Chocolate Treat

I was showing the ladies around Grafton Street on Monday and it was sooo lovely and Christmasy. We stopped in for a hot chocolate treat at Butler's which is HIGHLY recommended. I had heard so much about them, but never had one. So sorry glad I tried. It was sooo rich and warm and chocolatey! Can't wait for another one next time I'm in town.

Christmas Happiness Indeed! 

Study abroad visitors

This weekend, Hubby and I hosted my best friend from high school's husband's sister (got that?) and her two friends. The gals are studying abroad in Italy and wanted to visit Dublin. (Plus they were really keen on staying in a house that spoke English- something we can provide!)

We took them for long walks along the Irish sea, had pints and went out on the town. We showed them some bars and then they showed us some bars...mainly where the Trinity Irish students hang out (they had friends studying abroad here).

Hubby and I felt like the old, creepy couple hanging out with college students (which we were!), but the music was good, and we had a great time!

After sleeping until noon the next morning (when hanging out with college students, do what they do, right?), we sent them off into town while we I cooked Thanksgiving dinner. Not gonna lie, it turned our really well. The turkey was perfectly cooked, and the stuffing was AMAZING. I used this recipe but added apples.

Hubby and the ladies in front of Trinity 

My confused Thanksgiving table (with Christmas napkins)

American Friends! 

Nailed it

I haven't been much of a manicure gal... I've only had it done twice in my life, and it was both this year at the ripe old age of 31. I just can't justify the price of getting my nails done especially when they chip so fast. But recently I've been loving the look of nail polish and based off a recommendation from a friend, I purchased this top coat last week. Love, Love, Love! I highly recommend it. It's called Seche Vite and made by Essie.

Basically, you just top it on your wet nail polish, and it speeds the drying process along. Also, it's suppose to keep your nails nice and healthy. I got it down at my local boots. Totally worth trying if you're into changing your nail polish often (which I have taken to doing recently)! Makes my nails look completely professional and is fast!

Gobble Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm so very sad not to be home this Thanksgiving since my entire family is home. WAA! But I have loads to be thankful for so I can't complain too much.

Plus, we have American guests this weekend (and next. Woop!) and I'm planning a mini, belated Thanksgiving dinner which is a first for me. So excited! 

Early Christmas

Merry Christmas to me!

I came back from a meeting today and look what was on my desk.

YEAH! I can't wait to use it... though I'm really bad at techy stuff so looking forward to learning with this guy.... 

African Scenery

Opps! Totally forgot to write about the different landmarks we went to while we were on safari. Silly! My favorite would have to be Ngorongoro Crater. Awesome! Second favorite, Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind.

Below are some pics

Wildebeast Crossing on the Mara River 

Border of Tanzania and Kenya 

Sunset drinks on the shores of Lake Victoria 

Camping Site in the Serengeti 

Gate into the Serengeti 

Drinking Serengeti Beer in the Serengeti 

Look at the beard! Days without shaving 

Olduvai Gorge 

Olduvai Gorge 

Ngorongoro Crater 

Wow! A Lion! 

Zanzibar

Honeymoon post! After two weeks of camping and being with other people, Hubby and I said our goodbyes and headed to the relaxing, romantic part of our honeymoon- Pongwe Beach in Zanzibar.

As we pulled into the tiny airport, the weather wasn't great- gray and humid, with a potential chance of rain. As we pulled into the resort, it started POURING. The rain didn't stop the entire first day we were there. Waa. But to be honest, I really didn't care because in the resort, we had our own...TOILET! YEAH! Seriously, I was so happy to have a toilet in the room. I have never in my life spoken so much about my bathroom habits then when we were camping. Between looking at animals, it was a constant debate on whether I should drink more water, when would the next bathroom stop be and would I risk going out in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom or is it better to stay in the tent and ensure I wasn't eaten by buffalo? :)

We were only at the resort for 3 days and 2 of those days, it rained HARD. We did have one sunny day, which was breezy and even though I reapplied sunblock, loads, I got burnt- second time in my life :(

Welcome Drinks 

How lucky am I? 

Our little hut (with it's own toilet!) 

Not a bad view! 

First day... pure gray weather 

View from the pool 

Amazing! 

Octopus! 

80's Rewind

Annually, we have a conference at work, and it was this week. I love these conferences because it reminds me how awesome my company is and how grateful I am to work here (Yes, I drink the kool-aid).

Last night we had an end-of-event celebration, and they held an 80's affair at the conference center. It was soooo much fun! The gals and I got decked out in 80's gear for the party. I even CRIMPED my hair, and my favorite 80's cover band Spring Break were there.

There was a special surprise guest at the party as well. Scroll down to find out who it is...

Decked out with crimped hair. 

Special guest Lionel Richie? Nope... keep scrolling 

Maggie Thatcher? No no... even better

Boy George!! 

Our special guest was Boy George. He was our Dj for the evening. How cool!? 

Kilmainham Gaol

Hubby and I have been saying that we'll go see Kilmainham Gaol since we moved here and we FINALLY went to see it this weekend. It's been unseasonably warm and so we decided to go for a walk around Dublin and then head over to the gaol which was really interesting.

It was 6 euros to go in and they gave you an hour tour with history of the gaol and information about its most famous residents including Eamon De Valera, former president of Ireland.

Here are some pics from the day:

Fall walk in Merrion Square 

Front of the gaol

Large wing of the gaol 

Eamon De Valera's prison cell 

Execution Yard

People of Kenya and Tanzania

Back to the honeymoon... I think I've got two more posts left before I'm completely OVER writing about the honeymoon.

We were traveling with a group of North Americans and Australians for most of the trip, but we were able to meet many Kenyans and Tanzanians along the way as well. In my experience, the Kenyans were very friendly, while the Tanzanians were not as friendly. Generalised statement, I know, but that is what we encountered on our trip.

Below are some of my favorite pics of everyday Kenyan/Tanzanian life.

At the New Hope Orphanage 

Liverpool Fans! 

Local village near Lake Nakuru 

Takes a whole village to help me spin yarn (As I get my hair braided!) 

Mother and child 

Hubby makes new friends! 

Hubby and Fiona 

In the Masai Village 

In the Masai Village 

Listening intently to the Masai Village Chief 

Masai Warrior Dance 

His ears!!! (He indeed has a stick through the other ear) 

Spear Throwing 

Our first travel group 

Our truck broke down ... waa waa....village children come to see what's going on 

Village market in Kisii 

These ladies were SO sassy and fun! 

Local Market 

This man insisted we take a picture of him. Really looks like an ad for his website! 

Buy my bracelet!!!