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 | 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 | 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!

Sit Down Saturday | Catching up with Old Friends

A bit of a catch up for ye guys. Today is the first Saturday that I've actually stayed at home, since being back for the summer. So instead I've decided to post some recent pictures of my meetup with some of my old school friends, Shauna, Edel (you've heard of many times) & Lisa.

I chatted with Shauna over hair, makeup, life and family over a pot of tea. We then went shopping (well let's call it window shopping, we're students after all) I myself bought a Wolverine t-shirt from 'Primark' (Pennies), huge fan of x-men. And waiting (impatiently for Shauna, heehee) for the Pizza place to open.

We bought some delicious ice-creams and took a brisk walk to the park. The heat was brilliant!

Then as a little tradition we saw 'If I Stay' in the cinema. The film was good. I'd describe it as a movie for music, teenager romance fans. I mostly enjoyed talking to Shauna through the yawning parts. For those who haven't seen it, the ending was not what Shauna was expecting, which had me laughing.
The girls haven't changed much for their personality part, which made it feel as if nothing has ever changed. Of course our lives have changed, but nothing too extreme about ourselves.

Also, a little warning, the pictures I took were from my phone, I stupidly left my camera at home, but ah well, better than nothing!

I saw this Zebra in the shop and thought of my friend Peachy. I like the idea of letting her know that her friendship is not forgotten, that it's very much valued.

I got a wee photo of Shauna in the cinema...

and Lisa.

I don't see them that often, so it was necessary to get pictures.

We wanted to get a picture of all of us in the same row, as we did a few years back. Oh we thought we were so smart, Haa!

You might think nothing has changed. That we look the same as we did years back, but personally speaking I can see the changes. It's lovely to have these pictures to look back on.

'Shells Cafe' | Strandhill Beach, Co. Sligo

Last Sunday, I had a lovely day with my parents, out shopping, eating and walking by the sea. 

I got a lovely, simple jumper & a set of PJs from 'Pennies' (Primark). I always feel better going home with something, even if it's something small.The idea of jumping into new PJ's is sadly exciting... Haaaa, how pathetic am I?

The photos aren't exactly great quality, I know, but I just wanted to show you the little metal basket pot for the chips. My Mum is obsessed with these little things. And the best place to hunt these cool tools are in 'Ikea'. I myself chose the beef roast. In England it's all currys and kebabs, so having the traditional food, that is quite bland but homely in its taste, was nice and familiar.

And afterwards, we went for dessert in one of my favourite little spots, 'Shells Cafe'.

The cafe itself also has a little shop, with some cakes, jams, organic foods and handmade crafts.

The couple that owns it have a very hippy, save-the-planet, recycle attitude with how they decorate the place. No chairs or tables match. Colanders for lamp shades. The staff have no particular uniform. And everyday they have different cakes out on display. It's one of the reasons why I love the place, with always having the chance in eating something new every time you visit.

Of course, the cafe has the view of the beach, of Strandhill. So, that is amazing. A while back they had some of the stars from 'Home & Away' in the cafe. I feel like I'm in the show when I'm there (some of the staff are Australian, so maybe that's the reason why)

I asked for the gluten-free chocolate cake with cream and a skimmed, organic hot chocolate. Both were so delicious. Next time I'm planning on buying a packet of their organic hot cocoa powder.

My Mum told me to take a picture of this for Edel (Bestie), cos she knows of her love for popcorn. Seriously though, it does look cool!

And another thing, look at the labels... all drawn! I love the originality the place has.

Mummy bought me this soap from the gift store. She asked me, 'How do you use soap?... Do you wet it?' like she was serious as well. I was hoping the shopkeeper could hear her.

Anyway, let me know of any other little cafes you like to go to or that you have heard good reviews on.... I love my hot drinks, cakes and exploring around you see  :)

Thanks for reading cupcakes,

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 #3 | A day of giggles, little purchases & freaky friends

Howya, from far and wide.

Can you believe it's June! It took me until this morning (yesterday heehee) to realise how just one year ago I flew over, for my interview for College. I can't wait to compare this months journey to last years. I say I did more stuff last year, as I wasn't studying then.

Day 3 June 2014

My main picture is of (top right) Robyn and (bottom left) Peachy from The Randomness of Unicorns. Robyn is Kiera Knightly in my eyes and Peachy is Peaches from Ice-Age. She's so cute! :)

I've never been a person afraid to make friends in different schools and places, just be yourself 'n all.

But I was lucky to have the bunch of girls in this course, even with the silly dramatic commotions I felt happy knowing what to expect in life. Honesty, back-stabbing, trust, were some of the things I have learned so much more about this year. I'm putting my trust out there more than I used to.

I spent my day laughing in class, laughing in the library, laughing in the corridors, laughing on the streets, in the shops, supermarket. Pretty much there was a lot of giggles going on. I only had 3 sugars in my cappachino (didn't make much sense) :D

Our lunch break usually goes along the lines as, getting something to eat, looking around the shops (Tuesday, it was Waterstones, SuperDrug, New Look, Greggs Bakery, Waitrose).

I met a fella with a purple wig on the street (singing to him that song from the Madagascar movie, the one with the Zebra wearing a clowns wig), bought a pastel coloured, flowery necklace in New Look (which I've wanted for a while now), danced to Ed Sheeran in Hopscotch sweet shop (bought my 1st twinkie - DELICIOUS!), bought a new box of Pukka tea (Love) and laughed my Irish behind off to some Vine videos.

I came home to slap a superdrug mask on my face,

 with a cup of my new Pukka tea, while watching 'Mamma Mia'. Perfect feel good movie :)

The Giggles of Life - Instagram

Thanks to you from me, damn!... have The Beatles in my head now!

Anyways, thanks for reading blogging peeps,

Let me know how your day went. Anything fun? Any giggles? Any guys in purple wigs?

Thankful Thursday | A day of shopping & looking around

Hello fellow peeps.

I am just now realising that I am almost finished with this years course in Barnet. With the help of god (and money) I'll be living in Kent next Feb/ April.

I have a lot to feel grateful for this week. Maybe the pressure of handing in my last two assignments has had something to do with it.

I feel lighter, happier knowing that I don't need to procrastinate anymore at night, pulling my hair out!

I had a fun week with spending Friday night in London, with my friend Jaz for her 19th birthday. We had an enjoyable time with randomly enough a pikachu bag pack. I survived Sundays work shift, enjoyed a good burger out in the sun in my pjs, discovered a new beautiful, if I may say so, travelling journal to pop all my explorations from the past and of my upcoming adventures of the future. I haven't been able to put it down since getting it.

The rest of week was a blur with appreciating that I had no work till this following Saturday. I received a sheep teddy as a b-day pressie from my good friend Peachy, sat down with my numerous tv show finales. Now, where should I start, well 'Grey's Anatomy' had me in tears from sadness (saying goodbye to Sandra Oh who has been with the show for 10 years, 'Bones' had me gobsmacked with the tension and twist of the storyline, lastly 'The Mentalist' finally gave us fans what we've wanted for the last 6 years... Lisbon and Jane. I had my face glued to the screen, almost on the verge of punching my almost-dead laptop. Simon Baker will you marry me? HaaaHaaa... be a bit embarrassing if the fella googles himself and comes across this... heehee, *awkward silence*... moving on...

Thankful Thursday

- Harry Potter Gift shop at King's Cross station: giving me the fond memories from when I was youngster (currently watching Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2 on ITV)

- The sunshine: making the world a happier place.

- Ice-cream: Baskin Robins strawberry at that.

- Caramel Frappachino (McDonalds) and Mocha cookie crumble Frappochino (Starbucks)

- Sleep

- Face masks:  making a difference to my dull, lifeless skin... thank you Superdrug to your 99p (3 for 2) masks.

- Eating breakfast and lunch outside in the garden.

- My friend Linda for making me laugh when times were looking troubled.

- A LONG Skype call with my bestie. Discussing everything that we've been up to in the last few weeks.

- Sending mum her birthday presents and card (a burberry purse and a lush bath bomb)

- Ella Hendersons voice while typing assignments.

- My old friends: for staying in contact with me over the last few months. Valuing and appreciating their friendships each day that goes by.

- Huckleberry Barry M nail varnish: even just being able to wear it without worrying about taking it off the next day for work.

- Fun times with my cuz... re-enacting Harry Potter.

- Costa caramel latté.

Instagram has been a lovely place to add some pictures throughout this week. I love to look back and smile of the good old days.


Today after an appointment in Hatfield, I went around the shops for a bit.

Mmm, a tuna and cheese toasty with a lovely caramel latté.

I did love the first dress but I have many dresses that are styled that way. So I went with the second option.

Sheep: No name yet.

This summer will all be about baking :)

The cakes are my favourite :)

I bought myself a book from Mary Ford of baking and a lovely (pride and prejudice style) dress from Love Struck.
As you can see, there's my new sheep from my pal Peachy. I'm trying to come up with a name for him. He looks drunk most of the time, can't seem to sit up straight. So I'll be giving him an Irish name I think.

Thank you fro reading guys. I hope you're all having a splendid week.