#Christmas events in Cambridge

[brookpub]

Best Christmas Desserts in Cambridge | Brook Pub Christmas Events

Christmas in Britain often brings the promise of scrumptious Christmas delicacies that symbolise the season. Best Christmas Desserts in Cambridge, United Kingdom, range from rich puddings to sumptuous cakes, and I'd like to take you on a tour of them all.

Christmas events in Cambridge

Christmas Pudding: A Classic

The Christmas Pudding is a culinary masterpiece steeped in tradition at the centre of British Christmas sweets. This steamed or boiled mixture, packed with fruits, suet, and spices and often laced with brandy or ale, is a genuine icon of the season. The essence of holiday decadence is captured in this dish. It is served ablaze with a sprig of holly on top and complimented by brandy butter or creamy custard.

Mini Christmas Pies

With golden dough and delicious filling of spiced mincemeat, mince pies are a traditional Christmas delight. These bite-sized treats epitomise the holiday spirit and are best served with powdered sugar. Whether homemade or purchased from a local bakery, mince pies are an excellent addition to any holiday celebration.

Yule Log: Savoury Timber Tradition

French in origin, the Yule Log (or "Bûche de Nol") has made its way across the Channel to become a beloved British Christmas dish. This sponge cake rolled and filled with creamy icing to resemble a log. It makes for an impressive holiday centrepiece that is both stunning and delicious.

Trifle: Sweet Joy Layers

Many British families serve trifle at Christmas because it is adaptable and beautiful. Sponge cake, sherry-soaked fruits, custard, and whipped cream make this multi-layered dessert delicious. Trifle with berries or chocolate shavings is a party favourite that elevates other cuisine.

Gingerbread: Spicy and Sweet

At Christmastime, gingerbread in all its guises is the show's star. Whether in the style of festive cookies, cakes, or houses covered with icing and candies. Gingerbread's sweet and spicy aroma is a pleasant and nostalgic addition to Christmas celebrations.

Refreshing Clementine Sorbet

Clementine Sorbet is a light and refreshing alternative to the heavy flavours of other Christmas treats. Zesty and lemony undertones make for a light meal's final course, clearing the palate for even more delicious desserts.

Christmas Cake: Royal

The Christmas cake is a royal dessert decorated with marzipan and royal icing. This rich and flavorful cake is a blank slate for the baker's most intricate decorations.  It may include seasonal motifs and showpieces.

Global Christmas Traditional Foods

 Brook Pub Christmas Desserts Cambridge

Traditional Christmas pudding at Brook Pub: 

Enjoy our Traditional Christmas Pudding at Brook Pub and feel the essence of Christmas. This classic dessert with vine fruits and almonds captures the season's enthusiasm. Imagine a warm, decadent, aromatic Traditional Christmas Pudding dish at your table. Each bite is full of vine fruits and almonds for a joyful taste.

The raisins, sultanas and currants in our Christmas Pudding create a decadent richness. A hint of nutty pleasure comes from the almonds' crunch. Our silky Brandy Sauce complements this holiday masterpiece. This rich, brandy-infused sauce coats the custard, making each spoonful a decadent Christmas treat.

 Profiteroles with choc sauce at Brook Pub:

Experience sweet delight with Brook Pub's Profiteroles. Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce from basic to luxurious, with textures and flavours to please. Think of these heavenly choux pastry puffs, as light as air. Each profiterole is a tribute to producing a suitable vessel for the treats within, with a crisp exterior and a cloud-like interior.

A velvety waterfall of creamy chocolate sauce cascades over the profiteroles, and you're in for a magical experience. This rich elixir enhances the luxury of the light pastry with its rich, chocolatey flavour. The dough will crackle as it gives way to a smooth, vanilla-flavoured filling. The balance of flavours and textures, enhanced by the decadence of the chocolate sauce, is nothing short of heavenly.

 Raspberry cheesecake with Trent's Coulis at Brook Pub:

The velvety smoothness of our Raspberry Cheesecake is the very definition of decadence. The smooth, soft texture of the cheesecake serves as a blank slate against which the bold flavours of the filling can shine. Trent's Coulis, a house speciality created in honour of our master cook, is now available. Raspberry coulis is a revelation, not  a condiment. Crafted, it adds a burst of brightness and the unmistakable tartness of fresh raspberries to the cheesecake.

The cheesecake is the ideal combination of velvety smoothness. Also,  satisfying crunch from the crust. You'll go through various textures with each mouthful, making this dessert something out of the ordinary. Trent's Coulis is more than a sauce; it demonstrates our chef's extraordinary skill in the kitchen. This particular touch makes the Raspberry Cheesecake a culinary marvel that showcases Brook Pub's quality.

 Mango & Passion fruit pannacotta with honeycomb at Brook Pub:

Our Mango and Passion Fruit Pannacotta is a smooth, elegant dessert. Each mouthful is a revelation of tropical melody that embodies the spirit of a sun-kissed vacation. Mangoes, with their natural sugars and tropical flavour, are the star ingredient in this pannacotta. The bright and rich taste of mango pairs with the smooth creaminess of the foundation.

Complementing the mango's sweetness is the vivid tang of passion fruit. Each morsel is a zingy revelation. Thus, elevating the dessert to a new level of complexity that teases the taste receptors and lends an air of exotic charm. Honeycomb is the icing on the cake for this tropical treat. Caramelised undertones in Mango and Passion Fruit Pannacotta provide texture and elevate the dish.

Holiday Food at Brook Pub on Christmas Day!

From a gastronomical perspective, the Christmas Day Menu at Brook Pub will be the highlight of your holiday celebrations. A meal consisting of two dishes will cost you £39.99, while a feast composed of three courses will cost you £44.99. From midday until 4:00 in the afternoon, your taste senses will be wowed by a cuisine crafted to create Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.

#Christmas Day Menu at Brook Pub #Traditional Christmas Pudding at Brook Pub #Global Christmas Traditional Foods #Christmas events in Cambridge #Best Christmas Desserts in Cambridge

[cloneficgiftexchange]

If you missed some of the amazing stories written for this event, here is a list of them!! They are organized by character and are in alphabetical order by title. You can also access a collection of those who posted their work on AO3 HERE! It's still open in case anyone ends up posting there in the future!

If you liked a story, consider reblogging it! Reblogs are a great way to show appreciation for an author’s work. Reblogs to signal boost this list are greatly appreciated as well.

NSFW fics are strictly 18+ and are marked as such. 

It's Officially Christmas by @dragonrider9905

Keep You Safe by @secondratefiction

First Life Day by @ghostofskywalker

Snow Drift by @clone-anon

Life Day on Daiyu by @goblininawig

A Perfect (Life) Day by @literallyjustanerd

Deep Space Delicacies by @ghostofskywalker

No One Should Be Alone On Life Day by @starrylothcat

Still Hanging The Mistletoe For You by @anxiouspineapple99

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice by @melliejellybellybean

Wrapped Up In You by @multi-fan-dom-madness

All I Want For Christmas by @masterjedilenawrites

Come Away With Me by @imarvelatthestars

Hold You Tonight (Stay Close) by @ladysongmaster

Secret Santa by @flyiingsly

The Clonetrooper by @sunshinesdaydream

Blumfruit & Cheer by @diviluscorner

fatal dis|at|traction (NSFW) by @221bshrlocked

I Wish All Readers A Very Hunter Life Day (NSFW) by @dystopicjumpsuit

Sewing Lessons by @intricatechaosofyou

Winter Adventures by @wizardofrozz

Carol of the Cookies by @captainpains

First Winter Date by @loving-the-cambridges

Getting Caught In The Wrapping Paper by @pinkiemme

To Keep The Shivers At Bay by @ghostofskywalker

Comfort by @cc--2224

Candy Cane Cupid by @toomanybandstocare

I'll Take Care of You by @isaidonyourknees

The Cabin by @rinwritesfics

#LDE23 #clone trooper x reader #commander cody x reader #tbb crosshair x reader #daiyu veteran x reader #tbb echo x reader #fives x reader #commander fox x reader #hardcase x reader #tbb hunter x reader #captain rex x reader #tbb tech x reader #commander wolffe x reader

[sarahowritesostucky]

📖"Merry & Bright"

Part 2 - "The Pharmacy"

Rated: Teen

Pairing: Steve x Bucky

Tags: a/b/o, mpreg, misogyny, sexism, alpha Steve, omega Bucky

Summary: Bucky runs into an alarming roadblock when he tries to pick up his birth control at the pharmacy.

Part 2 - The Pharmacy

He runs a few errands just before noon, stopping at the pharmacy to pick up his birth control and at the florists to put in an order for something that he and Steve can gift to Pepper and Tony the following week.

He figures flowers are a decent, non-food way to say ‘thank you’ for having been so graciously hosted in Stark Tower once again. He selects a wicker cornucopia basket full of sunflowers and russet-colored mums.

Tony had offered to house them the minute he’d gotten wind that they were thinking of returning to New York. The long term plan for their family is still Brooklyn, but renovations on the Cobble Hill house are taking longer than anticipated. Bucky had already been seven months pregnant when they made the move back down. Between that and the girls, and then the birth and all the stress and turmoil that comes along with a newborn in the house, living in the middle of a construction zone was never something Bucky was going to seriously consider—even if the alternative meant spending that year’s major holidays with Tony Stark. 

Oh well. Tony’s not a bad guy. He helped Steve and the resistance, back during the war. He managed to give Bucky hope in the middle of all that misery; hope for a future, a better life, a return to some sort of normalcy. And though the other omega has always refused to admit it, Bucky knows that Tony’s the reason why he currently has his prosthesis and isn’t still waiting at the back of a line of thousands upon thousands of equally-deserving amputees. 

No, it’s not up for any kind of dispute that Tony Stark is a very good person overall, it’s just that he’s also very … extra, and all events surrounding him are thus extra. The holidays this year aren’t going to be the low key, intimate, homey family events that Bucky had pictured having with his Alpha and his new pup and the girls. It’s going to be a bit more … well, more. 

But that’s okay! He’s already mourned the would-be’s of the cozy storybook Thanksgiving that they won’t be having in their forever family home this year. Next up, he’ll mourn Christmas—though he still needs to have a talk with Tony to make sure the billionaire understands that he can’t just go gifting Sarah and Becca prop planes or ponies or whatever and setting that up as the ‘norm’ in the girls’ minds, even if they are living in the Tower this year.

For the past six months they’ve been living in the same apartment they vacated three years ago, and it’s gone exactly as Bucky feared it would. The girls adore their ‘crazy uncle Tony’ who lives upstairs. They cry whenever Steve or Bucky gently tries to remind them that they’ll be moving into a house next year. And it’s not just the girls who are getting attached. The Tower is luxurious and addictive in its own insidious ways. Steve’s commute will never be better than it is now, Jarvis is basically Bucky’s housekeeper, P.A., and his second nanny, and Bucky is slowly but surely becoming re-addicted to the building’s high-tech amenities. 

This was the same issue they ran into when they moved up to Cambridge for Bucky’s grad school—nobody wanting to give up the finer things in life for the simpler things in life. But look what it’d gotten them! Three years together in a tiny New England cottage, where snowy winters and close quarters had made them so many wonderful family memories to cherish forever. That’s something that money simply cannot buy, and it’s what Bucky wants for his family. It’s why they’re having an historic brownstone renovated and restored to an adapted form of its original glory. Bucky’s even able to admit that he’s turned it into a bit of a personal comfort object at this point. Just like Becca covets her ratty Olaf doll whenever she’s stressed or sick, 704 Henry St. is what Bucky’s been holding onto like a lifeline to pull him through the slog of these past few, postpartum months.

He gets to the pharmacy and passes the time spent waiting in line by daydreaming and scrolling through his Pinterest boards for the house. He’s got one entire board solely dedicated to decorating ideas, broken down even further by individual holiday. Bucky’s talked Steve to death about the decorations he’s got dreamed up for next year’s Christmas, but his husband is decidedly less interested in these things than Bucky has been. “Sounds great, babe,” is the general response he gets most days, and he’s made his peace with the fact that perhaps interior design is just something omegas enjoy more naturally than alphas do. Cliches have to originate from somewhere, after all, and this is by no means the most hard-to-swallow of the gendered stereotypes that Bucky has come to accept about himself since he first became domestic with Steve. 

So his husband doesn’t care what he drapes on the original 1880’s Tudor revival bannisters, so what? That just means there’ll be no real competition on ideas, and Bucky will get his way. That works fine for him. He takes an almost vindictive level of pleasure in making mundane choices for himself these days, and he knows—because his therapist has made sure that he knows—that it has everything to do with the three years he spent being a choiceless broodmare for the state.

Whatever. That doesn’t make his new penchant for (slightly modernized) gilded age interior design any less aesthetically correct. Bucky’s got taste.

He’s just pinned another porch decoration to the sub-board, when his turn comes up in line and he steps forward. “Hi,” he says to the pharmacist, closing out the app and looking up. “Prescriptions for James Barnes-Rogers?”

The pharmacist is a friendly beta woman, but she falters once Bucky’s given her his name and she’s looked up his info on the computer. “Oh. Um, sorry. This’ll just require both signatures of …” she cranes her neck as she’s sliding a clipboard and pen towards him, looking like she expects to see someone else there with him. “Um, do you have …”

“The prescription’s for me,” Bucky reassures her. “James Barnes-Rogers?” He pulls his wallet out and retrieves his ID to hand over, rattling off his birthdate as well because he thinks that she just needs him to prove who he is, but the pharmacist is shaking her head and looking apologetically across the counter

“I’m sorry Sir, but this medication is an oral birth control meant for omegas.”

“I am omega.” Bucky frowns when she still hesitates. “I don’t understand. This isn’t the first time I’ve filled this here. What’s the holdup?”

The woman smiles tightly. “It’s been reassigned as a schedule two drug.”

“O-kay.” Bucky shrugs and goes to pull out his credit card instead. “What does that mean?”

“... A prescription like this needs the signature of both parties who’re planning to use it.”

He must blink at her for a full five seconds, he’s so taken aback. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Unfortunately, yes. So you’ll have to come back with your Alpha. I’m sorry.”

Bucky shakes his head, squinting at her. “Okay. First of all, who said my partner is alpha?” He remembers his mating bite, which definitely shows above the neckline of his jogging shirt. He tenses and has to resist the urge to reach up and cover it with his hand. “I don’t understand,” he says tightly. “It’s my medication. It’s going in my body.”

“Yes but I’m afraid we need both parties’ signa—”

“Yeah you said that already,” Bucky snaps. “What the hell?”

“Sir, I really am sorry but there’s nothing I can do. It’s a federal regulation. It’s meant for your safety. Perhaps if you just come back with your spouse—”

“And how the fuck do you get off assuming I’m married?!” he yells. The woman purses her lips and her eyes slide down to the wedding band on Bucky’s left hand. Bucky curls his hand into a fist reflexively. “Why do you need ‘both parties’ signatures?” he growls. “That’s ludicrous. It’s my birth control!”

“Unfortunately it’s the law, Sir. Both the omega and the alpha patients need to be on the script, and you both need to sign the waiver.”

“What waiver?” he snaps.

She juts her chin out and points to the clipboard. “The liability waiver acknowledging that you both understand the effects and risks of this medication. It’s a recognized abortifacient.”

“‘Abortifacient’?” Bucky scowls. “It’s a birth control pill.” His eyes rake over the woman, taking note of the little cross on the necklace she’s wearing. “The fuck is going on?”

Her eyes narrow at him. “You don’t have to curse at me, Sir. Both the omega and alpha patients have to sign. So if you’ll please just come back with your husband or wife—”

“Maybe I’m not using it with my ‘husband or wife’,” Bucky snaps, voice rising as his face heats up in anger. “Ever heard of casual sex? Maybe I’m fucking the mailman! Hell, maybe I’m going to a gang bang! Six guys at once. Do they all have to come and co-sign for my birth control?!” He realizes how loud he’s being and looks back over his shoulder at the rest of the store, where several other people who are shopping have stopped and turned their heads. At the endcap of the nearest aisle there’s an alpha who’s been perusing the boxes of hair dye, his wide eyes glued to Bucky and the pharmacist. Bucky points at him. “What if it’s him?”

“... I’m sorry?” It takes the pharmacist a moment to collect herself, and when she does, her expression turns heavily disapproving. “Sir,” she scolds. “That’s not—”

“Him!” Bucky insists, shooting her another dirty glare before he turns and stalks over to the bewildered man at the endcap. “Are you alpha?” He can tell by scent that he is, and reaches out to shake his hand. “I’m James. What’s your name?”

“Erm … R-ralph.” He shakes Bucky’s hand, albeit while looking over his shoulder towards the pharmacy counter. “What’s … happening?” he whispers.

Bucky waves his hand dismissively. “Nothing. You were listening in on our conversation, right? You heard all that, just now?”

“I … yea—n-no. No I did not. Was not. Do-doing that.”

Bucky sighs and grabs him by his jacket sleeve. “Just help me with this for a sec, will you? Fucking ridiculous.” He steers the alpha over to the still-disapproving pharmacist. “Him,” Bucky tells her angrily, taking the clipboard before she can pull it back and handing it over to his new friend. “Sign here for our birth control, Honey.”

Ralph’s face goes beet red. “Oh, um …”

“Just sign it, will you?” 

“Sir,” the pharmacist fumes. “This isn’t the—” 

“What? You wanted a partner, he’s my partner. I’m fucking him.”

“That is not. true,” she grits. “You just met him.”

“You gonna prove otherwise?” Bucky jabs his pointer finger down on the counter as he says, “He’s alpha. It’s his sperm, my egg, and he’s fucking signing it, okay?!” 

“This is highly inappropriate, Sir. You are not—”

“Right after we leave here!” Bucky yelps manically. “Not even gonna make it all the way home. Nope! We’re going to fuck right out in the parking lot, right in our car. Isn’t that right, Honey?”

Ralph, who has by now scribbled his signature and is handing the clipboard and pen back to Bucky, doesn’t seem to know what to say. He just looks mortified. Bucky spends a whole heartbeat feeling bad about having put the guy on the spot, but then the pharmacist gets snippy and is telling Bucky that he needs to sign, too. Bucky grabs the pen up and nearly tears the paper with how violently he signs his name next to where it reads, ‘Omega Patient counseled:’

“There.” He shoves the clipboard back across the counter. “Done. Signed. ‘Abortion approved’. You happy? Oh and by the way? I’ve had an abortion: This is not the abortion pill.”

She goes tight-lipped, taking the clipboard back and primly ringing up his purchase. “That’ll be eleven dollars and eighty cents,” she sniffs. 

Bucky stares her down as he taps his card to pay, and the split second that she’s got the receipt printed and stapled to the bag, he’s snatching it out of her hands. “Fucking ridiculous,” he hisses, whirling around to leave. “Stay out of my goddamn uterus.”

“I don’t set the policy, Sir,” her snotty little voice cuts out from behind. “These rules are just to make sure people are educated about what they’re putting in their bodies.”

Bucky’s fingers curl into the crinkly paper of the pharmacy bag. He watches C-SPAN, he knows that’s not what it’s about, just like he knows a fucking birth control pill isn’t an ‘abortifacient’, and that no one but a holy-fucking-roller would ever call it that. He’s just about ready to turn back around and snap at her about how the only thing that’s getting ‘put in his body’ is his husband’s dick.

… But then his eyes catch on poor Ralph, who is already back at the endcap shelves—ostensibly intent on his shopping, but still looking quite mortified. His fingers hover over a box and he picks it up with a still-red face.

For Ralph’s sake, Bucky restrains himself from any further nasty comments, choosing to walk away from the nitwit pharmacist and towards the exit instead. “Thank you,” he mutters as he’s passing by. And then, nodding at the box of Midnight Black #106 that the other man is considering, furtively advises, “... don’t do it.”

Masterlist

If you liked what you read and feel so inclined, please consider dropping a tip in the Kofi🍵 cup!

#stucky #steve x bucky #bucky x steve #bucky barnes #steve rogers #steve rogers x bucky barnes #alpha steve rogers #omega bucky barnes #a/b/o #alpha/omega #omegaverse #alpha beta omega #my fics #commander's omega #kid fic #holiday fic #fanfiction #fanfic #marvel #mcu #marvel au #au fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfic

[heir-less]

Kate had sympathy for Meghan. She also suffered at the hands of the press and the tabloids came up with some very embarrassing reveals about her uncle right before her wedding. And she did try to help improve Meghan's image by inviting her to her sister's wedding and to Amner Hall and Wimbledon, doing the forum with her, and doing all the Christmas walks.

We forget how much the Royal Overton Window changed after Meghan. Before she came along, it would have been unthinkable to (i) issue a statement protecting a girlfriend of a few weeks, (ii) let a girlfriend of a few months move in to Nott Cott, (ii) let a girlfriend leak family stories to legitimize the relationship, (iii) let a girlfriend of a few months attend a family wedding, (iv) let a girlfriend do an interview with Vanity Fair, (iv) allow an engagement after a mere year of long-distance dating without the royals having met the family, (v) have a fiancée attend Sandringham, (vi) have a fiancee attend formal forums and Commonwealth events, (v) give a fiancee a royal baptism before the wedding with the POW present and a royal gift, or (v) have post-wedding events with the entire family to support the new member. This was unprecedented. Will and Kate got a reception with the Obamas (on their own!) and then were shipped to Wales for months. Kate's first event with the Queen was like a year later and she did a solo reception for Charles before that. Kate had to be confirmed before the wedding and Will was the one there.

The level of family and institutional support for Meghan was insane. They pulled out all the stops supporting her, which is why she was getting such good press at the beginning. They were literally having family events with her every two weeks or so, to keep the press sweet. That was unsustainable to begin with, then her dad drama (and Harry and Meghan complaining to IPSO about it) and the conflicts with the staff messed it all up.

Oh, boy, let's go point by point with this one because I sense that you are at least, like, not a complete asshole (maybe?) so I am willing to engage with you, I guess, although I think this ask displays a stunning lack of understanding about the British Royal Family:

Kate had sympathy for Meghan. She also suffered at the hands of the press and the tabloids came up with some very embarrassing reveals about her uncle right before her wedding. And she did try to help improve Meghan's image by inviting her to her sister's wedding and to Amner Hall and Wimbledon, doing the forum with her, and doing all the Christmas walks.

I can agree with this to a point, since from what I'm hearing from Spare, the women seemed at least open to at least trying to have a good relationship despite early disagreements with both of them apologizing on separate occasions. However, a lot of this stuff would be things Meghan would have done regardless, like Christmas and Wimbledon, which Meghan had attended before she even met Kate, so I don't think that's symbolic of Kate handing out an olive branch, it's just the standard. Not to mention it didn't work, at 2019 Wimbledon in particular Meghan was bullied for her appearance and was subject to constant negative comparisons to Catherine in the media and online. Also, she did not attend Pippa's wedding, in fact, there were reports that Pippa would not have her there because she didn't want Meghan to overshadow her, so we're already seeing how Meghan's being painted as a rival to Catherine and her family. Meghan did attend the reception, though.

(NOT SO) RAPID FIRE ROUND!

i) issue a statement protecting a girlfriend of a few weeks: Meghan and Harry started dating in July 2016, the statement you're referring to was published in November of that same year. Not only is that not a few weeks, but the statement heavily resembles previous statements engineered by Jason Knauf such as this one asking for people to respect the Cambridges and their children, despite not being issued for a girlfriend these statements were not out of the ordinary. Catherine, did have her lawyers issue warnings to publications while she was still dating William, resulting in paparazzi photographs of her being banned by News International, which owns The Sun. That was an actual unprecedented move by the tabloid press which has since never been afforded to other royal partners. In 2007 several MPs spoke out in support of Catherine, so she is getting that same institutional support and unlike Meghan, the British media was willing to cooperate. Another example is from 1993, when Prince Edward wrote to British publications and asked them to respect the privacy of his girlfriend Sophie Rhys-Jones. So this was the standard for over two decades before Meghan.

(ii) let a girlfriend of a few months move in to Nott Cott: Harry lived at Nottingham Cottage where Meghan would visit him. Meghan was still filming Suits for the majority of 2017 and lived in Toronto. She only moved into the cottage after Harry proposed in November 2017, however, royal couples often live together while dating. Royals have even still lived together, on royal property, after they were divorced (see Fergie living with Andrew at Royal Lodge, despite her constant scandals). Couples have lived together regardless of whether they're married or not, William and Kate also lived together at the start of their relationship, albeit not on royal property.

(iii) let a girlfriend leak family stories to legitimize the relationship: Citation is needed on this one, you need to name these stories and give proof that you know Meghan leaked them before I can entertain you. However, you're telling me a member of the royal family has never done that before? Never? Prince Charles literally had a massive, years-long media strategy that had the main objective of legitimizing his controversial relationship with Camilla. You can read about the man who masterminded this plan, Mark Bolland, too.

(iii) let a girlfriend of a few months attend a family wedding: I like you you keep having to throw "few months" in there so I can't cite the numerous times Catherine attended family events as a girlfriend, including the weddings of Peter Phillips and Lady Rose Windsor. I think that really says everything, honestly. Oh, yeah, here's a picture of Sophie attending the wedding of Lord Ivor Mountbatten in 1994 with Princess Margaret, less than a year after they started a romantic relationship.

(iv) let a girlfriend do an interview with Vanity Fair: Again this is stupid. Unlike other royal girlfriends, Meghan was an actress and public figure beforehand. Doing interviews had always been part of her job and has very little to do with the royals "letting" her do these things.

(iv) allow an engagement after a mere year of long-distance dating without the royals having met the family, (v) have a fiancée attend Sandringham, (vi) have a fiancee attend formal forums and Commonwealth events, (v) give a fiancee a royal baptism before the wedding with the POW present and a royal gift: These are largely bullshit because you have yet to prove that these things were done for Meghan specifically, as in they wouldn't be done for someone else in a similar circumstance. A lot of them are things Meghan would be doing as a member of the royal family anyway and don't really denote any special treatment. She would have been expected to be an Anglican and do Commonwealth events regardless.

(v) have post-wedding events with the entire family to support the new member: What events are you talking about? Charles's 70th birthday celebrations are the only ones I can think of, and they were done in celebration of Charles, where Meghan only had a supportive role. I would hardly call that an event dedicated to supporting her. The Queen might have been able to bond with Meghan in June 2018, but that doesn't mean that Meghan wasn't cast by the media as a disgrace to her and the whole royal family on a consistent basis. These little subtle hints of vague support were not strong or consistent enough when you also had members going out of their way to signal and brief about their dislike of Meghan.

The level of family and institutional support for Meghan was insane. They pulled out all the stops supporting her, which is why she was getting such good press at the beginning [her press was not good in the beginning, though? Why do you think the statement you cited earlier was even made?]. They were literally having family events with her every two weeks [those are called engagements, girly, and they're always family events unless done solo lmao. Big family events like the Trooping and Charles's 70th birthday celebrations would have happened without Meghan regardless] or so, to keep the press sweet. That was unsustainable to begin with, then her dad drama (and Harry and Meghan complaining to IPSO about it) and the conflicts with the staff messed it all up.

I think I've proven that while Meghan was at most treated in ways that were typical of most royal spouses that came before her, the media was unwilling to compromise and the palace was unwilling to give her additional support given the unprecedented support. Comments about her race and background started right away, with stories such as (Almost) Straight Outta Compton coming out in 2016. You ignoring the bigotry and instant hostility Meghan was met with is gross and you're just finding ways to side with the racist press and justify Meghan's abuse. Another example of this: blaming the actions of Thomas Markle, an elderly man who was prayed on and exploited by the press, on the victim of his emotional abuse.

Saying that "staff conflicts" lead to Meghan's unpopularity is revisionist. It was never a leading press narrative until Knauf leaked a misleading story about bullying (which amounted to him filling a bullying claim on behalf of others without consent and then them asking for it to be dropped after finding out) in reaction to Meghan's Oprah interview in 2021, years after Meghan already left.

I think I change my mind about you not being a bad-faith asshole because your selective and biased recounting of things is gross.

#answered #anonoymous #meghan

[dailyunsolvedmysteries]

Suicide of Jacintha Saldanha

On 2 December 2012, St James's Palace announced that Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was pregnant. On 4 December, at about 5:30 am London time (GMT) or 4:30 pm Sydney time (AEDT), the hosts of the Hot30 Countdown radio programme, Mel Greig and Mike Christian, called the hospital and spoke to the main nurse, Saldanha. Impersonating Elizabeth II, Greig said: "Oh hello there, could I please speak to Kate please, my granddaughter." Saldanha responded, "Oh yes. Hold on ma'am," and transferred the call to the Duchess's nurse, who spent approximately two minutes speaking with Greig as well as Christian, the latter impersonating the Prince of Wales. The hosts used what were later described as "ridiculous comedy accents." 

The stunt was broadcast on 5 December, after it had been cleared by the radio station's lawyers. When hospital chief executive John Lofthouse learned of the prank call, he condemned it as an act of "journalistic trickery" that no nurse should have to deal with. 

The CEO of Southern Cross Austereo, Rhys Holleran, later claimed that station officials had made at least five attempts to contact the two nurses in the recording prior to greenlighting the call for broadcast – with Sydney University law professor, Barbara McDonald noting that his comments showed the station already understood they needed to "[get] consent (to air the interview) and they failed to". 

On 6 December, the radio station issued a brief apology for "any inconvenience caused" by their actions, although Christian continued to promote "the royal prank" on Twitter. Neither Saldanha nor the other nurse was disciplined or suspended by the hospital; St. James's Palace also indicated that they did not blame the nurses for their part in the incident. 

On the morning of 7 December 2012, Saldanha was found dead by security and other staff in her nurse's quarters at the hospital. She had died by suicide, and also had injuries. It was reported that Saldanha had left three handwritten notes, one of which blamed the radio stunt for her death. Another note discussed her wishes for funeral arrangements, while the third was directed at her employer, criticising their handling of events that followed the prank call.

Following news of Saldanha's suicide, Austereo CEO Rhys Holleran said that Greig and Christian were both "deeply shocked" and would not return to their radio show until further notice. A day later, as advertisers boycotted or threatened to boycott the station, 2Day FM suspended all advertising indefinitely.

On 10 December, Greig and Christian gave their first interviews since Saldanha's death, telling Nine Network's A Current Affair and Seven Network's Today Tonight that they were still "badly shaken" over the tragedy. 

Advertising on 2Day FM resumed 13 December, with Austereo announcing that it would donate the remainder of station advertising proceeds for 2012—a minimum of A$500,000 (£320,000)—to a memorial fund to benefit Saldanha's family. Austereo also cancelled its annual Christmas party for employees in Sydney and donated the funds for the party to the non-profit organisations Beyond Blue and Lifeline.

#Jacintha Saldanha #kate middleton #prank gone wrong #crime #true crime

[teaspoonnebula]

Letters from Watson is not the first internet Sherlock Holmes book club, by fair!

By digging through the mists of ancient internet (and using the Wayback Machine) here are some notes from Stanford University's online readthrough from 2002 -

...and when I find a man who keeps his cigars in the coal-scuttle, his tobacco in the toe end of a Persian slipper, and his unanswered correspondence transfixed by a jack-knife into the very centre of his wooden mantelpiece, then I begin to give myself virtuous airs. (1) Holmes's eccentric domestic arrangements have been imitated in faithful reproductions of the Baker Street rooms (e.g., the Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen, Switzerland, and the Baker Street Museum in London), and in the name of at least one Sherlockian society: the Persian Slipper Club of San Francisco.

...with his hair-trigger and a hundred Boxer cartridges.... (1) The name "Boxer" seems to apply to rifle, rather than pistol, cartridges. Conan Doyle is generally very lax with his designations for guns. Many commentators have disputed the ability of even a crack shot to place bullets in a perfect "V.R." without blowing all the plaster off the wall.

...with a patriotic V. R. done in bulletpocks.... (1) With his marksmanship, Holmes is paying tribute to Queen Victoria: "Victoria Regina."

"Here's the record of the Tarleton murders, and the case of Vamberry, the wine merchant, and the adventure of the old Russian woman, and the singular affair of the aluminium crutch, as well as a full account of Ricoletti of the club foot and his abominable wife." (1) These cases all have tantalizing names, but none has been written. Crutches in Conan Doyle's day would have been wooden, rather than aluminum ("aluminium" in British English).

"And here—ah, now! this really is something a little recherché." (1) "Recherché " is French for "far-fetched," or "out of the ordinary."

"You may remember how the affair of the Gloria Scott, and my conversation with the unhappy man whose fate I told you of, first turned my attention in the direction of the profession which has become my life's work." (2) "The Adventure of the Gloria Scott" was published in The Strand three months before "The Musgrave Ritual." It was a reminiscence of Holmes's first case, conducted while he was still at university.

"...at the time of the affair which you have commemorated in 'A Study in Scarlet'...." (2) A Study in Scarlet, Conan Doyle's first Holmes and Watson novella, appeared in Beaton's Christmas Annual of 1887. Holmes did not catch the public imagination until his appearance in The Strand Magazine in 1891.

The British Museum and Montague Place can be seen at lower right. Montague Street is on the other side of the museum, off the right edge of the map.

"When I first came up to London I had rooms in Montague Street, just round the corner from the British Museum...." (2) Michael Harrison, in The London of Sherlock Holmes (Drake Publishers: New York, 1972), decides that Holmes lodged at 26 Montague Street, because his researches turned up an intriguing fact: in 1875, a certain Mrs. Holmes (Sherlock's mother?) leased the house next door at 24 Montague Street. Founded in 1753, The British Museum is a vast storehouse of arts, culture, natural history, and science. Located in the area of London known as Bloomsbury, the British Museum welcomes over 5 million visitors a year from all over the world. Admission is free. See http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/ for more information about collections, history, and events.

"Reginald Musgrave had been in the same college as myself...." (3) Whether Holmes attended Oxford or Cambridge—the two great British universities—has excited much disagreement among Sherlockians. Conan Doyle probably hoped to avoid controversy by never specifying one or the other.

"...which had separated from the Northern Musgraves some time in the sixteenth century, and had established itself in Western Sussex, where the manor house of Hurlstone is perhaps the oldest inhabited building in the county." (3) Several models for Hurlstone have been suggested among the many ancient homes in West Sussex. Ads for St. Mary's House in Bramber, built in 1470 as an inn for Canterbury pilgrims, claim that its cellar inspired the story, but Conan Doyle seems to have had something grander in mind when he describes Hurlstone's "grey archways and mullioned windows and all the venerable wreckage of a feudal keep" (3). Two possible old West Sussex homes, culled from many, are Petworth House and Wiston Park. No mansion seems to have just the right combination of features to be a good match for Hurlstone: a ruined medieval castle attached to a more modern building in the shape of an "L."

"...grey archways and mullioned windows and all the venerable wreckage of a feudal keep." (3) Mullioned windows have a solid divider through the center of the window. A feudal keep is a medieval castle.

"'...and as I am member for my district as well....'" (3) In other words, Musgrave is a Member of Parliament, representing West Sussex.

"'I preserve, too, and in the pheasant months I usually have a house party....'" (4) Musgrave maintains a game reserve on his estate grounds so that he and his invited friends can hunt the animals in season. For pheasant, the season lasts from October through January.

"'But this paragon has one fault. He is a bit of a Don Juan....'" (4) A paragon is an example of perfection, while Don Juan is a legendary ladies' man.

"'...a cup of strong café noir ....'" (4) French for "black coffee."

#letters from watson #the musgrave ritual #sherlock holmes

[scotianostra]

March 14th 1900 saw the birth of Scottish lawyer, Dame Margaret Kidd in Bo’ness. 

Today, there are around 130 practising female advocates in Scotland. Before 1923 there had been none; then along came Margaret Henderson Kidd.  

Margaret was brought up in Carriden, and that over the decade the Kidd family grew.; Margaret lived with her parents and now had five brothers and three sisters.

She educated at Linlithgow Academy, Kidd later studied law at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with an MA and LLB in 1922. Her early training was conducted with Mitchell and Baxter, writers to the signet, in Edinburgh. Although her first choice of career was the Foreign Office, the then Permanent Secretary, Mr Eyre Crowe, ‘was opposed to women’, so instead Kidd decided to follow her father and go into law. 

In 1923, Kidd was called to the Faculty of Advocates and became the first female with the right to plead in the Court of Session, the highest civil court in Scotland. The event attracted great interest from members of the faculty and the legal profession, as well as the media. The Scotsman newspaper, as was typical of press coverage of women in the news, took special interest in Margaret’s outfit, reporting that she wore a ‘coat frock of black crepe morocain, a soft white collar with a narrow white bow tie, and a straw hat trimmed with velvet.’ Later in the day she donned the wig and gown as she formally entered her new role.

Between 1923 and 1948 she remained the only lady advocate. Kidd was the first lady advocate to appear before the House of Lords and before a parliamentary select committee. Kidd also had the distinction of becoming the first woman KC in Britain, preceding Helena Normanton and Rose Helibron who were appointed KC in England and Wales in 1949.

While Kidd appears to have downplayed the significance of her role and career in interviews – “I don’t know what they made all the fuss about” - it is clear that others, including her alma mater, were aware of and followed her progress. In the University of Edinburgh’s records of graduations, Kidd’s entry includes several newspaper clippings tracking parts of her career and life.

In 1930 Margaret married Donald Somerled MacDonald in Carriden Parish Church. Donald was a Writer to the Signet and member of the firm Scott and Glover, Hill Street, Edinburgh. . The couple went on to have one daughter, Anne.

During the Second World War, Margaret played a prominent part in organising Christmas treats and functions for the wives and dependants of men serving with the 14th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, and particularly the 39th Battery, of which her brother Col. J. T. Kidd was then in command.

Margaret’s professional life also led her to sit on the committee of Representatives of Poor Persons in Scotland as a referee under the Widows and Orphans and Old Age Contributions Pensions Act, and to undertake the Assistantship in the class of Public Law at Edinburgh University.

Margaret Kidd spent much of her life in India Street, Edinburgh. Donald had died in 1957, leaving Margaret a widow for over 30 years until her death on 22 March 1989 in Cambridge. A funeral service was held at the Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh. A eulogy by Lord Hope of Craighead echoed what had been printed about her 41 years earlier by the Scotsman:

‘Her success was won by strength of character, courage and integrity and is a mark of her true qualities that, despite what might seem to be the revolutionary nature of her achievements, she always held the affection and respect of others.’ 

#scotland #scottish #lawyer #Kings Counsel #law courts #strong woman #pioneer #history

[flightofficeuk]

Rituals hanging around the Christmas Eve within the UK’s Panorama

Christmas is a time of festive cheer and dazzling lights and is a wonderful time to pack your bags and embark on a journey. A vacation on Christmas holiday with your loved ones is one of the most thrilling year end break for all of us. From traditional gatherings, exhilarating events to seasonal markets, Christmas feasts, and the best carol singing. Christmas is a cherished custom, thus the days leading up to the holiday are among the busiest of the year at airports, railway stations, and bus terminals as people travel to visit their loved ones. Many individuals decorate their homes with colourful lights and display various Christmas decorations, such as a wreath made of evergreen branches, in anticipation of Christmas. Most families also put up Christmas trees. Giving gifts is a major Christmas tradition. Gifts are bought or made for all people. The gifts are wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree to be opened on Christmas morning. Special Christmas songs, or carols, are sung and heard throughout the holiday season.

Christians celebrate Christmas as the birth date of Jesus Christ, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the foundation of their faith. Mary, a young teenager, was living in the hamlet of Nazareth and was betrothed to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter.

Christmas is celebrated with rich fervour across the globe in different communities, which are absorbed deep within the Christian faith. And in the UK, the Christmas Eve is one of the best times for celebrating Christmas Holidays for its denizens amidst celebrating eventful days and nights surrounded in the undertones of traditional rituals and superimposed by the new age cultures. 

Christmas is the time when denizens in the UK are ready for celebrating the Christmas Holidays. Very often, if not always, these holidays are lived around across the colourful stalls where your fertile imagination is impounded for once by the sight of gift selling stalls. God sent the angel Gabriel to visit Mary one day. The angel informed Mary that she would have a son via the power of the Holy Spirit. She would have this child and call him Jesus. Mary miraculously became pregnant while engaged to Joseph, just as the angel had predicted. Then, in a dream, God sent an angel to Joseph to corroborate Mary's account. She had conceived a kid via the power of the Holy Spirit.

The idea of relishing in the delectable meals may even seem godlier and often motivational. Families in London and counties of the UK indulge in the activities like Carol singing, visiting to churches and cathedrals to attend the masses and night outs in the city pubs. Households in the UK often have Christmas Eve parties with a unique kind of attainment. Meat pies and sherry is arranged for Santa Claus, while carrots are served in the basket for the reindeers, which drive the Santa Claus.

Implanting the Christmas Fir Tree is still one of the common rituals, and further beyond embellishing the tree with petite gifts eventually makes entire celebration better than ever.  On many occasions, the households in the UK get around decorating the Mistletoe, Ivy and the Holly. The popular event happening around in the Oxford Street of London goes further ahead and translates into making the whole event of Christmas far more enticing than otherwise. 

The UK and Christian communities living out there have interesting motivations, while they involve themselves in the Carol Services, or go out rightly for the Nativity Plays.  One of the most popular Christmas Carol Service is broadcast from Cambridge’s Chapel of King’s College and titled as “Nine Lessons” and this service has its own dignity and vox populi.

Christmas Celebrated by Children in the UK

The taste of celebrating Christmas especially with respect to the children in the UK comes with lot of excitement of different kind.  Gifts from the Santa would find entry in Stockings or the Pillow-cases, or there may be the time when parents would get through a secretive moment in time where the packaged gifts are placed underneath the children’s beds.

Children in return may even try out to go for offerings like the mince pies, which are served with exotic Brandy for Father Christmas. But in general, children make sure to offer the best of Christmas gifts, which truly have non-alcoholic nature. 

Christian Meals and the Openings for the Day

Christmas meals have a special taste and momentous appeal, and the timings for these meals is often quite mystic. Usually, the Christmas meals are arranged on the regular times of lunch, or these may even be organised before afternoon. Meals like Brussel Sprouts is one of the best giving around. Cranberry Sauce and Turkey are often the best treatments to look around.  And for the people of the UK, Wassailing is still an amazing activity with the Christianenlightenment. Children find the time for themselves to get into the Christian feel.

 Look for the Best Deals on the Christmas Flights

If you have made the plans for Christmas, and these plans are motivated by travelling to another country or nation, then you should immediately start searching for thecheap Christmas flight deals. These smart deals would help you in getting Christmas travel tickets on discounts, and in addition to reeling offers. In the end, let your Christmas Eve be a memorable event. Fly to exotic locations and relish in the Christmas holidays.

OTA are offering you a variety of budget friendly travel deals to some of the most happening destinations. Enjoy Christmas Eve with your family by traveling to your dream location and save big. Our massive range of captivating airfares gives you an opportunity to escape from your mundane routine and make tons of memories with family to cherish forever! OTA has put up an intriguing package of surprises for all travel wizards. Our attractive deals on low-cost Christmas flights will entice you to take a trip. We provide customized offers to satisfy all of your travel needs. We make your journey more enjoyable by offering low-cost air tickets and 24-hour customer support. If you run into any problems while travelling, our travel specialists will always be happy to assist you. 

The Fun and Excitement Surrounding Christmas is Next Level

And finally as you set yourself free for the Christmas party, make sure that everything is in the right place and format. You will need to make sure that the flight bookings are done in advance. Let the Christmas be your memorable day and you feel enchanted in the carol singing all the yuletide days and nights. And again, check the best flight deals for keeping your Christmas celebrations in budget.

#christmas #Cheap Christmas holiday deals #christmas travel deals #cheap christmas flight deals #christmas eve #flight #flights

[phillips-sisters]

I posted 195 times in 2022

That's 195 more posts than 2021!

181 posts created (93%)

14 posts reblogged (7%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@phillips-sisters

@duchessofvolterra

I tagged 195 of my posts in 2022

#british royal family - 187 posts

#brf - 186 posts

#savannah phillips - 154 posts

#isla phillips - 146 posts

#autumn phillips - 91 posts

#autumn kelly - 89 posts

#peter phillips - 78 posts

#mia tindall - 60 posts

#zara tindall - 35 posts

#festival of british eventing - 31 posts

Longest Tag: 131 characters

#they nearly never get pics of savannah at christmas lunches for some reason. every year they only get the left side of the vehicle.

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

See the full post

55 notes - Posted December 25, 2017

#4

17 December 2021 || A picture of Savannah and Isla Phillips with mom Autumn Kelly by Millie Pilkington photography

57 notes - Posted December 17, 2021

#3

Late 2011 or Early 2012 || Savannah Phillips with their parents + Isla Phillips’ official christening photo with them

62 notes - Posted January 1, 2012

#2

See the full post

67 notes - Posted August 23, 2019

My #1 post of 2022

14 April 2021 || Savannah and Isla Phillips with the other great-grandchildren of The Queen and Prince Philip in 1 of the 3 photos released by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in memory of the lovely Duke of Edinburgh

77 notes - Posted April 14, 2021

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review

[sassyfrassboss]

I think the Cambridges have eased into their kids public appearances very well. Started with the Sandringham Christmas walk and was carefully curated to this weekend’s Jubilee. The children are very well behaved and are slowly getting comfortable to the public eye. That’s very good to see.

They have done this very well.

Enough to get them used to big events and even smaller engagements.

I would love it if the kids join W&K at Wimbledon this year.

[brookpub]

Brook Pub Christmas Special |  Special Christmas Starters Cambridge

It's the right time to give in to your desire to celebrate and rejoice! On Christmas Day, as you meet with loved ones, a spectacular display of appetizers will set the tone for a beautiful meal. Brook Pub Christmas Special starters range from delectable finger foods to sophisticated appetizers and are sure to put your festive table centre stage.

Brook Pub Christmas Special

Unique Christmas Starters Cambridge:

It's the right time to give in to your desire to celebrate and rejoice! On Christmas Day, as you meet with loved ones, a spectacular display of appetizers will set the tone for a beautiful meal. Brook Pub's choice of Christmas Day starters ranges from delectable finger foods to sophisticated appetizers and is sure to put your festive table centre stage.

Cranberry Brie Bites:

These miniature treats are the perfect marriage of sweet and savoury, thanks to the combination of tart cranberry sauce and smooth Brie cheese. Puff pastry encloses a flavor explosion that will have your visitors begging for more.

Smoked Salmon Crostini:

Smoked salmon is a sophisticated addition to your Christmas appetizers. Top crisp crostini with herbed cream cheese, smoked salmon pieces, capers, and a sprig of dill. It's a fancy treat that's surprisingly simple to make.

Caprese Skewers:

These festive skewers are a great way to add colour to your holiday spread. Prepare toothpicks by alternating cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Simple, yet incredibly wonderful.

Spiced Roasted Nuts:

Spiced roasted, warm and fragrant nuts are a traditional Christmas appetizer that can also be enjoyed as a delicious snack any time of year. Roast your favourite nuts perfectly after tossing them in cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little honey.

Pomegranate Goat Cheese Crostini:

The creamy goat cheese on these crostini is topped with jewel-like pomegranate arils, making them a light and refreshing appetizer. All senses will be awoken and impressed by the explosion of flavours and textures.

Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto:

These bundles of prosciutto-wrapped asparagus are both visually appealing and delicious. Asparagus and prosciutto make a great textural contrast when roasted to the point where they are both soft and crunchy.

Shrimp Cocktail Shooters:

These elegant prawn cocktail shooters give your visitors a taste of the sea. As a visually stunning and refreshing appetizer, serve iced prawns in shot glasses topped with a tangy cocktail sauce.

Butternut Squash Soup Shots:

Serve individual bowls of butternut squash soup to your holiday guests to keep them warm. These shot-glass servings of warm soup are adorable and set the tone for the rest of the meal.

Brook Pub Christmas Day Starters Menu:

During the holiday season, Brook Pub is incredibly proud to provide meals and experiences. Let's look at how these beautiful Christmas appetizers and best pub drinks that  are made so you can appreciate the effort that goes into each one.

Spiced Pulled Chicken & Winter Vegetable Soup with Buttered Bloomer -

Our Spiced Pulled Chicken & Winter Vegetable Soup is a symphony of seasonal flavours beautifully prepared to embrace you warmly. Picture delicate pulled chicken, slow-cooked to perfection, combined with a cornucopia of winter vegetables, all simmering in a rich chicken broth laced with our unique blend of seasonal spices.

But adding warm, buttered bloomer slices takes this dish to the next level. Each piece, lavishly slathered in smooth butter, provides a luxurious counterpoint to the hearty flavours of the soup.

It's more than just a bowl of soup; it's a celebration of the winter season's bounty and the pleasure of savouring those moments. To fully experience how this beautiful dish may delight your taste senses and envelop you in the season's warmth, please join us at Brook Pub. 

 Festive seafood trio

Smoked Salmon, Mini Prawn Cocktail, and Crab Cake Ensemble with Brown Bread -

Try our Seafood Symphony, a delectable trio that will whisk your taste senses away to the shore and the ocean's warmth. Savour the sophistication of smoked salmon in paper-thin slices, the zing of a little prawn cocktail, and the savoury perfection of a hand-formed crab cake.

With warm, freshly baked brown bread, this dish showcases the sea's most excellent flavours. There's a subtle saltiness to the smoked salmon, a tangy kick to the prawn cocktail, and a golden beauty of a crab cake that manages to be both tender and crunchy.

Sautéed Creamy Garlic Mushrooms (V) with Chargrilled Garlic Buttered Sourdough -

Our Sautéed Creamy Garlic Mushrooms are the perfect starting point for your vegetarian adventure; they're a delectable combination of earthy richness doused in a silky garlic sauce. Every bite is guaranteed to be bursting with savoury mushroom flavour thanks to how the mushrooms are sautéed to a golden crisp.

This dish has an array of flavours and textures, especially when served atop sourdough chargrilled with garlic butter. The sourdough, warmed by the fire and laced with garlic butter, serves as a blank slate against which the smooth mushrooms may shine, creating a symphony of flavour that will leave you wanting more.

This vegetarian masterpiece is a celebration of flavour, freshness, and the skill of cooking, and it is available for your tasting pleasure at Brook Pub. 

Crispy Brie Wedges (V) with Cranberry Sauce-

Crispy Brie Wedges are an invitation to a world of gastronomic excess, a symphony of textures combining the velvety smoothness of Brie with the enticing crunch of deep-fried perfection. Each wedge has a golden crust that gives way to a melting, gooey interior thanks to the careful breading.

The Brie's richness plays against the cranberries' sweetness and tartness in a harmonious way in this dish, which is served with a side of delectable cranberry sauce. These Brie wedges impress any cheese lover or gourmet with their creamy, delicate flavour.

Celebrate Christmas Day at Brook Pub with Exquisite Dining!

Celebrate Christmas with us at Brook Pub, where our Christmas Day Canape Menu will surely be a gastronomic highlight of the holiday season. Treat yourself to a delicious two-course meal for just £39.99, or go all out with a three-course extravaganza for £44.99. From noon to four, wow your taste buds with a cuisine designed to make Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.

Two-Course Menu - £39.99:

Starter:

Pick some appetizers that are perfect for celebrating the holiday season. There's something for every taste, from comforting soups to refined seafood dishes.

Main Course:

Delight in our carefully selected main courses representing the best in holiday eating. Our menu features various dishes to please every palate, from classic roasts to creative vegetarian alternatives.

Three-Course Feast for $44.99:

Starter:

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable Christmas feast with an enticing appetizer. Our chef's dishes will be a delicious celebration of the season.

Main Course:

The main event! Enjoy a meal that goes above and beyond the norm, full of traditional holiday fare and unexpected treats. Both the purists and the risk-takers will find something they like on our three-course menu.

Dessert:

Conclude your party on a sweet note with our delectable dessert choices. Our desserts range from traditional favourites like Christmas pudding to more modern creations that are sure to please.

Celebrate Christmas with us at Brook Pub, where you'll be surrounded by good company and served delicious food. Please reserve your spot now and make us a part of your holiday plans! 

#Brook Pub Christmas Special #brook pub cambridge #Special Christmas Starters Cambridge #best food and drinks #Christmas events in Cambridge

[jerseydeanne]

Prince Harry's memoir set to be delayed until next year

The Duke of Sussex’s memoir is expected to be delayed because of the royal mourning period and is now likely to be published next year, sources have confirmed.

Ever since it was announced last summer, the book has cast a long shadow over the Royal family amid fears that it will be used to settle scores.

Published by Penguin Random House, it was originally scheduled for release in “late 2022” and was expected around Thanksgiving in time to cash in on the Christmas market.

But the death of Queen Elizabeth II last week threw long-held publication and publicity plans into turmoil.

The King announced on Friday that the Royal family would remain in mourning until seven days after the late Queen’s funeral on Monday.

Protocol dictates that official duties are then gradually phased in as appropriate, with military and charity engagements likely to be given priority and personal projects coming later.

A source close to the Sussexes indicated that the book would not now come out as planned as the couple respect a mourning period that is likely to last well beyond the official ten days.

Archetypes, the Duchess’s Spotify podcast, is said to have been put on hold for up to six weeks as a mark of respect.

There are no plans to pull the Duke’s book but publication will be delayed, probably until next year.

The manuscript, ghostwritten by American author JR Moehringer, is understood to have been finished some time ago.

But the Queen’s death is such a seismic moment for both the monarchy and for the Duke’s family that the book will likely have to be updated throughout.

With publication delayed, Prince Harry will have time to write additional chapters about his grandmother’s death, ensuring it does not appear out of date.

No members of the Royal family, their aides or lawyers have had sight of the book in any form.

Neither have they been informed when it is due to be published.

Such is the bad blood between Prince Harry and Prince William that the former did not even tell his brother he was coming to the UK this month for a series of charity engagements.

The Cambridges, it is understood, found out about the visit via media reports.

In the event, the timing of the Sussexes’ trip meant they were on hand when the monarch passed away and did not have to endure an eleventh-hour transatlantic dash.

The Duke flew up to Balmoral last Thursday, separately from other members of his family, but arrived some 90 minutes after Buckingham Palace had announced her death.

He left alone early the next morning.

The Sussexes, who are holed up at Frogmore Cottage, their home on the Windsor estate, joined the Cambridges for a 40-minute walkabout in Windsor on Saturday.

They joined other members of the family at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening to welcome the late monarch's body home from Scotland.

The Duke will join senior royals in the procession on foot from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday afternoon, while Meghan will follow by car.

The King used his first televised address to the nation on Friday to offer an olive branch to the Sussexes, expressing his love for them “as they continue to build their lives overseas.”

It was later confirmed that the Duke would not be permitted to wear military uniform for any ceremonial events relating to the Queen’s death.

His office responded by insisting that his decade of military service was not determined by the uniform he wears.

source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/09/14/prince-harrys-memoir-set-delayed-next-year/?utm_content=telegraph&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1663159725-1

#prince harry #memoir #british royal family

[chennaitop10article]

Embracing Cultural Diversity in Chennai's International Schools

Chennai, a bustling metropolis on India's southeastern coast, has long been known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. In recent years, it has also emerged as a global educational hub, particularly for international schools. These schools are not just about imparting world-class education; they play a pivotal role in promoting and embracing cultural diversity. This article explores how Chennai's international schools have become beacons of multiculturalism, fostering a global outlook among students while celebrating the unique tapestry of cultures that define the city.

Embark on an educational journey tailored for success at the forefront top IGCSE schools in Chennai. Our curated list showcases institutions renowned for their commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methodologies, and a supportive learning environment. Empower your child with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.

A Melting Pot of Cultures

Chennai's international schools are characterized by their diverse student bodies. With families from various parts of the world relocating to the city for business, diplomatic, and academic reasons, these schools have become melting pots of different cultures. Students from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and many others bring with them their unique cultural backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives.

Curriculum and Pedagogy

The curriculum in Chennai's international schools is designed to be inclusive and globally relevant. Most schools follow the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), or American curricula, which emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding. Subjects such as global studies, world history, and languages are taught with a focus on multicultural perspectives.

Teachers in these schools often come from diverse backgrounds themselves, bringing a wealth of international experience to the classroom. This diversity among educators further enriches the learning environment, allowing students to gain insights from different cultural viewpoints.

Celebrating Cultural Festivals

One of the most vibrant aspects of embracing cultural diversity in Chennai's international schools is the celebration of various cultural festivals. These schools host events for Diwali, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Eid, and many other festivals, allowing students to experience and appreciate different traditions. Such celebrations are not just about festivities; they are educational opportunities where students learn about the history, significance, and customs associated with each festival.

For instance, during Diwali, students might engage in rangoli-making workshops, learn about the story of Ramayana, and enjoy traditional Indian sweets. Similarly, during Christmas, they might participate in carol singing, decorate Christmas trees, and learn about the origins of Santa Claus. These activities foster respect and appreciation for different cultures from a young age.

Language Programs

Language is a crucial component of cultural identity, and Chennai's international schools offer robust language programs to cater to their diverse student population. Apart from English, which is the medium of instruction, schools offer languages such as French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin. These programs are designed to help students maintain a connection to their heritage while also equipping them with valuable linguistic skills for the future.

Moreover, learning multiple languages enhances cognitive abilities and fosters an appreciation for different cultures. Language classes often incorporate cultural studies, where students learn about the countries where the languages are spoken, including their customs, traditions, and way of life.

Intercultural Activities and Exchanges

Intercultural activities and exchange programs are integral to the ethos of international schools in Chennai. These schools organize international days, cultural fairs, and student exchange programs that allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures.

During international days, students dress in traditional attire, share food from their home countries, and perform cultural dances and music. These events provide a platform for students to showcase their heritage and learn about others in a fun and engaging manner.

Exchange programs, whether within India or internationally, give students firsthand experience of living in a different cultural environment. Such experiences are invaluable in developing empathy, adaptability, and a global mindset.

Community Engagement and Service

Community service is another area where Chennai's international schools emphasize cultural diversity. Through various service projects, students engage with the local community, which is itself diverse. Projects may include working with local schools, orphanages, and NGOs, providing students with an understanding of social issues and the importance of giving back to society.

These service activities often require students to collaborate with people from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, fostering a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility. By working on projects that address real-world problems, students learn to appreciate the interconnectedness of communities and cultures.

Professional Development and Inclusivity Training

For schools to effectively embrace and promote cultural diversity, continuous professional development for teachers is essential. Chennai's international schools invest in training programs that focus on inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and anti-bias education. These programs equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to create inclusive classrooms where every student feels valued and respected.

Inclusivity training covers various aspects such as recognizing and addressing unconscious bias, creating culturally responsive teaching materials, and implementing inclusive teaching strategies. By fostering an inclusive school culture, teachers can better support the diverse needs of their students.

Parental Involvement

Parents play a crucial role in supporting the cultural diversity initiatives of international schools. Schools in Chennai actively encourage parental involvement through multicultural committees, parent-teacher associations (PTAs), and cultural workshops. These platforms allow parents to share their cultural knowledge and skills, contributing to a richer school community.

Parents often volunteer to organize cultural events, give presentations about their home countries, and participate in cultural exchange activities. Such involvement not only strengthens the school community but also reinforces the importance of cultural diversity at home.

Challenges and Future Directions

While Chennai's international schools have made significant strides in embracing cultural diversity, they also face challenges. Balancing the representation of various cultures, avoiding cultural tokenism, and addressing the needs of students from minority backgrounds require ongoing effort and commitment.

Looking ahead, these schools can continue to enhance their cultural diversity initiatives by incorporating more global education partnerships, utilizing technology for virtual cultural exchanges, and developing more comprehensive multicultural curricula. By doing so, they can ensure that their students are well-prepared to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Conclusion

Chennai's international schools are at the forefront of promoting cultural diversity, creating environments where students from different backgrounds learn, grow, and thrive together. Through inclusive curricula, cultural celebrations, language programs, intercultural activities, and community engagement, these schools foster a deep appreciation for diversity and equip students with the skills needed to become global citizens. As the world becomes more interconnected, the role of these schools in nurturing understanding, respect, and collaboration across cultures becomes ever more critical. Discover the top 10 international schools in Chennai, providing a world-class education that prepares students for success in a globalized world. From cutting-edge facilities to diverse curricula and experienced faculty, these institutions offer an unparalleled learning experience that nurtures academic excellence and personal growth.

#best international schools in chennai #international schools in chennai #top 10 international schools in chennai #top international schools in chennai

[delia-loves-death]

I had a dream about Caroline Calloway.

Ok so I went to sleep last night after reading "We Children from Zoo Station" by Christiane F. I have been consuming lots of CC content over the past week or two. And I fell asleep and had a strange dream. I'll try to explain it as best as I possibly can because some things have slipped out of my mind. Keep in mind that I am a freshman in college at the moment, but NOT at any of the colleges CC has been to.

So, I dreamt that I was at a college which was an amalgamation of Cambridge and my own college. Tall ceilings, Gothic architecture, large hallways. I met CC as if she was a close friend, but not that close. I'd say she was like a sister. In one moment she was on the windowsill, my head was on her lap and I was crying and she was looking down at me, smiling, petting me, not saying a word. In another instance I caught her within the corner of my eye and she ran down the large halls, turning right. My friends and I followed suit. We reached a lecture, where you had to be invited in order to participate (I don't think that's how it usually works), because Caroline was in the room and we were outside, I was hiding because I wasn't invited or something like that?? And there was Piano Tiles gameplay on the screen for some fucking reason. Ok, and then I asked my friend for a cig and a lighter (I don't smoke). She gave me an already lit thin cig. I went outside, re-lit it and I was scared that my parents were going to catch me, but I was alright. I pondered on the day's events and I felt put together for a second, as I was feeling the tobacco going into my lungs. I saw a hidden stand of lecture books. I didn't bring my purse with me, so I didn't have any cash on hand. I talked to the man behind the stand with the cigarette still in my mouth. He told me that one of the books was initially 100 but it was actually 66, the man showed me some other thinner books.

Some flashbacks to Christmas with my parents etc. I was at another lecture, the teacher didn't call my name to read out passages from the book because I wasn't on the list and I was reading along and marking down things on my textbook. Then the lyrics from "Last Christmas" by WHAM showed up, annotated as such with pencil. I started to cry and sing along to the lyrics.

Then I woke up, but not really. My legs were crossed at the ankles, bare and cold. Nothing else woke me up. Then I pondered on this strange dream and what it could mean. I made myself coffee, petted my cat, stared at the walls, decided for what political alliance I should vote for in June and then I made myself breakfast, took a shower, made my bed and started to write this post.

#caroline calloway #dreams #strange #college #why did this happen #fascinating

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, GCVO, GCStJ, CD (born Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, 20 January 1965)

20 January 2024

Today is a special day in the calendar of the British royal family as Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, celebrates her 59th birthday.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has earned herself many loyal watchers over the years as she has attended charity events, made visits to organisations that matter to her, and been spotted at historic royal events.

Prince Edward's wife has worn some supremely elegant looks over the years.

We are sure that as she enters her 59th year and her first full years as the Duchess of Edinburgh, she will continue to pull out the stops in all the public outings to come.

A Regal Vision

The state visit of the president of the Republic Of Korea in 2023 was a momentous occasion.

The Duchess did not disappoint, in fact, she stunned in a glorious white Suzannah London dress.

The elegant gown featured a sheer embroidered panel on the shoulders and up the neck for an ethereal touch.

It also had long sleeves that were cuffed at the wrist. The royal styled the piece with the breathtaking aquamarine tiara and a modest silver clutch.

A Barbie Moment

In June 2022, the then-Countess of Wessex stunned in a block colour moment next to her sister-in-law, the then-Duchess of Cambridge.

The royal ladies attended the Order of The Garter service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, where Sophie stunned in a bubblegum pink A-line dress with long fluted sleeves and a rounded neck.

She paired the knee-length piece with a pair of nude heels, a beige floral and feathered fascinator, and a beige croc-print clutch.

Festive Blues

The Duchess attended the Christmas Day church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate in 2018.

She pulled out one of her numerous fabulous dress coats. Sophie rocked the cornflower blue belted piece with a pair of navy tights, black platform heels, and a pair of chic black leather gloves.

Peeking out from the top of the coat was a blue and black ditsy floral printed dress with a ruffled neckline. Her black netted fascinator completed the look.

A Bronzey Moment

In 2021, Sophie once again embraced blue but in a totally different way.

The royal was seen arriving at the biennial Rifles Awards Dinner at the City of London Guildhall wearing a stunning aquamarine floor-length evening dress with a square neckline and cinched waistline.

The bronzed Duchess teamed the dress with a glitzy clutch in blue and black sequins and flesh-coloured shiny pointed-toe heels.

The perfect finishing touches were added in the form of a diamond-encrusted brooch and coordinating drop earrings that were shown off by her hair being styled in an elegant updo.

The Picture-Perfect Wedding Guest

In 2021, Sophie was photographed alongside her husband, the then-Earl of Wessex, at the wedding of Flora Ogilvy, granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, to Timothy Vesterberg, at St James's Church in Piccadilly, London.

The Duchess looked stunning in a rosy pink shin-length A-line dress, which featured cinching around the neck and on the cut-off sleeves.

She coordinated the pink dress with a cream clutch adorned with pink raffia flowers, a pair of cream patent heels with a buckle around the ankle, and the pièce de résistance was a cream lace fascinator with a corsage detail.

Trendy Taupe

The Duchess is known for getting out her best looks when she attends a special wedding.

In 2011, she was seen with her husband Prince Edward leaving the Hotel de Paris to attend the religious ceremony of the royal wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco to Charlene Wittstock in Monaco.

The royal opted for a taupe aesthetic that with the 90s fashion revival we have seen over the last year and the wearing of trendy browns is a look that would go down well today.

The then-46-year-old Sophie paired the taupe piece with a cowl neckline with a coordinating feathered fascinator, ruched clutch, and peep-toe heels.

A Classic LBD

In 2014, Sophie switched it up entirely and opted for a classic little black dress that exuded glamour.

The royal was pictured alongside Strictly host Tess Daly at the star-studded St John Ambulance Everyday Heroes celebration of the nation's life savers at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in 2014.

The Duchess's floor-length gown had a diamanté-encrusted halterneck and she swept her hair over to one side for an effortless look.

#Duchess of Edinburgh #Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh #Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones #British Royal Family #Countess of Wessex #fashion #style

[rabbitcruiser]

Candle Day

Candles offer more than just light — fill your home with sweet scents and transform any space into a warm oasis.

For those who absolutely love the joy of lighting candles to provide warm, soft light as well as a delightful fragrance to their homes, especially in winter time, Candle Day is a beautiful way to usher in the cooler season.

History of Candle Day

Typically celebrated on the first Saturday of December, Candle Day was founded by the American retail company, Bath & Body Works. Originally owned by the Limited Brands, which also owns brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, the first store in the Bath & Body Works chain was opened in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1990.

Selling products for the body, as the name implies, the company grew rapidly and now runs more than 2000 stores all over the world, 1600 of which are in the United States.

Bath & Body Works is a brand that is particularly beloved for its amazing scents that have a wide range of popularity, from fruity scents to flowers and also offering a line for men. Some of the most popular scents have been Sweet Pea, Japanese Cherry Blossom, Cucumber Melon and Country Apple.

Within these popular scent lines, as well as many others, are many products such as body lotions, fragrances, room sprays and, of course, candles. And for many people, Candle Day is one of the best times of the year to celebrate at Bath & Body Works because that’s when they hold some of their best sales.

Because the season for Christmas and other winter holidays often includes gift-giving, and because candles make incredible gifts, Candle Day was started in 2013. Plus, it’s a great time to simply stock up on candles for the cold, winter months.

So get ready for the fun and celebration of Candle Day!

How to Celebrate Candle Day

Candle Day offers a variety of options for just about any personality, whether looking for some time to spend at home or getting out and taking advantage of various sales. Consider celebrating with some of these ideas:

Light a Candle

Candles can bring so much comfort and warmth to a room, especially if they also envelop the room with a cozy and delicious scent. Fragrances such as Champagne Toast, Cinnamon Apple, or Strawberry Pound Cake are a lovely way to enjoy the day.

Buy a Candle (or Several!)

Head to the local Bath & Body Works to get access to their Candle Day sales and discounts, or look them up online and have the products delivered directly. This annual event typically provides customers with the opportunity to get the brand’s most famous 3-wick candles at a deeply discounted price. Other brands, such as Yankee Candle, may also be offering special prices in honor of Candle Day.

Give a Candle for Candle Day

What a great time to delight and surprise someone with a little present in honor of Candle Day! Find out which scents are a friend’s favorite and get them a large winter-themed pillar candle in honor of the season. Or leave a small votive on the desk of a coworker as a little bit of encouragement.

Source

#USA #Original New York Cheesecake #birthday #travel #original photography #New York City #electrical candle #Stephen A. Schwarzman Building #Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake #Strawberry Shortbread #Toronto #Canada #Luzern #Lucerne #Fort York National Historic Site #Monument Valley #vacation #tourist attraction #landmark #architecture #Candle Day #2 December 2023 #First Saturday in December #CandleDay