Puppy 101- Puppy Checklist♥

Hello poppets,

So today's post follows on from my last post. Once you have decided that getting a puppy is right for you, you will need to make sure you have all the bits and pieces a puppy will need. Here is a list of things I think you will need for a puppy, but obviously apart from the essentials it is all personal preference and taste (although anything fancy is likely to get wee'd on or chewed ... just to warn you!)

 *This list is based on the items you will need before your puppy is able to go outside so before their second injections and micro chip etc.*

• Cage - this is a bit of a personal preference but it provides your puppy with a safe haven that they can go to and snuggle up if it all gets a bit too much. It is also somewhere to put them when you cannot be with them so they are safe such as at night.
• Carry case, harness or lead and collar- to keep them safe on journeys
• Blankets - puppies love to snuggle. You can also put one over the top of the cage at night so your puppy finds it easier to get to sleep as it will cancel out noise and light.
• Newspaper or training sheets- puppies have accidents
• Bowls - for food and water
• Puppy food - this is very important so my vet tells me as it has special nutrients designed to help your puppy grow which is not in normal dog foods.
• Chew toys- your puppy will want to chew everything, so give them something they are allowed to chew.
• Cuddle toys- this is a good idea to put one in their cage so it reminds them of their litter mates. Just make sure it is puppy safe as they may rip them. 
• Exercise toys- if your puppy has to stay in until they have had their jobs it is a good idea to get a toy that will challenge them and tire them out. You can get toys which you put puppy food in and your puppy has to work out how to get the food out. 
• Puppy spray and shampoo- puppies have a habit of getting mucky, you should not wash them unless they are muddy etc, but you can get some really nice spritz's to keep your puppy smelling nice
• Grooming kit- depending on the length of your puppies coat grooming is important to keep their coat comfortable, clean and also to check for ticks etc
• Flea and worming medicines- check with your vet which is right for your puppy
• Wipes and cleaning things- this is more aimed at chihuahuas because they get gunky eyes often because their eyes are so big and get fur in them, but it is always good to have cleaning bits encase your puppy needs them. 
• Emergency first aid and vets number- in case their is a problem with your puppy, always be prepared.
• Clothing- if you have a small dog, it may benefit from a little jacket or extra layer in winter to keep him warm on walks
• Puppy toothpaste and brush- puppies are likely to get gum and teeth problems as they chew everything so it is good practice to brush their teeth, but it must be designed for dogs not humans. 
• Treats- your puppy will love you even more but don't always give into those puppy dog eyes! ♥

That is what I bought for George, please let me know if you can think of anything else you might need for a new puppy, I will pop a post up about things you might need when they can go out after their 2nd injection.

Lots of Love

Charlotte & George

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Puppy 101- Things To Consider ♥

Hello lovelies,

Lets talk about George and what you need to consider before you get a puppy. These are just a few things to think about and there is lots more to consider too, but here are some of the main points

Can you give the puppy the constant attention it needs?

Having a puppy is a full time job. Think of puppy like a baby, you wouldn't leave a baby at home alone so it is really important someone is home at least most of the day to look after puppy and keep them safe.

Can you afford a puppy?

It is really horrible to think that money plays a part in getting a puppy, but it really does. The expenditure doesn't stop after you pay for your puppy, there is food, cage, toys and vets bills to consider too.

Are you ready to commit to puppy?

You and your puppy are together forever so you need to make sure that you are ready to make that commitment. It breaks my heart when puppies are abandoned, in fact any animal! Make sure you will love it and keep it for its whole life ♥

Is the puppy suitable for your situation?

If you live in a small flat, a puppy which will grow into a large dog may not be suitable (plus they will get bored and might wee on your things....)  Also you will need to make sure that your house is puppy proofed as they love to chew (wires, slippers, anything!)

Are you prepared to put in the work to train puppy?

Puppies need to be trained to grow up into good adult dogs. They will need to be house trained & potty trained so they learn good habits like going out to go to the toilet. If you have not got the time or are worried about your possessions being ruined (a nice rug is a perfect puppy poo spot!) then perhaps consider an older house trained dog or puppy.

Can you give puppy the love it needs?

A puppy can't understand if you are tired or having a bad day, your puppy will need love and care everyday regardless. Walking, cuddles and petting are going to be a daily occurrence even when you have the flu! 

I hope that has helped a little if you are considering getting a puppy. I hope it did not come across patronising or mean at all, but I would have loved something like this before I got George just to help me make a decision, and I hope it helps you if you need something like that.

Lots of love
Charlotte (and George) ♥

kisses from George xxxxx

Lush Oatifix Face Mask Review ♥

Hello poppets,

The other day I had to go up to London to collect my portfolio from my old college (I will probably do a blog post about college at some point :) ) and on my way back I had to get the train from London Victoria. It just so happened that Lush have a little store in the station, what a perfect way to spend the 20 minutes before the train arrived looking round the delicious scented shop!

I popped in and as usual the people in there were so friendly and helpful which I love♥ and I asked the girl in the shop if she knew of a face mask that would be really moisturising for my skin as I have been having chemical peels and although the results are amazing it has left my skin prone to being a bit on the dry side. 

She suggested I try Oatifix which is a fresh face mask (meaning you must keep it in the fridge, trust me they go fluffy otherwise!) full of moisturising goodies such as illipe butter and banana (banana is amazing for nourishing hair and skin) and light exfoliators to slough away the dry skin such as ground almonds and oats (does anyone else think this sounds delicious?)

When it was time to use the mask and I opened the tub the smell was amazing. It smelt sweet but not sickly sweet and with a bit of an earthy undertone thanks to the oats. It smells similar to the body lotion from lush called sympathy for the skin I think, maybe its just because of the bananas! It felt a bit of an odd texture with the smoothness of the butter contrasting with the bitty oats and it was strange having the two on your skin. A few bits fell off and it was a bit messy but none the less it felt lovely and soothing on the skin.

After I had used it my skin felt super soft and supple, I was really surprised and pleased. It just goes to show that you don't need lots of chemical ingredients to make a product that works! My cheeks didn't feel tight and the dead skin cells had really reduced. The next day I woke up and my skin felt plump and radiant. I am really, really impressed!

Have you tried any of the Lush fresh face masks? Do you have any you would recommend?

Love Charlotte ♥ 

About George♥

Vital Statistics:

Me: George Denton
Nicknames: Prince George, Georgie, Poppet
Birthday: 16th January 2014
Place of Birth: Shoreham by sea
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Male or Female: Male 
Occupation: Full time little pickle & food tester
Residence: Eastbourne

Appearance: 

Hair Colour: Beigey white with a bit of blonde and blue
Length: Medium, my parents were both short haired so I am special!
Eye colour: Brown 
Best Feature: Cute face
Height: Little!

Your 'Firsts': 

First Toy: A little blue and pink soft ball with taggies
First Trip To The Vets: 31/03/14 for my first injections :( booo

Favourites: 

Toy: Grandmas slippers
Colours: Pastel blue and pink
Food: I ♥ all food!
Place: In mummys bed!
Clothes: Mummys scarf
Shoes: Slippers

Currently: 

Feeling: Happy all the time!
Eating: I eat at 6am and 6pm but would eat all the time if I was allowed! 
Typing: I can't type, I'm dictating this to mummy
Online: Urban Pup & Pets At Home
Listening To: Mummy singing
Thinking About: Food and causing mischief
Wanting: Eat, run and then snuggle
Watching: Mummy

Future: 

Want Children?: No mummy says I am not allowed!
Careers in Mind: Full time food tester
Where do you want to live?: By the seaside

There you go, a little bit about me. I'm off to chew a slipper♥

About Me Tag ♥

Vital Statistics:

Me: Charlotte Lois Denton
Nicknames: Char, Lottmas Lois, Denton, Dents
Birthday: 5th May 1992
Place of Birth: Pembury, Kent 
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Male or Female: Female 
Occupation: Beauty & Aesthetic Therapist
Residence: Eastbourne
Screen Name: Charlotte Lois♥

Appearance: 

Hair Colour: Blonde
Length: Short but I would love it to grow! I sometimes wear hair extensions
Eye colour: Brown 
Best Feature: Freckles
Height: 5ft
Braces?: No, I had them when I was in secondary school when I was 16
Glasses?: No
Piercing: Just my ears now but I have has my belly button pierced, my nose pierced twice and all up my eears pierced a few times
Tattoos: Two
Righty or Lefty: Righty 

Your 'Firsts': 

First best friend: A girl called Rosie
First Award: Probably in primary school for good behavior (such a teachers pet)
First Sport You Joined: Swimming, I still love it but don't do it as much as I would like too
First Real Vacation: Majorca or Mallorca
First Concert: Girls Aloud
First Love: Secret!
First real love: Secret again!

Favourites: 

Movie: I really like The Hobbit films
TV Show: Sex and the city, I also like the little shows on BBC3 like 'Hair' and anything with Billie J D Porter in. Colours: Pink and Pastel colours
Song: Nina Nesbitt - 'Stay Out' 
Candy: I ♥ vanilla fudge!
Restaurant: Handmade Burger Co.... so yummy! 
Store: Well I really like a brand called 'LOVE' and they stock in Topshop so that I suppose. I also really like little village shops which do little nick nacks and shabby chic goodies
School: London College of Beauty Therapy
Book: I really enjoyed 'The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared' by Jonas Jonasson
Magazine: Company
Shoes: My black peeptoe slingbacks from H&M

Currently: 

Feeling: Happy & Excited
Single or Taken: Single
Eating: Nothing at the moment but might go and have a snack
Typing: This 
Online: Blogger & Spotify 
Listening To: Nina Nesbitt
Thinking About: Work today
Wanting: To cuddle my puppy and a snack
Watching: This?!
Wearing: My work uniform, so attractive haha 

Future: 

Want Children?: Maybe
Want to be Married: Yes a big shabby chic wedding with lots of pink and white flowers. Very boho!
Careers in Mind: Something in the beauty industry
Where do you want to live?: By the seaside

Have you ever:

Kissed a Stranger: Unfortunately!
Had Alcohol: Yes, but I dont really like it so I am T-total now :) 
Smoked: Unfortunately 
Ran Away From Home: No
Broken a bone: No, but I am so clumsy I am not sure how that happened!
Got an X-ray: Yes
Broken Someone's Heart: I hope not
Broke Up With Someone: Yes 
Cried When Someone Died: Yes 
Cried At School: Yes- such an emotional girl!

Do You Believe In: 

God: Yes
Miracles: Yes 
Love At First sight: MaybeGhosts: Yes
Aliens: No 
Soul Mates: Yes 
Heaven: Yes
Hell: Maybe
Kissing on The First Date: Yes
Yourself: I try

There you go, a little bit about me. I nabbed this tag from an old Zoella post so thank you for that Zoe! I tag anybody who wants to do this tag♥