Happy New Year! Wishing you a year filled with peace, love, joy and prosperity.
Before the year came to an end, I started a new job and returned to a sector I believed was far behind me. Embarking on this journey made me reflect, with excitement, on my past and look forward to the new chapter and mindset, ahead.
How beautiful it is, that despite the challenges we may face in life, we always have the opportunity to forge ahead a brighter future.
As we navigate through this new year, I encourage you to look ahead with hope. Embrace the months ahead in their fullness; seize them and make each day count. Show up for yourself, even if it may not be easy. By showing up for yourself, YOU have the power to create a life that feels authentic, joyful and fulfilling.
Don’t let limiting beliefs hold you back.
Rise above the imposter syndrome and step into all that you are to be.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and here’s a list of things for you to do, to ensure you have the most magical month.
1. Visit The Wonderlights Experience
This year, I finally got to visit The Wonderlights Experience in Malahide Castle and Gardens, after having it on my annual bucket list for what feels like years and what a magical experience it was.
The most magical winter evening spent at The Wonderlights Experience
The perfect winters activity for friends, couples and families to visit over the coming weeks.
2. Make and decorate a gingerbread house
The making and decorating of a gingerbread house is such a wholesome winter activity to do solo or with friends.
Both Flying Tiger and Ikea sell ‘Build Your Own’ sets to make the process that bit easier, and while my attempt didn’t go exactly to plan, I cannot but emphasises just how fun this was to set aside time to make.
Pro tip: learn from our mistakes and make sure to assemble the house prior to decorating the individual pieces. You will save yourself a whole lot of heartache to say the least…
3. Make cute hot chocolates with your friends
I think we can all agree that hot chocolate is one of life’s simple pleasures and one that definitely makes the Autumn/Winter months more enjoyable.
This is your sign to invite your friends and loved ones over to make the cutest cups of hot coco.
These gingerbread shaped, chocolate covered marshmallows, I purchased in Flying Tiger, make the most divine hot chocolate topping, ever!
4. Host a Friendsmas Dinner
At Christmas it can be so easy to get caught up in the material, and focus on the giving and receiving of physical gifts, however this year I encourage us all to focus a little less on the presents and more on the presence of the people you love.
Cozy up and host your nearest and dearest around your table for a Friendsmas Dinner. The focus for this dinner is to ensure that lasting memories are made with your closest friends over good food, drinks and games.
Remember, “It’s not what’s on the table that matters… it’s who’s around it!”.
5. Go on a Winter Stroll
Wrap up in the wooly hats, winter coats, gloves and ear muffs and set out on a stroll even if it’s just around your local neighbourhood.
There’s just something so special about heading out in the crisp winter air. I recently visited Ireland’s highest waterfall, Powerscourt, located at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains.
This walk was so picturesque and really made me stop to appreciate the sheer beauty of nature in Winter. Just look at these pictures and video.
6. Have a snug movie night
Grab the throw blankets, cushions and snacks and spend a cosy night in watching some Christmas movies.
7. Visit a Christmas market
Nothing says festivities, more than mooching round a market at Christmas.
8. Light a holiday scented candle and have a pamper night
Routine pamper nights are the perfect reset for your body. Whether you choose to watch your favourite movie/series, do some skincare, have a bath or better yet all of the above, make sure to light a holiday scented candle to elevate your space.
9. Go to a carol service
Over the coming days many churches will host carol services in the lead up to Christmas Day. These services usually consist of hymns and readings of the gospel sharing the story of Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season, so it’s only right that you attend a service to commemorate the occasion and also spread the Christmas cheer.
Once again, I’m back after yet another long and unexpected hiatus! Life has really been lifing for me over the last few weeks and months. I’ve been going through so many growing pains and feel as though I’m in a season of learning, unlearning and relearning. I have been in and out of not two, but three jobs in the last few months, but we’ll talk more about that at some other point….
Today, however, I want to talk about growth.
In the dictionary, growth is described as the process of developing physically, mentally and/or spiritually. It can also be described as the process of increase in amount, value or importance. While these definitions are true, its important to remember that growth is not linear, it’s multi-dimensional. It does not follow a strait line or process, but instead can spiral through both space and time.
Over the last few weeks, I have had to welcome and accept the fact that growth is not a perfectly linear process as I once may have thought. It’s messy and uncomfortable and often brings ups feelings you weren’t expecting, but by God, is it necessary.
As you go through the various seasons that life throws at you, trust that you WILL grow in your own unique pace. Do not be discouraged when hurdles come your way, and things don’t go as planned. Instead embrace the challenges and grow through what you are going through. Turn any setback, regression and stagnation you face, into opportunities for growth instead of dwelling on them as an indication of a lack of progress.
Remember,
“Without the rain, flowers don’t grow. Without challenges neither do you”
Hope you are keeping well. We are well and truly into the month of August, and summer will soon be drawing to an end. To help you make the most of the last summer month of the year, I thought I would share 8 ways to spend the month of August in Ireland.
1. Visit Coppenagh House Farm, Carlow
Coppenagh House Farm is a family farm located on the outskirts of Tullow, offering a real farm to fork experience through its livestock, farm shop and coffee box. The farm shop sells various Irish produce from food and drink to clothing, while also stocking beef directly sourced from the farm, locally prepared and packaged by an award winning butcher. Outside the shop you will also find a cute coffee box brewing delicious coffee and serving tasty treats.
Who knew cows and coffee would be such a wonderful combination!
2. Go sunflower picking at the Cloneygath Airfield, Monasterevin
Are you looking for a unique and picturesque activity? Look no further than sunflower picking at the Cloneygath Airfield! Located in the heart of Monasterevin, this hidden gem offers an enchanting experience for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. Open until the end of August from 11am to 4pm daily.
3. Brunch at Grangecon Kitchen, Wicklow
Grangecon Kitchen is is a restaurant, bakery and deli serving both brunch and dinner in a cute, picturesque tent. Closed for summer up until the 23rd of August, however once it reopens, I encourage you to look no further when it comes to organising brunch dates.
4. Go to the cinema
Thanks to Barbie, Little Mermaid and Elemental, I have visited the cinema more in the last 3 months than I have over the last year, and with more great movie releases due, I feel like I will continue to frequent the cinemas more often.
If you are stuck for what to watch and just want the cinematic experience with a large coke and popcorn in hand, then look no further than Odeon’s Screen Unseen, where you can watch highly acclaimed pre-release films from as little as €6, with a plot…. you won’t know which film you are seeing until the cinema lights go down.
5. Deep clean your room
Need I say anymore than declutter, donate and refresh your space! You will only have yourself to thank once you have made the time and completed this task.
6. Bake a yummy treat
Thanks to instagram and tiktok, we are constantly being bombarded with tasty recipes to recreate in the comfort of our own homes. The most recent recipe frequenting my timeline is homemade pain au chocolates using kinder chocolate and puff pastry.
7. Visit the Mueller and O’Connell Bakery in Abbeyleix
If baking isn’t quite your thing, Mueller and O’Connell Bakery is the fastest solution for your insta worthy baked goods.
8. Roam around the streets of Dublin City
Ditch the rigid plans and have a Dublin day out free of major commitments. You’d be surprised at the shops, restaurants and cafe’s, you will find as you wander freely.
It has been forever and a half since I’ve written and published anything, here, on my little corner of the internet, and boy have I missed it.
Life this year has been all sorts of busy. December last year marked my move into my first ever rented property and with that came many new adult challenges such as budgeting, time management, meal planning and so much more! And while it’s all been quite an expensive venture, I am so grateful to have unlocked a new level of independence.
This year has been filled with so many highs thus far. I have travelled, laughed, caffeinated and even had my first ever afternoon tea!
I cannot believe that it is the month of July already. There is only six more months remaining in the year, I repeat, only 6!
“Six months from now you will either have six months of excuses or six months of progress. The path you choose is yours and yours alone.”
My goal for the next six months is to be a little more intentional with my time, money and resources in order to ensure that I am in a better space mentally, physically, financially and spiritually, by the end of the year. I want to focus my energy on things that spark my dreams, visions and desires. Amongst many other things, this means that I will be posting more blogs once again!
“Life is not about achievement, it’s about learning and growth… And so if that is the case, then I think our goals should include something which stretches us.”
Jack Canfield
I am so excited to embrace and grow with, what the remainder of the year has in stock.
I hope it is overflowing with laughter, adventure, love, gratitude and goodness for each of us.
Happy new month! Can’t believe we’re half way through the year, and into the summer months, already. I hope you are all keeping well, and that life is treating you kindly.
In today’s blogpost I wanted to write a piece of encouragement for anyone who may be faced with adversities.
With every new day, comes new possibilities, strengths and thoughts. While other days, also bring the least expected obstacles and challenges. The nature, significance and extent of these obstacles and challenges vary from person to person, however, the importance of standing firm in the face of these adversities, remains the great equaliser.
It’s now been two long years since the panoramic halted all of our lives, and although we somehow learnt to just ride the endless waves of uncertainty – it is important to consciously learn to stand firm when adversities strike, rather than allow the waves to drown us out.
Based on my own experience, one can learn to stand firm by;
Shifting your mindset
Establishing a strong support system, and,
Consciously reflecting and redirecting
1. Shifting your mindset
It’s true what they say, your perception directly impacts your reality. Quite simply put, we see the world, not as it is, but as we are!
If you don’t like something in your life, change it! And I know that can be easier said than done, but with the right focus and dedication, you can make your dreams and desires a reality.
“The problems you face are not STOP signs, they are guidelines.”
Your life is controlled by what you focus on, so focus on the good.
2. Establishing a strong support system
Having a strong support system is pertinent during trying times. Ensure that your immediate circle of family and friends are a reliable and strong source of support to you, and focus on creating boundaries and/or mending those that aren’t.
I once read a quote that said: “Whatever you are going through in life, both positive and negative, takes a village – because you are not meant to go through it alone”.
Healthy and strong support systems are sources of wisdom & guidance, strength & hope, and, understanding & compassion.
Does your current circle of friends and family currently reflect the above characteristics?
3. Consciously reflecting and redirecting
“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way creating more unintended consequences…”
Margaret J. Wheatley
I am a strong believer in all things reflection in both personal and professional life. It is, and has proven to be the key to success, and personal development in my life.
This is at large due to the fact that reflection allows me to pay particular attention to past actions and thoughts, with emphasis on identifying future learning and growth opportunities in my life.
Through reflection, you have the ability to take stock of how you’re living your life and redirect it’s course, where necessary, in advance to unexpected trials and tribulations.
By engaging in ongoing self reflection, you will soon develop a strong sense of resilience and self awareness, which in turn will help you stand firm when faced, with lives endless adversities.
By following the above steps, you will soon learn to view adversities as stepping stones to greatness, rather than stumbling blocks.
How are you all keeping? I hope you have all had a wonderful week. The long weekend is finally here, and I bet I’m not the only one who was living for it. Like many of us, work life is currently keeping me on my toes, so I often find myself dreaming about my next get-away.
One of my short term goals is to travel more, and see more of the many wonders of the world around me.
So far this year, I have been lucky enough to visit both Spain and Scotland.
In January, I took a 4 day trip to Barcelona to visit a friend of mine. This trip completely exceeded my expectations and highlighted my love for city living.
In today’s blog post I will be breaking down all the best bits of this trip.
DAY ONE
We flew from Dublin Airport at 6:15, and arrived in Barcelona just before 9am, Spanish time.
Upon arrival we went to a local cafe called, La Despensa de Eva.
Here we caught up with one another over coffees and cake! We absolutely adored this place – the customer service and overall presentation of their coffees and treats was impeccable.
Later, we decided to walk around the city, to familiarise ourselves with the area and its amenities.
I quickly fell in love with the architecture as we walked through the streets. The high rise buildings, aesthetics and balconies – I admired it all.
Even their Penneys (Primark) looks high end from the outside of the building!
Soon after our strolls through the city streets, the lack of sleep from the night before finally hit, causing our day of adventure to turn into an evening of catching up on sleep and watching cartoons in our hotel room.
DAY TWO
After a very much needed relaxing evening, we woke up far more energised – ready to take on Barcelona day 2.
First on the itinerary was brunch! We visited a restaurant called Belliny, where we ate our full. The menu here was filled with endless breakfast, brunch and lunch options such as full English, various benedicts, pancakes and even açai! After a lot of debate I ended up ordering their eggs benedict riojanos and fresh seasonal fruit.
After our brunch, we wandered around Barcelona city once again.
On our strolls we came across the Sagrada Familia. We opted not to book tickets to enter the grounds, however from the outside we were able to take in the beauty of the building.
Right outside the church you also find stands of local artists selling their work, here you can purchase beautiful paintings and drawings of the Sagrada Familia, amongst other things.
Later in the day, we visited the St Joseph La Boqueria, which is a public market in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is renowned for being one of the most picturesque markets. Inside you will find most, if not all food types, from pick n’ mix stands to fish and meat stands and everything else in between.
Next door to the marketplace, you will find a DUNKIN’ Donuts and Starbucks, where we treated ourselves to coffees and doughnuts after our wander through the market. From there, we decided to call it a day, order a take away and take endless photos in our matching pyjamas.
DAY THREE
Having had another quiet night we woke up ready for another day of exploration. We started our last full day in Barcelona, dining in La Despensa de Eva, where I got a toasted chicken sandwich and chai latte.
Later in the afternoon, we decided to visit Park Güell. Tickets were €10.00 each, and available to purchase from the entrance, using a QR code.
Upon entry into the park we were met with a lovely uphill walk way, which led us to the most scenic view of the city.
Fun fact; some scenes of Disney’s, Cheetah Girls 2 was filmed in Park Güell. My inner child was fan girling, just by being here.
I got to experience the public transport in Spain for the very first time this day, and I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable, consistent and reliable it was, in comparison to good ol’ Ireland.
Later that evening, we decided to have something a little more Spanish for dinner.We went for tapas near La Plaça de Catalunya. The garlic prawns I ordered were to die for.
For the rest of the evening we strolled around Barcelona city, taking in a few more sights we’d missed the days before.
We stopped for coffees in starbucks after this, and then later that night we decided to order a Mc Donalds. I finally got to try their patatas deluxe and white chocolate sundae that are exclusive to the Spanish menu… and might I say, we are definitely missing out here in Ireland.
I absolutely enjoyed visiting Barcelona – I would even go as far as saying that it is one of my favourite cities to date. Definitely one for the bucket list, if you haven’t yet visited it.
Happy New Month! I guess it’s far too late for me to wish you all a Happy New Year, seeing as we’re now well into the month of February. However, I hope 2022 has been good to each of you thus far, and I wish you all nothing but happiness, success and good health throughout the year.
I know it’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything on here, but today I wanted to share some of the life lessons I learnt over the last year. 2021 was a whirlwind of a year for me. It was filled with so many highs and just as many lows. It was definitely a year that pushed me out of my comfort zones, changed my mindset, and also caused me to consider the fact that not everything is always as it seems.
When I look back on the previous year, here are 3 major life lessons that I learnt.
1. Trust your gut
I’m sure we’ve all heard the old saying “trust your gut”. It refers to listening to your intuition. By doing so, this enables us to avoid unhealthy situations and relationships.
Over the last year, I was lucky enough to work overseas – and as wonderful as the opportunity was – in one way or another, it continously reminded me of the importance of staying true to oneself.
More often than not, I was forced to refocus on my gut feelings, and although this would sometimes feel similar to physical feelings associated with anxiety, in due time I would always feel a sense of safety, peace and even happiness, once I had followed my gut.
“Sometimes we create our own heartbreaks through ignoring our intuition”
2. Do not overly depend on any one person
Now before I delve into this point, I want to start by saying that I am a firm believer in the proverb that states that ‘no man is an island’, meaning that none of us are truly self sufficient. We desire human connections for comfort and community.
However, that doesn’t mean we should overly depend on any one person, whether that be your partner, best friend, cousin, mother, father and/or sibling.
The reality is, that we came into this world alone, and we’ll leave it alone. So, whilst we continue to rely on community in order to thrive in each of our individual lives, let’s learn to also stand alone. Become comfortable in your own company – there is honestly nothing more empowering than learning to enjoy ones solitude. By doing so you will quickly grow to learn that your happiness, self worth and state of contentment is not determined by others.
“Never search for happiness in others, it will make you feel alone. Search for it within yourself, you will feel happy even when you’re left alone”
3. Admitting you need help is okay
“One of the biggest defects in life is the inability to ask for help”
Everyone of us require help, and support every once in a while – and this is perfectly fine. As mentioned previously, ‘no man is an island’, therefore we cannot and shouldn’t expect ourselves to carry troubles all on our own.
Unfortunately, many of us still struggle to ask for help, even when we desperately need it. As a result we leave ourselves open to feelings of depression which may also result in the deterioration of our careers and relationships. Some of us have the belief that to be considered a ‘strong individual’ you must be able to face all your challenges on your own. However, this is very far from the truth.
By asking for help when we need it, we save ourselves from a lot of unnecessary emotional burden.
Remember, “a problem shared is a problem halved”
In the words of Barack Obama,
“… Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and then allows you to learn something new.”
2009
I could continue to list out many other lessons I learnt over the course of 2021, but I thought I would keep this blog short and sweet. I hope that this blog post resonated with at least one of you, and reinforced something that you needed to hear.
With that being said, I hope 2022 is filled with nothing but growth for each every single one of us.
Reflect, refresh and refocus as often, and as much as you need to.
Firstly, I just want to say a massive thank you for all the support shown in my previous blogpost – writing has always been one of my favourite pastimes, so I really appreciate every single interaction shown on what I put out there.
In today’s blog post, I wanted to talk a little bit about gratitude and why it’s important to count your blessings.
In life, it is so easy to fall victim to the fallacy of permanence, most of us don’t stop to recognise our good fortune and blessings until they are gone. When asked, I would usually describe myself, as having a glass half full mindset, however quiet recently I noticed that I was slipping into constant and frequent states of ingratitude. In these moments I would moan and grumble about everything and anything under the sun, and because of this, my overall mindset became rather negative. Luckily, I quickly realised this and decided to intentionally focus a little more on the good in my life.
I once read a quote that said;
” A sincere attitude of gratitude is a beatitude for secured altitudes. Appreciate what you have been given and you will be promoted higher.”
Israelmore Ayivor
Having now, readapted my attitude of gratitude, I have come to see a positive change in my life. I am making it more of a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all areas, no matter how big or small. This in turn has made me feel so much more satisfied with life, because I am no longer seeking for more. I am consciously making the decision to live in the present moment.
So if you haven’t done so in a while, I would personally encourage you to write down some of the things you’re grateful for. This could include simple things such as, food, clothing, family and friends; or even more elaborate things such as life’s challenges, love, laughter and even heartbreaks.
You will be surprised at how full your heart feels as you come to realize how much you have to be thankful for.
Hope you’re all keeping well? As I mentioned in my previous blogpost – I am currently working and living in the beautiful island of Cyprus and have been for over 4 months now.
In comparison to Ireland, life here has been undeniably brighter, hotter and also filled with endless adventure.
In today’s blog post I’ll be sharing what I’ve been getting up to since arriving in May. I will be sharing some of my favourite spots on the island for sight seeing, dining, relaxing and so much more.
Paphos Harbour and Port
The coastline in Paphos was one of the first places I ever explored when I first arrived in Cyprus. I immediately fell in love with the sunset view and sound of the waves here, and to be honest can you blame me…
Just look at some of the photos I’ve taken over the months, isn’t the place just to die for.
The harbour offers a peaceful walk right by the shoreline while also having a myriad of restaurants, shops and bars to choose from. Some of my favourite restaurants that can be found along the harbour are; Mpania, Pingouino and Alea Allday Lifestyle.
Sight Seeing
Since arriving in Cyprus, I have had plenty of opportunities to explore the island beyond the district in which I reside. Below I have listed some of the sights I’ve visited, and loved.
Edro III Shipwreck
The Edro III is a shipwreck located in Pegia, Paphos, down by the Sea Cave Avenue.
This ship has been stranded on the rocks in the sea caves area since the 8th of December 2011 when it was involved in an accident, after it struck a rock and became disabled and finally went ashore, and has been stranded ever since.
This shipwreck is definitely a must see sight in Cyprus, as it is considerded an amazing spot for photo opportunities
Tombs of the Kings
Tombs of the Kings, is one of the most important archeological sites of Cyprus. The monumental tombs that you will find here are actually of high ranking aristocracy and officials, which date back to the Roman and Hellenistic periods.
The entrance fee to visit the archaeological site is €2.50 and is definitely a must see sight for its architecture.
Troodos Mountains
Troodos Mountains is the largest mountain range in Cyprus, offering the perfect escape from the touristic areas of the island. I really enjoyed the view here as it was nothing short of picturesque.
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is the biggest water park in Paphos, offering non stop aqua park fun! This water park is designed for all ages and swimming abilities, with features such as water slides, swimming pools, the lazy river and so much more.
Lazying around on the lazy river
Pafos Zoo
Pafos Zoo is the biggest licensed zoo in Cyprus, and is home to a great range of wildlife, such as birds, meerkats, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, fish, cows, and so much more! They are big on the conservation of all the wildlife in their care and this is heavily reflected in their daily bird shows.
Places to Eat and Drink
If you want to know where’s best to eat and drink when in Cyprus, look no further.
Below I’ve attached a slideshow of some of my favourite food and drink places, here in Cyprus . For brunch, my go to places are Pingouino and Omikron, For late lunches, dinners and drinks, my favs are Wagamamas, Suite 48, Porto Bello and Alea Allday Lifestyle. If you need of a treat, Sweet n’ Boujee is your spot – there doughnuts are to die for!
All in all, I think visiting Cyprus should be on everyone’s bucket list. The island really does have so much to offer, and I am so grateful to be able to call it home.
Nyasha's Nook 