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

Blogmas - Day 5 - Gospel Choir Service & Christmas Cocktails

Gospel Choir in CCCU Chapel

So myself and my friend Becks are in the Gospel Choir. It's not only students that are in it but lecturers and people from other places.

We had such a great time. We sang a lot of songs by Kirk Franklin (the King composer of Gospel music)

My favourites were "Now Behold The Lamb", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "Reign", "Joy to the World" and "Mary Did You Know". Our conductor also sang us a song with his guitar. I could see my housemates and friends standing up and sing Joy to the World with us. I was really in my element, smiling down at them. It was really something like out of 'Sister Act'. Our conductor was sprinting down the aisle and clapping to the audience. Seriously was a fun night to remember.

Afterwards, myself and my friends went out for a few cocktails and played a bit of pool. I of course went for the cocktails that had more of the percentage of alcohol, compared to the rest of the others. We hadn't been out in a while seeing as we are seriously feeling the nerves getting to us now with everything such as assignments, exams, placement and work. We're all a bunch of busy bees dying to get home and to finally have a break over the Christmas.

The Gospel choir is something of which that I happened to commit myself to, simply because the people are lovely and some that I've met have real soul and passion for music. Every rehearsal that we have, our conductor makes us laugh so so much.

My good friend Becks did a solo in "Now Behold the Lamb"... I still get teary when I hear her sing. If you could just see her, you'd agree that she is just so amazing! Our conductor said that this song will be hers for the next 3 years. 'Proud' doesn't even cover it!

I know this is supposed to be a countdown for Christmas Day but I am actually counting down to the 17th - the day I arrive in Dublin.

11 Days left guys!

Blogmas - Day 4 - Secret Santa Christmas Gift Ideas

Source: Etsy

Etsy

These beautiful gems I recently bought for my housemate (for Secret Santa) from Etsy. The problem with Secret Santa is that for certain people you would know well what to buy them, mine was quite difficult. In the end if she doesn't like the gifts she could give them to her sister or mum. Not a total loss.

But I have come up with an idea. Something of which I'd like... not so sure about my housemate.... sure we'll see on the 14th of December, the day we have our Christmas dinner and open our gifts.

Onto the gifts....

I bought a medium sized blue glittery box for all of the gifts to go inside. I also bought a long white lace strip of snowflakes, so that will be stuck around the box to add a little more Christmas dazzle to it. Not forgetting the silver bow on top... duh!

Inside, stuck to the lid of the box will be a note to my housemate.

"Nurse's Survival Kit.... Especially for you.

+ Sweets (fudge freshly made from a shop in Canterbury town) - to give you energy.

+ Candles [3] (oyster filled turquoise soy wax candles in rose and vanilla scents) - your smiling face lights up the room.

+ Matchsticks - to keep your eyes open from working the night shift.

+ Teabag - relax and put your feet up with a cuppa.

+ Coffee - to keep you awake during long shifts.

+ Marbles - to replace the ones you have lost.

+ Elastic band - for when you are stretched to your limits.

+ Safety pin - because you keep your patients safe.

+ Wooden plaque - a sign that your heading down the right route.

+ Oyster (used to hold jewellery) - You can do anything you want - the world is your oyster."

Let me know what ideas you have. Opened to anything really.

Festive Feelings :: 8 :: Appreciating Your Friends & Family!

All year round we're busy bees, yet somehow at the busiest time of the year, we make the effort in telling the people that we care about how much they matter to us.

Christmas we know how hard it'll be in pushing ourselves to send pressies, cards, visiting the neighbors, meeting up with friends. We go out of our way because the rest of the year we don't have to explain ourselves. There are plenty of excuses!

I love Christmas for being the time to visit my family, neighbors and friends. Usually I visit my family in one day, travelling in the car with my mum. I give the Christmas cards to them and have a nice chat over tea and Christmas cake.

With friends it's a lot harder. Last year, I went for a meal with some of the old school friends and it was just lovely catching up on our lives. Sadly I won't meet them this year, but I hope they know that they're in my thoughts.

I managed to send each of them cards. Even though I'm in a different country, doesn't mean I can't send a simple card. What does it take? A short journey to the post office!!

Christmas is exciting for meeting people that you haven't seen in such a long period of time. It's an exciting time to get dressed up and show people that you don't just live in your work uniform, heeehee.

At least with these holidays, 'work' never has to be a subject on which to discuss. It's the time where you really want to forget about it. And pretend in a way that you're never going back.

The family aren't working, which means there doesn't have to be any stress in having to go to bed early. No one has to worry about there being any appointments. I myself have the pleasure in not having to wake up to the alarm!! Oh how that bugger annoys me! Seriously!

So remember your loved ones this Christmas. Ring them up and just talk about anything. Visit them by surprise with a bouquet of flowers and a card. You may just brighten their day. Give the time to show them that they're special to you.

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 | 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,

Sit Down Saturday | My Pre-blogging Life

I don't exactly stick to my posts routine as much as I should but I if I don't feel like writing anything, well I shouldn't feel pushed to do so.

I was thinking how before I started this blog, my life was a little different. There are both pros and cons to it. But overall I'm sticking to it. I feel happy to blog. And I feel happy meeting friendly, uplifting bloggers.

Cons on my pre-blogging life

I didn't travel to as many places and write about them - And when I did travel, I had nothing like a photo album to remember it by. I had my diaries but I find I get more emotions from a photo.

I didn't have the blogging friends I have today - I've met such amazing people with similar and different interests and hobbies. It's amazing how we can all help each other and give one another advice. If I want advice on fashion, I'll know who to go to. If I want help or advice on mental health and life, I'll know who to go to. If I want inspiration, I'll know who to go to. I don't have to be afraid to ask for help. The blogging community is there for us to connect and to be happy. I feel so happy when I press the 'publish' button. I feel relieved that I actually pushed my a** to do it!! And to not be afraid whether people will like it or not.

Pros on my pre-blogging life

I spent more time reading books - The blurb at the back of the book can only give you a fair idea of what the story entails, but you may spend days reading and becoming disappointed with its conclusion. However, with a blog, it takes minutes to read and the title along with its main picture is its blurb. I do enjoy to read in bed at night just for a hour or two (I usually fall to sleep from reading). So it usually takes me a few days to complete it. I'm far too busy to be reading books during the day. There's always someone needing me to do something.

Less time on the laptop - I didn't have to research on the laptop on fashion styles, or waste minutes of my life, catching up on my twitter and instagram, in doing so staying in contact with my followers. Most of the time why I go on these social medias is to get ideas on my blog and to catch up on my favourites. Instead of trying to be like everyone else, I find amazing women out there that are original in their own creative way, and that is what I idolise about them.

Are you happy with blogging? Is there anything that you miss about your pre-blogging life?

I do hope you all had a pleasant Saturday xx

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.

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 :)