What I Got For Christmas 2013 Tag - Nelly Bellie

Happy Friday Nelly Bellier's!

I have posted a new vlog made with my new Canon PowerShot S120 camera, so I hope you dig the quality, etc. Again, this is no way a bragging video, I have just really enjoyed watching these videos on YouTube, so I thought I would join in. Find out 'What I Got For Christmas 2013 Tag':

If you like this video please subscribe to my channel and like this video, and also let me know what you guys got for Christmas! Comment below. :)

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"You can't replace one dog with another any more than you can replace one person with another, but that's not to say you shouldn't get more dogs and people in your life.” ~ Polly Horvath, One Year in Coal Harbour

Thursday is ALL Nelly Bellie & Travel Rant Featuring New Zealand

Hello Nelly Belliers!

Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe it is already 2014. I remember when I was younger and it felt like time was going so slow, and then boom, you are an adult with a family, living somewhere you didn't imagine you would be. Life is cray cray. 

My 2014 Rant

Not to get all "listen to me, I'm an adult" on you, but if you are younger, enjoy it! Go on adventures, and do as many things as you can (that are safe and good) before you have responsibilities, bills, and all that jazz. Don't get me wrong, I love my life right now, I just think that sometimes we are all in such a rush to grow up, that we forget all the amazing things and opportunities you have when you are young and free. 

If I could go back in time, the only thing I would have done earlier is travel travel travel. I am so lucky that I got to live in New Zealand at the age of 29, but it just showed me how important travelling is. Personally, I feel that going somewhere on your own, gives you so many life skills that you can never learn at University, or travelling an hour down the road, or even travelling with someone else. It changes you forever, and unless you have done it, it's truly unexplainable to anyone that hasn't (you almost feel like you can conquer the world).   If we are blessed with kids, I will definitely be encouraging them to go on an OE (Overseas Experience). So go! Get a working visa while you can (there are age limits to them) and go on a life adventure. You have plenty of time to work, get married, and have kids (if you want them). Ok, that's my 2014 rant done. :) (I've included some pics of New Zealand below to get you inspired! Also if you have any questions about working visas, etc, definitely contact me. I'd be glad to help.)

New Year's Resolutions

While I am not making any resolutions this year (click here if you don't know why), I do have some goals for my blog that I wanted to share with you guys.

I am definitely going to be putting up way more vlogs (video blogs) (I really needed a new camera so now that I have one I'm ready to rock n' roll) and I am working on creating a schedule for myself, so that I am more organized for you and for me. I have had a couple of requests that I will definitely be including: 1. more recipe vlogs (like this one) and 2. a "what's in my closet" vlog. The second one is definitely more difficult because I am a bit of a clothes horse (a Thursday truth for you!). I love fashion, and I love a variety of styles, so I might turn this in to a small series. Let me know what else you would like to see this year? I read all of your requests, and really enjoy the interactive process of blogging and vlogging.

Other vlogs I will be doing include: reviews on puppy/dog products (so if you have anything you would like me to review, please contact me) and "Nelly Bellie Tips" blogs where I give you guys tips on raising/training/grooming/etc a puppy, and of course truths on having a dog. I think sometimes we only hear one side of the coin, so if I can give you a more rounded perspective I think you can make a more informed decision on whether owning a puppy/dog is for you.

I will also be making haul vlogs, and doing more giveaways (I'm really enjoying my current Christmas / New Year Giveaway (click here to enter: it closes Jan 10, 2014).

I think it would be really fun to include some "Day in the Life" type vlogs, and in regards to the cooking ones, I would also like to do a "Make or Miss Recipe" vlog, where I try out different recipes that I find, make them, and then let you know whether they are good / bad / or let you know things that I feel need to be altered. 

We also have plans to travel to Vancouver (soon-ish) so I will also be including some travel vlogs for you guys. Finally, we have some exciting stuff happening this year (which I will reveal when the time is right) so there are going to be surprise vlogs as well. 

The Truth About Owning a Puppy

As per above, I want to give you a more well-rounded perspective on owning a puppy. Nelly Bellie is now 7 months old, and she is definitely calming down a lot. Don't get me wrong, she still loves to play and run around, but we can let her roam around the apartment more without worrying that she is going to chew something, or pee on the floor. She still has the odd accident here or there, but overall they are becoming few and far between.

One thing that hasn't changed much is her stubbornness. Sometimes when I tell her to sit or come it can take about 10 times of repeating it until she actually does what is asked (especially if it involves food in some way, she is food obsessed). For those of you who don't know, West Highland Terriers are quite stubborn breeds. It's just the way they are, and if you get one, you have to accept that quality about them. Sure, you might get the exception to the rule, but I have spent enough time with Nelly Bellie and her fur-Aunt and fur-Uncle to know that most of them love to be stubborn.

Overall, I am definitely enjoying this age more than when she was younger. I think because I can relax more, it has just naturally become more enjoyable for both of us (but I do miss how little and adorable she used to be - she's still adorable but you know what I mean).

PS

I apologize for not putting up a vlog yet. I am STILL sick, and this bug has definitely knocked out all of my energy, but I am on the mend, so it shouldn't be long, I promise.

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, email me at mynellybellie@gmail.com


Thursday Pics of Choice - My New Zealand Adventures

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"Mrs. Campbell once attempted to smuggle her pet Pekingese through customs by tucking him inside the upper part of her cape. "Everything was going splendidly," she later remarked, "until my bosom barked." ~ Beatrice Stella Campbell

Tuesdays, Treats & Truths & Happy New Year's Eve! Love Nelly Bellie

Happy Tuesday Nelly Bellier's!

Treats

It's New Year's Eve! Happy New Year to everyone in the world who is ahead of us, especially my favourite place, New Zealand. How is everyone celebrating? Going out? Staying in? Hanging with family and friends? I am still quite sick.... booooooh. So we will be staying in tonight with Nelly Bellie. A quiet family celebration. That's ok though, as long as I am with the ones I love then it's all good.

11 more days to enter my giveaway Christmas / New Year contest thingamabob so click here for for your chance to win free stuff! Who doesn't love free stuff? Don't forget you could also give the prizes to someone as a treat!

So I have a BIG treat to share with you today. I got my new camera yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! As you can see I'm very excited. After a ton of research, and seeing what my favourite bloggers use, I decided to go with the Canon PowerShot S120. Eventually, I will also get an DSLR but for now this this little camera is amaze-balls! I did a bit of testing it out last night, and I am so impressed! Not only does it take amazing photographs, but the video! Hello! It is truly a 180 from the quality of video that I have been putting up, which will also be a treat for you guys! 

I highly recommend this camera. Not only can you take RAW photographs, but you can also change the aperture, ISO, etc, like you would on a DSLR, and it also has some nifty features (like making a 'miniature type world') that users will actually use. Also, the viewing screen is a touch screen and the camera has wifi connectivity, which means you can transfer photographs to your computer, phone, tablets, without the need of a cord, or you can put photographs / video up on the fly if you are out and about, etc. I have put a few photographs down below for you of Nelly Bellie that I shot last night. Please keep in mind that I was very ill when I took these, and literally had spent about 10 minutes with the camera at this point. However, these were taken in a low-lit room, and I didn't even need to use the flash, very cool!

One last possible treat. If I'm feeling up to it, I'm going to try and shoot my 'What I Got for Christmas' video today on my new camera and upload today. Stay tuned!


Truths

I am not making any New Year's resolutions this year. I feel like it is much more meaningful to make positive and life-changing decisions when the time is right. We are all constantly changing, growing, reflecting, and trying out new paths in life, so while I have aspirations and things I want to accomplish this year, I am going to go with the 'flow of things' so to speak, and take things one step at a time (hopefully that makes sense?). I have nothing against anyone that does make resolutions, and in fact, I would love to hear what resolutions you have made, or any thoughts about New Year's resolutions that you have? Comment below :) Chris and I did officially join the gym, so I do plan on getting super buff and healthy :) but that is for many different reasons, which I will share with you when the time is right.

I thought I would also share a funny truth today called "You Know That You Are Sick When...". Yesterday was the first day I have left the house in a few days (due to this nasty bug) and poor Chris had to deal with my delirious state all day (hehe). So I thought I would share some of the things that I said, which I barely remember. You know when you are so sick that you can't even form proper sentences, and what you are saying makes no sense? Like you are almost in a dream-like fog? Well that was me. 

You Know That You Are Sick When: you see a man chopping up branches with a chainsaw (from our crazy ice storm) and you say to your boyfriend, "look, that man is making a forest". (Yes, I actually said that and thought it made perfectly sense, and no I'm not on drugs (say no to drugs) except for Extra Strength Tylenol Cold pills).

You Know That You Are Sick When: your boyfriend keeps pointing out the car we want to get, or the name of the car keeps coming up during conversation, and you say, "what's that? I'm not sure what you're talking about", even though he's explained it to you probably at least every hour (he probably felt like he was in Groundhog Day!)

You Know That You Are Sick When: you point out a very broken and poorly tree (again from our crazy ice storm) to your boyfriend and he says "sadly, the city doesn't care about that tree because it isn't close to any power lines" and you not only start waving at the tree, but you also try to speak to it "I care about you tree" (don't worry I won't be going out today :)).

Some more treats for you…

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“A dog's New Year's Resolution: I will not chase that stick unless I actually see it leave his hand.” ~ Unknown

Sunday Supper Idea - Tuna Fish Cakes - Nelly Bellie

Hello Nelly Belliers!

Still a day of rest for me, but I did manage to cook us dinner tonight. I don't know about you but I find cooking relaxing and enjoyable, and I always know I am on the mend (for those of you who don't know I have been quite ill) when I can manage to stand in the kitchen that long. :)

I thought I would share with you what I made Chris and I for supper, because not only was it delicious but it was super easy and affordable. If you are under the weather, and you don't have someone to take care of you, or you are sick of lying around like me, then this would be a great thing to make because it doesn't take a ton of effort.

What you will need to make Tuna Fish Cakes:

• Potatoes (I used a 2 pound bag of small white potatoes)
• 3 cans of tuna (you could also substitute different types of fish if you don't like tuna)
• Parsley (2 tablespoons)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• Regular white flour (1 tablespoon to mix in and then a bit to sprinkle on a board as you are forming the fish cakes, and then a bit to coat them)
• Olive oil

How to make Tuna Fish Cakes:

1. Peel potatoes (I didn't peel mine, but it really depends on the type of potatoes and whether you mind the peel - so I'll leave that up to you) and cut potatoes and put them in a pot. Put enough water in the pot so that it just covering the potatoes. Put the pot on the stove, add some salt to the pot, and boil potatoes until cooked.
2. Finely chop parsley while potatoes are boiling.
3. When the potatoes are cooked, strain them, and then put them back in the pot and mash.
4. Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes.
5. Open your 3 cans of tuna and flake tuna in with the mashed potatoes. (i.e. break apart tuna into small pieces using your hands). Add 1 tablespoon of regular white flour. Add some salt and pepper. Mix it all up.
6. Add 1 egg and the parsley to the mixture and mix again.
7. Once mixed sprinkle some flour on a cutting board or flat surface. Form the tuna fish cake patties using your hands. Place each patty on the flour surface and lightly coat the other side that is facing up with flour as well (not too much).
8. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan fry the tuna patties until browned and crisp, about 4 minutes on each side.

This batch will make about 10 medium size patties.

Chris has his with baked beans on the side, but you could also make a nice light salad, or in my case just eat them on their own (however, I do recommend a nice dollop of HP Sauce on the side of your plate).

ENJOY :)

Also, don't forget to enter my Christmas Contest Giveaway Contest! It's super easy to enter and you could win some great stuff! Who doesn't like FREE stuff?

How to Enter This Contest:

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
2. Watch my video (here is the link, click here) and then post your answers to my 2 questions that I ask you in my video. Post your answers in the comments area below the video on YouTube, and don't forget to like the video (pretty please).
3. Follow my blog with Bloglovin (or Google Plus, etc)
4. Follow me on Twitter, and 
5. "Like" me on Facebook

This contest is open to anyone (it is international) and you can enter as many times as you like (but remember I will be checking that you are subscribed / following everything above, and that you have answered my 2 questions). Feel free to pass this on to friends, family, etc. This contest opens once my video goes up and ends on January 10, 2014. 
Good luck!

My YouTube Channel :: http://www.youtube.com/TheNellyBellie
My Twitter Account :: https://twitter.com/TheNellyBellie
My BlogLovin :: Follow my blog with Bloglovin
My Facebook Page :: https://www.facebook.com/TheNellyBellie

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"When an eighty-five pound mammal licks your tears away, then tries to sit on your lap, it's hard to feel sad." ~ Kristan Higgins, Catch of the Day

Christmas Update & Sick As A Dog

Hello Nelly Belliers!

I hope you all had a wonderful and Merry Christmas! What fun things did you do and get for Christmas? Let me know in the comments area below this blog.

I wanted to write a quick blog today to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you, I have just caught a really nasty flu virus thing, so I'm a little out of action right now. I am hoping I will be a lot better tomorrow so that I can go get a new camera! Yes, that's right I will no longer look like a ghost or a dark blob on my vlogs! Yayyyyy! 

We had a fabulous Christmas (thankfully I got sick on boxing day) and I got very spoilt. I am hoping to film a "What I Got for Christmas" vlog soon. I have noticed a few floating around the world of YouTube and I think they are quite fun to watch, so hopefully you will too. I will also include what Nelly Bellie got for Christmas, minus one toy because she has already managed to destroy it. Does anyone know of any really durable dog toys that won't break the bank? If you do please write in the comments area below and let me know. It would be GREATLY appreciated.

I have been checking my YouTube intermittently, and am really enjoying all your 'favourite thing and least favourite thing about Christmas comments for my Giveaway Contest'! Keep them coming. Don't forget that you only have until January 10, 2014 to enter.

Also, I had a lovely comment about my shepherd's pie video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZVyW4g4xNE&feature=c4-overview&list=UUWqW8pYITGp3B8zekTb5t3A (the comment is on my Christmas Giveaway 2013 video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qApiaUOR5jE) and yes, I will definitely make more cooking videos. I really enjoyed making that video, and future cooking ones will be even better with my new camera! By the way I love when you guys suggest vlogs that you would like to see more of, or even if you have any new ideas, so please let me know. I check my comments etc, all the time.

Ok, this is fairly short and sweet because I need to go lie down again. Let me know what you did for Christmas, or what your favourite gift was down below, so that I can have something fun to read while I'm in a flu daze. :) :) :)

Also, don't forget to enter my Christmas Contest Giveaway Contest! It's super easy to enter and you could win some great stuff! Who doesn't like FREE stuff?

How to Enter This Contest:

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
2. Watch my video (here is the link, click here) and then post your answers to my 2 questions that I ask you in my video. Post your answers in the comments area below the video on YouTube, and don't forget to like the video (pretty please).
3. Follow my blog with Bloglovin (or Google Plus, etc)
4. Follow me on Twitter, and 
5. "Like" me on Facebook

This contest is open to anyone (it is international) and you can enter as many times as you like (but remember I will be checking that you are subscribed / following everything above, and that you have answered my 2 questions). Feel free to pass this on to friends, family, etc. This contest opens once my video goes up and ends on January 10, 2014. 
Good luck!

My YouTube Channel :: http://www.youtube.com/TheNellyBellie
My Twitter Account :: https://twitter.com/TheNellyBellie
My BlogLovin :: Follow my blog with Bloglovin
My Facebook Page :: https://www.facebook.com/TheNellyBellie

I leave you with these pics from Christmas Day............

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"The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants." ~ Johnny Depp

Happy Christmas Eve! Christmas Contest Giveaway 2013 OPEN

Hello Nelly Belliers!

Well well well....... it is almost Christmas! yayyyyyyyy! Happy Christmas Eve everyone! (actually Merry Christmas to some of you in the world!)

We are officially now on holiday, and thankfully our power has been fully restored. As some of you may know the east coast has been hit by a crazy ice storm, which sadly will leave some without power even on Christmas. Our power was out most of Sunday, and just as we thought all had been restored that evening, it went out again in the middle of watching my favourite movie, LOVE ACTUALLY. How rude! There are lots of people that are in far worse scenarios though, so I feel quite lucky to be sitting in our heated home, safe and sound. 

To those of you who are still weathering the storm, my thoughts are with you and I hope things are back to normal for you very soon. If you have no electricity please go to a friend or family members home, or if you can't do that, please head to a local church or community type shelter. I have heard lots of sad stories about carbon monoxide poisoning, so please do not use any appliance in the home that burns, whether it’s a barbecue, gas appliance or even candles if people are using a lot of them.

On a happier note.... I am making sausage rolls and white chocolate butterscotch cookies today! We will be taking them with us tomorrow for our family Christmas, and I think (I hope) I found a super duper delicious cookie recipe. I'm not a big fan of white chocolate but these look amazing, and I may do half white and half regular chocolate. Livin' on the edge!

We are all finished our Christmas shopping and Nelly's stocking is stuffed with toys (it sounds like we got her tons of toys but we actually only got her three toys, they are just quite large :)). I will try to video tape some of the festivities tomorrow so that I can share our Christmas Day celebrations with you all. Morning videotaping is never great though haha.


Don't forget to enter my Christmas Contest Giveaway Contest! It's super easy to enter and you could win some great stuff! Who doesn't like FREE stuff?

How to Enter This Contest:

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
2. Watch my video (here is the link, click here) and then post your answers to my 2 questions that I ask you in my video. Post your answers in the comments area below the video on YouTube, and don't forget to like the video (pretty please).
3. Follow my blog with Bloglovin (or Google Plus, etc)
4. Follow me on Twitter, and 
5. "Like" me on Facebook

This contest is open to anyone (it is international) and you can enter as many times as you like (but remember I will be checking that you are subscribed / following everything above, and that you have answered my 2 questions). Feel free to pass this on to friends, family, etc. This contest opens once my video goes up and ends on January 10, 2014. 
Good luck!

My YouTube Channel :: http://www.youtube.com/TheNellyBellie
My Twitter Account :: https://twitter.com/TheNellyBellie
My BlogLovin :: Follow my blog with Bloglovin
My Facebook Page :: https://www.facebook.com/TheNellyBellie

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"Dogs come when they’re called; cats take a message and get back to you later." ~ Mary Bly

Yes! We Shall Make Shepherd's Pie! Nelly Bellie Recipe

Happy Thursday Nelly Bellier's!

Hi everyone. I thought I would share with you this easy and delicious Shepherd's Pie recipe. Not only is this a nice festive meal, but for those of you surrounded by snow, it is sure to warm the belly! 

If you like this video please subscribe to my channel and like this video.

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"In my lap I had my dear little pug, the smell of whose ears will always be sweeter to me than all the perfumes of Araby and the scent of heliotrope combined.” ~ Kathryn Davis, Versailles

Fridays : Finals : Food : Festivities : Fashion : Fur-daughter @ Nelly Bellie

Hello Nelly Belliers!

Fridays: Tis the weekend to be jolly fa la la la laaaa la la la la.

Finals: My final exams are over and out. Not sure how I did. Is it just me or when you think you've done great you do terrible, and when you think you've done bad you do great, and when you think you've done bad you do bad, and when you think you've done great you do great? In other words, are your instincts every right about exams?

Food: I made some delicious shepherd's pie a few nights ago (which has lasted us until lunch today)! I am going to be putting up a vlog which will be a musical video (no talking) where you will make this delicious feast with me. Don't worry, I will put the recipe below the video in the description. Deee-li-cious!

Festivities: This weekend we are hosting our annual ugly Christmas sweater party. Get ready for some fabulous pics, and possibly some video (if our guests agree… don't worry, if they don't we'll just have to feed them extra alcohol).

Fashion: These are a few of my favourite things this week: 1. http://www.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?cid=86674&vid=1&pid=748294033 (in Egyptian turquoise) 2. http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/new-york-minuet-dress (so gorgeous!) and 3. http://www.lightinthebox.com/yyj-christmas-gorgeous-jumpsuit-set-with-belt_p922324.html (tee hee)

Fur-daughter: Nelly is loving the selection of dog toys at HomeSense (slash Winners). Great value and great quality. This is her recent toy that she got tonight http://www.rosewoodpet.com/catalogue/detail.aspx?pid=45884&gid=42506&pg=EzU7GN0XFruSnbtxg%2fpoiSC466puG%2fON (sadly we had to send her lamb to the slaughter house). Her tip is skip the pet stores and head to HomeSense for all your Christmas gifts for Nelly Bellie (contact me if you need her address).

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"Every dog has his day, unless he loses his tail, then he has a weak-end." ~ June Carter

Upcoming Christmas Feature - Calling all Amazing Stories

Hello Nelly Belliers,

Every day I hear such amazing stories of people doing remarkable things and overcoming huge obstacles in their lives. I thought Christmas would be a great time to start showcasing these stories, and reminding people that there a lot of people in the world who have very little, or who had nothing but made new paths for themselves. Let's reach out and support people that need it during this holiday season.

If you have an amazing story, or you want to showcase your small business (I would love to showcase some gift options for Christmas that are hand-crafted and have a great story behind them), then contact me at mynellybellie@gmail.com. 

This is going to be short and sweet today. Busy day. Sorry Nelly Belliers.

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“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” 
~ Will Rogers

Tuesday's Treats & Truths Part II - Nelly Bellie

Happy Tuesday Nelly Bellier's!

I thought I would continue on with the list of 50 questions. If you don't remember last weeks answers here is the link http://nellybellie.blogspot.ca/2013/11/tuesdays-treats-truths_26.html.

What are some of your answers? Post your answers in the comments area below this blog.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? 
Nothing at all - just the sounds of the cars going by outside and some birds tweet tweeting. 

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? 
Robin Egg Blue

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? 
Bacon cooking, fresh flowers, grass scent candles, apple crumble. 

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? 
My mum. :) (interestingly to complain about the price of Marmite at the Brit Store (import store) - $20 for one squeeze bottle of Marmite - I don't think so!)

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE? 
Beach house. 

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? 
Rugby (but only the New Zealand All Blacks).

27. HAIR COLOR? 
Dark blonde with lighter blonde highlights. 

28. EYE COLOR? 
Brown.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? 
No, but I do sometimes wear glasses for distance.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? 
Anything that involves meat.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? 
Definitely Happy Endings. My boyfriend loves scary movies and I can't stand them because I am a chicken.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? 
Flight (it was actually better than I thought it would be).

33. WHAT COLOUR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? 
Navy.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? 
Summer (however Fall / Autumn is my favourite).

35. HUGS OR KISSES? 
Depends on who is giving me one (or visa versa). Let's go with hugs.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? 
Raspberry Pie or Creme Brûlée with raspberries in it. YUMMMMMMMMM

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO? 
Cardio (why isn't yoga an option?)

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION? 
Computer with the TV on in the background, but if I have to pick one I'm going with computer because they can now function as tv's as well. 

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? 
Sadly just textbooks for school.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? 
Don't have a mouse pad. 

42. FAVORITE SOUND? 
Waves at a beach or the birds in New Zealand.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? 
The Beatles (we did name our dog after one of their songs…)

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? 
New Zealand (lived there for almost 2 years).

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? 
I can touch my nose to my lip without using my hands.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? 
England (Ipswich).

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW? 
Canada.

48. WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR HOUSE? 
Boring white apartment - we aren't going to paint until we move somewhere else.

49. WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR CAR? 
I don't have one but my boyfriend's truck is grey.

50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS? 
Love love love it.

Some more treats for you…

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“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” ~ Charles de Gaulle

Christmas Party Update & Monday Non-Blues

Hello Nelly Belliers,

Thank you so much to everyone who voted on my Christmas dress and hair style. Dress #3 and Dress #4 were neck in neck for a while, but Dress #3 won in the end (and so did wearing my hair down). 

We had a FABULOUS time and we ended up making some great new friends. Do you ever think "wow, can the universe can hear me?". It's not always easy being so far from most of my family and some of my closest friends, and it's not always easy to make new friends… well not only did the universe deliver some amazing people to us this weekend, but I also ended meeting a Spanish couple who are further away from home than me! I ended up having a great conversation with them, and discovered that there are people in the universe who have much bigger distance issues than me (it's always great to get a new perspective on things). I couldn't believe how happy it made them when we asked them to come for dinner some time, and the wife of the Spanish couple almost cried when I gave her a hug.

My wish for today is that you reach out to someone or give someone a random hug - it goes along way and sometimes I think we forget that little things can have a huge impact!

Here are some pics from the night of the party….

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“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ~ Milan Kundera

Nelly Bellie :: Christmas Haul & Puppy Treats Video & a Nelly Bellie update

Hello Nelly Belliers,

Video #2 is up - Nelly Bellie :: Christmas Haul & Puppy Treats (click here or the image below)

My initial thoughts about starting this blog….

Starting this blog / vlog has been one of the best decisions I have made. Not only do I love working on my blogs and videos, but I am also learning a heck of a lot! 

Unless you've done a blog before, I think you are probably sitting there going "this looks so easy", and "this won't take much time at all". Not true. 

I too didn't understand the amount of work that goes in to posting all over social media (including trying to remember the passwords you have created for each site), writing posts, taking photographs, and of course shooting and editing video. Did I get everything? 

I have also discovered how important your camera choice is and that lighting can be a pain in the you know what. I keep apologizing for the quality of my videos (only 2 so far), but when you look at other blogger YouTube channels, you discover how high the video calibre is out in the online universe. Anyway, I am getting a new camera yahooooo, and I should hopefully have it by next week (fingers and toes crossed). What camera do you guys use in the blogging world?

Update about Nelly Bellie….

Poor Nelly Bellie got spayed yesterday. She came home rather groggy and sore, and we didn't get much sleep last night, but she seems to be doing a bit better today. She hates her cone that she has to wear around her neck (when we aren't around), but hey if you had to wear a cone around your neck and walk on all-fours all day, I think you would hate it too (you think by now that vets would have found an alternative option). Other than the cone all is going well. She is sleeping a lot and she is still food obsessed (that's our Nelly).


Here are some quick tips about spaying your puppy:

• before your puppy can be spayed your vet will need to do a complete blood work check to make sure they are nice and healthy
• when should your puppy be spayed? There are lots of different opinions out there, so I would recommend finding a really good vet (we found ours because of a family referral, it's always great to use a vet that someone close to you can recommend). Once you find the right vet, they will be able to make the right recommendation. I would also recommend asking family and friends what they did.
• are the myths true? Some vets will tell you that your puppy will put on weight after being spayed, and other bits and bobs. Good old Cesar Millan says that a lot of these myths are not true. Here is the link, but again, I would recommend doing your research:: http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/basics/spay-and-neuter-myths

What tips do you have? Or what was your experience?

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“I'm half-Irish, half-Dutch, and I was born in Belgium. If I was a dog, I'd be in a hell of a mess!” ~ Audrey Hepburn