Interview with Expats Blog

I was recently interviewed by Expat Blogs; a hub of expat blogs all in one place.

It was fun!

I hope you'll head on over and check it out!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think. 

Then have a look around at other expat blogs around the world. 

Enjoy!

Recipe:: Snickerdoodles

I love a good soft cookie don't you? Especially when the weather has turned cold and rainy. It is time to get baking to warm up the house. I love this recipe because it is so simple. It is easy to just whip up a batch and have them ready to serve in no time. Sebastian wasn't keen on waiting too long. We munched on these all afternoon. 

Snickerdoodles

1 cup Crisco

1 1/2 cups Sugar

2 eggs

2 3/4 cups Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

1 tsp Baking Soda

2 tsp Cream of Tarter

+

cream together Crisco, Sugar, Eggs

Add Flour mixture

Roll into balls, drop in cinnamon sugar

Bake at 325 F for 8-12 minutes

+

Enjoy!

Here On a One Way Ticket

A few months before Christmas I received an email from BBC Radio Scotland. I immediately thought it was spam and went to delete it. But, then what kind of scam would want an interview with me for a radio program? The email address was legit so I emailed back.

After we exchanged a few emails back and forth I received a call from BBC Radio Producer, Phil. We had several conversations over the coming weeks. I actually loved telling my story to someone who wanted to hear it. He had wonderful questions and wanted details to experiences I'd not ever thought to share. When he found out that LD was also an expat--well, he was thrilled!

On my birthday {January 7th} my little apartment was filled with presenter Jennifer Tracey, Phil the producer and a sound person. A mini radio station right in my own flat. We sat together and had a chat. Jennifer quoted my blog and asked me questions that got me teary eyed. Sebastian watched a movie in the other room {which was a huge help}. They brought me chocolates and we were sad to see them go. If I ever have to chance to do it again, I would. In a heartbeat! It will be a special memory for us.

BBC Radio Scotland is currently doing a program entitled 'Here On a One Way Ticket' and are talking to expats from around the world who have chosen to make Scotland their home. There are a variety of reason why we've all come. BBC Radio Scotland  has given us the opportunity to share our stories. Our story is being shared today.

If you are interested, have a listen! Tell me what you think.

I think my voice sounds funny and I'm not sure what to think about it. This is our story!

{click the picture to take you to the radio interview}

A special Thank You to presenter Jennifer Tracey and Producer Phil Sime for taking an interest in our story and for all their hard work and help sharing it.

Mary

Recipe:: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

LD found me a few cans of Pumpkin over the holiday's and I've been saving them to make something good. When Sebastian and I woke this morning it was snowing! I was just dying for a nice warm muffin. What better than Pumpkin Chocolate Chip?!?!

Sebastian literally shoved them in his mouth. I admit, so did I!

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Oven Temp:: 400 degrees
Bake time:: 16-20 min

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 {16 oz} can pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil {yes, that much!}

3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking power
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips {I prefer the mini ones!}

Directions::

01. In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla and oil until smooth.

02. Mix dry ingredients together and mix into pumpkin mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.

03. Fill greased or paper lined cups 3.4 full.

04. Bake at 400 F for 16-20 min

Christmas at George Square

It just isn't Christmas until we've been to George Square I tell you. So we went. And it was glorious!

There was an international market this year with food and crafts from all around the world. It smelled amazing. We had a hard time choosing what to eat! I ate the best German Sausage on sourdough bread I've ever had in my life. LD had a chorizo sausage on french bread. We grabbed an assortment of Italian cannoli and a cone of churros drizzled in nutella and off we went to see the big tree. 

The temperature wasn't bad {about 41 degree's} and it wasn't raining. It was the perfect time to go! The streets were a mass of people. It was crazy how many were out shopping. We couldn't go a few steps without seeing some street performers. All ages and different kinds of acts. It was totally festive. 

Once we got to George Square Sebastian wanted out of his stroller. I don't blame him! there were lights and rides! Ice skaters and a giant Christmas Tree! They even had a kids Christmas train giving free rides! Sebastian was too small to ride himself and they wouldn't let an adult ride with him. He was heart broken. The tears were epic. I felt for him. He should have been allowed to go. The other parents even wanted him to go. Poor thing. 

It feels like Christmas now. We had a great day and George Square has always been our Christmas kickoff. 

Our Christmas Tree

{I need to do something with my mantle}

We have a special story about our tiny Christmas tree that we got our first year of marriage. We've retired the tree sadly. Only because the legs got lost in our last move. It was a sad day. I might try to fix it up into a pot or something next year. I miss it!

So, we needed a new tree. We are now the proud owners of a space saver tree. It is...thinner. We love it! It is exactly my height {5 ft 7 in} and Sebastian loves to take the ornaments off to inspect them. I don't mind. We usually play with a few of them before he tries to put them back on by throwing the ornament at the branch he wants it to go on. This of course doesn't work. So I help him put it back on. I think he has a collection of ornaments somewhere because I'm missing a few. I'm sure they are with his pacifiers and all the batteries from the remotes, and his first pair of shoes. I've yet to find this "secret spot" but I'm on the hunt.

My Mom sends a new ornament every year {since we got married}. Now she sends one for Sebastian too. This way when he graduates from college or gets married he has his very own stash of ornaments for his family tree. This year she sent us a little Scottish girl ornament and Sebastian got a Police Car that says "Hey sneeky McPeeky Pants! Back away from the presents" when he gets too close to the tree. He loves it and plays with it every day. I'm glad there is an off switch. But, it sure is cute!

My Mom also made our stockings, tree skirt, and table runner for my Christmas gift this year! She did a great job and it really makes everything feel more festive. My step grandmother Joan gave my Mom a table cloth and place mats of her mother's when she passed away. My Mom put them in the wash and shrank them by accident. She's kept them all these years because she couldn't part with such a beautiful heirloom even though they would never fit a table. She made my table runner out of it! I'm so glad it is getting used and I have a piece of family with me during the holiday's.

I love Christmas tree's! What does your tree look like? Put a link in the comments, email me, or tweet me {@SweetBookshelf} a picture!