In an attempt to broaden my cooking and baking knowledge in 2012 as part of my resolutions, I have decided to attempt to try to learn a recipe a month.  For January, I decided to beat the winter blues by creating a cupcake filled with citrus zest and a delish topping…enter in the the Lemon Meringue cupcake.

This cupcake was a two-process from creating the batter from stratch to a lemon curd (the filling in the cupcake) plus a the meringue topping.  I will say that everything was clipping right along in this cupcake making process until I made the meringue.  Now the directions were fairly scary, including creating a simple sugar syrup then pouring into a egg white mixture without touching the grease free bowl or mixer.   I turned my back for about 10 seconds a low and behold the syrup was burnt.  When I added it to the egg white mixture,  it created sugar crystals…. wrong for this recipe.   Round One: The simple syrup won. I thought I would roll with the punches here, I added the meringue to the cupcakes to be broiled for a perfect tint.  I began doing the dishes and got fairly distracted (I do this when I am in the kitchen…) and low and behold (again) the topping on the cupcakes, well burned.  Awesome.  Just awesome.   Round Two: Meringue won.

From that moment I removed the meringue topping and started all over. This time, I won and took on this recipe with flying colors. Yes please, thank you very much.   Just in time for yesterday’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor.  Perfection.

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes!

Next up?  Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes.  Yummy!

PS- In case you are wondering, my current read is The Paris Wife by Paula McLain.  I am at 25% (thank you Kindle) and really enjoying it.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Well, in an effort to keep my personal promises (both to myself and to the lovely blog readers out there) I have decided to post how I am doing in my 2012 “resolutions/goals“:

First, I have completed my first read of 2012 which was goal #1.  The title of this novel is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.  And from a scale of 1 to 10, it was easily a 8.5.  This book was filled with magic, imagination and plenty of mystery.  The author painted a rich tapestry of a divine world, that you never wanted to have end.  Simply stated, it was delicious… especially with all of the cold, wet winter outside my window.   If you are looking for a new read, I would 100% recommend this book!

My reading goal has been expedited by another goal: to keep on movin.  You see when I hit the gym, I love reading my Kindle.  It makes the time on the elliptical machine literally fly on by.   I am sticking to burning calories, getting in shape…with the overall goal of May 26th in the forefront of my mind.

As for the cupcakes, I am going to attempt a new recipe at some point this weekend…. I will be sure to keep you all posted on my success or failure.

Kate Spade, Shelby

Well, I have to share very exciting news my wonderful blog readers!  There is one bridal detail that I have been nervous about: wedding shoes.  As many of you know, I am particular about shoes… with love for all things beautiful, fab and high. Last weekend, I was able to make it to the Seattle Premium Outlets (outside of Everett) with my wonderful Maid of Honor, Kim.

After avoiding rain and popping into a store here and here, we visited the Kate Spade Outlet store, and just by chance I found my beautiful and fabulous wedding shoes!!  Now only are these shoes filled with a bright jewel color (they look pink here, but under “normal” lights look closer to a purple)….they also have a bit of bling.  Yes please.  Even better?  The price… the retail price for these shoes is $325.  I only paid $65.  Can you say AMAZING deal?

As for the visa application, things are plugging along and we are anticipating an answer in a few weeks, probably early March.

As for welcoming 2012 with resolutions…things are clipping along.  I’ll be sure to share my updates with you all in the next day or two.

My visa to the United Kingdom is now officially underway.  Last week, when Neal was still here we began the visa application for my fiance visa to the United Kingdom.  Many people have asked about the different steps and the overall process…. well, here is the steps we have taken so far.  (By the way, this in no way is meant to serve as advice for completing any visa to the UK.)

1. Completed online application, through visa4UK.com 
2. When to a biometrics appointment, where I had my fingerprints taken plus a photo.
3. After the biometrics appointment, we had two weeks to pull together all of our supporting documents for my visa.   The requirements including evidence  that we have met (e-mails, telephone records, airline tickets), evidence of accommodations, evidence of funds, etc.   For good measure, I included a wedding invitation and a save the date (to prove we really are getting married).  I also had to include my passport (eek!) and a new passport photo…
4. I checked everything once, twice….even three times to make sure everything was in order and accounted for.  I was so nervous that something would be wrong, and I would really have no one to blame but myself.
5. After I was fully satisfied that the package was complete, I headed up to FedEx Kinkos to ship that bad boy off to NYC.  After spending $35 for 2-Day AM shipping, I was left with a tracking number and my fingers crossed.

Visa Application Materials

Today, I received the following e-mail from the UK British Consulate in New York:

The package containing your UK visa application has been opened and your supporting documents organized in preparation for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer.

The current (estimated) wait time for a settlement visa (which is the class I am applying for) is five days.  This time next week I could know if my visa is approved or not.  Fingers crossed!!  I am hoping that I get extra credit points for being super organized!

Neal and I on NYE!

Very rarely as humans do we actually know when we are on the verge of something life changing.  When the calendar flipped over 2012, I knew that I was on the edge of a fantastic year filled with life changing  moments.  With that, it’s tough to not make resolutions for this big…big year.  As a blogger, it is a bit daunting to put my resolutions into the big wide world, now you all can hold me accountable.

I’ve picked five resolutions, that are simple and I hope fairly achievable.

First, I am hoping to conquer my “to-read” list.  I’ve had my Kindle for a year, and I keep downloading samples, without knowing where to start next.  This year, I am hoping to commit to tackle at least one read a month.

My second resolution is to remember to sparkle on a daily basis.  From accessories to “pep in my step”, to complimenting others I hope to carry a sparkling and effervescent spirit into 2012.

My third resolution is to add more recipes into my knowledge bank, especially cupcakes.  (Which are always a fun addition to any party or special occasion!)

I love this next resolution: to Keep on Dancin’.  You see,  Neal and I were literally dancing the minute the clock struck midnight welcoming in 2012.  I want to keep that energy and movement  going throughout the year.  From working out (to offset the cupcakes) to dancing with Neal throughout the year, I love the idea of keeping those feet moving in 2012.

The final resolution here is the king of them all to welcome changes with grace and open arms.  As I mentioned in the beginning of this post,  2012 represents plenty of life changes which I need to embrace, handle with grace and a bit of that sparkle.  From getting married (just 142 days!) to (hopefully) moving to the United Kingdom this year will be filled with milestone moments that can create stress but what a fantastic adventure!

I am excited to take on these resolutions and yes, it goes without saying I will be updating you as the year progresses.

Happy New Year all!

Neal is on his way back to the United Kingdom, on his first flight from Spokane to Seattle… then onto London then ending at Manchester.   It’s another 20 hours for Neal to get back to Manchester, making it another long travel day for him.  This time his departure flight was later in the afternoon, which was nice.  We woke up had breakfast and watched two episodes of Stephen Fry in America.  We headed out to the airport, where I had misty eyes (as always).  Then, as we were walking through the airport I saw a mom saying goodbye to her military son.  That hit me like a ton of bricks…. in my head I had to keep telling myself, “Suck it up. Suck it up Belinda.” And that is just what I am trying to do.

Needless to say, Neal’s time in the US was fantastic as always.  I apologize for my lack of blogging…. but sometimes it seems so silly to blog about Neal when he is sitting on the couch next to me.   So, now for an update.

This trip was filled with time in Seattle with friends and family and yummy eats.   I tried my first Indian cuisine (surprisingly sweet and delish), had massive burritos, made traditional British eats (like yorkshire pudding, welsh cakes and trifle for Christmas dessert.), and tested cupcake recipes.   Yes, Neal’s two week trip was filled with more than enough food, causing me to begin working out ASAP.

I will say, the trifle was one major accomplishment.  It is a layer dessert typically made with Jello (or known as jelly in the UK) with whipped cream and custard.  I was incredibly nervous as this dessert was the finale of Christmas dinner.  I wasn’t sure if it would be right, if Neal would approve or if anyone would even enjoy it.  Surprisingly enough it was fantastic.  Woo-hoo!

Homemade Christmas Trifle

I’ll post later this week about NYE celebrations, resolutions, visa application, wedding updates and more….

Until the next post, here is a photo a Neal tackling his massive burrito:

Neal and his massive burrito

and I will be greeting Neal at Sea-Tac International Airport (but who is counting, right?)  This year has been filled with airport moments between Neal and I, and I am happy to say that this is the last of 2011.  Of course, the greeting airport moment is always better than the goodbye (which will happen on January 2).  And maybe because it’s Christmas…and maybe it’s because I am a sap this time of year, but I am thinking about Love Actually Opening Scene.  It is literally running through my head, and I know it will until I see Neal on Friday.

People ask me how we handle an airport greeting.  My answer?  Carefully.  For a few reasons… first, Neal is typically tired beyond belief.  And although he is excited to see me, I also know he is exhausted.  (From when he leaves his home to arriving, can take about 24 hours.  Talk about a killer commute.) Secondly.  Neal typically hasn’t shaved in more than the normal “five hour” shadow and let’s be honest kissing a scruffy cheek can hurt!  Also, no matter how much Neal and I are excited together once again there is always a bit of nerves in being together once again.  This wears off in about 20 minutes, and then it’s like we have never been apart!

So, just two more full days at work… then off to the airport!  I can hardly wait until he is by my side again!

I just had to include this Welcome Back video at the arrivals gate at Heathrow.  Although I won’t be singing and dancing, I can’t wait to welcome Neal back to the states.

Will be very, very, very busy.

From a friend coming into town to go to a Gonzaga basketball game to holiday shopping to a crazy work schedule…. EEK! Oh, and did I mention that Neal will be here next Friday, Dec. 16th?  To make it even more epic and movie like, we will be meeting at the Sea-Tac International airport.  Enter movie theme music as we meet at the baggage claim.  Ahhhh… what a nice moment, right? (I keep thinking about the opening scene of Love Actually.)

From our airport greeting, we will be zipping around here and there enjoying the holidays with friends and family.  At some point, Neal and I will begin my visa application for the big expat move to the UK.  Just thinking about how intense the next two weeks will be is only quelled by the fact that Neal will be by my side.

So, my focus for the next seven days will be quite literally to stay focused. Exciting…exciting!

Sometimes the conversations that Neal and I have just make me laugh. Between cultural differences, accents and time difference our conversations can stray fairly quickly.  The one yesterday is no exception.

I mentioned to Neal that I added a few names to the list, who I knew wouldn’t be arriving but thought it would be nice to send them an invitation.  Neal replied, “Um… okay.  Who exactly are you talking about?”

“The President and First Lady to be exact,” I replied.  “Of the United States.”   I then went on to explain that I recently learned that if you send a letter of the President, you receive a congratulatory card.  I figured that would be worth the price of the stamp, right?

The next two names would be receiving a wedding invitation was none other than Mickey and Minnie Mouse.  When I explained that when you send your invitation to that couple, they reply with a customized photo.  Neal’s enthusiastic reply, “Belinda, you know that Mickey and Minnie are not real, right?”

Silence.

After moments passed I simply replied by saying, “Neal, why are you a fun hater?”  Leading both of us to laugh a bit, knowing that nothing could be further from the truth.

The conversation then ebbed and flowed and landed on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  (We got there by thinking of inviting Her Majesty and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the wedding.)   Neal told me that as part of the Jubilee, celebrating Her Majesty’s reign for 60 years, a town will be granted city status.  He went on to explain that his town of Wrexham applied for a new status from town to city earlier this year. The Queen will make the formal proclamation at some point during the year.

The interesting part?   The Queen is the only one who can change the status of a town to a city.  I asked Neal if his town exploded into a population of 5 million if the  status would go from town to city. His quick reply, “No.  The Queen is the only one who can make that change.” Hmmm…. interesting.

The twists and turns of that conversation isn’t odd for Neal and I.  We start talking about inviting Mickey and Minnie Mouse to the wedding and ending talking about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  All in a normal conversation with Neal.

Last night, I had a phone chat with a college friend who had a hint of concern in her voice.

“Uh…Belinda.  Are you alive?  You haven’t been blogging for a while.”

Yes, my friends near and far, I am in fact alive. We all know how life gets away from us, how work fills more than 40 hours and then the holiday season has officially kicked off.  And  I love my blogging, but sometimes it’s exhausting being creative, insightful and thoughtful with musings on a daily basis.  For my lack, I sincerely apologize.  You visit my blog to join in my life from work to wedding planning to being in love with a Brit, and when I lack a post I feel like I have failed you. I’ll try to set aside more time to dedicate to this beloved blog because that is what my lovely readers deserve!

Last Saturday marked the 6 month mark until the wedding day for Neal and I.   And, like many brides, I simply cannot wait.  I can’t wait until I get to be with him each and every single day without distance or time apart from one another.   The wedding for me is the beginning of many, many tomrrows that I just cannot wait to get underway.

Neal will be arriving in Seattle on Dec. 16th to spend the holidays with me and my family.  I am excited to share this time with him.

Be watching the blog for holiday updates, fun and everything in between.

Cheers & Wishes,

Belinda