a lot of space there left to work with. In Yorkshire where I'm originally from we're blessed with rolling hills and wooded spaces but not like this. Not where you can leave everyday life behind and get lost (hopefully not purposefully) in a far more primal way of living, where the nearest neighbor it beyond eyesight to say the least. Magic.

I'll leave you with an image that inspires me to one day to make it my own. My very own peaceful, untouched cabin in the woods. Bliss.

www.pdhyman.com

'Tis The Season - Sharing Christmas Joy Across The Miles and On a Budget

Well, it's that time of the year again! Halloween is a distant memory, GI recovery from Thanksgiving dinners is almost complete and the lights are glistening all around the neighborhood. The countdown to Christmas has commenced and there is certainly no escaping it. Every radio, television and store front advertisement serves as a reminder of that 25th day in December and how quickly it descends on us each and every year (the older you get, the faster that timeline encroaches, don't you think?)

www.auction-warehouse.com

This will be my second consecutive Christmas in the States (the last one being a bit of a blur of newlywed life and adapting to the reality of the holiday season away from my previous home and family in the UK). I will say that this year has been slightly more organized on my part, particularly in terms of getting affordable gifts posted to the folks back home at affordable postage prices. Here are some tips I've picked up along the way:

Homemade Gifts - This is a great idea if you're handy with a sewing machine or even a glue gun! All it takes is a little bit of imagination, a trip to the local craft store (Joanne's Fabrics and Hobby Lobby are my personal favorites) and a short commitment to researching ideas and "how to's' online. This is the route I went this year and I was able to make useful, well produced (and cheaply made!) gifts that were lightweight and inexpensive to mail overseas. It did take a couple of weeks of project time (interspersed with real life of course) but all in all I had a great time and learned some new skills along the way. Bargain! See below for some useful links to a few great homemade gift ideas...

Lightweight 'Area Unique' Gifts - How about a tea towel from your new city or state of residence? Or a handmade Christmas ornament that depicts something inherently All-American that you would never see outside of the States? The key is to find something that is unique to your new area and share it with your family back home - chance is they'll love being a part of your new lifestyle with little treats like these!

www.bronners.com

Super Frugal and Super Personal - Why not put together a photo slideshow of the last year of your life abroad? Arrange with a family member to gather the group around a computer on Christmas Day and share your heartfelt creation with every one of them. You can fill your slideshow with quirky inside family jokes, a certain song that really means something to you all and individual messages for each person. You don't need to spend money to let those back home know that they're on your mind despite the distance, but time and effort will surely bring about some seasonal smiles.

Useful Links:

http://www.joann.com/
http://www.hobbylobby.com/
http://www.the36thavenue.com/2011/11/25-handmade-gifts-under-5.html
http://www.skiptomylou.org/handmade-gift-ideas/
http://postcalc.usps.com/ - USPS Postage Calculator to help you plan!!

This Is Halloween

Well, it's getting to be that time of year again... The weather's turning colder, the pumpkins are flickering out on the porches and the craziest Halloween decorations that you ever did see are gracing the majority of homes in our neighborhood. I. Love. it.

I must say that we're not much for seasonal decorating, my husband and I. Things change so quickly here - from Halloween, to Thanksgiving and straight into Christmas in what seems like the blink of an eye (and the lightening of my wallet) and we just don't seem to have the time or the will to keep up with these visual celebrations.

You have to admire the way people here embrace each and every turn of the season, never missing a beat ( I swear some must decorate in the middle of the night, these scene changes are so flawless).

And that's what I love about American life. The sheer excitement of the holidays, the drive to express oneself (as an individual and as a family) to the rest of the neighbors and the giddiness full grown adults appear to get from pinning spiders and stuffed white sheets to the front of their homes. God bless it.

                                                         The Daily Party Dish.com

Logistics V's Romance... Where to marry when Visa's are involved!

Logistics V's Romance...?

When my now husband and I agreed to tie the knot, it wasn't long before we were hit with the reality of being citizens from different continents. Buying a ring, planning the proposal, sharing the news with family and friends and cracking on with the guest list were all wonderful moments in our courtship, but in many small ways they were overshadowed by the sheer logistics of our marriage being legal and us being on the same soil as a couple.

The (not so) simple task of researching venues, knocking out guest lists and chatting to vendors became a little more complex when faced with the challenge of deciding where we wanted to live (UK or USA?), how long we planned to live there for, who could afford to make the overseas trip for our big day and who would be left behind. Not to mention how on earth are we going to plan a big wedding 4,000 miles apart and in less than 10 months?! Phew! It was all a bit much to tell you the truth...

Back at the beginning we dreamt of $30,000 worth of 'special day' but as we began to realize who couldn't make it, who we couldn't afford to bring overseas and how far our budget really was going to be stretched by plane tickets, accommodations and family events we had to come back down to earth.

Where to Marry...?

Deciding we wanted to reside in the US for our foreseeable future (due to a more favorable job market, already owning a home, 2 cars and 2 pooches among other personal reasons) my traditional English wedding became far less accessible. Other than the cost of a big white wedding, England made no sense due to the immigration policies currently in place. My husband would have flown over to marry me after several months apart (due to his needing to be at work in the US and my tourist visa running out), stayed for a short local honeymoon and then returned to our home in America where he would have waited (and felt rather like rhubarb without the custard I imagine!) for around 2-5 months while all my paperwork was filed and I was interviewed...

Not the newlywed experience I initially envisioned, I have to say.

Working Around It...

So the big wedding celebration plans went on hold and we decided to romantically slip away to a beach Stateside, to exchange vows and legalize our union. It was beautiful and intimate and meant the world to use both. This way we got the dreaded 5 month wait out of the way prior to becoming spouses, plus we were both able to save a bit of money for the move and grow together as a team, facing the challenge of the long distance relationship.

Yes, I do in part regret the physical absence of our families... of course I do. But we made sure to include them in all our organizing; from choosing the dress/suit, to picking out the flowers. My half Skyped from England on the morning of the big day and laughter was shared over champagne.

Memories were still created and shared, husband and wife spent a long honeymoon and beyond together and the paperwork afterwards was minimal. Bliss.

The Working World... Being Heard Beyond the Accent

Several months into the daily grind of a new working world here in the USA, something odd seems to be happening. I find myself facing a slightly less obvious challenge than that of translating my UK qualifications or verifying my foreign references to potential employers... I am actually having to work harder than many of my co-workers at being taken seriously by our public clientele. This sad fact is so, simply because I have a strong accent, one not yet muted by several years residing across the big pond.

Now I understand that this is an odd dilemma, one of which many would think of as pointless to become frustrated over.  Granted, for the longest while I quite enjoyed the attention I reaped from not sounding like others around me, and the uniqueness people seemed to bestow on me simply because my life experience differentiated from there own.

Now however, as I attempt to carve out a professional path, lined with necessary public encounters and the need to communicate medical information of high importance, I am more often than not interrupted mid-spiel, in order to be quizzed about where I am originally from, what brought me to the States and "How do I like the weather here so far??"

I must say that 99% of the folks who ask me about my recent epic life change, have been genuinely interested and the conversation that ensued was for the most part pleasant (if not a little awkward on my part). But it is rather constant and there have certainly been those odd individuals who have proceeded with a beyond the boundaries of 'personal' interrogation, and quite frankly, haven't heard a word I've said during our professional encounter. Not a syllable. I have literally had to invite a fellow member of staff to step in and redeliver the information I was attempting to impart, in order to gain some semblance of control over the whole interaction!

So as the frustration continues and seeps more and more into my daily tasks, I begin to wonder how long it will be until I begin to submit my Yorkshire accent and good ol' British verbiage to that which is closer to the American way of conversing. Needless to say, I am hoping to fight the good fight and hold onto my heritage for as long as I can.

Here's to being different and striving to stay that way! Cheerio!

USA Job Interviews... What's The Difference??

Since graduating from University in London, I have gotten married, relocated and for the most part, been settled on biding my time here in the USA whilst I wait for my EAD (Employment Authorisation Document) to arrive. That left me with a 5 month gap with no choice but to stay home (lack of a second car for a few months helped that happen!) and volunteer in order to pass the time. My husband and I have no children and a small 2 bedroom home that I can only tend to so often before there is nothing left to clean. I am not good at being idle. I need projects and daily goals in order to maintain my SANITY.

So once I gained my EAD (about 2 months ago) you can imagine how out of the loop I felt from the working world. Despite my continuous volunteering and the near obsessive reworking of my Resume (CV) throughout my waiting period, I still had to find a way to adjust back into a 'young professional' mentality. Job interviews can be scary at the best of times; whether you are overtly interested in the position or not the idea of meeting with a stranger to discuss your personal achievements and goals and have them judge you worthy (or not) on those things, can bring about a sensation not unlike that of a fish out of water.  

Image: job-interviewtips.com

However I would like to reassure anyone who may have just relocated to the US and is in the beginning stages of job hunting... Don't be afraid! My experience so far has been full of friendliness, supportiveness and understanding. I have enjoyed every single interview, learned SO MUCH from them all regardless of jobs offered or not and my professional confidence is beginning to grow. Not that UK interviews are hell on earth, but from my own personal experience I feel as though I have been treated with great respect my potential employers here in the USA. I kind of suspect some of that has to do with the overtly positive American approach to just about everything.

Below you will find some of the main tips and tricks I've noted so far regarding my American (Side Note* I interviewed around Tennessee) job interview experience. 

• Personality & Approachability - These go a LONG way here. I am yet to be interviewed by a hiring manager, store manager or HR Executive that does not appreciate a certain level of low key, polite banter and a sharp willingness to talk realistically. 

• Honesty & Openness - I have been asked more personal, probing question on this side of the pond during job interviews, than I think I have by my family doctor back in the UK. Let me clarify though - this is an awesome way to be interviewed in my opinion! I cannot tell you how quickly my interviewee nerves dissipate once someone shows their interest in my personal story as well as my professional history - the invitation to be myself during each interview scenario helped me feel supported and more in control of the situation, as well as encouraged to ask more probing questions back to my potential employers!

• Preparation - This was key for me. I did experience a lot of the same questions being recycled, as well as a few 'wacky wild cards' which got me thinking outside the box and considering my skills and potential even after the interview was over. I listed fairly typical interview questions before I went, answered them in bullet points and revised them before the interview. I made sure that I was equipped with a variety of scenarios from my working past, ready to draw on examples in a confident and succinct way once asked. 

• Thank You Notes - Over here is seems to be customary to follow up an interview with a thank you card (some say hand written is best, some email, it just depends on the industry and the person I guess). I personally had not done this before but have definitely enjoyed going that extra mile in showing my enthusiasm for a position after the interview has ended.

Typical Interviews Questions I Have Been Asked So Far:

So you're not from here? Tell me about yourself and what brought you to this part of the world?

Do you miss home much? (i.e. are you likely to stick this out!?)

Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone you really disliked? (A tough one to answer positively!)

How did you and your US fiance/husband meet? (I have been asked this at every interview I think - apparently they like to know!)

And Some 'Wild Card' Examples:

If you had a never ending supply of lego bricks, what would you build and why?

Would you be comfortable singing for us? (Yes I did sing, yes it was nerve wracking!)

Tell me about your own spiritual journey? 

Best of luck to you all! 

Further Education in the USA... Translating Degrees, Passing Exams and Saving $$

Continuing your education tends to be a costly and time consuming endeavour nowadays, no matter where you shop around for courses. Over here in the USA though, the fact that each school can charge tuition rates as whatever value they deem suitable can be a bit of a shock. This is especially true for those of us who gained our undergrad or even our A-Levels in the UK, where one standard rate applies regardless of subject or school choice. Bid so long to the free/flat rate education system and say hello to shopping around, not only for the best course outlines but also for the best prices!

For me, the hope of gaining my Masters degree marks my next educational goal. After completing my undergrad at a Drama School in London, I am faced with translating those credentials, succeeding with the new and far more complex procedure of applying to individual schools (I miss UCAS already!) and passing the GRE (Revised General Test for Grad School applicants) to gain acceptance. So here are my own questions, from back when I started this process:

• What about Higher Education and University qualifications? Do you get them translated before, after or during the application process? How much does that cost? Where do you start?

• How do I start the application procedures? Who do I speak to? Am I in-state or out-of-state?

• What's the GRE and how do I pass it?

Image: peerprograms.ubc

TRANSLATING When is comes to translating your existing credentials my advice to you would be to contact all the schools that you have attended and graduated from (including secondary school!) and request full, notarised transcripts, or a term by term breakdown, for the courses that you took. These are useful for both further education and potential employers alike and are usually free. Some US schools will require these transcripts to be mailed directly to them in a sealed envelope from your old educational institutions, so be sure to verify each school's needs through their admissions office. Below are some TN-State recommended evaluation companies, that I think are worth a look if you plan to get your degree translated (the costs tend to fluctuate from between $150-$300 depending on the depth of the translation that you need!)

World Evaluation Services

Educational Credential Evaluations

Academic Credentials Evaluation Institution 

INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS Each US school has different needs and wants from it's applicants. Even 'State' schools have requirements unique to them that you must meet in order to be considered. From my experience (especially when coming from the land of one-stop-Uni-shop UCAS) these applications be a little overwhelming and a lot time consuming. I have come across requests such as subject relevant entrance essays, sealed transcripts, GRE passes at specific grades (for grad students), online quizzes, work experience criteria and many more, all ever changing depending on where you apply. 

My breakthrough came when I realised that rather than being bogged down by all these requirements, I could use them to let my individuality shine through. Specifically, choosing to contact admissions, prospective student services AND the head professor of each course I was considering over the phone was a massive help! Each subject area in a school tends to have it's own 'sub' requirements (ahhh the plot thickens!) so defining those details and working out what your own circumstances dictatebecomes much easier when the course leader is clarifying it for you! Also worth noting is the concept of 'in-state' status - for example, if you have married someone from your new home state who has been living there for over a year then (depending on schools) you can qualify for the same status with your Green Card App. NOA. This means MASSIVE drops in tuition costs! I would recommend that you get in touch with the Financial Office at each prospective school for quotes and guidelines before you apply. Remember you are not an international student anymore, so don't pay like one!

THE GRE This is a 'generalised' exam, taken by those who wish to enter into a taught post-grad course such as a Masters degree. It hits the basics of what students here in the US learn in high school and can be taken as either a computer-based or paper-based test within a local testing facility. There are 3 main sections to the GRE; Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. Each measures your ability to comprehend and make use of English, Mathematical and Analytical skills and each section was miles away from anything that I had done in a long time (well except for the Analytical Writing section which was pretty much covered in my undergrad essay requirements). 

Image: library.wheelock

There are plenty of revision resources out there which are extremely helpful. Oh and get ready to meet old friends like fractions, decimal points, analogies and quadratic equations - I know you've probably missed them dearly. Expect to pay $160 for the test itself and to fork over a little more for the results to be administered to the schools of your choice. 

GRE Information Link

What About Student Loans?

Glad you asked! When I left the UK I also left behind a mass of unpaid student loans. There are folks out there that will point out how hard it is for the Student Loans Company in the UK to find you now that you have relocated, and for the most part they are right (although never underestimate their tracking abilities!). I personally (and I know I am far from alone is this) could never walk away from a responsibility as large as that, so here is what I did to carry my legal repayment obligations over to the USA:

1. I contacted the SLC (Student Loans Company) BEFORE I left the UK, letting them know of my plans, my new address in the USA and how long approximately it would take me to qualify for and find work. I did this by letter and kept a copy of all responses for my records. There is an online form for moving abroad on their website - include a completed copy and save one for yourself! 

2. SLC were very gracious and gave me a full year to establish myself in the States and to find steady work before they would even contact me again, let alone pursue repayment. See, nothing to be scared of! As soon as I have all my ducks in a row I will contact them and set up a direct debit from the USA. Easy peasy! Sadly I may lose a little with the exchange rate but compromises like that come with the territory! 

Image: blogofasia

If you have any more in-depth questions about UK student loan repayment or anything else mentioned in this article, please don't hesitate to pop it in the comment box below and I will answer it as best I can! 

Job Hunting In A New Terrain...Patience Is A Virtue

It's fair to say, that when it comes to the process of visa applications, jumping through governmental hoops, relocating to a new and different country and even embarking on a brand new marriage, well these are all challenges beyond what most of us are accustomed too. What they don't tell you on the application forms however, is that once you are stateside and have been issued with the infamous, precious EAD (Employment Authorisation Document), that's when the real hard work, stresses and emotional strains begin.

Image: NanoPatentsandInnovations

The process of networking, transferring credentials and ultimately landing that 'dream' job here in the States, can certainly be an exhaustive one.

• Who do you use as references when everyone who can account for your strong work ethic is back in your home country (and let's face it, companies don't exactly prefer calling long distance or facing language barriers to verify your credentials!)

• How do you face the over qualified/under qualified conundrum without those references or locals who can account for you?

In my experience (and I am at this time still a job hunter, but have landed a few P/T and seasonal offers plus a few interviews to boot), this is stress inducing and at times truly disheartening BUT not impossible by any means! Now I did have a small advantage when I moved over here, in the form of previous paid employment and unpaid internship experience in the USA (namely Summer Camp and a University placement I did in my third year, here in Knoxville) so I mustered up a few old friends to count as my US professional references. This is something however that anyone can acquire. In total I spent 6 months being paid in the USA and 6 months working for free, in order to gain this experience. If you're finding yourself in need of a 'way in' then volunteering or interning is an excellent starting point to getting your foot in the door.

Now, I understand that not everyone has the time or the financial resources to be able to offer their time for free. While you are waiting those 3-4 months for your EAD to be approved however, you may find this a great time to give unpaid work experience a go and make some local contacts on the way. I will admit that during this time I got stuck into everything I could, both to network and to keep my boredom at bay. For me volunteering at my Church and with local charities gave me the boost of confidence I needed and let potential hirers know I was looking. I was very vocal about my immigration status and my looming job hunt and this paid of for me. I have actually gotten 2 (dream job!) interviews so far on the back of local volunteering and I know that my name has been circulating.

Image: gethiredbootcamp.com

My advice for standing out whilst volunteering? Approach the people in charge, let them know your skills and offer them your help including in areas where you have trained. For me this meant doing some extra Admin work for a charity in my spare time. I never dreamed it would invoke a job interview 3 months down the line, but I was remembered and it did. Plus I got to hone my skills Stateside, added to my resume and gained another US referee! Be genuine and sincere with your time though, if you are serving with a charity do it because you are blessed with the time to spare and simply trust that your work ethic and your approachability will allow you to shine to those who need to see it!

I hate to say it but now is the time to be prepared to take work that is under your skill set. Sometimes relocation means starting again in our careers, as well as in our personal lives and although (thankfully!) this is not the case for everyone, for many it truly is. Take a step back and reassess your skills, your professional joys and your passions. This may be the time to take a leap into something new or to reignite your love for the profession you entered into.

Later on I will talk a bit about transferring University qualifications but until then best of luck to all you job hunters! Go get 'em!

Pre-Marital Preparation... Miles Apart But Growing Closer!

During our long distance engagement, my now husband and I struggled to find 'projects' that we could both be involved in despite our separation. Goals that we could share and ways in which we could learn about one another and appreciate our differences and our similarities.We found that the concept of marriage preparation helped us to achieve these things! It helped keep our eyes on the prize and we felt that we were still working towards a common goal, with a truly shared destination in front of us. For us it was an invaluable method of growth, through which we were reassured and ultimately better prepared for our combined future together, far away from my homeland.

So what can you do to grow together even when you are miles apart and communication is at best limited? There are, after all, so many couples nowadays approaching the aisle under the stress of distance. Without the luxury of attending pre-marital counselling or weekend seminars together (as many do) there are still some great options to get yourselves ready! Here are some resources that we actually used, completing studies and questions sometimes together over Skype, but more often alone,  followed up by in depth sharing and meaningful dialogue. I would suggest a 'marriage project' such as those listed below to anyone. For me it increased my confidence in our compatibility, in his capacity to care for me once I made the big move and in our ability to problem solve and show compassion as a couple.

Just a few little suggestions!... Resources:

'Getting Ready For Marriage Workbook' - We used this book purely as an instrument to get us going with important conversations we knew we needed to have before saying 'I Do'. The different sections facilitated talks about finances, religion, children, family, health, sex and many more. Accompanied with a quiz in each subject area this is a nice starter tool to identify the major similarities and differences you have and begin to resolve them.

'iMarriage' by Andy Stanley - This is a study that I did myself and then later shared with my fiance. It presents itself in six 'sessions' and teaches Christian based lessons on marital expectations, the roles of husbands and wives while delving into the theology of a marriage based around and including God. Obviously this one is aimed toward Christian couples but we found it really enlightening and the style of writing was easygoing and succinct. This study raised a lot of questions for us both, as individuals and as a couple. Very inspiring. Likewise, 'Staying In Love' also by Andy Stanley is a great follow up resource, full of thought provoking ideas about what we each bring to our marriages.

'Five Love Languages' by Gary Chapman - This book a a fascinating must read! With great insight into how we all need to be loved, this is a great resource to help you both explore what you need everyday just to sense affection. Whether it's gifts, physical contact, moral support or daily thank you's, this book will help identify what you each relate to and will explain how to adapt your behaviour to give AND get the most our of your relationship. This lives on our bedroom bookshelf all the time!



There are so many websites, books, DVD's and workshops out there on the subject of marriage preparation. The suggestions I have included are limited because they are what we ourselves have used, as opposed to ones I could gather from an internet search. Look around and have an idea what you want to learn about each other. Happy sharing folks!

5 Unique Honeymoon Destinations... Right Here On The US Mainland!

For my husband and I, our honeymoon decision came with some rather strict guidelines; I could not leave the US mainland (yes even to go to Hawaii, just incase my flight got rerouted to Canada!) because should I leave, I would not be permitted entry back into the USA. Which I am sure you can appreciate is not the ideal newlywed situation. My K1 Visa regulations were crystal clear and so our thinking caps went on!

Where could we venture to within the US mainland, that would offer us the sensation of being abroad. We needed a destination that would be unforgettable, completely out of the ordinary and most importantly, that was romantic beyond compare. After 6 months apart and freshly shared vows, this was our chance to really stop and smell the roses. To appreciate how far we had come and happy we were. We knew it had to be good.

Well, it turns out that there are rather a lot of amazingly unique honeymoon experiences to be had, a lot closer to hand than we first realized. Below we have shared our own honeymoon shortlist... I hope they WOW you too!

Paws Up Resort -  This Montana resort brings rustic charm and luxury together in an ever popular movement known as 'glamping' (glam+camping!). This is certainly a new twist on 'roughing it', but if you love nature this is a great way to be a part of it without compromising the usual newlywed luxuries. With stunning charm, five star service and breathtaking views (quite literally on your doorstep), this is certainly a romantic adventure you'll never forget.

Paws Up Resort, Montana

Little Palm Island -  Located in Little Torch Key in sunny Florida, this private island resort prides itself on sheltering it's guests from the outside world. As a result you won't find telephones or televisions inside it's suites and guest access to WiFi is limited to the Great Room. Granted for some this might sound like a nightmare but for many others this is the perfect, uninterrupted island escape.

Little Palm Island, Florida

Jekyll Island Club Hotel -  A masterpiece of old world charm, this hotel is dripping in privilege, history and romance. With many adventures to be had on the island itself; hiking, horse trails, numerous beachfront restaurants and carriage rides to name just a few, this is a vacation spot built upon natural beauty and southern elegance. If history is your thing, check this out.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Georgia

Cheeca Lodge and Spa -  Located in Islamorada, close to the Florida Keys, this historic lodge is a self proclaimed 'lush oceanfront retreat'. Known for it's hospitality, tropical seclusion and world-class fishing this is a resort where the luxuries come fast and on mass. With elegant touches such as ocean view soaking tubs, this is a prime destination for honeymooners who like things to be just a little unique.

Cheeca Lodge and Spa, Florida

Devil's Thumb Ranch, Resort and Spa - A perfect combination of rustic romance and relaxation, this Colorado resort offers unforgettable views and endless activities to keep you smiling. With recreational options such as; horse riding, snowmobiling, rafting, kayaking and mountain biking, boredom is not an option at this ranch. Partner that with a rustic tavern, fireplace seating and warm hospitality and you've got a recipe for recovery and relaxation after each and every thrilling adventure.

Devil's Thumb Ranch, Colorado

Home Comforts... Get Your British Treat Fix!

If you're anything like me, then you worked hard to get your fill of fish and chips before you set sail for the States. Knowing that they would be a rarity from now on gave me a fine excuse and certainly made them taste extra special each and every week that I indulged (seriously). However, now that I am stateside I find myself fooled often by 'Cadburys' Dairy Milk bars, Creme Eggs and Fruit n Nut's, all sporting a teeny tiny little disclaimer on the back revealing their true identity... made by Hersheys! Rats, foiled again! I do not care for Hersheys chocolate and I daresay it is not a taste I am willing to develop over time. Give me Nestle or Mars any day.

When it comes to getting the genuine thing, you have to be prepared to either pay an arm and a leg in shipping costs, or pay an exorbitant amount upfront just for purchasing it from inside the USA.

Inside the States you can visit local grocery stores such as Kroger, which usually have a limited yet existent 'World Foods' aisle. These tend to stock the stereotypical British favorites including teabags, Birdseye custard, Bisto gravy granuals and an Aero bar or two (at least here in Knoxville). However if it's something a little more specific that you are after, namely your Curly Wurly's, Buttons and Dip Dabs, well then you are going to have to look further afield.

Costs online range from 99cents per bar of chocolate (Crunchie, Boost, Giant Buttons) to $1.99 per bar depending on which site you choose to shop with. You can find all kinds of items online ready for purchase and shipping such as; Bass Shandy, Twiglets, Jammie Dodgers, Wagon Wheels, Mini Rolls, PG Tips, Yorkshire Tea, Roses... hungry yet? Phew!

I have researched many options, their shipping costs and their overall value for money and surprisingly Amazon.com is right up there with the leaders. The shipping costs remain low and the asking prices reasonable for overseas demand. The only drawback is that the quantities tend to stay in the bulk range and whilst 48 Cadbury's Creme Eggs may be bargain at $50.00 not everyone wants to fork that much over at once (but if you do I don't judge you - they are fabulous!).

Below are the top three UK food shipment sites that I recommend (ranked on price and availability):

British Food Shop

British Cornershop

British Food Depot

Sidenote: I recently had my very generous Mum ship me over some, ahem, essentials from the UK. This lot (pictured above) cost her around 20.00 British pounds to ship, plus a similar amount to purchase in store in the UK (mostly at Morrisons). Hopefully that can provide some perspective into the typical value of this overseas food market. Happy chomping!

Moving To The USA... Things to pack & things to forget!

One of the most confusing things about relocating to a new country, is the challenge of knowing what to bring with you and what to part with permanently. Emotionally this is a tough one. Everything's changing and you're leaving so much behind already. So what gets sacrificed and what makes the cut?

Image: widowsphere

Clothing - Remember that rule that says that if you haven't worn something in 6 months you should get rid of it? Do it! My advice would be to collect those staple items that you integrate into your everyday, all time fave wardrobe and lose the rest. Vacuum sealed 'space bags' are great for compressing a large amount of clothes into a small space and are often reusable too if you are careful. My main issue with making clothing choices came from the fact that my 'style' was so influenced by the UK trends/London stores and upon moving to the south... well the styles didn't quite match up. Basically I took enough to last me, items that would let me continue to dress how I do and every time I visit the UK now, I leave space in my suitcase to reinvest in new threads! Great excuse to go clothes shopping right?

Books & DVD's - Books for me was a tough one. I love my book collection, full of old dusty out of prints and even some first editions. Sadly books are some of the heaviest items, so selectivity was ruler over this decision and I had to learn to live without for a while. In several Tennessee locations we have a great store called McKays http://mckaybooks.com/ which is essentially a glorified warehouse full of used books, cds and dvds. Everything is priced cheaply and it's a prime resource for restarting a lost collection! Look out for similar stores in your area. DVD's sometimes pose an issue since the US region and UK region differ - I brought my whole collection in a CD folder (to save space and weight) and we forked out for a multi-regional player so they didn't go to waste.

Mementos & Childhood Items - The hardest to walk about from by far. I was ultimately blessed in the way of my Mum allowing me to commandeer a section of her attic for such treasures. I got creative with a few items though such as baby blankets, childhood award badges and photos. When it came to fabric items that held importance for me, I clipped out sections (light for travel) of writing or pattern, and have stored these small patches in the US, ready to turn into a memory quilt. Childhood awards badges (Girl Scouts, horse riding etc.) were collected and stitched onto a central panel of the quilt for display. My photo collection was carefully narrowed down (and tough choices made!). Those that made the cut were stored in a single, small photo box as opposed to bulky albums, or shared with family and friends who might appreciate the memories too. 

Items For The Future - Sadly now is the not the time to be thinking ahead in terms of material possessions. I was so tempted (especially during the excited/lonely ramp up to starting my new life) to collect items that I envisioned in our new home, especially when they were in sales and I unquestionably loved them. I learnt quickly though that everything I bought and packed, shoved out something I already loved and owned. So sacrifices had to be made!

Official Documents - Definitely one to think about. Before leaving the UK I was pretty vigilant with contacting all my prior educational institutions and requesting notarized copies of my 'transcripts' (lists of each subject/project I studied, grades and comments etc.) so I would be prepared with something more than just my word, when applying for work in the USA. It goes without saying that all your collected documentation from the Visa process so far should accompany you (preferably after making copies and sitting beside you in your hand luggage). If you can, request medical history print outs from your GP, dentist and optician (especially if you have had any complications of significant work done in the past!). Sometimes they charge but sometimes when they hear you are packing up and heading out the NHS can be quite obliging! I also took some time contacting work colleagues and University tutors to gather up some references - these have proved hand so far in my job search! 

Ways To Downsize Your Relocation Load:

Car Boot Sales/Yard Sales - A flexible way to make some fast cash and move stuff quickly. I would recommend organized second hand sales events, for the simple reason that they pull in the crowds and people arrive driven to buy. You can find times and locations in your local paper. Be ready to reduce your prices at the end of the morning though if your main goal is to shift things! 

Ebay - A great source most of us are familiar with, www.ebay.com or www.ebay.co.uk is suitable for those specialized or higher worth technological items. Make sure you leave yourself sufficient time to end bidding and post your items before your relocation. Also watch out for advertised weekends that encourage free listing - nothing to lose! 

Image: iamstaggered.com

Gifts - Happy memories of an item? See if you can share it with those close to you... one man's trash is another man's treasure and all that! Otherwise you can always donate what you can afford to part with and potentially make someone's day.

Memory Boxes - A great way to set a goal for yourself to reduce down your items of choice. I personally bought a lovely shoe sized keepsake box that fit into a corner of my suitcase, and filled it with small personal items (concert tickets, letters, cards) that I could not bare to part with. I've been saving 'memories' like these since my childhood so I was relieved to find a condensed way to leave nothing behind.

Remember: The basics can always be bought again. The USA has access to so many brands that we in the UK are familiar with, that there really is no need to panic. Just take care of those items that are irreplaceable to you and accept that the rest will come in time, once finances allow. You may even find you rather enjoy all the shopping that follows!

Destination Wedding Checklist... Keeping It Simple From Miles Away

How many guests?... Get calling those potential host hotels and inquiring about reduced rates for booking out the entire guest availability (if it's a smaller establishment). If it's a larger building, how about reduced rates at the in-house restaurant the night before the big day? There is often wiggle room when a large booking is involved.

Ready to commit... Most popular vendors, especially in areas that are familiar with the destination wedding market, book up WAY in advance. Make sure you start your research early, know what you want and are prepared to commit once you find it.

Access to features... Be sure to do your homework on weekday AND weekend accessibility to your florist, make up artist, hair stylist, dry cleaning facility, caterer, entertainment... everyone you need, to get your big day off without a hitch! There are certain circumstances such as with island escapes, where even though they are attached to the mainland via road, there may be a cost incurred each time the bridge is traveled or there may be certain hours and parking permits involved that were otherwise unforeseen!

Image: weddingrugs.com

Public festivals and local celebrations... Check local websites on the area to make sure your big day isn't going to be clashing with the town's own big day! Even if there is a day or two between events, make sure you aren't going to be faced with someone else's clean up duty or a traffic aftermath.

Local vendors... Review sites like  www.weddingwire.com and www.weddingbee.com are a great way to get started on narrowing down the possibilities on wedding vendors at your destination and offer customer reviews as well as professional links and portfolio examples. Also worth exploring are local awards and online news articles from the last year or so, regarding vendors that you are considering. A fab way to get the down low, from the people who know!

Check local restrictions... Whether your intended matrimonial scene be set with freeze dried petals, flickering candles or biodegradable confetti; if it's going to be outside or close to public property check what's considered legal ahead of time. Rarely are exceptions made, so avoid unnecessary havoc and know your rights!

Image: BevsBookBeat

Combine and save... Presumably you are already interested in what the area has to offer and that's why you've chosen it to be the site of a lifelong commitment! Advantages of remaining around your chosen destination for your honeymoon are plentiful; opportunities for extended stay discounts at hotels in the area, less travel time and expenses and not to mention the upgrades you could enable yourselves to afford due to staying put! If you like the lavish in life and don't care to move around too much, this is definitely an option to consider.

Know the area... Once you arrive at the your destination, a test drive is a great idea to fill you in on routes and potential hold ups on your way to your vendors & ceremony site. We didn't realize until we arrived at our own site that we would have to pay each time we crossed the bridge to our secluded island hotel, so gathering up that information in advance is a definite stress busting plus!