My New Hairstyle Lookbook January 2014 - Celebrity Stylist

Hello Nelly Belliers!

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you are all having an 'O for Awesome' weekend (if you're from New Zealand (aka you are a kiwi) you'll know this saying).

As promised here is a vlog (video blog) of my new hairstyle! I thought I would start the year off with a bang (no pun intended) and get something very different from what I had. 

I absolutely love the cut and colour, and wish I had got a fringe (bangs) sooner! This might actually be my favourite hairstyle that I have ever had in my life, and I am so excited to play around with it and try out different styles. 

The woman who cut my hair has been a stylist for over 30 years and for over half of that time she worked on movie and television sets, including one of the X-Men movies. I am so lucky that I found her, and I can totally tell that she has cut, coloured, and styled hair for many celebrities; she is amazing!

I randomly found her by my transit travels. I have been on transit a few times and passed her salon, and was drawn to her front window because of the warm glow from inside (it turns out she has a salt crystal lamp in her window). I quickly made a note on my iPhone of the salon name, checked her photographs out on Facebook, and the rest is history!

Not only is she an A Plus stylist, but she is also lovely. I instantly connected with her and by the time we were done I gave her a big hug good-bye. It's so nice to meet fabulous new people, especially when you live in a big city. Sometimes it feels like everyone is grumpy, or has no time for eye contact or a smile, so I take these moments and savour them. 

I am going to be making more short videos like this one, but I will also continue to make the longer ones as well. I wanted to offer something for those of you who don't want to hear me ramble on for 20 minutes :) . I think it’s good to mix it up!

Ok... here is the link to my video... please thumbs up and subscribe to my channel... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YYzdJFxlz0

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PREVIOUS VLOGS :::

Nelly Bellie YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNellyBellie

Ask Nelly Bellie – Episode 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBwT6ynj3ZA

What I Got For Christmas 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9x3GctebCY

Christmas Giveaway Contest 2013 OPEN -- closes January 10, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qApiaUOR5jE

Yes! We Shall Make Shepherd's Pie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZVyW4g4xNE&feature=c4-overview&list=UUWqW8pYITGp3B8zekTb5t3A

Christmas Party Outfit. Which Dress Should I Wear?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ10biE1YYg&list=UUWqW8pYITGp3B8zekTb5t3A

Nelly Bellie : Christmas Haul & Puppy Treats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOuYCiCZd0Q&list=UUWqW8pYITGp3B8zekTb5t3A

Welcome to Nelly Bellie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OEHf0NoMZY&list=UUWqW8pYITGp3B8zekTb5t3A

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME OR FOR NELLY BELLIE? :::

Email us at mynellybellie@gmail.com

MY NEW HAIRSTYLE SNEAK PEAK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YYzdJFxlz0

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"I've always said money may buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail." ~ Kinky Friedman

Thursday is all Nelly Bellie - Thursday Update, Recommendations, The Truth About Owning A Puppy & more!

Hello Nelly Belliers!

Happy Thursday everyone! The week-end is almost here. Yayyyyy! What is everyone up to this weekend? Chris and I are meeting my brother and his wife for dinner on Saturday. We haven't seen them since our Ugly Christmas Sweater Party (click here to see our homemade Ugly Christmas sweaters). Our party was a couple of weeks before Christmas, so it's about time for some brother / sister bonding time!

THURSDAY UPDATE

I went for my yearly check-up today and I got the works [it sounds like I went to a car wash :)]. Even if your doctor says that everything looks good, it is always nerve racking waiting for all your test results to come back, but I'm happy that I went and I urge you to do the same. I won't repeat all of the many reasons why taking care of your health is vital, so click here to read my blog post about that. If you haven't had a check-up in over a year, please stop reading this, pick up the phone and book your appointment now.

So I decided that if I got some work under my belt that I would treat myself and my hair to a makeover. I am really tired of the colour, and the style that I had has completely disappeared because my hair grows like a weed. Also, I tend to always wear my hair up these days (which is ironic because up until about two years ago, I always wore my hair down, you would rarely ever catch it in an updo), and wearing your hair up all the time can be a sign that you need a trip to the salon. I made an appointment for tomorrow and I am SO excited. I am still going to keep my hair long, but it will have style again! The biggest change is that I am going back to blonde! I miss my goldilocks, and it's always fun to switch things up. I have gone through many shades of blonde throughout the years, and will definitely be staying away from the overly blonde look, but the colour definitely won't be close to what it is now. I will post a picture or two on tomorrow's blog of my new hair and will do a new vlog (video blog) over the week-end, so don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel (click here)! It's free!

Another reason to subscribe to my YouTube channel is because I am going to be having an upcoming Valentine's Day give-away contest! Love is in the air, and I would like to spread some more love around. I will let you know more details soon!

THURSDAY RECOMMENDATIONS

If you love savoury food like me, then you will love these Italian little pieces of heaven. Chris actually introduced me to these, and after my first bite I was hooked. Aurora Chili Tarallini are delicious and they definitely have a nice kick to them. You'll have to research where you can get them in your area, but basically I would do a Google search for stores that import Italian food. Here is a link to these heavenly treats so that you can see what the packaging looks like. If you don't like spicy food do not fret, they also come in olive oil and fennel flavours.

If you're looking for a hilarious and great new book to read, then look no further. For you Brits out there (like me) you will recognize this author instantly. A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French is definitely enormously marvellous and is a must have for your book collection. Each chapter is told from the point-of-view of a different family member, which makes for some great family antics. This book is full of swear words, so it's not for the young readers out there, but for us oldies, it's a hoot! I promise you that you will be laughing out loud when you read this (always fun when you are sitting in an airport waiting lounge). Click here to order yours. Chapters has used copies that start from about five dollars! Saaaaweeet!

Since the weekend is fast approaching, I thought that it would be appropriate to include a wine recommendation, and today I would like to honour a Canadian vineyard. This particular wine might be difficult to get your hands on, but it definitely deserves some big time recognition. Jost Vineyards are located in Nova Scotia, Canada and their wine is amaze-balls. I am a huge fan on New Zealand white wine and I have to say Jost wine is pretty comparable (a big complement from me)! If you are able to find a bottle of their 2012 L'Acadie Pinot Grigio, then grab it and don't let go. Actually, if you can find any of their wines then do the same thing! You won't regret it. I had the opportunity to visit their vineyard and it was picturesque, and the guy working behind the bar was definitely heavy handed on his pouring (always a great thing when you aren't driving!). Click here to see their wine selection and to see where they are located just in case you get a chance to visit them!

THE TRUTH ABOUT OWNING A PUPPY

After Tuesday's blog I really should have knocked on wood (click here to read that blog). I don't know if Nelly read what I wrote and decided that she had been well behaved for far too long, but boy did we have a bad moment. Let's just say that I couldn't wait for Chris to get home. 

We are back to the good life now, but I think it's important to let you guys know the truth. It is not all sprinkles and glitter owning a puppy, dog, or any animal for that matter. Just like you have some not so great moments with humans, you also have them with puppies, no matter how cute they are! 

Just know that it's normal and it's ok. When you are going through a bump in the road with your animal, my biggest piece of advice is to put them in a safe place and then walk away for five minutes (or longer if you need it) and take a breather. This advice can also be applied to human being situations!

The good news is that Nelly and I have far less of these moments, but I can guarantee that bad moments are going to happen again. I am working on not pulling my hair out in these moments as well, and day by day it seems to get a bit better (sometimes with the help of a glass of the wine I recommended above. A glass of red wine is good for the heart so don't judge... ok I didn't recommend a red specifically but Jost Vineyard also has some great reds!) :) .

THURSDAY PICS OF CHOICE (SEE I STILL LOVE HER)

If you would like me to review a product, or if you have any business enquiries, or…………. if you have any suggestions of what you would like to see on my blog or YouTube Channel, email me at mynellybellie@gmail.com

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"No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich." ~ Louis Sabin

Tuesdays, Treats, & Truths - Nelly Bellie

Happy Tuesday Nelly Bellier's!

TREATS

I have a few treats for you today, including a 'Sisters Tell All' update on last nights The Bachelor episode, staring Juan Pablo. 

Before we get in to The Bachelor, let's talk about some random things that I am loving right now. I always enjoy hearing about new products, or reading reviews on products that I use or am thinking about purchasing, so here are some of my current top recommendations.

My Current Random Recommendations

If you don't have the time to make your own pesto then I highly recommend Jamie Oliver's Green Pesto and his Italian Herb Pesto. I go through this stuff like there's no tomorrow, and I love using it on wraps. Who needs butter, mayonnaise, or mustard when you can have pesto? He also has some other types of pesto that I am excited to try. Here is a link to all of his pestos, which includes a list of some great ways to incorporate them into your meals.

If you have children and they are fussy eaters, or if you want to make something fun for a kids party, then I highly recommend getting some sandwich cutters from Pottery Barn (you can also buy them at many other stores). They come in all different shapes and your kids will love eating a sandwich that looks like a frog, a cupcake, or a train with a caboose! They are half price at Pottery Barn so click here to get yours. Who doesn't love a sale?!

About 1 - 2 months ago we switched Nelly over to Acana Puppy Food (for small breeds) and it has made a huge different to her tummy, her coat, and even to her leaking eye. West Highland Terriers have huge problems with allergies, so after doing some research and talking to a few people, we decided that Acana Puppy Food was the way to go. I won't regurgitate all of the reasons why I recommend this food, or what it has to offer, when it's all on their website, so click here. They have dog food for all ages, and all breeds and sizes, so if you are looking for some healthy, fabulous puppy or dog food, then I highly recommend giving their food a go. Nelly also recommends it, she loves it!

If you are looking for a really great face lotion, then I highly recommend Alyria's Oil Free Hydrating Lotion. Chris has had some issues with his skin over the years, and he has to use an oil free lotion no matter what. I am lucky and have pretty easy going skin. My skin is not oily at all but occasionally dry, especially during the winter months. Our dermatologist recommended this lotion, and we both love it. It comes with a pump so you don't have to worry about using too much or getting it all out of the bottle, and I only need one, to one and half pumps per use. This stuff soaks right in to your skin, and it's obviously not oily because it's oil free. It keeps our skin hydrated throughout the day and looking good! The best part is that we can share the bottle, which isn't always easy when you have different skin types. It is on the pricier side, but it is well worth it. You only have one face after all! Click here to find out more.

'Sisters Tell All' - The Bachelor - Episode 2

My sister and I definitely have some different opinions on the bachelorettes, which makes this collaboration so much fun! I also think you'll have a few 'laugh out loud moments' when you read my sisters thoughts; I know I did! (If you want to read our Episode 1 comments click here).

Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments area at the bottom of this blog.

VICTORIA'S THOUGHTS (ME)

• Renee. Renee is definitely above and beyond the top bachelorette in my opinion (which I have said from Episode 1). They were super cute when they were cuddling together, and you could see that they wanted to kiss, but I think it’s very cool that they waited. I love her (yes I am going to go out on a limb and say that she is the one). I also love that she supports all of the other girls even when they are acting cray cray. Go Renee!

• Clare. Seems flaky and fake to me. It is very sad about her dad's passing, but it doesn't mean they belong together. Again, like I said in 'Sisters Tell All - The Bachelor - Episode 1' something doesn’t feel right. I also think their first date was way too intense, and some of the things she said were over the top, like "I could definitely be falling for this guy…". She seems ready to marry him after one date.

• Kat (medical sales rep). I like Kat. I think she is down to earth, funny, and cute. Their first date was a bit strange, but they had lots of fun together. I really feel that if you and your partner have the ability to have fun together in all different situations, then you will have a great and strong relationship.

• Lucy. Naked girl. That is all. (Why didn’t he vote her off! Well he's probably enjoying her voyeurism, silly question.)

• Cassandra. Also has a child (a son). She seems sweet and down to earth but I think she will end up going home on her own accord. I don't think she'll be able to be apart from her son for that much longer.

• Amy L. (The girl who did the interview with Juan Pablo). I don't know about you but I found that whole scene with her interviewing Juan Pablo very awkward to watch. She was awkward, he looked like he wanted to run off camera, and I wanted to look away from the television. I don’t think that’s going anywhere. (I wrote that before she got voted off, again Juan and I are on the same page).

• Sharleen. Aka first impression rose girl. I was really glad that she said she was rude when she accepted the first impression rose, because she was. I feel like she really needs to come out of her shell and maybe put down a few walls, but I can understand why they would be up on this show! I do like how she keeps it real though. I don't think anyone can know after spending a 10 minute conversation with someone that they are the one. She was honest and real from the get go, but she could have accepted the rose in a nicer way. I am still on the fence about Sharleen.

• Victoria. Last but not least. To sum it up... oh no! First let me say as I said before, there can only be Juan Victoria and it’s not that girl! How embarrassing. I feel really embarrassed for her, and I’m pretty sure her name is Veronica, they made a mistake. I know that we all make mistakes, and I can't sit here and say to you that I've been perfect my whole life (haha), but she definitely did need to be voted off so that she can work and focus on herself for a bit. I think Juan Pablo handled it all impeccably, and like a true gentleman.

SISTA K's THOUGHTS (MY SISTER)

• Clare. I like her. She skates like me, except she's better. Hopefully, she doesn't suffer from the first date curse. Next bachelorette if she's not 'the one'? She should date in real life too, though. Online dating can be great too. ;)

• Juan Pablo took his shirt off...I think I blacked out for a minute :) Loving his track suit!! I want to do an electric run now!!) (this comment cracked me up Sista and I think we can all agree that Juan Pablo should take his shirt off more)

• Hey that's Josh from the X Factor singing. Glad he was on the X Factor before the show became so bad that I banned it from our house!

• Kat. He is verryy attracted to her!!! Don't think he needed the electric suit!

• Lucy. I think she might stick around for a bit, but why??? Naked here, naked there, naked everywhere! Why doesn't she want a one-on-one date? So more people can see her naked!!

• Andi. I like Andi. So does my husband, but in a different way. :) The naked pic with Andi, Juan Pablo, and Lucy looked like one of those pictures from those crazy/ugly picture sites that people post on Facebook though.

• Wonder why he didn't kiss Renee. He's definitely not a kissing bandit like some of the previous Bachelors and Bachelorettes. She threw herself at him! She was nice to Cassandra.

• Victoria. Oh my. Poor girl. Loved how Juan Pablo handled it. Felt so bad for her. Everyone makes mistakes.

• Nikki the nurse. Juan Pablo likes her. She's going far.

• Kelly. I don't like her. Just don't. The rose? Really? He must have been confused after all the drama with Victoria. 

• Amy. Hmm. OK. Her schtick is odd.

• Opera girl Sharleen. Like her explanation for the first impression rose reaction. Don't like the bed sheet she was wearing.

• Cassandra. Love that Juan Pablo didn't make out with her when she cried.

• Rose ceremony comments: not surprised. That's all I have to say. 

TRUTHS

Nelly Bellie Truths

I am happy to report that all is well with Nelly and I right now. She is now about 9 days away from turning 8 months, and she has definitely calmed down a lot. I can't believe I'm saying this, but she is actually being a little less stubborn as well (knock on wood that this continues). We still play and run around together a lot, but she also chill-axes a lot more too, and she seems to go with the ebb and flow of our life. I am definitely enjoying this age. 

She still loves her dad more than me (daddy's little girl) but I am totally ok with that, because she is a lover, not a fighter. I was just saying to mum today how lucky we are to have such a friendly and loving puppy. Nelly loves everyone. She always tries to say hello to anyone that passes us on the street, and she definitely has a kind and soft soul. She's a big time cuddle bunny and she loves us no matter what.

Life Truths

Have you ever noticed that when you make a decision in life, it's not long before the universe tells you that you made the right or wrong decision? Chris and I have made two pretty major life changing decisions, and I know that we have made the right ones because everything seems to be falling into place and I feel so much more peaceful and calm. 

I do think that it is important to weigh your options and to make pro and con lists, etc, but I also think that making a choice and putting action behind your choice will really give you all the answers that you need. Actions speak louder than words.

My bezziemate is off to Spain today for about 2 months with her husband and my non-blood nephew and niece. I am so excited for them and if you can afford to do something like this, then I say go for it! This experience is something that they will have for a life time, and their travel adventures can never be taken away from them by anyone. I love them so much, and wish them the most fabulous time! (Just a side note here. I know that we all can't afford to head off to Spain, but I think it's important that we also see what we can do. There are so many fun adventures that you can do on small budgets. Sometimes we forget what's in our backyard and we are quick to make obstacles for ourselves).

Life is an adventure if you choose to make it one, and I personally believe that if you don't go on as many adventures as you can than you will definitely regret it, or be missing out on some really amazing stuff. Make 2014 the year that you grab life by the horns and pull! Your horns could be a career change, starting a blog, heading to France to learn French, taking a cooking class, or travelling a few hours out of town to somewhere you haven't been before. It doesn't matter what size of horns you have, it just matters that you use them!

Some more treats for you…

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“I like driving around with my two dogs, especially on the freeways. I make them wear little hats so I can use the car-pool lanes.” ~ Monica Piper

Motivational Monday

Hello Nelly Belliers,

MONDAY

Holy cow why are Mondays so difficult to get through? You have no energy, it feels like every hour that passes takes at least four hours, and it's really hard to find any type of motivation. I have to be honest and say that I am having a really hard time getting into school this semester, and on Mondays I seem to get nothing accomplished.  Maybe two full-time semesters in a row took all the zippity zap out of me? 

This blog post is dedicated to making 'No-fun-day Monday' into 'Motivational Monday'. Here are some things that motivate me! Let me know in the comments area below what motivates you?

MONDAY MONTAGE

I think it is really important to look around and find motivation in your surroundings. Put your coat and boots on (if you're experiencing Winter like us) and head out on a motivational walk. If you have a camera then definitely bring it along as well and go on a motivational photo shoot (mine is at the bottom of this blog)!


MARVELLOUS JUAN PABLO

Yes, sometimes knowing that one of your favourite TV shows is on that night can motivate you to get through the day. I am looking forward to tonight's second episode of The Bachelor, and my sister and I will report back to you as promised on tomorrows blog post. Saying 'Juan Pablo' can also give you motivation. Try it out!

If you haven't read my other blog, then click here to find out what my sister and I are going to be doing across the nation.

MUSIC

Music in my opinion is one of the best things in life. It can make you feel happy, sad, reflective, and it can definitely motivate you! Whenever I feel like writing and I'm having writers block, I put on one of my favourite tunes and I seem to find inspiration. Whenever I feel like I have no energy, I put on a fun song, and I immediately feel more energized and motivated to go to the gym. Music is not only beautiful and amazing, but it is powerful! Here is a very small sample of my motivational tunes (remember motivation comes in all different genres).

Please Forgive Me by David Gray - click here 

Hall of Fame Featuring Will.I.Am by The Script - click here 

Someone To Be Around by Six60 - click here

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES

Who doesn't love a motivational quote? Feeling blue, feeling uninspired, then maybe these will help. Feel free to share your favourite motivational quotes below!

Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control ~ Denis Waitley 

Set your sights high, the higher the better. Expect the most wonderful things to happen, not in the future but right now. Realize that nothing is too good. Allow absolutely nothing to hamper you or hold you up in any way. ~ Eileen Caddy 

Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star. ~ W. Clement Stone 

I learned that we can do anything, but we can't do everything... at least not at the same time. So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything. ~ Dan Millman

MAKE YOURSELF FEEL LIKE A PRINCESS (OR A PRINCE)

This is my biggest recommendation for a Monday evening. You are done work (or school, etc) you get home, and you immediately light some candles, put on your favourite music, and fill up your bathtub. Don't forget to put in one of your favourite Lush bath treats, and if you are of age you should definitely pour yourself a glass of wine (I highly recommend any wine from New Zealand but especially Villa Maria, my favourite wine in the world). Pamper yourself, and make Monday night a spa night. It won't be long until Monday night becomes your favourite night of the week!

MY MOTIVATIONAL PHOTO SHOOT

Great Coffee

Beautiful trees and shadows

Red Wellies (Rain Boots)

Architecture

Art

Puppies and dogs

Light and shadows

Nature

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“I've always said money may buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail.” ~ Kinky Friedman