Blogmas - Day 3 - Top 10 Christmas Movies

Source: Pinterest

A dream job that I would love to have would be to work in filming, either in directing, producing or  in script writing. I just love movies and tv shows. So Christmas just gives me the excuse that I can stay indoors all day without feeling guilty and watch as many movies as I want. And all of my friends say that I watch movies like really unhealthily, hahaha. I blame my dad and both of my grandparents for allowing this to happen.

• Love Actually (2003) - It's a must guys!! My whole family and I watch this not even at Christmas. We just love the music and come on!! THE CAST ARE AMAZING!

• It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - My dad bought this one year for me saying that he really REALLY wanted me to watch it. He knew how I would react to it. I just love this heartwarming story. It's about a man named George Bailey (James Stewart) who goes into serious debt with the bank that he owns. He then lets the stress get the better of him and doesn't allow his friends or his family to help him. He then meets an trainee-Angel named Clarence who is there to help him by showing him what life would have been like if he was never born.

• Little Women (1978 (mini-tv series & 1994) - Both are amazing. Winona Ryder plays Jo brilliantly in the movie but I do love William Shatner from Star Trek in the series version. The story is of four sisters growing up, moving away, getting married and pretty much having their lives completely change and yet a lot of what they go through they all are there for each other when need be. It is an ideal movie for Christmas, where you want a feel-good family, romantic, funny movie. There is one moment where you can't help but blub but it's beautifully done.

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Out of all of the Potter movies this one is perfect for Christmas Day. Hogwartz is covered in snow and that really with the huge Christmas trees in the Great Hall is all the magic you need for the day.

• Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994) - Six year old Susan is skeptical of the Christmas myth surrounding Santa Claus, a trait she learns from her mother, Dorey. When her mother is tasked with hiring the Santa who will pose with kids at Macy's (toy store), Dorey enlists a man with the curious name of Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) who claims to be Santa himself. His assertions are met with scoffs and threats of institutionalization, but a young lawyer, along with Susan and Dorey, comes to his defense. I do prefer this to Home Alone... now comes the endless groans... I do like Home Alone, but once every 5 years is enough for me.

• Elf (2003) - This is played every single Christmas in our house and once during the year haha. My dad LOVES this film. Will Ferrell who is an elf looking for his biological father in New York city and pretty much standing out with his ott enthusiasm for the festive season, is the best comedy you can watch at Christmas.

• The Santa Clause (1994) and The Santa Clause 2 (2002) - Great memories of watching the first one at my Grans house every Christmas. The second one is my favourite though. I just love when there's a bit of romance in there.

• The Holiday (2006) - This is my favourite rom-com Christmas movie. I just remember coming out of the cinema with my aunt feeling as though it was one of the best feel-good movies I had ever seen. Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Carmeron Diaz and Jack Black... WOW!! And the kids in it are adorable.

• While You Were Sleeping (1995) - I know this movie well off by heart!! I may even sleep talk the dialogue of Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. The really cheesy music and the funny grandmother is what I love about this movie. Plus I like how Lucy (Sandra) doesn't wear any typical beautiful outfits. She's a normal gal where the guys likes her for who she is and I seriously like that!

• Jack Frost (1998) - This is a movie that my brother and I have always watched as children. We would watch it over and over again. I was always heartbroken though by the story how the dad was his sons best mate only when he was turned into a snowman and then he just died in the end!!!! Sorry for the spoiler but god it is sad but I do love it weirdly enough!

So there they are my top 10!! Not in any order as I don't have a number one slot for a Christmas movie. Let me know what your favourites are and why.

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 :: 12 :: Winter Sales & My Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope everyone has had a splendid day! And is continuing to do so.

One of my favourite things about Christmas is the sales... Haaaaa! So tomorrow it begins. I try to not buy much until after Christmas Day. Tomorrow though I'm more excited for the cinema, rather than the shopping, heehee.

Today started off very sweetly. I had such a good sleep, waking up at 9:30am to some glorious sunshine and a blue, clear sky and getting half dressed for mass. After mass, we opened our pressies, then some breakfast with some festive music. I got a new flavour of tea, a book and an amusing mustache stick from my lovely friend Peachy. Pressies like these always delight me, as it makes me happy knowing that the giver knows me so well. My Mum gave some cute outfits. I apologise for not taking any pictures as they are all in the wardrobe. She and dad got me a big Mac selection of makup and brushes. I was surprised, let me tell ya! My parents and I left our brother behind to go into town to have a drink in a pub. Surprisingly enough we found one that was still opened.

In the evening, after our dinner, which was steak, we all spoke to my grandparents, aunts and cousin in Scotland, on Skype. We all had a great laugh, telling each other about our gifts. And telling funny stories about our family members.

There was movies on all day, but I strangely enough didn't watch any. It came to the evening, and so it was time to lie out on the couch with my blanket and get started. Along with the dessert; sherry triffle, vienetta and tonnes of chocolate there was Coronation Street, Miranda and of course the exciting Downton Abbey Special. My dad laughed at me when I kept tearing up. It was perhaps my favourite part of the day. I wish that I knew some of the characters.

So the following pictures were all taken on my phone, so not so great quality, but I did promise a picture of my dress from Topshop.

Let me know how your day went. Did you have your family special moments?

Was the food as good as you thought it would be? Mmmm fooood, heehee. I myself am now gonna get some cocoa pops and watch my brother xmas pressie from moi, 'Guardians of the Galaxy', honestly it's a gift to me as well.

Thanks for keeping up with this little series of blogmas. Hope you enjoyed!

Festive Feelings :: 11 :: Spreading Magic on Christmas Eve!

It's Christmas Eve Babe!

Magic is all around us and Santa is on his way.

When there are more good moments on Christmas Eve, they really stand out, making it feel even more magical.

I see magic in where there is kindness shown by others, in the laughter that is made together while watching family movies and also in the shining stars. I've just stood outside the door with dad and it's such a beautiful night. Somewhere inside me, I tell myself that Santa is real, because the idea of magic is just amazing.

Isn't it a lovely feeling when you help an other person out. Whether they're stressed, or  upset, and even if you remind them to take a breath or let them know that you're there for them it really can make their day. Today at work, I could see the stress in peoples facing, trying to get those last minute purchases and I did pause before checking whether they were ok. But ya have to chance it! I'm glad I did. I did manage to make some people smile today. Strangely enough I got a hug from a random customer. Maaaaaaybe cos I was wearing my bear onesie at work, heehee. Lots of fun. Pathetically it was just my Manager and I that wore them. I had the hood up and everything at the tills. Then my family came and laughed when they saw me. Embarrassingly enough they took a picture!! As well as my mother asked for a further reduction on a rather cheap item of clothing! How awful, heehee!

I gave my bus ticket to someone at work and I was glad that they felt a little easier, especially as they're a student.

Spread the love, the joy, spread the magic. It's a beautiful, wonderful feeling not just for you, but even more so for that person.

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

Thankful Thursday

Hello hello & with another week gone by I've had the pleasure of finding the little things to be glad for in life.

Of course being home in Ireland, during the summer means I have the misfortune of becoming extremely lazy. So this coming week I've made myself a list of things to do so I can get back into action. It's time now that I got back into the old routine of yoga and jogging.

My Thankful Thursday

Cuddles with mummy bear while watching Corrie

Planting the new roses

Having a therapeutic day of cleaning the house

Tea with my posh tea pot and china cup

Sitting in a ditch - just going for a brisk walk & deciding to relax in a ditch seems pretty hilarious compared to busy London!

Getting lost & excited with starting my 'Bones' marathon! - On Season 1 :D

Choir Practice - playing along with the other guitar players

Singing with an echo in the room - I love the days when I'm happy with the way I sound

Wearing my new tops - Mint top with Sundaes all over it & another crop top from Primark

Tea lights making night time even more special

So yes this is late AGAIN but I've had my Nana and cousin fly over today from Scotland. Plenty of fun trips starting from tomorrow. I'm hoping to show my Nana one of my most favourite cafes in Standhill beach, in Co. Sligo.

Also, my cousin saw cows for the first time today which was a little amusing and then with another ping to the heart, I had the joy of talking to my little cousin CoCo from London. She's like me with hating to talk on phones, but she spoke to me for ages! I can't wait to have her back to me next week.

I hope all of you are thankful for all your loved ones and every special person that enters your life. I feel lucky knowing that I have the love my family gives.

Thanks for reading little biscuits x

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,

Thankful Thursday

Wow, 2 posts in one day :D

With committing myself to this 30 day snap challenge I'm forgetting about posting other things as well. I only remembered today was actually Thursday, so luckily enough I had time to write it just before heading off to work.

Let's hope I do not forget about my Sit down Saturday post. The first post can see here.

The picture above was taken by Peachy in Waterstones. We never leave the place. I hear she found me with god-knows-what! 'Secrets in a dead fish?

Don't ask!

There is no need to really tell you how my day is going, that will be published for tomorrows 30 day snap #5.

What I've been grateful for

Friends; silly, funny, strong, clever, exciting, wise (these words sum a few of them up for ya)

Phone calls with my brother - It's the sweetest thing in the world knowing that someone misses you

Skype call & snapchats with EdelBelle!

Pukka Love tea

Having 2 days off from work

Wages (must have their own slot, they're that important!)

My orange coat from New Look - keeping me toasty

BBQs, throat medicine and shopping

My tutor, the Pirate, always so caring and considerate. There are very few people that do their utmost best in helping others and he's one of the rare.

Having snapchat videos of mum modelling her new clothes (dad bored out of his mind)

White fluffy clouds

Face masks (trying different ones)

I hope you all had a lovey week and that you found things to be grateful for. I sometimes forget how such a simple moment like holding a cup of tea can mean the world to me when I'm feeling down. A hug can take so much pressure off of me. A smile from a stranger can improve my day. I take simple gratifying gestures for granted sometimes and it's important to know what true happiness is. None of this materialistic things like makeup and clothes and money. Sure I'll get excited about them, but not for that whole day. Simple gestures of love can keep you going for as long as you wish.

What simple gestures to you makes you feel worthwhile?

Thanks for reading peeps

(just 2 more thankful thursday posts here in the UK, till I'm on that plane! I told you I'd be reminding ye.)

Thankful Thursday

Westminster Cathedral - trip to London after College

Hello all, happy 'Thankful Thursday' to you :)

I'm happy to say that by the end of Thursdays I am a happy person. I have not so many stressful classes on Thursdays, wages are sometimes handed out and I get a chance to go off for a walk with my music blaring in my ears.

Mondays are usually stressful from just thinking about the week ahead. Tuesdays are usually disastrous, from 9am-4pm. Wednesdays are such a bore that I feel as though the day just exists to torture me. Even in stressful situations me and my friends always seem to find humour in the most strangest of times & places comes to think of it.

I'm so happy that this week flew by. There were lots of awkward, frustrating, deep-thinking moments, moments that got me into figuring out what sort of person I am. Am I the type of person who takes peoples criticism/ their own opinions the wrong way? Do I react badly to them? I read recently how you should treat your mind, as though it is someone else. Someone that you would only be able to manage to be around, someone that didn't exactly get on your nerves. All I need to get through is next week and then by the following Wednesday I'll be off to Mauritius with the help of God :)

So 'Thankful Thursday' folks

- Music... any genre really. I got to attend a music/ prayer service in London last Friday. Meeting some music composers, so it was a very insightful, exciting experience.

- My oyster card (where would I be without it).

- Skyping my bestie Edel at home and randomly enough in 'Morrisons'... it seems to be the place where we get extremely hyper... can't understand why.

- 'Catching Fire' DVD... watched about 5 times, so far that is.

- Babysitting while watching 'The Voice'. Little angel snoring away.

- Primark Haul for my holiday... £62... bit too much me thinks heehee :)

- Having a warm place to sleep every night and being able to come home where there's food.

- Smiles from strangers... not in a creepy way but in a way where you feel happy that they're happy.

It feels as though there's more love in the world, seeing everyone in good spirits.

Let me know whether any of you do these type of 'Thankful Thursdays'. I'm on a hunt to discover more.

Thanks for reading lovies,