Summer is at an End!

Summer is at an end and Autumn has finally arrived. Wholly jumpers, cosy socks and and hot chocolates are few of the magical things that this chilly season brings to my life.

I spent these past 5 weeks in Ireland, being at home in the countryside, just being where everything is familiar and relaxing. I think that with living in England it's difficult to use my spare time with writing blogs. Life seems to move so fast over there. Peace is THE hardest thing to get in Canterbury. Living with other students that come from big/ loud families (whether that's normal or not I do not know) is not what I'm used to but I myself grew up with my gran who was a quiet, shy person. There would be a lot of silence in the house which I loved. It was usually that time I read, wrote in my journals, slept, watched musicals while having tea and cake.

This summer wasn't anything too special but at the same time I'm glad nothing bad came out of it either. I was lucky to have my family, friends and neighbors. It wasn't the warmest of summers, so there were a lot of days with having the excuse of staying indoors watching movies, baking and playing the piano.

The highlights this summer were the days that I spent at the beach and hanging out with my mum in cafés after a long day of shopping.

So, seeing as this is a catchup, lifestyle post here is the usual photos of my days at the beach.

The sea breeze really does make a lovely change to the disgusting city polluted air that I walk around everyday. Summer wouldn't be summer if not having spent a day at the beach.

Queen Medb (old Irish way of spelling Maeve) was the warrior queen of Connacht, her home being in Rathcroghan, situated in the western Provence of Ireland.  It is said that her father was king of Connacht before becoming High King of Ireland and she became ruler of Connacht after him.  She had five husbands, and ruled for over 60 years.  She was also said to be the reason her husbands became kings, that to be the ruler of Connacht they had to be 'married to Medb' as in married to the land. The first mention of Medb is in the Cave of Cruachan, Oweynagat (in Rathcroghan), in the form of an Ogham inscription on the lintel stone placed in the cave during the 4th or 5th century CE. She appears in much of the literature of early Ireland, and our most famous, epic literary tale, the Táin Bó Cuilnge (Cattle Raid of Cooley) revolves around her, despite being known as the Ulster Cycle. Medb was a woman of her time. Under the Brehon Laws of ancient Ireland women had equality with men, they had the power to raise their own armies, hold their own property, participate in the court system as lawyers and judges, as well as pick their own partners. Marriage was a contract not a sacrament and so could last as long, or as short as the couple wished. 20 years or an afternoon. 

Historically, she would have lived sometime around the years 50 BCE - 50 CE, if she existed as a real flesh and blood queen.  And that is the question - was she real?

To me as a child I believed she existed. The Táin Bó Cuilnge story and Cath Boinde (the Battle of the Boyne)was perhaps 70% of our history module that we did in Primary School, which is funny to think about having spent 8 years there.

Naturally there was cake and some sort of refreshment. I knew this would be my final journey to Shells Café (Funeral March comes in) so I opted for the homemade gluten free chocolate cake and iced tea.

I hope everyone had a more exciting summer than I did. Sometimes I wonder will I ever have those amazing summers like I had when I was younger. The days were hotter, happier and a lot more laid back.

Cheers for reading,

Festive Feelings :: 12 :: Winter Sales & My Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope everyone has had a splendid day! And is continuing to do so.

One of my favourite things about Christmas is the sales... Haaaaa! So tomorrow it begins. I try to not buy much until after Christmas Day. Tomorrow though I'm more excited for the cinema, rather than the shopping, heehee.

Today started off very sweetly. I had such a good sleep, waking up at 9:30am to some glorious sunshine and a blue, clear sky and getting half dressed for mass. After mass, we opened our pressies, then some breakfast with some festive music. I got a new flavour of tea, a book and an amusing mustache stick from my lovely friend Peachy. Pressies like these always delight me, as it makes me happy knowing that the giver knows me so well. My Mum gave some cute outfits. I apologise for not taking any pictures as they are all in the wardrobe. She and dad got me a big Mac selection of makup and brushes. I was surprised, let me tell ya! My parents and I left our brother behind to go into town to have a drink in a pub. Surprisingly enough we found one that was still opened.

In the evening, after our dinner, which was steak, we all spoke to my grandparents, aunts and cousin in Scotland, on Skype. We all had a great laugh, telling each other about our gifts. And telling funny stories about our family members.

There was movies on all day, but I strangely enough didn't watch any. It came to the evening, and so it was time to lie out on the couch with my blanket and get started. Along with the dessert; sherry triffle, vienetta and tonnes of chocolate there was Coronation Street, Miranda and of course the exciting Downton Abbey Special. My dad laughed at me when I kept tearing up. It was perhaps my favourite part of the day. I wish that I knew some of the characters.

So the following pictures were all taken on my phone, so not so great quality, but I did promise a picture of my dress from Topshop.

Let me know how your day went. Did you have your family special moments?

Was the food as good as you thought it would be? Mmmm fooood, heehee. I myself am now gonna get some cocoa pops and watch my brother xmas pressie from moi, 'Guardians of the Galaxy', honestly it's a gift to me as well.

Thanks for keeping up with this little series of blogmas. Hope you enjoyed!

Festive Feelings :: 1 :: Food & Hot Drinks!

Merry Christmas Everybody,

And so this is me, little old giggles of life doing blogmas. My sisterish-bestie EdelBelle! created this tag post last Christmas. For 12 days, she wrote what she enjoys most about this special time of year. So I thank her for tagging each and every one of us, but I was honored in her asking me personally ----- twitter that is, heehee. Feeling very special.

The rules
1. 12 blogs  each saying a favourite thing about Christmas.
2. A blog a day....so one blog everyday from when you begin.
3.Title wise its (Festive Feeling-'Insert favourite thing'). As for the picture each day, Edel had edited hers last year for everyday. So I will be using hers, but you can make your very own if you so wish.
4. And lastly Edels final rule was to have fun and get in the Christmas Spirit!!!

So, food!

I don't eat that much as I get full after only a few mouthfuls, but I do enjoy the taste of food.

There's the whole festive foods, such as my favourites mince pies. I remember laying them out for Santa with a glass of milk and two carrots for the reindeer's. Whenever Santa had some mince pies left over I would eat them, believing them to be special, bit like holy communion, haha! As a kid, that's how I saw it anyway.

Christmas cakes have already been stashed away in the press. I enjoy eating a slice with a cup of tea. The taste is strong, but the flavours are what Christmas is!

Then of course there's the Christmas dinner. Everyone usually has something like, turkey, goose etc. In my family for the past 20 years, it has always been turkey, ham, brussel sprouts, parsnips, broccoli, carrots, green beans or mushy peas, along with my favourite... cranberry sauce. Turkey sandwiches will then be breakfast, lunch  and dinner for the next few days.

After dinner we always have our traditional, Vienetta ice-cream (with either cake or jelly.) Christmas Day also includs our treats, Celebrations or Roses. My favouirte being Celebrations. Mmmm, malteasers... nice. Oh and finishing up on the advent calendars. Hey, I pat myself on the shoulder for whenever I complete it.

Drinks!!

This season, thankfully, I don't have to explain why I drink so many hot drinks. I won't get those confused looks I get in Summer. I love all sorts of teas, coffees, hot cocoas, lattés, mochas... it goes on!

Coffee shops, such as Starbucks and Costa have the festive cups as well, so when you go out shopping, you have the pleasure in carrying either a little snowman, reindeer or a Santa. Out of all the festive drinks, my absolute favourite would have to be the black forest hot chocolate from Costa and vanilla spiced latté from Starbucks. So my time recently has been spent in cafés, drinking a hot drink and writing down notes, in my diary or work journal, or perhaps reading or enjoying a good vlogmas from Jim Chapman.

Thankful Thursday | Youth Conference '14 & Shopping in Dublin

Well it's been a long time since I last spoke to ye guys.

My week was not exactly busy, seeing as I have no work or responsibility... so pretty much I just had a no-stress week. There was shopping of course, seeing as it was in Dubin. I treated myself to the new fragrance candle in 'Jo Malone', wood sage & sea salt, I bought myself a bathbomb from 'Lush', Company magazine & a lovely winter scarf from 'Pennies' (Primark) (will hopefully do a future post on this haul)

Thankful Thursday

Fun - With Edel. We laughed at fallen bags in puddles, played cards, took strange selfies, and had a relaxing time getting our arms & hands messaged in Jo Malones'.

Moisturised skin - It's a weird thing for the list, but I was grateful with my moisteriser, No. 7 Beautiful Skin

Tea & cake (Arrow) - having it while watching 'Arrow'. Edel is in love with this show, so pretty much I have to watch it, otherwise, she'll explode if she can't talk about it. For those of you that are planning on watching it, for me, I'd compare it to almost like a movie, rather than a tv show. Very much like Spider-man or Batman. The whole damsel in distress, oh my best mate is in love with my ex.

I was a true 'Lost' follower/fan and it kinda, in the smallest way reminds me of it (who doesn't enjoy a good flashback!) You'd enjoy it.

Faith - I was asked to attend a youth conference in Dublin at the weekend and I brought along Edel, so that we could enjoy a day or two out shopping as well.

Like last year, there were people trying to brainwash believers into delicate matters (issues would be the harsh word they'd use) and I found myself upset for feeling as though I was the only one (along with a handful of others) that my beliefs were indifferent. I however didn't feel as though my time was a waste. Usually when people tell me to believe in something or to do something, I carry it out in the opposite way. I felt stronger by the end of the weekend in what I believe in and in what my true morals are. To how the church thinks that gay marriage shouldn't be allowed is just a load of bull to me. But alas, there are hardly that many young believers out there. So the ones that are in power are a few decades behind and are a little old fashioned and narrow-minded.

Hot-dogs and milkshakes - I really REALLY enjoyed my milkshakes this week in 'Eddie Rockets'. Myself and Edel went twice. The second time I went in I had planned on only getting a milkshake (brownie, Mmm) but I gave in (very quickly) to a beef hot-dog. So good!

Oh no, not Christmas decorations already! And it's not even Halloween. Well you can blame Arnotts in Dublin. They're already getting prepared in selling the festive decor.

Thanks for reading guys,

Thankful Thursday | Taking Photos at the Beach & Having Wonderful Friends!

Can you believe that it's almost the end of September! Summer is gone and the leaves are beginning to change colour. I'm happy that I'll be returning to England by the end of the month, even with the complications of family and such. But there's far more to do over there. Most of the week was spent being ill and staying at home. I mean everyone loves to have evenings in, watching X-factor, Corrie or whatever, but having too much free time we begin to take it for granted.

So next week will be my last week here in Ireland and I'll be back to work in the land of sterling.

I have learned one thing from being back home for the duration of this summer (due to my nursing program), that I won't be spending a summer ever like this again. This time next year I'll be nursing and well, the holidays aren't as long, heehee.

Even my Dad has noticed how bored I am being back here (liking the English ways)

Sunday, my parents and I made a last trip to Strandhill (before I head back on the plane.) Obviously we made a stop by the town in Sligo for a bit of shopping and food. I got one of my favourite dishes, Irish beef stew.

Afterwards, we headed out to the beach. I brought my Grandads camera and took a few shots. The day was beautiful for such formidable pictures of the sea.

Mother dearest and I shared an utmost favourite of mine, carrot cake with the sweetest icing, oh and an iced tea.

My Thankful Thursday

Heading out with Dad for breakfast

Meeting the neighbours at Church

Sunday dinner and desert with the view of the sea

Hot cocoa, waffles & tea-lighted candles (random, I know!)

Twilight marathon! Yes the movies aren't great! But they bring good memories of reading the books, back in secondary school

Watching 'Star Trek' with Dad

Ella Henderson & Lana Del Rey

Dr. Who & Once Upon a Time

Seeing pictures of graduations in the University I'll be going to - 'The Dream!'

Receiving the most sweetest, unexpected messages from friends in England -

some are starting new jobs, some are starting University, in the September intake (how I want time to go faster!) I'm so happy that life is being so good to them, they most definitely deserve it!

The west of Ireland had a surprising round of sunshine for most of the week -

Taking naps with the sun on my face... utter pleasure!

We were lucky to have come late in the evening, so that we could get a window seat. Mum always smiles at the camera, heehee!

What did your week consist of? Anything fun? What were you most grateful for? Are you looking forward to going back to work, College, University? New beginnings?

Thanks for reading,

Thankful Thursday | Family & Food

This week was pretty fun, even though there were days when I felt blue, but gladly enough I had my family and pleasurable leisure's to keep my mind occupied. It did feel slow though, this week. A lot happened and it was all pretty random.

Last Friday evening, I had a lovely meal with my parents. Dad had his usual burger and Mum went for the pasta. My parents pay attention to each other rather than to their kids, but hey I'm happy that they're happy. At least I get free food out of them from time to time.

Afterwards, we drove to Knock Airport which is perhaps the tiniest airport you could possibly see. It's on a huge hill and is positioned in the middle of no where. The best thing about it is not having the fuss to go through all the security. It doesn't take very long.

We picked up my grandfather who came over for a weekend visit, just to collect some belongings and to see the family. Of course we stopped off on the way home to get him a pint of Guinness. It was nice to see how excited and relaxed he was with his drink. Looking forward to meeting people that he hadn't seen since six years ago. It always feels good after being away from home for so long, to return to a place that appears the same yet so different. I knew how he felt in a way, coming back and feeling pretty damn emotional.

I enjoyed spending the weekend with him and my Dad. We snuck into our relatives homes, and surprised them with great joy. No one knew he was coming over you see, all part of the fun. And as well as joy there was also a little sadness. A cousin of ours in the family has cancer and seeing the change in them has brought back memories of my gran. It must have been hard though I thought at the time, for my grandad to see them. Who knows when he'll visit next. Could be five years, could be ten? You make the most of it. The time you spend with your loved ones.

And there they were, my grandad, dad and their cousins drinking pints in the pub, getting reacquainted after so many years gone by, and there I was running after the kids, trying to keep them entertained (and distracted).

On Monday, I stayed the night in Dublin. Got around to seeing Malahide at last. Mum has been ranting on and on how one day she'll be living there. Supposedly because the celebs of Ireland (if there are any) are living there.

The town itself was cute with its many boutiques, its own Starbucks (have been away from it for too long) and lovely restaurants. We had two lovely meals there, Monday and Tuesday, because it seems the burgers in 'Scotch Bonnet' were too amazing to just have the one time.

Mum was very cheeky to have bought herself a Jo Malone candle. Was I jealous? YES!! But alas, do not worry, I myself will buy one in time. I already have my eyes on one particular. My Mum favoured the English Pear and Freesia scent, which I have to agree is a wonderful, fresh smell.

Are there any great spots for food in Dublin that you know of? Do let me know, I'm all ears. And to those of you that may enjoy Jo Malone, or as my brother mistakenly called it, Johnny Maloney, let me know of any favourite scents of yours that deserve to be put by my bedside.