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 #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.   

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!

 

 

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 

 

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?!

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!

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