I spent Christmas Day with my family, opening presents, eating plenty of food (sprouts!) and falling into a food coma in front of the telly.
#ad | On the road back from London the other day Sunny, Bungle and I bumped into a family with a brand new Golden Retriever puppy called Yorkie. I LOVE meeting (yes, puppies - but also) other Goldie owners - it's like belonging to a massive extended family! When Bungle was still a pup it was all about asking questions about how to stop the chewing, the 4am barking, the whole chicken allergy thing... but 2 and half years later we're the ones passing on all the inside info to new dog owners, and I love that! 🖤
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Having a dog bestie is not only an awesome thing, but also a massive responsibility. And even though we did a massive amount of swotting up and preparing our home, we were still totally unprepared for the impact on our daily routine (and the sneaky surprises along the way...!). Last year Dog's Trust received 3,596 calls from dog owners looking to rehome their pet. That's utterly heartbreaking. And the main reason was that owners underestimated the time and effort (and cost) needed to take care of their new best friend. .
If you're seriously thinking of getting a dog - even if you think you've got it all sussed out - download Co-op's Paws and Think app to trial life as a new dog owner for 7 days. Enter in a little information about your area, home and daily routine and then pick a breed to take care of virtually for one week. In real time you'll find out whether you really have enough time to fit in those twice daily walks, and enough money to pay for food, treats and vet bills. At the end of those 7 days you'll get a score and find out whether your chosen breed really suits your lifestyle. Restart as many times as you like to find the breed that's right for you. Dogs are the just the best after all, and only deserve the best from us for all the love and laughter they give.
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To find out more about Co-op's research, visit https://www.co-opinsurance.co.uk/hub/paws-and-think/ #pawsandthink
#AD | So here’s the thing. I’m not a massive fan of salads – in fact, I’m not really a fan AT ALL. (Great start, I know…) There’s got to be a lil’ something-something tossed between the leaves to bring me to the table.
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This (kind of Wimbledon-inspired...) Strawberry and Gruyere Summer Salad is my kind of salad; it's really easy to make and would hit the spot served up for an al fresco lunch or alongside a barbecue. Fresh, sweet and creamy – with a sour, zingy edge thanks to the added raspberry vinaigrette – the strawberries really steal the show on this one, provided you pick the best the season has to offer. British strawberries really are in their peak season at the moment and these “Red Diamond" Strawbs from Marks and Spencer are quite possibly the juiciest I’ve ever tasted; their sweet scent completely filled my car on the short drive back from my local M&S Food and perfumed my fridge and kitchen all weekend. Find the full recipe via my stories or up on the blog (link in bio!) #mymarksfave #thisisnotjust
The happiest of all the happy faces in his happy place. 🖤
Oh hey, long time no see! How've you been? Finally back in my happy place and making a mess in my kitchen. It's been waaaay too clean the past couple of weeks. Anyway, I whipped up this Chilli Mac & Cheese for lunch with some leftover veggie chilli from the weekend and some goodies kindly sent over from @dragon_wales (I'm a big fan, and their new Maple Smoked Cheddar was born to be the perfect Cheese to a good bowl of Mac). Thanks so much guys! Recipe's up on the blog; definitely one to bookmark now ready for when winter comes knocking! (Link in bio) 🧀🧀🧀 #gifted
....And breathe! Happy Friday! Time to party like a prawn star (i.e. whack on a shrimpy outfit, wiggle your pink butt and shove your face in a cocktail 🦐🦐🦐).
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Speaking of shrimpy outfits, I spent most of today giving my office a good tidy up because the mess was doing my head in. As well as chucking out about fifty dry pens and finding the five pack of sellotape I couldn't find at Christmas, I came across a 2nd Generation iPhone and an old album of photos from my second year at Swansea UNI, including this classic of my husband and I before we got together. He dressed up as a whoopie cushion for Halloween and I dressed up as a... no idea. 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
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Mate, I totally need a prawn-patterned shirt.
