I blame the festive season

What has been going on? I have been very slack in posting recently but I do blame the festive season and all the crazy, wonderful things I have ben doing.
The season started off with Angela's Christmas Party and ended with our work Christmas party (which was last night).
Both nights lived up to their expectations proving the connection we have as friends strong and extremely funny!
So, as the New Year approaches I look forward to many more wonderful times celebrating, laughing, dancing and sharing together!

Here are a few pics for your light entertainment...


Angela's Christmas Party

Work Christmas Party

Merry Christmas

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year! Thank you for taking the time to read and enjoy my blog.
I look forward to sharing the many new and exciting inspirations and loves of my life.


My Christmas this year was spent with wonderful friends and family eating way too much food, dressing up very Christmassy and having lots of laughs!
To them I say thank you xx

Christmas spirit

The dreaded flu has hit but I can't let it stop me!
So to get me through the night I got myself into the Christmas spirit.
I went with the theme of red and white and stocked up on Christmas baubles and strung them across the window.
Now all I need is a sight of snow through the sparkle and shine of my Christmas view.

Santacon

I completely forgot to mention that on the weekend I was in central London for the car free shopping day on Regent street and on this day to my surprise there were a thousand Santa's roaming the streets.
Out of curiosity, when I went home I searched online to figure out what was going on. Twitter let me know of Santacon.
Santacon is all about spreading the Christmas cheer and gathering people together. Check out the website to see exactly what they are all about.

http://www.santacon.co.uk/what-is-santacon/

Christmas love

Feeling the Christmas spirit today so I thought I would share with you a few of my favourite Christmas quotes.

'Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends' Margaret Thatcher

'Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas time' Laura Ingalls Wilder

'May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love' Unknown

A day behind

Yesterday was my last day off before my next 6 in a row. That's what happens with Christmas and retail.
So to enjoy my last day I vowed to make the most of it.


It all started with a spin session at the gym. Since moving to the NW I signed up to the local fitness centre to ensure the 'Heathrow Injection' didn't bite at my feet. It was also to keep me active and healthy coming up to the winter months. After the intense workout I grabbed a coffee, did a few errands and headed home to do some work - only to find out the Internet wasn't working, making my posts a day behind.
Since the Internet wasn't being my friend I decided to head into central London to try and do some Christmas shopping. I know that it is only going to get busier and my timing is short so any spare moment to try and find a few presents was key. I actually managed to find a few and clarified other things I was going to buy for people.

I am actually getting excited by Christmas, its only two weeks away and I was hoping for a white Christmas (as you all know!) but for some reason I don't think it is going to happen. It has gotten dramatically colder in London recently but I don't think it is yet at that point to snow.


So all I have to do is get through these next 6 days to enjoy a couple off and then back it up with a few more and then its Christmas!!


Merry Christmas!! I like that I can start saying this now!

Christmas is a time of joy

The Christmas excitement has started, presents are being purchased, Christmas tunes are in my head and I can't help but sing along.

I love Christmas and everything about it and I am really looking forward to celebrating it London.

This will be my first Christmas away from home and although it will be sad it will also be very exciting. I will most definitely miss my nephews running around in the heat, swimming in the pool and eating salad alongside with cold meat - yes this is what we have in Australia because it is very HOT! I will miss going to church with my family and feeling so stuffed with everyone and having a nap on the couch.

So alright, I guess I will be able to do half those things here in London, especially since we are having an orphan Christmas.

An orphan Christmas is where people who are not able to go home with their family gather together and celebrate.

Two of my friends from my work are not able to get home and I am very excited that they will be joining us. It is going to be a mix of nations and each person will make a few specialities to share on the day.

London also has a lot to offer this time of year with lots of Christmas markets, ice rinks, tree lighting's and a whole channel dedicated on sky for Christmas movies!

This Friday in fact is the lighting of the massive Christmas tree in front of St Pauls. The lighting ceremony takes place between 4pm and 4:30pm (yes it is dark at that time!).

I think I know when my break will be at work!

http://www.visitthecity.co.uk/index.php/events/view/415/

Also this Friday are the Christmas market in Dalston and the next few weeks there a millions of Santa grotto's, fairs and jolly good excitement for everyone totally obsessed with Christmas!

Time out always has the bets ideas. http://www.timeout.com/london/christmas/

Oh Christmas, I am so looking forward to you and please Santa the one thing I wish for this Christmas is snow!

Here are some pictures I have been taking around the city of the wonderful Christmas lights.

Christmas disco balls at One New Change (where I work)

Cannon street

Walking in a winter wonderland

At the end of November each year the city lights up and ice rinks are constructed all over. The magical world of winter wonderland and all things festive arrives!

So on a cold London night after a home cooked meal (thanks Mazen) we set out to see the wonders on offer.
First stop - Natural History Museum. The museum makes for such a beautiful backdrop against the ice rink and was the place for my next 20 minutes of laughter.
The cause of my laughter was a young boy who was racing, almost walking with legs flipping everywhere instead of skating. He must have crashed into the wall more times then being on the ice and caused many dangerous situations the entire time. But no matter how many close encounters he kept going and continued to entertain me.
After wiping away my tears of laughter we decided to head into Hyde Park.

Second stop - Hyde Park. Now this place is the Winter Wonderland of all winter wonderlands. Food stores, mulled wine, Christmas markets and rides fill the entire park. Flashing, sparkling lights hold your gaze and suck you in to feel the Christmas vibe. We didn't get to sample all the rides, food or mulled wine but we have vowed to go back closer to Christmas and enjoy.

Next stop on the Christmas circuit - Sommerset house which is soon to open!

Natural History Museum

The Ice Rink

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

The carousel - love them, they are so pretty and yes I will ride on one this Christmas!

Strong competition for The London Eye?

The ice rink - with an amazing band in the centre.