30 Day Snap #30 | June Photo Challenge Conclusion!

Final day of the 30 Day Snap Challenge.

The day was long with saying goodbye to my family in Scotland, then listening to music with mum on the plane, having a delicious roasted butternut squash & thyme soup with a Cornetto afterwards, looking at all the lovely presents I got from family & friends, seeing the new lambs and plants at my house with the sunset over the hills, followed by a night of watching 'Little Dorrit'... Pheww!

I kind of joined the 1st of July with my final day. It was a pleasant day spent with Mum. I've missed my shopping days with her. She treated me to a ecotool makeup brush set and a new No. 7 Stay Perfect foundation. I got my colour tone tested and it seems I'm a 'cool ivory'... hmm, never knew! I've always been either too pale or dark.

I loved opening up the gifts my grandmother gave me. An angel statue which she's always carried with her from travelling. She bought it in Florence which is also meaningful to me, as it's a place I'd love to see one day. The crystal box is beautiful for holding my rings, so that too will not come to waste.

Edel bought me this china tea cup, knowing I am a lover of tea and all old things. As well as, this Elizabeth Arden mascara. Both are perfect!

Before going to Edinburgh my Mum presented me with my gifts. First off, a Jo Malone bag... YES... very exciting! And thankfully a fragrance I actually love, Nectarine Blossom & Honey. She also gave me a lovely gold, ruby ring.

An egg? Hey! I was in Mauritius for Easter, so I didn't get to celebrate. And I am a choclaholic. Mum kept this huge one for me. So I sat myself down with finishing 'Little Dorrit' with a few cadbury (all of them) creme eggs.

June was a hard month for this challenge. With finishing up at College, packing and repacking, seeing family and friends, working.

But I think I preferred this month to last year. I enjoyed it a little more :)

Do any of you think you'll be interested in taking part of this challenge next year?

It is worth it in the end and plus having the photos are very special to have. I love going back on last years challenge. I wonder what next years challenge will be like.

Thank you for coming along on this journey xx

30 Day Snap #29 | Primark shopping & Family Meal in Wetherspoons!

My second last day in Scotland was pretty slow and relaxing.

I went shopping in Primark with Edel and Mummy. I bought my first crop top (a coca cola), I've never been comfortable with how they look on me. But I decided I wanted something different. I always wear dresses, but I do love jeans. So I need a little more change with my wardrobe. Even though I will never stop buying dresses, they're me. The pinkish/ cream dress below was only £1 in Primark! Unbelievable!

I went for a meal with the whole family and ordered a Carbonara pasta (without mushrooms) and a chocolate fudge cake with vanilla ice-cream.

When I arrived back in Ireland I took a picture of each item of clothing, just for you to see.

Thanks for reading lovies,

30 Day Snap #27 | Sterling Castle & Pastry Delights!

I visited Sterling Castle last Friday with the family. I thought the outside was beautiful with its scenery compared to the inside. I didn't really like the fake decor so much. But I did love the view of the mountains and the silvery-grey sky from the Castle.

The sound of bagpipes all around.

I will post up a blog on my time spent in Scotland sometime this weekend.

At the end of our visit, we went to Greggs bakery. I bought my brother and myself some pastry delights with a latté to go.

There was one house I loved seeing while walking back to the car. It had such an eye catching affect to the public. With its colourful flowers drawing the tourists in.

Have any of you visited Sterling before? Curious to know whether it is indeed where sterling silver had come from.

30 Day Snap #23 | Making the right decision in moving to London

I spent yesterday chillaxing. My final day in London. It was lovely to think that I no longer had to have an alarm in the morning as well. I spent the evening in PJ's, watching favourite shows with a bowl of pasta.

Just think tomorrow (today really), I'll be home. I'll be back with Dad and everything will feel fine. I actually start to tear up knowing how shortly the time is coming. I've missed everyone so much, but also leaving, I'll be missing all the lovely people I've met over here.

Last year I had a choice to either stay in Ireland or go to the UK. It was such a difficult choice to make! It's the end of the year (well of college that is) and I'm happy with the choice I made. Even though it hasn't been easy over here, living in a place that doesn't really feel like home, I know that times will change when I move away. There are so many possibilities and opportunities that can happen next year.

This is my last summer as I may have to stay over here next summer for work, so I plan on making the most out of my holidays with my family and friends.

Thanks for reading honey bunnies :)

30 Day Snap #22 | Cinema, Hugs & Kisses :)

Hello everyone,

sorry about the lateness, I'm usually not like this. But yesterday we were getting a new router installed, waiting for the delivery guy, and we didn't set it up until last night.

On Sunday, I went to the cinema with my cousin. She was meeting all her school friends, so yes I was sitting with a bunch of kids, talking through the whole movie. We went to see 'Maleficent'. I loved it. And much preferred the ending compared to the original version.

It was quite dark for a kids movie, so yes, some of the kids were crying, so there was comedy added as a bonus for me.

Afterwards, I got a McChicken Meal, then got all ready for my last day at work. It was a lovely feeling knowing it was my last. I got hugs and kisses from all my favourite chefs. I will miss them so much. One of the guys can speak fluent French, so he was hilarious to listen to, with telling me not to go. So funny!

At home Edel told me my Dad had a few pictures on facebook, of my house all done up in Ireland. He planted a few trees at the weekend.

Hope you're all enjoying the wonderful weather we're having.

30 Day Snap #21 | Unexpected Saturday with work & Spaghetti!

My Saturday didn't go as I hope it would. I was planning on packing my things for heading back home, but I agreed to work in the restaurant as a favour to someone, as well as they were considerate for saying that I might want the extra money for going home.

So I decided if I were to be working then spending my night babysitting, I would have a nice meal. Spaghetti bolonaise, simple but nice. And I'm back into that awful addiction with orange juice again!

I loved seeing the next door neighbours roses while walking to the kids house I was taking care of. The house in which I babysit in, is so beautiful. I especially love the chair, carpet area they have upstairs on the landing. So pretty. Adding ideas to my Pinterest :)

Thanks for reading luvs :)

30 Day Snap #20 | Chats with friends, Sweet shops & Parks!

Hello Sweet cheeks,

Yesterday was a day of treats. I headed into town to say goodbye to Jaz, who is such an amazing person. She has shit going on in her life, yet she is so strong at the age of 19... like how does she do it? We decided to pop in for a final visit to (Peachys favourite Sweet shop) 'Hopscotch'. We then searched the town for the cheapest price of Pringles. Jaz loves her Pringles :) And with a Mocha cookie crumble frappachino, we sat on comfy chairs in Starbucks having a lovely chat. And if that wasn't enough we went to the park and sat out in the sunshine.

I also met a lady from work in the park. It's a small town, so things like this reminds me off home in Ireland, which I happen to like.

But when there are days when you're not exactly fit to be seen and then everyone is out 'n about, well that sucks!

Thanks for reading sheepys :)

30 Day Snap #19 | Goodbye to College, friends, tutors & to the best hot chocolate!

Yesterday I said goodbye to friends such as Peachy & Linda. Amazing women!

I will miss them both terribly.

In the morning I bought a pack of chocolate digestive biscuits for my tutor Andy. Every Thursday we would all have biscuits & tea in class... such a feel good atmosphere for the day.

So with the biscuits, me and Peachy signed the bear-designed card, drawn by our friend Jaz. THE TEDDY BEAR IS SO CUTE!

I had my last (the best hot chocolate I've discovered) in our Colleges' Starbucks... with the most amazing vanilla cream... Mmmmmm, now this I shall miss!

After giving a huge, long hug to Peachy, me & Jaz set off to the Noahs Ark hospice with the money we had raised. There we were given more papers on volunteering for the hospice. If I do come back to Barnet next September, I may actually help out if I can.

So, sad goodbyes to friends & tutors.

I was so happy in this College. I preferred going there compared to the house I was staying in.

I was also delighted to get back my final grade... passed everything officially. Throwing my portfolio in my head tutors face... "Hear You! You can take this!"

How's everyones snap challenge coming along?

Thanks for reading,

30 Day Snap #18 | Fruit & veg markets

Howya,

Just 12 more day snaps for this challenge. I've been finding it easier than last year, with having my own laptop. I'm delighted with being able to plan out my time, in fulfilling things on my to-do-list.

Wednesdays, I usually go to the fruit and veg market, beside the library. I hate it when I see a line. Hate waiting just for a bag of cherries.

When I see markets, I just think of England, not just saying it cos there's flags everywhere, but it brings back memories of my yearly holidays in Manchester. Markets everyday!

I love seeing the hustle and bustle of people out. Wondering what they get up to in their everyday lives. It's just lovely having a great atmosphere.

Thanks for reading sheep-peeps,

30 Day Snap #17 | College Portfolio & the Summer Breeze!

Hello there,

Well yesterday was a fun day of organising my college portfolio... I felt proud with myself with making it to the end. 40% of the class had dropped out. Surprised in myself that I wasn't one in that percentage. I'm just waiting to hear back from one more assignment, on it's grade that is. But in all, I passed everything. Let's hope the people that IV them will agree with the tutors. So, in the library I also had the pleasure in checking-in online for my one way flight to Dublin. I'm just over the moon. I shall miss the days of seeing the creeps in the library. Me and my friends usually just hang around the college for entertainment at times. It can be so amusing.

In the evening, I opened up the windows in the house, letting the summer breeze in. I had so much weight lifted off my shoulders that day, with completing the portfolio that having the fresh air in the house made me feel so free. I could finally breath, if ya get me?

I also then had a quiet night with some tea and cake, along side my book.

Don't you just love the summer breeze?

30 Day Snap #16 | Thorntons' & Packing

I had the pleasure of diving into this tray of Thorntons chocolates, that reminded me a little of 'Matilda'. As seen, I ate a lot! The tray is obviously finished by now, oops, my bad!

After writing out my check-list for 'what to bring back to Ireland' the day before, I started choosing what jewelry and make-up to bring home. I love my jewelry as much as my clothes. I usually wear accessories everyday. So maybe I'll attack the next thing on my list, choosing what socks to bring home ;)

Only my most used make-up was chosen.

I do love my new makeup bag though. It can fit soooooo much.

Sadly I spent an hour choosing everything. I just want to be cautious with only being able to carry a small suit case and handbag.

I usually hate packing, leaving it till the very last hour before hand, but this feels like Christmas. Excited to see the family after so long, 4 months to be exact.

Randomly enough, I have that little tune in my head now, 'So my bags are packed and I'm ready to go... I'm standing here right outside your door----' stalker much?

Thanks for reading,

30 Day Snap #15 | Check-lists & a Yankee candle farewell!

Hello all,

Yesterdays Snap collage involved a day of making my usual check-list for the week and of also planning out a list of needs & wants for my returning to Ireland.

I felt peckish before heading off to work, so I had a cup of tea and a Mr. Kipling's lemon slice. I also had the misfortune of saying goodbye to my Yankee candle. Don't laugh, it was a very emotional time for me! The flame going out and me silently screaming, "Noooooooooooo!"

I'm making plans already for home, I'm just going over and over in my head in what to bring. Deep down I'm excited but I'm trying not to show it so much. My brother tells me not to raise my expectations, that I could become easily disappointed if anything bad happened. Thanks for cheering me up Aran!

Ooooh, that reminds me. I need to make a list of what to do while I'm on holidays in Scotland. I already have a Harry Potter related list for Edinburgh, thanks to my very good friend Peachy.

Do you find that writing a check-list helps you? I myself like to have it colour coded, making it more personal and creative.

Thanks for reading sheep peeps,

30 Day Snap #14 | Day off, hiding sheep & England World Cup!

Since I expected to be working in the evening at the restaurant, I decided to stay at home until then. I was afraid if I went shopping I wouldn't make it back on time (cos it takes me all day to shop!)

At 7:31am approx, my cousin came in the bed beside me. She's a nosey little one where she looks at my emails, snapchats, twitter...

I had a lovely morning to just stay in bed with my book and to catch up on some tv shows and you tube.

Then as soon as I walked in to the restaurant, I was told that I didn't have to work. It was quiet, due to the place having no tv. And well, England were playing for the world cup, so everyone was out in bars and at home watching the game. So I left the restaurant (seeing the pretty purple flowers on the way home) with a smile on my face, just glad to get back and watch the match. I laugh at some people who have no idea who the players are, and go to watch the game. The only reason why I watch and like football is because I grew up with two football lovers in the house. We spend a lot of time in pubs back home in Ireland and my brother always quizzes me.

I rang my brother before and after the match, discussing the highlights. No one here really likes football, so there wasn't much of an atmosphere going on.

The house now smells of lily's, reminding me of granny, one of her favourite flowers. And I have my little cousin testing what mood I'm in with her new mood necklace. We spent yesterday evening, hiding sheep around the house and trying to find them. Random but fun! I especially liked how my cuz hid one of the teddys' behind the lily's.

Thanks for reading peeps,

30 Day Snap #13 | Eating out in the sunshine with my course group

Summer, Summer, Summer!

What a beautiful day it was, to have our class meal together.
Not everyone made it, but we still had a laugh!
We did intentionally had planned on going for an Italian, but come on! The weather was just too good to be sitting in. So we went to the nearby pub beside our College, 'The Black Horse'.
I myself shared a Medditeranean platter board with Peachy. We had a great laugh with our good friends and with the greek ray-ban-man waiter.

I wanted to take some pictures, as this was perhaps one of the last times we'd be seeing everyone before the holidays.

Friday 13th is always an unlucky day for me. The Irish superstition kicks in. So the day was going great, with having the meal, then coming home to reading outside in the sun with my Ribena (this reminds me as a kid with going swimming every Saturday with my grand-parents), then... my aunt came from Ireland. Let's just say it's an aunt I don't get on well with. Very old fashioned in her ways. So the mood was going down hill as soon as she walked in the door. But I did pick myself up with the Spain and Netherlands game. What an amazing game it was as well. 5-1 to Netherlands. Unreal stuff! Every minute something exciting was happening.

This picture makes me laugh. I could have posed nicely but nah... Jaz looks like a real American with her fashion, love it :D

Kadiatu knows my Achilles heel. I'm extremely ticklish. I was being very careful with my waist, so afraid she would have me screaming in the garden. Peachy didn't seem to mind by the looks of it. 

Jaz, Linda & Kadiatu - these magnificent women are just one of the reasons why I push myself to go into College everyday. They give me sense and reason as to what my goal is.

Hey guys, just 10 days till I'm on a plane, heading back to my family. The grin on my face is getting wider and wider with each day passing by.

Thanks for reading láska moja,
(leaning Slovakian at work as well, so that's fun)

30 Day Snap #12 | My own Spa day with old classics

Hiya,

Yesterday was a day of eugh and hmmm, and 'God I'm bored!'

So with not knowing what to do, I decided to have a spa day.

That meant, reading out in the sunshine, singing with my guitar, watching old movies - 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' and 'Sabrina', having a relaxing bath with candles and tea. Then I had the lovely pleasure of painting my nails & applying a face mask.

This little pip-sqweek keeps taking my only sheep from me (the one on the left.) I being my very generous self, allow her to take him to bed, in the hope that she thinks that I'm giving her cuddles throughout the night.

Even with the day being so relaxing, I still got lost in thought. Sometimes this annoys me because I get irritated in my own mind. I just feel so guilty knowing that there's more productive things to be doing, rather than relaxing. But I just procrastinate and procrastinate. The best distraction is to talk to people that you know will distract you from your worries and anxieties.

But when there's no one to talk to, what should I do? What is the best distraction for any of you, that understand how I feel?

Thanks for reading giggle-piggles,

30 Day Snap #11 | Buying gifts & Having lunch in the sun!

Yesterday, with being blessed to having such great sunlight, my friends and I decided to eat out in sun. I only got a latte and a yogurt with granola. The organic chocolates were devoured when I got home hours later.

We chose a card for 'Picky Pete', our Slovakian, head tutor. He's also been our therapist and friend along this road trip in Barnet. So we feel he deserves to get just a little something. The card will be edited with humourous comments and the other little thing just gives a few pages of the meaning of his name. That too will be edited. (So, Peachy, I know you're reading this, tomorrow morning, I need ya to sign the card.) I'll buy the wine in Waitrose in the morning as well, along with an apple ;)

He's on a diet guys, with a personal trainer, so he'll be delighted to see the apple!

Tomorrow is our class group meal together at lunch. We're heading to Prezzos for an Italian. I know what I'm getting already! Plus for dessert... tirrimasu... Mmmm.

How's everyone enjoying this fine weather?

I feel so free when I see no clouds in the sky.

Love you all lots & lots like jelly tots,