There's no denying it now - winter is well and truly on the way.
I'm not sure if it's just me but I think these past few days have felt very cold and my winter coat has been liberated from the wardrobe and put to good use.
The cooler temperatures coupled with the wind and rain and the darker mornings and darker nights tell me that we have reached the time of year when snuggling up on the sofa at night, under the Disney Princess blanket, is top of the agenda.
Add a cup of hot chocolate to the scene and it's the perfect winter's evening - nice and cosy.
Of course, that said, it's always good to have something nice to look forward to at this time of year as it provides that extra incentive to get up and get out and let the fresh air blow the cobwebs away.
It's rare these days with the fast pace of life that we get to enjoy any real quality time with family.
With everyone busy with their own lives, it can be hard to find time to make new memories unless a special occasion arises that brings us all together.
So, you can imagine my delight this week when that opportunity presented itself.
You may remember back in July I was over the moon to welcome a new little niece and a new little nephew into our family. Born within a couple of days of each other, the arrivals of Alaia and Cían brought us much joy and happiness, and have continued to do so.
Fast forward a few months, and last weekend it was time for the family to gather to celebrate their joint christening.
So, with everyone dressed in their Saturday best, the family came together at St Teresa's Church in west Belfast to witness the babies' being welcomed into God's family.
And, as if that wasn't enough to bring joy to the occasion, we were joined by the wonderful Fr Noel Kehoe from Clonard who was on hand to christen the little cousins.
Dressed in a pretty white dress and wearing an adorable hair band, our little Alaia looked every inch the princess as she arrived at the church with her parents - my brother, Colm and his wife, Arlene.
And little Cían looked so dapper too in his wee white suit, with his little cap on as he was carried into the chapel by his parents - my sister, Jennifer and her partner, Conor.
Soon, in true Redemptorist style, Fr Noel had those gathered absolutely captivated with his warm and comforting words.
He entertained us all with funny anecdotes - including the experience of the first christening he performed in Brazil - while his homily encouraged us to think about the importance of family and caring for one another.
Then it was then time for some prayers before the babies were carried to the baptism font where they were officially christened as the family gathered around to watch.
Sitting next to our little Abbie and James, watching the special scene made me realise how fast time passes and how quickly our babies have grown.
With only a few cries from Alaia and Cían as the water hit their faces, the new recruits were all signed up.
After many photographs, the family headed out for a meal together, enjoying each other's company, lovely food and a beautiful joint Christening cake.
I have to say, it was so nice being able to catch up with everyone and it was great to watch all the kids playing together.
It made me realise how lucky I am to have the family that I do and now, with Abbie and James and their cousins, Mia and Reece and now Alaia and Cían, there is a new generation growing up.
As we head towards Christmas, I hope we all get to spend more time together so the kids can continue to bond with each other, and we look towards a festive season filled with lots of fun and lots more family time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The festive countdown is well underway, so how do you fancy winning a Christmas-themed night out at the MAC in Belfast?
The Irish News has teamed up with the MAC, located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, to give you the chance to win a family pass to see its 2017 Christmas show, Hansel & Gretel.
A modern version of the classic tale, Hansel & Gretel is a fun filled show for all ages, produced by the MAC and proudly sponsored by Phoenix Natural Gas.
The production promises big songs, an evil witch and an all-important candy trail.
And, don’t forget to visit the MAC this Christmas for a host of festive fun.
Have a hot chocolate under the gigantic Christmas tree, explore the Phoenix Sweetie Shop, and peer into the Christmas window.
In addition, the fun family room is open seven days a week from 10am until 7pm.
Tickets for Hansel & Gretel are now on sale now at www.themaclive.com
I have two family passes to give away to Hansel & Gretel at the MAC on Friday, December 29 at 6pm. The winners will also receive a Phoenix goodie bag filled with treats.
If you fancy winning a pass, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, November 14, 2017
(Q) Where is the MAC based in Belfast?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's Hot?
Family Flick - Our favourite cuddly bear, Paddington is back at cinemas today in Paddington 2. In this sequel we join Paddington as he undertakes odd jobs to afford a unique pop-up book for his auntie. However when the book is stolen, it's up to Paddington and the Browns to find the thief.
Disney - Beyoncé has confirmed she is to play the role of Nala in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s classic animated film The Lion King, alongside an A-list cast including James Earl Jones. The singer confirmed the news on her Facebook account.
Pitter-Patter - Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne has announced that he and his wife Hannah are expecting their second child. The Theory of Everything actor and his wife are already parents to one-year-old daughter, Iris Mary. Congrats.
So Not!
Chill - Weather forecasters have warned that a cold snap - including snow - is on the way however while it is destined for Britain, it has been said that Northern Ireland could also feel the chill so wrap up. #yestohotchocolate
Losing It - There's a song on the radio at the minute that is just driving me to distraction. Havana by Camila Cabello is so repetitive and so annoying, I now turn it off every time it comes on. I wish the stations would stop playing this. I'm starting to lose it.
Apart - It's been reported I'm A Celebrity star, Ant McPartlin and his wife, Lisa are living apart as he `re-evaluates' his marriage. The move comes after the 41-year-old star spent eight weeks away from his wife of 11-years during a stint in rehab for drink and drug dependency in June. Sad news.
-----------------
Competition
The winners of the Souls Restaurant Competition are Claire Murray, from Castlewellan, Kate Green, from Belfast, and Laura Campbell, from Armagh
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Cranberry Carrot Cake
You will need:
2 cups flour
2 tspns baking soda
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tspns ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch salt
1.5 cups sugar
1 cup mayonnaise
3 eggs
2 tspns vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1 tin of crushed pineapple, with juice
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
3/4 cup dried cranberries
To Make:
Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius/Gas Mark 4
Grease and flour a round cake tin
In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a bowl and whisk. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, mayonnaise, eggs, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until blended.
Add the flour mixture to this bowl and fold in the carrots, pineapple, pecans, and cranberries.
Pour into cake tin and bake for 35 minutes.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing from tin.
Ice if desired.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Marie Louise McConville,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
m.mcconville@irishnews.com
