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

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.

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

 

Day #8

"Make a candlelit dinner for your family"

Such a pleasant way to begin the weekend =) We all know, we can always choose our friends but you cannot choose your family... So, today we made it all about F A M I L Y !

On this lovely, breezy Saturday morning, Sean, Mum, Dad & I headed to Taste of Christmas for some festive enjoyment. We listened to the amazing carol singers, we nibbled at lots of free samples, sipped on many beverages and fully relished our classic duck burgers from Comptoir Gascon. Delicious!

To end such a fun filled day, Sean and myself achieved our task of the day by cooking up a meal. With much success, we prepared some salmon blinis for starters and then Pad Thai for mains over a candlelit table. It was such an awesome day!

It is so important to spend your life showing those you love that they will always matter. Little gestures make the biggest impact.

Day #4

"To remind someone that you love them"

This coincidentally lifts off from yesterday's task as though it was meant to be a taster lesson of what to expect next year!

Saying "I LOVE YOU" is easier said than done. I mean, I personally never shy away from letting those close to me know that I do but I feel that maybe we don't say it enough. Doing that initial gesture in whatever way possible and reminding someone that you do has an impact on them. Those three little words can really make a difference.

On reading today's task, we both already knew who our 'someone' was (not each other, silly!) We both have someone dear to us; don't often talk  but we know they're always there... close to our hearts. So, we shared those special words with that person with the hope of making them smile.

Thanks for dropping by x

Day #3

"Prepare for 2013, what's your New Year's Resolution?!"

Ooh! Ended up getting this one a bit early in the month than we hoped but I guess its better to be prepared now than never.

New Year's resolutions... they're a brilliant way to begin a new year for sure. I suppose we often have the usual ones like "GO TO THE GYM"; those 'fresh start' concepts, right?! But it really hits and gives us prime reality checks and a boost of motivation which is great. I'll personally have a few here and there; some I may keep at, others will fade out of existence BUT in order of today's advent calendar task, I plan to prioritise the new year with L O V E! As cheeeeeeeeesy as it is, love is a drive that pulls us through. Its guides us through the happiest times and even through the toughest. The unconditional love we receive from our loved ones and our friends is so limitless. The love one may have for something they enjoy doing is so passionate - its inspiring to others. In knowing that love freely exists, it comforts you and that's why it is so fundamental in our life.

So, in order to feel more grounded, I wish to surround my thoughts and my actions in compassion and empathy and to share and express my appreciation I have for those who matter. Don't worry, I won't be completely high on love hahaha. Mustn't forget to enjoy life... LIVE, LAUGH and EAT PLENTY will do as my motto for the year.

A personalised calendar from our dearest friends to use in the New Year and a sweet reminder of what our year is all about.

Have a good week x

Christmas Fun

Hello one and all...

Unfortunately, I was unable to slip a post in before Christmas so "(Belated) Merry Christmas!" I do hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating this festive time of the year. Ate plenty and even more; drank enough that you sung to every Christmas song that played; watched all the movies that completed the day; opened your gifts like a big kid; and more importantly, enjoyed the company and presence of your loved ones & friends. I most certainly did =)  Here are just a couple of snaps of my Christmas weekend to share with you:

Hopefully you've all recovered nicely from your food comas and hangovers lol. Now it's time to prepare yourselves for the new and coming year. Resolutions anyone?!

Thanks for reading,

Ceejay x

Love is in the air

Valentine's Day... Commercialised? Many of you would agree. Solely overrated. I would be lying to myself if I said I didn't think so, even just the slightest. But in all honesty, the day is all about L.O.V.E (Good on ya, St. Valentine); though I still feel that should not be the case as one should express their adoration to their loved ones regularly and not use this occasion as a means to do that.

Nevertheless, I think its sweet. Hopeless romantic (I raise my hand)... finding myself melt as I watch the gents with bunches of flowers or huge Clinton bags ready to give their partner or listening to my friends speak of their Valentine's experience the following day. The effort and the passion you see is such a beautiful thing. 

I had my share of a wonderful evening with my other half too. Very little but the right amount of perfect. Booked a spot at a restaurant, Grace Bar; a nice bar/ restaurant just off Shaftesbury Avenue. I've been there before with my girls a couple of Christmases ago and enjoyed it there, so I thought the place was suitable for the occasion. We had a 3 course meal, all mouth-watering dishes and quenched our thirst with a bottle of white. Talked, laughed and drank the night away - it was special. I then came home in time to spend the rest of the evening with my parents and my Auntie, which completed my day.

SENSEFUL CREATIONS// Be my Valentine

My Valentine's card for my boyfriend. 

I've started making my own handmade cards under Senseful Creations; this is one of many that I've made this year.