Blogmas - Day 14 - My List of 'Things To Do This Christmas'

Source: WeHeartIt

As the years go on the list does indeed get smaller and smaller in ways of the list not subjecting around materialistic things but better quality things such as spending time with family.

But each item on our list, we treasure it dearly.

- Getting my hair done with Mum, for the holidays and for her Anniversary meal with Dad. Since my brother and I are both now away from home, mum and dad wanted for us to spend the time together.

- Decorate my room. Even though my room is filled will fairy lights and tea candles I'm going ro attempt if I can fit any more. Finally I will be sticking up my glow in the dark stars that my cousin so kindly gave to me.

- Go to my Mums Christmas Carol Service in Church. It'll be nice to listen for a change and not take part. I do enjoying listening to music without singing along. I prefer other peoples voices to my own.

- Walks in the night. Only if it's a starry night. I just miss going for walks in the dark, where all you have is the moonlight to guide you. Night time walks are very special to me. I've been doing it, walking the same route, the block is what we call it where I live, ever since I was 9. I used to go with my aunt, sometimes the two if the other were home from England, and we'd chat while walking. Coming back home, Grannys house, we would come in absolutely freezing running for our cups of tea and sitting next to Gran, either ready to say the rosary or watch the news.

- I may be 22 but on my list is laying in bed with mum watching Coronation Street. I may be too old for cuddles, but I will always be her daughter and she my mother/ big sister heehee. Love is unconditional so when people sneer and think that 'you should act your age' I think it's quite silly really. As a baby I'd only ever want to go into bed with mum cos she was always so warm.... using her as a hot water bottle people haha. Nah but I always prefer to sleep next to someone knowing that I'm not alone. Having no boyfriend really can be the saddest of times.... *sigh*

- Watching movies with the family. I usually take my seat on the rug with my hot chocolate next to fire, like a cat. I always like hearing Dad telling me facts about the movie. Mum just smiles, having no idea what's going on, or in any case what movie is being played. We do spend a lot of time together in our family. Alone time over here is a necessity but when I'm with my family not so much. Growing up with Gran I never had alone time, she was always there. But I still did the things I wanted with her being there, was very much in my comfort zone.

- Dressing up. In England, I surprisingly don't get dressed up as much I used to when I was back living in London. Being here I'm always wearing a uniform. And the nursing uniform is the most uncomfortable, unflattering thing in the world! It's like wearing cardboard!

In Ireland, I'm always on the road. So it's nice to get dressed and feel like a girl for a change. Instead of being someone invisible in a uniform or a tracksuit and hoodie.

- Staying in bed all day. Today I woke up naturally at 1pm. No more stress you see from Uni, so I really did catch up on my sleep. And the bed I have here has my back in such bad aches. The bed I have back in Ireland may not be the comfiest but it's a lot better for my already messed up back.

- Wearing cuddly, cosy jumpers. I love them! The more old fashioned and quirky they are, the better.

- Going to my friends 21st. Even though we'll only be separated 10 days we'll still have to see each other. It'll be nice to meet her sister and family properly. We're all acquainted on Facebook and Skype calls but it'll be nice waking up in the house and seeing how my friends life usually is in Ireland.

- Playing my music as loud as I want in my house. My friends over here already know I'm odd. They say that because I have different, weird tastes in music and movies and yes my favourite food is just plain food. After all I was brought up with a Granny who would feed me a half plate of burnt whatever and I LOVED IT!! If you grow up with it, you'll love it. So as soon as I get home, the following morning, I'll be banging on the piano keys and singing alone with Puccini and Jennifer Hudson. Hey, they're too darn loud for singing along to with the neighbours... and plus the house-mates really don't stay away. They just walk in and expect a show of some sorts.

- Watch Downton Abbey Season 6 with my brother. Unlike me and my Dad who watch it every week, my brother waits to watch it all with me, all before the Christmas Special. So I will not be forgetting to bring over the DVD. Trés important!

- Take a piece of straw from the crib at church. We always do this in my family. Gran would always feel as though little baby Jesus would be welcomed in our house. So this year I'll take it to her grave and lay it beside her.

- Visit my grand-parents and great-grand-parents graves. I usually prefer to do it alone so I can chat to them. More so with Granny. I tell her what's been going on with my life in Canterbury. Who I've met, what I think of them. What my worries are, what I'm excited about for the future. Of course there's tears but I feel better thinking even though she's not in my life realistically any more, she can still be with me on my journey. I'll tell her about my first relationship, about the hardest losses I've faced with being a nurse, my first kid, my first house. You always feel as though the loved ones in your life will be there for your life changing events. 

- Make butternut squash soup. I've just been craving it for a long time now. And it s after all my favourite soup. Pumpkin is tasty with it as well and carrot, but I'll stick to having it plain with some lovely soda bread.

- Re-watch some of my favourite boxsets. My friend said that I am the only person she knows who collects boxsets of different genres, with tv shows and movies. If it is only a show that I love then I'll buy the collection. I just fall in love with the characters, wanting to be them, wanting to be in the directors mind, the costume designers minds, the composers minds. I do get disappointed sometimes thinking that my life will never live up to a movie. That it'll be predictable. My reasons for loving fantasy and sci-fy is simply because I believe in that little bit of magic.

- Shopping with mum in the winter sales. If I am wanting a new coat and if it is perfect that's my day made. That and sitting in a café with mum while people watching. Trying to suss out what peoples lives are like and admiring peoples outfits. Hey we're nosy but it's fun!

- Spend some catch up time with friends. See a movie, eat something maybe and chat, chat, chat.

- Watch the new Star Wars and Daddys Home movie with my brother and dad. I really need a laugh this Christmas and Will Farrell never fails!

Just think that tomorrow is my last day here in Kent... Hey I love it, but eating, living and walking with the same people can be exhausting. My flight is at like 9pm on Thursday and me and my Irish lassies are heading to the airport like 6 hours early. Firstly, because of the security over here, don't want delays or stress. Secondly, we're going to shop around in the airport and have some food and drinks. And lastly, we're just too freaking excited!!

Thanks for reading my little elves x

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,

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 #25 | Edinburgh Airport & Family Reunion!

Day 25: You're probably questioning me why I didn't get a train up to Edinburgh, instead of flying over. First off, the plane ticket was cheaper and second, I got to have my clothes and personal belongings sent over to Dublin. I had the chance in leaving it all in Dublin, then flying over to Edinburgh with a empty enough case.

Dad and myself had breakfast early in the morning, which is one of the things I like to do,going out for breakfast. I packed for Scotland then watched some Wimbledon, football and 'Catching Fire'.

I met my Mum, brother and Edel, all hugs and gifts given. Aww....

I bought my brother his first Starbucks, sprayed some Jo Malone perfume, followed by some selfies, then having a comfortable flight over to Edinburgh. My Grandad 'John Smith' (nicknamed from Pocahontas) and Auntie picked us up at the airport. He had a sign made up for us, with a picture of my brother and myself when we were children... as though he were a taxi man waiting to collect us.

We were staying at my Aunts house, along with her son. The house and garden were so big. and their two dogs were amazing. Rico and my favourite Buster. We didn't go to sleep till about 3am.

It was so strange seeing everyone after so long. my Mum, brother and bestie after 4 months and grandparents after 5 years.

Thanks for reading,

30 Day Snap #24 | Goodbye England!

Hello *shy wave*, don't yell at me for posting these last day posts so late but I was away visiting family in Scotland. I'm back now in Ireland typing away. I will some day this week post a blog on my Scotland/ family adventures.

So the 24th of June, I hopped on to the 8.30pm flight for Dublin. I was on perhaps one of the only flights that departed on time, with the whole air traffic control strike in France.

All excited to be returning back to a 'no-stress' zone, back to Dad.

We had McDonalds, then he treated me to some goodies with watching Die Hard 4.

I had my new book and lovely view of the fluffy clouds, so I was happy with the journey.

Thanks for reading peeps,

Thankful Thursday | Flights booked & friendships

 TBT- Ile aux Cerf, little island off the east coast of Mauritius.

This week I had the pleasure of becoming 21. So in my opinion birthdays should last a full week. The birthday banners and balloons are still up and I just finished the cake yesterday.

My birthdays aren't as great as they used to be since my gran isn't around and she would be the person that would buy the cake. I do feel sad with not celebrating my birthdays as I should be doing. YOLO!

I also got the chance in buying a cupcake in the excuse of it being my 1st Bloganniversary.

I had been feeling quite lousy at the beginning of the week, with my lack of vitamin D that I miss from Ile Maurice, along with going to a home that doesn't feel like home. I miss my room and my piano so much. I miss being able to sing with having not to worry about being be too loud around the neighbors.

I had my friends at college, my acquaintances at work and my parents and grand-parents to help me forget about my left-to-my-dark-thoughts-sadness and distract me with private jokes, old stories from long ago and exciting things to look forward to.

The week ended with my grand-parents sending me a cheque and a sweet note for my birthday, my brother organising my flight for back home, news that my special unicorn friend having a surprise b-day gift in the post office and oh what else? Oh yes my deciding what University I want to go to. I've made up my mind.

The only thing left is to arrange accommodation for next year.

thankful thursday

- Waitrose snack shopping with college buddies.

- Bright Red Barry M Nails.

- Birthday cake, Chinese, pressies and skype call to family.

- A year of blogging fulfilled. I actually kept up with it. So thankful that I did.

- Woodland walkies. Never even knew they were here.

- My daddy: he sent me a message after chatting to him, that he misses me *tearing up*

- Freebies: Waitrose hot drinks before college with a pastry. Felt very grown up actually being able to run errands in the morning before college.

- Planning my trip home to Dublin & then to Edinburgh, to see my family that I haven't seen in approx 6 years.

- Receiving my final and most wanted offer for University. Nervousness followed by jumping on the spot, dancing, followed by crying. It was an exciting time for me.

- Having my friends to talk to. I felt soooo unbelievably grateful to have them over the week. Giving me advice and listening to me talk about my worries and opinions. Love u Peachy :) x

- Thankful for pjs, hot cocoa, sleep, pain killers (didn't want to be in agony at work), my phone, my ipod and relaxed couch potatoe moments with my 3 episodes of Sense & Sensibility.

My mum told me this evening she's happy that I have a place in Uni. I know it's supposed to be the kid that's happy in the end, but she wants me to pick a place I'll like, so she's the perfect mother in other words. She doesn't want me to choose a job that she sees fitting, she wants me to choose it. 

How's everyone been this week? Any ideas what you'll be doing this summer? Only a few more weeks left.

Thanks for reading,

 

My 1st Bloganniversary (5th May)

 "I want to thank my Mom, my dad, my pet rabbit Robert, the gardener-------" *Exaggerated crying with a microphone*

Well guys it's actually been a full year since I wrote my 1st blog. I can remember that day so well. My friend Edel had urged me to start one *real lame attempt of a cowgirl* and boooooy was she right!

Life has changed so much since last May. I was living in Galway, in the west of Ireland and I was in a course that was full of lads (nothing bad there every girl says). But since September I've been living in England in a class full of girls. Slight bit of a difference.

What do I enjoy most about blogging?

I have gotten on so well with many different bloggers from all over the world. Each having something about themselves that I can relate to. Lifestyle, beauty & fashion, even travel. I've taken my blog as a diary. I do write a journal but difference with a blog is people get to read it (scary somewhat)

Since September I've only been putting up posts that I know will suffice. But now it's been a year and I realise I have a lot to catch up on. I have two more assignments to finish. And hopefully I will REALLY PUSH MYSELF! To start some new exciting blog posts. My inspiration comes from the amazing bloggers I follow. I've seen their confidence soar and this gives me so much joy in how much they've accomplished with themselves.

What's next for 'The Giggles of Life'?

Well I've been thinking of some ideas, but please, any of you that do know me and have a sense in what interests I have, please let me know :)

Monthly favourites:

I had infact given this a chance last September but wasn't sure how confident I was with it. So maybe I'll be willing to give it another go.

Sit down Saturday:

This was only an idea I thought of a while back. Once a week, on a Saturday, I could just have a chat with you, on what's on my mind. It could relate to anything, life, fashion/media, movies, books, whatever it is I'll be looking for ideas on what to discuss.

Season style Album:

I LOVE fashion and beauty, so it only makes sense that I combine the two together and organise a post series with it. Each season I would give you a few examples into the outfits that I would wear.

Advice for new bloggers?

 - Relax and be yourself. Don't try to be like some blogger you idolise. You want people to relate to you not BE you!

- Keep to a consistent plan on when to publish your posts. Trust me on this. This is the only way on getting people to follow your blog. This allows them to know that you're not a waste of time, that you will write posts on a weekly/monthly basis.

- Add your original touch to it. You want your blog to be eye catching whether in the photos or in your writing style.

- Connect with others. This can easily be done with emails, twitter, instagram, pinterest, etc. It's a great way in advertising your blog and reaching out to people that you never expected to speak to. People that have the same interests you do or are going through similar difficulties that you are facing.

What I got up to

So on the day of my actual bloganniversay, it was a bank holiday so what best to do than to take a brisk walk in the sunshine.

I never knew there were little woodland pathways right beside where I live. So I have no reason to say no to jogging anymore. I dislike jogging with my headphones in, with being so close to the main road you see.

So from now I have a lovely quiet area to go to.

Today, I had a lovely morning with walking through the park, lighting a few candles in church, getting my free cappocino in Waitrose with a fruit salad and then meeting my lovely Peachy pal for some breakfast. We got ourselves some pastries to bring along with us to College. I myself chose a cinnamon danish twist, Mmmmm, tasty and well Peachy chose some paracetamol with her chocolate, hazelnut croissant, strange combo I must say.

I spent the day laughing mostly. Firstly, there was a fire alarm. I was packing away my things in the library, with the librarian telling me it wasn't a drill, Haahaa! I decided to leave my work (not fully finished yet, due in today) hoping that if there was a fire it would shrivel up and be gone forever. No need for the whole 'my fish ate my homework' excuse... fish, dog, whatever!
I then bought myself a little cupcake for my little special occasion on celebrating my 1st bloganniversary.

After legging it out with my friends from College, hiding from a certain tutor (not in the least way bothered to finish her work) I got home to organise some wonderful flights. Yes that's right Mauritius was simply not enough. What could be better than 3 weeks in Mauritius, I'll tell you, 22 hours in Dublin, along with 5 days in Edinburgh.

 These plans may sound silly/daft/WHAT THE HELL LIKE! but I just want to step on Ireland soil again and kiss the ground. So, silly plan being, on the 24th of June I will be going to Dublin, staying the night with my Dad in the Capitol, have my Mum, brother Aran and bestest pal Edel meet us the next day to go to the airport AGAIN! Reason being, that we will ALL be traveling to Edinburgh to visit by grand-parents, aunts and cousin. It will be 5 days of awesome and plus I get to practice my Scottish accent again.

I chose this silly way of getting to Edinburgh because the funny thing is, the plane ticket to Dublin and there, is cheaper than the train ticket from London.

What a year guys.
I hope that I have scared you a little with my weirdness. That way I make great friends.

Thank you all to everyone that has followed my blog up until now, I will try my best to keep you interested and entertained.

Love you all lots and lots like jelly tots,