That Guy Matt

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I spend so so much of my time talking about Motherhood, friendships, personal growth and work adventures on here but so very rarely discuss that guy Matt. You know, that man I married, live with and the Father of my bambino. 

(Mr & Mrs)

The reason I have kept him so hush hush for the past four years is because isn't really a, 'hey look at me!' kinda guy and works in a high school so was a little reserved about having so much of his life out there for all and sundry to read. I get it. I respect it. 

Lately though, the little love has been finding himself more and more interested in blogging and vlogging and taking quite big steps to be more involved which basically, THRILLS ME. This means he is appearing in more and more Chatter channel vlogs and is happy to be featured on my blog more too. Yay, yippe and huzzah!

I'd quite like write more Matt centred blog posts since he is obviously such a huge part of my life but feel lost as to what you'd like to know. What are you interested in? Are you interested in anything at all? Are you wondering why you're even reading haha? 

For those that are totally new- Matt and I met at university in Liverpool and I (being a naive teenager) thought he was oh-so-cool because he was 21 already and seemed very suave. He thought I was cute and eccentric and after 8 months of shillyshallying around (you know how it goes), we were an item. After graduating I stayed in Liverpool for a few more years because it's his hometown (I love me a scouser) and because the city has a big place in my heart. Then, we moved down closer to London, bought a house, said 'I do', baby made three and voila, here we are, the Glitter Family. That's us in a nutshell.

I'm glad he puts up with me. He is always so supportive of my job (which we both love but understand it's not your average 9-5), weathers my ever changing mind, shares the housework and plans little trips for us. I realise how lucky I am and this year am really striving to find more ways to show him my appreciation (minds out of gutters please ladies ;) ).

Comment homework today is - What would you like to know about us? Ask anything, it's a free-for all. What do you do to show love for your other half or what would you do if you were in a relationship? Should I encourage Matt to one day write a blog post? What would you like to read from him?

You can (only if you want to) follow him on twitter HERE. 

Exciting times Sprinklerinos! 

Toodlepip!

Contributor - Louise

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

Ultimate Advertiser -The Fashion Fuse. Click HERE for more info. 

Motivational Monday #4

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Merry Monday to you my lovely Sprinklerinos. Have you had great weekends? I certainly hope so!

Today marks the last week of January, which I think to a lot of us is a relief. January, in my opinion is one of the dullest months and February brings daffodils, birdsong and the promise of Spring, hooray.

(Mmmmm thanks Blogger. I made this white but blogger wasn't having any of it!)

Today's inspirational quote is one I found myself writing in an email to my friend Faye (more on her soon) who is venturing on a couple of big plans with her Husband. 

I chose to use it this week because it's something I have been trying out for the last few months and really finding to have positive results.

I wouldn't class myself as a brave person. I don't like to push comfort zones and I don't like to cross boundaries of unknowns, they frighten me. Lately though, on a couple of occasions a month, I force myself to do something I feel a little nervous about. For example, last October I was asked to give a speech a large conference for Wired Magazine and before I could talk myself out of it, I said 'alrighty'. This then led to doing another talk to a large household name health and wellness brand and then one by one, like dominos, new opportunities sprang up because of the previous brave move. I'm starting to see that being a bit brave here and there really does pay off. 

It may 'pay' in money, it might be rewarding in experience or enriching relationships but more often than not, being brave and going the extra mile is worth it. Now I'm not suggesting you quit your job, sell your belongings and backpack across the world (unless of course you want to!), but to quietly assess where your natural boundaries lie and then take just one step out of them. And then, if you feel able, another. 

Put aside five minutes today to think about what you could do to push yourself that little bit or make an active effort to be open to new opportunities that might pass you by. You never know what exciting things could happen! I'll be checking up on you next week!

This week's homework- Comment below with what you might try out this week to demonstrate bravery and also let me know which areas of life you were kinder to yourself in last week. If you see anyone in the comments with similar experiences to you or things you feel you could help with, say hello and spread good vibes. The comment section is a friendly place y'anno!

Toodlepip!

Contributor - Louise

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

Ultimate Advertiser -The Fashion Fuse. Click HERE for more info. 

MAC Turquatic Fragrance || Beauty Review

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Whilst in Covent Garden (London) a few weeks before Christmas, I popped into MAC to buy some false lashes and have them fitted for a party I was attending. As I sat have my eyes fiddled with (weird concept there), I decided on a whim to treat myself to a bottle of perfume that I remembered my friend Zoe ravving about a few years back.

I parted with my pennies and walked out with a brand spanking new bottle of MAC Turquatic and have been delighted with it ever since. The website describes it as, 'featuring anemone, lotus, orris and coriscan blue cedar' and I would describe it as light, feminine and sophisticated. Perfect for being a gal about town or flouncing into meetings with. It's not what I would consider a date night scent as it isn't very flirty but it is definitely going to become a staple piece in my collection. 

Fickle as it may be, I adore the packaging of this perfume too. I have always heard from my Grandma, 'blue and green should never been seen', meaning the two colours fail to compliment each other but I think this sharp little bottle disagrees. 

Turquatic is also stocked in a rollerball which is perfect for bags where space is a premium or for travelling- yay!

If you're a keen bean (which I do hope you are), you can see the day I bought this item in the video about. Skip to 8.06 to see it featured if you don't fancy watching the whole shibang. 

What perfume are you loving at the moment? Anything I should consider? Or, do you not bother with perfume all together and think it's a frivolous waste? Tell me!

Toodlepip!

Contributor - Louise

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

Ultimate Advertiser -The Fashion Fuse. Click HERE for more info. 

Amazing Advertisers || January 2014

Aloha Sprinklerinos! 

Another month, another wonderful bunch of bloggers for your eyes to behold! The first of the year too! Good golly, where has the time gone! I've got some treasures for you so grab a beverage of your choice, a biscuit or too and lets get going! 

Source

The Fashion Fuse  

The Fashion Fuse is a fashion blog written by the incredibly beautiful Angie. I can’t take my eyes off her. The Fashion Fuse is everything I like to see in a good old fashion blog! The design in swish, the clothes give those Sex and the City gals a run for their money and it’s inspirational. If I’m in need of a style infusion, Angie is the gal I’ll turn to. You won’t leave The Fashion Fuse uninspired I can tell ya! You will however want to go shopping and buy all the pretties! Go on, have a gander!

Wonderful You  

Aah Megs, what a beautiful red haired temptress. Another stunning fashion blog that’ll leave you wondering what happened to your afternoon, it’s that addictive. As well as writing about all things fashion Megs also shares some lifestyle bits and bobs with us (Oh birdie tea cup, how I love thee) and this month a pretty swish hair tutorial! She’s a busy little blogging bee that Megs and Wonderful You is definitely worth a follow, you won’t regret it. (You will consider dying your hair red though, I’m warning you now!)

Sophie Jane 

Sophie has stayed with us for another month on Sprinkle of Glitter and as always Sophie Jane has been a joy to read. It’s no secret that I am a lover of Sophie’s culinary skills and baking posts, and this month she has not disappointed me! It’s been a healthy (and not so healthy – I’m looking at you delicious chocolate brownies) month on Sophie Jane with a recipe for a morning green smoothie and hummus (who moose?) Sophie is also on a journey to get more active this year just like me. I’m excited for her progress posts and motivation to keep me going!

Every Little Thing 07 

Every Little Thing is a lovely little blog written by a mystery persona, I quite like that! Whilst I’m sure the brains behind Every Little Thing is every bit wonderful, it’s fun to have a bit of mystery! The clue is in the title, this blog has everything. Beauty, lifestyle, fashion and more! For the blogger to consider themselves a ‘novice’ I am heavily impressed. The photography is beautiful, the design pleases my eyes and the reviews are well thought out and brimming with all the information you’d desire from a beauty review. Let’s show our mysterious girl some love and give her a follow.

Amy Grace 

Amy has been a long time advertiser with Sprinkle of Glitter and I always enjoy having her. Amy has warmed my little beating heart this month with her New Year’s Resolutions post, she has made a resolution to smile at strangers more in a bid to perk up their hard day, I think that’s something we should all consider :). I’m excited to see what Amy has install for us in future posts, I’ve been a fan of her beauty reviews in the past and I look forward to more of them. Give Amy a follow, you’ll make her smile!

Liv Loves 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Liv is a good egg and I enjoy her approach to blogging and life in general! Not enough people spend a day with their chums doing pottery if you ask me! Liv also shared a post at the beginning of this month about her goal to lose weight and exercise more which I thoroughly enjoyed reading, also how fun does the dye 5k run look?! Having pink dye thrown everywhere for ever kilometre you run, now that’s an incentive! Let’s hope Liv keeps us up to date with her journey and will one day be posting pictures of herself covered in pink dye!

Undeniably, Me

Undeniably, Me is good for the eyeballs and the soul. It’s a wonderful blog and I’m pleased as punch to have Elizabeth with me this month. Elizabeth is a beautiful lady who writes well and the passion for her blog clearly shows through her posts, they’re a joy to read! She also has a ninja cat called Oliver – I instantly love her more for this. Elizabeth also celebrated her 1^st blogging birthday this month which is a pretty hefty milestone in the world of blogging so lets all wish her blog a big happy birthday with a follow and a virtual hug!

Given Me Wings 

If you’re a lover of a good old upcycle then Sarah is your gal. I could think of no better introduction because Sarah produced the most magnificent upcycling post this month and I have been left inspired to complete a few more homely projects! Given Me Wings is another ‘little bit of everything’ blog, from upcycling to beauty and it is a joy to read! This month Sarah has shared with us a review of the most beautiful Nars palette I ever did see and her progress with Slimming World, I told ya – everything! If you’re in need of new blogs to follow, look no further than Given Me Wings! There certainly is something for everyone, there’ll be something to tickle your pickle I swear!

Sookie Spartan 

Sookie Spartan is an American beauty and fashion blog written by the lovely Sara. This month Sara has shared all sorts with us including an eye tutorial using the Naked 3 palette and reviews on some sportswear, she’s an active gal that Sara! Sara definitely has a knack at beauty blogging I can tell ya! Her reviews are always in depth, coupled with photographs, swatches and all the product information you could possibly need! Sookie Spartan is a joy to read and I look forward to Sara’s future posts (I like to all the beauty products they have across the pond)

 Beauty in Beta 

Beauty in Beta is a fun little blog written by a gal named Beth. Firstly it must be said that Beth has the cutest, fluffiest cat in all the land and I want to squish him with love. He is also called Gizmo, incredible. Gizmo the cat, I love you. I’m also a fan of Beth, she’s got such a light hearted, down to earth personality and it shines through in her blogging which makes her writing a joy to read. Beth blogs about all sorts, including beauty and lifestyle and she also makes Youtube videos for us too. She and Gizmo are a breath of fresh air I thoroughly recommend you have a browse! 

And that's all folks! 

Toodlepip! 

xx

Glitter Gets Fitter

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

If you follow me on YouTubes, Facebook, Instagram or Tumblr you may have noticed #GlitterGetsFitter being a THING. 

I say a 'THING' because I can't quite tell if it's a full on new lifestyle change or just a fad and not being one to love commitment (types the home owning married mother who has run her own business for the last couple of years, commitment much?) I'm reluctant to give it a title. 

(A collection of my GlitterGetsFitter instagram updates this month.)

I talked about it in a video this past Sunday and wanted to chat a little bit more about it over here so as to have all bases covered. I'm not going to bleat on about it too much after that, unless something worthwhile happens, but you can still follow the THING on my social platforms if you're a keen bean.

It all began when Weight Watchers approached me in Autumn 2013 and asked if I would work with them on a few videos they had in mind to promote their new plan, Simple Start. I had long being thinking that my physical fitness needed some help but initially said no because I thought Weight Watchers was all about dropping lbs and eating boring foods. 

After a few discussions back and forth with me saying I don't enjoy the idea of diets and extreme/fast weight loss and that my goal for 2014 was to fuel my body better and improve my health levels, I quickly realised that was what Weight Watchers is all about. It's not about bland foods and being hungry, it's about learning which foods love your body and which foods don't really give you much (sadly, my beloved macdonalds french fries are the latter *sob*).

I decided that if I was going to be in videos promoting the Simple Start plan (HERE and HERE) that it would only be right to actually give it a go (practise what you preach and all) and have now being doing it for two weeks. 

I won't lie, it's been a big shock to my body and lifestyle. This second week I have spent a lot less time craving takeout food but the first week was a real battle of wills. I win those little battles by thinking in short term chunks. I say, 'You can have a chinese takeout on Friday, just resist for 3 more days and it's all yours' and then of course by the time I reach Friday I feel accomplished and don't want to order the chinese. Basically, I have to treat my brain like a toddler and do sneaky mama tricks on it haha. 

On the plus side, I have now had 14 consecutive days getting my 5-a-day of fruit and veggies and my skin, alertness levels and mood are thanking me for it. I'm not 100% sure if this is linked but since putting cleaner foods into my body I have been a lot less up and down in mood. I'm a very passionate person so I'm quick to laugh heartily, cry hard or shout loud but this last fortnight I've felt a little more mellow, which has been quite the treat for my Husband!

As well as eating better I have been upping my exercise game. By 'upping', I mean, 'actually doing some'! I used to have not a jot of proper exercise, aside from pushing the pram about, taking Darcy to the swings or nipping to the shop but none of those were anything more than light. 

I now go on 30 minute brisk walks/runs every other day and I don't hate it. I haven't got that addicted to exercise bug yet but I'm hoping it hits fairly soon. My friend Mark says it takes 3 weeks to make something a habit so my fingers are firmly crossed. I used to walk the length (and back again) of a nearby park but after a scary encounter with some locals (think hooded group of young men making lude remarks), I quickly changed my walking root and it feels much safer, although rather hilly and slightly longer dagnamit! 

The first time I did one of the walks I came home and was shaking I was so unused to exercise! Now though, I bound home in my hot pink trainers, jump in the shower and feel really accomplished. There is a certain sense of power in knowing that you are taking control of a new area of your life. I feel physically and mentally stronger because of it. 

So far, I'm really enjoying making these changes. I want my insides to feel great, I want to be a fit and healthy Mama for my Little and I want to enjoy a much more active life. 

I don't know how long I will continue on this journey (commitment issues, remember?) or how accomplished I will be but for the last 3 weeks I have taken so much from Sprinklerino Support (official term there) and feel very blessed to have you all in my glittery life. 

Have you ever undertaken big life changes like this? How did you feel? Did they work? Do you feel like a sensual woman goddess?!?

Toodlepip!

Contributor - Louise

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

Ultimate Advertiser -The Fashion Fuse. Click HERE for more info.