Tuesdays, Treats, & Truths - Nelly Bellie

Happy Tuesday Nelly Bellier's!

TREATS

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

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

My Current Random Recommendations

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

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

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

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

'Sisters Tell All' - The Bachelor - Episode 2

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

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

VICTORIA'S THOUGHTS (ME)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SISTA K's THOUGHTS (MY SISTER)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Amy. Hmm. OK. Her schtick is odd.

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

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

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

TRUTHS

Nelly Bellie Truths

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

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

Life Truths

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

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

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

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

Some more treats for you…

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

Motivational Monday

Hello Nelly Belliers,

MONDAY

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

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

MONDAY MONTAGE

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


MARVELLOUS JUAN PABLO

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

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

MUSIC

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

Please Forgive Me by David Gray - click here 

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

Someone To Be Around by Six60 - click here

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES

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

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

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

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

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

MAKE YOURSELF FEEL LIKE A PRINCESS (OR A PRINCE)

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

MY MOTIVATIONAL PHOTO SHOOT

Great Coffee

Beautiful trees and shadows

Red Wellies (Rain Boots)

Architecture

Art

Puppies and dogs

Light and shadows

Nature

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

Sunday Schmooze Savouries Sweets and Scrabble

Hello Nelly Belliers!

Where did the weekend go? I can't believe it is Sunday already! We had a quiet weekend, but we did go to the gym yesterday and we will be going again today. I have to say that even though it always feels like a bit of struggle for the first month or two back, it felt really good to workout and my body definitely said "thank you". Chris has been back at it longer than me, but we have both decided that it is time to get healthy, strong, and fit. If anyone has any healthy snack or meal recipes, or if anyone has a favourite exercise move, let me know in the comments area below!

The other highlight for me was meeting our financial fella! He was a hoot and I now want to hang out with him. He also thought that I was a certain celebrity when I first walked in (click here to find out who). She's the only celebrity that I have ever been compared to. Isn't it so nice when you are doing something in life and you randomly meet someone who's really fun and hilarious. Don't worry Chris thought the same thing, so this isn't remotely inappropriate ;) ! 

My final week-end highlight is my 'Ask Nelly Bellie - Episode 1' video. Click here to see it. It was so much fun making this, and Nelly already has some excellent questions to answer for Episode 2! Don't forget to post your question as well so that it is included in the next episode.


SCHMOOZE

Going back to one of my week-end highlights, I wanted to talk a bit about body image, and feeling good about yourself.

First of all don't let anyone ever make you feel less than beautiful! Beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes, and the best thing that you can do in life is to learn to love yourself. Be proud of who you are, stand tall, and strut your stuff!

On the other side of the coin is your health. If you want or need to get healthy, then definitely go for it! Just like we need to keep our brains strong, we also need to keep our hearts and bodies strong too. This means eating well and doing some type of exercise. 
Here are a few facts for you:

• Body fat around the waist is very dangerous to your heart, more than your hips and thighs. 
• Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. 
• Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.
• If you want to know what your weight should be based upon your height, age, and gender then here is a great calculator. Please note that this is just a suggestion and you should always talk to your doctor about weight and health concerns.

Being healthy also means that you need to get regular check ups and you need to go to the doctor if something isn't right with your body. It really frustrates me when people refuse to go to the doctor when something is wrong, or when I hear that they haven't been to the doctor in years. The overwhelming proof is out there now that catching things early can save your life! I know it can be scary, but imagine if a doctor said "if you had come earlier, your prognosis would be better". Think about how your health decisions can also affect your family and friends. Please don't let the fear win. I am going for my yearly checkup this week, and would love to hear that you have booked yours or have one as well. Let's fight fear together!

Being healthy doesn't mean that you should cut out all of the things that you love to eat in life. I recommend having a treat day once a week, or maybe two depending on your situation. You don't want to cut out everything good in life, or you will go crazy! Also focus on finding healthy delicious recipes. There are LOTS of them out there, and the majority of them taste just as good as recipes with twice the amount of fat, etc. Try to focus on eating foods like fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, high-fiber grains, and olive oils rich with monounsaturated fats, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

For those of you who are young, I wanted to share something personal with you in hopes that my story can help in any way. At the end of high school I struggled with my weight and with my self-esteem, and I became bulimic. My bulimia carried on into University, and it wasn't until I told my mum that I was able to deal with it. It didn't matter how many people told me "your beautiful", I didn't feel that way, and I needed to figure out why. From the outside it looked like I had it all, a great family, a great group of friends, and a safe place to lay my head at night, but on the inside I was crumbling. There is so much pressure on girls and women, and I just want you to know that you are beautiful! If you aren't feeling that way, and if you are going through something similar then PLEASE tell someone and get help. I also think that it's super important to talk about these things openly, because the more that we discuss serious topics, the more open and free people can feel. We shouldn't feel ashamed to talk about how we are feeling or what we are going through, and we need to support one another through tough times. If one person gets help because they have read this then I am over the moon, but regardless I think it's an important topic to talk about, and I have said from day one that my blog was also going to be a place of honesty and truth. I would also like to say that eating disorders affect all genders and all ages, I'm just relating to my story of what it was like as young girl growing up. So it doesn't matter who are, you are ALL worthy of feeling amazingly fabulous because you are amazingly fabulous! 

If you are in Canada, here are two great online resources (if you aren't in Canada there are still lots of great resources, you just need to do a Google search):

• Eating Disorders Foundation of Canada - http://www.edfofcanada.com
• National Eating Disorder Information Centre - http://www.nedic.ca

"To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself." ~Thich Nhat Hanh

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within." 
~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross


SAVOURIES

Sort a strange thing to follow with, but it's important that we learn to love food and learn to talk about it in positive ways. So on to savouries, one of my deepest loves.

My sausage roll puff pastry quest will be put on hold until a 'treat' day type dealio, but I am in search of some healthy savoury delights, because completely cutting out everything is not realistic. Also, who wants a life without savouries? Not me! 

I have more of a savoury than sweet tooth, so I definitely need to find some salty little snacks that I can make myself. One way to definitely cut back on calories, fat, and things that your body doesn't need is to make things yourself. For example, make your own salsa, don't buy it. That way you know exactly what you are eating, and you know that everything in it is fresh as daisies.

Here is a great home-made salsa recipe from Weight Watchers UK (click here). It's easy, quick, and delicious!

It's also really easy to make your own pita chips which will go perfectly with your salsa. Find some whole wheat store-bought pitas, sprinkle them with a bit of olive oil, and then sprinkle them with some fennel seeds. Bake them in the oven until golden and crisp. Alternatively, you can also make your own pitas (here is a healthy recipe in case you want to make your own).


SWEETS

Even though my palette prefers savouries, it's always a good idea to have some healthy sweet ideas on hand just in case. One snack that I really enjoy, and that we've all probably had, is fruit and yogurt. I know this pretty obvious but I think sometimes we are so focused on chocolate bars that we forget how sweetiful (yes I made this word up) fruit and yogurt can be!

Fruit and yogurt 

If you have 1 small apple, slice it (I love those apple cutters that you can get, click here to see what I'm talking about), chuck the apple slices in with 1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt and sprinkle it with 1/4 tsp cinnamon. If you don't like cinnamon (like my mum) then just leave that part out. However a study done by the USDA says that "a sprinkle of cinnamon may boost weight loss. The polyphenols in cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar, which can keep hunger pangs at bay".

Total Calories: approx. 148

SCRABBLE

For those of you who love Scrabble like me, or if you just love learning new words, then this little biddy is for you. On my Sunday blogs I will feature a 'word of the week' and my goal is to try and use it at least once in conversation (however random the word might be) or in a game of Scrabble if I happen to play one. Definitely join in with me, and let me know when and how you used the word by posting in the comments area.

Today's word is Senecios.

n. - Enormous and diverse cosmopolitan genus of trees and shrubs and vines and herbs including many weeds.

SUNDAY PICS

Just to show you how much Chris and I love food (sorry if this makes you drool):

Seafood = heaven

Another reason to move to Vancouver!

Our local favourite. Fish tacos!

We made this on a camp fire / camping stove!

Lobster I love you!

One of the best fish meals I've ever had in Peggy's Cove!

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"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail." ~ Fran Lebowitz

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