Blogmas - Day 2 - Why family is important at Christmas Time

Source: We Heart It

I do wonder what it must feel like to have no family or no one else in the world to care for you during Christmas... I wouldn't want to say "I know how you feel!" because I don't. I feel loneliness at times but then again nearly everyone does.

My mum has always told me that I should take at least one moment of everyday to thank god/ the universe or reflect on everything I have in my life and to be grateful for it. So I do. Usually when it's the happiest point of my day.

When I was younger, probably around six, I was watching the news with my mum, Granny and Granddad and I remember finding out in that moment what death really meant. And during that time I thought it only happened to you as you got older. So I cried by myself by the back door of the house sitting on the floor with the dog beside me. My Mum knelt down next to me and told me that Granny and Granddad wouldn't die... of course it's something you'd say to a child but from then on I made sure to never take them for granted. Christmas is the time to have time to think and to make sure you show your family and friends that you do love them. Then as I got older I saw how anyone could die and not just from old age.

Gifts of course I do love them but to be honest I've never been excited for them (apart from 3 gifts I've ever ever received in my life... to be continued on another post) ... sounding a little selfish.... but I get excited for buying the gifts for people where I know they love to get them. It's tricky in my family as we don't really care about getting them. We're pretty much happy with the goodies, music, movies and dressing up. All the same we still put smiles on our faces to express how thankful we are.

Christmas time is really about making sure someone doesn't feel alone in this world. That they are cared for and that they matter. My parents have invited so many people into our home over all of the Christmases I can remember. A cousin that we had barely known, his mother and father had passed away in the same year and he didn't feel welcomed in his siblings houses for the holiday celebrations, so my parents invited him to spend it with us. Another year my aunt came from the Caribbean and stayed with us for a few months as she tried to sort out her life. Even dads friend was welcomed into our home when he had just separated from his wife and wasn't allowed to see his children.

It's the family that shows us what Christmas really means. And mine really has worn their hearts on their sleeves and has opened our home to anyone who is going through a rough patch. It's all I know about Christmas. And if I didn't have a family I really don't know what I would do at this time of year.

So be thankful and full of praise towards your family. Thank the universe for that goodness you have yet in your lives. Even with every disastrous that is happening in the world today, it really does show you how your life can change in the most unexpected times. Think about that and just take this moment to know what you have right before you!! Christmas lights, decorations, music and gifts will never go away, they will always be around at Christmas in many years to come but family may not.

Love them and share that love to others who need it!!

Festive Feelings :: 9 :: Culture & Religion

Today I spoke to a girl I work with about what Christmas means to her. And I asked how she celebrates it. She comes from Poland and from there, they have many traditions. For example, Christmas Eve is the time where they celebrate Christ. Christmas Day not so much. They lay straw under the table mat while they eat, in recognition of Jesus Christ in the manger. And when the first star appears, they can open their gifts. Her Christmas includes, making 12 meals, all vegetarian and also setting an extra dinner plate aside. It's a way of showing that everyone shouldn't alone at Christmas and that anyone is welcome into their home. At their meal, they all pass around bread, basically the same bread we have for holy communion. Everyone takes a piece and passes it on to the next person and makes a wish for that person. For example, wishing someone luck for their journey across seas.

These traditions sounded so beautiful to me, and I felt happier knowing more about other cultures out there and the way they celebrate this holiday.

I'm very careful over here in the UK, at work that is, in wishing someone a 'Merry Christmas'. That person may very well not celebrate Christmas. So I should respect that persons beliefs and opinions. My Manager doesn't celebrate Christmas which is funny and probably a little annoying for him in a way, because everyone has to wear their Christmas outfits to work this week, plus there's the whole Christmas album on repeat. And the whole time there's kids crying, wanting pressies. So my manager kinda wants to kick them when he sees them. Doesn't like Christmas or kids. This at this time of year is very amusing to me.

On another note, today someone asked me what I was wanting for Christmas. Simply nothing. I don't like the sentence, 'I want *insert* for Christmas'. People should not want but need, love, happiness and hope at Christmas.

I will celebrate it with the traditions I have grown up with. And yes, even if it seems a little repetitive I'm glad it remains so. It's a laugh at times, but also very sweet.

Please let me know how you celebrate at this time of year. Or what your main holiday is.

I'm very interested in knowing other cultures and religions.

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.

Festive Feelings :: 7 :: What Truly Matters | Feeling Blessed!

So another thing that I LOVE about Christmas is feeling blessed and appreciative with what I have. It's a great time to reflect on my life and to know how lucky I am. So many people out there don't get to have dinner with their families or have the comfort of a warm home. Some people don't know what it's liked to be loved or to be even noticed.

I know at this time of year that my family are there for me. They know me so well.
I feel so lucky and proud of my family for looking out for one another. For the things that truly matter, we are loyal and protective of one another.

Christmas for me, is the time to thank God for everything he has given me. For the family and people that I have met along the way in my life, and for the lessons I have learnt that have helped me evolve. 

So be sure this Christmas to remember what this time of year really means. It's not just for gifts and leisure's you know!! Do a good deed and you will feel true happiness. Not happiness that you get from opening gifts, but a different happiness. Something that can last with you forever.

Festive Feelings :: 6 :: Snow - Making Christmas Special!

Having snow at Christmas just makes everything so magical, especially in countries where it doesn't happen often.

This year, however, I would prefer for it to delay a bit, as my family are travelling by plane and I don't want any problems.

Back home in Ireland though, living in the countryside, it can be so pretty. The Christmases that do have the magical snowflakes are usually the ones I mostly remember. There is one Christmas in particular that I can remember from when I was really young (believed in Santa at this stage) and I woke up on Christmas Day and went into my brothers bedroom, which was right beside mine. I woke him up and looked out his window and saw how all of the fields were absolutely covered in a deep blanket of snow. Having that as a surprise made the day even more special. That Christmas I had my Harry Potter books, which was the best gift that Santa ever gave me. Me and my brother had other family over that Christmas as well and we all went out in the snow and had snowball fights on the road at the bottom of the hill. They were the Christmases that I miss the most. Where my family all got on well together and made an effort for the day.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels as though snow has a magical affect on people. It may cause a lot of damage and be pretty damn cold, but all year long it's the same thing. Rain, wind and sun. I'm just happy that I still have that loving memory of that one wonderful Christmas.

Source: WeHeartIt

Festive Feelings :: 2 :: Lights, Church, Family & Hope!

More than the majority of people love Christmas decorations, reason probably being that they're so pretty. I'm a person who gets bored quite easily with routines and the such, with seeing the same old buildings everyday, but come Christmas the towns are all lit up and decorated in celebration. We all wish that the lights would stay up forever, but then where would that leave us? We wouldn't have anything to look forward to throughout the year.

I love to give myself a goal and to achieve it. Mistakes is what I learn from and what I am thankful for. And Christmas is the goal where family is the center point of the holiday. I myself get excited about going to Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, more so than the revealing of gifts. They're very much appreciated and valued, but it shouldn't be what matters. I get annoyed myself with seeing how the media, tv adverts and the likes are just portraying Christmas to people as a time for getting excited over gifts. You know what gets me excited? Just normal days out with family and friends. I'm that kid who picks up a toy for a few minutes then forgets about it the next.

Going to Church I see a whole community, full of families, no matter what sizes they are, come together to sing and pray. My brother says he doesn't pray, but he enjoys coming to be apart of something. It's nice to have tradition. Hearing the most wonderful hymns, such as my favourites; Silent Night, Oh Holy Night, The First Noel, Hallelujah and Panis Angelicus. They to me sound so magical. So yes, going to Carol Services is always a must every year. Back home in Ireland, on Christmas Eve, I go only for the music, beautifully lit candles and the peaceful atmosphere. Candles make me feel hopeful and uplifted. Sometimes I lay there at night, staring at the flame. Just meditating upon it and clearing my mind.

Lights give me hope, Church gives me hope and family gives me hope! I'm not a positive person but I am in a way a strong person. And one goal in my life is to hang on to whatever hope I have.

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

Merry Christmas Everybody,

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

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

So, food!

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

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

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

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

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

Drinks!!

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

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

Thankful Thursday | 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'

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

Hello All,

Recently, the lovely Sinead from Dreaming Again tagged me for this beauty of an award... Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award!

Aww love, you have me all blushing! Thank you so much. I know I've been away for a while and it means a lot to me that you still value my blog.

The Rules are as follows:

• Thank & link the blogger who nominated you.
• Include the award logo in your post.
• Answer the set of 10 questions that the blogger who nominated you has provided.
• Supply your own set of 10 questions.
• Nominate 10 other bloggers.

Now onto the exciting part.

My answers to Sineads wonderful questions... *Countdown theme tune*

1 - What advice would you give to your younger self?

Work harder at school! Maybe study a little more, haahaa! Oh and let others in. Try to let people understand you a bit more.

2 - What is your favourite thing to do when you have nothing to do?

On my own that is, I would have the music (as long as it has a good beat!) blared up to the max and I would not dance but jump! And if I have nothing more else to do, I would either sing with musical accompaniment, watch a good movie or ring my Mum back in Ireland and have a nice chat.

3 - Why did you decide to start a blog?

Imaginary friends ---- heehee, joke! Well even though it may not look like it during these recent few months, with my life being a little on the busy side, I love sharing my interests and thoughts. Plus, instead of letting my photos go to waste, I get to share them with you guys.

4 - If you could live in any other country in the world where would it be?

Currently looking at the map! There's lots of places that I would gladly visit, but live? If I had to chose anywhere other than I am now in England, I'd choose... Australia.

5 - Would you rather spend £100 all on make-up or clothes?

CLOTHES!! I would wear clothes everyday (or would I?), but not make-up, heehee!

6 - If you could give one piece of advice to a large audience what would it be?

"Stop taking life so seriously!! You could get hit by a car when you leave this room or collapse from the poison I may or may not have put in your drinks! *crowd murmur* What I'm saying is, life is much shorter than we realise and here we are, wishing our lives were different with beauty or fortune! Be happy with what you've got!" I seriously get carried away in my own mind with these scenarios!

7 - Would you rather have to eat Chinese or Italian food for the rest of your life?

That much carbs!! No thank you! I'll stick to the Chinese. Aromatic duck, Mmmmm!

8 - If you could go on a date with one celebrity who would it be?

Ok, something you should know about me! I am more attractive to older guys! Not 70! Jeeze! But if it was down to either David Boreanaz or Hugh Jackman it would have to be.... erm... eenie, meenie, mineie, moe... Hugh Jackman. It was the Australian accent that pulled me in. Plus if he wasn't that even good of a date, I could ask him to play one of his movie characters! We all know he's a good actor, dancer and singer! Could be the perfect date, heehee.

9 -What specific character trait do you want to be known for?

Caring. I would like to be known for someone who cared genuinely and did all they could to keep their friends and family happy.

10 - What is your biggest pet peeve?

Hmm, well there's the whole people eating with their mouths open. As well as, people trying to be posh, or somebody they're not! Oh and also, when you open the dvd case and it's empty or contains a different disc! That frustrates me.

My questions for you to answer:

1 - What calms you down when you're stressed?

2 - Do you feel that blogging has made a difference in your life? How?

3 - With your lottery winnings of £5 million, how would you spend it?

4 - What is the most important trait you look for in a person (friend/partner)?

5 - When you think of your childhood, what pops into your mind?

6 - With Christmas coming, what is the one thing your most looking forward to?

7 - Can you recommend a must-watch movie / book that has inspired you?

8 - If you were a celebrity, what would you like to be famous for?

9 - Do you have any unusual, funny habits/ guilty pleasures?

10 - What about the weekends do you get most excited for?

I nominate:

a whole lot of chitty chat
being little
Dib-Dab-Debs
Cider with Rosie
Dear Ms Leigh
EdelBelle!
Lux Life
The Earth through a Lens
The Randomness of Unicorns
Things Tanith Did

Thanks for reading guys,

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 | 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!