Do you have Scottish Ancestry?

Are you a member of a Scottish Clan?

Unfortunately, I'm not (insert sad face) - I can't be everything I suppose! 

But, I stumbled across this on the Visit Scotland Facebook page and thought you may want to give it a go, and see if you are part of a clan in Scotland. Just pop in your last name and press search!

http://www.ancestralscotland.com

Guid Cheerio the nou! 

Special Delivery!

I can't help but get excited when Amazon comes to my door, because it's usually with some new books to add to my British history library!! This morning, it was like Christmas! Britain from Above is a totally mesmerizing look at Britain as many of us have never seen it. The book is divided into seasons, and captures the beauty of various landmarks and natural wonders around the UK. Perfect book to grab a cuppa and curl up to.

The second book, The Queen's Diamonds was recommended to me by several sources. And I can't thank them enough! WOW! Seriously, it's hard to believe that her Majesty wears pieces that were worn way back to 1800! If you love Her Majesty, and all things diamond, then I would highly recommend this book. A well done compilation of the Queen's diamonds, beautiful photos, pictures of the various members of the Royal Family who have worn them - another book to keep me engrossed for hours.

The hubby should love this - he's slowly loosing real estate on our bookshelves.


Dana XX

My next adventure...

The BFF and I decided this was the year for a girls trip to England. Up until now, I've been hopping the pond with the hubby in tow, with family, or by my lonesome. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to some quality girl time in London and at Highclere Castle! Our trip is booked for early April - so stay tuned for planning updates and photos!!

Dana XX

Let's Start from the Beginning

Take Me Back to England

A view of the English Coast Line at dawn from our Virgin Atlantic flight.

I figure it may be good to take you all back to the beginning. I was twelve years old when I first went to visit my family in England. I had no idea what to expect, it wasn't that long ago, but long enough that the internet wasn't available. I knew Prince William lived there, and what Big Ben looked like. But like most pre-teens, my view of the world was limited and I was more concerned with 5th period lunch breaks than the Trooping of the Colour. I didn't know then my life would be forever changed by this incredibly beautiful land, and I would never be the same. I've always felt at home when I go to the UK, which may be in part to the fact that I have family there. But apart from the obvious things, I've never felt like I was in another country. Needless to say, my first two weeks in the UK was a whirlwind of family visits, trips to Wales, a trip to Scotland for the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, London, the Cotswolds, and Manchester. But it was the first of many trips I would be fortunate enough to take. One thing is for sure, England keeps calling me back...

Dana XX

Laying it All Out there

I've decided the time has come for a blog. Some place for me to lay it all out there - my love of the United Kingdom. I'll be giving you the whole story, my whole background, as to why a girl born and raised in the United States is outnumbered in her own home by books and magazines about the British Royal Family and England, knows more about the Royal Family than she may know about her own, and deals with the stares from people when her mobile phone rings to "Rule Britannia"...that's a whole other story. Oh yes, I have been the one to start spouting facts at the dinner table about Queen and Country to the sound of crickets from my American guests....But for now, I can't wait to get right down to it, and share my love of the beautiful United Kingdom! Thanks for reading!!

Dana XX