Coffee Time

It's funny how you see things on TV, or hear about them on social media/radio/word of mouth and they don't really register - until it affects you directly.

Macmillan Coffee Mornings is on of those things. The advert has registered with me, but it was vividly brought to life by a wonderful lady I met by a beach hut the other day, while taking Honey Nut Nut for a walk.

Maxine was selling raffle tickets for an upcoming fund raiser. She explained that her husband had been diagnosed with cancer and wasn't sure how either of them would have coped without the incredible support from MacMillan.

Having only just started my journey, I can already concur that MacMillan have been amazing. From the advice they give, through to their numerous publications, to the people on the end of the phone, to the nurses that talk you through every aspect of your treatment and your feelings.

Having bought my raffle tickets, I returned at the weekend to be confronted with what can best be described as a mini festival! It was an amazing atmosphere and wonderful to see just how many people had come out to support Maxine.

I now have an open invite to go and have lunch at the beach hut, and will be taking Maxine up on her kind offer in the coming days.

There are some horrid people in the World. But, there are also some amazing people. And as bad as getting cancer is - the plus side is, that you really get to see just how amazing the human spirit can be :)

If you want to find out when Maxine and her scones will be making an appearance again - then drop her an email. Great location, great view, great people. #GetInvolved

Honey Nut Nut - My New World

Let me introduce myself because I want to tell you a story!

My name is Honey, and I am a Cavachon. I was born on the 1st April, but I am no one's fool! The minute my new mum walked in to the dirty barn I was living in with with my brothers and sisters, I knew she was the one for me! I didn't want an ordinary home because I am no ordinary dog!

I had to wait a whole week for her to come back and get me and it was the longest week EVER! She walked back in to the barn picked me up and off we went! We travelled in style on the way back to my new home - my mum's friend had a sporty black car and we raced all the other cars back! I looked out the window all the way!

My new place is a million doggy lifetimes away from where I was born! There is loads of space, loads of toys and my food is YUMMY! I have a den to sleep in, but I prefer sleeping with my mum and like to curl up on the pillow as close to my mum as I can!

I am not allowed out properly yet as I need to be given medicine to stop me getting poorly but that hasn't stopped my mum taking me out with her to see the sights and sounds! I also had my first bath this week, which has made me look like a powder puff!

I met my Grandma and Grandad this week. They both love me! I hope I get to stay with them!

Height: 21cm
Weight: 2.0 kg
This weeks achievements: First time in a car, first injection, first bath, first visit to the pub!!

My first Car Ride

My first day in my new home

My favourite toy

Hanging out on my mums bed

Having a pint at the View

Pub Life

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Vino Van Gogh

I It's nice to see that the marketeers at some of the big breweries have finally realised that image sells! This summer I have noticed, whilst perusing the wine section of one of the bigger super market chains, bottle after bottle of vibrant pictures, instead of the normal dull wrap we are used to. And they seem to be takin their inspiration from beach culture! Personally, I can't think of anything worse than sitting on a beach with a tepid glass of white wine. I'm more of a margarita or mojito girl! Here's a selection of my favourites!

Surf Art!

Recently got my painting bug back and found these fantastic pictures whilst looking for inspiration! 

Underwater Dogs - How one picture can save a life!

Ever since photographs of dogs, flinging themselves into water - without a second thought - first caught my attention some three or four years ago, I have been totally fascinated! Being the curious type, I wanted to know more! The man behind the idea is talented American super snapper Seth Casteel. His work has been published in National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times Magazine and numerous other printed publications. 

He has also become a TV celebrity, appearing on the UK's This Morning, as well as numerous interviews on American programs such as CBS, Good Morning America, NBC NIGHTLY NEWS with Brian Williams, The Meredith Vieria Show, NPR Morning Edition, The Insider and Inside Edition. 

Back in 2007, Seth began volunteering at a homeless pets shelter, taking pictures of cats and dogs, in a bid to find them loving homes. His work resulted in a huge increase in adoptions, as he was able to capture their unique personalities.

As his reputation grew, he developed his career as a "Lifestyle Pet Photographer". One day Buster - a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was brought to him for his pet portrait. It soon became apparent that things were not going to go according to plan, as Buster was more interested in jumping in and out of the pool, chasing his favourite tennis ball than posing for the camera! It got Seth thinking, which resulted in the purchase of an underwater camera and the beginning of the journey that is "Underwater Dogs"!

The latest in the series is Underwater Puppies - and as cute as the pictures are, they come with a serious message. Not necessarily something that most of us in the UK have to worry about, Seth is determined to educate American pet owners that dogs need to be taught that if they fall in to a pool, they know exactly where to do go to get out. 1000's of dogs drown each year, because they don't have the know how.

He has traveled the world in pursuit of his passion, working with animals across the Globe. Seth's non-profit campaign, One Picture Saves a Life, inspires, empowers and educates animal ambassadors around the world to improve the image of rescue and adoption through positive photography. 

CBS INTERVIEW SEPTEMBER 2014

Soft on your skin - and feathers - and fur!

I'm a sales persons dream - but in this instance P&G have really struck gold with this beautiful advert, demonstrating a less obvious use for their iconic dish washing brand - Fairy Liquid!