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.

Sit Down Saturday | Worries for new life in University

It's Saturday. Meaning I get to talk to you guys about what's on my mind. I'm trying my best to live in the present, but my mind wanders to the future. Full of excitement for University, new friends, new accommodation.

Finding a Saturday during the holidays to actually sit down and write this series is hard... really hard! Like right now, I'm in a pub writing this... A PUB! And yes all the auld fellas are at the bar telling tales about their younger selves and their greatest achievements such as winning the gold in the county Feis. The younger fellas are looking at me as though I'm crazy... *muttering* "Barely no mates!" Sadly I don't have my usual hot drink to accompany me with this post, but Cidona will have to suffice.

I'd like to just share with you guys about my worries for this coming year (and next). Some of you may understand these worries a young student faces.

I worry of my new (possibly) upcoming job for this fall. The idea of starting something new and messing up really frightens me. Mistakes are necessary they say, but I hate letting people down.

I'm afraid of starting University in April 2015 and knowing no one. Living in a city by myself for god knows how long. Because in all honesty I don't know when I'll be home next. I hope my accommodation is homely. I hope that I meet great people. I hope that I don't get too homesick. In London I'm living with my Aunt, Uncle & cousin so it isn't so bad. But there are good things to living in Kent next year, a new start. I'll be living by myself for the first time. I won't have a place to come home to every weekend like most students do. I won't have disruptions from my family fighting. And as well as, I'll have a beautiful city to explore. It will be an adventure.

I just hope to survive the rest of this year in London. It's wonderful, but living with people that don't see eye to eye isn't exactly a homely feeling to a house. There's no privacy or relaxation as well which doesn't exactly help.

If any of you have any advice I'd be delighted to hear it :)

Sit Down Saturday | Flaws 'n all!

Another Saturday :)

Is it always a bad thing? Making you feel all doom and gloom and being negative towards life. Or is it better to be honest with yourself and know exactly who you are, regardless of your flaws? I feel happier knowing my flaws. Rather than fooling myself believing I'm perfect.

I have many flaws. More than I can count, but there are values of myself that I'm quite proud of. As you get older you recognise more flaws about yourself, and it can go either way. With caring what others think and feeling awful with yourself OR being able to improve this flaws and to make you a better person. Only do it for yourself!

I sadly can't change flaws such as clumsiness and 'thinking before I speak', so I'll just have to live with them. But it does hurt me from time to time. Making me feel like the odd one out. How can I be that person who doesn't give a shi*? I appear to people as the confident, always up for a good laugh Irish one, but there can be days where the wall crumbles and shows my vulnerability.

What keeps me going is thinking about what is next to come. Ooh, like for example, tomorrow I'll be meeting a friend. That sort of thing that'll give me some optimism.

Are there days like this that can eat you up? How do you manage to shine a light on the bright side? To keep it together?

 

Sit Down Saturday | Being Away From Home

Hey guys,

I found out this evening that I didn't have to work. Great news!

Today's choice of hot drink: Hot chocolate

I took this picture two years ago, while going for a walk with Edel. I just love the flowers we have back home.

For people like myself who are living away from home for the first time will know how hard it is. Living here for the first few months was fine. It was exciting being able to do things for myself and getting to meet new people. I had a new job, new friends and had started a new course, so everything was exciting.

I would advise to people though that to enjoy life over here you need money. Back home it's the same, but then I have mum and dad paying for holiday breaks and things. There are certain things to consider over here, that my friends may be working, have families of their own and that they affordability may be a problem. So wanting to go to new adventurous places may be problematic. I have had lots of independent time to think for myself this year. I've focused a lot on myself. Trying to change certain things that I'm not happy about myself. Change for the better.

Deciding on where I hope to be living was perhaps one of the most worrying issues I've ever had to face. I'm a very indecisive person, everyone knows that about me. But I grew up with a mother where, what you pay for, you need to be absolutely sure it wasn't a waste. So I decided with accepting my offer from Canterbury Christ Church University. Hopefully everything goes well anyway.

The things I miss most about home are:

- The comfort of my own house and of the local towns.

- Waking up without an alarm. Instead I have sheep outside my window telling me to wake up.

- My family, close friends, Edel, my neighbours and the local shopkeepers and bartenders. Just seeing people from the local shops and pubs makes me feel as though I'm home.

- Days in the house when Mum & Dad are working, and me and my brother have the music full blast in the house. I miss spending time with my brother, watching movies, playing the PS3. Even when we're bored with the pubs with our families, we'll just talk in the car outside.

- Eating wherever I want around the house. Here in England, living with my aunt & uncle, they're serious about eating at the table and to be there at the exact time to eat. Back home we're really not that serious. We're relaxed and don't really care where we sit and eat. Also everyone but me in the family eats with their mouths open, so that's a little irritating to be around, heehee.

- Spending time with Edel, I miss her humour, her smiles and our DMC's where we'll stay up will 6am talking about our ambitions and fantasies... sleepovers are the best!

I am more excited about returning home than I was for Christmas or when I was going to Mauritius. As well as, I'll be having my birthday meal and seeing my house all done up on the outside.

Thanks for reading sheepys,

Sit Down Saturday | You can choose your friends but not your family!

You must be there for your family they say. You must be loyal, caring, protective and supportive to them.

Today's choice of tea: Pukka 'Love' Tea (chamomile, lavender flower & organic rose.)

I used to stand by this, with family being the most important thing, and they are, I mean my Mum, Dad, brother, Aunts, cousins, uncle-in-law, god-parents... the list goes on. But I've realised that friends are family. Neighbours are family. I don't have to go by anyone's opinion. I have family members that don't act like family. Such disloyalty and stupidity I've seen. If anyone hurts anyone in my family, yes I will go biserk! I feel as though I must protect the ones I love. Sure everyone does!

My truest friend, I choose the word so carefully because I believe there are very few out there in the world that are as rare as my friend EdelBelle! (her actual nickname.) Her family are as good as family to me as well. On the morning when my gran passed away, she was the first person I rang. She took a whole week of college off to be there for me. And she let me go through the stages of grief. She acted how I expected her to act. She made me laugh when I most needed to. My god-parents and neighbours were there the whole way through our suffering as well. Let's say my parents chose well for god-parents. I will always care for these people for the remainder of my life. If only that could be for certain family members.

But we do try, don't we? We try to make an effort, to build relationships with our relatives. For instance, I have my grand-parents, now living in Scotland. I love them as they are. And I know they love me. However, with their decision of leaving Ireland to go live in the Caribbean when I was just about 9 or 10, I felt heartbroken. I only then saw them every 5 years or so. What I have to understand is that they are living their own lives. They should do as they please. They are like strangers to me sometimes. They wouldn't know what interests I have now. I've changed quite a bit since I was a child. They tell me they're proud of me, of my music, my choices in life, my courage and faith. As I said before, we do try to maintain the relationships we have. I don't want to lose them. I have such great memories with them. As to that, when I have kids, I hope to have my parents in their lives as much as possible. From my own experience, I became what I am with the help of all four of my grandparents and my two great-grandparents.

I know this post sounded quite sad, especially as it's a Saturday, and you're looking for an upbeat sort of blog post, but this came to mind when I was sitting down with my tea.

I'm visiting my grandparents in Scotland in just eighteen days, so yes I'm nervous and excited to seeing them. I have Edel and my family coming with me, so not so awkward. "Why hello, long time no see... what's it been? Five, six years?"

Anyway, be wise as to the friends you choose and to the relationships you commit to. At the end of the day, it's their support that matters.

Lots of love,

Sit Down Saturday | Don't over-exert yourself!

A mistake that I've happened to have learned this week is to not over-exert yourself!

Since I was off this week from College, I thought it would be a good idea to work and get some bob for the summer. I thought it was going well until yesterday morning I woke up feeling dreadful. Sore throat, headaches, fevers. And still I went to work. I was the freak complaining that I was too cold in the steamy kitchen, Haa!

I worked 5 days throughout the week and unfortunately didn't take my 3 meals of the day or kept myself hydrated. I don't really like water, but tea is usually it's substitute. But this week I didn't have the time to even take care of myself. This morning, after not being able to sleep, I woke up at 6:30am (this is a girl who claims waking up at 10am is early!) I went down to the couch and watched an Irish movie, 'The Nephew'. Throughout the day I napped on the couch. Swallowing solids and fluids is so difficult on my throat., so I've been surviving on neurofen, Strepsils and Limpsip. I had a relaxing bath with a mud mask. My skin this week has been terrible. Stress really does not help the acne.

I over did it this week and so my immune system was not able to cope with my infection.

Challenging myself this way was foolish I admit. It's just all about reminding myself now to take my 3 meals a day.

Pushing ourselves won't do any good if we don't keep ourselves healthy.

I won't be over doing again anyway. Just knowing that I'm working tomorrow and haven't fully recovered really makes me feel bad with the decisions I've made throughout this week.

Why do you think we over do it? Is it our way of proving ourselves? Or are we looking for some sort of attention of our hard work?

I got complimented for my hard work this week and felt proud of it. But now, it seems so silly.

This was just something of which I was thinking about today. It just makes me feel bad knowing that I am letting myself over do it. I can't know whether it's punishment because in a way it feels like it. I'm told by friends and family to look after myself and they are all there to support me. Maybe next time I'm asked to cover someone at work I'll say 'NO!'. It's difficult to say but it HAS TO BE DONE! Otherwise I'll regret it at the end of the day.

Thanks for reading.

Sit Down Saturday | A new Series (Eating disorders)

So I've decided to start a new series, 'Sit Down Saturday', inspired by the wonderful A whole lot of chitty chat blogger Anna.

Instead of Sunday I've chosen Saturday, as Sundays I usually sleep-in, go to mass, then off to work.

I will be discussing whatever little topics that comes to my mind, when I'm relaxed sitting down with my tea.

Today's choice of tea: Breakfast tea

Today's Topic: 'Eating disorders'

I don't think I've ever spoken about this subject in any post of mine before. It's getting to summer, which means I will have more free time to do more blogs. None of this college, work craic.

So I myself did have an eating disorder a few years back, I didn't realise at the time. It was only until I started my 5th year in Secondary School that I realised that my clothes were baggier than usual (I wore lots of baggy clothes, trying to hide all the parts I didn't like about my appearance) and I had to buy a new school uniform. I did feel awful by the end of my 4th year, realising I was chubby somewhat and had a very unusual shape. But now, thinking about it, I must have known what I was doing during that summer. To be honest it's a good thing I didn't die from malnutrition. Just after getting my summer holidays from 4th year, for them 4 months, I starved myself and pretty much exercised everyday. I didn't know at the time what I was actually doing to myself. As a child I had to be force fed. I just cringe when I eat. When people say they're starving, this sounds so strange to me. I only ever get really hungry perhaps once every few months. And then I'd only eat 10 mouthfuls and feel content. I need a variety of what I eat, to stay interested in the taste. Otherwise I'll become bored and just give up with eating. That is why I love Chinese food. So much to choose from.

The challenges I still face is eating the 3 meals of the day; breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Funnily enough I forget to eat. If someone takes out a salad, I'll just remember that I haven't ate anything. I was told by a doctor once that my stomach had shrunken quite dangerously and that I really had to increase my diet. My friends in College laugh at me for only being able to eat a half a sandwich. I get a round of applause if I eat the two. (Britain's Got Talent here I come).

I have no problem with exercise really. I enjoy doing it. I'm the type that loves mountain climbing, jogging and swimming. So I'll continue on with that.

I have no idea in how I can improve my diet. I feel that I should buy certain foods and keep to a schedule, but living with other people, you'll find that the food will go missing.

Have any of you happen to have / had an eating disorder?

Did you overcome it? Do you know of anyone that has?

It is so important to have a healthy diet. It really shows in your mood and in your appearance. Now I'm not on about weight wise, I'm talking about your skin. My skin did improve so much from Mauritius with the sun and the amount of fruit I was eating. But it's time now I took this seriously and overcome this issue.

Let me know if you have any advice... I'm all ears :)