Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Santo Domingo - Dominican Republic


We just returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic, it was a fun adventure and lovely Island to visit rich in history and agriculture and of course famous Caribbean beaches. When we were planning this trip, we knew we wanted to hire a car and drive to explore the Island and then spend the last few days at a resort over Christmas. Mostly for the kids, the beach access and pools are a plus. However we really aren't resort people I found it to be overwhelming with so many people and truly having the car and being able to leave and drive around was magic for me. I can see the appeal and also understand why others don't venture out of them much it takes guts. We drove all around Jamaica when we visited, also Puerto Rico. I asked a few locals about the plan but to be honest I am not sure they wanted to encourage us to drive around and really the beaches are what most folks go for or organized tours to sight see. 

Like most of the Caribbean Islands alot of the population live in poverty especially in rural areas and live in simple houses, crime is an issue, traffic can be bad in the cities and you have to keep your wits about you. But having said that I don't think many of the Islands are as dangerous as people feel they are and the fear factor is a benefit to the resorts to keep folks on them. 

To truly experience the culture and meet locals exploring is priceless in my opinion. 

Monday, December 14, 2015

Mince Pies and BIG NEWS


One of my favorite British Christmas treats is mince pies, I often buy them but when I saw the jar of mincemeat in the grocery store the other day I took the plunge and got it and it made me smile that it was made in Lincolnshire my home county in England. These little pies are super easy to make and taste of the holidays with the spiced fruit. 

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Prawn, Pea and Broccoli Risotto




A one pot meal we always enjoy is risotto and its a great store cupboard meal, if you have frozen prawns, peas, arborio rice and stock on hand its easy to whip up 

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

HELP - Chennai #chennaifloods


Chennai a city close to my heart has been pounded with heavy rains and floods in the last few days, this wonderful city is my hubby's hometown, the city where we got married where my amazing in laws live - Amma and Appa, friends and family. 

Right now the efforts are in rescuing folks from the floods often with boats, giving food and shelter. 

On a search I couldn't find many international sites to donate to. So I decided to use paypal, I have added a donate button below. Please give what you can I will give the money to a trusted friend there 

Madhu Thottappillil a doctor he will distribute to relief organizations and folks in need in the coming weeks and months. I will add pictures and further blog posts to show this. 

See below for a feel of whats going on, its tragic and more rain is in the forecast 

PLEASE HELP 















You can give directly via bank transfer or via PayPal to this trust, Madhu is on the board and will ensure the money reaches those in need they will share stories and pictures over the coming weeks of how the funds are helping 

Jacob Joseph shalom Abode trust 
SBI, Purasawalkam, Chn 600007 
IFS code -SBIN0001515



much love




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