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 | Window Shopping & Getting My 2nd Job!

I feel as though I haven't written a post in so long, but it's only been a week! Time has been ticking so slow lately.

The picture above is pretty useless in quality and has reflections hitting off the window, but I admit I like it.

I do love window shopping. Just browsing around, scanning over the lovely winter jumpers. In actual fact, I bought that skirt, that the mannequin is wearing, but in black and not navy.

I just thought it would be so pretty with a sparkly, soft, woolly jumper for Christmas, with a pair of stilettos.

So apart from buying a new skirt from 'Next' and oh, also a lovely woolly, dark grey polo neck jumper from 'New Look', my week was uneventful! Apart from the usual stressful things like money, boys and family! Haaaa! Trust me! If you knew the real me, this would probably be a very dramatic blog, but somewhere inside, I feel as though 'those people' could one day see this. So I'm sticking to 'being normal', heehee.

So, my 'Thankful Thursday'

Being greeted by the lovely staff at work (job no. 1) at the restaurant - everyone was singing and laughing aaaaaaand flirting! If you only knew what goes on behind back stage in a restaurant. But getting my wages at the end of the night felt great! Come ta momma!

'Through The Keyhole' - Keith Lemon is disgustingly funny! My Manager and I usually just laugh about Keith the whole time! If you see me sulking, put Keith on the tv! He hasn't failed since!

Dad - you guys must see my Dad pop up the whole time for my Thankful Thursdays. Well, I'm just thankful with the journey he taken in his life. He tries his best with every job he has taken, works to help his family, loves my Mum as his wife and best friend and has therefore been the inspiration for me. For the type of commitment/ marriage that I would  one day like to have.

Email - I've managed to make someone happy this week, with a simple email of encouragement. And I'm thankful that I was able to be there for them and to also have their trust in asking me for advice. Sometimes we can never know what we can do in a certain time or position. We're being tested in these relationships, so it is our actions that speak. How can we help one another? I could have simply not replied back for instance. But I went with my gut and wrote what I thought.

The Body Shop has been very nice to me this week - The face wash I use back in Ireland is the Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash. Out of all the other face washes, this is my favourite. It's perfect for my sensitive skin and leaves it feeling soft, well as soft as acne skin can get, heehee. The Aloe Gentle Exfoliator is great for when I've been wearing makeup all day, and want to scrub it all off, but without being too harsh on the skin.

And finally, I'm thankful for getting a new job in Marks & Sparks (back home it's Marks & Spencers). So it would seem I have my two jobs and also a bit of babysitting at the side... I am an extremely lucky person!

I hope all of you found things to be thankful for this week.

Thankful Thursday | Vandalism, Friendly Support & Interviews!! (Not related with each other!)

Happy Thursday to you all,

The golden leaves have finally hit the ground. The gloves and woolly scarves are out of the press and farewell to sun-kissed, bare legs.

I have been buying the supplies in for winter (hibernation has begun!) such as boxes of various teas, warm jumpers and socks and don't forget bath must-haves. This season I want to feel and look natural. This means lip balms, simple jumpers, simply styled hair and moisturised hands. Who doesn't want to feel warm and soft!! Oooooh, like a snuggly teddy bear :)

Today I managed to pass an interview in M&S while being tested by role play. I upped my game on the role of St. Theresa, I was very patient indeed! "MAKE UP YOUR BLOODY MIND!"
Also I may have got lost in Ikea with a delicious hot dog, accidentally whammed the passenger door to the car beside me, the scratch wasn't at all noticeable *cough*, then ended the amazing day with a luxurious bath and scented candles.

My 'Thankful Thursday'

Flat shoes - they may not flatter us girls but who cares! Be mature enough to know you have no chance in surviving the day in them! Duh! Slippery pavements out there.

'Austrailia' - I may have stolen borrowed Dads Dvd. Well I showed him before heading into the airport, so he knows! God, Hugh Jackman has this power to make me smile! That's his true power!!

Quiet Library time - the smell of the classics and the sound of keyboards

Spending my Amazon gift card from my College

Getting a compliment from a stranger at the bus stop - makes anyone's day!

Lentils, rice and eggs - don't judge now. It actually tastes delicious

Being helped by a girl on line! - Before this interview at M&S, Anna from A whole lot of chitty chat really helped me out. She's very considerate and has been emailing me for two days now! Girl if you're reading, thank you for the support and for being there :)

Gingerbread latté & chocolate cookie while on twitter sitting in 'Costa' and watching people pass by

Happy to have a family that will walk through fire for me! #DaddysGirl

'Selfie' - just makes me laugh so much! - I was a little afraid to see Karen Gillan as an American (so used to her from Dr.Who) but she pulls it off effortlessly

'Gilmore Girls' have been there on my quiet days, when no one is around and I get to laugh while doing some chores

What have all of you been up to this week? Was there anyone that made you feel happy with yourself this week?

Beauty Haul for Cold, Wintry Days | Zoella, Tanya Burr & Lush Products!

First weekend of being back in the UK and already I'm out shopping. Well, these beauties won't go to waste anyway.

I'll be working a lot more than usual this Autumn/Winter, so when I come home, I feel drained and my feet will ache so much from standing for such long hours. By the end of it all, I just want to collapse in bed. And that really isn't the best thing to do....... why? I wake up the next morning feeling worse. My bones feel heavy as though I've been carrying my old Secondary School bag all day long. They were the days when it was torturous on the back!!

And what's the best thing for achy bones? A glorious warm bath tub of smelly-ishous bubbles, steam and oils.

Zoella Soak Opera & Tanya Burr 'Picnic in the Park' Lipgloss

Zoella Soak Opera - This bath soak/shower cream is perfect for frequent uses. Judging by how much I put in the tub (which was only 2-3 capfuls) it will indeed last a long time. The wonderful floral scent helps to calm the senses.

And on top of that, it contains Vitamin E, extracts of Shea Butter and Aloe, so my skin is very well taken care of... Smooth and healthy.

Tanya Burr 'Picnic in the Park' Lipgloss - There were many variety of colours, from glittery ones to a shiny polished look. I decided on the 'Picnic in the Park' as it suited my skin tone (cool ivory according to No. 7 Match Made Service). And this gloss is perfect for assisting that perfect, natural day-time look.

Lush | Honey Bee & Avobath Bath Ballistics

Honey Bee Bath Ballistic - In Ireland I purchased the Honey Bee. It was deserved a second try I thought, heehee. For a cold, wintery day it's the ideal time to use it. For someone like me, with sensitive skin and who suffers from acne and allergy rashes, this is light on the skin. For me there were no skin irritations and my body felt moisturised and soft after bathing. Not only did I feel super silky but the bathwater also.

The honey ingredient is used as an antiseptic and moisturiser. For the refreshing and uplifting scent, Sweet Wild Orange Oil is used (I love saying that... sweet wild orange). Fair Trade Organic Aloe Gel aids in soothing and softening the skin. And I came across this ingredient, Rhassoul Mud. Pffff, never heard of it. Its use is for cleansing and softening also.

Avobath Bath Ballistic - I'd advise you to use this in the morning, to help you face the day: its bergamot oils and lemongrass will pick you up while also tackling dryness with olive oil and avocado. It contains lustre, which gives a shimmering green effect to the water, but will (thankfully) leave your skin shimmer-free and feel dazzled and moist. The Olive Oil and avocado will tackle dehydration, making this an excellent choice for dry skin sufferers.

I am yet to experience the 'So White' & 'Big Blue' bath ballistics. 'So White' smells like sweet, green apples and is the colour of snow and 'Big Blue' in made up of sea salts and seaweed. Looking forward to dipping in with them. Oh and to also reading the Lush magazine.

Source: Superdrug

I also ordered Zoellas Fizz Bar from Superdrug. It is waiting in the store for me, so that item too will be added to the bath collection I own.

Please let me know whether or not you'd like me to write more posts similar to this one. And if you too have experienced any beauty products that were highly valued in your opinion, please let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading,