Wuffly to meet you 🐕

Hi this is Charlie here,

I'd like to introduce myself as a guest speaker guy who you might be seeing more of from time to time. I'm a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and I'm pretty much the flyest dog around here y' know, being the COOLEST thing next to man. Infact scrap that, look at me I'm basically the best person to know in this household, can't help I'm so widely adored by everyone else. I just have that effect on others , like as soon as they enter the room, my presence just hits them and it's "where has Charlie been all my life?". So yeah as I was saying about myself, I'm a blenheim colour - a mix of ginger and white for those of you who are a bit unsure. Don't go thinking I'm gonna tell you my age though cause that ain't happening n.o. sistaaa - let's just say I'm middle aged and settle at that yeah?

So for some reason beyond my own understanding - it offends me as to why I haven't been asked before now #rude - one of my owners decided to put me up with a new hobby in life you might say. Although I clearly have a lot of better things to be doing with my life rn like using my deep, soulful eyes to get some leftovers from dinner, or snoozing on my blanket cause helloooooo a charmer like myself needs some beauty sleep obvs. I decided to lend myself as an added feature cause I'm such a gracious being like that. So I'm sure you'll love getting to know me and my jollies as we start this adventure together in future posts to come .

But yeah as you can see from pics of me - kinda decent chappy although it wasn't the right angle I wanted of course, but who has time for that when you're as busy as myself? Like I don't need a filter anyway cause it's me Charlie - the one and only - get with it guys c'mon.

That's it for today though gals and guys - a bit of info about me just so you know I'll be featuring as my fabulous self in some future blog posts of Charlotte's. Content will be about what I've been up to the odd day, trips, treats and just seeing what I do from there really cause ya know a dogs keep busy .......... and by that yes I want my sleep.

 I'm signing off now but cheers and I'll holla another time. 🐶zZZ

NutriBullet - money to extract or retract?

Of recent I decided to ask for a slightly unusual Christmas gift, (but still love all my other presents from different family members and friends), which yes you have guessed to be that of a NutriBullet. I would just like to make it clear before you read any further, that I am not a dietitian or a nutritionist myself but am giving you honest feedback about my user experience of the NutriBullet so far.

Why did I actually ask for this? 

One -  to be honest because I had been thinking about buying one for the last 2 years so it was hardly an impulse buying thing. Two - I think sometimes the majority of us struggle a bit to get all the nutrients we should be receiving in one day even if we're close, so if you can start your day off with a fair few, you're closer rather than further away from receiving all the minerals and vitamins your body requires to function effectively. Three - yes I am trying to lose a bit of weight and am going to utilise this in day to day life as part of an on-going plan (not a yo yo dieter). 

What does the NutriBullet actually do and what sets it apart from other juicers/blenders? 

The NutriBullet prides itself on the 600 watt motor and its bullet cyclonic action, which sets this piece of equipment apart from your typical juicers and blenders. Add the turbo extractor blades which run at 20,000 RPM and it's a game changer for your daily requirements as it can crack open seeds and nuts, pulverise pulp, crush ice quickly, and makes eating several veggies not a large chore in one go.

Is a NutriBullet easy to use?
Most definitely yes! Everything you need besides the ingredients are in the box so you make a recipe the day of your purchase with relevant ingredients you have in the house.
1. Plug in your NutriBullet to the power socket (but do not turn on).
2. Take your short or tall cup and pop in the given fruits/greens/nuts and seeds noted for your recipe or adapted to your personal taste.
3. Add water or some people like to use almond milk, then fill this between the middle up to the max line depending on how thick/thin  you'd prefer your drink to be.
4. Screw the extractor blade lid on the top of your cup and place down into the power base.
5. Power on, then hold the cup down and press it slightly left so that it moves just under the catch and stays processing until you like the consistency and flick it back right to release the cup, bringing it back out of the base to put on your worktop.
6. You can add the lip ring to your holder if you don't mind drinking it straight from the mix or pour it into another cup and maybe add some ice if you fancy.

Benefits
Although I have been using the NutriBullet for just under a week myself I have noticed my nails becoming shinier, some spots had gotten worse before it got better, helps to start your day off with a boost of goodness! Longer term users of the NutriBullet however have reported: improved sleep, better digestion, higher absorption of nutrients, weight loss results, increased energy and least although not last speedier recovery from workouts. 

My breakfast recipe below is very simple as a starter recipe to use: 

• 1 chopped banana
• Half a packet of mango
• 2 handfuls of spinach
• 2 tsps of flax seed 
• Water

So there we have it, it's only a few simple steps to make a delicious, beneficial drink for your health - get extracting! X

7 simple ways to give back at Christmas

It's that time of the year again folks,

Prepare for that permanent wind swept look, add a dash of rosy cheeks, topped off with a classic Rudolph nose! Attractive right? Anwayssss, before I start getting side tracked - here are some easy to follow out examples when putting joy and energy back into your community and beyond, as the bells start to jingle tomorrow..... 1st of December how exciting!!!

These are in no particular order of importance, they simply depend upon your preferences and whether you like trying different things. So go ahead and have a ponder, plus alternatively I'm sure you have many ideas of your own to pick from as well :)

• Write a surprise letter to a loved one or friend so they know you have them in your thoughts and  bonus points if it's completely handwritten as this generally adds a more thoughtful touch for the recipient. This is mostly due to the time you have taken to compose and write out a personal message rather than your typical "Thinking of you" card, where sometimes it's simply a case of people signing names on a card with no other human touch to it. (Not that there's anything wrong with template like cards when in a rush or similar) but when you do have spare time it is nice to give that authentic feeling to the reader. 

• Put some food out in the garden for the birds and wildlife as they tend to need more nourishment to help with warmth in this biting cold - plus who doesn't want to hear birds outside singing praise for the fantabulous food displayed before them? 

• Donate a set amount of money to a charity of your choice for whichever person or reason it is close to your heart for, whether it be for a local or worldwide cause.

• Show appreciation to that barista who creates your perfect coffee or that someone who acknowledges you with a gentle smile in the streets on your way to work in a hurry. Hand over a quick Merry Christmas card to share as a token of appreciation and to wish them good tidings.

• Helping the homeless can be anything from buying a hot drink and sausage roll, handing out a giftcard for essentials, purchasing thermals to add that extra layer of protection from the cold, to creating a small winter warmer hamper (which I am hoping to have created by the mid Advent period) to try and give that little extra to an individual this Christmas. Don't be put off by assuming one little action will get you nowhere as we learn from the starfish story  https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/56782.Loren_Eiseley    there is always reason to do at least one helpful action point. 

• Visit a nursing home or hospital ward where people are more likely to be alone throughout the festive period. Until you have personally experienced a Christmas-less Christmas (big words blimey) you may not comprehend what a small chat or home baked gift could mean to someone who is spending the majority of their days throughout Christmas simply as days and hours of isolation and misery. Be that person who brings a smile to their face or has them laughing until they're in stitches - no pun intended! This is supposed to be the happiest time of the year of course :) 

• Volunteer in your community whether that be at an animal shelter, your local Church, a food bank, soup kitchen, the list goes on................. Be an example to those around you and help improve your own life skills whilst giving valuable time to those in need.

So there we go just a few hints at what you could have a go at this December and any other time of the year for that matter, but all that's really left to say is thank you for reading my post and have a good one! 

See you next time,

Lottie x

Panda purchase of the day 🐼

Hi all,

So today I decided to have a sneak peek into Next before heading home and ended up making quite possibly one of the comfiest purchases ever! These are the monochrome Panda character slippers available for £14 with a superb fluffy lining inside for comfort and added warmth.

My feet may as well be hugging the clouds they're so perfectly fit and snug! My current slippers up until today have now been put aside for use of any quick wanders to take the milk in from outside and the likes of this, as they are on their last legs,but I'm glad to have found a new pair that do an even better job. Just in case you're not a panda fan, there are plenty of other animal characters available in this range too, you should take a look at aswell- http://www.next.co.uk/women/nightwear/slippers/9  such as foxes, rabbits, a patch dog design and the list goes on.

Be sure to have a quick look on the website for any Christmas gifts for others there's plenty of inspiration dotted around the site - or for yourself as a occasional treat. Now time to go and put the kettle on I think..... thanks for reading guys!


Best wishes to you all for this new month ahead x 

My 10 favourite things about autumn

So basically I thought it would be nice to share some of my personal favourites about this season of the year with you all. They're in no particular order, just really like all of them no major winner, simple as it sounds really. I hope you like these too!

• Watching the environment around you transform into rusty orange and golden tones, to the tan conkers - which I store to try and deter spiders with the chestnut oil inside :')  and stunning sunsets.

• There's another excuse to indulge yourself in hot comfort food (within your limits) ie chips and beans to dive into, or a slice of scrummy carrot cake topped off with a hot chocolate and any extras you like.

• Fireworks at the local musical competition weekend are always a must each year, I just love them! Even better when completed with a sparkler to write your name in the air ( yes I'm a 5 year old at heart) and a chocolate or sticky toffee apple on a stick.

• Walks in the refreshing cold whilst wrapped up snug in your layers. It also makes for quality time with family, friends, couples and last but most definitely not least, pets!

• The chance to add more jumpers to your wardrobe collection whether it be be fluffy, chunky knit, ribbed, printed, you name it! Thermals start to come in very handy at this time too if you're a cold creature like myself. 

• Blackpool illuminations - you are always guaranteed a good evening and fabulous displays

• Painting my nails/ booking a nail appointment to get an autumnal shade is another I look forward to as we head towards the darker months.

• Bath time is notably more of a treat at this time of the year after a chilly day out and about. It's definitely something to look forward in the evening for yourself in a 10- 30 min time frame, where I can just lie down and let life wash over me.

• I don't know about you but I quite fancy apple crumbles for this season in the year, preferably homemade when I have the time, but shop bought too if my family and I are in a rush. 

• Boards game/movie marathon evenings with snuggly blankets and snacks

Grab a cuppa!

Love from Paris

Full of hearty laughter and tear jerking moments, Love from Paris is the perfect book companion for young adults looking for a light romantic read over the upcoming summer months. 

Between the pages of this book, Alexandra Potter creates a world in which Ruby Miller finds herself experiencing the highs and lows of love herself, whilst trying to help navigate her best friends misguided attempts at finding 'the one'.  Not before long -  another mysterious jackpot is thrown into the works, resulting in a question mark into the  destiny of those from a different era within the same city of love. 

   Taking matters into her own hands and testing her beliefs in true love, how far is Ruby determined to piece together romantic and co-incidental happenings around her? Is there a larger puzzle to piece she can complete? Only time will tell. 

Smiles from start to end, with plenty of heart warmers and relatable situations for readers. You won't regret reading it :) 

Check this out!

Hi everyone hope you're all well and kicking! This is just a quick post to say I would really appreciate it if you checked out my friends post out about her cousin dealing with Alström syndrome at 17 years old, why he is an inspiration to her and everybody who knows him. I personally also have a different rare genetic disorder hence me feeling strongly about spreading the word for those less unheard of conditions, so please have a look and share it with everyone you know!  Thank you x 

http://www.makingadifference-loopyloo.blogspot.sk/

50 facts you may or may not know about me!

Hey there! So today I'll be bringing you 50 random facts you may or may not know about me and my life which may be amusing, I hope you enjoy reading this post and feel free to tell me random facts about your lovely selves. Off we go!

1. My absolute favourite colour is purple but turquoise comes a very close second.
2. I have to make sure every light switch is off before we leave the house as I can't stand wasted electricity.
3. I won't eat mushrooms but like mushroom soup.
4. I am extremely clumsy being skilled in falling not down but up staircases, also when I was young I walked into a lamppost, you know as you do. . .
5. I can't wait til I learn to drive eek!
6. I love love love the sea, the sound of the waves crashing together is just so relaxing, especially in the evening or early at dawn.
7. Apart from my mum's homemade veg soup, pasta is my next favourite thing to eat - hands up for Italian food!
8. I am happy to spend time and chill out on my own if my friends are busy.
9. I never look my age of 17 which is so annoying grr.
10. When my first sister was born I apparently ran into the room shouting " let me see my new baby sister" demanding to see her. Sorry Ella I'm not sure I could say the same now. . . . only joking love you lots.
11. I'm slightly addicted to green and jasmine tea, they just taste so good and refreshing!
12. I love flying and looking through the clouds down below trying to guess where I am.
13. My favourite place in the world is Guernsey as we have family there,the locals are friendly and it's such a beautiful island, although Venice is also quite beautiful and romantic.
14. I believe things happen for a reason as life takes its ups and downs.
15. When I really like a song I tend to play it on repeat until I get tired of it, then come back to it a few months later.
16. This is going to sound super cheesy but children,animals and helping others makes my heart smile.
17. I find baking and cooking great fun they're also helpful skills to learn.
18. I really like Dory's motto from Finding Nemo, 'just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, what do we do we swim?'
19. It was also ashore  (I know it's a sure) unforgettable experience to have swum with dolphins in Mexico.
20. I collect bed socks as strange as it sounds, for winter and general house use, they're just super comfy.
21. I try to give a snack/drink to homeless people whenever I can.
22. My fav tv series would have to be New Girl ( I've got the 1st boxset) and 2 Broke Girls, they're both hilariously entertaining shows and you can't beat a bit of drama in CSI.
23. My nicknames are Lottie, Charlie and Charl, feel free to call me by any or Charlotte if you'd prefer.
24. I'm a practising Christian and believe that God can change your life if you give him a chance to.
25. I love Costa Coffee's 'flat white' best. coffee. in. the. world. ever. http://www.costa.co.uk/costa-coffee/our-coffee/#
26. Occasionally I write poetry for the fun of it.
27. I have an obsession with watching fire or the flames flickering in a candle, I don't know why it just amazes me, fireworks and sparklers are pretty unique too.
28. I think reading opens up another world for you and it's been proven to help your grammar so go ahead and pick up a book!
29. Me and my family tried our hand at segways on the last holiday, it was so funny and didn't always go to plan for Mum, but we all had an amazing time riding around together :)
30. I love smiles and hugs they brighten up everyone's day!
31. My all time favourite song would have to be ' You to me are everything' by The Real Thing. .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT1iDKkZNYU It's the first track on my parents' wedding video and has really meaningful lyrics.
32. I hate seafood bleurghhhh. (No offence to anyone who likes it)
33. I'm a terrible liar, I generally burst out laughing within the first five minutes.
34. I have a rare rheumatology condition called Juvenile Dermatomyositis which appeared as I started  year 7 in 2007. I was seriously ill with this spending 5 months in hospital being prodded and poked so I decided to have a central line for 14 months besides scans, ng tubes and time spent in ICU. After this I spent around 2 years in a wheelchair still receiving regular IV treatments and the likes.
35. From this I went back a year at school and have experienced a wide range of emotions but have come through it a stronger person with God, my family and last but certainly not least my friends.
36. I love roller coasters, the scarier the better if you ask me.
37. My bedroom is generally a mess, there's many witnesses, but recently I've become more organized so everything is a lot clearer and easier to find, plus my mum's quite happy too!
38. The smell of scented flowers is just so lovely that whenever I walk past a florists I  have to take a quick sniff, I swear I'm normal ahaha.
39. I enjoy walking with our dogs to take a break and think about life.
40. I've held and fed a baby tiger saved from the hunters called Sophia on a past holiday, it's one of my most valuable memories ever.
41. My eyes aren't one set colour there's quite a mix which seems to change throughout the days, but hey different is good.
42. I think nothing tastes better than a hot choc/milk or good cuppa before bed.
43. My favourite comedians are Michael McIntyre,Miranda and John Bishop.
44. I love cherry juice's sweetness and a glass of elderflower would never be far behind either.
45. I quite like doing Sudoku if I have the time to spare.
46. I've had no proper relapses since then as my medication now controls the condition quite well and I feel blessed to be out of the wheelchair.Also subconsciously some people tend to treat you peculiarly in a wheelchair which I've learnt through experience so I am determined not to do this to anyone I may meet, these people aren't any different to you.
47. Chicken chowmein is very unhealthy but completely delish as an occasional treat for me. 
48. When I was bought my first sharpener for school I tried to figure out how it worked on my little finger . . . I soon realized trying to sharpen your finger wasn't the best of ideas.
49. My family and friends mean the world to me wherever you are on the globe.
50. I can click the fingers on my left hand but not my right , how odd haha.

Thanks for reading this guys and gals hope it was a breath of fresh air for you , let me know what you think. X

Hi there,

 I  just thought I'd share this photo with you lovely people on the web. I find it so uplifting, (get it haha) as this Winnie the Pooh-Eyore quote describes how simply being open and friendly towards others creates an altogether an almost immediate understanding and friendly connection for the both of you. This I feel is very important when talking to others. I think this picture also refers to general everyday gestures like a quick, sunny smile to passers-by or taking that time out of your busy lifestyle to spend a little while with anyone you may know who is feeling a little under the weather and could do with some cheerful company. More often than not, each person you meet will be dealing with some form of pain in their lives whether emotional/mental/physical etc, so just that one person on the street showing a random act of kindness could make all the difference to their day by showing them a little warmth from within.

 So I suppose really, I'm just emphasising the fact that we should all make more of an effort to treat others well, I include myself in this as nobody is perfect or makes the right decision with every thought, but what danger could a little smile bring to the world? A severe case of upbeat, happy people from all over the globe caring for one another's needs? It's about time we make this contagious, so please feel free to smile at anybody you see as we pass this infectious grin around the Earth. 

Thanks for reading my post and let me know what you think. x

David and Goliath tees!

Hi guys! So my Mum and Dad were in London at the weekend (after my Dad took part in the London to Paris bike ride for charity) therefore they spent some time looking around the shops, but who can resist Covent Garden let's be honest? Anyhow, they decided to bring back a present each for me and my 2 younger sisters Ella and Jessie from this quirky shop http://www.davidandgoliathtees.com/. Their funny slogans and cute cartoon like features never fail to make me laugh so I thought I'd share mine and Ella's top with you ( Jess decided not to bother).

       

Mine

This top was chosen for me as I have a slight obsession with unicorns and rainbows. It's random I know, but I always used to love reading about them in fairy tale books when I was younger, as they were written about so beautifully in such a magical way I guess I still become lost in the fantasy world of books sometimes even now as you start a new adventure with each book you read. Hmm maybe I should write a post about reading sometime, anyway let me know if you've got any suggestions? Right, let's get back on track *makes zooming car noise*.

Property of David and Goliath's website.

    



 I also love Ella's blue top featuring pink text saying "Chillin' with my gnomies" which we all found pretty amusing really, as Ella is always out and about with her friends singing along to Justin Bieber tunes on repeat 'busting her moves' as it were so this t-shirt suits her very well indeed. Sorry if you've read this and I've just embarrassed you Ella, but happy birthday and love you lots mwah. x



Thanks for taking the time to read my first blog post this is so exciting, trying something new, sharing your thoughts with the world! If anybody has some helpful blogging tips you'd like to share with me so that I can improve for future posts, please comment and I'll take your feedback on board. That's all for now byeee!