Wednesday 31 December 2014

Good Reads of 2014


  1. Autobiography of My Mother
  2. The Lonely Londoners
  3. The Mystic Masseur
  4. Minty Alley
  5. By the River Pedra I Sat and Wept
  6. Manuscript found in Accra
  7. Pride and Prejudice
  8. Run
  9. Mi Revalusanary Fren
  10.  Sense and Sensibility
  11. Little Women
  12. Emma

I always look at that good reads challenge of reading a certain amount of books a year. I always look at it and long to have finished at the very least a book for each month of the year. It's amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it. Granted, a well few of these were on my reading list for school but that is not in anyway to suggest that I did not enjoy the reading experience.

That is something I truly appreciate about being a literature student. Though it is a lot of hard work and, even more so for me a working student, work crammed into a short space of time with a heavy shadow of desperation clouding my days, pushing me to just get through, it still allows me to do something I love, to study something I love. Words cannot express my gratitude for such an opportunity.

I know this appears a supper simple task for those of your\ who are more bookish but for my I'm feelin' pretty fly about this right now! I will be honest with you. I did not get through all 12 within the year 2014 much to my dismay. I've gotten 95% through Emma and will finish it happily on New Years Day when i finish my ironing :) For while I am less than five chapters away from finishing it. I choose not to compromise the impact of the literature for the sake of reaching a self imposed goal which is to be it's own reward. For ultimately, I do not want this to be an empty experience...I'm taking a page out of the book of a fellow blogger and choosing to savour my season, even in literature.



I am so curious about what my reading list will look like at the end of 2015. What was on your completed reading list this year? I'd love to know! Plus, since we're less than 25 minutes away here and though i am likely to do it in a much more official capacity come morning, Happy New Year lovely readers. Onward, to victory.



Peace. Love. Books.

Monday 29 December 2014

Christmas in Review 2014


It wasn't a bad time of preparing for it. Tis always the little things that inspire a cup over flowing with happiness.

- Stared at my friend's beautiful Christmas tree (I still don't have one)
- Had my nails seasonally painted by Shellon when i visited.
- Sent out snail mail.
- Made list and went grocery shopping for the holidays, always fun seeing the seasonal produce!
- Decorated the table with a little diy centre piece.
- Broke out the seasonal tee and smiled happily about it.
- Did my nails in red and green and smiled about it.
- Scored THE cutest holiday mug.
- Christmas lights at the gal pal's house on Christmas eve during present exchange makes my heart light up along with the room.

Gifts!

I know so many people think this is in poor taste but if your curious like me, you'll appreciate this haha


- Literature is my boyfriend necklace from modcloth I bought myself because they were having a 50% sale and I LOVE it!!!

- Pocky from my fellow Asian culture loving friend. Tasted it for the first time and it was exquisite!!

- 2015 planner in classic from A Beautiful Mess. Yay!!! I really really wanted this! Unfortunately I also got one I really wanted for a long time  for myself... I wish I'd known too as it's rather expensive and is the main gift I bought myself (I was saving a long time, haha.)

- A TARDIS mug with lid from a friend. I can't bring myself to use it though, it deserves to be on a desk but I don't have one of those so I am content to just stare at it lovingly.

- River Song's Journal from the same friend, my favourite Doctor Who character! We will pretend i squealed and not screamed when i got this. Though lets be honest, 'I'm a screamer' (that's an inside joke and is quoted directly from River Song herself! see, I'm obsessed!! ) haha I simply mean I get really excited about gifts no matter what they are!

- DON'T BLINK Doctor Who earnings from the same friend, I shall wear them to work, like an adult. She gave me a rather Doctor Who themed package which, if you know me well, you know blows my mind!

- A travel mug. from a loved one. It's so fancy you guys!!! Last birthday I got a lovely water bottle. This year, I got a travel mug which is a very valuable gift to me as a working student who has a job that requires her to be itinerant and you know, bleeds hot tea no matter the hour or weather.


---

I honestly did not expect all of these gifts! What surprised me is just how much people listen to me! I had only mentioned these little things here and there in light conversation over the course of this year and the last and...waw. I was just...so touched by these things. I admit I never look forward to getting gifts at Christmas as I do giving them and believe it or not, this is the first Christmas (ever as I didn't grow up getting gifts at Christmas) that I got so very many things, they're only seven things but they are priceless to me! Which, perhaps is why i don't feel too bad about sharing my presents on the internet. This is not a usual occurrence after all.

Perhaps my loved ones sensed how much cheering up I needed at the end of the year. I admit this Christmas was a hard one for me...i had to convince myself to close my eyes and buy gifts for those i care about and myself as the weight of tuition kicked me from behind. It was important however to make the sacrifice, how pitiful would I be if I had nothing to exchange after all?! haha Aside from that...it was really making me quite depressed working so hard at work and school and never buying not even myself anything...I had to do something about it...even if it is something small..thankfully my friends are not material monsters and understand that everything is but for a time.

I am so so grateful for their love and though! Not because they gave me gifts but because they gave me gifts that showed they cared enough to listen to what I had to say.

Planning is definitely on my list of things to do for 2015! How about you? I do hope you had a good Christmas time, I've spent many years without presents so whether you were blessed with them in a material way are not this year I pray that you must be blessed, perhaps with life, with health, with strength, with food or companionship. You know, the things that really last. :)


Enough looking back, who's ready to look forward?!!


Peace. Love. Gratitude.

Sunday 28 December 2014

Musing :: Mind : My Word for 2015 and what influenced it.

Mandala from Susannah Conway's Find Your Word Series.


Will.

Definition: Verb, expressing the future tense.

  1.  expressing a strong intention or assertion about the future.
  2.  expressing inevitable events.
  3.  expressing a request.
  4.  expressing facts about ability or capacity.
  5.  expressing habitual behaviour.
  6.  expressing probability or expectation about something in the present.


Synonyms: tend to, have a tendency to, are bound to, do, are going to, must, want, wish, please, see fit, think fit, think best, like, choose, prefer, decree, order, ordain, command.


Will.
Definition: Noun.

  1. the faculty by which a person decides and initiates action 
  2. control deliberately exerted to do something or to retrain one's own impulse 
  3. a deliberate or fixed desire or intention.  
  4. the thing that one desires or ordains  

Synonyms: determination, willpower, strength of character, resolution, resolve, tenacity, tenaciousness, wish, desire, decision, choice, inclination, intention, intent, volition.

Supporting words: I (will), God (will/willing), (will) Power, Strong (willed).
 
Layers under this word: Kill self doubt. Believe, Achieve, continue to aspire.

This word makes me feel
: nervous, secure, sure, confident and motivated. It inspires a sense in me.


Other thoughts or feelings about this word
:
I must remember that I will become the person who steps boldly into the will of God and the will I have mapped out for my life. Though during the year my will may bend it will not break. I may be beaten but I will never be destroyed


 " persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; "
 (1 Corinthians 4:9 KJB)

For my heavenly Father has begun a good work in me and he WILL see it through to the end. 


" being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. "
 (Philippians 1:6 NIV

For while I am willing He is the author and the finish, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End of all that is was and WILL be.  At the same time I must be prepared to nourish my will so that it does not become neglected and small in the face of difficulty.
   
To me ‘Will’ means: it’s not just a dream, it’s not just the things I want, it is not intangible, it is not a fairy tale nor a star looked upon by reaching eyes and longing finger tips from atop a hill, it is real.

It is not just attainable but it is already in progress. It is not stagnant, it is moving, growing, living breathing and being achieved.  It is not just a feeling, or a goal, it is the future being written as we speak. It is strong. It is beautiful. It will not be broken forever because it is a steady moving course of events, not one thing but many, the very fabric of time, not supremely controlled by the mortal that is me or them but without the shadow of a doubt, guided by thus. It is life itself.


Will is a question, it is an answer and it is a promise.

Peace. Love. Will.

Saturday 27 December 2014

Find Your Word | 2015



I've found my thoughts directed towards the new year for some time now and being quite one to reflect and a planner, I joined Susannah Conway's exercise of finding a word to keep in mind during the coming year. A word that will resonate with me in moments when I walk in difficulty especially, that i can whisper to my soul and remind myself of the commitments I made. Not a harsh reminder, just a hand that rests on the shoulder of sorts.

Now being Christian I already do this but it often takes the form of a prayer or a scripture. I have found it rather helpful lately to remind myself of a commitment I have made to myself.in one word and I think this can only add more goodness to the practice.

While searching my mind and heart for this word of 2015 I found quite a few suggestions coming to mind. Which is great as I was so afraid i wouldn't be able to think of any. I acknowledge that the process of finding that one word can be intimidating so I thought I would share with you some of my considerations before i came to a conclusion in hopes that, if you do venture to adapt this or a similar practice, it might be helpful. This list is what I had at the end of the day compiled and now had to choose from.

Does any word from on my little list speak to you? Also, if you have a word for 2015, do share in the comments, I find the whole thing rather inspiring.

Which word do you think I picked? ;) I will be sharing the what and why soon!


Peace. Love. Brainstorm.

Friday 26 December 2014

NOTD :: Christmas Nails - Seasonal Strokes


I took the advise of my artist friend Shell from her guest post and went with some lines this year, they looked lovely at top a cotton candy shade. I had forgotten how much I love the cotton candy nail polish shade. I used to be so obsessed with it as a child. How soft and pretty it is!

This line look was SO simple, I started off trying her design but then fell in love with my own spin on it along the way! I know it's blurry in this photo but it's the only shot I could grab in the hustle and bustle. It is boxing day here today, a holiday. I hope your Holidays were merry and bright my dears, let us have a prosperous 2015, together ♥

Peace. Love. Forward!

Thursday 25 December 2014

Merry Christmas Lovies!


Did you eat? Did you love and were loved in return? Did you find a small moment in the day where you found yourself appreciating the things that are going well for you like the people who help you smile and the joys that were added on to your years when you least expected it? I hope so.

For then it is safe to say that you had, at least one memorable moment, surely that is a day worth remembering.



Peace. Love. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Wednesday 24 December 2014

Lately :: in December 2014


 // Finally broke out my favourite festive sweatshirt.

// Made a list for Christmas grocery shopping, all though if I'm honest, we only bought one treat out of the ordinary so far, clutching that purse though! haha

// Admiring Christmas trees in shop windows because oh my goodness I love it so much!

// Reading quite a few of the classics just because instead of upon instruction of a teacher!

// Cleaning house, planning Christmas lunch, wrapping gifts and enjoying that oh so wonderful anticipation of giving gifts to loved ones!


I'm also realising I have quite the love for reindeer and wishing I'd bought these  to feed my burning sock love. Maybe I'll get em next year. At last it is Christmas Eve. Since I'm leave the house and I likely wont be back again till morning, after gifts have been given, Merry Christmas Lovelies! I feel blessed to have you reading ♥


Peace. Love. Reindeer bells.

Friday 19 December 2014

Musing : NOTD: GUEST POST :: 2 Tips and a secret for Easy Holiday Themed Travel Nails

'ello Lovelies!  

So in my speed to close out my holiday shopping (i am still SO behind!) as i was so busy with school and figuring out what my student could yet afford, it would appear that my blog posting schedule has suffered. I suppose it is to be expected; a lesser post regularity due to the holidays. Maybe I love you guys too much for I still think of you as the days of the week pass. It is in this vain that I've enlisted for you a guest post today, written my artist friend Shellon (mentioned in my previous post) for sharing her creative nail tip arsenal! 

I'm already plotting my return to her house to have her hook me up with one of these designs!

___


Hey everyone! Thanks Lizelle for the opportunity to guest write a holiday post.

My greatest dilemma as an artist is most likely personal. I'm not the most consistently organized person, no matter how hard I try to stick with a plan. My interest in nail design piqued majorly last year. However, due to how actively I use my hands; be it due to using my fingers with pastel paintings or being in the sea free-diving, my nails tend to be brittle at times. They get to a certain length, if I'm lucky and last a few months... then they all break one by one until I get fed up and cut them all. 

A tip for stronger nails longer, naturally? When doing your hair and moisturising it or putting lotion on your skin, massage your nails with the same moisturisers. A friend of mine taught me this when I was in my early teens. She, had amazingly strong, long nails, all compliment to hair grease, that house chores would then have to work hard to break. I have tested it with my own nails and it's how I account for my nails when they look beautiful.

As time has progressed, my inclination for fancy nails has clashed with the pretty colours I find with cheap nail polish as fancy designs don't tend to last long when done with the cheaper shades. This has led me to come up with simple designs that look the same in the early chipping stages and aswell still look forgiveable after a few weeks have passed.

In this post, I shall cover two simple designs that I vary throughout the year, especially if I'm travelling, and a secret I learned this year.

So these first two are very basic. All you need to be able to do is draw lines and make dots. Nothing too complicated.

Tools: I used: 103 TLC (light green) by Kleancolour, B240 Che Bella Red by Borghese, green and red by Emori, a yellow striper by Amused, titanium white acrylic paint, a fine paint brush and a dotting tool.

First design is simply a cluster of random lines.

Instructions: Pick two or more colours for your design. Remember, you can place the clusters in any direction. I like to mix things up a bit as you can see bellow:


- Then, layer your second colour or colours, side by side with your first set of lines.

- Once this is through, add dots with the dotting tool in bare areas of space.

And then viola...! Nice and simple right?

My second design is even simpler and more fool proof.

- Again, pick your colours.

- Draw horizontal lines from one side of your nail to the other, being sure to leave a bit of space between them, kind of like the lines on a bit of writing paper.

-Then draw lines from the opposite side so that the width of your brush strokes has a bit of a mirrored effect.

- Layer your other chosen colours in the spaces between your first set of lines.


Once you've finished adding all the colours you want, you should result in something looking like this...


The last design is of Christmas trees. I used regular white acrylic paint ( thus the secret, did you know you can use paint as nail polish too? Well you do now. ) for the trees and stripers and the dotting tool to decorate the tree.

First three lines. each slightly longer than the other for the edges of the tree

You can add a white line down the middle for a better guide for when you want to fill in the colour to really frame the shape of the tree.


Now here they are, all filled in!

A couple coloured squiggly lines later and you're through!

In order to seal the colour, especially the trees, you must coat with clear nail polish as a top coat. The first two designs, regardless of if you seal it or not, because it uses your nail colour as the background and is a bit messy, anyone looking would think any chips were deliberate and artistic.

There you have it: easy, awesome on the go nail ideas.

Hope these tips and ideas were helpful.
Ciao for now,
Shelli.



Monday 15 December 2014

For the love of Snail Mail

 A hand made post card a friend mailed me, diy carved rose stamp and all!

You couldn't possibly know just how much I enjoy receiving things in the mail. This, I think, is another simple joy of human connection. Oh the wonder of knowing someone took time and put effort into packaging something for you and sent it out, across the seas or miles or air or which ever mode of transportation used where you are, to get something to you. Whether card or parcel it gives me great joy not just to receive it but to give it.

That is why every year I am almost searching for a reason to send out some snail mail. This year I'm sending out a hand full of Christmas cards, hidden within which are some hand made surprises. It took me some time to assemble them honestly.

If you know me well you know how strongly I believe in cherishing gifts, it is not so much the thing I cherish but the priceless action. That is why, when i get a gift, I am very protective of it, whether it is my style or my desire, I hold it near my heart because what I do desire is to appreciate.

As I sit here now, nursing the pains left over from my commitment (I had to do a lot of bending to see) I am reminded of the preciousness of a gift, no matter how big or small. How cheerful and cherished it is to own such an opportunity as this: when one can use their talents and heart to create something to share smiles and love...

I would share them with you but I am afraid that one of the people to receive it, though they do not usually read my blog, will sneakily find their way onto my blog and ruin the surprise. So for now, look for a share of these around new years eve, when I can be most sure of their arrival to their recipient :)


How do you feel about sending snail mail?


Peace. Love. Snail mail.

Friday 12 December 2014

Musing :: Mind : Take Flight


 I don't waste any time when I get days for holiday. Fortunately, this time is likely spent at least doing things that stimulate the creative part of my brain that is often left neglected by school.

One of the things on my list of holiday must have to do list was to visit friends and this week I've had the opportunity to do that at least with one pal. My friend Eli is preparing for another year at the main craft fair on the island. She is an artist with a concentration in chalk pastel and mixed media. You can find more of her work here. She also does nails like nobody's business, her arsenal is so pretty! So i took the opportunity to have her do my nails with the precision and mastery of the artists' hand haha

I also added two pictures from the last time I saw her (thus the pre name change water mark) well over summer time. Our meetings include lots of conversation and often lots of nail polish. I wish I could say what we do when we get together but it really is more of an experience of being. There are some friends with whom you do not need to go anywhere I suppose; when cereal and nail polish is enough for a good time. Well, add a little music, a little food and what more can one ask for?

I truly enjoy simple pleasures.

This little black bird is my favourite of her recent work. Opportune it is perhaps,that this is the one I photographed, for most of our discussion that day was about how we hope to take flight in different aspects of our lives someday soon.

Must be the approaching new year that has got our blood boiling.



What simple pleasure do you enjoy sharing with a loved one?


Peace. Love. Good Times.

Tuesday 9 December 2014

My Minimalist Must Haves for the Holidays | To Do List



Finals are over and I do not know how I feel as per usual I always feel like I could have done just a little bit better...now comes the part where I bight my nails, shake in my boots, pray and I wait to find out if my attempts were good enough...In the mean time I am looking forward to a few simple pleasures over the course of the next 3 weeks of holiday. Very easy indulgences that stand to make my December very enjoyable if I can only let them and turn my mind away from scholarly commitments as I have turned my eyes.


  • Long pretty socks
  • A few of my favourite chocolates
  • Friend meet ups
  • A clean room
  • Sleep


I'm not asking for much this season, trying desperately to keep it simple. I've already started the harder bits: begun cleaning my room, a task which is going to take forever with my lung issues, getting all the washing and ironing of my work clothes out of the way so when the new term starts I don't have to feel stressed about it and can instead inspire a sense of togetherness within myself. I'm even daring to do a little shopping for myself! How delinquent for the working student I am I know but...I'm just itching to feel not so confined by circumstance :/ I'm cheering myself up by reminding myself that I could be dead tomorrow and not live to inherit the hard work of saving money for next term. Morbid I know but don't worry I'm not breaking the bank just sticking a toe out of place to save my sanity a little haha

What I think I want most is time to sit back and know that I am not a slave to the desires of the world. That I am a person who dreams big but also needs to rest well.  I am looking forward to that rest and peace of mind. Sadly, like everything else I will have to work hard on it as a fight to shut up the voices inside of myself that persist in telling me I must grab hold of the stars before the day breaks, voices that persist even before the dusk has even gone to sleep.

Creative minds do not rest easily...

Thank you to those of you who wished me luck on my final exams this semester. It feels wonderful to know that I have your backing ♥ Now, here's to a peace of mind ya?


What are some of your must haves this December?


Peace. Love. Calmed Spirits.

Monday 8 December 2014

My Christmas Outfit Wishlist

It's almost Christmas and all the pretty things seem to call our names more loudly at that time of year don't they? These dreamy fashion finds are tempting my pocket! I've always been a big dreamer haha

1// 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

I'm like that; I like to peer red with green for Christmas. Somebody get that green long skirt in my life! Not to mention the red bow tie, everybody knows bow ties are cool! Those two midi skirts are my favourite on chicwish right now. I love big shirts. Those green skirt over alls? hubba hubba I've been wanting number two for so long I might have to just bite the bullet already and starve in January haha.

Okay I'm done.


Other things on my Holiday wish list include:


Hey, a girl can dream, after all, tis the season!


Peace. Love. Christmas (Eye) Candy

Sunday 7 December 2014

3 Homemade Gift Wrapping Ideas.

A gift given me recently by a parent and student. My heart exploded with gratitude I tell ya!

Being a creative there is particular type of home made I like surrounding my gifts and my gift giving ; the wrapping paper. I love the idea of home made wrapping paper, I've made some myself when I was younger, doodling all over it and making it my own. My friend loved it.

I feel like, in this way, the gift wrapping paper becomes a sweet little gift in itself.

I like the notion because it is environmentally friendly and adds a very personal touch to the event. Which is why I am in too minds about ordering the ABM emoji stamp set oh the gift wrapping mischief I might manage with those...

Today i wanted to share with you three of my favourite home made gift wrapping ideas as I remember a friend of mine once shared with me how much she hates wrapping gifts because she thinks she sucks at it,

1. Fabric

Do you have any pretty bits of fabric laying around or that looks awesome that you can buy and wont cost you an arm and a leg? Go for it! I've always thought this looks so dang classy!

2.The Brown Paper Bag

There is something very special about the look of brown paper to me, it reminds me of vintage presents, the sound of music and simpler days. Plus it's possibly another chance to recycle! Save them, cut them into the widest pieces you can manage  for the shape of your present (I always save little boxes through out the year to put my presents in, more recycling!)

Once you wrap this around your box with some clear tape you get to decided how you doll it up, this can be done with: Stickers, stamps, doodles, colourful string, ribbon, writing favourite or special sayings all of it, make it your own!

3. Tissue Paper/ Construction Paper / Kite Paper

I almost always use these in my gift giving in one way or another, whether its as wrapping or decoration of the wrapping.

Out of the three I've shared the brown paper bag method is my favourite because it's SO versatile; it can be adapted to the style of your friends and the inside jokes you share. Hey you can use any kind of paper for this too, it doesn't have to be brown, you know your loved ones and what they will appreciate most. For me personally it's the thought that counts; the thought that you put thought and effort into presenting this present to me.



 Have you ever made gift wrapping paper?

Peace. Love. DYI.



This post is a part of the Blogmas link up. After a solid week of posting about Christmas I may or may not be continuing with it up till the the 25th Maybe just in between. Have you been enjoying these Christmas themed posts?

Saturday 6 December 2014

Tis Better to Give


Each friend has a special way with which we meet to share and usually to eat over present giving and receiving. In fact many friends and I will usually have to make a date and exchange or gifts either before or post Christmas day.

Admittedly this has become quite important in my inner circle of friends, I was thinking about it only recently and it amused me so. The way we talk of our secret plans to gift each other you'd think we were being awarded for our mental mastery. In a way, I feel like we are...there is nothing like setting aside a time to exchange gifts with the people you love, to know that you both have been shopping and likely worrying all this time, praying that you'll get that gift that makes them squeal out loud in happiness despite them self. The quest for the perfect gift is almost a life long one, as life long as the connections we share I suppose...

What's most interesting to note however is that it doesn't matter what we receive, whether it's a stamp or a car, (no one has ever gotten a car) the entire experience is priceless and a present in itself.

So when I make up on Christmas morning and remember the wonder of the gift exchange the night before, I am always even more sure by the fresh feeling in my conscience that it is better to give than to receive.


Peace. Love Friendship Unwrapped

Friday 5 December 2014

Eat Like a Local | Christmas Edition - Sorrel

This is the dark sorrel, not the common bright red one but this is the only batch we have at home right now for me to photograph. I'll hook you up as the season goes on! Also sorry it's blurry, busy with a final paper over here.

Are you wondering where the none Christmas edition is? Well it's still in draft don't judge me I'm a student. Check for the series next year. Meanwhile my plush palette tag should take you to all food related posts.

So what's the big hub bub? I have mentioned that I am very much looking forward to Christmas food treats on my island. I'm only going to list 5 in all today.

Sorrel: Sorrel is the sepal of the Roselle plant. Think those green usually tougher bits right at the base of the flower that seem to hold it up.

This is one of my absolute favourite Christmas treats because it's so rare (it takes about six months to grow!) so people usually plant it to be ready around Christmas time, making it have an extra special air about its exorbitance. Also the fact that it's picked from a plant and then delivered to our stomachs after such a simple preparation process? It falls into bracket of what I like to call natures candy. Plus don't they look freaky? I love that! They always remind me of tiny flowers or claws. Love it!

How to make Sorrel:

Pick or buy your white/dark/bright red sepals.

Make a small slit in the sepal and remove the little round seed at the middle if there is one. If you bought it it's likely not there, if you picked it it probably is. Remove them, they're not going into your drink.

Fill your container with water. I'd say one cup of sorrel to  three cups of water. However usually you make this in much larger quantities so just pour your sorrel/sepal into a pot and make sure its covered by the amount of water you add to this pot.

Add bay leaf, clove and cinnamon for added flavour.

Allow to boil for 10-30 minutes or until the water turns a rich bright red.

Empty the water into a large mug or container and allow to cool. This liquid is what you will be drinking, not the sepals themselves; those you'll be throwing away.

Your sorrel/sepals will be well wilted now but you can likely get another brew out of it, only with half the amount of water you put the first time. If you're not confident then skip this step, though I wouldn't

Add sugar to taste.
 
Chill and serve.


There you go now you have sorrel! In essence it's much like brewing tea. You can also add things like an essence of your choice or maybe even some mint (if I can get my hands on some mint leaves I'll be trying that this year!). This is my favourite seasonal drinking treat. Fun fact: it also comes in white but is very rare and just as delicious. Also, some people, not I because I'm not an alcohol enthusiast, like to spike theirs...alot.

Around here at Christmas time, you are sure to find the making of:
  • Ginger Beer
  • Punch-a-Creme (alcoholic beverage) 
  • Coconut buns
  • A boiled salted ham.
Now while I'd love to share a step by step post with you about just how we go about making these December deliciousness and it is more than likely I will at some point, I've still got a paper to finish. So for now I hope you've enjoyed a list of my Five Local Christmas Foods.

Peace. Love. Naturally Delicious.

Thursday 4 December 2014

Seasonal Tunes that sing Christmas to me.


That one Christmas song that jogs my memory, sung by my absolute favourite country duo (Yes I'm old school like that and I totally ship them and wish they were wed!) takes me both to past memories and future memories at the same time...that builds a picture in my mind of a photogenic Christmas; ideal, warm, fresh every time...like the slow breaking of a new dawn....

Is there a seasonal song that does that for you?

Wednesday 3 December 2014

2 Movies that give me Major Christmas Feels


I've already told you my two favourite Christmas movies . I wanted to talk about the ones that are sure to give me Christmas feels and why. I readily admit though there are a lot of vintage classics that I haven't seen I really need to get under my belt but for now, the following always makes me a little squishy on the inside.


Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer the Christmas Television Special in Stop Motion.


Why: A kid who is different is forced to hide his uniqueness from the masses by those who love him the most in order to get ahead in normal life. Eventually when all is revealed, rather than continue to live as the scorn, he chooses to wonder he earth alone and lonely. Eventually he quite by mistake he finds himself in the company of those who are different in their own way. Together they learn to love themselves through their love for each other and as their self esteem builds so does their self esteem, leading them to go bold into the direction of their dreams.

Home Alone 3


 A young boy known for being both mischievous and brilliant finds himself at home alone on the very day robbers attempt to break into his home in search of a micro chip tied to the occupation of one of his parents. With ingenious innovation and the heart of a bold faced bluff or two, this young boy defends his home, himself and his elderly neighbour, while he tries to convince the relevant authorities to believe his truth in the face of his troublesome past.

I'm sure you didn't need those brief summaries but now you have them and I should admit I grew up on the earlier instalments to Home Alone 1 and  2 that and I wont even bother listing them here because they have such a special place in my heart they go without saying. I actually watched both of these last Christmas, again. It is interesting the perspective brought on by age. What I noticed both yesteryear of these two movies, the first I've seen a hundred times the second I watched for the first time, is that they're both about finding your place in life, a concept I find very interesting and wish more modern day films would continue to share with young (and I suppose even old) minds.

We often take for granted the things that shape our childhood, the messages we let run freely through the fields of our souls, leaving residue on fertile soil, where our character will grow and bloom. When these films come on I can not help but muse the message between the lines both then and now.


What movies do you find irresistible or watch over and over again on a whim during this season of the year?  Lets build an arsenal!


Peace. Love. Self Acceptance.



Tuesday 2 December 2014

The Christmas Feels



As I grow closer to the end of finals I am becoming aware of the Christmas feels stirring within me...

For me Christmas is gospel music everywhere, it is chillier days for over the Knee socks. It is seasonal food. It is decorations and it is more talk of Jesus than usual from more people than usual. It is red and green and gold colour schemes. It is gifts for children. It is store décor. It is late hangouts and dressing up. It is a very warm feeling in the heart that is hard to pin down year round and just so happens to taste great.It is food, so very much yummy, seasonally prepared food.

I love the taste, the look, the feel of it...

What is Christmas to you?

Peace. Love. Christmas Lights.

Monday 1 December 2014

17 Simple Christmas Seasonal Joys


MY Christmas To do List


- Wear ridiculous cheesy seasonal clothes  -
 I've got a reindeer shirt and it gives me no greater giggle than to wear it out with a straight face.

- Watch a Christmas themed movie -
Usually it's one I've seen before on Christmas day, while doing nothing. What more can a person ask for?

-  Christmas Day Lunch - 
Eat larger portions of food than usual on Christmas day is always a treat and from what I understand is the local way of things, how Americans gorge themselves on thanksgiving? This is when we do it like that.

- Visit friends I haven't seen in months!  -
I miss you!!

- Read a book that isn't on my list of school assignments -
I will be reading Run from the Fearless series this year and I cannot wait! I bought it by mistake digitally and it has been SO hard not reading it this semester instead of my textbooks...but I'm going for ya!!

- Watch a Korean Drama - 
I'm thinking Pinocchio this time? Simply because I've been seeing a lot of advertisements for it. If there are any Korean Drama fans out there in the blogesphere I'm taking suggestions!

- Exchange gifts with friends -
A little tradition started with a small number of people I am grateful for. Hope I can find gifts this year though, I'm SO late! Education killing friendships one Christmas at a time (I'm kidding.)

- Go to a charity Christmas tree lighting and gift giving  -
That is, as long as I can find one! I have started doing this only recently but it is such a treat seeing young children receive gifts they likely would not have as the glow of Christmas lights reflect in there eyes? Who could pass that up? Definitely a highlight of my season. If I had an opportunity I would in fact do more in this light.

- Visit Grandma  -
Wine, cake, a chat and a sunset sounds good to me.

- Listen to copious amounts of Christmas music -
Why is it such beautiful music gets left until so late in the year anyway?

- Paint my nails some Christmas themed colour or another. -
Like this time or one of my favourites that I will likely do again this year.

- Eat and drink local traditional seasonal foods -
Sorrel and ginger beer and locally made coconut buns are already calling my name

- Bake -
Though I wont be doing this this year as there is no one to enjoy the wealth haha

- Christmas Tree -
Search to finding a pretty desk top tree as they're hard to find here I end up doing this every year..

- Wear a stupid Christmas hat -
This is just another thing that gives me a smile. I think they're so silly I cant take myself seriously looking at them.

- Grocery Shopping -
I always look forward to strolling through the store at this time of year, Christmas carols are always playing and the special seasonal treats come out (I get a kick out of Christmas sprinkles) it's a simple little fact of life I enjoy acknowledging.



As I have grown up the things I do at Christmas have really changed. At one point it was really only about doing nothing on the day it self and taking advantage of late buses on Christmas eve which means you can go anywhere and do anything with whoever you want and still get home. However, times have changed and so have people. Now I enjoy smaller trips more extended through out the season that make bigger impacts on more lives than my own...

It's a little odd really as my church does not readily celebrate Christmas (believe it or not many churches don't) This does not stop me from enjoying the local traditions of the season though :) These are just some of my own personal informal traditions but every season without fail I find myself looking forward to them unconsciously. I have learned a tradition does not have to be grand or even recognized by many to be special.

Is there anything you do at this time of year routinely that may not be widely acknowledged but gives you great joy? Share with me in the comments!


Peace. Love. A Slice of Happiness.
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