Tuesday 25 December 2012

Day 25


ITS CHRISTMAS!!! And today it is all about L.O.V.E.
How ever you spent your day, I hope your hearts and homes were surrounded with love. 
Today is the last day of our advent calendar and we must say, it has been an amazing countdown to Christmas.  Its built up our spirit in a more broader sense than ever before. We have learnt to give more, to love and appreciate more, and to focus on the more important things in our lives.
Before we sign off, we just want to thank those who have taken some time to spare in reading the blog.
From us both, we wish you all a MERRY and WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS and we hope your time has been filled with joy, laughter and lots of love xx

Monday 24 December 2012

Day #24

Its Christmas Eve and according to our advent calendar, we are to dedicate it to F A M I L Y.
 
Family are the most important people you share your life with. Spending it with your loved ones, friends and family... is what this festive season is all about! Enjoying each others' company… eating, drinking, and whatever fun traditions you do during this special time!
Today my family & I stayed in our jammies, watched loads of Christmas movies together and snacked on yummy treats. To top off our day, we had a great dinner at Toby Carvery. Now, this roast was immense; a four course meal seemed easy at first but wow, were we wrong! Some people (ahem, Sean) even went extra large too.
So, I'm currently writing this post trying to battle out this food coma in time for Midnight Mass later with the family… for us Christians we must not forget the real reason why we are celebrating this season!!

Merry Christmas Eve <3

Sunday 23 December 2012

Day #23


YAY! A fun Christmas activity to do just in time for Christmas Eve =)
“Have a go at making Gingerbread Men”
Whilst blasting out ultimate Christmas classic songs, we mixed together the ingredients, rolled, cut and baked. We had plenty more fun being creative and decorating them with silly faces. The parents joined in too; we were all like big kids in the kitchen.
Now, time to grab us a cuppa and enjoy these tasty little treats.

Day #22

Working with young people is a big part of both our lives, our duties to teach and make an impact. So, today's task meant a great deal to us.

 "Act of giving. Donate to a chosen children's charity."

Being a part of a well-known Children's Hospital has encouraged me to perceive and live each day to its fullest. There are young people and children out there who are very ill, some dealing with life-threatening conditions. Helping these vulnerable individuals make the most of each day; seeing them smile and laugh is the biggest reward. So, I took this opportunity to make a donation to "Make A Wish Foundation." This wonderful charity goes out with purpose and one purpose only - to grant the wishes of those children; giving them a precious moment that they will remember forever.

Guiding and mentoring children in a school are just some of the things teachers have to think about. Being a great teacher that Sean is, he always does what he can to bring the best out of the pupils he works with. But today, he wanted to help outside the classroom, support children out there that are at risk. After all, they ARE the future! So, he donated towards "NSPCC" to help children who may not even have a magical Christmas this year.

Today we wanted to help make a difference and today we did!

Friday 21 December 2012

Day #21

"Feel festive, grab a winter warmer."
We've been waiting for this one for a long while but it came in perfect time. Christmas holidays have finally begun and to start it off, we toasted with a couple of winter warmers; Starbucks toffee nut lattes. Being 21/12/12 today, the world hasn't ended, we're still here... and we fulfilled our Advent task =) 

We're all warm and fuzzy and ready for the great festivities ahead... Bring it on!

Thursday 20 December 2012

Day #20


“Reach out and do a good deed...”

… or several, so our task reads for the day! Ekkkk.

I mean, I know there are many of you out there, well- natured with good hearts,… open to doing good deeds everyday, anytime and everywhere you see an opportunity to do so. Like offering your seat to a pregnant lady or opening the doors to someone with full hands. Small acts of kindness burden no time on your hands but SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS and that is what’s wonderful.

I found a lovely quote to take us through the day:

This really made us think. The fact that someone can have so many wonderful intentions to do good for others but until actions are applied alongside those intentions, they will just be considered as 'talk' and no impact. Whereas, doing a good deed for someone, regardless of how small or how random it is, that action will be recognised and welcomed.

So, reach out and try offer just one good deed a day. Even an unexpected smile is always a good first step!

Happy Thursday everyone! x

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Day #19


“Share your appreciation.”

Monday’s task was to be grateful and what a pleasant pursuit it was. But what we must not forget is, before we can even be grateful for things, we must appreciate!

We all know how it feels to be appreciated, that lovely feeling that warms our heart. We should naturally desire to return that feeling back to them. In light of that, our task today is to send a card to someone we adore as a way of showing our appreciation. Helping to elicit their qualities by reminding them how great they are and expressing how much we admire them.

Take a moment to reflect on your life; your friends, your family, your talents… realise you are blessed with all these wonderful things.

So, APPRECIATING WHAT YOU HAVE is essential.

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Day #18

"Hugs are important. Share some!" (Not strangers, please)

So the statement of the day is HUGS are important! And so they are.

This wonderful gesture has the potential to do so much. If I had a choice, hugs are definitely my favourite. When we receive a honest hug from friends, family or loved one, we instantly feel good; if we respect that person's hugs or they respect you... a mutual embrace is given in return.

In times of need, a hug has the therapeutic power to relieve some of that pain. It can also offer a sense of belonging, security and warmth. So simple yet so prodigious in its nature.

So, when you can... share a hug with those you care about. Help generate some positivity into their day  and lift their spirits up!

... the amazing thing is, hugs are FREE!!!


Monday 17 December 2012

Day #17

"Write down 10 things that you are grateful for. Keep them near you to remind you."

A fresh week; a great task to begin it with =)

We read the paper, we watch the news, we catch sight of the world and how it is... bounded with pain and suffering, and unceasing devastation. We look at our lives and the things we have; the fortunes we take for granted without realisation.

We possess such full plated lifestyles that sometimes things like these tasks are never given a chance. We don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in London but there are times when I wish we did... not for the big feasts but for the values the day is dedicated to.

So, today, my fiance and I took some effort and time out to think about what we are thankful for and shared our gratitude to one another; we listened and listened intently to the beautiful words we both expressed for the things that encompasses our lives.

Now, it is time to recognise the beauty of your own lives... take a moment to be THANKFUL!
P.s. Carrying this out was a very uplifting experience.

Sunday 16 December 2012

Day #16

"Light a candle with intention"
Wonderfully falling on this beautiful Sunday day, I went to church to light some candles. With those candles, I knelt in deep thought and prayed with intention. I prayed for my family, for my loved ones near and far. I prayed for direction; for the good Lord to guide me through each and every day. Most importantly, I prayed for those who grieve, like the people who have been affected by the shooting in Connecticut this week; the world is saddened by this tragedy.

For all who have lost someone close to their hearts, Christmas won't be the same without their presence but may you and your family's dear hearts heal and find comfort during this time.

God Bless. Happy Sunday x
 
I dedicate my post to my everdearest Uncle... though our hearts still ache from your absence, we all know you're in a safer place now. We LOVE you and may you REST IN PEACE.
Efren "BOY" Villa
Nov. 22 1960 - Aug. 1 2012

 

Saturday 15 December 2012

Day #15

Christmas lights are like the first sign of the festive season. You start seeing stands of fairy lights everywhere... you know Christmas is just round the corner. It really is a lovely reminder! Once accompanied with other decorations -- you're given the full picture then Ready, Get Set, Go! Non-stop celebrations.

So, today's task was to:
"Go visit Christmas lights of your choice"
There are sooooo many to choose from, especially in London; they are scattered everywhere. Some, we have already passed briefly on our travels into town. But for today, we decided to visit the good ol' Covent Garden Christmas lights... ONLY because my Christmas is never complete without seeing Rudolph! =) My other half couldn't say no hehehe.

The lights and decorations at Covent Garden were absolutely stunning. It was really nice to just stand and pause for a moment to take it all in. Its so amazing that festive elements like this can make such a transformation to the area and bring out all the excitement in you!


Speaking of excitement, prior to our Covent Garden lights tour, we got to enjoy ourselves with a few of our dearest friends at Winter Wonderland. Despite the crowds, we had a BRILLIANT time. We ate warm churros and chocolate (...mouthwatering), we drank mulled wine, and screamed on some rides. It was plenty of fun indeed.
And.... just in case our sister reads this, we did end our evening with her at Fire & Stone. Family time is always precious <3

Fun packed day for sure. I'm shattered.   

Friday 14 December 2012

Day #14

Quote of the day:
"We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars." - Oscar Wilde

This quote was passed to us a while ago. It has become one of our favourite quotes of all time and definitely been of guidance to us.

Life is like the sea; full of ups and downs. What we must remember is nothing and nobody is perfect. There are those moments where we are at our lowest... fighting off struggles. As if there never seems to be a way out; stuck in a sudden state of hopelessness.

We've all experienced that "gutter" feeling, some may be in it now. Whatever those hardships are, there are those who decide to drown in despair and let it take over the better of them, thinking as though someone or something will change it. But there are others who, like the quote says "look up at the stars." Instead, they see ahead of their weaknesses and stretch beyond their present circumstances.

The gutter is no home to no one, its not where anyone wants to be. So, if ever you are in a rut, fix your  gaze on stars your heart desires; ones that will strengthen you. Take advantage of these stars and PERSEVERE!

Optimism is the way forward!
 
 

Thursday 13 December 2012

Day #13

"Learn about a different culture. Find out a few facts about Hanukkah"
This adventure so far has been a learning curve in itself but today's task invites us to seek out information about 'Hanukkah'. We've always known that it existed and perhaps the basis of their traditions but we're at that stage where we have an appetite for more.

Yesterday I noticed gifts being exchanged, cakes and chocolates being shared, prayers being said. Although I took pleasure in devouring some of these delicious treats, I didn't exactly know why. But I carried on anyway LOL.

Of course the internet is a great resource but I felt the need to take a step further and explore for this information elsewhere. First hand, dear colleague, brilliant! We sat, I listened... I learned about Hanukkah.

Learning something new always means a good day =)
 
 "Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow."- Anthony D'Angelo

Favourite FACT OF THE DAY:
During Hanukkah, they eat fried foods such as doughnuts and pancakes, as this celebrates the miracle of oil.

Right, you can tell I'm hungry. Food awaits. Toodles x 

 

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Day #12

On the 12/12/12, the last repetitive date ever, we had our fingers crossed that today's advent calendar be an exciting one... and it was!
"Share your Christmas spirit and decorate your workspace"
Definitely enjoyed doing this. Getting tangled in fairy lights and tinsel of all sorts of colours, making handmade snowflakes and paper chains is always a fun activity. Not forgetting the cheesy Christmas music to top it off.  

Feeling Chrismassy... then spread the cheer!
 

Who wouldn't want to come to school now?!

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Day #11

“Let us be kind to one another, for most of us are fighting a hard battle.” 
- Ian MacLaren

A very strong quote and the first one of the month. Breaking away from the practical things that we have been doing and instead having something to think about. We all have our everyday routines; many can relate. The typical moan on a Monday morning right through the week and thrilled to see the face of Friday. As the days go by, we just seem to get on with it! We see and pass a crowd of people, many of whom we never take notice of. But for those that we do, some may bring upon a smile; this precious gesture. Nonetheless, behind every smile we see there is a story; one we may never get to know... nor do we need to know. We just try to be considerate at all times.

So make the effort to SMILE back to everyone as a sign of your kindness -- it has no boundaries or no limits. Its just a lovely way to remain congruent!

Monday 10 December 2012

Day #10

"Write up and start giving out your Christmas cards"
This was an easy one. Funny though, how I was stuck with the duty to write them out but its okay... the mister took on the 'giving' part. Like Buddy says "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear" but don't think people will appreciate us caroling at their doorstop LOL... I think Christmas cards are probably our better option.

Happy Giving! x