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

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"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

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"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

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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

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

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