honey, i'm home.

Well hello, hello, HELLO cyber world! 

I AM HOME!!! Sorry, I just had to scream and let that out of my system before this entry gets underway. But yes, it's true, the time I have been looking forward to for what seems like a lifetime is now here and honestly, I could not be happier. Great Britain, I love you! 

How are you all? I hope that with only (can you believe it) seven days till Christmas, the holiday period sees your work load and stress levels decreasing and your festive cheer continually on the 'up'. 

I must apologise for my blogger silence these past few weeks, I absolutely intended to have another post on 'ching ching, darlings!' for you all to read this holiday season, but my goodness, it appears that apparently December has just not have enough hours (literally), in the day for me this year! I have been nothing less than rushed off my feet these past few weeks with a list that just seemed never-ending. I must say though, there's something about December that makes a stressful time less of one - I think it's the fact that as Christmas gets closer, everything just seems, well, better? So yeah, as I was saying I had a list simply too long to get through before December 17th came around. You name it, I had to do it - packing and present buying for going home, a final exam of the semester to revise for, a mountain of washing that let's be honest, was not going to do itself and not to mention having to squeeze in as many nights out, last-minute fikas and god knows what else with friends as I possibly could before leaving the Swedish capital to come home - talk about a busy life, right? A busy life indeed, but nevertheless, a fabulous one! 

So here we are with December 18th upon us and it's just gone 7.57pm, as I sit here writing this to you all at my home kitchen table, hiding away from the deathly combination of the Scottish wind and rain outside (standard), and not to mention looking for some blog-entry inspiration (oh, and with a cup of tea, always), I can't help but just feel absolutely blessed. 

Its been said by Oliver Wendell Holmes, one of my favourite author of quotes, that "where we love is home - home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts." If you ask me, it's so true. No matter where our feet may take us throughout our life, our travels, our ups, our downs, our highs and our lows, love always brings us home along with our heart. Words simply cannot express how happy I am to be back in the UK for the holiday season this year, it truly has been far too long. There comes a time in everyone's life, in my opinion anyway, where the only place you want to be is home, after all, home is where the heart is, right? You can travel as far away as possible, eat as many different cuisine's as you can find, experience a multitude of cultures so far from your own and do as many airport 'check-ins' on Facebook at the departure gate as you want, but when the cards are put on the table, there is nothing quite like coming home and spending quality time with those we all hold most dear. 

As a society, we've become terribly bad for NOT living in the moment, it's almost like we refuse to do so anymore, as if it just no longer happens. We always want more, we always desire to do bigger and better things, we always need to think ahead and plan things down to microscopic levels of detail, which of course is great, but if you ask me, the extent of this greatness is somewhat questionable. 

What ever happened to appreciating things for what they are? Living in the moment, living right now, like this very second?..

After a life changing summer across the pond in the U S of A at Loyaltown and now having had an amazing 1st semester of my year abroad in Stockholm under my belt, life for me could honestly not be any better. I've never had such a wild, frantic, crazy, spontaneous, fun, knowledgeable, emotional and life-changing roller-coaster period as much as right now. Undoubtedly and naturally, I feel so lucky to have had such amazing opportunities as well as having experienced moments in my life to date that, quite frankly, are priceless - there is no disputing this fact and believe me, I wouldn't change any of it for the world. Nevertheless, on returning to the UK after three and a half months spent stateside - with a mere two day turnover period between returning home and embarking upon my Swedish adventure, being back in my home, with familiar surroundings and in my native country with those I love most feels simply delightful. It's the sheer icing on top of a suitably wild seven months.

When I sit down and properly reflect upon such a time in my life, such as now, it only reinforces a major realisation i've encompassed along the way. No matter how much fun we have, things we do, places we visit or experiences we encounter, leaving some 'time-out' from the increasingly fast-paced lives we lead is nothing less than imperative. 

As I come to be spreading my wings and finding myself in this place we call the world more and more, it seems that my love and general levels of appreciation towards the simple pleasures of life at home have multiplied, multiplied and then multiplied some more. Dr. Seuss says it simply and eloquently - "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." Ladies and gents, it has indeed become most clear to me that I did not appreciate my home life as much as I should have a few years back - before the periods of time spent away from the comfort zone of the 'nest' started to increase at an exciting but downright scary rate. Indeed, these times gone by are now memories I should have appreciated so much more. 

To all of you out there - live in the moment. Yes plan ahead, yes think of the future, yes want something more but please, oh my god please, LIVE FOR NOW. 

No matter where, far or close by, the front door of your home will always be there to welcome you back.

It will be like you never left - I promise.

Much love and live for that moment guys. 

Speak soon.

L xo 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Hello there my little snowflakes! 

Well, it's December 1st 2013! Can you believe it? Here we are yet again at, literally, the most wonderful time of the year. As I popped open the first box on my advent calendar this morning I couldn't help but feel simply blessed, oh, and not to mention extremely excited for Christmas!


The 1st day of a new month, for me anyway, always seems to bring about those reminiscing moments along with a multitude of appreciative thought. Christmas and the month of December is undoubtedly a very special time for everyone and, well, if you ask me, there really is no better time of the year to write a new post for you all than on the 1st day of the holiday season! It may not be snowing (yet), but it's certainly not decreasing any levels of my seasonal spirit! As I sit here with a cup of tea along with some gingerbread biscuits (yeah, the 'being healthy' malarky has went right out the window…oops!) keeping me company and not to mention the good old Michael Buble's Christmas album playing on iTunes  I'm absolutely bopping over with excitement that December is now officially upon us!  

So, seeing as my last '25 things' post went down a treat with you all along with the amount of positive feedback I received from it (thank you, by the way), I've decided to incorporate the theme into yet another entry for the blog. When I actually stopped and thought about it, it made perfect sense to do so. Christmas day is on December 25th (who would have knew?) and with this in mind, I could easily think of 25 exciting and wonderful things that I adore about this time of the year…seems legit enough, right?

Well, here we go once again guys and girls...25 things that I love about Christmas. Buckle up tight and hold onto your hats! 

1.) Christmas trees:

Okay so admittedly, an incredibly obvious starting point - whatever! Anyway, if you ask me, there is nothing quite like taking your Christmas tree out of its box or going to buy a new one if you don't do 'artificial', straightening out those branches, bringing down the decoration boxes from the attic and gathering around with the ones you love most to add on the tinsel, lights and ornaments. It's the perfect kickstart to anyone's holiday season! 

2.) There's a chance of snow: 

Let's just get real here, who doesn't dream of a white Christmas? Every year without fail people start saying 'oh you never know, we could have a white Christmas this year!' It's exciting and ultimately what helps to add to the good old festive spirit! Being in Stockholm you would of course, naturally expect snow every year, especially by now. However, as I previously said, it is yet to land upon us - watch this space! 

3.) Lights and Decorations:

There's nothing quite like seeing your village, town or city starting to take shape for the holiday period - christmas trees going up in front windows, lights on the trees, 'santa, please stop here signs' being placed on people's front lawns and so much more. Walking around and seeing big department stores beautifully decorated from head to toe, or the houses in your street lit up with fairy lights brings a smile to anyone's face. At Christmas, everything just glistens more. It's fabulous. Hashtag.

4.) Carols and music:

Jingle Bells, Let it snow, Winter Wonderland, Santa Baby, All I Want for Christmas Is You and all the others can't help but put a bounce in any Christmas shoppers' step! Like it or not ladies and gentleman, we ALL love to hate Christmas songs and anyone that says they don't is in complete denial. I for one just love them and at this time of year, this love is made all to obvious. Standard.

5.) It's an excuse to eat SO much food:

I always remember my dad saying to me when I was younger that 'Christmas day is the only time of year i'll allow you to eat that chocolate for your breakfast', and my god he was right. At Christmas, it appears that all of our 'socially acceptable' eating habits go completely out the window! You know what though? I personally love it! 

6.) Shopping and those good old Christmas sales:

Supermarkets, department stores and malls filled with their Christmas collection and the very best of what's on offer. Who could resist? Who doesn't get excited about a bargain?! Christmas sales always result in me spending an unjustifiable amount of money on things that, in reality, I don't really need. Oh dear. I think because it's Christmas it becomes the perfect justification for mass spending levels - works for me! Jättebra! 

7.) Excited children:

We were all young once, and if I remember correctly, my levels of excitement at Christmas were beyond amazing. I'm sure many of you can relate to this one! I can remember I would count down every day towards Santa's arrival down the chimney - it could never come quick enough. I would give so much to go back to those precious moments in my life, even just once more. When I see young children today feeling the same levels of excitement that I once did, it never fails to put a smile on my face and take me right back to those days in my childhood. Absolutely precious. 

8.) Mulled wine:

Now anyone that knows me, is well aware of my absolute adoration for wine! Well my darlings, mulled wine is no different. It's fabulous, try it. You won't regret it. Never mind christmas in a cup, it's christmas in a glass. 

9.) Advent calendars: 

There's nothing quite like popping open the 1st box on an Advent calendar, no matter your age! Young or old, it marks the 1st official day of a very exiting month ahead. It's a countdown, it's exciting, it's brilliant! Oh, and the little piece of chocolate inside is always a good time, right? 

10.) The holiday cheer:

Everyone loves Christmas, how can you not? Everything just seems better, feels better and well, is better! It's such a magical, special and important time of year. People walk around with smiles on their faces and spirit in their hearts. All the worries, stresses and every days issues instantly seem irrelevant, even if just for a little while. I love it, so much. 

11.) Christmas 'smells':

Call me crazy, but Christmas has a distinct smell! The candles, food, Christmas trees and much more. It's too good to resist. 

12.) Christmas cards:

We all give and receive cards at Christmas, even to those random neighbours 4 doors down that we know nothing about - it's still a nice thought though, right? To think that they put aside a few minutes to spread some of their holiday cheer onto you? I think that's something pretty special. 

13.) Mince pies: 

I know i've already mentioned food, but I personally feel that mince pies deserve a number all of their own! I'm absolutely obsessed with mince pies, without doubt my favourite thing to eat at Christmas - forget the turkey, it's all about the mince pies. I counted how many I had across Christmas day alone last year, I had twenty seven….no joke. Concerning? Most definitely. Do I care? Not one bit. 

14.) Stockings: 

Stockings are the cutest thing, especially when they're hung up the traditional way, that is to say, above a roaring Christmas fire! They look great, can hold a surprising amount and never fail to add that something special on Christmas morning. We not only have presents to open, but stockings to peep into and see what lies inside…eek!

15.) Ice skating: 

It seems that wherever possible, Ice rinks are added to the 'must do' list of December in a town or city during the run-up to Christmas! All those happy faces skating round in circles for hours on end, don't you just love it? Especially when someone has a minor stumble or two, simply hilarious. 

16.) Mistletoe: 

Is there any better excuse to bump into that 'special someone' than with a kiss (or two) under the mistletoe? Whoever it may be this year people, go for it! Christmas only comes around once a year after all. Remember what I said about yolo?

17.) Christmas wreaths: 

There's nothing that screams out good taste more than a beautiful wreath hanging on your front door during the festive period. It's the perfect 'welcome to our home' for your guests and not to mention, gives off a fabulous first impression of what lies inside. A wreath says so much and yet is so simple. Love it! 

18.) Gingerbread:

Whether in the form of a house, man or a snowflake, gingerbread is a must have in the month of December. It's the perfect addition to a warm cup of tea on those cosy, winter nights. 

19.) Time with the ones you love most: 

There is no better time than Christmas to surround yourself with your nearest and dearest. Family and friends, for me, are my absolute core and quite frankly, I couldn't live without them. Being around such amazing people at this time of year truly increases your levels of appreciation for them. It's priceless. 

20.) Building snowmen: 

Now of course, this is only relevant if a 'white Christmas' comes to be in your favour. Nevertheless, when it does happen, there's nothing quite like that feeling when you place the final touches onto your creative masterpiece! If any of you are like me, you take more excitement in placing the hat, scarf and gloves onto the snowman and making him look 'cute' rather than the actual building process. I never was good with my hands…go figure. Come on though people, after all the hard work of building the dude, he's gotta look good! Am I right or am I RIGHT? 

21.) Classic Christmas movies: 

Home Alone, Elf, The Grinch, Love Actually, The Polar Express, The Holiday, Miracle on 34th Street. You name them, i've watched them! I LOVE Christmas movies - nothing gets me in the mood more than by snuggling up in a blanket and having a complete Christmas movie marathon! It's nothing less than absolute perfection and the ultimate form of 'escape' at this time of year. 

22.) A time of giving:

Christmas truly seems to bring out the best in just about everybody. In my opinion, it's so important that we remember those a lot less fortunate than ourselves at such a time. It's unfortunately not a 'very merry Christmas' for everyone out there and by extending a hand backwards to someone worse off than ourselves, you're showing nothing less than love and care. Do it guys, come on. 

23.) The Christmas fashion: 

Red trousers, green jumpers and bobbly hats! I love Christmas style. As if I don't wear my red trousers enough throughout the year, Christmas and the month of December just gives me all the more excuse to wear them excessively! 'I'm getting in the mood' I always say. 

24.) Christmas jumpers: 

Again, this may come under the 'fashion' section, but lets be honest, Christmas jumpers really do deserve a number all of their own! Christmas jumpers, in my opinion anyway, are one of those things that we all need in our lives! Who wouldn't want one? They're so cool! Without a shadow of a doubt, strutting down the street rocking these crazy patterned, bright coloured, and chunky knitted seasonal jumpers never fails to put anyone in a spiffingly good mood!

25.) Going home:

Home is where the heart is, and if you ask me, there's never a truer saying. This is probably the most important part of Christmas for me this year, actually wait, scratch that, this IS the most important part of Christmas for me this year. Words cannot express my excitement to return home for yet another glorious, fun-filled Christmas with the family. To all you UK peeps (you know who you are) 16 days! Bring it on. 

So there it is folks, the 25 things that I love about Christmas. I hope it has brought as much joy to you as it has to me. Wherever you are and how old you may be, I hope that December sees you through times of joy, laughter, warmth and good health. If you ask me, "the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." 

Sing it loud everyone and don't forget to spread that Christmas cheer!

Oh, and by the way, I for one really am dreaming of a white Christmas.

Until next time.

L xo