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Tuesday 30 April 2013

Happy Tea


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

It may surprise you to know that for the last 6 or 7 months I have been pretty tense. It's hard to explain but I feel like a lot is on my shoulders and that if I relax or let go, something bad will happen. Without yammering on and on, I'm learning to let go of the stresses and focus on what's most important- enjoying the little moments of life.

With that in mind, Darcy and I have taken to playing outside in our PJ's, just because we can. 

Tea Party | Lifestyle Blog | Sprinkle of Glitter
Tea Party | Lifestyle Blog | Sprinkle of Glitter
Tea Party | Lifestyle Blog | Sprinkle of Glitter
Tea Party | Lifestyle Blog | Sprinkle of Glitter

I've been enjoyed our daily pj-garden-tea-party quite a lot more than I anticipated. There's something really soothing about unplugging from internet stuffs, feeling the fresh air and listening to a two year old babble away. 

There's no real point to this post today, just a 'hello, I like to share my feelings on my blog sometimes' kind of a dealio. Hope you don't mind. Also, no face shots today, we both look a mess and I decided not to spend time messing about glamourising for the sake of a few quick pictures. 

Do you ever feel under a lot of pressure to have a perfect life? What do you do to combat those feelings? Do you think things like Pinterest and blogs add to that pressure?




Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.

Monday 29 April 2013

Motivational Monday #12



Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Merry Monday to you my little chipolata....errrrr...it's early. 

Motivational Monday


Today's quote (from Pinterest) made me laugh and nod so I knew it would fit well with today's motivational blog post.

It is my belief that with the right attitude, tactful words and an open heart, you can get on with just about anyone. Note, 'just about'. 

Sometimes though, people are just total arses (pardon my french) and you don't need them in your life. I'm not talking about the girl who is mostly OK but occasionally makes a little dig at you or the friend who is always late or always cancels, those are foibles and traits you can accept, forgive or work with. I'm talking about the person who drains you of any happy thoughts, the person who makes you feel continuously small, the person who deliberately humiliates you in order to feel better about their own life, or the person who isn't willing to communicate properly with you despite your best efforts.

If you have tried all your first ports of call (talking, being kind, offering the hand of friendship, explaining your concerns maturely etc) and hit a brick wall, let it go. 

You won't and can't be friends with everyone for the entirety of your earthly days, if you do, I tip my virtual cap to you good sir. It's alright to let relationships die (if done nicely) and it's OK to say to yourself, 'I don't like him/her, I'm not going to spend time with them'. You don't have to be rude or horrible, simply let them live their life and you can live yours. You're not a failure (and nor are they), you are just making a healthy choice for your life. It's OK to walk away. It can be very liberating. If you feel it worthwhile (99.9% of time I do), leave the door open so that you can walk back or reach out to them.

I'd like to ask you to use this advice with caution and look back at last week where we talked about not rushing into our reactions. Both done badly and you're going to burn a lot of bridges!

I'd also like to clarify that this post isn't about a specific person or people that I have an axe to grind with, I just liked the quote and thought it was worth discussing.


What do you think? Have you ever walked away from someone who sucked? Are you glad you did or do you wish you hadn't?



Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.




Friday 26 April 2013

Crappy Sheep Day



Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Not too many weeks ago, on a cold, grey day, after we'd taken Darcy for a lovely milkshake that she prompty threw up, gone home, washed and changed, we went to a near by spot to see some sheep and lambs. Yeah, that's right, the weather was sh*t and we'd dealt with puke. Good start.

Old Dairy Craft Farm Centre, Northamptonshire

Old Dairy Craft Farm Centre, Northamptonshire

Old Dairy Craft Farm Centre, Northamptonshire

Old Dairy Craft Farm Centre, Northamptonshire

Old Dairy Craft Farm Centre, Northamptonshire

Old Dairy Craft Farm Centre, Northamptonshire

Old Dairy Craft Farm Centre, Northamptonshire

As you can see from the photos, things that day didn't get much better.

We paid to see the lambs and she cried.

We decided it might be nice to have a look round the grounds and she cried about that too. 

The only thing that would soothe her was being carried by Mama, which as you can imagine, got pretty tiring pretty quickly. So, we didn't look round the little art shops, we didn't stop for a bite to eat and we didn't admire the birds in the aviary. 

Instead, we got in the vomitmobile and drove home.

The moral of this lifestyle blog post is that even when people/families/lives appear 100% perfect online, they're not. Everyone deals with crap, bloggers just know how to take good photos of it ;)

Do you ever look at other people's lives via their blog with envy? I know I do!! 



Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.


Thursday 25 April 2013

Luxury Lipsticks || April


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

If you watched my Luxury Makeup Haul on my YouTube channel last month, you will know that I have had quite the splurge lately, mostly on lipsticks. 'Oopusdazy', as Darcy would say.

I don't know what it is about a luxury lipsticks that pleases me so very much but honestly, I think I have a problem. I buy them like money is going out of fashion and I have about three floating around every handbag. It's almost a bit embarrassing!

Before this pricey little problem goes any further, I thought it might be a good idea to review my current top three and plan to do this again in the future. Heaven knows I've got enough to feature!!

Luxury Lipstick YSL MAC Armani

This month I have found myself coming back to the same three lipsticks again and again. Armani Rouge d'Armani in 503 (rrp £25), YSL Coral Intuitive (rrp £24) and MAC Candy Yum Yum (rrp £14). 

I look to Armani when I'm having a low key day with just mascara and concealer because it makes me feel like I've added a hint of glamour to and otherwise 'meh' look. I use the YSL number for muted peachy lips when I have done big black smokey eyes and I turn to MAC Candy Yum Yum when I want to be show-stopping (which is surprisingly more often than you'd think. Worrying). 

Luxury Lipstick YSL MAC Armani

As you can see from the swatches, both the Armani and YSL lipsticks have a frosted/sheen finish, where as Candy Yum Yum is entirely matte. Personally I prefer to add a little lipbalm over the top to keep my lips from drying and to add some shine, but I know some people love a gloss free lip. 

I'd also like to add, just because I'm anal, that the Armani has a beautifully engraved 'GA' on the bullet. Sadly, mine has sort of smooshed off due to a tragic melting in the sunlight accident but it was lovely none the less. 

Luxury Lipstick Swatches YSL MAC Armani

All three apply beautifully, last a great amount of time (by 'great' I mean about 4-6 hours, probably more like 8 for the MAC), have gooorrgeous packaging (magnetic seal for Armani that gives a VERY satisfying click and just look at the YSL would you!) and make me feel amazing.

Luxury Lipstick YSL MAC Armani

Yes, I know these are frivolous, and yes, I know there are likely to be great dupes out there for these, but to me, they're worth it. It's not just colour on the lips in pretty casing, it's the way they make me feel.  When I wear one of these products I instantly feel more 'together'. I feel like I look like a woman who takes care of herself, even though I'm a busy Mum who more often than she'd care to admit uses dry shampoo and has been known to febreeze her tights in emergencies. 

What do you think? Way too much for a lipstick or worth the money for my sanity? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts!



Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.


Wednesday 24 April 2013

Beauty Bargain Alert


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I've actually already blogged today (scroll down why dontchya) but I wanted to give you another quickie- ooer.

cheap blusher palette


I bought this palette a few weeks ago from ebay as a treat for my new Step Sister Hollie and now that she has opened it, I managed to take a quick snap.

This is a ten piece blusher palette and Hollie is thrilled. She hasn't used it yet so I'm not ready to comment on it's quality but based purely on price (£3.49 inc p&p), looks and size (big but slim), it seems like a total winner. 

I think this is ideal if you are looking to have all your blushers in one place or if you are starting out and building up your collection, like my little sister is. 

This isn't a review, but me letting you know about affordable beauty products that might tickle your pickle. Tickled pickles are what we're all about round here. Ew, that sounds really wrong!

If you would like to check this beauty bargain out for yourself, click HERE




Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.

Dating Woes


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

As it is becoming customary on a Wednesday, here is my YouTube video that I uploaded on Sunday.

I like using my blog as a little catch up space and I'm enjoying this routine- are you? I've come to think that maybe routine is the way forward in life. Either that or I'm just getting old and boring. 


This week's video was more of a funny lifestyle one than a beauty one. And by 'funny lifestyle' I mean, 'let's all laugh at my misfortunes with men' ho ho ho. 

If you have any requests for future videos, do feel free to let me know, and if you would like to subscribe to my channel, you can click HERE

Do you prefer to watch videos or read blogs and why? I'm interested in your brrraaainnns!




Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Amazing Advertisers | | April 2013


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

How on earth do these months keep rolling by so fast? Soon it will be Autumn and I'll say, 'remember back in April...' haha.

As always, we have had some gorgeous blogs gracing the side bar this month and now is the chance to get to know them a little better and have a look around their slice of the net- they'd love to have you.


Large


This month my Ultimate advertiser has been Barbie and Pie and the first thing I want to say about her is- I AM SO JEALOUS OF YOUR TEETH AND HAIR. Ok, now that's out of the way, this blog is a little gem and I think it's going to do really well. I love how the reviews aren't super overload-you-with-facts but you still get all the info you need in a chatty-talking-to-a-pal way. I also feel that I can relate to this blog as the fashion posts are aimed at curvaliscious women like me with a deep love for skater style dresses. Since you have a spare moment (you must do if you're purusing the blogersphere right now, why not hop over and have a mooch for yourself. It's nice. 

Dana is a blogging WonderWoman (see what I did there?). Not only does she have a goooorrrgeous beauty and lifestyle blog, an amazing e-book, an ETSY shop and a blog design service, she now has an app (HERE). Is there anything this lady can't do? Her blog (and the rest of her online empire) is a visual delight so hop on over and check it all out. 


Blushing Appraisal is what I would call a 'classic beauty blog'. It offers individual reviews of products (something I need to get back into), regular updates on beauty treatments and a lot of well thought out, accurate information. This blog is a great place for people who need the facts in a friendly and pretty environment. 


When Aimee's Grandfather passed away and she inherited his camera, she decided to put it to good use and start a blog. Firstly, I LOVE that. Her grandfather may not be here now but because of his gift, something beautiful has happened and we can all benefit from it. Secondly, this is a lovely blog full of reviews, life and happy moments. I'm all about the happy. Love love love. 


Lindsey is a little love. Her blog (oh so surprisingly) is about life, beauty and music. Being a non musicy person I thought it wouldn't be my taste but how wrong I was. Lindsey aspires to play to thousands and I really hope she does. I love it when people have a goal that they actively work for or try to achieve, it motivates me to achieve mine too. Go and see if she motivates you. 


Charlotte's Web is a blog I've been reading and loving forever. I'd read her even if I hadn't had brief twitter chats with her and even if she didn't advertise over here. To fill you in- lifestyle blog with a bit of everything yadda yadda yadda. Really, I just want you to hop on over to read her 'perfection and passports' post. It really strikes a cord and is something I think we can all relate to, warts an all!


Oh no, another blog to get sucked into and spend all your time reading! This 'little bit of everything' blog is the kind that you end up flicking through for about 25 minutes and then wonder what you were meant to be doing. EG. It's addictive!! Also, I now want to go to a wedding fair, despite being married over 2 years now. Dagnamit. Go have a looksie.


Stacie is a long time amazing advertiser and a long time inspiration. Suffering from Pulmonary Hypertension, Stacie is documenting her fight for life in a frank, detailed but relatable way, as well as sharing beauty ideas, life snippits and information about transplants. I've learnt a lot about this blog and often think about Stacie and her journey. 


This Canadian beauty blog is informative and easy to read. I have enjoyed the mix of beauty chats (drugstore makeup dramas!), life chats and reviews. This blog is fairly new so do go over and show it some love. If your a video junkie, there is a coinciding youtube channel for you to watch. Woop!

And that's the ladies of the sidebar! Are any of them new to you? Do you enjoy finding new blogs to love? 

If you would like to advertise on Sprinkle of Glitter, all the information is up top in the Sponsor tab. Some of the slots (mainly for bigger packages) have a little bit of wait time due to their popularity so please book early to avoid disappointment. 




Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.

PS- Blogger is refusing to spellcheck so I'm afraid now you are all privvy to my terrible spelling abilities!




Baby Style || Pretty In Pastels


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Since I haven't done an Baby OOTD since THIS ONE in February, I thought it was about time I did another. I tell you what though, making a toddler stand still for long enough to focus your camera is about as easy as solving a problem like Maria (hope you get that Sound of Music fans). In summary, photographing a tot is hard! I'm obviously not going to force her to do it so we're gonna work with what we've got.

Baby Fashion


This photograph was taken at Easter outside our church and is what she wore to the service. We don't always dress up too fancy but since it was a special occasion (good old Jesus rising again etc- don't go mad at me for having a religious moment please), we made an effort. 

Pink Hair Clip - H&M
Cream Vest Onsie - H&M
Mint Cable Knit Cardi - Primark
Pink Bow Tutu - Gifted from Marie
Cream Tights - H&M
Baby Blue Sparkle Pumps - Next

I tend to steer Baby Glitter's wardrobe towards pastels because I think they suit her and she's such a little girlie girl that she is happy to wear them. Oooohhh ggaawwdddd I love dressing that kid!

As you can see, all of Darcy's clothes are from highstreet stores (except the gift) and I think they look amazing. If you have the money and you want to go designer then yay, but for us, we love a good bargain! We look in stores, supermarkets, charity shops, consignment fairs and boot sales for clothes and often find absolute gems. 

I will do more of these Baby Style posts as and when the kidling permits me to get a good shot of her. 

Where do you shop for children's clothes? Do you secretly wish you could wear that cardigan too? I know I do!



Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.


Monday 22 April 2013

Motivational Monday #11


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Since I started this feature, I have had so many messages saying how much you enjoy it so to those of you who have gotten in touch- thank you, I'm glad to see positivity multiply. 

And again, Happy Monday to you all. Monday's are not a day to dread but a day to embrace as they are the start of something new and a chance to wipe the slate clean and try again. 

Motivational Monday
Today's Motivational Monday (taken from HERE) is one that rings very very true with my personality type.

Sometimes in life, a situation is thrown up at us that invokes immediate emotions and makes us want to share how we feel straight away. A colleague at work could bait you with a derogatory comment or a friend might say something that really riles you. It is natural to want to respond in kind and let them know how you feel.

It would be fair to say that in some circumstances that would be the right action. It would also be pretty fair to say that in a lot of cases, it's not the most efficient. To clarify 'efficient', I mean that it's not always the quickest way to a solution and it's not always the most gentle way either. I believe in gentle. 

Throughout my life (just like you), I've had situations where I have wanted to scream at somebody or I have had someone do something crappy etc. Over time I have developed a bit of a coping mechanism. Do nothing for at least an hour. Unless it's like a life or death grab-someones-hand-before-they-fall-off-the-cliff dealio (which with my weak arms I'd be rubbish at anyway), there is no need to go all guns blazing into something. Take a moment, gather your thoughts, weigh up your options ad consider the consequences. Will you feel so angry tomorrow? Will the anger just throw up a new problem (name calling and swearing are not easily forgotten)? Is there anyone you could talk this through with before you get all-up-in-their-grill? (I'm so down with the lingo).

What I'm saying today is, if this week you find yourself in a stressful situation, take a tiny bit of time to move away from it, assess it and then react. You don't need to do it instantly. More often than not, by giving yourself that space, you will make a much better reaction and the situation will run a lot more smoothly, resulting is a happier life for you. And we all want happy, right?

Is this something you might try this week? If you do give it a whirl, come and tell me in the comments if it worked!




Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.

Friday 19 April 2013

Green Fingers?


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I'm a homebird. I love to be in my house and think of it as my palace. I always feel safe and secure in it and spend hours mooching round websites looking at ways to improve my nest.

Something I have neglected for the past 3 years though is the garden. Matt cuts the grace but that's about it. We don't grow flowers, we don't paint fences, we don't build decking. It's really dismal.

Garden revamp

So, this year we're going into outdoors crackdown mode. I want to enjoy summer outside before I get rickets so we're revamping- on a shoestring! I can't bare to spend money on something so boring. With any luck, a bit of elbow grease and some borrowed tools is all we need.

Garden revamp

I let Baby Glitter come out with me whilst I wandered round deciding which things would be ripped out and where stuff would go and discovered that she LOVES being out in our garden. This has really made me want to make it a magical place for her. I have big plans!

Garden revamp


So, yep, that was a pretty mundane post but then life isn't always jaunts and excitement is it? Sometimes it's playing in the garden in your PJ's and wellies.

If you have garden tips or ideas, feel free to leave them below- I could do with the help!




Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.



Thursday 18 April 2013

Three Is Not A Crowd


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I think there might be something in the air at the moment. Maybe it's because it's Spring or maybe because Darcy is officially not a baby anymore (I decided 2 was the cut off point), but a LOT of people in my personal life and my Sprinkle of Glitter life have been asking, 'When will you have your next baby?' and I don't know how I feel about being asked that.

Family of three
(If you haven't tried a chocolate cream frapperchino with a shot of peppermint from Starbucks yet, you haven't lived. Also, how tranquil is this little spot we like to go to? B-e-a-utiful)

On one hand I think, 'ooohhhh I suppose it's natural to ask since I have a toddler and a husband and am blessed to be physically able to have another (I think)'. But then on the other hand I think, 'why are you presuming that I would want to increase my family size and why is it any of your business whether my Husband is going to impregnate me with his sperm?!?'. Yeah, that just got graphic. 

A lot of my friends are in the 'we want multiple children' camp, some already do and some have buns cooking in ovens as I type. For them I am pleased. Brave are the woman who push a human out of their nether regions and then opt to do it again. Selfless are the women who happily change nappies for years and give up their sleep. I really do admire them.

For me though, at the moment, I'm not there. I'm not saying I've entirely ruled out the prospect of more little glitters, but right now, I'm enjoying my life.

I enjoy being (for the first time ever) financially stable and able to support Darcy. I enjoy the little luxuries we now have. I enjoy that she sleeps through the night and I enjoy my job that I can give a lot of myself to. For me, at the moment, I feel like three is the perfect number. Matt and I get to spend so much fun time with Darcy, we get to do fun things as a couple because she's such an easy kid to babysit and I get to spend enough time writing this blog and filming my videos. At the moment, everyone is a winner.

So lovely Sprinklerino, next time you think about asking a woman when her next baby is due to come ripping shooting down the birth canal, have a think about how welcome your enquiries are going to be. Just because it seems like the norm, doesn't mean it will be. Some people (shock horror) have no desire to procreate at all and some, very sadly, simply cannot. I know that people ask about babies because they are so lovely (the asker and the baby) and I know this is a bit of a ranty post, but that was just my two cents. It's very rare that I get a bit extreme on this slice of the net but today I did. Maybe I need some chocolate crispy cakes and a bath haha!

What do you think on this matter? I bet you all have a lot of opinions on this!




Toodlepip!

xx

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Have You met Joey Graceffa Yet?


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I think it would be fair of me to assume that some of you read this blog but don't watch a lot or any of my YouTube videos. If that's you, don't feel bad, horses for courses and all that jazz. 

Just in case you only watch the odd one or two, I thought I'd introduce you to a new person to my channel and in my life, Mr Joey Graceffa.


Joey is also a YouTuber and is an absolute HOOT! As well as being utterly beautiful (look at his face people, look. at. his. face), he is also quick witted and hilarious. We filmed THIS video on my channel and THIS video on his so if you are looking for something to do in your lunch hour, these might be it. 

I hope you have enjoyed this collaboration, I enjoyed filming it SO much! Can we all cross our fingers that Joey comes over to England this summer! Sqquuuee!

What videos have you been enjoying this week? Share and inspire in the comments, I love new suggestions!



Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.


Tuesday 16 April 2013

A Slice of Us


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I use this blog partly to share and partly to document my life. Life wise, I spend a great deal of time talking about Darcy and not a lot about Matt. This is never going to be a marriage or relationship blog, but today I want to share a slice of us with you. 

Sprinkleofglitter husband

Ten Things About Us


One of our favourite things to do with a free evening (very rare because I tend to film/write/edit when Darcy sleeps) is to watch a cheapy American romcom DVD with the lights off. Every time I go to the supermarket I have a look in the £3 section and if there are any light hearted romantic comedies in there, I grab them. We tidy the lounge of toys and mess, turn the lights off and just sit and watch a whole film. To us, it's bliss. 

We have our own special language called 'Tang'. It was born out of a weird little private joke we had in Marseilles, France. Does this make our special language a French citizen?? 

No matter what bed we're sleeping in, Matt will take the side nearest the door. This is in case of monsters because apparently, they'll use the door. 

Our house is a mixture of pastels (me) and spiderman junk memorabilia (him). It doesn't go but we're making it work. If only Spidey would rock a bit of sky blue instead. 

We have not one single photograph of our wedding on display. I felt so under confident at the time and due to a lot of rubbish (rude ex step mother, morning sickness, financial stress) in my life I look back and think I looked vile in them all. In an ideal world, we'll renew our vows and I'll love it. I'd have Zoe as my photographer. Writing this has made me think that perhaps I could book a photography session with Matt and recreate some pictures?

Matt's signature dish is chicken and chorizo paella. My signature dish is dominos pizza. Both brilliant.

Despite doing very different jobs now, Matt and I did actually work together for six months in an office in Liverpool. I really enjoyed it because I liked walking home with him and seeing him about but he says he missed having space. Little bugger.

To date we have only been abroad together twice (France and Gran Caneria). We still haven't had our honeymoon but this October we are going on a family holiday to Orlando and are both crazy excited for it!!

We used to have a mixed tape style CD that had the theme tune to Home And Away on it. If he was in the mood, we would sing that song in a perfect duet and we know all the versus. I'm so tempted to reintroduce that CD to the car. 

Even when out for drinks with friends on a night off from parenthood, we find ourselves talking about Darcy. This weekend we went out and on the club dancefloor played a game of 'Dance like the baby does'. Honestly, dancing like a 2 year old, whilst wearing a Ted Baker dress and having more than a couple of cocktails inside you is side splittingly funny. Try it!


And that's ten. I'd quite like to do another post like this (with another equally slushy photograph) so if you have any questions or things you'd like to know, leave them in the comments and I'll use them for ideas!


Toodlepip!

xx



This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE


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