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 | 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,

Thankful Thursday | Family & Food

This week was pretty fun, even though there were days when I felt blue, but gladly enough I had my family and pleasurable leisure's to keep my mind occupied. It did feel slow though, this week. A lot happened and it was all pretty random.

Last Friday evening, I had a lovely meal with my parents. Dad had his usual burger and Mum went for the pasta. My parents pay attention to each other rather than to their kids, but hey I'm happy that they're happy. At least I get free food out of them from time to time.

Afterwards, we drove to Knock Airport which is perhaps the tiniest airport you could possibly see. It's on a huge hill and is positioned in the middle of no where. The best thing about it is not having the fuss to go through all the security. It doesn't take very long.

We picked up my grandfather who came over for a weekend visit, just to collect some belongings and to see the family. Of course we stopped off on the way home to get him a pint of Guinness. It was nice to see how excited and relaxed he was with his drink. Looking forward to meeting people that he hadn't seen since six years ago. It always feels good after being away from home for so long, to return to a place that appears the same yet so different. I knew how he felt in a way, coming back and feeling pretty damn emotional.

I enjoyed spending the weekend with him and my Dad. We snuck into our relatives homes, and surprised them with great joy. No one knew he was coming over you see, all part of the fun. And as well as joy there was also a little sadness. A cousin of ours in the family has cancer and seeing the change in them has brought back memories of my gran. It must have been hard though I thought at the time, for my grandad to see them. Who knows when he'll visit next. Could be five years, could be ten? You make the most of it. The time you spend with your loved ones.

And there they were, my grandad, dad and their cousins drinking pints in the pub, getting reacquainted after so many years gone by, and there I was running after the kids, trying to keep them entertained (and distracted).

On Monday, I stayed the night in Dublin. Got around to seeing Malahide at last. Mum has been ranting on and on how one day she'll be living there. Supposedly because the celebs of Ireland (if there are any) are living there.

The town itself was cute with its many boutiques, its own Starbucks (have been away from it for too long) and lovely restaurants. We had two lovely meals there, Monday and Tuesday, because it seems the burgers in 'Scotch Bonnet' were too amazing to just have the one time.

Mum was very cheeky to have bought herself a Jo Malone candle. Was I jealous? YES!! But alas, do not worry, I myself will buy one in time. I already have my eyes on one particular. My Mum favoured the English Pear and Freesia scent, which I have to agree is a wonderful, fresh smell.

Are there any great spots for food in Dublin that you know of? Do let me know, I'm all ears. And to those of you that may enjoy Jo Malone, or as my brother mistakenly called it, Johnny Maloney, let me know of any favourite scents of yours that deserve to be put by my bedside.

Summer Delights | Cakes, Mother-Daughter Days & Moonlight Jogging

I finally get to show you some of the chilled out times I've been having lately. Trips to the beach and lazy days in various cafes.

My Mum has made it her mission to go to the beach once a week. Even when it's a rainy, cloudy, cold, miserable day. Sometimes they're the best times to look at the ocean. Comfy in Aran wholly knitted jumpers.

Since it was a hot day, I myself got an iced tea (love the jar idea) and a BLT. Most people are disgusted by its taste. Mum made some strange choking noise when she sipped it. The waitress giggled, as though it wasn't her first time seeing this experience. I however love its taste, especially on a summers day.

From one of my previous posts on 'Shells Cafe in Strandhill' I mentioned the colanders that are used for lamp shades, so I took a sneaky picture for you guys. I would love this kind of idea for my kitchen. Mother dearest had the shrimp salad. The dish itself looked so colourful and tasty, so it was necessary for pictures.

Mum took a week off from work, just for the summer. She is a hardworking women. I never hear her complain. And for an Irish woman to NOT complain, that's pretty rare I tell ya!

We spent the week, shopping, eating enough cake in cafes, you know the real girly experiences (okay well, the cake was all me!) But living in England is hard without Mum. The only times we do argue are when Dad or my brother are involved. Mum is terrible for arguing though. She seems incapable of shouting (poor soul)

We sat in 'Esquires Cafe', a usual little spot we go to, for the comfy couches and of course their chocolate cake! Mum was glad to get her picture taken... as long as she looked at it long enough, nodding that it was okay to keep. "Oh Mother I have much worse pictures than this!" "WHAT?" "I'm joking, I'm joking!" I sure do love winding her up.

It was our first time in the new cafe 'Rogue & Co. Cafe' in our nearby town Roscommon.

It was nice to look at, sure, with its pretty, vintage furniture. But the prices on the menu, jeeze! Pretty damn expensive. We shared a baileys and toblarone cheesecake, which was scrumptious in taste and looks. And a milky latte to help it go down heehee.

'Time Pieces' is this antique shop of which I love. I have bought many gifts in here. And on this day I found a lovely writing set for Peachy. She'll be expecting a letter any day now.

And I couldn't go away with not showing you my new plate, cos that's how lame I really am! Getting all hyped up over home ware. This was purchased in an Irish store, 'Dunnes Stores'. I have plenty of mugs, tea cups and trays for my tea and snacks, but the idea of putting my cake on the cupcake! *Open mouth* 

"You gotta grow up" is often said in my parents house, heehee.

But this for me is a summer delight. Listening to the thundery weather (it's Ireland people, not California) with a snugly hoodie and quilt. And happily getting lost on You tube or through a favourite movie. Carrot cake was the chosen cake for the night.

Now many of you may think, this girl sure does love cake. I do! It's a piece of happiness that I have no shame in eating and taking pleasure in.

I make sure though that some of the calories are taken away. These past few nights, we've had unbelievable dry weather and the moon has been amazing for light. My preferred time to go jogging is at night, strangely (another summer delight). If I feel upset or need to clear my head, it's the best time for it. And the bonus part of it, is that I'm keeping fit. I love starring up at the stars. Smelling the cold air, reminding me of Christmas.

What are some of your summer delights? For you cake lovers, you are not alone! Heehee!

Thankful Thursday

A little tbt for ye guys... just a few days back I had a lovely day out with my bestie.

I just love how the lighthouse in the back is popping up on the horizon.

I have abandoned you fellow peeps for the excuse of not getting things done on time. I procrastinate a fair bit lot you see, especially when I don't have such demanding things such as work or assignments to do.

So, my 'Thankful Thursday' includes

Having a weird Mother

Every parent embarrasses their child, but for me I've become a little proud of the strangeness she carries with herself. Last week, we were sitting out by the river with cones, looking at the boats, next thing she mutters something about the toilet. An hour passes and still she hasn't returned. I have an old couple sitting beside me. She then comes back and remarks something like, "Oh I see you've made some friends!" That is her humour sadly (even though I don't laugh)

Day out with Edel

We took a brisk walk on the beach, saw 'Walking on Sunshine' in the cinema (Edel has sworn she will find the main guy in the movie... Italian you see), and during the movie, Edel was sighing whenever he came on screen, with a mischievous smirk as though she was planning on kidnapping the fella. You seriously don't want to know what we talk about during a movie. We end up creating our own script!

House chores & BBQs

I had the sun on my back while I painted the front garden wall and the pleasure of a refreshing shower afterwards. I actually can't picture myself having a desk job. I'll need a job that requires practical work. I hate being bored. I get frustrated with it. And by the end of the day, coming home from the hospital, I'll feel happy to return to a bed, a bath, a steaming cup of tea... just thankful that I have these simple, joyous things to come home to.

Yoga

This week I have been moving a lot. I bought a pair of new sports leggings, so I don't want them to go to waste. In the mornings, I'm mostly alone. So the house is quite, great time for a long session of yoga. I find that it's great for my back. Wah hey, I'm 21 years of age and I suffer from backaches! I blame the 100 year old bed... Haa! But I'm happy for the me time I get in the morning. Bad mood swings come with my personality package and yoga really helps.

Movies & 'Bones' marathons

Every night I've watched all kinds of movies. I unwind and forget where I am when I see another story being told. My brother is always interested in how I rate movies. He says I'm quite harsh with my decisions. Let me know what your utmost favourite movie is :)

I have such a love for acting, directing, the work that goes behind writing the script. It would be a job I would love to have, to produce, but you need a lot of talent and luck for that in this world.

I've managed to get to Season 8 of my 'Bones' collection. David Boreanaz (Booth) is-a-god! And Emily Deschannel! I love how she portrays her character. I see her as the female Sherlock.

I got my love for movies from my Dad and my Nan. And I feel like it's a special thing to have. Talking about the greats from the black and white times and the scores through a film.

Shells Cafe

We've been putting it off since I've been back from England and last Sunday we actually went. I felt so chirpy when I sat down with my cake & hot cocoa. I thank god for my parents, for having good, stable jobs and for being able to afford leisure's such as these. They know I appreciate it, through helping out in the house work, and taking care of my younger cousins.

Choir Group

 The people that are in it are so welcoming and friendly. I find it so strange how you don't see many young people in choirs anymore. It's a great thing to be able to help out in the community.

 I've been gone 2 weeks, so this will go towards my absence.

Thanks for reading lovies, and be sure to let me know what you've been thankful for this week.

'Shells Cafe' | Strandhill Beach, Co. Sligo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading cupcakes,