Thursday, December 29, 2011

My Christmas Weekend

Ten Things I Did This Christmas

1. Spent the four day weekend with 40 of my closest family members at the Alpine Heath Resort, which is set in the heart of the glorious Northern Drakensberg Mountains. It was fun, peaceful and relaxing, with none of the drama of last year's trip, thank goodness.

The majestic Drakensberg Mountains


2. Ate more ice cream in one weekend than I did the entire summer. I don't want to see another Paddle Pop again - or at least for the next week or two ;)

3. Got my yearly dose of Vitamin D by spending an enormous amount of time relaxing by the pool, in the scorching midday sun.


The serene view from the spa 

4. Indulged in blissful treatments at the heavenly Alpine spa, which overlooked a tranquil lake and resplendent green mountains. It was so r that I only left because I probably would have been forcibly removed if I didn't.

5. Watched 'Home Alone' on Christmas Day with six of my adorable little cousins. I remember seeing it all through my childhood years. It's still the best holiday movie around.




6. Befriended a peacock who took shelter at our chalet during a rain storm. It was the first time I've seen one of these magnificent creatures up-close. They are truly beautiful.

7. Got hoaxed into going for a hike. I seriously don't know how this happened, as I am the least outdoorsy person around.

8. Wore harem pants after I swore that I wouldn't in this post. What was I thinking?


A view of the resort


9. After winning 3 consecutive games of 30 Seconds in a row, my team (aka The Gossip Girls) lost the grande finale against the team of underdogs (aka Our Mums aka The Desperate Housewives), who until that moment had lost every other game. And there were a lot, believe me. They even beat out our main competitors - aka our brainiac dads, whose team was aptly named The Big Bang Theory. Looking forward to next year's championship, we will come prepared for victory ;)

10. Most importantly, I spent quality time with my awe-inspiring family over good food, good laughs and we created great new memories. And there are no amount of gifts in the world which can top that.

*All photos taken by me, except the reception area.

23 comments:

Rahul Bhatia said...

Sam, Your indulgence was envious:)A very sweet post with such lovely visuals! These small things go a long way to usher happiness in our lives! May you continue to have happier moments like these in the New Year

Unknown said...

What amazing pictures, Love them!

Anonymous said...

Amazing landscapes! Really peaceful.♥XOXO

Daniella said...

What a stunning place my dear!! I love these photos! :)

Take care,Daniella xox

Unknown said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas! Lovely landscapes!
www.styleisalwaysfashionable.blogspot.com

aki! said...

Wow. This looks like a great trip... and seriously? Peacocks?

Hope your have a new year that's just as great.

joy said...

Sounds like a great time! That's so cool that you got to see a peacock up close and the pictures are beautiful :)

Paolita@BerryHaute said...

I cannot believe so many family members can get themselves organized to get together once a year like that. I am sure it takes everyone making it a priority which makes it that much more amazing. Heartwarming to hear of such a close-knit family. And you chose a beautiful place.

hope in high heels said...

wonderful photos, it looks like an amazing spot to spend Christmas with your loved ones!

www.hopeinhighheels.com

Nitika Bhatia said...

aww...that's sooo sweet.. We dont celebrate Christmas in Northern India,, but yes I did bring pastries at home to have a lil Family celebration !! : )

PS- Inviting you to participate in my giveaway-

http://shopaholicutie.blogspot.com/2011/12/100-followers-international-giveaway.html

Denise said...

That is an amazing place! I loved it, I wish I were there to have great skin treatments!
I am very happy that you had a lovely time during Christmas! And you are so right, laughing, thinking of lovely memories, being with friends and family, no present in the world is worth it! It's priceless!
I just read your Friday Frills too, and you are so right. I got a situation today that I'm trying to solve, and your words, every Friday, come sooooo incredibly right to me!!!! Thank you sooo much!

Anonymous said...

Amazing pictures!! You're so luky with such a big family!

Dominika | Into the Bloom said...

Sounds like a wonderful Christmas. I would definitely like to play 30 Seconds in similar teams, the names were totally epic! :)

By the way, I followed you, could you please follow me back? :)

http://glamourxkills.blogspot.com

Leslie Quiros said...

Looks like the perfect weekend!! I am wishing you the new year recieves tou with many blessings to you and your family.
Lookinf forward to your blog posts on 2012 :)

xxoxo
LMQ
http://fashionneedy.com

Jessi said...

Wow, must be nice to spend time with so many of your family members! Looks like you had a great time, the place looks gorgeous and sunny! I love Home Alone, watched it all the time when I was a kid and still do! Happy New Year!

Style Servings said...

Looks fab!

http://styleservings.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

This just looks so beautiful and like it was so much fun!

I adore your blog! <3

follow back please?
thank you <3
http://classysparkle.blogspot.com

Rakhshan said...

this is so beautiful, the chalet looks amazing, what better way to celebrate than in the most picturesque place with all family!? the view of the resort picture has me at a loss for words!
I'm so glad you had an amazing christmas break!:) xx

DXiredDiamond said...

Beautiful pics honey!!! This is a lovely blog entry!!! Gorgeous pics!!! Wishing you a wonderful New Year's filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and success hun!!! Hope you continue to entertain us with your beautiful blog super beautiful and sweet one!!! :)
Love always,
LaTasha B.
x0x0x0x

Fictitious Fashion said...

wow!!!! no doubt u had a great time!!! the pictures are marvelous!! Beautiful :)
Love
Akanksha

Style Servings said...

Looks really lovely!

http://styleservings.blogspot.com/

LaTasha Bunting said...

OMG! These pics are AMAZING love! What a beautiful place! :) Such amazing landscape hun! LOVE this post! :)
LB
x0x0x0x

The Elle Diaries said...

What a smart idea, and such lovely and serene photos. An ideal week to be sure! I hope it sets the tone of the year ahead Sam!
XX, Ellehttp://mydailycostume.com/2013/12/winter-white-dress-for-a-holiday-party/