STYLE TALK
Naja
POSTED: Fri, 01/21/2011 - 7:28am
To our american friends: tell us more about the States you live in!
The fact that we live in a global village doesn't mean that here in Europe (where many of us come from) we know everything about the US of A. As I understand it, each State presents a different culture and I'm sure there are lots of different aspects that are not known or easily distinguished by a foreigner. Why don't you share with the rest of us a more detailed view of each (or as many as possible) States? I'd be glad to learn something new, outside the stereotypes! Thank you in advance, les amies!MIREILLE'S CALENDAR
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NutritionistaJu...
POSTED: Sun, 05/13/2012 - 7:04pm
I must be a French woman in a wrong place
I've studied nutrition (and have a degree in it) so I was happy to come across this. I was laughing when reading the aspects of this book because I already do most of them. Unfortunately, I noticed the weight I put on when I moved to the suburbs of Atlanta, GA. I grew up in Illinois and walked everywhere! In fact, I haven't owned a car in 10+ years!!! I thought moving to a warmer climate would give me even more reason (and more days out of the year) to walk. But, the lack of sidewalks, the distance between everything, the dangers of aggressive drivers, and lack of decent public transportation has hindered my physical activity, no doubt! How are those of you in the same situation coping with that? As for the state, our rate of obesity and related conditions are high. Far too many people here don't walk or exercise enough, there are too many places where you have an overload of food choices or are in a food desert, and "everything is better fried" but not healthier. There is much improvement to be made here! I felt healthier when I lived in Illinois but am welcoming the challenge as it gives me room to grow both personally and professionally.jracus
POSTED: Mon, 05/14/2012 - 1:11am
another southern belle
hello! Another southern belle here! I'm from Nashvilele but grew up in Ky. I thankfully got to move to the uk where I live now and walk most places but when I lived in ky I always took walks in my beautiful park (a habit I started as a child as I loved walking then)and when I was in college I continued those daily walks even avoiding what we dubbed "the loser cruiser" shuttle that took lazy people to class up the hill who couldnt be bothered to walk up it (which i did everyday, even in high heels once!) I think that helped me tremendously just being constantly physically active. The eating was a challenge b/c of the fast food way of life that started creeping in right before I married but thankfully I'm much better now. Dont get discourged and lose heart. Just coming here and sharing with us tell us you are one of us and you want changes. I know you can do it :) We are all behind you!! :DKimberly
POSTED: Sun, 05/13/2012 - 8:24pm
I am also a southerner....
Alabama is high in obesity. I agree that these states do not focus on walking and/or biking. I have to drive everywhere to go to the store, the post office, etc. But I also live a bit in the country so I try to get outdoors and work in my yard as much as possible. This year I am growing a vegetable garden. That keeps me busy. I like to take strolls around the area I live in. I also like to do yoga and I just started some exercise dvds I haven't used in a while. As for food, I don't eat a lot of fried anything. Also I hope growing the veggies will be good for eating more veggies on a regular basis.Celtic Owl
POSTED: Fri, 06/17/2011 - 5:27pm
Rhode Island
I am a true new englander, frugal, always preparing for bad weather, and crazy about cold/cool/warm weather, and complain about the slightest humidity. Being in southern ne gives me weather similar to NY/NJ. I live in the ocean state. There is lots of ocean, life is determined by the sea and weather. It is wonderful. Good thing I like fish, fresh air and the sound of fog horns. We are a crowded state, not only the smallest but no one is willing to move away! The town Bristol has over 200 years for the independence day parade. 1/2 million people show up to watch it. I lived there for several years and went on vacation every year then. I now live (rental duplex) where I can see the bay through the small state park, right from my windows.Marilyn
POSTED: Sat, 06/18/2011 - 5:56am
Ooooh
Lucky you to live within sight of the ocean. I live surrounded by mountains in N England and am not entirely enamoured by it (I have been trying to get my Cumbrian husband to move for nearly 32 years!!!!). Admittedly the area is beautiful but to one born in Lincolnshire, one of the flattest counties in the UK, not one of the best places to be. A move to the sea is on my bucket list!!!!!jracus
POSTED: Sun, 06/12/2011 - 4:51pm
I'm a newby : )
Hello!! I'm new in here but thought maybe this was a good place to put my first post as I'm American. Although I now reside in England (w/my lovely english husband), I was born in Nashville,Tennesee but raised in western Kentucky. Its hard to say which one is really my state b/c I consider them both to be my "states." Both states are known for their own individual qualities like Ky is known for its thoroughbreds & of course a certain "brand" of chicken while Ten. is better known for its whiskey. Both states I'd say are known for their southern hospitality, their willingness to help others (Ten. is known as the "volunteer" state) and their southern cooking. One thing that stands out in my mind about my town in Ky is the amount of respect still shown when a funeral procession passes by. When one does pass by, everyone in their cars will stop and wait until the entire procession has passed. I dont know many other places personally that do that. Any further questions and I'll gladly answer. I hope this was ok for a first post. :)samanthajanetolly
POSTED: Wed, 06/15/2011 - 12:04pm
Newby too from Tennessee
Hello! I am from Tennessee. My name is Samantha and I am twenty two years old. This is my first post too. It is true you don't find better southern hospitality than from TN and KY. We say please, thank you ma'am, and wave hello to strangers. We still do show respect during funeral processions. I find it amazing that you moved to England I have always wanted to see the UK. I do hope that this is an ok post. It is a first and I have never done this before. :)jracus
POSTED: Thu, 06/16/2011 - 3:00pm
hey there!! Its so nice to
hey there!! Its so nice to see one of my fellow southern belles in here :) Your first post is just fine!! The best way we can get started is just to take a plunge. now that we've both got our first one done I suppose it'll be easier now. Its always hard to know what to say when you do something like this for the first time. England is beautiful and you should definately make a visit. There are so many beautiful things its hard to describe them all as I'm still discovering them for myself. :)samanthajanetolly
POSTED: Sun, 06/19/2011 - 5:37pm
Thank you...I was very
Thank you...I was very nervous about posting but it made it easier knowing there was another southern belle on here :)I hope that one day I while make it to the UK:)bren67
POSTED: Sun, 05/13/2012 - 7:31pm
I am also a southern belle...
From the state of Kentucky! I do love everything thats from kentucky,like the derby,fried chicken,fried green tomatoes... My son and family live in Nashville tn,i go there alot! BrenNaja
POSTED: Thu, 06/16/2011 - 3:59am
Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to the both of you, southern girls!!! I always thought that TN and KY were a country apart from the rest of the States because of their special traditions, food, even language. Am I right? I really loved your posts and now I want to travel there ASAP!!!bren67
POSTED: Sun, 05/13/2012 - 7:35pm
Its beautiful in Tn and Ky.
Living here with all the so called blue/grass,and hills and valleys,Ten with the beautiful mountians and shanondoha valley,is breath taking..love both of them,since my ancestors came from tn and moved into ky.. Brensamanthajanetolly
POSTED: Sun, 06/19/2011 - 5:47pm
Thank you! You should travel
Thank you! You should travel to TN and KY we have good home cooking, manners, and southern lingo. TN has three grand divisions: the Eastern part in which I live which is mountanious, the middle TN which has rolling hills, and the western part which is flat and boarders the Mississippi River. It is hard to think of everything, but I highly recommend Nashville and Memphis which is where Elvis Presely lived.Marilyn
POSTED: Sun, 06/12/2011 - 5:36pm
Welcome jracus to the site and the UK
Glad to hear you are settled in the UK courtesy of your OH. Where abouts are you? Both of those US states sound wonderful and hospitable. Looking forward to hearing more from you.jracus
POSTED: Thu, 06/16/2011 - 3:06pm
Thank you for the lovely
Thank you for the lovely welcome!! My husband and I are right in the heart of england. We're in Coventry, home of lady Godiva. I love so much discovering new things about this place and I just adore the countryside. My husband is from the west country (from the city of Bath) and we love to go hiking so I've been very fortunate to see the natural beauty of this island. And I must admit, ever since I read Mierielles' books, I find I'm enjoying british strawberries better than ever!! Mmmmmm!! :DVintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 06/12/2011 - 5:20pm
Helo and welcome
Delighted you have joined us.Thanks for the description of your States.And please tell us more about England.JeanChristineE
POSTED: Mon, 06/06/2011 - 10:27am
New Jersey
I realize certain reality shows have done nothing to improve the image of a woman from New Jersey, but I will endeavor to change your minds about what life is like in the garden state! After church yesterday, husband and I had a wonderful afternoon at the LPGA. Beautiful, breezy weather and great golf on a gorgeous resort course combined for a perfect afternoon, capped off with a delicious meal. Of course I ate only half and brought the other half home. Smaller portions is what we are currently working on!Naja
POSTED: Tue, 06/07/2011 - 6:24am
So, NJ, huh?
Well, the only thing I know about New Jersey is that it is a breath away from NYC and that when one of the Sex and the City girls had to go there with her newly founded family she hated it because it seemed to her that it would be too peaceful for her likes. I think she changed her mind later on since she could raise her child better over there and at a smaller cost. So, 2 questions for you: what is LPGA? And: any other highlights of New Jersey, for us european sisters?ChristineE
POSTED: Wed, 06/08/2011 - 3:53pm
More about NJ
The LPGA is the Ladies Professional Golf Association. Tournaments are held around the country all season. This one happens to be in our backyard, so we like to take advantage and check it out. Other highlights would include Cape May, casinos at Atlantic City, boardwalk in Ocean City, Appel Farms (music and the like), wineries/wine tastings, lighthouse tours, AJ Meerwald (tall ship you can sail on)...I could go on and on, but the best thing NJ has going for it is location! We went to Washington DC for Memorial Day weekend, Philadelphia for a Phillies baseball game, picnic breakfast on the beach-all in a week! New York City is a mere 2 1/2 hours north. Come winter we can look at the ocean over breakfast and be skiing by lunchtime. Stop in Philadelphia for a great dinner and be home for the 11pm news!Celtic Owl
POSTED: Fri, 06/17/2011 - 5:12pm
well said
I lived in NJ for 18years, with Dad's job transfer, we moved to Hillsborough. I moved to Flemington, and lived on a Christmas tree farm in Pittstown (it was formerly a quaker village). I then lived in WhiteHouse, where I worked on a Hunter-Jumper Horse Farm. Beautiful country! I also occasionally went to Philly for a lovely dinner. Thaks for the great rememberies.Naja
POSTED: Thu, 06/16/2011 - 3:56am
Excellent!!!
Especially the distance from sea-mountain!!! Now I've got NJ on my list too! You girls do not make it easier for my budget...ChristineE
POSTED: Fri, 06/17/2011 - 12:49pm
Europeans in the States
When we've been in Europe and have had the pleasure of talking with locals, we have found they always want to visit the South, Southwest and West Coast. They told us the East is too much like Europe with it's architecture. Have you heard that?coco1960
POSTED: Sat, 06/04/2011 - 10:58am
Syracuse, New York
I was born and raised in Upstate New York. Syracuse is right in the center of the state. Our Finger Lakes are known for their wine tours and I do believe my city was voted the Festival Capital. This weekend we have The Taste Of Syracuse with $1.00 samples of food, three stages of live music..Gregg Allman plays tonight and yes I will be there lusting after him!! (The man has been married 6 times!!!). We have 2 Jazz festivals, 2 Blues Festivals, Arts and Crafts of Downtown, Polish, Italian, Greek, October Fest, The Westcott Street Fair, and several other small ones in addition to the State Fair!!! Life in Cental New York is good!! xo MJMarilyn
POSTED: Mon, 06/06/2011 - 4:44pm
Finger Lakes
We have a book of beautiful photographs of the American Finger Lakes that one of our American Exchange Students from that area gave us as a gift. I will have to reread and imagine where you live.coco1960
POSTED: Tue, 06/07/2011 - 7:29pm
Finger Lakes Part 2
Marilyn ..your book sounds lovely. I am very luck to live in CNY (Central New York). There is a strong movement in buying local and supporting local. So much to discover!!! xo MJNaja
POSTED: Mon, 06/06/2011 - 10:09am
OMG!!!
I don't know why I haven't seen this post sooner! I 've always been so curious about this city with the name of another city I love and that's so close to me: Syracuse in Magna Grecia, Italy!!! Thank you for sharing, coco!!!coco1960
POSTED: Tue, 06/07/2011 - 7:26pm
Naja...
I think I have heard about our sister city in Italy!!! We celebrate Christopher Columbus , we have Columbus Circle in downtown Syracuse (fountain, a Cathedral, a statue of the great explorer and a wonderful Arts and Crafts show every summer!!). We also have a Columbus Bakery where people wait in line on Sunday mornings for fresh hot bread!!!! It is a wonderful city!! xo CocoNaja
POSTED: Wed, 06/08/2011 - 4:57am
coco...
Columbus is also celebrated in Barcelona (great spot for their statue, right next to the sea - check it out). Suracuse in the south of Italy is a peaceful old town that has a "je ne sais quoi", a mysterious atmosphere that makes you want to go back there. They also have a beautiful ancient theatre. The city was founded by the ancient greeks and has a rich history. Why don't you check your sister city in Wiki? Here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Sicily . Your Syracuse is on my go-to list now, thanks to you!!!coco1960
POSTED: Wed, 06/08/2011 - 7:14pm
Merci Naja!!!
I checked out the link on Syracuse. And I found out that St. Lucy is the patron saint of Syracuse. I thought this was a great piece of information since I went to St. Lucy's for my grammar and junior high school education. Thank you again. xo Cocojennrose
POSTED: Thu, 06/02/2011 - 12:12pm
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Though I was raised a city girl in south-west Detroit, I fled congestion to Michigan's Upper Peninsula when I was 18 and knew I'd found a home. Even in a busy college town, I fell in love with the forests and Lake Superior's many moods. Sometimes the lake is as calm and clear as glass; others it is furious and hungry, slamming against sandy shores or towering cliffs. Some would find the small towns of the U.P. bleak and lonely, but I feel a sense of community here that I never felt in the city. I go to the stores and often meet friends who check in regularly to see how my family and I are. Even on the trails, I often meet familiar faces. It's definitely not a place of great affluency, in fact many residents are impoverished, but you can stretch a limited salary make your life very enjoyable, even in the long, cold winters. I hope this gives some insight into another microculture of Michigan.