A Return and A Recap

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

In true blogging form, I'll start with an apology. I'm sorry for being away from this space of the internet for a while. I'm not sad or stressed or hiding, I've just been incredibly busy. That kind of crazy busy where you don't know where your toothbrush is because you are forever living out of different bags and you're not entirely sure what day is which. I like it but it does mean that a few of the things I enjoy pouring time into (like this blog) get pushed down the pecking order.

As always, I've been using instagram to document my adventures so this seemed like a good way to recap, ready for a return. I'm not promising daily posts again, not just yet, but I am throwing the idea of more posts out on the table. I'm excited to edge my way back in.

So, without further ado, here is what life has looked like lately in GlitterWorld. Each collage is in chronological order but the photos within are not. I went with what looked purdy to my les yeux.

A trip to Brighton. Matt, Darcy and I took to the roads to visit Zoe, Pippin and Percy. It was really nice to not do too much and just flop about on sofas, in cafes and by pebble beaches. Marcus and Niomi popped by for chats and nibbles the night we arrived (wish I'd known- wouldn't have travelled down in My Little Pony PJ's and no bra!!) and Zalfie (mm-hmmm I'm a shipper) generously surprised Darcy with a motorised mini toy car which she ADORES. 

I'm really looking forward to going back sans Matt and baby so that I can have some full on Louise & Zoe time. I miss that girl too much. 

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Premiere. Oh me oh my premieres make me giddy. Swishy dresses, best friends, red carpets, popcorn, gargh, they are my most favourite thing. 

Despite living with a huge spidey-geek, I actually didn't know a whole lot about the stories but lucky me (maybe) Jack came to stay for a few days and basically gave me the cliff notes so that I wasn't completely confused in the cinema. I felt VERY smug knowing alllllll the things by the time it was over. 

It was so fun having all my favourite men there that evening (except obv Matt who was in Berlin for the week) and Hazel who was my ever-beautiful plus one. 

Also, I'm obsessed with yellow at the moment. This dress was from River Island and the blazer was from ASOS. More premieres please!

An Assortment of Life. Our little girl turned 3 and so we we celebrated with her first ever trip to the cinema (Frozen) and a family birthday party. It was perfection. 

I experimented with Elsa-inspired hair, found a crazy cool pink hair edit online (good job creative Sprinklerinos), dipped into my jar of happies, braved a crop top, styled Matt and generally felt happy. 

Family Trip to Seattle. If you've been reading this blog for a while you'll know who Marie is. If not, here's a quick rundown- In 2011 she commented on one of my videos and I clicked on her profile to see what she was all about. I watched some of her stuff, fell a bit in love and emailed her. Emails turned to facebook chat, facebook chat to skype type and before we knew it were were video skyping every day, sending packages and presents across the ocean and knowing every detail of each other's lives. Amazing.

This Spring we finally met. It was incredible. A main channel video and a vlog series will be coming soon but until then, here's a ton of photos of the week. It was heavenly and I'm booked to go back this August! 

YouTubers Take Over Milan. ItaTube was held this April in, surprise surprise, Italy and was an opportunity for creators to meet viewers, people to watch panels and stage shows, meet and greets and mingles. Also there was pizza, lots of pizza. 

Spending time with all my YouTube friends makes me VERY happy. I feel like some of them are actually closer than my family and I'm proud to call them my friends. I also really loved getting to spend time with YouTubers I don't see as often like Hannah, Troye, Tyler, Connor, Anna and Lily. Vlogs are on their way!

This Weekend. Last but by no means least, this weekend. Wowzas it was packed! I've vlogged it all so I won't tell you too much but there was family time, secret Grace project time, collab time, stage (!!) time and adventures on a theatre roof time. Mmm-hmm that's a lot. It was a whirlwind of three days with highs upon highs and subsequently the following weekdays were quite the bump down to reality!

After reflecting about the (amazing) madness of my YouTube life these days, I made THIS video about YouTube Culture. I have been completely impressed by the response not only in the comments but by the messages on Tumblr, the tweets and the emails. Good job supportive internet people, you're ace. 

And now here we are, caught up and hopefully refreshed. I'm writing this up on a train to London (another big weekend for me) and eating peanut M&M's. 

I'd love a little recap of what you've been up to in the comments or some suggestions of what you would like to see on this blog in the next few weeks.

All the loves and sparkles,

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

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

Ultimate Advertiser Cheap Frills. Click HERE for more info.

(ps- I have a couple of LOVELY things from Cheap Frills and ADORE THEM. Go check them out, you won't regret it. 

Amazing Advertisers || April 2014

Aloha Sprinklerinos, 

I hope you're all happily filled with chocolate eggs and family time after the Easter weekend. There's no rest for the wicked for my wonderful advertisers though and it's time to share their talents with you once more. I've got some crackers for you, so grab some left over choccy and let's get reading! 

Source

Rowdy Roddy Vintage

Cute kiddywinks warning!! Rowdy Roddy Vintage is a lovely boutique selling all things baby, children and cuteness and I am definitely a fan. And they’re not just seller of vintage clothes either I tell ya, if you’re in need of a vintage night light in the shape of a fawn, or the most gorgeous retro wooden blocks then Rowdy Roddy Vintage is the place to be. I hope you hop on over and have a browse, whether you’re a mama yourself, know a mama, or just want to ‘aww’ at all the cutie clothes, I promise you’ll be dancing in vintage glee!

Beauty Becky

 I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, Becky writes a cracker of a beauty blog. I’ve admired Becky’s talent for beauty blogging in the past and once again she hasn’t disappointed. Whilst I’ve been a fan of Becky’s beauty posts this month, I have to admire her for a personal post she has also shared with us about her depression and eating disorder. Becky you’re a brave, beautiful girl and I’m sure your post has helped others muchly. Let’s all offer Becky some blogging love, she certainly deserves it for all her hard work!

  

Bows, Bangles and Bakes

 Bows, Bangles and Bakes is a lifestyle blog I’ve raved about in the past written by the lovely Jen, owner of the cutest pooch and kitty you ever did see. Naturally I’m in full appreciation of Jen’s pet posts, is there anything more adorable than your furry friends having a snuggle?? I’m also a lover of Jen’s DIY wedding invitations post this month, they looked beautifully made and Jen also included some helpful tips on making your own invitations too, I do love a good creative do it yourself post, keep ‘em coming Jen!

Life Between Books

 Mandy advertised with Sprinkle of Glitter last month and I was giddy with joy to have her. Life Between Books is a blog dedicated to the love of reading, Mandy reviews a variety of books each month for us which I think is a fab, unique blogging concept! Mandy is an avid bookworm and her love for our paperback friends shines through immensely in her reviews. If you’re looking for a few new characters to keep you occupied and take you on an adventure, give Life Between Books a whirl!

 Made Up Of Little Things

 Rachael is another returning advertiser this month and her little slice of the web still warms my hearth each time I have a read. Rachael has a beautiful little family that she talks about with such glee and her posts are always a pleasure to read. When I first began a gallivant of Rachael’s blog she had a family of two and she’s since welcomed baby Forrest who is just so squishy and lovely. If you’re a lover of feel good lifestyle blogs, Made Up Of Little Things is for you, I warn you though baby Forrest will give you the warm and fuzzies.

Sunny Sweet Pea

 Offt I’ve found a new favourite, Jenny your blog is simply wonderful! Another little bit of everything blog that makes me feel all cosy inside. Jenny’s blog is beautifully written, the photography is Pinterest worthy and her recipes would give Mary Berry a run for her money, lavender scone anyone? I thoroughly recommend hopping on over to Sunny Sweet Pea, Jenny will have you feeling all lovely inside in no time I can tell ya!

  

Hello Frances

Pleased as punch to have Frances back with us, her blog is a joy to read! Frances has such a wonderful personality and her bubbliness is addictive. This month I’ve enjoyed reading Frances' posts on being a twenty something looking for that life balance (humour and cat food stink included) I’m sure a lot of sprinklerinos can relate, I know I could! Let’s give Frances an extra pep in her happy step and give her a warm blogging virtual hug.

Dear you, Love Em

 Warning! divine photography and beautiful smiles coming your way once again from the lovely Em. Em your blog is beautiful and I’m jealous of the sunny beaches, maybe have a word with the weather man of Australia and see if we can have some of that sunshine in the UK? Em is another little bit of everything blogger and I’m looking forward to future posts from down under! I also really want a floppy summer hat now too for sunny days at the beach.

Emilovely

 Boy oh boy is this a beauty and lifestyle blog to behold. Emilovely pleases my eyes, it is written by the very talented Emily and I would definitely recommend a read! The organisation and effort which has gone into creating this little slice of the web is very swish and the content is just as heavenly. I think we all need to take a second to appreciate Emily’s waffle recipe this month, definitely something worth recreating at home! With beauty, baking and lifestyle posts under her belt Emily will not leave you disappointed!

 i 2 style

 Our little blogging fashionista Holly is back and she has not disappointed. It pleased me muchly when Holly advertised with Sprinkle of Glitter in February as her blog is bloomin’ fabulous. Holly shares fashion inspiration and looks, make up reviews and even a cheeky tutorial or two, she really does it all. This month i 2 style has shared all things bright orange and neutral pastels so there really is something for everybody. Look no further than i 2 style for fashion inspiration, I’ll be loosening those purse strings for some orangey fashion fun in my summer wardrobe soon!

  

Beau Blushes

 Ooh fancy beauty and lifestyle blogging coming through! Beau Blushes is written by professional makeup artist, Rebecca, who blogs about her love of beauty and life (topless male models included ladies.) This month Rebecca has shared snaps of her recent Dublin adventures and nights out with us, beautiful face of the day and all, she’s been a busy bee! A huge congratulations is needed also as Rebecca has opened her very own Beau Blushes makeup artistry business earlier in April, so well done Rebecca!         

And that is my ladies for the month! Phew! Have you discovered any blogging loves this month? 

Normal blogging to resume shortly, things are a little crazy (good crazy) round here at the moment but I've been photographing EVERYTHING!

Toodlepip! 

xx

Contributor - Louise

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

Ultimate Advertiser Rowdy Roddy Vintage. Click HERE for more info.

Playlist 2014 - The Vlogs

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

If you follow me on any of my social media (twitter, facebook, instagram 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. 

Ultimate Advertiser Rowdy Roddy Vintage. Click HERE for more info.