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Monday 31 March 2014

Playlist 2014 - The Vlogs


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

If you follow me on any of my social media (twitterfacebookinstagram etc), you will know that last week I popped off to Orlando for 7 days to attend Playlist Live. I thought I would share with you the 5 videos uploaded from the week because yanno, it's a big deal. I left the country and everything!


What made this trip so perfect for me was the people I spent it with. 

- Zoe -

I have read a lot of rubbish lately about Zoe and I not being friends but there is no such drama. With Zoella and Sprinkle of Glitter both doing so well, we both have mad diaries and find it hard to get to each other regularly. We talk every day either by phone, skype, text or facebook, but like all normal friends, we don't throw it all over twitter every time we do! Haha. This week we were able to see each other all the time and have some lovely little moments together. Edit - Since I wrote this last week, we have had a lovely weekend in Brighton together too. Post coming soon. 

Highlights - Going craycray when we realised the plane tv had Broadchurch on it, singing Frozen songs, being rescued in the hair and makeup department after a big night out and going to IHOP on the first day. 


- Maddie -

Maddie works for Gleam (my management company) and is my go-to lady. I love her. She is SUCH a warm soul and goes far beyond what her job asks of her (*thinks back to Maddie applying foundation to my shins on a shoot once*). This week Maddie was my rock when I had a silly little cry over nothing (what a surprise) and looked after me when I was being a scatterbrain. I would DEFO have had a meltdown without her around. 

Highlights -  Our little trip to the spa for a hair appointment, chatting rubbish in the pool late at night and all round being completely mummied. Also- thank you for making me eat even when adrenaline tricked me into thinking I didn't need to. 


- Alfie -

Alfie is my go to for anything and everything. Got a problem? Alfie will fix it. Confused or lost? Alfie knows the way. Think you're going to throw up in a taxi? Alfie will film it. Oh wait. Heh heh.
Having Alfie on these trips makes me feel so secure about things. I knooooow this sounds really ridiculous and totally gender biased but I always turn to male friends for comfort and protection (not against beasts and dragons, just yanno, when you're having a wibble) and girls for camaraderie. I also love how much he adores my Zoe and feel relaxed knowing she is happy and well.

Highlights - Being rescued off a half deflated bouncy castle, showing off my excellent squid impressions in the pool and a little jaunt to The Cheesecake Factory. 


- Dan and Phil -

Be still my beating heart these boys make me feel happy. You know you've got good guy friends when they make sure you get safely to your hotel room at 5am after (shhhhh) one or two cocktails and don't mock you the next day. Having them down the hall to cry laugh with on a daily basis was the best and I'm contemplating buying them the house next door so we can do this more often. 

Highlights - Everything from the night I wore the floaty white dress, learning how far back Dan's chair went when there were 2 of us on it (that sounds more kinky than it was btw) and the part of the snowman dance I couldn't film. Oooooh mysterious. ;)


- Jack -

Wow. According to the comments, you like mine and Jack's friendship a LOT. We've been pretty close for a few months now but it's never been vlogged so it seems like it might be a bit of a surprise to all of you? Having Jack around was a hoot. There are so many similarities between us that playtime is hilarious and banter is easy. I think Jack brings out a different side to my humour than usual and it was fun to show you that in the vlogs. He's a good'un.

Highlights - Bedroom games (watch the videos, don't think minxy thoughts please), a perfect roller coaster and ganging up on him with Zoe (you have no idea how much 'banter' I've had to withstand from his friends over the last six months - I once cried!!!). 

There were many, many more people that made my trip so special, not to mention all the oh-so-lovely viewers I had the pleasure and honour of chatting too. There were so many times that week that I took a moment to stand back and think, 'my life is so freaking cool' and I have you all to thank for it. 

I promise to always thank you for everything, to never get too big for my boots and to always share the highlights (and low lights) on here. 

Warm smooshy cuddles and hair strokes for everyone.

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

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Friday 28 March 2014

Feel Good Experiments


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

As you know, I've been a little bit absent on here of late as I have been jetting off to America and spending a lot of my time editing and uploading the videos of my adventure. I was going to leave it a week but when Activia got in touch to tell me about their new campaign, I felt it was such a good fit that I should share it ahead of time. Eager beaver. 


As I have spoken about bazillions of times before, feeling good starts from within and when you feel lovely, you can make the very most of your time and just be present in the moment, enjoying it. This past year I have been working so hard on just enjoying each little moment and really feel that it's made a positive impact on my happiness levels. Yay yay. 

Dancing is the perfect expression of feeling good from within, as the video above shows (or any of my vlogs where I'm dancing about like a loon!). I have loved learning about the Feel Good Experiments as they encourage women to feel lovely on the inside and show it on the outside- the perfect balance of happiness, which is what I'm all about. 

If you're looking for a quick pick-me-up, have a looksie at the video and try not to smile. It gives you warm fuzzies and happies.  

What do you do to feel good?


Toodlepip!
xx
Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

This post is sponsored by Activia. I never partner with brands whose messages or products I don't personally believe in. 

Sunday 23 March 2014

Amazing Advertisers || March 2014

Aloha Sprinklerinos, 

My oh my it's March already! I may be on my travels at the moment but I haven't forgotten about my lovely advertisers that have been nestled in the right hand side this month. I've got a fab lotta blogs so let's get cracking!

Source

Makeup Foodie is a ‘little bit of everything’ blog written by Maddie, who happens to have very nice eyebrows indeed. A favourite of mine this month was definitely Maddie’s ‘touch of teal’ eye shadow look, it was very Little Mermaid-esque which I jolly well enjoyed. Maddie has also expressed her love for baking cakes on her blog (it appears she’s quite the kitchen goddess) and I look forward to future baking posts and cake recipes, because who doesn’t love cake I ask you? If you’re also a fan of makeup and cake then hop on over to the Makeup Foodie, you won’t regret it!
 Every Little Thing 07
 Every Little Thing has returned once more to Sprinkle of Glitter and I’m pleased indeed to have her back! I’ve always enjoyed the beauty product reviews in particular on Every Little Thing 07 and this month has been no exception. I love a good bit of variety when it comes to product reviews, if variety is the spice of your life then you’ll definitely enjoy a gallivant on Every Little Thing 07. From Lush to lip gloss and skincare to perfume, it’s got it all I tell ya! Loosen your purse strings ladies it’s a beautyoholics dreamland.
 Thoroughly English
 Oh my giddy aunt I think I’m in love!! Bess I am a lucky woman to have you. Bess is the writer of Thoroughly English and I take my chef’s hat off to her, she is a culinary whizz. I’ve loved the cookery recipes Bess has shared with us this month, mouth watering photography included. Thoroughly English is definitely any food lover’s dream, it’ll have you hopping down to your local supermarket for ingredients and inspire you to create something tasty. Bess, when will I be seeing you on The Great British Bake Off?
  Crown Brush
 If you’re a regular visitor of the beauty blogging community then I’m sure you will have already heard of Crown brushes, they’ve been taking the beauty world by storm and I’m thrilled to be sharing them with you this month. Both good quality and affordable, Crown brushes are definitely a good make up bag investment and I’m particularly impressed with the extensive range they have available. If your blush is without a brush then I’d recommend giving Crown brushes a whirl.
 Crowley Party
 Crowley Party is a beauty and lifestyle blog written by the incredibly beautiful Alycia Grayce, an American gal with a love of life, a beautiful smile and a husband she dotes on, which melts my heart a little bit and gives me all the warm and fuzzies. I’ve loved learning little snippits about Alycia’s life on her blog, her personality shines through in her writing and Crowley Party really is a feel good joy to read. Alycia also has a Youtube channel where she reviews all things beauty for us, her accent and bubbliness is addictive!
  Alice’s Antics
Calling all you student youngsters out there, Alice is your gal. As well as living the student life, working and searching for her Ricardo Alice likes to blog about all things lifestyley, humour included. Alice’s posts are a breath of fresh witty air and I’ve enjoyed reading about her adventures and aspirations this month. Let’s hope Alice finds her Italian mate (introduces him to us of course) and continues to blog about her adventures of the world. Go on, have a gander!
  The Blogtini
Gosh, Courtney you’re one busy, organised lady! From cocktail making to wedding planning and beauty reviewing, Courtney is doing it all and blogging about it too. As well as brimming with wonderful posts, The Blogtini has handy little tabs for navigating towards your favourite blogging reads, there really is something for everyone and you won’t be left disappointed. Personally I’m excited for future wedding updates, hopefully with a sneaky peak snap or two!
  Allsorts and Anecdotes
Hurrah! Lynsey is back with us once more and I’m pleased as punch! Lynsey has advertised previously with Sprinkle of Glitter and I enjoyed her quirky little blogging ways. Lynsey’s blogging has impressed me once again, and not just because she’s reminded me of all the cheesy music I used to love in my youth. I’m a fan of Lynsey and I hope you will be too, Allsorts and Anecdotes is the perfect blog for a Sunday afternoon browse. Grab yourself a biscuit and have a read!
BlackBox Cosmetics
This month we have a Youtube account joining us on Sprinkle of Glitter, BlackBox Cosmetics; a slice of the web which promotes natural goodness for our skin. BlackBox Cosmetics is a skincare range designed to be au natural and toxin free to keep that skin of yours looking healthy, hydrated and beautiful. I’m excited to see BlackBox Cosmetics grow and share more natural skincare routines with us in future on their Youtube channel, perhaps a tutorial is to come in future to demonstrate their chemical free products!
  Miss Laura Bora’s Blog
A beautiful face, a love of makeup and a dog named Derek, Laura I am happy to have you! Miss Laura Bora’s Blog is a beauty and lifestyle blog brimming with smokey eyes, ombre curls and superhero pyjamas, what more could you desire from a blog aye? If you’re in need of a trusty tutorial or two, a makeup brush review or photographic proof that perfectly symmetrical flicked liner does exist then Laura is your gal.
 Life Between Books
A blog dedicated to the love of books, I’m a little bit in love with the concept and individuality. If you’re an avid bookworm, or someone just in need of a holiday read recommendation then you need Mandy, writer of Life Between Books, on your blogging feed. Mandy primarily reviews a variety of books for us on her blog as well as sharing lifestyle posts and family snaps from time to time. Life Between Books is definitely worth a browse if you’re in need of reading inspiration, I thoroughly recommend it!
I hope you've discovered a few gems to keep your evenings occupied! 
Toodlepip!
xx
Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

Ultimate Advertiser -Makeup Foodie. Click HERE for more info.

Monday 17 March 2014

Motivational Monday #9


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Merry Monday to you. If you live in the UK, I hope, like me, you enjoyed the gorgeous weather this weekend. If you live somewhere else, tell me where in the comments. I'm fascinated by how wide this Glitter Family might be across the globe. 


Talking of globes (ooohh smooth transition there), this week I am digging out my passport and jetting off to Orlando, Florida, to attend a YouTube convention called Playlist Live. 

I'm nervous. I'm excited and grateful and motivated but I'm nervous. It doesn't matter where I go in the world or who I go with but I always suffer from a little bit (or a lotta bit) of home sickness. I read somewhere recently that 'extreme adult home sickness' is a thing and was relieved to see I wasn't just being pathetic. I won't go into it too much because I think that's for another post (if you want it?) but yep, I get anxious about leaving home/my home people and it sits along side my excitement. 

Saying all that, I 90% of the time, say 'yes' to going on trips. I go because I know they are good for me. I come back so proud of myself and with a whole heap of new memories and amazing experiences in the bag (not to mention photos and videos!). I meet new people, see old friends and fully step out of my comfort zone. 

This week and some of next I won't be blogging (except for the things I have scheduled) as I will be dancing around outside of my comfort zone and urge you to try it too. No matter how big or how small, I would love for you to force yourself out and come along with me on a scary yet exhilarating challenge!

Let me know in the comments how you get on <3 p="">

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

Ultimate Advertiser -Makeup Foodie. Click HERE for more info. 

Friday 14 March 2014

Saturday Night In


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Once upon a time there was a gal called Louise who spent her Saturday nights in high heels, sipping cocktails and dancing til the small hours. Then, with love and joy, things changed. 






Our Saturday nights are spent in a land of cosy blankets, Disney films, story books and juice cups and I'm so OK with this. 

What do you Saturday nights look like at the moment? 

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

Ultimate Advertiser -Amy Lauren. Click HERE for more info. 

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Playdate Tips


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Having a little one around is a hoot and a half, but seeing your little one playing with other tiny people is even better.

Playdates are a great opportunity for social development, fun times and one Mama (in this case my gorgeous neighbour) having a rest. To ensure playdates run as smoothly as possible, here are some tips and tricks I try to adhere to. They might not float everyone's boat, but they work for me!






Photography

Since I like to snap everything that moves, I always check with parents if a) it's OK to have their children in pictures and b) if it's alright to put them anywhere (Facebook, Instagram etc). If they say no, respect their wishes and abide by them. Fortunately, my neighbour is a good egg!

Set Activities and Free Play

Before guests arrive, have a few games/ideas up your sleeve to encourage structured play. This provides ready made entertainment and a little bit of focus. Once they tire of that (and that really depends on age and character), leave them to their imaginations. Darcy and Becca spent more time playing in her bedroom with princesses and dolls than they did painting with me. Time just slips away when they're in play mode. It's lovely. 

Expect and Allow Mess

In my books, making a mess of your bedroom whilst playing is entirely fine. There's little point getting in their way and tidying up behind them so as long as the chaos in confined to one room, I'm gonna let them go for it. It might feel unnatural to let destruction rein but for the hour or so they are playing, I like to see children be free spirits. When Darcy is a little older, I'll expect her to clear up herself but for now, it's a pleasure to put it all away knowing she's had a good time. 

Offer Drinks and Toilets

But not at once, heh heh. Offering regular drinks is obvious but when you're little and you're caught up in the moment of play time, it's easy to forget you need a loo break. Just a bit of gentle asking here and there is worth it. 

Love Love Love

The way I look at it is this- if Darcy were at someone else's house, I'd want her to feel loved and cherished there. With this in mind, I like our miniature guests to feel looked after and wanted too. I'm not saying go wild and squish them to bits, but encouraging words and a few cuddles (if they don't mind!) don't go amiss.  


And that's about all we do. What are your top tips for smooth running play dates? I'm always open to learning more. 

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

Ultimate Advertiser -Amy Lauren. Click HERE for more info. 


Monday 10 March 2014

Motivational Monday #8


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Merry Monday you little munchkins of motivation. Too much? Yeah, maybe.

I hope your weekends were delightful and that you are ready to face the week with a glad heart and a happy face.

I saw this quote last week and thought it was excellent.

For the mostest of years I have struggled with who I wanted to be. Or, moreover, who I thought I should be. Some people wanted me to be clever, some people wanted me to be a career woman, some people wanted me to be a stay-at-home-mummy/wifey, some people wanted me to be quiet and pretty to look at, some people wanted me to be this, that, the other and everything else. It was exhausting.

I found myself trying very, very hard to please everyone. Once, about 10 years ago, I had a male friend who I regarded far too highly, say to me, 'I think girls are these lovely creatures who are hairless and pretty and smell nice and that's just perfect to me'. I heard that as, 'Louise, to be perfect you need to shave everything to within an inch of it's life, change the way you look and wear perfume 24/7'.

In reality, this probably wasn't the message he was trying to give me (I actually think he was just being nostalgic about the girlfriend who had just split with him!) but it's what I took from it. I never stopped to think that his view of perfection was only one view or that his view of perfection was as valid as my own view, I just took it as gospel and proceeded to spend plenty of time with a box of veet and feeling substandard. Not cool.

Frustratingly, I still do this a bit now. I'll hear someone say something about somebody else and feel I need to live up to the same standard in order to be as attractive as them, as successful as them, as whatever as them. It's such wasted effort.

Coco had it right. A girl should be two things- who and what she wants. If I want to let my leg hair grow with free abandon, why shouldn't I? If I'm not as pretty as Uni Guy's ex, have I failed? If I forgo a spritz of perfume, am I not as worthy as those who smell like all the delights of a summer meadow?

NO.

 It's funny because when I'm going about my life, just plodding on, I am REALLY happy. BUT, it only takes one person to say one thing and I find myself having a little wobble of self resolve. This week I am going to focus on this quote and when I find myself self doubting or questioning who I am, I will remind myself that I am who and what I want to be and that I am proud to be that person.

I'm going to focus on living up to only my own standards and not bending or shaping myself into being something other people want and encourage you to do the same. It's a classic but I think that as long as you are doing your best, that's all you need to be.

Am I the only one who feels this way or do you ever find yourself having a little wobble too? Want to work on it together?

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

Ultimate Advertiser -Amy Lauren. Click HERE for more info. 










Friday 7 March 2014

I Love Liverpool


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Not too many weeks ago, Matt, Darcy and I took a little trip up north to see friends, work on new projects and spend some time in our most favourite city in the world. 

In case you're new around here, Liverpool is where I went to university and Matt is from, so it's where we met, fell in love and well, the rest is history. 

Darcy's natural alarm clock is pre-sunrise but when there is a water front view, who can blame her?

It was still exciting post-bath and sunrise. Simple things. 

I mentioned before in THIS post but I adore being in the city. I feel one hundred percent at ease and myself in this place. 


Orange juice and crayons for brunch. 

And of course, croissants.

No no, I haven't secretly had another baby, this is my friend's most beautiful little dreamboat. I could just cuddle him forever and ever. Darcy on the other hand was less than thrilled with having Mama's attention shared. 

Little trips like this are what make life so very sweet and taking the time to photograph those memories makes them all the sweeter.

Do you have anything exciting planned or have you been anywhere nice recently? Tell me in the comments because I would love to find new places to explore. 

Toodlepip!



xx

Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

Ultimate Advertiser -Amy Lauren. Click HERE for more info. 

Wednesday 5 March 2014

3 Happy Aims


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

March is here and my calendar is already jam packed. I do like knowing what I have on but by the same token it does leave me feeling a little tense and then I forget all the nice little things that don't take up too much time and really boost my qualify of life. 

Despite my busy month (trip to Florida, family staying, visits to London, birthday parties etc) I am committing to 3 Happy Aims to keep me sane and happy. I encourage you to do the same and see if it makes a positive difference.


3 Happy Aims


1. Use my big girl camera as much as possible, if not every day. 
- I love looking back through my memory cards and being glad of snapping certain things. It preserves my memories, inspires me to blog more and forces me to get creative. I'd love to use it every day but if that isn't feasible, I'll be happy with every other. Either way, good things will come out of it. 

2. Have a weekly Mummy-Daughter date. 
- We spend most of our days together but I want to make sure we actually go somewhere and do something especially for us and really be present in them. No screen time, no taking calls, just us.

3. Do 12-15 #GlitterGetsFitter 's. 
- January was amazing, February was a bit slack, time to stop dawdling and get on it. Naughty Louise! Click HERE if you're confused. 

------

Will you be joining me in my little quest? If you are, I'd love to hear what 3 things you might try in the comments!

I'll update you on mine in a few weeks. 

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

Ultimate Advertiser -Amy Lauren. Click HERE for more info. 

Monday 3 March 2014

Motivational Monday #7


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

"It's just another manic Monday, dooo dooo dooooo". I hope you know that tune otherwise I come across very odd!

Merry Monday to you. I don't need to say it again but I love Mondays. The perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf. Also, I'm loving being back in a Motivational Monday series again. Series One ran for 25 weeks and I plan for this one to run almost as long. Yipeee.


Today's image reminds me of something my Dad said to me once. For every action there is a reaction. The key to the latter is that you don't have to do it right away. Put a little space between the two.

Somebody could ask you to do something you're not sure about but your immediate response is to be polite and say, 'sure, no problem'. Fight that urge. Try saying, 'I'll just have to work out a few things and get back to you'. That way, you've bought some time and are able to decide if it really is something you want, need to or can do.

Similarly, when we are in great moods, it's easy to promise the earth. 'Yeeesss, let's book that holiday together!' etc. Don't do it!! I know it feels so great about the time but when you have simmered down, you'll see things in a more realistic light and could feel differently.

It's tricky. It can feel quite unnatural to not respond to stimuli immediately but having practised it a few times, it becomes second nature. You'll find that people don't mind at all and hopefully you'll get yourself into a lot less sticky situations. Says the woman who after a celebratory meal, told her MIL that if she ever had another Daughter she would middle name her after her. Smooth move Louise, really smooth ;)

This week, see if you can find a situation that normally you would want to jump on straight away. Take 5 minutes, a day, a week and then react. Contemplate whether it made a difference to you? Did you give a better response? Did the outcome suit you/the other person/people more? Is it something you'd like to do regularly? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Also, how did you do with last week's Creativity Courage challenge? I enjoyed seeing all your pictures on instagram. I do so love our little community. You give me the warm fuzzies in a big way. 

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE

Ultimate Advertiser -Amy Lauren. Click HERE for more info. 
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