Valentine's Day with a New Baby

Hello Nelly Belliers!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, and this being our first one with our new bundle of joy, I thought I would share some tips and thoughts on how to make the day special, romantic, and all that jazz. Obviously, if you can find a babysitter then definitely go ahead and plan a romantic date for two; but if you're like most of us, the babysitters have plans of their own.

Post below and let me know what you are doing for Valentine's Day and don't forget to message or tweet me ( @TheNellyBellie ) and let me know if you did any of my #NellyBellieVDayTips ! Let the romance begin!

Valentine's Day - 15 Minutes is all you Need!

For those of you who don't have a lot of time to focus on your significant other, I really think it's important to at least do one thing that's special and one hundred percent focused on them. This includes anything that has nothing to do with nappies, bottles, or funny baby talk. 

Your task before the big day is to set aside at least fifteen minutes to do something special for the love of your life. Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing:

• Make your significant other a special personalised Valentine's Day card. Save yourself at least five dollars (these days closer to ten dollars), and really think about all the things you want to say to your special someone. It's easy to run to the store, but talking from the heart is priceless! You could also include some personalised coupons inside the card. For example, 'this entitles you to one free romantic massage', or 'this entitles you to an extra boys (or girls) nights out', etc.
• Write a poem or song for your heart of hearts. Don't freak out if you're not a singer or if you didn't pass poetry, it really is the thought that counts. If nothing else you both will have a good laugh, but most of all it will be unforgettable.
• Frame a special photograph of the two of you and don't forget to write on the back why this moment was so special. Yes you could easily post a picture of you both on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other social media platform, but having something tangible that you can both look at forever holds much more meaning. Plus the special note on the back will be stamped in time.

Valentine's Day - 30 Minutes or More!

If you can manage to squeeze out more time before the big day, then the world is your oyster! You could plan a family outing, book a reservation at your favourite restaurant, or you could do something more personalised such as:

• Planning a special homemade themed dinner for your loved one. Sometimes it's definitely easier to stay at home on Valentine's Day when you have kids, but why not make it a bit more unique than an average night. Pick a theme (this could be a location around the world that you have been to together, or an activity or place that is special to you both). Once you've chosen your theme all you have to do is come up with creative ways to bring your theme to life. For example, if your special spot is New Zealand, put up photographs of your travels together, light some candles, and cook a delicious lamb meal for your partner. Put on a play list of music that reminds you of your travels, and reminisce over a bottle of Villa Maria about your time together there. If your kids aren't cooperating as planned, include them on the adventure and make it a fun family night.
• Making a scrapbook. Who doesn't love a good scrapbook? If you have the time to put one together then expect some tears of joy this Valentine's Day! Making something personalised for your special someone is not only fun, but is a great conversation piece! You will spend hours talking about all of your life adventures, and one day you will be able to show your children (or possibly even that night if they are still up)! This gift will last a life time!

Valentine's Day - Funny Gift Ideas

If you are looking for something unique and funny (who doesn't love a good laugh) to give to your partner, then here are some great options:

1. Tie Breaker Coins - Click here to see them!. MADE is an amazing website. They have so many cool and unique gift ideas, and they ship to Canada and most places around the world. I would definitely check them out!
2. A Sperm Egg Fryer - Check it out - click here!. Ok this is slightly disturbing, but quite hilarious at the same time. Front and Company is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and offers tons and tons of great gift ideas. They have everything from Potty Putter's (who doesn't want to have fun on the toilet? click here!) to a Cake Samurai Knife (this would go along great with a Valentine's Day cake - click here!). They also ship world wide.
3. I always like to show some love for New Zealand (click here to see why), so my final o for awesome gift idea website is Mr Vintage T-Shirts. They have everything from a Burger Men's Ankle Sock (what is this you ask? click here!), to funny, cool, and one of a kind apparel (check out this t-shirt). They also ship world wide and have options for men, women, and even kids!

Valentine's Day - What are we up to?

With all of my tips and ideas, I thought I should let you know what we are up to for Valentine's Day. The only reason I know is because I guessed and when I got it right Chris' face gave it all away (haha). I am very excited.

Chris is taking me for a special dinner at one of the local ski mountains. You have to take a gondola to reach the restaurant, and the view from the restaurant looks spectacular (I have done a search on Google). They are offering a special Valentine's Day five course dinner, and it is rated five stars, so it should be absolutely delicious! Ella will be joining us, but by that time she will be stuffed full of milk and will likely sleep the night away in her car seat. If not, she will enjoy the view with us.

Chris has also planned for us to go to the Okanagan for a night. It's one of my favourite places in the world, and Chris hasn't been there yet, so we are very excited. Ella probably won't remember going there when she's older, but I know she will like the change of scenery.

I will be also doing something special and personalised for Chris (possibly from the list above) but I can't share that yet, in case he reads this post!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

"I've been in love with the same woman for forty-one years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me." ~ Henny Youngman

Thursday is usually all Nelly Bellie but today it's all Nadia

Hello Nelly Belliers!

Happy Thursday everyone! So I returned to work this week. I am working full-time while going to school part-time, and I am pooped. It's always hard getting back into the swing of things, but on the other hand I am loving the human interaction. When I was in school full-time I mostly interacted with Nelly, and as you can probably guess we had very one-directional conversations. An extra bonus of my work situation is that my good friend Laura is working in the same building as me! I get to see her every lunch hour! Of all the buildings in the city and I end up getting a gig in the same one as my lovely Laura! The universe definitely wants us to spend more time together!

THURSDAY UPDATE

So as some of you might know I posted a very important blog yesterday (if you haven't read it click here). My friend's 2 year old daughter is very ill, and if you are Canada I urge you to register on the Canadian Blood Services' OneMatch stem cell and marrow network registry (click here to register now). 

It takes no time at all, and before you know it you'll get some cheek swabs in the mail, with a return envelope, you send it back, and voila, you are done. A grand total of about 5 minutes (including the online registration) is all it takes to possibly save a life! 

Also, if you aren't in Canada every country has its own registry, so just do a Google search to find out how to register in your country. 

I also would like to reiterate that if you aren't in the required age bracket, there are still so many things that you can do to help. 

Here are a few ideas. These apply to anyone who is going through a similar situation:

• Spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, BlogLovin, Blogger, Pinterest, Instagram, a message board, a cork board at work, or any other way that you can reach other people;
• Encourage your friends, family, coworkers, etc, that are in the age bracket to register;
• Donate money to a registry in your country; 
• Phone, email, or visit a friend who is going through something similar and let them know that you are there for them. Ask them if there's anything you can do to help. Sometimes they just need to talk, and all you have to do is listen and give them lots of hugs;
• Offer to babysit, do chores, or run errands for your friend;
• Make your friend and their child a care package;
• Host a fundraiser, event, or drive in their honour;
• Think outside of the box!

There are so many things that you can do that truly makes a difference. So please help any way that you can. 

Nadia's case is a matter of life and death, so please take one minute to do something from list of above in her honour; every little bit counts!

I have to say that since I received Tara's answers to my questions about her daughter Nadia and what they are going through, it really has put things in perspective for me. My favourite saying (which I said during my interview for the job that I am working at) is "life is short", and then I like to add "grab life by the horns and pull" or "grab life by the balls" (the non-PG version). Life is short, that's the truth. We don't know how much time we have, so make every minute count, and when you are about to complain or think badly about some aspect of your life or day, remember what other people are going through. Most of us are extremely lucky, and at times we easily forget how lucky we are, including myself. 


This post is going to be short and sweet. My energy and my thoughts right now are focused on helping my friend and her beautiful daughter. I think sometimes putting a face to a story makes it that much more real, so here is my favourite photograph of Nadia. How can you look at her adorable face and not want to help?!

oxo NADIA oxo

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

"Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out and help. This week reach to someone that might need a lift" ~ Pablo

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

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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

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

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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

Ask Nelly Bellie Video & Christmas Giveaway Contest Winner Announced!

Hello Nelly Belliers,

I hope that you are all having a relaxing week-end (or a spicy one)! My week-end started off with a bang last night. Chris and I went to see our bank fella (for future exciting plans) and he actually thought that I was Anna Paquin! I have been told that twice now, so Anna, it looks like you have a twin out there. If you need a movie double just let me know. :)

I have two exciting announcements / updates to tell you today!

ASK NELLY BELLIE - EPISODE 1

The first one is that I have started a new series on my YouTube channel. I thought it would be really fun, funny, and different to do an "Ask Nelly Bellie" series. Here is the link to 'Episode 1' (click here). Don't forget to leave your questions for Nelly below this blog, below the video in the comments area, or you can even ask her questions on Twitter. She will answer your questions in upcoming video episodes (if she wants to... she can be a bit picky at times).

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED!

My Christmas Giveaway Contest is officially now closed (click here to see the video). I had so much fun buying prizes for this contest, especially because I went shopping with a very small budget. I wanted to prove that I could get some great stuff with only twenty dollars in my hand, and I think I accomplished my goal. There are always great sales going on, so don't forget to look in all the nooks and crannies of a store! You would be surprised what you can find!

I had lots of entries for this contest, and I want to thank EVERYONE that took the time to enter. It was so much fun reading all of the responses, and it honestly meant the world to me! I am a very new blogger / YouTuber and I really do appreciate every comment, every follow, every subscription, every thumbs up, etc. So thank you all! I will be having a lot more contests this year, so don't worry if you didn't win, there will be LOTS more chances to win free stuff. 

I also want to take a small moment here to talk about why interaction and feedback is so important. First of all, blogging and vlogging should truly be an interactive process. It's like a virtual conversation (or conversations) where I get to share things with you, but where you also get to share things with me. It definitely wouldn't be the same if it was a static process, and it's truly the interaction that makes me want to do this. I love hearing your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, and I honestly read everything, and put each comment in a special spot so that I don't forget anyone. I have also been asked "why do people need to thumbs up a YouTube video or subscribe to your channel"? Not only does a thumbs up tell me that you like a video (and hence I will make more of them) but it also helps with your viewership. You will only be viewed more on YouTube if you have more subscriptions, more thumbs up, and more video views, and the more viewers that I have the more interactive the process becomes. I hope this all makes sense? If you have any more questions about this, ask away. Like I said, I love having conversations with you guys, and it's the main reason I am doing this. (For those of you don't know, you can post a question / comment below any blog page. There will always be an area at the very bottom of the page.)

Drum roll please. I am extremely please to announce the winner of my 2013 Christmas Giveaway Contest. Congratulations to Avril! I hope that you enjoy the products, and thank you so much for entering!


SATURDAYS SIGHTS

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

“Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant.” ~ Unknown

A Look Back at 2013 - Nelly Bellie

Hello Nelly Belliers!

Happy Saturday everyone! What have you got planned for the week-end? As some of you may know I am still sick, this bug just won't bug off (bad Saturday joke for you). Since I am still ill and since the weather has turned VERY cold (yesterday felt like -20 degrees Celsius! Yowzers!), I think we will just stay home where it nice and warm and have a bit of a movie marathon (Chris is currently having a football (soccer) marathon. Nelly decided this morning that my bra would make a great toy. I think she is having a naughty marathon!

I thought it would be quite fun to look back at 2013 and share some of my highlights for the year. It's a great way for me to remember all of my adventures and I get to create a mini time capsule of sorts!

JANUARY

2 major life changing things happened this month...

The first major thing was that Chris and I moved in together at the very end of January! I moved in to his place, and it was a major decision. I have only lived with one other boyfriend, so I don't make this decision lightly. I knew it was the right thing to do though because Chris is amazing, and we both wanted to move our relationship to the next level. I personally don't think there are any rules for 'moving in'; every situation is unique and different. Your friends and family may have their opinions, but at the end of the day, you need to do what is right for you and your partner, not them. Listen to your gut!

The second major thing was that I resigned from my Marketing / Communications job. After working crazy days (sometimes 9am to 3am and then starting again at 9am), never seeing anyone, running my body into the ground, I decided that it was time for a major change career wise (I had been working in Marketing for over 8 years). I gave notice and I signed up to return to University. It was a huge step and I felt amazing! It was as if a huge weight had lifted off of me. If you're not happy with your job, I recommend making a plan to change things. I'm definitely not saying that you should just quit your job (I am extremely lucky to have Chris' support), but eventually with the right plan you can do anything that you want! Life is short, so grab it by the horns and pull!

FEBRUARY

Chris and I had our very first Valentine's Day together this month. I remember thinking how lucky I was to have found someone so amazing, and how happy I was that I had found my perfect man. He's a keeper!

This was also a great month for concerts!

Concert #1: Chris, my brother, my brother's wife, and I all went to the Bon Jovi concert this month (don't make fun). We had random seats behind the stage, which wasn't an issue for the most part because he would turn and sing in all directions.

Concert #2: Then my brother's wife and I went to see Maroon 5. I got to see my second husband Adam Levine, and we had a blast singing and dancing.

I also had a lot of visits with babies this month. I got to hang out with two friends and their little ones on separate occasions, which was so nice because I don't get to see them very often due to lack of time, or life getting in the way.

MARCH

This month we had a very special guest stay with us. Nelly Bellie's fur Uncle, Uncle Alfie. Alfie stayed with us for about a week I think, because we wanted to see how life would be with a dog around full-time. I highly recommend doing this if you are thinking of getting a puppy or dog. It's a great test, and if it doesn't work out, that's ok, you can always just be a dog sitter from time to time.

Who doesn't like surprise flowers? Chris brought me home a lovely bunch of flowers this month, just because. A definite highlight for me!

APRIL

April was a great month because Chris and I flew to Vancouver. It was the first time he met my parents, my sister and her husband, and my niece and nephew. It was also the first time he met a bunch of my west coast friends including my bezzie mate Amanda. My parents and I also got to meet Chris' aunt and uncle and their kids and grandchildren. Not only did we have amazing family bonding time, but we also got to see lots of the beautiful scenic sights that I miss so much (I lived in Vancouver for about 9 years). Everyone loved Chris (how could you not), which is always a bonus. 

I also got my first pair of glasses this month. I had been in denial for a while that distances were starting to get a bit blurry, so I bit the bullet when I saw that ClearlyContacts were going to give me my first pair of glasses for free! Who doesn't love free stuff?

MAY

School starts for Summer. School starts forever. I started my new journey of being an elementary school teacher in May, with my first round of full-time classes. I was definitely nervous (it's been a long time since I've been in University!), but I soon got in to the swing of things.

Lovely Laura also moved back to Canada this month from Ireland. Even though I haven't got to see her a lot this year (due to school craziness, etc) it's so nice having her back. She is one of my closest friends, she always puts a smile on my face, and she has been there for me a lot. We actually met in New Zealand and then randomly ended up moving to Canada at the same time! That is friendship fate if you ask me!

JUNE

This month Chris and I decided that we definitely wanted to get a Westie puppy. After doing lots of research we found the perfect place and they had a new litter! We went for our first visit this month, and while we aren't exactly sure which puppy is Nelly Bellie (as they all look like tiny polar bears), I feel that the one I ended up holding had to be her!

Chris and I also celebrated his birthday this month at our favourite restaurant! We actually had our second date there, and we always go back for special occasions.

JULY

July 26, 2013 was the day that we brought Nelly Bellie home! She was shaking like a leaf and very quiet when we first got her, boy did that change fast! We were so happy to finally have her, and slowly our family began to grow.

AUGUST

This month was great because I got to see my Sista, her hubby, and my niece and nephew. They came out this way for a bit of a vacation, and even though I didn't get to spend a lot of time with them (I had final exams) it still meant the world to see them! I miss them a lot!

I had 5 final exams this month! Ouch! I did pretty well, especially considering it was my first semester back at school. It might have been because of the blueberries I ate. My mum and dad watched a British documentary that basically proved that if you eat blueberries at least 3 hours before your exams, that you will get a higher mark. Give it a go! A Nelly Bellie family tip right here!

Once my final exams were done we packed Nelly Bellie and all our camping gear up in the truck and headed out on a major east coast road trip. Went to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia (including Cape Breton Island),  and Quebec. Initially, we met up with my brother and his wife (they happened to be out that way that the same time). Such good luck! After we left them we made our way to the very top of beautiful Cape Breton Island and stayed at the most gorgeous campsite in the world. We were literally camping on a cliff, overlooking the ocean. We could hear the waves crashing on the rocks, and in the morning we got to hear a pod of whales travelling by. It was truly magical! The entire trip was so much fun, and we definitely saw some of the most amazing scenery that I have ever seen in my life (and that's pretty big considering I lived in New Zealand). We ate seafood galore, and Nelly Bellie was so good in the truck (which is a miracle because she now gets car sick every time we travel). She loved camping because she got to meet lots of new dogs and puppies. We had a blast and I will never forget that trip!

SEPTEMBER

A HUGE highlight this month, was our 1-year anniversary. I feel like I have known Chris my whole life. He is my best friend, and I am so lucky to have him. He treats me like a Princess, and we have so much fun together. I always thought I knew what love was, but I know now that I hadn't truly been in love before I met him.

A new semester of school also started for me in September. I was quite excited because all of my courses were Education courses (I am going to be an elementary school teacher). However, I was a bit apprehensive about my law class, but I ended up getting amazing marks. Maybe I should be a lawyer?

OCTOBER

I turned 3# this month :) and was very spoilt by Chris. He got me a Samsung Galaxy 3 tablet, and I use it every day! He also arranged a nice dinner with my brother, his wife, and some of our friends. We ate amazing food at an awesome gastro pub, and I found out that my sister-in-law was taking me to see Pink! Yeah baby! My nephew has the same birthday as me (minus the year of course) which always makes my birthday extra special. How cool is that?!

NOVEMBER

I started my blog on November 25, 2013 (click here for my very first blog post). I have to say that it feels a lot longer than that (in a great way). I am having so much fun blogging and vlogging and I look forward to doing this for years to come! I have picked two of my favourite blog posts. I really enjoyed doing my 'Tuesday's Treats & Truths' post where I answered 50 fun questions, and I also enjoyed posting my 'Fridays : Finals : Food : Festivities : Fashion : Fur-daughter' posts.

We welcomed our new niece Grace this month. She is so adorable, and I am looking forward to spoiling her.

Nelly Bellie celebrated her birthday this month. She turned 6 months. If she was 18 months it wouldn't be a big deal, but half way to 1 comes with some major changes in the world of puppies. The most major change was that she got spayed this month. Poor Nelly Bellie. She hated wearing her cone, but everything went well and her stitches have healed nicely.

Nelly also met her new fur-cousin Betty this month and she got a taste of her own medicine. She always loves to bug her fur-aunt and fur-uncle (who are both Westies) so she wasn't used to a younger pup chasing her around non-stop. She got a tad annoyed to put it lightly.

DECEMBER

This month I got taken to see Pink by my sister-in-law, and it was ah-may-zing. Boy, does she put on a great show! She was literally somersaulting through the air while singing.

I had another round of final exams this month and rocked them! My final grades were 82, 92, 93, and 96. My best marks ever and I am proud. :)

We hosted our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party before Christmas and it was tons of fun. I won't repeat myself, so here is my blog about that, click here.

Chris and I also went to his work Christmas party this month, and I met some new awesome friends. Again, I won't regurgitate but I held a vote for what dress I should wear that night. Here is the video showing the options, and here is the result.

Chris and I spent our second Christmas together, but it was our first Christmas with Nelly Bellie. We have decided that Christmas Eve and Christmas morning we are going to start our own family tradition, but after the morning is done, it's family time. After all, that's what Christmas is all about!

Let me know below what some of your 2013 highlights were! Have a great week-end everyone!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

"Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job." ~ Franklin P. Jones