Thankful Thursday | Black Friday, Vlogmas & Announcement on the 'Festive Feeling Tag'!

"Oh the weather outside is frightful

But the fire is so delightful

And since we've got no place to go

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"

Source

A jolly hello to you and may I be the first to say Happy Christmas to you guys.

Today I was wished a happy Christmas by someone at work, making if feel as though the holiday has really begun.

The weather is cold. Oh so cold! Even my duvet coat isn't protecting me so much. I'm the old lady waiting at the bus stop with the hat, gloves, thermal socks and a flask. Preparation is key and I am not planning on getting sick! The best things that comes out of days like these, is getting home and having an excuse not to go out again. Blankets, comfy clothes, hot drinks and some peace.

Thankful Thursday

As I've previously stated, being prepared. I'm thankful for being sensible. About time management and taking care of myself. I truly want to get on well at work before Christmas Day.

Having to look forward to seeing my little cousin in the morning/ evening, and opening the advent calendars together. I'm surprised that I've lasted 4 days to be honest.

Being told that whenever I come into work I brighten someones day. Now that would make anyone smile!

Mince pies ~ and they're out of the press ladies & gents.

For having the memories of my Granddad of whom I had grown up with ~ I'm so glad that I have a good long memory, some memories good, some bad, but all of which that have made me the person today. It was he that got me interested into Irish traditional music and dance. I decided with music as I have no rhythm in my feet, heehee.

A bit of banter while hanging up the decorations at work and laughing at the fellas yelling (while holding hammers?) at Christmas trees, causing a fuse to go off and almost accidentally creating a fire hazard with one of the xmas decors... idiots!!

New Christmas PJs ~ a soft grey and pink nightgown and light blue slipper socks.

Having more good days than bad ~ there are people that rise at dawn and people that rise at night (go along the name as night owls). I was once a night owl, great times. Feels like a totally different universe when it's pitch black. But now I've become so used to my routine with waking up early for work and still allowing myself to get a healthy 8 hours of sleep. Sleep, exercise, eat healthy... feel good days!

Black Friday ~ a day where shopaholics don't have to feel ashamed with returning back home, to seeing their families roll their eyes as they sneak into the house with a million shopping bags. I almost bought myself a ginormous plasma television for University, it was oh so cheap my peeps! "Yes I do need a nice stapler for 30p"... trust me what I left with was super strange! I obviously went to the self help till. Ain't nobody gonna be judgin' what I bought!

And lastly I've been thankful for Tanya Burr and Jim Chapman's Vlogmas. Daily vlogs from the 1st of December until Christmas Eve. As well as the fun of opening up the advent calendars, vlogmas is something else to look forward to everyday. Plus even if your day wasn't that festive, they help you to get into the mood.

So I'm sure a lot of you already watch them, but just in case for those of you that are new...

Tanya Burr

Jim Chapman (EveryDayJim)

Also before you head off, just to inform you that I am partaking in my bestiest pal EdelBelle! 'Festive Feeling' Tag. For the 12 days of Christmas my true love said to me I will be sharing what I love about this season. She is welcoming everybody to join in this fun tag, so be sure to check out her blog to follow the rules. The date I have planned for the first post to go up will be on the 14th. So the final day will be Christmas Day.

Hope you guys will like it :)

Lots of luvin'

Thankful Thursday | Catch Up Time!

Hello fellow gigglers,

I hope you haven't been waiting long, heehee. I may have been on hibernation for the last ---- month? Well, it's been almost a month. Which makes me very sad! The idea of not blogging!

How you have survived without me! Crazy :)

What life has been like for little old me, has been hard and *yawn* tiring!

I've somehow landed myself in 3 jobs, meaning, that I work, eat & sleep! I have made time for my Downton Abbey and brief trips to the library and shopping centres.

A funny thing that has just popped into my head, is when my friend found out about my jobs, and said that University for me in April will be a break. Haaaa! Indeed it will be and if only we were now in the month of April.

I'm grateful, strangely enough, to myself. For actually pushing myself to do what must be done. I know at the end of the day that I make the right decisions. That is what is been tested everyday! My decision making! A colleague of mine once told me that there may be regrets, but it's these regrets that make us grow and learn in life. I have regrets. But to be honest, I wouldn't exactly change anything. I'm happy where I've come. The journey has been tough, but I know that the outcome will be worthwhile.

The picture above is of my little cousin's visit to my Grans house in Ireland. Enjoying her night, lying next to the fire, with Rex. I too, when I was her age, would sit next to the fire, chatting to my Gran. Oh how I would love to have an open fire over here in England!!

My 'Thankful Thursday'

I've been thankful for getting to know people. I've been in awe of some people over these last few weeks. Of how it's not a positive attitude that keeps them going, but their strength. We all want answers to how it can be done, but people I guess must learn along the way.

For the Irish lass who helped me out on the bus - She made my day, by lending me a pound. My day was fine, but she brightened it up so much more.

For my work colleagues - M&S are new, but they've been considerate and patient. They've given me the oppurtunity to broaden my wings in management skills.

The restaurant staff, are more like friends than colleagues. I've known them for over a year now, and I've become more confident in my work. I enter the building feeling 'meh' but leave feeling happy. Not many jobs can do that! Last year I was afraid of going in and making mistakes, now I'm excited to get in and meet my challenges.

Finishing early at work & Relaxing in a pub (felt as though I was back home) with some friends. That Sunday had to have been the longest time since I had laughed so much. Even the taxi driver was super nice!

Downton Abbey has been a goal for me each week. I had something to look forward to. NOW! I must wait till Christmas for the Special! It may be weird, that Downton is usually the highlight of my Christmas Day! I don't care! I gave up the excitement of Christmas Day presents a few years back!

I'm looking forward to having my family from Ireland and Scotland come over to London for Christmas. Days spent in sparkly London and having afternoon tea with mum. Cinema trips with the Dad and brother and a bit of ice-skating beside Big Ben *fingers crossed*.

My winter coat! I love my big duvet jacket!! After some night shifts, I've had the pleasure of falling asleep on the bus.

Wages baby! I feel proud in myself to how I worked for this money! This week I did 4 night shifts. 1900-0700! Along with my normal hours.

There was music, heavy lifting, pizza deliveries, lots of chocolate and laughter!

I have posted this on the last minute! Cos that's me! Last minute Kayla!

Thankful Thursday | Window Shopping & Getting My 2nd Job!

I feel as though I haven't written a post in so long, but it's only been a week! Time has been ticking so slow lately.

The picture above is pretty useless in quality and has reflections hitting off the window, but I admit I like it.

I do love window shopping. Just browsing around, scanning over the lovely winter jumpers. In actual fact, I bought that skirt, that the mannequin is wearing, but in black and not navy.

I just thought it would be so pretty with a sparkly, soft, woolly jumper for Christmas, with a pair of stilettos.

So apart from buying a new skirt from 'Next' and oh, also a lovely woolly, dark grey polo neck jumper from 'New Look', my week was uneventful! Apart from the usual stressful things like money, boys and family! Haaaa! Trust me! If you knew the real me, this would probably be a very dramatic blog, but somewhere inside, I feel as though 'those people' could one day see this. So I'm sticking to 'being normal', heehee.

So, my 'Thankful Thursday'

Being greeted by the lovely staff at work (job no. 1) at the restaurant - everyone was singing and laughing aaaaaaand flirting! If you only knew what goes on behind back stage in a restaurant. But getting my wages at the end of the night felt great! Come ta momma!

'Through The Keyhole' - Keith Lemon is disgustingly funny! My Manager and I usually just laugh about Keith the whole time! If you see me sulking, put Keith on the tv! He hasn't failed since!

Dad - you guys must see my Dad pop up the whole time for my Thankful Thursdays. Well, I'm just thankful with the journey he taken in his life. He tries his best with every job he has taken, works to help his family, loves my Mum as his wife and best friend and has therefore been the inspiration for me. For the type of commitment/ marriage that I would  one day like to have.

Email - I've managed to make someone happy this week, with a simple email of encouragement. And I'm thankful that I was able to be there for them and to also have their trust in asking me for advice. Sometimes we can never know what we can do in a certain time or position. We're being tested in these relationships, so it is our actions that speak. How can we help one another? I could have simply not replied back for instance. But I went with my gut and wrote what I thought.

The Body Shop has been very nice to me this week - The face wash I use back in Ireland is the Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash. Out of all the other face washes, this is my favourite. It's perfect for my sensitive skin and leaves it feeling soft, well as soft as acne skin can get, heehee. The Aloe Gentle Exfoliator is great for when I've been wearing makeup all day, and want to scrub it all off, but without being too harsh on the skin.

And finally, I'm thankful for getting a new job in Marks & Sparks (back home it's Marks & Spencers). So it would seem I have my two jobs and also a bit of babysitting at the side... I am an extremely lucky person!

I hope all of you found things to be thankful for this week.

Thankful Thursday | Vandalism, Friendly Support & Interviews!! (Not related with each other!)

Happy Thursday to you all,

The golden leaves have finally hit the ground. The gloves and woolly scarves are out of the press and farewell to sun-kissed, bare legs.

I have been buying the supplies in for winter (hibernation has begun!) such as boxes of various teas, warm jumpers and socks and don't forget bath must-haves. This season I want to feel and look natural. This means lip balms, simple jumpers, simply styled hair and moisturised hands. Who doesn't want to feel warm and soft!! Oooooh, like a snuggly teddy bear :)

Today I managed to pass an interview in M&S while being tested by role play. I upped my game on the role of St. Theresa, I was very patient indeed! "MAKE UP YOUR BLOODY MIND!"
Also I may have got lost in Ikea with a delicious hot dog, accidentally whammed the passenger door to the car beside me, the scratch wasn't at all noticeable *cough*, then ended the amazing day with a luxurious bath and scented candles.

My 'Thankful Thursday'

Flat shoes - they may not flatter us girls but who cares! Be mature enough to know you have no chance in surviving the day in them! Duh! Slippery pavements out there.

'Austrailia' - I may have stolen borrowed Dads Dvd. Well I showed him before heading into the airport, so he knows! God, Hugh Jackman has this power to make me smile! That's his true power!!

Quiet Library time - the smell of the classics and the sound of keyboards

Spending my Amazon gift card from my College

Getting a compliment from a stranger at the bus stop - makes anyone's day!

Lentils, rice and eggs - don't judge now. It actually tastes delicious

Being helped by a girl on line! - Before this interview at M&S, Anna from A whole lot of chitty chat really helped me out. She's very considerate and has been emailing me for two days now! Girl if you're reading, thank you for the support and for being there :)

Gingerbread latté & chocolate cookie while on twitter sitting in 'Costa' and watching people pass by

Happy to have a family that will walk through fire for me! #DaddysGirl

'Selfie' - just makes me laugh so much! - I was a little afraid to see Karen Gillan as an American (so used to her from Dr.Who) but she pulls it off effortlessly

'Gilmore Girls' have been there on my quiet days, when no one is around and I get to laugh while doing some chores

What have all of you been up to this week? Was there anyone that made you feel happy with yourself this week?

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 | Back to North London!!

I'm back in dear old London!

I will miss the Irish spuds and the weekend trips that I had with my family, but now it's back to work.

Since I don't start University until April, I have (luckily enough) a lot of time to save up as much money as I possibly can. As every student knows, it's a difficult life, with the expense of food, rent and travel.

My aim is to have two part-time jobs, a bit more to see, and to babysit whenever I can.

I have applied to 4 jobs already. Thankfully, I have work still in the restaurant, but the place can be quiet in the early hours. So the plan is to work somewhere in the am time, like M&S, Boots or Jo Malone, then work in the evenings at the restaurant. I'm that person who loves to move around and be energetic with my work (then at home, be a right lazy lump!)

Thankful Thursday

'Downton Abbey', 'Selfie', SEASON PREMIERES OF 'Bones' & 'Once Upon A Time'!!!!

'X-Factor UK' and 'Forever' (I have a list of shows that I'm happy with so they'll be what keeps me entertained at night)

Dads steak dinners

Cinema with my brother for his 18th birthday - we went to see 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. It's close enough to my favourite Marvel movies, 'X-men'. I still can't believe he's 18!! Even at this age, he continues to follow me around... Awwwwww!

Latté goodness with Mum

Sunrise & sunset

Chinese meal with the family

The last of Tanya Burrs September vlogs

Ordering 'Zoella's' fizz bar from Superdrug

Evenings spent in the library - Independent study on Adult Nursing and currently reading 'The Night Circus', Erin Morgenstern

Now, with the Aunt and Uncle out of the house, I've to amuse the little one. A bit of tofu and fish ball noodles, 'Johnny English' movie and time for bed.

Thanks for reading dearies,

Thankful Thursday | Tea, Downton Abbey & Donegal!

Bonjour peeps,

This will be my final 'Thankful Thursday' post before heading back to the UK.

Currently watching some 'Zoella' on You Tube and having some hot cocoa.

My Thankful Thursday

Having the yummiest latté this week (the cafe sadly isn't franchised)

The smell of freshly cut grass

Hearing Dad talking to the sheep (funny & cute)

Obsessed with 'Once Upon a Time' (waiting for the new season to start next week), watching 'Dr. Who' & 'Finding Neverland'

Season 5 of 'Downton Abbey' is back - Sundays are amazing again!!! The next time I'll watch it with my Dad and brother will be at Christmas. A little sad. I love how we all laugh at Maggie Smith's lines!

New clothes - jeans (vera moda), jump suit (Primark) & other bits and bobs

Having bacon & cabbage dinner outside

Bought some lovely 'Heath & Heather' Lemon & Ginger tea from 'Holland & Barrett's'

Being greeted by some very friendly bus drivers - I feel happy with their cheery hellos. I was glad to know that they were having a good day

Last farewell to Edel in Letterkenny (Co. Donegal) - bought sweeties, Season 2 of 'Once Upon a Time', watched some movies/tv shows and saw 'Lucy' in the cinema

Seeing that my bank account is healthy and surprisingly not used as much as I had expected - #FeelingGrateful

I do hope that you're week is going well. If you're finding that you're becoming stressed or anxious, remind yourself to take some me-time. I've had the whole summer for me-time, so it's only fair I return back to busy London and work my butt off and to roll in the cash!

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 | Farm Animals Escaping & Happy Treats

Hello all,

This week we've been blessed with the unbelievable weather, here in Ireland. It's so strange, that just last week I was talking about SAD (Seasonal affective disorder) and for me it really is hard. I find that the dreariest day can really tire me out and have me left a little depressed. What helps, is waking up in the AM, from 6:00-9:00 and also exercising outside, even if it's raining. I've noticed that when I come in from the rain I feel so glad to be back in the warmth, a little gratitude to having a home.

I'm heading back to England at the end of the month and wanted to take a few pictures of my home. As you can see we have plenty of farm animals surrounding us. The bulls across the road aren't at all dangerous, bit weird at times, like the Mona Lisa, where their eyes follow you when you go out for a brisk walk. And the only sad news I have of this week was that we had to give away 3 of our sheep (Nooooooooo!) due to there not being enough grass for all of them. So we are left now with Johnny (left) and CoCo (right). I woke up this morning to finding that their gate was open. So I'm running like a maniac worrying about where they went. Nope! They were fine. On the lawn, eating Dads new plants.

Most people have pet dogs or cats, and I have sheep, heehee.

My Thankful Thursday

Laughing at Louis Walsh on X-Factor - our family annual tradition

Watching 'The Road to El Dorado' and Jimmy Fallon clips on You Tube with my brother - favourite was 'Downton Sixbey', since we are Downtons biggest fans

Waking up before 6am and finishing series 2 of  'Arrow', all before 10am - pretty happy that I stuck with it and finished it before heading back to the UK

'Xposé', 'Dr. Phil' and an absolute favourite of mine 'Sense & Sensibility'

Having a super moon outside my bedroom window

Seeing some adorable puppies, heading off to a new home

Argan oil hair masks, Wagon Wheels and a tub of Häagen-Dazs Strawberry & Cream ice-cream

Eating possibly one of my last summer cones with Mum, looking at the boats on the Shannon river

Painting the garden walls and feeling happy that Dad is happy

Wishing my little cousin Happy 8th Birthday (sob) Oh I remember her first few words, her first time in the pool, the first time I held her and fed her.... Oh god why is she growing up so damn fast!!!

I hope all of you had a happy week, I know I did x

Thankful Thursday

Over the last few days there has been horrid rain. And it is so cold here in Ireland that it feels to me as though it's Christmas already... Brrrr... so with that I'll lead into...

1 - having hot water bottles. Letting me have that brief moment of relaxation. Oh how good it feels to be warm.

2 - Having the sunlight pour into my room at dawn. I feel wonderful when I have the start of a new day begin with a few rays of sunlight. They may be no heat, but the light to me is a positive sign. A sign that the day will be good if I want it to be. I just love to have a bit of colour in the sky, instead of the boring, grey, lifeless clouds.

3 - Enjoying a mocha with Mum
4 - Sleepover with the little English cousin, Disney movies of course!
5 - Even though I detest the phone, I did enjoy chatting to Edel. We have a friendship where it seems strange to have not spoken in so long... a week for us is long! Haa!
6 - Going round the shops with my brother. He hates town, but thankfully he came and we ended up having a well-entertained evening.
7 - I bought a few DVDs over the last couple of weeks and the one I happen to love best is 'The Mirror has Two Faces'. Peachy, (if you're reading) more movie recommendations please. It's nice to know that I'm not the only movie fanatic freak in the world!

Thanks for reading sheepies,

Much appreciated,

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.