The little things I say...

I hope everyone enjoyed their St. Patrick's Day or Paddy's Day as one can call it. I know, I did, quite enjoyed it as I spent the entire night drinking and laughing with an amazing Irish guy. Drinking Guinness after Guinness, laughing at almost everything, and coming home later than expected. Photos were taken (no recollections of the photos), and well my knee got messed up, welcome to me world... 





Since St. Patrick's Day is over, I shall keep the little Irish still in me to share a few more things... To be more precise, the little things I say...




So let's start by saying...

As a non-American, I do say things that many of my surroundings either don't understand or simply find it bizarre. I blame the Irish side of me a lot, but since I do have friends back in Europe, I pick up on certain saying. Ever since I lived in California, it's been difficult to stop saying a few phrases, words just to be "normal". Whatever "normal" means to Californians... I don't want to say EVERY American don't say the following phrases, cards.

I. Chewing Gum
Gum like Americans say! I say chewing gum, and for everyone else it's odd.

II. Taking a piss or taking the piss
"Are you serious right now?" or "Are you joking?", I personally don't use it as much as I used to, people were too annoyed to even continue. A few of my friends back home still say it when I have them on the phone and trust me... I'll end up saying it right after!

 III. Bollocks
Just another way to say "balls" but we usually say it to say "total bullshit". Go figure, it's obvious that I would say it... I found it funny!

IV. Bugger off
Just another way to say "Fuck off"... In a good, respective way. Whenever I say it, it'll come out when I had a few drinks. But you'll hear an Irish person say "Feck off" a lot more at least from what I've heard from my own experience.

V. Fancy
I've heard a few people say it, but it's rare, very rare. I came across an Irish lass from Dublin at a bar, and she asked me "Do you fancy him?", talking about my friend who was bartending. And my friends from London do say it quite plenty enough to make it stuck in your head for days.

VI. Bob
I first heard my friend from Ireland say it, and even if I was kind of confused, I managed to understand she meant money, cash... Not very common for me to say it, but I used to and people thought I was calling them "Bob". Sad but true...

VII. Fag
Alright, in the States, it seems like we use the word "fag" to describe a person's sexuality being "homosexual", while I heard my friends use it to just say "cigarette". The American English use the word as an insult while we just use it for a cigarette. Good thing I don't smoke and rarely use the word in front of people or else I would get more haters than I already have.

VIII. Wanker
This is actually more common than I thought. Thank you to British people, the word "Wanker" which means fool, is used throughout bars. I heard this word being used by British people around town. And to be fairly honest, I use it on occasion. Like on Paddy's Day, the number of wankers which came out of bars, or get kicked out... I don't know how many times I used "wankers".

To be fairly honest, my English switched off to a more "American" English, and despite, the little things I still use, I have, indeed, lost a lot of my English. The one with "Bloody hell" or "Piss off"...
But... Reading more novels from British, Scottish or Irish writers will eventually make my English back on track!

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart." - Nelson Mandela

~Bella

Tea? You ask...

Not too long ago, in the store I work at, a new book arrived called, "Tea is always good tea".

As a European, I drink lots of tea and that's throughout the day. Despite being Irish as well, I don't add any sugar, nor milk, nor cream. No honey, nothing adding in the tea... You may think I'm insane to drink straight black tea, but I was raised on tea, it's how it's always been.

When I saw the book, I just need to have it!
A short background on what tea is it refers, usually, to the beverage made by steeping the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water. People usually think of British when talking about tea. Not entirely wrong, British people do drink a lot of tea themselves...

Here are some interesting facts from my little book.

"Loose Leaf:
'Loose leaf' refers to whole or broken tea leaves that do not come in tea bags, requiring you to measure leaves for each brew. Generally, of a higher quality than bag tea, loose-leaf tea calls for steeping tools to separate the leaves post-brew.

Pros:                                                                                               Cons:

-Available in a wide selection of teas                                            - Generally more expensive
-Yields more nuanced flavors and                                                  -Disposing of wet leaves can be
aromas                                                                                             inconvenient and messy
-Allows you to control the ratio of
leaves to water

You can dry high-quality whole leaves after use and re-step them several times.

Tea Bags:
Tea bags contain small, chopped pieces of tea leaves in a packet or sachet. Most tea bags containing black tea have been processed using the mechanical CTC (crush, tear, curl) method.
Pros:                                                                                               Cons: 
- Quick brewing time with strong                                                  - Lower quality of flavor
flavor                                                                                              - Loses freshness quickly
-Simple to store, transport, and                                                      - More likely to become bitter
dispose of the leaves
-Easy to brew one cup at a time

Don't squeeze a tea bag at the end of a brew! This release bitter tannins into the tea." 

I personally use tea bags, easy to brew, fast enough for me when I'm in a rush which is more common than you may think. I have nothing against loose leaves, the only little issue I keep bumping into is the mess as well as taking longer to make by a few minutes.

"Storage:
Tips for quality and longevity

KEEP IT DRY AND SEALED
To preserve flavor and aroma, store your tea in an airtight container. Be wary of storing fragrant items nearby, as they might taint a tea's aroma.

KEEP IT DARK
Tea leaves are sensitive to light, so store them in dark containers. If using glass jars, store them in a dark cupboard. 

KEEP IT COOL
Heat can damage a tea's flavor and aroma. Store your tea leaves at room temperature- or slightly cooler."

My tea isn't kept in a special storage, to be honest, I don't have much space to put them, too much of it, so I keep the bags inside their boxes in my cabinet. Dark and cool enough to keep everything under control. Now, when I think of my future place, my little comfort home, I will have jars full of either loose tea or bags. Cause being Irish isn't always about drinking Guinness... Tea is also very important. 

"OCCASIONS FOR TEA

Wake up:
The caffeine in tea makes it an ideal morning beverage.
Relax: 
A soothing cup of tea is the perfect way to warm up and wind down.
Celebrate:
Toast to good news and milestones with a tasty symbolic tea.
Connect:
Slow down the pace of life and take time to share the experience with others.
Cure:
Enjoy the medicinal properties of various teas and tisanes.
Respect:
Show reverence to current and pas culture and traditions. "

I usually drink tea to either get warm on a cold rainy day or simply because I want to drink tea. The only occasion I would consider drinking tea as an "occasion" would be when I'm having breakfast with mum, then tea is required! Not so much of an occasion, mostly a requirement, plus the place we usually go to, knows what we order, and they know our teas! She has to be more the English Breakfast tea, while I'm more the Earl Grey person or simply my Irish tea when there's some, which is rarely. 

For some people, tea is considered beneficial, healthy, and a "snobby" enough drink. Tea time is for everyone, not just the rich! So if you are a fan of tea, or you enjoy a simple cup of tea, this book is for you! I certainly am learning a lot about different teas, so I thought I would write another post about different teas and their benefits. 

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis

~Bella

Come on, let's get ready to ...

To watch some movies...

I'm quite the little film fan, and my taste is quite odd, uncommon... I mean my favourite movies are Amelie and The Beautiful Fantastic so you may already know how odd I can be!

Since 2018 has started, I went back in my little routine of watching films, Disneys, and even new shows.

I wanted to share the films that have marked me, the ones who touched me a little deeper than the other ones. Do not expect to see any recent except maybe a few from last year, but nothing from this year!

To start off the little list, I want to share the one which I personally adore...


Ondine!
You may have heard about the movie if you have read http://onemorecupidtothelist.blogspot.com/2018/02/lisa-hannigan.html
An Irish romantic drama based on a stranger rescued in a fishnet by an ex-alcoholic father/fisherman.
I won't get into details about this movie, but being Celt myself and part Irish, I felt like home, I felt like it was talking to me in many ways. This film mixed legends, reality and amazing thoughtful life lessons. Expect to cry, to be confused and touched! This isn't just your ordinary romantic film, it shows how someone can impact your life deeper than you may expect, shows how love can be powerful, and how your past can resurface at any time. Top of my five favourite! If you are into romantic drama (not too romantic as it is quite mythical), this is the right movie for you. Do not stop watching it even if you are not into it at first!


To the next stop...


Coco!
A cute Disney/Pixar movie based on the day of the dead in Mexico. A little boy who cannot play music because of some family issues. He wants to become a musician despite his family's wishes and ends up going in the world of the dead where many adventures and truths come to life.

This adorable family movie might be for children, but I couldn't miss the opportunity of seeing it. I'm a sucker for Disney! Whoever, my concern was the Mexican tradition that I was not into, not going to appreciate as it is not my own tradition, and despite my absurd concerns, the tradition they filmed was beyond any of my expectations. It was well up, well described and I couldn't hold tears even after watching it four times. A river came down my cheeks! If you haven't watched it, concerned because it's a children's movie, get over it, and watch it under warm blankets, tea, and chocolate! You will not regret any of it!


Let's continue with...

Shetland!

Not a film, but a TV series. Not your typical one as this one is based at the Shetland Isles. Also based on the famous books written by Ann Cleeves also the writer of the Vera Stanhope series which I started reading and watching as well. Clever, mysterious, and well the accent is beyond fun to hear! I love it, feels like "home" in a way even though I pick up the accent myself right after, not so funny anymore.  Murders, family secrets, great investigations, and twists, I mean, it's for everyone! You like some family drama, a twist of unexpected murder mysteries, and an amazing plot, you can't go wrong with this show. You will have to adjust to the accent though; like I said, there's quite an accent, not the typical one!


To the fourth stop... We've got...

When We First Met!
This romantic comedy had me and my housemate laugh our asses off. The actors are hilarious and the plot, despite being very cheesy in many ways has everyone hooked up. Summary wise, it's about a magical photo booth that sends Noah (funny romantic cheeseball of guy who has a massive crush on a girl he met at a party, back into time when he wished to. He has the opportunity to change whatever mistakes, whatever he wants. Will he persuade the girl of his dream to love him back? I'll let you discover what is in store for him. This movie is on Netflix if you really want to enjoy this comedy, I know I enjoyed every bit of it with my housemate. A nice movie to watch with another friend, cozy on the couch.

And to the next one...


Babylon Berlin!
Another TV show, also on Netflix, new one actually... I only started not too long ago, not interested in the subject at all, but I gave in... An inspector from Cologne transfers to Berlin to investigate a ring of pornography during 1929. But that also means the war is right there as well, and the Soviets are around... Not a disappointing show at all, and I would recommend it!

For the final one...

Leap Year!

Not a recent movie and I have talked about it before in a previous post. A young American is traveling to Ireland to see her charming boyfriend and surprise him on leap year, February 29th, to propose to him... Sounds like another cheesy movie, but since I've been homesick, the movie reminds me of everything I miss! You must see it if you want to have a night in, comfortable in bed after a warm bubble bath. Each time I watch it, I cry, I laugh, I get all emotional at the same time as before.  


Films have a way to escape you from reality, from issues by transporting you to a new adventure, to someone else's life. This new year will be full of new movies, and I'm excited to see the new comings. Despite the obvious fact that I do love my books, films are also another little guilty pleasure of mine... 
So instead of going out every night, just have a nice bath or shower, get cozy with a cup of hot cocoa, tea, blanket on you in bed, and voila, a nice evening in with a good movie...

"If I could wake up in a different place, at a different time, could I wake up as a different person?" -Fight Club.

~Bella

Black Tea...

True Teas series... Little I

Black Tea! 

"Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, the "true" tea include black tea, pu-erh tea, oolong tea, white tea, green tea, and yellow tea. Each type of tea is harvested and processed differently, resulting in a wide range of flavors and characteristics."

"Origin: Made from the mature leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, native to China and Southeast Asia

Processing: The leaves are plucked, dried, withered, rolled, and fired, leaving them fully oxidized and black in color.

Preparation: 1 tsp of loose tea per cup of water. Steep for 2-3 minutes in 200F water. Add sugar, honey, lemon, or milk if desired.

Appearance: Red liquor

Taste: Bold, deep, earthy flavor

USES AND BENEFITS: 

- High in antioxidants                            - Lowers cholesterol

- Contains caffeine                                - Lowers blood pressure

- Boosts energy and mental clarity        - Supports the cardiovascular system

-Fights bad breath                               - May reduce the risk of certain cancers

Black tea is the most popular form of tea in the West and accounts for more than half of the world's tea consumption.

Darjeeling- 
Dubbed the "champagne of teas" this tea grows high in the foothills of the Himalayas. Known for its floral aroma, delicate flavors, and light color, Darjeeling's "first flush" (or first harvest of spring) is perhaps the most prized tea in the world.

Assam-
This deep and malty flavored black tea grows in India. It is full-bodied, dark, and bold with a character that is well suited for breakfast teas.

Keemun- 
This well-known Chinese black tea boasts a beautiful amber liquor. It is rich, smoky, and sweet with notes of cocoa and fruit. 

Ceylon-
This black tea from Sri Lanka bears notes of citrus and spice. It is known for its fresh, lively character that balances bolder black teas to create well-rounded blends.

English Breakfast Tea- 
This English black tea blend traditionally used Chinese Keemun black tea as its base but now mainly uses Indian Assma. Drinkers often add milk and sugar to give it a sweet, bready flavor that complements scones and sweets perfectly. 

Earl Grey-
Created for and named after Charles Grey (2nd Earl Grey) of 19th century England, this black tea is flavored with oil of bergamot, giving it distinct notes of citrus. Earl Grey is one of the most popular flavored teas in the world.

Chai-
This black tea from India is spiced with flavors such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, anise, and ginger. It is often blended with sweetened (and sometimes frothy) milk. Smooth and creamy with aromas that evoke autumn and winter, chai has become a holiday favorite in the West. "

"Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things."- Chaim Potok

~Bella

And you think you know it all...

Many of us still believe in certain myths, some of them are completely made up by parents trying to get their children to eat their vegetables.

" Drink your soup if you want to grow up!"

" Eat your carrots, you will be more polite." (This one is common in France)

" You remember Popeye? He ate his spinach, maybe you should do the same!"

The least of common ones can go on forever, and I heard many of them from my dear mother who would try everything to make us do or eat something we didn't want to.

Here are a few myths we hear but aren't true...

#1. Chocolate gives you acne!

Sounds about right, and yet it is far from it. Chocolate itself doesn't give you acne or else I would be covered with it! And no it's not the sugar either! It's actually the dairy in it that may affect your skin especially if you have sensitive skin, skin that reacts fast.

#2. Watching TV will ruin your eyesight.

Said like this, it may sound like an advice, something you should take seriously and yet... Don't be surprised to know it's not going to ruin it. We all hear our parents tell us not to be sitting right in front of the television so you wouldn't ruin your eyesight. It can lead to eyestrain if you exceed some type of monitor watching, but it won't kill your eyesight! It may cause some headaches, slight migraines, or fatigue, that's why it's encouraged to take a few breaks. But no need to exaggerate!

#3. Don't wake up a sleepwalker

Not sure why we started believing it in the first place, but they are at high risk of hurting themselves than by being awoken by someone else. Next time you encounter a sleepwalker, wake him up slowly, calmly, don't go brutal either but make sure they are sitting down on a chair and be sure to know you know what you are getting into because some explanations will be needed. Poor them, they have no idea if it happens or not!

#4. Pyramids were built by slaves

Despite what we read in our history books, this is just another myth! Sad to know we have been lied to ... They were built by free employees or people who already worked in constructions. If you go deeper into the whole history of it all, you will understand the process behind certain traditions, and certain ways of working.

#5. The Loch Ness Monter? Yeah, we saw it!

Some still, to this day, believe it does exist... I mean Scotland is quite known for that, and it may give a little mystery to the place, but let's be real here, did we actually have enough evidence to prove it does exist? Have we got physical evidence? Photos do not count, and toys aren't real.

#6. Sober you will be after coffee

Not sure why you would think it would be true, the only thing it will get you is more hyper, more awake. You will feel more alert after a cup of coffee but don't be fool by the amount of alcohol you drank. Time, on the other hand, will help! Time and time only! 

#7. Bulls are active when they see red

Right, sure why not... RED? Just the colour red? You say... Sorry to break the news to you but it's just the fact that you are moving the piece of cloth. They will want to attack just because of the movement in front of them! 

#8. Lightning never strikes twice in the same spot

It seems more like lightning will take the shortest route to the ground, no matter if it already landed on that passage once before. So don't believe everything you hear, it says lightning strikes the Empire State Building over a hundred times per year. 

Myths, legends, folk stories.... We all know them, some are more common, and others are used as white lies to help parents control their children. Sadly, half of the myths we know aren't always true. Make sure you fully understand and dig into some research if you want to use it to prove a point. No one likes false information! 

"Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths." - Joseph Campbell

~Bella

Lisa Hannigan

I know it's been a while since I posted about songs. But I've been going back to my roots, my Celtic music, the one I used to danced to at festivals with my mum. Nothing anyone would want to listen so I waited to finally get something anyone can appreciate either it's the instrumental part or simply the lyrics...

Let's begin by telling you a little bit of where I came across the singer in the first place...

Ondine... A romantic Irish movie about a woman who got caught in a fishnet, a drunk fisherman who is divorced, has a beautiful daughter who turned out to be sick (saddest thing ever), and the mystery brought by the famous selkies. 

Side note: Selkies are said to live as seals in the sea but shed their skin (coat) to become human on land. The legend plays an important role in Scandinavian, Irish and Scottish mythology. Their myths are romantic tragedies, a common theme for land/sea romances, however, it is the Selkies who suffer rather than their human lovers and spouses. 

In the movie, the young woman fished out of the sea in Ireland, sings to the fish, and gives much luck to her fisherman... But like every romantic story, there's a pitch of sadness... And that is up to you to find more by watching the movie yourself.

I quite loved it, it brought me back "HOME".

And that is the backstory of where I came into listening to Lisa Hannigan. One of her song, the one right below, came at a good part... 

Lille- 

Sea Song- 

Fall- 

Snow-

Lisa Hannigan is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. Bright in every way, I fell in love with her songs, the way she writes, and how peaceful it is... Compare to everything else I may have on my Itunes, this is by far what I would listen if I want to fall asleep to "home" or read a book. 

Now, I don't expect everyone to love it, like it or even bare with it, but I just thought I would share what I have been in love for a couple of days now. 

Next time, you may have to deal with what I grew up with, and trust me it won't be as peaceful or English for that matter...  Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Breton are old languages which usually brings me back home no matter where I am... So until next time! 

" My music will tell you more about me than I ever will." 

~Bella

February? Love is in the air?

I don't remember a time when I had a real Valentine's Day if that even exists...

Valentine's Day may be the best day in someone's life or the worst. For me... It's just another day at work... Sounds pathetic but trust me, it is just another day! Quite nice of a day, but then again, I don't believe you need to show someone you love them only one day a year! Can't you just go to the movie, the restaurant or the massage place on any day of the week?

Alright, I'm a bit negative towards the whole Valentine's Day, but I have reasons to be one.

Despite this negative side and how much people spend that day... It has its perks such as movies, flowers, candles,  and obviously the classic chocolates...

And TODAY, chocolate made it to the blog! No need to discuss or explain the reason behind such an obvious day.

So CHOCOLATE...

Dangerous addiction, trust me on this one!  It's supposed to be a girl's best friend right after diamonds, and in my case, it's my number 1 addiction, my first love... First, white chocolate, then milk and now I'm turning into the dark chocolate... I'm turning into the dark side, and I appreciate it a lot.
It's supposed to be healthier, and I just think it's another piece of heaven. I hated it growing up, and now, I'm all about the dark chocolate. Bitter and healthier. Okay, I'm half describing myself, I'm pretty bitter!

Enough about this, and let's start with the juicy things...

Since it's Valentine's Day, I want people to understand that there is more bad chocolate than good ones! And trust me, it's hard to find the right ones, the ones that don't give you a stomach ache.
Being born in Europe, I know that you either love Belgium or Swiss chocolate, and it is quite a debate! Everyone wants to be right, no matter what may be the reason.

First, I believe everyone has either ate some or either heard of it... Ferrero Rocher, Fine Hazelnut.
Originated from Italy, this a chocolate which consists of a whole hazelnut (roasted) covered in a thin wafer shell filled with hazelnut chocolate, and then covered in milk chocolate and chopped hazelnut. Quite the hazelnut chocolate, so if you are a hazelnut lover, go for this one... It's a favourite!

Second, Lindt has to be another favourite. The brand is top number one for Swiss chocolate and despite the fact that it is a company, they make the best chocolate, amazing chocolate! So if you want some decent amazing chocolate, this brand will give you some pleasure!

Third, Milka... Alright, I was raised with this brand, and the chocolates are quite special. Many types of chocolate with the milk bar, it's for every milk chocolate lovers! I still don't know where to get it in California, but I'm searching!

Fourth, Nestlé, Quality Street which is a selection of individual tinned toffees, chocolates, and sweets... First created in England! Each bite is a surprise! Obviously, this box was given during the holiday, and everyone knew which colour to take and not to take.

Fifth, also my favourite... Kinder Bueno... My personal favourite, the one I always went for as a kid, and still to this day, I will go for this chocolate bar, hazelnut cream filled wafer with chocolate covering... Once more made by the Italian confectionery maker Ferrero.

Valentine's Day may not be the best holiday for everyone, but let's enjoy the fun of receiving some extra love and intentions coming from our partners!  

"Chocolate doesn't ask silly questions, Chocolate understands."

~Bella