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Hi, I’m Ellen!

Thanks for clicking on my little corner of the internet.

I’ve recently moved to the US and thought it might be fun to share some of my experiences. I’ll keep ya updated on how it turns out…

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chipsvsfries

From 🇬🇧 > 🇺🇸
For ❤️ apparently 🤷‍♀️
Follow ⬇️ Chips vs Fries as I figure out Military life, living abroad and American English one day at a time

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The season of New Year’s resolutions is upon us. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I’m sure you’re all loving the endless flow of “New Year, New Me” posts circling social media right now. So prepare, I’m jumping on this annual bandwagon too!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This year, I’d like my New Year’s resolution to reflect the fact that I’m living abroad. I want something that’ll encourage me to explore more and embrace the fact that I’m living in America. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When you live abroad, it’s so easy to get swallowed up in the stress of adapting to endless changes and differences. You think you should be doing “more” but no one knows what “more” actually consists of. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I know this because it’s how I feel a lot of the time. But I’m not one to wallow in self-pity for longer than an hour or two.
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So this year I’m giving myself a few New Year’s resolutions that’ll help me stick to the goal of being settled and feeling happy in my new home…. Take a look on my latest post (Link in bio) 🎇
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So what are your plans for the new year?
Going with the generic but admirable, “get fit and healthy”, or are you jumping outta the box for 2020? Tell me in the comments below!
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#newyear2020 #newyearsresolutions #chipsvsfries #bloggersofinstagram #travelblogger #adventure #traveladdict
#expat #expatblogger #britishexpatsinusa #britishexpats #britsabroad #livingabroad #livinginamerica #usavsuk #ukvsus #britishvsamerica #militaryspouse #foreignmilitaryspouse #milspouse #milso #militaryspouseblogger #milsoblogger

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Take me back to Hogwarts and all of its butterbeer goodness 🚂
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So we’re already 8 days in 2020 and I don’t think I’ve done an awful lot... I could blame this on a dreadful cold and my new obsession with building a city in cityskylines. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In reality I’ve been suffering from Harry Potter world withdrawals. It’s real guys. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But tomorrow I plan to do some actual writing and hopefully get something new up for ya all to read!! •
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#wizardingworldofharrypotter #universalstudios #diagonalley #butterbeer #gryffindor #gryffindorpride
#chipsvsfries #bloggersofinstagram #travelblogger #adventure #traveladdict
#expat #expatblogger #britishexpatsinusa #britishexpats #britsabroad #livingabroad #livinginamerica #usavsuk #ukvsus #britishvsamerica #militaryspouse #foreignmilitaryspouse #milspouse #milso #militaryspouseblogger #milsoblogger

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Dreams came true as I spent my last day of 2019 in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and kicked off 2020 with a butterbeer... if that’s not a good sign for 2020 I don’t know what is. 🥳 •
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• #happynewyear #chipsvsfries #bloggersofinstagram #travelblogger #adventure #traveladdict
#expat #expatblogger #britishexpatsinusa #britishexpats #britsabroad #livingabroad #livinginamerica #usavsuk #ukvsus #britishvsamerica #militaryspouse #foreignmilitaryspouse #milspouse #milso #militaryspouseblogger #milsoblogger #newyearseve #wizardingworldofharrypotter #butterbeer🍺 #butterbeerislife #potterhead #gryffindorpride

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The 2019 top 9... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So you guys like pictures of me doing random stuff and pretty scenery, noted!!
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I can’t believe 2019 is almost over... it’s be an amazing year full of European travels, loooots of pizza, MARRIAGE, moving to America and CATS. (See the highlights)
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And I started blogging.
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It’s something I always thought about doing but never had the time, inspiration or motivation to actually do it. So when we moved out to the US and found myself with a lot of free time, I decided to put it to good use. And here I am!! I’ve still got lots to learn and a long way to go, but everyone’s gotta start somewhere... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So what were your highlights of 2019? Are they reflected in your top 9? 💫
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• #top9of2019 #top9 #2019newyear #chipsvsfries #bloggersofinstagram #travelblogger #adventureawaits #traveladdict
#expat #expatblogger #britishexpatsinusa #britishexpats #britsabroad #livingabroad #livinginamerica #usavsuk #ukvsus #britishvsamerica #militaryspouse #foreignmilitaryspouse #milspouse #milso #militaryspouseblogger #milsoblogger #milsolife

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And the celebrations continue...
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It’s been a hectic visit back to the U.K... but I wouldn’t have it any other way (and let’s be honest, I was the one who planned it that way so I can’t really complain!)
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From the morning we arrived to the evening before our flight out, every second has been crammed full of friends, family and chocolate. And while there are people I missed or wanted to see more of, I’m thankful for those I did see and the time we had. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Now we’re headed back to the US to continue our celebrations in Florida in a few days time! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Living away from family is hard, but it makes the times you do see them all the more special!
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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And highlights all the differences between where you’re living now and where you grew up... (link in bio for the Christmas edition of U.K. vs US!!) See ya next year U.K.!! Even if I’m not 100% sure exactly when that’ll be... 🛫
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• #christmasvibes #christmas #merrychristmas #newblogpost #chipsvsfries #bloggersofinstagram #travelblogger #adventure #traveladdict
#expat #expatblogger #britishexpatsinusa #britishexpats #britsabroad #livingabroad #livinginamerica #usavsuk #ukvsus #britishvsamerica #militaryspouse #foreignmilitaryspouse #milspouse #milso #militaryspouseblogger #milsoblogger #englishcountryside #visituk

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𝕄𝔼ℝℝ𝕐 ℂℍℝ𝕀𝕊𝕋𝕄𝔸𝕊
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The premise for Christmas is the same in the U.K. and the US. It’s held on 25th December to celebrate the birth of Jesus but was originally a pagan holiday called Yule. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Today, depending on how religious you are, Christmas is still all about the birth of Jesus or all focused on THE PRESENTS. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For me, it’s all about the foooood. Nothing compares to a good Christmas dinner. And I am pleased to say that I will never miss out on this while living in the states - Americans live food. And lots of it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But there are a few key differences that have had me abs my American husband questioning whether the other is a little insane... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Primarily whether you should set out milk and cookies for Santa, or mince pies and a nice shot of Brandy...
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Check out the rest on my latest post - Christmas in the U.K. vs Christmas in the US (link in bio)🎄
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• #christmasvibes #christmas #britishchristmas #christmastree #christmasday #merrychristmas #newblogpost #chipsvsfries #bloggersofinstagram #travelblogger #adventure #traveladdict
#expat #expatblogger #britishexpatsinusa #britishexpats #britsabroad #livingabroad #livinginamerica #usavsuk #ukvsus #britishvsamerica #militaryspouse #foreignmilitaryspouse #milspouse #milso #militaryspouseblogger #milsoblogger

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It’s official. Christmas is here! And what’s not to love? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There are gorgeous lights on every corner, so much delicious food to devour and its a great excuse for visiting family and endless parties.
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Well, when you have family and friends living literally hundreds of miles in opposite directions, the pressure and stress of coordinating visiting them all at Christmas can kill the festive spirit pretty quick. Despite all the chocolate.
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Christmas is all about friends and family and being close to them. So living abroad, or far from loved ones, can cause a lot of stress. It is the time of year when you’re expected to be visiting family and you HAVE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME WITH THEM OR ELSE, DAMN IT.
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So how are we going to cope with one half of the family across an ocean and the other spread across the United States?? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Well pretty easily if we follow 3 simple steps... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To find out what they are, check out my latest post on visiting family at Christmas when you live abroad! (link in bio) 🎅
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• #christmasvibes #christmas #christmastraditions #christmasabroad #christmas🎄 #christmastravel #family #newblogpost #chipsvsfries #bloggersofinstagram #travelblogger #adventure #traveladdict
#expat #expatblogger #expatchristmas #britishexpatsinusa #britishexpats #britsabroad #livingabroad #livinginamerica #usavsuk #ukvsus #britishvsamerica #militaryspouse #foreignmilitaryspouse #milspouse #milso #militaryspouseblogger #milsoblogger

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East Anglia is so English its ridiculous.
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But it’s all too often overlooked by tourists in favour of beautiful places in the North like York, and cool places in the South like Brighton. And of course London. Because who doesn’t adore London?? (In all seriousness, if you choose to go to East Anglia over London everyone will think you are crazy).
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Well, I am here to tell ya all to go and check out East Anglia. You’ll find this gorgeous region in the South East of the UK and it really has something for everyone:
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To find out what else East Anglia has to offer, check out my latest post: East Anglia - a guide for anyone! (Link in bio) 🏖 •
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#eastanglia #visitengland #uktravel #dogsofinstagram #dogbeach #wellsnextthesea #beachvibes #britishseaside #norfolk #norfolkcoast #chipsvsfries #bloggersofinstagram
#travelblog #travelblogger #explore #getoutside #adventure #girlslovetravel #travelgirl #traveladdict
#expat #expatblogger #britishexpats #britsabroad #livingabroad
#militarylife #milspouse #milso #militaryspouseblogger #milsoblogger

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ITS NEARLY CHRISTMAS ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And I’m feeling festive. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This weekend has been full of putting up Christmas lights, mini Christmas markets in our local area and CHOCOLATE. So a perfect few days. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I also tried my first funnel cake, an American “delicacy”. ✨
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Feeling Christmas-y yet? Or do you prefer Grinch vibes?? •
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• #christmasmarkets #christmastree #christmasvibes #funnelcake #newblogpost #chipsvsfries #bloggersofinstagram #travelblogger #adventure #traveladdict
#expat #expatblogger #britishexpatsinusa #britishexpats #britsabroad #livingabroad #livinginamerica #usavsuk #ukvsus #britishvsamerica #militaryspouse #foreignmilitaryspouse #milspouse #milso #militaryspouseblogger #milsoblogger

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Recent Posts

4 New Year’s resolutions every expat needs
Christmas in the UK vs. Christmas in the US
Visiting Family over Christmas when living abroad
East Anglia – The perfect guide for anyone you know

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