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
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
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
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
"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
