Wednesday, 31 December 2014

2014 Reflection and Resolutions

It seems as though 2014 has flown by. I don't know about anybody else, but I am grateful that this jam-packed year is coming to a close. My schedule became too hectic, and it took a drastic toll on my anxiety and general happiness. I like that I can now reflect on what I've achieved throughout the year, and how I can improve myself in 2015, and be the best me that I can be.

REFLECTION
  • I definitely became a more independent person, as well as more sensitive and cognitive. This has definitely helped me to develop more healthy relationships, not only with my family but with my friends and those I come into contact with.
  • I became more involved in school activities. This helped develop my confidence, as it allowed my voice to be heard, and I could share my insights and wisdom. It also allowed others to get to know me better. Things like participating in class discussions and signing up for extra-curricular activities are things that helped me boost my confidence and make new friends, and I will definitely be doing more of this in 2015.
  • Becoming involved in numerous extra-curriculars, however, put a lot of pressure on my mental and emotional stability. I must learn to keep the balance between work and play as I begin to assume leadership positions.
  • I must learn to exceed less pressure on myself in terms of academics. I was proud of my achievements at the annual Academic Assembly, and this taught me a valuable lesson: I have talents and skills that no one else can touch, and this is what makes me unique and strong. Not everyone can be good at everything, but everyone is good at something. I must be mindful of this in the 2015 academic year.
RESOLUTIONS
  • I am determined to untangle myself from the sticky social media web. I hope that this will help lessen my anxiety attacks. I will spend less time glued to my screen, and more time enjoying life and making my own memories.
  • I will spend more time growing my special talents and love for the arts. Whether it be practising piano, dancing, acting classes or photography, I will definitely be expressing myself more creatively in 2015.
  • I will perform to the best of my ability at school. I am determined to improve my average, involve myself in activities where I can, and be a committed, diligent and reliable student.
  • I will assume a regular workout, and eat more healthily. I am determined to become fitter and stronger in 2015.
I encourage you to write your own list of resolutions and a small reflection. It has helped to get me in gear, and focused for 2015. Whatever your New Years plans are, I hope you have fun and stay safe. 2014, it's been fun, but it's time to say goodbye and hello to a new beginning. Let's make 2015 the best year yet!

"It's never too late. Don't focus on what was taken away. Find something to replace it, and acknowledge the blessing you have."
- Drew Barrymore


XO

Tuesday, 16 December 2014

Holidays are Sweet!

I just wanted to catch you up on some of the sweet treats I've prepared this holiday. 

When I bake, I bake for others, so I do not sample most what I bake. I don't mind this though, because I prefer to see the joy and happiness on other people's faces when they see what I've prepared. I want to be taken seriously as a baker, so when I bake, I want other people to enjoy the food as much as possible, hence why I do not eat what I bake most of the time.

I baked a batch of funfetti cupcakes to celebrate the end of the school term, and to herald in the holidays. My school chums and teachers all enjoyed the cupcakes. They were moist, sweet, and richly decadent. Here is where I got the recipe from. I highly recommend it, as my batch of cupcakes were a tremendous success!





I decided to treat my family to a special holiday breakfast, and made them pancakes! These weren't ordinary pancakes, mind you, they were banana and chocolate chip pancakes. I found the recipe on Pinterest, and added chocolate chips while they were in the pan. For the pancakes you will need:

- 2 eggs
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Mix all the ingredients together until blended, then cook in a buttered pan. Add chocolate chips, or any other desired toppings. Serve warm with Nutella, lemon juice, cinnamon, or enjoy plain! Yum yum.



XO


Christmas Favourites

Now that the '10 Days Until Christmas' countdown has passed, I am officially in Christmas mode! Does anybody else get that feeling towards Christmas time when they can feel the energy bubbling around inside of them? I think I'm turning into a Christmas elf...

In case it hasn't been iterated enough, Christmas is one of my all-time favourite holidays. The merriness, the tradition, and the peacefulness of it all makes it a wonderful and spirited holiday to be a part of. Christmas also allows for families to spend more time together, and reconnect and rekindle relationships. I personally love this aspect of Christmas, and the gift of family, love and connection is one of the greatest gifts of all.

I am now going to share with you a few of my Christmas favourites. Please note that this post is not being used for endorsement or advertising brands or labels. I am simply sharing some favourites that I have enjoyed for years, and have helped make each Christmas as memorable and fun as the last.

1. Decorating the Christmas tree

This is a tradition that I like to do as early as possible. I promise you, I would decorate the Christmas tree in November if I could. Trailing the twinkling lights around the branches, and dangling the sparkly baubles fills me with a sense of anticipation for Christmas day. I invision sitting around the tree with my sister about to unwrap our presents with the same excitement and joy as a young child. I remember family Christmas dinners, sitting on the couch drinking cups of coffee with the music playing softly in the background, and the fairy lights blinking as the merriness continues late into the night.

2. Putting up Christmas decorations

I'm sure we all have those decorations that we put up every year at Christmas time. Some may be more garish than others, but without them Christmas simply would not be the same. One of the first decorations I like to put up is my Christmas stocking. Over the years, these stockings have seen many a stuffing with Cadbury's chocs, and other dinky presents like bracelets and lipgloss. Rummaging through my Christmas stocking brings out my inner child, and I love nothing more than to close my eyes and guess what's in the stocking before actually revealing the contents.



3. Watching Christmas movies

Christmas would not be Christmas without themed movies! If you are a movie-lover like myself, then this time of year is the perfect time to curl up on the sofa and watch Christmas movies. The Polar Express and Miracle on 34th Street are my favourite Christmas movies, and I watch them annually. Those two movies, I feel, truly epitomise the meaning of Christmas, and explore the whimsy and wonder of Christmas. Other Christmas movies I love include How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf, The Holiday, and Christmas With The Kranks.

4. Christmas baking!

As you can tell from my Christmas baking series, I absolutely love holiday themed baking! So far, I have baked gluten-free berry and banana muffins, oatmeal coconut biscuits, an apple and cinnamon-crumble cake, and just recently, a wonderfully-moist ginger cake! I baked this cake to give to the lovely staff at a nursing home in my neighbourhood, and I am so excited to deliver it to them. Giving back to the community is one of the most honourable and heart-warming acts you can do this holiday season. It truly is better to give than to receive. Not only is it an incredibly humbling experience, but it will bring joy and happiness to another person.



5. Reading Christmas novels

As I mentioned previously, reading is one of my favourite pastimes. Snuggling up with a good novel and a cup of tea is one of the perfect ways to unwind and destress. One classic novel that begins around Christmas time is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I am reading it for the first time this year. I also plan to read The Gift by Cecelia Ahern, a brilliant writer. A book I highly recommend you read if you get the chance is a book called Ornaments of Christmas Joy by Mary Grace Birkhead. I was given a copy as a Christmas present, and I read it annually. It contains Biblical passages, and explains them in a way that we may apply them to everyday life.

I hope you have a wonderful, peaceful Christmas. Bake lots of lovely things, read a lot of books, tell your family you love them, and most importantly, don't leave any Christmas shopping to the last minute!

XO

Thursday, 4 December 2014

Holidays: Madness and Bliss

Hello everybody! The holidays have finally arrived, hurrah hurrah! Nothing will ever beat the sweet feeling of coming home from school, kicking off your school shoes, and banishing your school bag to the back of the cupboard. Not to mention kissing exams and homework goodbye.

This time of year is traditionally known as the festive season. Now, you all know I love this time of year (see previous posts, or even my mini-Christmas baking series!), as I love the hush of peace, comfort and cosiness that December magically evokes. There's nothing better than being with your family sharing memories and laughs, watching Christmas films, decorating the Christmas tree, and just being together for some much needed family bonding time after a jam-packed year.

Many people find that with the holiday hysteria, shopping for Christmas gifts, and visiting relatives, finding the actual time to relax in your well-deserved holiday needs to be scheduled into your busy day. So, I'm going to share with you simple ways to relax and get festive during the December holidays.

1. Listen to Christmas music

I'm a very traditional soul, and yes, I already have started playing my Celine Dion Christmas album in the car. Listening to Christmas music helps me to remember past Christmas experiences, and puts me in a jolly mood. Try singing along if you're feeling particularly festive, and don't be afraid to belt out 'O Come All Ye Faithful' at the top of your lungs.

2. Bake some Christmas cookies

Baking is one of my favourite hobbies, and this year I decided to incorporate my love for baking with my love for all things Christmassy. From muffins, to biscuits, to crumble-cakes, my list is only growing bigger! Baking is very calming, as you are in complete control of everything that's happening. The wonderful smell that fills your kitchen while baking will make you feel completely at ease and happy. And who can deny that feeling of pride when you slide your tray out of the oven to see the wonderful creations you've made? Why not bake something to give to someone in need? I'm planning on making ginger biscuits to give to the staff at a nursing home in my neighbourhood.

3. Read!

Reading is one of life's simple pleasures. It involves a snug arm chair for comfort, and a book to transport you to another world. You can travel to the beaches of Australia, a guest house in Canada, a villa in France, or a temple in Istanbul, all while being in the comfort of your own home. I love reading in my downtime, and am building a collection of Christmas novels to read closer to Christmas time.

4. Spend time outside

As it is sunny here in the Southern hemisphere, I take any excuse to be outside as much as possible. We are so fortunate to have sunny, warm Christmases, and over the years I've had many Christmas picnics, outdoor lunches, and beach drives. Spending time outside, often with a good book, is one of my favourite ways to relax. It helps to relieve stress, as you feel completely at one with nature. I'm obviously aware that too much sun exposure can be dangerous, and apply sunscreen liberally!

5. Watch movies

I like to watch as many Christmas movies as possible during December. I like to watch movies that I haven't watched before, as well as classics that I've been watching since I was little. There's nothing better than curling up with your loved ones and being swept away on a magical Christmas tale.

I hope this list has inspired you to become more festive this holiday! I wish you a happy, restful holiday, and a warm festive season filled with love (and gingerbread!).

"Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax."
- Bryant McGill



XO



Copyright © 2014 Sarah-Kate Says