This time last year I received a letter from the hospital informing me that I had Coeliac Disease – a lifelong autoimmune disease caused by the reaction to gluten. When I consume gluten it causes damage to the lining of my gut, meaning my body can’t properly absorb nutrients from food. Before I even started my blog I vowed to never write anything about life as a Coeliac. But when I had a tearful breakdown after asking a waitress whether their ice-cream was gluten free, I realised I needed to do some reflections… It all started a few years back when my sister was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease ..read more

After nearly ten months of living in Finland I’ve observed, experienced and reflected on this wonderful culture. As well as noticing how Finns talk about the weather just as much as Brits do, I’ve enjoyed discovering the delights of this beautiful country and recognised some attributes our British culture could possibly learn from. [Please know my intentions are not to stereotype but simply reflect on what I’ve witnessed from the places I’ve been to and the people I’ve met.] 1. Love your birthday suit – From the age of dot, Finns are using saunas with their families in the buff and loving it ..read more

From glimpsing the northern lights shine over our cabin, drinking gloggi under the moonlight and rolling in the snow mid-sauna session – Lapland was a magical experience. After struggling through day to day life in the cold during the long months of winter in South Finland, it was such a joy to go on holiday and enjoy the beautiful experiences this climate is best for. After hours of trawling through Air B and B options, Mum found an absolute gem! The cabin was surrounded by forest and situated next to a snow covered lake. The peace we experienced waking up to snowy, sunny, crisp mornings a ..read more

I came to Finland to be part of and support a small church plant here which has been running for four or so years. The church, called Risen Light, started in someone’s living room but as numbers grew, they decided to move into a rented room in the centre of Helsinki. We believe that ‘church’ is represented by the people who belong to it, regardless of what building they gather in. We currently have twenty to thirty people coming through our doors on Sunday mornings and we are greeting new visitors every week. Click here to watch a short video of my experiences at Risen Light Church From growin ..read more

During the Finnish winter break I ventured out to Nuuksio Finnish National Park with friends to go walking. Although it was minus twelve degrees, the sun was shining beautifully. I would definitely recommend a visit if you ever find yourself in Finland! Below are some snaps of the day… It was such an adventure to trek through the forest and walk on the frozen lakes. The combination of snow, forest trees and sun-rays were breathtaking. The day of finished off with a hot chocolate on the cafe balcony overlooking the white valley ..read more

I’ve found that January and February are months in England when people use the time of year to explain their low moods. Christmas festivities and twinkly lights seem like a distant memory and Spring is yet to come. In recent years I’ve been defiant against this excuse for a dullness of life and planned in fun past times to brighten the short days. However this year has been quite different. I came back to Finland after a wonderful time at home with family and was hit by snowstorms and minus temperatures. The weather through my instagram may look idyllic but trying to do everyday life in this c ..read more

Last February as they were celebrating their anniversary on holiday in Finland, Danny knelt down on one need in front of Josie and popped the question. Having loved the scenery and idyllic atmosphere of this snowy country, they decided to tie the knot a few weeks back in the same location. Josie is a super lovely friend of mine from university and it was a privilege to celebrate their special day with them alongside other friends from Canterbury. The ceremony was held outside and although it was cloudy, the snowy backdrop complimented the sky and of course Josie’s stunning dress. She held a b ..read more

This year Finland celebrated 100 years of independence. The official day of independence was a public holiday held on the 6th December where many people gathered in different locations up and down the country to celebrate together. I spotted many people in white-tie attire on the metro and thousands of us braved the cold weather to watch the fireworks display off the coast of Helsinki. In recent months I’ve witnessed the news being being splattered with coverage of communities campaigning against something or expressing their dislike for someone in the public eye. Although there is a time a ..read more

Below is an edited version of some thoughts I shared at our church thanksgiving service. * Since the first week of living in Finland, I have been warned about November being the hardest month as the days grow shorter and colder and now November is finally upon us, I cannot deny I’ve been affected when the sun doesn’t show up till half eight and becomes sleepy by three. We’re gearing up for the winter here, so does that mean we’re also gearing up for a seasonal mood change? I’m ready for winter (just) but I’m not prepared to live through it with a dulled outlook on life in Helsinki. Unfortunate ..read more

Since being here I haven’t ventured outside of Helsinki so with my new friend and fellow newbie to Finland, Jana, we headed east on a cheap-as-chips Onnibus to a small town called Porvoo. We enjoyed exploring the old city which was full of quaint design shops and wonky buildings splashed with colour. The weather was glorious so we enjoyed strolling along the river Porvoonjoki and wondering through cobbled streets and green parks. ‘Gratitude for the seemingly insignificant, a seed, this plants the giant miracle.’ Voskamp Cups of earl grey tea and cappuccinos were drank to accompa ..read more