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!!

Summer is at an End!

Summer is at an end and Autumn has finally arrived. Wholly jumpers, cosy socks and and hot chocolates are few of the magical things that this chilly season brings to my life.

I spent these past 5 weeks in Ireland, being at home in the countryside, just being where everything is familiar and relaxing. I think that with living in England it's difficult to use my spare time with writing blogs. Life seems to move so fast over there. Peace is THE hardest thing to get in Canterbury. Living with other students that come from big/ loud families (whether that's normal or not I do not know) is not what I'm used to but I myself grew up with my gran who was a quiet, shy person. There would be a lot of silence in the house which I loved. It was usually that time I read, wrote in my journals, slept, watched musicals while having tea and cake.

This summer wasn't anything too special but at the same time I'm glad nothing bad came out of it either. I was lucky to have my family, friends and neighbors. It wasn't the warmest of summers, so there were a lot of days with having the excuse of staying indoors watching movies, baking and playing the piano.

The highlights this summer were the days that I spent at the beach and hanging out with my mum in cafés after a long day of shopping.

So, seeing as this is a catchup, lifestyle post here is the usual photos of my days at the beach.

The sea breeze really does make a lovely change to the disgusting city polluted air that I walk around everyday. Summer wouldn't be summer if not having spent a day at the beach.

Queen Medb (old Irish way of spelling Maeve) was the warrior queen of Connacht, her home being in Rathcroghan, situated in the western Provence of Ireland.  It is said that her father was king of Connacht before becoming High King of Ireland and she became ruler of Connacht after him.  She had five husbands, and ruled for over 60 years.  She was also said to be the reason her husbands became kings, that to be the ruler of Connacht they had to be 'married to Medb' as in married to the land. The first mention of Medb is in the Cave of Cruachan, Oweynagat (in Rathcroghan), in the form of an Ogham inscription on the lintel stone placed in the cave during the 4th or 5th century CE. She appears in much of the literature of early Ireland, and our most famous, epic literary tale, the Táin Bó Cuilnge (Cattle Raid of Cooley) revolves around her, despite being known as the Ulster Cycle. Medb was a woman of her time. Under the Brehon Laws of ancient Ireland women had equality with men, they had the power to raise their own armies, hold their own property, participate in the court system as lawyers and judges, as well as pick their own partners. Marriage was a contract not a sacrament and so could last as long, or as short as the couple wished. 20 years or an afternoon. 

Historically, she would have lived sometime around the years 50 BCE - 50 CE, if she existed as a real flesh and blood queen.  And that is the question - was she real?

To me as a child I believed she existed. The Táin Bó Cuilnge story and Cath Boinde (the Battle of the Boyne)was perhaps 70% of our history module that we did in Primary School, which is funny to think about having spent 8 years there.

Naturally there was cake and some sort of refreshment. I knew this would be my final journey to Shells Café (Funeral March comes in) so I opted for the homemade gluten free chocolate cake and iced tea.

I hope everyone had a more exciting summer than I did. Sometimes I wonder will I ever have those amazing summers like I had when I was younger. The days were hotter, happier and a lot more laid back.

Cheers for reading,

Blogging Vacation is Over!

Canterbury

"It's been a long, long time...."

Wow, this can't possibly be happening!!!! Kayla back to blogging!!

Yes! I have come out of my hibernation and am back to typing furiously about my not-so-exciting life!

I suppose you all deserve to know what has been going on my life. Well first off, I had been working 3 jobs. One of which with M&S, I happened to love. The others, bar-tending in a club and waitressing were quite stressful. Not so much of being afraid of making mistakes but of the owners.

Then in April '15 I left London and moved to Canterbury in Kent to start my nursing course.

It's only been a little over a month into my course and it's interesting in certain areas. Some of the basics are a little droll to hear but it has to be done.

I consider myself lucky to have the house-mates I have because I had a bad enough experience with College house-mates back in Ireland. I live with five girls and all of which have different personalities. Two of the girls I get on really well with. You'll find that we go to church together, sing in the Christian Union together and watch our favourite movies together. Homesickness doesn't seem to be a big deal as I've been living over here since 2013.
There are days when I'm awfully bored but there's always something new to look forward to. For instance I have my bestie Edel coming over in June. Lots to show her and also lots of movies to get through.

Canterbury is perfect for me, with its cafés, library's and parks. I love to walk in a unknown direction and get lost. I'll end up finding hidden gems, like craft shops or old, historic buildings.

My friend Claudia and I like to go for some tea and cake and have a long chat about our interests and stories.

This little park is one of the pretty places I get to stroll through while walking into town.

Canterbury is a very expensive city to live in however, so as a student I have to give myself a set budget per week on saving money. I admit that I take care of myself first because I'm the only love in my life, so a treat is allowed once a week, for example that could be going to the cinema or for a meal.

Getting back to blogging will be hard. If you could ever believe I have more free time now than I did when I was working, so perfect time to be getting back into it.

And another nice thing I get to do today is giving myself the time to catch up on everyones blogs... well the favourites that is, with a nice subway.

Lots of love,

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 :: 3 :: Winter Fashion & Comfort!

Oooooh, I'm not sure if you've noticed, but there are now 3 lit baubles above. Seriously guys, just 9 more days till Christmas.... and my advent calendar is still keeping strong. This for me is like 'Kayla-Transformation!' In a way, it is almost like a pre-diet for me. I'm a chocoholic, and with sharing this awful news, every year I find it an extremely difficult challenge, to get by each day! I'm beginning to throw some nasty looks are the shopkeeper in the Cadbury Store beside my work place! The amount I leave with, people probably think they're presents, nope! They're for me! Cos I am actually that much of a pig!

Anyways....

I love the fashion in Summer, but for me, I feel as though I dress up more elegantly at Christmas. Christmas day I try to go as classy as possible. My Mum and I have always planned our outfits. Bought in advance, heehee. She this year, bought my outfit, and I haven't even seen it yet. All I've been told is that it's a Topshop skater style, black dress with long sleeves, some sort of diamante and lace in it as well. I usually like to wear black on Christmas Day and go all Sparkle! That way it all pops out.
I will do my best to take a few snaps of the dress on Christmas Day and show them to you. And while I do that, I'll show you guys my Mums outfit. She is after all the person I got my love for style from.

In winter, we have the chance in blending different colours and fabrics with layering clothes and accessories. It's much more fun than Summer clothes. Part of me just likes not having to show off too much skin and gladly being able to cover myself with material, heehee. So far for me, it's been all lovely Christmasy jumpers (both long and crop), long skirts, high waist skirts, woolly tights layered with socks and lots and lots of scarves. Let's not forget my thermal gear because yes I am a hundred years old!! 

Winter is the time to have as many baths as you want, using either excuses that you're cold or feeling unwell. Knowing that as soon as you come out of the steaming tub, your snugly, Christmas themed pjs are waiting for you. You spend most of your day in them as well, making you feel as though you're a hippy with a 'I-don't-give-a-s**t' attitude.

So, with all this typing I got lost on WeHeartIt

I really would love to be able to carry off being a blonde like these girls, but it can only be a fantasy in my life.

If you are indeed enjoying this little series, please leave a comment below telling me why and if there are indeed any certain styles about winter fashion that you love... I'm all ears :)

Thanks for reading,

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.

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 | 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,