ms-havachat eats out in Surrey - Misogu Japanese, Windsor

You should know by now we love our food, we enjoy eating out and we especially love Japanese food.

What's difficult with enjoying a cuisine as much as we do, is that, having lived in Japan and eaten the food there (which funnily enough is simply called food), we're spoilt. Seldom does sushi or sashimi or udon or tempura meet our expectations, so when we do find a restaurant that comes close, we're very happy ... when we find one that equals our expectations we're delighted!

My physio very tentatively recommended Misugo in Windsor, as she knew we'd lived in Japan and thought we might like it. She loves it. She wasn't too sure we would and was nervous in doing so, but I was happy to accept her recommendation, make a reservation and try it - we've eaten some pretty horrible, expensive Japanese meals so figured we had nothing to loose.

Our photo's say it all ........ 3 very happy little Vegemites.

I thoroughly enjoy and recommend starting
with awarm Sake

This is the 'second' order of the night.
Too busy eating the first few dishes to take photos.
Sushi, soft shell crab, Katsu, gyoza and tempura prawn in nori wrap.

The hotate (scallop) were plump and juicy and delicious.

The unagi (eel) was BBQ'd to perfection and served warm (missed the sauce tho)

The ikura (salmon balls wrapped in nori and rice) are tweens' favourite, and these were big, slippery delicious balls of yumminess.

The mature (tuna) and sake (salmon) were de-lic-ious.


As we were celebrating tween's first term report, her very pleasing first term exam results, G's birthday, and our anniversary we were thrilled to have found a local Japanese restaurant to have dinner.

I phoned my physio and said THANK YOU .... she was delighted and relived!


Misugo offers dining in and take away service.

The restaurant is small, so I'd advise booking.

It's reasonably priced, but Japanese does tend to be 'expensive', but for the quality of the food, the presentation and flavours, it's worth every yen, I mean cent. Tho if you don't over indulge like us, you might get out of it cheaper than we did. We really need to learn to pace ourselves.

For more information, please go to their website 
(Don't email them your booking - call! They don't read their emails LOL)

ms-havachat eating out at The Dog and Partridge, Sunninghill, Ascot.

Check out the blue sky!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When you're new to an area, you know where you need to go and how to get there and that's about it. If you're going somewhere new, you're in the hands of the Sat Nav Gods and could end up where you need to be (which is always great) or somewhere else (which is frustrating)

When you're new to an area, you soon learn to make getting lost fun, unless you've an appointment then it's so-not-fun.

You see, you discover things you wouldn't normally see when you're lost.

You're in new territory that you might not otherwise have ever needed, bothered to go.

Yesterday, MrsH and I weren't so much lost as in ended up at the 'wrong' pub, which as it turns out was great!

We discovered the Dog and Partridge in Sunninghill.  Parking's bit of a nightmare, but we managed to find one down a side street. I would suggest, if you're there on a Friday or Saturday night, to taxi there'n'back or be prepared to walk.

The fire was lit, which for once I was very grateful for as the air has a real cut-thru-ice chill to it lately.  We were offered a seat in two very differently designed areas - and chose the more traditional as it was closer to the fire.

The more traditional dining are

The funky dining area towards the front of the pub

Our lovely fireplace with an eclectic wall above.

The service was friendly and efficient. We ordered drinks and food and sat and chatted. MrsH and I haven't seen each other in person for about 3 years, so there was lots to talk about.

The wine list is very broad, the food menu had lots of yummy sounding pub-food choices. MrsH ordered salmon on onion tart and I had my all time fav fish, monkfish and swapped mash for salad (aren't I a good girl).

Just before we left, we wandered outside to find a very clever UK oriented beer garden (that's an Aussie term for outdoor drinking/dining area). When you first walk out of the building there's a covered area with bright coloured cushions ...... then the perimeter of the area is also covered, with seating and tables. The centre is open to the elements.

Outdoor dining (aka beer garden)

If you're lunching midweek, stroll thru Sunninghill Village shopping centre. There's lovely bespoke boutiques to mooch around. A short drive, and you're at Windsor Park, Savill Gardens, Ascot, Windsor. Everything is this area is a short drive thru woodland lines roads.

It's a very beautiful part of the world.

The Dog and Partridge was a very lovely find.

For more information please click here for their website.

With friendship
x

ms-havachat explores the Borough Markets

A few weeks ago, I spent the best part of the day with friends exploring the incredibly interesting and famous foodie haunt of the Borough Market. It was my third or 4th time there, but the first with an experience guide, so was rather excited to see what we would learn.

Ed from Secret Food Tours London was our guide for the morning. With a background in cooking (including a stint in posh foodie heaven of Wolloomloo Bay in Sydney, an old haunt of mine) Ed shared the history of the markets, as well as interesting information about the stallholders businesses, and the food tastings he'd organised for us as well as highlighting the odd streetscape where movies like Bridget Jones was filmed.

Our lovely guide, Ed at the beginning of our tour.
Sadly no vodka or gin, but the bottles of water
he gave us were appreciated.

We met across the road from London Bridge tube station and walked across London Bridge (didn't realise we were crossing the famous bridge until Ed told us cos it' doesn't look like a bridge these days). We paused for a few minutes and listened to the history of the markets (and if you click here, you'll be able to read all about it as there were so much to remember!) before walking down a flight of stairs into the Borough Markets.

Our first food stop was Scotchtails for Scotch Eggs. Having absolutely nothing to do with Scotland, the first Scotch egg was created by Fortum and Mason in 1738 as a healthy snack to eat on the way home after work. They are just as popular today, tho the flavours of Scotcheggs has changed over the years and you can try some really posh ones at the Markets.

(Frustratingly I have lost several photos from the tour - we had incredible fish and chips, donuts, pork sausage rolls on the tour. Ed is happy to personalise the tour based on dietary requirements, allergies or personal likes/dislikes, so don't be shy when asking)

Look for the blue and white sign towards the back of the Markets.

See the huge round loaf in the front row?
Best rye bread!

Bread Ahead is famous for, you guessed it, bread
AND their baking courses!
We stopped and watched a group kneading their dough
while salivating at the international selection of bread in the window.
Check out the website for details on their baking courses. 

What a butcher!
The choice was amazing, and the counter
for take away cooked food was incredible.
Perfect for dinner parties.

You want to know anything about olives, ask these people.
From oils, to pate, to tea, to creams it's all here.
Check out their website here 

The seafood!!
Fresh! Delicious!
The hot fish'n'chips out of paper were scrumptious!

Mrs D's favourite cheese is found here, at the
Drunk Cheese stall. You simply tell him how much to cut and
he expertly slices it off the round. YUM!

Just look at the date!!!!!!!!!!

We finished our Tour here, at the MUG HOUSE, under the
last surviving original arch of London Bridge.
The place is charming and quirky.
We enjoyed a British cheese platter and some wine
before saying thank you to Ed and heading
back to school to pick up kids.

The other interesting aspect of the Markets is it's use in films. Stony Street (between Park and Southwark) was where parts of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was filmed; while Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was filmed on Stony Street too. Paddington, Salmon Fishing in the Yemon, The Golden Compass, and several BBC shows to name a few. The buildings and alley ways, the ol' fashioned style of markets just lends itself to this kind of thing. 

Recognise Bridget Jones' apartment block?
It's a pub on the edge of the Markets.

There's so much to experience at the Borough Markets (and surrounding area) that it really is a great day out in one part of historical London. If you have a flexible itinerary, maybe think about going mid-week to avoid the weekend crowds. It's when the 'locals' do their weekly shop and tourists visit too on their City Breaks. Of course, this lends to the atmosphere, but it's also crazy busy. 

It's a great place to remember to visit and shop at when having dinner parties. Take your shopping bags and a freezer bag, just in case. I'd also recommend a wheelie-style bag or trolley as the shopping can get heavy (wink, wink).

If you're interested, I usually come home with:

A round of rye bread.

A round of grain bread.

Olive paste and other yummy antipasto delights (Borough Olives)

Olive Tea and specialist oils (Oliveology)

Cupcakes (whichever takes my fancy on the day)

Various cheeses (sorry, don't have a favourite)

Sausage rolls (Ginger Pig)

MrsD loves Spice Mountain, Drunk Cheese, Oliveology and Borough Olives.

If I remember the freezer bag with ice bricks (for the train ride home) - fish and meat (again, it just depends on what I'm wanting, so no favourite stall)

For more information about the Borough Markets, click here to go to their website.

If you go to the Markets, please pop onto ms-havachat on Facebook and let me know what you thought. 

With friendship

x

ms-havachat discovers Surrey - Lunch at Riverside Brasserie

My photo turned out ok despite the grey sky

Riverside Brasserie, Bray is a lovely hidden gem of a restaurant and I can't wait to go back.

Located in the Bray Marina, you wonder if you're going in the right direction despite the signs that point you towards RIVERSIDE BRASSERIE. Trust me, just keep going past all the boats in dry-dock and follow the signs.

Even when you see the signs PARK HERE FOR RESTAURANT, you wonder 'where's the restaurant?' but keep walking towards the river and you'll soon come across a relaxing outdoor patio with tables and chairs, outdoor heaters, umbrellas and the restaurant itself.

The wide glass doors are perfect on a day like today - too cold and grey to sit outdoors, but the view is simply too lovely to hide.

Stock photo of patio area in full summer readiness (which I
will definitely be enjoying as soon as the weather warms up)

While we didn't have blue skies, or see a barge go by,
we could absolutely imagine this scene happening.

The location in winter is quiet and private which is lovely, though you can also appreciate the atmosphere in the warmer months with people dining on the patio and the glass doors open from the main restaurant. I'm sure there would be people arriving on their boats, mooring along the jetty. This reminded me of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and the boats pulling up into Watson's Bay, or along the Hawkesbury River and that we need to befriend someone with a boat!

The interior is spacious, with large tables and comfy chairs. The open kitchen is a favourite aspect of any restaurant for me as I love to watch what goes on. The floral displays were huge and the hint of Christmas on the tables were understated.

My photo.

We started with warm flatbreads with 3 dips. Really delicious, tho the tzitziki was a tad too watery for my liking. I love a really thick dip that sits atop the bread. What I did like was the size of the servings of dip as there wasn't too much wasted, and we both felt we had enough.

Main for MrsC was gnocchi with mushrooms which she said was delicious, not too creamy and full of mushroom flavour while I had my favourite, grilled salmon, served on a bed of broccolini. The salmon was grilled rare with a crispy skin which I love. The sauce was tasty and there wasn't too much.

We finished with coffee and mint tea. 

Lunch for 2

We weren't rushed.

The service was pleasant and attentive but not in-your-face. 

We both really enjoyed lunch and both of us said 'we'll be back'.

For more details on Riverside Brasserie Bray click here

(This is a totally independent review of Riverside Brasserie.)

ms-havachat Makes Sense of Hello Goodbye

Happy anniversary to us.

One year and 2 weeks ago, we moved to the UK for our 5th Adventure (aka UK part 2) and life is good. We've settled so well and that's to do with the school, the community and the friendships we've made.

MrsP and I were chatting a while ago and she suggested we chat about how one digs deep to get ready for the annual Welcoming of Newbies as she was struggling having waved goodbye to several BF's over summer. She's working on energy to go meet the newbies and 'start over'. On the other hand, chatting with MrsS, who has arrived in her new city, she was also working up the energy to be the newbie again .... so it works both ways.

There's a great line in one of MissM's Barbie movies where Barbie (playing the role of a fairy) asks 'Why are there so many settings at the table? Who else is coming?" and the Queen Fairy replies " All our friends we haven't yet met" (or words to that affect)

I love it!

Friends we haven't met yet.

This is exactly what these past few weeks have been like. The long summer is made even harder to bare sometimes as friends move on to new adventures and you're left behind, or YOU pack up and move on.

We are constantly meeting friends - and saying see-ya later to others (never goodbye, that's way to permanent and sad).

You might recall our chat about girl dating. If not, here's the link

I'm not sure I have the answers to how we keep going ..... the hello's and see-ya's, but we just do, cos the alternative is an ever smaller social circle, especially for those expats who are 'long term'. For those of us, like me, who churn over every few years, there's a huge difference psychologically to being the one who leaves and the one who stays.

Leaving is full of mixed emotions - in most cases, sad to be leaving but excited to be going somewhere new (or maybe not. Maybe you're over it and want to settle down)

Staying is full of mixed emotions - sometimes it's phew, we're still here, aka still employed (especially when others in your industry are moving on);  content to do another contract; sad to see BF's move on to new adventures or repatriate (there can sometimes be a bit of envy if that's the right word with either of these); the feeling of resignation to 'here we go again' with a bunch of excited newbies to befriend and ultimately settle on a few new BF's who know you from this point in time and not the past.

There's huge personal confusion at times being an expat, separate to any anxiety you might have about not being 'home' with family and friends.

My role/s on committees this year are WELCOME oriented.

It means I get to meet most, if not all the newbies and the initial conversation is always funny:
- where have you arrived from?
- how long were you there?
(if you have lived there, or know people who are there you might ask a few more questions)
- what grade are your kids in?
(then you would offer to introduce them to others with kids in same grade)
- where are you living?
(then you might introduce them to someone you know who lives close by)
- are you or your partner working?
(then chat a bit about that)
- what do you like to do in your spare time?
- mention the local International Women's Club, or another club relevant to her interests)
(introduce them to others with similar interests)

The longer we are away from home (10 years in January), the more my thoughts wander to what it might be like to repatriate - what will I miss from this life? And to be honest, I think it's this - the opportunity to meet and make new friends, to have friends all over the world, to have different ideas and influences affect me and encourage me to think and grow as a person; I am so not the same person I was when we left - I think I'm better because of all the friends and acquaintances I have met.

Let's face it, you're not going to like everyone you meet, nor they you - but there's something polite and friendly, respectful about expats that's maybe missing from the general community.

At this time of year, when we feel like the last thing we want to do is open our hearts and homes to 'new' friends, it's also the most wonderful time, full of possibilities. If you're reading this and you're the newbie, take a deep breath and walk out your front door - go to an event at school, or to the local IWC ..... no one know's you're here unless you tell them. There's oodles of friends waiting for you.

To all the people who reached out to us when we were newbies, thank you!

You are my role models. I recall your kindness and friendship often.

To those who didn't and made settling hard and lonely, thank you too cos you showed me I had inner strength and resilience I didn't know I had and you have made me a better expat, simply because I know what not to do.

Where ever you are, what ever your circumstances I hope you're making new friends,

With friendship
x

ms-havachat on Belonging

Back in June, before the long (northern hemisphere) summer school holidays started, we chatted about Volunteering at School (revisit chat here).

Did you put your hand up for anything? OHHHH, do tell! How's it going?

I did ...... on two Boards (aka committees).

I told G about one, but not the other for a few weeks as I knew he'd flaunt his eyes at me and smirk (which he did LOL)

Fortunately I'm a rather organised person, and have learnt a thing or two over the years about committees and feel like I can juggle the two, and as luck would have it, they are intertwined in many ways.

I'm on the School Board (which to me sounds like the governing body, which it isn't - it's the school parents committee) in a high profile social role which suits me down to the ground and I'm really enjoying it.

I also ended up on the International Women's Club Board which is something I really didn't think I'd do here, tho I'm actually very pleased it's worked out the way it has.

This means:

• Two separate Monthly Board Meetings to prepare for and attend
• Two reports to be written
• Two lots of minutes to read and address
• Two General Monthly Meetings to participate in
• For one position, I plan/host a regular event held every 4-6 weeks
• For the other role, I am on the planning/hosting team 
• Sub-committees
• Nominated for one official sub-committee on one Board
• Trying not to get on any sub committees on the other Board (early days yet)
• Between the two Boards, there's 20+ potential new friends, or at the very least, acquaintances from several countries.
• Lots of new skills to learn from the other Board Members
• The opportunity to influence change and share my experiences and ideas (a couple have already been accepted on both Boards which is rewarding)

Beyond the work side of things, being nominated and accepted is really pleasing as it reminds me  

that despite my occasional big mouth, and loud opinions, my liberal opinions and my occasional lapse of diplomacy, that I have a wide social circle, and I'm part of the community. 

Most of us like to feel like we belong. That we fit in. That we have a tribe to hang out with. These things are possibly even more important to an expat, who moves often. If we're here for just our contract, which is 2 years, we don't have time to fluff around! We'll be gone before we do anything!

We've been here just on one year ..... minus all the school holidays ...... it's not that long in the scheme of things to establish a life, make friends, build trust, and feel at home. 

The women on both Boards are so interesting. The diversity of careers, education (some with no degrees, some with one others with several),  skills etc is awesome! And that's BEFORE you learn about their expat experiences! I think that's one reason expats gravitate towards volunteering. We can't necessarily work depending on visa status, so being involved on a committee allows us to use our brains and skills - some take things a tad too seriously sometimes, but it all works out in the end. 

It's still a good idea when you're new to hang back, sussing things out before wanting to commit. But it's the best way to avoid mistakes and taking on too much or doing something you really don't enjoy.

Our school board is itching to ask newbies to 'get involved' and I've cautioned them to be calmer about it. 

Just think when you were new and all the things you were busy navigating on behalf of the family - getting involved in a school event is the farthest thing from your mind! Happy to join in, but organise, forget it! We need to allow newbies to settle in, suss out the opportunities then pounce on them.

So, with todays meetings agenda printed out, and last weeks (other) board meeting minutes approved, I'm happy I found a few minutes to bash this out and share with you as it's been a while. 

I'd love to know what committees you are on, your role, what you love about being involved, your plans for the year ..................

With friendship

x

ms-havachat's Discovering Surrey: Great Fosters, Surrey, UK.

Great Fosters courtesy of a professional photo on Google Images.

Great Fosters in Egham, Surrey is a 17th century mansion house, overflowing with history.  Great Fosters is a magnificent boutique hotel offering a variety of dining experiences and private gardens.

As a Grade 1 listed building, Great Fosters has been placed on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or History Interest.  It means it may not be demolished, renovated or altered without special permission form the local planning authority without consulting the central government agency to ensure what work required is done within keeping with the original building (thanks Google search)

Simply put - it ensures the magnificent history of architecture continues to be enjoyed, along with the history of the people who once lived/worked within them.

It's why millions of people travel to the UK, Ireland and Europe - to experience the history the buildings offer.

Great Fosters is also a local icon. It's on the list of places one might go with overseas visitors for a 'special meal' or a celebratory afternoon tea. They are also a popular venue for weddings and offer several private dining rooms for bespoke experiences.

I was so touched when MrsC invited me to lunch there for my birthday recently. I had heard so many wonderful things about the place, and G and I had thought 'we'll leave it for a special occasion' so to be taken there was very special.

Having not been before, I was gobsmacked from the moment we drove into the place. When I saw the building, even thru the rain I could see how stunning it was.

The entrance door is delightful! So tiny, and unique. The porters must have fun schlepping suitcases in/out, but for me, absolutely the most gorgeous door I have ever walked through.

Entrance.

The lobby takes your breath away. I simply LOVE Listed Buidings! I know my BFF MrsH in Sydney would positively love this place. Every nook had something special to offer. The luxurious chairs, the floral displays, antique furniture - they don't make lobby's like this very often anymore.

Lobby, taken with my phone camera.

We were greeted by several staff with simple smiles and a soft 'good afternoon ladies' and at reception told that 'someone will be with your shortly to escort you into the restaurant'. How exciting!

We had a glass of champagne next to the windows overlooking the gardens (which I will definitely need to visit again as it was raining), and then escorted to our table in The Estate Grill, one of several restaurants.

The view entering the restaurant. 

I think I might have gasped out loud!

The light!
The ceiling!
The colour scheme!
The decor!

One of the most serene and beautiful dining rooms ever!

MrsC and I were in awe (she's had afternoon tea here before, but in a different room). We looked like twits walking around ooh-ing and aah-ing and taking photos, but didn't care.

Seriously felt like we were inside an old church. The ceiling
was so high and decorative. This photo does not do the room justice.

My camera didn't capture the room as well as this professional photo

The waiter was so patient with us, and once we were seated and calmed down, he explained the tapas inspired menu, then left us to consider our choices. The sommelier joined us and said he'd be very happy to help us choose wines to accompany our dishes once we'd made our selection, or he could recommend a bottle of wine - we chose the bottle hehehehehe

Lunch is served ........... it was artistic, colourful, delicious.

Beetroot, walnut, apple and puffed rice

OMG the quail!!!!!!!!!!!! Described on the menu 'hay roasted stuffed quail"

Sumptuous Salmon ..... sured salmon, oyster, gin and cucumber.

Sensational scallops ..... scallops, lomo, fennel

Coffee. 

We only had coffee to finish. 

What a lunch. 

A truly memorable and so special birthday treat from my dear friend MrsC. 

If you know you'll be in the area, you absolutely have to make a reservation to dine here, at the very least, enjoy afternoon tea and let me know what you think. 

PS: This blog is totally independent of Great Fosters. They don't even know I was going to write one. 

With friendship

x

ms-havachats on about volunteering at school

It's that time of year again (in the northern hemisphere at least), when school Parent Committees/Boards transition from one team to another. Our school has already done this, and I am on the incoming Board (parent board/committee not the official Board, confusing, right?)

After a self imposed year's sabbatical, I'm ready to get back to being busy within the school community. I've learn my lesson and didn't jump in right away, but opted to peruse the scene from a short distance and suss things out before thinking 'OMG what have I done?'

I've been on school committees before, and if you've been reading for a while, you know I was VP of the IWCD. I've just taken on a role I've overseen but not done before. It's fun to see the similarities and differences, not unlike starting a new job. Lots of 'why do you do that' or 'have you thought about this' and thinking WT LOL.

Last week, a BF asked me for advice before she nominated herself for a position on her kids school board. She would like to get more involved in the school community, know a bit more about what's going on etc. While I was sending her a reply I thought what a good chat this would make as maybe there are others who are considering the same steps this school year.

So here goes, ms-havachat's guide to considering being on the School Parents Committee (or any volunteer role)


TIME:

• Don't rush in! Take time on subcommittees first as a means of sussing out how things are done; what politics (if any) are happening; learn the history of why things are done the way they are and if change is welcome/needed; Interview THEM as much as you can without them knowing. 
• I tend to spend the best part of the first year attending as many school (or International Women's Clubs) events (that are interesting and relevant) because I wanted to, and because it was a way to meet people (i.e.: organisers) and to observe how things are done. When you're seen to be involved as a participant, people chat with you and you soon have 'friends on the Committee' even tho they may not be Friends (capital F being the difference)
• If the opportunity to be on a sub-committee crops up during that year, take it! Another easy way to be involved without committing. 
• Whatever role you take on, the time it takes to do that role may well be way more than you are told. Be prepared, be organised. 
• I keep the afternoon/evening of the Monthly meeting free for any administration and follow ups needed to be done so they are attended to straight away. 
• Respond to/write emails and make phone calls during the day; nothing past 5pm unless absolutely necessary and definitely nothing on the weekend.
• Monthly meetings
• Follow up meetings
• Sub Committee meeting
• Administration
• Role dependant, but there are always emails (no one talks on a phone anymore)
• Research/planning/preparation
• For the first time my Committee email is different to my personal email (as stipulated by school), and I have it set up on my iPad, not coming into my laptop or my phone.
• So. Much. More. Freedom!
• Attending/participating in events
• As a committee member you are expected to participate in most, if not all the events at school
• In addition to encouraging friends to join in the fun too!
• The other important consideration is how long are you going to be living where you are? If it's a short contract, maybe you don't want to be burdened with a committee OR maybe it's exactly what you need to immerse yourself as quickly as possible into your new community. 
• Remember, rule of thumb; first 6-12 months you're really settling in, second year you know the ropes and enjoying life ..... then do you move? extend? How much travel will you be doing? What age are your kids? How much attention/support do they need?

TEAM:

• Knowing who the President is going to be before you commit, is very helpful.
• It should never be a committee based purely on friendships, but rather a committee who over time become friends. 
• Speak with the incoming President and find out their ideas and goals for their time at the helm, find out how open they are to yours.
• Like a CEO, or the captain of a sports team the President has a lot to do with the success of the Committee (or, the Committee learn quickly how to work around them)
• Understand the organisational chart 
• It might 'just be school' and you are 'just volunteering' but there still needs to be structure

THE ROLE:

• Make sure the role you are asked to consider is absolutely the one you want. 
• Know your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes and don't be persuaded otherwise. 
• I will consider most roles but never ever treasurer or secretary; just not my skill set. 
• Talk with the incumbent. Listen to how they did the job, and ask questions.
• It's just like a job interview, just with no income derived.
• Ask lots of how? why? when? questions 
• A great question is 'if you were to do the job this year, knowing what you know what would you do differently? Quickly followed by .... 'what would you do differently'

FINANCIAL

• Every committee reimburses in their own way for money you might spend on it's half. 
• Be very clear on how you are to be reimbursed
• I have heard of horror stories of people spending huge amounts of money only for it to be challenged ........ make sure you absolutely understand this aspect of the committee and don't be scared to suggest alternatives if you don't feel comfortable. 
• Do you need to provide a number of quotes beforehand?
• How long does it take for the money to be repaid?
• Cash or direct transfer (yes! I've had to bank cheques as no online transfer option was possible)

OTHER PLACES TO VOLUNTEER:

• If school or International Women's Clubs don't interest you, or you've been-there-done-that, think about volunteering at:
• Hospital
• Disadvantaged kids
• Senior Citizens
• Community Centres
• Charity groups (too many to name)
• Art galleries, museums, libraries 
• Community sports clubs
• Church, Synagogue, Mosque
• Youth centres
• Community Arts groups
• Animal shelters

BENEFITS OF GETTING INVOLVED (in no order)

• Great way to get to know people quickly
• Knowing what's going on and being in a position of influence at time of change is enjoyable.
• It's a great way to 'pay it forward' 
• As an expat, it's possibly the only way you'll ever get to use your skills and experience if you're visa is stamped in such a way you can't be gainfully employed
• Looks good on your CV if/when you return 'home'
• Meetings, activities etc quickly fill up a diary and helps give your weeks meaning
• Good role modelling for your kids

Personally, I really enjoy my time on Committees. The friendships have been great, my diary has direction, my skills are being used, it's fun to give back to your community.

Please share if you have anything else you'd like to add.

What's been your favourite volunteer role and why?

Experiences - good'n'bad? 

Tips? 

ms-havachat - Rental Properties Whinge

Cheers, Google Images.

As you might gather, expat life is pretty normal once you've moved, unpacked, sorted the kids into school, settled, made friends, found your way around the suburbs, worked our where to shop, get your hair done, settled with a GP etc. 

However, like most things in life, to every ying, there is a yang. 

IMHO, one of the downsides to expat life is always living in rented properties. There's always compromises.

We've lived in numerous rental properties in several countries and it's pretty standard attitudes. Japan was absolutely unique in as much as you never ever ever had your bond returned. It was always kept and invested back into the property after you left so that the new tenants benefited from an exceptionally clean and fresh place, just like you did. It's super annoying if you don't know this beforehand ... but once you do, it's weirdly accepted as 'the done thing' 

Two of our homes were former residences of the landlords. The moved out for personal reasons and were not completely happy about having tenants so they really bumped up the rent compared to the suburbs they were in. The real estate agents brief was to find a corporate family, no pets, older children (we've only one, so that usually helps), and a short lease in case it didn't work out. Needless to say, we fell in love with both properties and moved in. They were lovingly renovated, with great colours, and modern appliances. You could TELL it was a 'home' and not just a building people lived in. They were house proud and so were we. 

Get a group of expats together and we all have a few things we wished our respective landlords would fix or consider doing to make our time in their home more enjoyable. It's not that we are fussy, tho some of us probably are, it's just that we are living in the property that they have possibly never done. Most landlords have the property as an investment so their attention to details is not as high as if they lived there. They don't know the stair creak, or there's a constant draft. They might not know the place needs painting, or the carpet is dead, or there are cracked tiles in the bathroom, or the water pressure is non existent. 

What usually asked for is not over the top. It's usually stuff that, if they lived in the property or indeed, the tenants were the owners it would be attended to. 

I will never understand the lack of owner pride or the uneconomical thinking of letting things go til the last minute then having a huge job to do.

They know they have a captured audience as the location of their property is usually close to school, or train stations. These attributes contribute to high rents anyways, but add the pressure of moving internationally and needing a home to put your stuff in when it arrives and you'll pay anything!

More often than not the answer to request is no. Sometimes they might agree but you pay for it and then pay to have whatever you've done reversed. That's when you and your partner discuss just how important the thing you want done really is for the time you live there.

Friends have painted their kids rooms and then paid to have them repainted the nondescript creme when they left; others have landscaped gardens, or repaired fences/side gates, or had tradesmen in to fix the draft/water pressure etc. 

Our current landlord is OK. He's explained he's not paining the place or recarpeting as we negotiated a good deal on the rent. He did repair the water sodden cupboard in the laundry when I asked him to as it was a health hazard (so much mould). But he won't attend to the creaky stairs as it's a major rebuild job, which I guess is fair enough but OMG it's so annoying every-single-time we walk p'n'down.

We are currently having a conversation about one important (to me) alteration that landlord has said we can do but won't pay for and it's the backyard. 

I would like something solid under the table n chairs ... Hubby doesn't think it warrants the couple of hundred quid for what a amounts to a few sunny days a year. 

Compromise. 

Again.

We put said table n chairs on grass this morning and will wait and see if they sink into the grass and/or aren't comfortable to sit on (can imagine a slow sinking feeling while enjoying a long lunch)

I'm kinda complaining and kinda not.

I get the landlord not wanting to invest in concrete slabs or commissioning a huge patio but a few decking squares would suffice! 

Hubby really doesn't want to spend the money on something that he sees we'll use a few days a year and then have to get rid of before we move on.

My argument is that over the long school holidays it'll be nice to sit outside and read a book, or have lunch and that it's only a couple of hundred quid to which he reminds me of all the couple of hundred quid we've spent on temporary things. That leads us to talking about our expat life, and how much longer we'll be here before we move to where ever we move to, and what large items we'll sell (probably the outdoor setting and definitely the BBQ, which we scored for free) amongst other things. 

But now I'm rambling and whinging. 

Bet you read this with a vampire voice!

Just thought it might be interesting to share what really amounts to a ridiculous situation but confronts us often, to often.

Compromising on the way we like to live, in a house that's not ours, creating a home environment to be proud of.

Think that's why when friends renovate I get so damn excited for them!

I will never be able to decorate our home with the colours we want. We will never spend months looking for that one piece of furniture for a specific place. I will always make do from the homes available when we move and turn them into our home. We will spend money on things for the time we are there knowing we will (a) sell, (b) give away or (c) trash before our next move.

So, for now our table n chairs sit on the grass and we'll see if we need to invest in temporary decking.

How about you? What compromises do you make when it comes to your home?

ms-havachat LOVES Timpanys

Shame the car was in the way ... but love the balloons

Have you ever felt that you were destined to meet someone? I've experienced this a few times since becoming an expat, and again, several weeks ago when I met Patricia from Stella and Dot at the international women' club meeting. After a bit of small talk, she kindly invited me to a Champagne Shopping Morning at Timpany's in Sunninghill on the Saturday morning and as I just so happened to be free, I went (and took MrsD with me)

So glad we went! We discovered Timpany's and met the charismatic and charming Antonia (owner/manager).

Antonia (left) with Patricia

As an expat, you relish the time when the weeks take on a normal routine and you don't need to rely on the sat nav to get you places, you breathe easier. When you realise you shop where the locals shop; you discover a few places you enjoy eating/drinking at, so they become yours too., you have a group of friends to hang out with, and you find little local gems.

Finding Timpany's is one of those lovely local experiences.

Located on Sunninghill Road, Ascot the shop is set back slightly, so be careful not to miss it (It's opposite the car dealership), Timpany's is an oasis from the normal hustle and bustle of High Street or capital city shopping.

Forget what you think you know about recycled clothes shops, or second hand fashion. Timpany's adds a whole new dimension to the concept of preloved.

Taking preloved fashion to the next level, Timpany's is a retail fashion shop first and foremost, it just happens to sell preloved lux at affordable prices. I don't really enjoy clothes shopping but Antonia made it so easy, and I found a gorgeous jacket which I've worn a few times and had loads of compliments. It's my first full on, authentic, luxury designer label item ever and I love it.

My jacket!

Like most pre-loved retail outlets, what they have for sale, is what they have .... you can't order stock in. So it's a good thing to keep popping in or keeping in contact via their social media pages and website (the links are posted below for you to simply click and follow)

Gorgeous attention to detail in every corner of the shop

Accessories, Candles. Yummy strawberries.

Antonia started Timpany's about seven years ago, mid-recession. It's the best time for clever, entrepreneurs to find a niche in the market and go for it. When I asked her what motivated her, she said she loves the idea of democratising luxury designer fashion for everyone to enjoy. Her idea was for people to be able to buy luxury designer clothes for less, without sacrificing the shopping experience/environment/service. In my humble opinion, she has absolutely succeeded.

Our chat continues:

Where do you get your beautiful stock from? 
Word of mouth.
Social media - @timpanys on Instagram has over 8,000 followers and our Facebook page is popular too. I live in London and have done a few PopUp Shops, where people simply drop their items to sell. We rank pretty highly on google search for luxury re-sale as well as our website attracts buys and sellers.

How do commissions/sales work?
Commission is generally 50%. However, on large volumes of handbags, extraordinary high value items, or Chanel and Hermes, we offer bespoke commission levels.

We invite people to come into the shop so we can meet and view the items, or send us an email introducing themselves and include photographs of the items.

You mentioned Timpany's is involved in a lot of charity work. 
I have a personal charity that is close to my heard called Mathew Elvidge Trust
Mathew was a good friend of mine who committed suicide due to depression. This amazing charity tackles the often taboo issues of mental health openly and honestly. I also sponsor an orphan thru the charity Compassion. We also have a few high profile clients who sell on behalf of charities and we like to make donations on their behalf. As well, I'm often asked to attend charity sales where a proportion of money raised from sales is donated.




If you've always wanted to own a Chanel bag or a Hermes scarf, or an Armani bag, or anything Jimmy Choo, even a Birkin bag (do you think Samantha in Sex in the City when you hear Birkin bag?) before paying full retail price, you really should come and see what's in stock at Timpany's. The stock is always changing, so it's a good idea to pop in regularly or let the girls know what you are looking for so they can scout for you.

Alternatively, if you are the fortunate owner of luxury clothing and/or accessories and for whatever reason you wish to sell them, you can be assured of confidentiality and superior customer service from Antonia and her team. Check out Timpany's Source and Sell Luxury Designer Accessories on Facebook.

Expanding the business online will ensure the Timpany's name will very quickly reach far beyond Sunninghill, UK and so it should.

Happy shopping!

When you pop into the shop, or chat with Antonia online, please mention ms-havachat.

With friendship
x

ms-havachat discovering Surrey UK - Dinner at Belvedere Arms, Ascot.

Taken with my Samsung phone on a glorious autumn day!
Just LOOK at the blue sky!

The Belvedere Arms is situated on a bend on the London Road on the way into Ascot as you leave Englefield Green/Virginia Waters side of London Road. As you come around the bend, (the pub is on your right) you see the huge trees, the gorgeous outdoor furniture.

It conjures up memories of sunny weekends at any number of pubs in Sydney.

Bring on Spring!

MrsD and I popped in two weeks ago for a look-see for an event we're considering hosting in March '17 (nothing like being organised).  I lagged behind taking photos and oo-ing and ahh-ing, imagining what it'll be like here come those long, European days as summer sets in, sitting on these comfy chairs with a GnT in hand, noshing on a burger with friends.

Bring on Spring!

Taken with my Samsung - what a pretty setting.
Bet this place is packed on a sunny weekend.

Who ever designed the outdoor area really took time to consider the ambience the little stream offered. Big, comfy chairs and lounges. Huge umbrella's. Big tables. I loved the seating along side the water. Close your eyes and imagine - sunshine, beer in hand, reading the newspaper waiting for lunch to be served. AHHHH Bliss.

Having been very impressed with the ambience, we decided to come back for dinner with husbands (leave kids at home) to check out the food as we didn't have time for lunch (school pick up was beckoning). Here's the link to the menus, if you're interested in checking them out.

G, MissM and I were rather peckish last Saturday and I was feeling lazy, so I suggested we try the Belvedere for dinner. With no reservation, (it's very difficult to eat anywhere around here on a Friday or Saturday night without a reservation) we crossed our fingers and hoped we were early enough to sneak in/out before the adult dinners arrived.

The maitre'd was very kind and offered us a table (in a rather empty restaurant) so long as he could have the table by 7.30pm, which was fine with us. The waiters were quietly busy reorganising tables around us for later diners, and it was done so effortlessly we hardly noticed.

The area is completely open plan, with tables and chairs scattered in various sized groupings. The long bar, was well lit with high back chairs ready for patrons.

The fridges were FULL with bottles of wine and champagne. This place feels like it nows how to show it's patrons a great time.

There were several things on the menu that took our fancy, and we decided on pizza for MissM, scallops and pork belly for G, and salmon fillet with veggies for me. While we waited, I sipped on Pinto Grigio, G on coke and MissM had a hot chocolate, and we noshed on tangy crisps.

The service was quiet and pleasant, the food was presented well and tasted nice, but again, like other gastro pubs we've eaten in, didn't grab us (we're beginning to think we're just spoilt Australians). We weren't left with WOW or 'must come back here', tho if someone suggested going we'd be happy to.

Then we ate dessert!

Oh. My. Goodness.

The sticky toffee pudding was delicious as you can see by the very empty plates!

We were done by 7.10pm and home by 7.20pm in time to change into our pjs' and cuddle on the couch to watch a few The Amazing Race episodes, which we thoroughly enjoy as a family. I chatted about it here. 

I think the Belvedere Arms is going to be my spring/summer favourite place simply for the location and the atmosphere created by the outdoor areas. And the sticky toffee pudding.


With friendship
x