Louise Pentland's Blog, page 5

It's Been Quite The Week!

Oh Hi, 
Well, what a week eh? I feel like the last few days have been huge and special and exhausting and exhilarating and so it feels fitting to round it all up here, like a digital scrapbook or memory box. 
First and foremost, I wanted to say. 'thank you'. In 7 years, I have never felt let down by you as readers and viewers. I've thrown some pretty big sh*t at you and yet, always, you've been amazing. I also want to say, for those that have even a crumb of confusion, I'm NOT leaving!!! Argh that would be terrible!! I'm still me, I still love glitter and girliness, but yanno, I'm an adult. I'm evolving, I'm growing up. 

Last week I announced that I was closing a chapter of life and beginning a new one. Gone is the 100% sickly sweet perfect princess vibe, and welcomed is a more honest version of my life, still glittery but also peppered with the occasional swear and some real life humour. 
I'll let you in on a secret- I've been doing it for a while. I've been making slightly older videos and getting into my new groove all summer (you might have noticed I've been a bit more 'me' in my Chatter channel videos) and the new artwork was always gonna happen (that's still coming btw). I almost didn't make a video. I was going to just slowly transcend into a more 'me' vibe, but I felt a chatty video was a good idea- I like to keep you in the loop. 
Please don't take it too literally. This is not a sad time, this is a brilliant time! The future looks bright. 


Turns out, that kind of announcement causes quite a stir with a lorra lorra news outlets picking it up and for the most part, being super supporting. The BBC wrote a lovely piece and even The Sun got involved (although I prefer not to link them as my heart belongs to Liverpool). A couple of media sites really went to town with the 'Louise Pentland Vows to Make Adult Videos' which made me chuckle. Don't worry, I won't be making those kinds of adult videos any time soon. Honestly, you'd have to gouge your eyes out with rusty spoons if you were subjected to that kind of visual. 



A few of you have asked if there will be any more 'Sprinkle of Glitter' merch or projects (like the books, clothing lines, posters etc). The answer is YES. Deep down I will always 'Sprinkle of Glitter' and I'm happy to still be called it and have it beautifully emblazoned on things, I'm just being a more honest version and it feels more natural to start using my name, Louise Pentland, a bit more. 
My 2017 Diary is available to buy and you guys have been going gaga for it. Hooray!
I've loved seeing all your pictures and hearing how much you like it. Keep them coming! You can pick up your copy from all major supermarkets, bookshops or Amazon. Click HERE to get yours. I'm planning on talking about this a fair bit more in the future too so keep your eyes pealed for that! 

Less than a day after all the hub-bub about me not being the new youtube porn star (please get that, re the above para, don't be confused. I should stop this joke asap), I was back on the road (again, not in the 'adult' street worker sense, theatre darling, theatre) for my basically amazing theatre show, Louise LIVE. 

We toured 5 UK cities, I meet so many of you, I laughed a lot at my own jokes and, in one of the shoes, my shoes hurt so badly that my left big toe bled into my shoe- huzzah!!! One lovely lady called Lucy, wrote THIS review.


In all seriousness, aside from the blood-toe-shoe-fiasco, I bloody (no pun intended) LOVED this tour. We raised the age limit for the tickets (something I want to do again next year but even higher) and I felt so free. The content was aimed at women my age and the humour was a little more racey than I'd normally allow. I definitely want to develop this. If you didn't make it to the show but would like to watch it, the DVD (made by the BBC no less!) is available to pre-order on Amazon, HERE. 
Such a huge thank you to all the theatres that hosted me, the wonderful staff at each one, my amazing team who sold merch/handled tech/made everything run so beautifully and of course, huge thank you to all of you who came along and made the shows so full of buzz and zizz. Roll on 2017 for the next one!!

After such an intense few days (and actually, a pretty whirlwind summer), I was craving homey normality. I'm big on routine. It makes me feel safe and so having spent almost 2 months with little to no structure, Sunday was bliss. We went to church (where I snapped this adorable shot below of my Dad and Darcy), had a mini photoshoot outside (the first photo in this post was taken by Darcy!) and then, quite spontaneously hopped over to MuMu's for pizzas and giant milkshakes. I sent a text round to the gang (my local mummy friends) to ask them to lunch and in a wonderful stroke of luck, they were all free and up for it- this NEVER happens! Once you pass a certain age and/or push a human out your fanny, you can never ever get all your friends together at once without some sort of military style planning weeks in advance. 
And so, me, Darcy, my friends, their small humans and menfolk, sat and ate and laughed and sometimes a little bit shouted, 'Sit down! No you cannot have my phone! MIND YOUR DRINK', and it was brilliant. I felt so relaxed and like my roots are so deep where I am. 
If ever you're in Northampton, head to St Giles street and order a 'pimped milkshake'. You can thank me afterwards.


Monday was back to work normality and so I went to the world wide premiere of Bridget Jones Baby. Hahaha. I know, I sound like a real dick. Let me have my moment.

I've been Bridget's biggest fan since I first read my Auntie Jackie's battered old copy of the first book when I was 16. I felt like finally I was reading something that I related to. Bridget is charming and clumsy and compassionate and basically, my hero. So, the premiere was not something I was going to pass up. 
The film was fun, I laughed til I cried and cheered with joy at the end. I won't say anymore because I don't want to spoil it but really, go and watch it whilst it's in cinemas. I want to buy the soundtrack to it too. 

My dress to the premiere was from ASOS and felt amazing. What didn't feel amazing though was the beige fortress of control underwear I was wearing underneath. Honestly, you've not felt 'support' until you're wearing what is essentially a swimming costume of turgid beige fabric that sort of acts as a damn against all your fat. Taking it off in the toilets afterwards felt greater than I care to describe. 
Next day was the inevitable yearly panic of, 'oh my f*ck I haven't bought Darcy's plimsoles' and 'When did you grow 8 sizes out of your ballet kit?'. A day of shlepping round spending hundreds of pounds ensuring that everything on the list was ticked. Going to school these days is quite the feat. No more rocking up in your polo shirt and grey skirt with some shorts and tee-shirt in a bag for PE. Oh no. Get your judo kits ironed kids, it's September!!

Actually, aside from a little part of my soul dying as I spent £90 on smart shoes, plimpsoles and trainers, I loved the day so much. We mooched round Milton Keynes shopping centre and enjoyed everything it had to offer. I like to try and make shopping days as much fun as possible for Darcy so that she doesn't feel like she's being forced to walk round doing errands (which she is). We watched pennies whir round the charity thing that makes pennies look cool (descriptives on point), had lunch at Wagamama's (I have the regular katsu curry and she has the children's version and we like that we match), she coloured worksheets in kiddie corner, got all her wiggles out running in the open spaces and, my favourite bit, experimented with bath bombs in Lush. I was so impressed with the customer service and how much they made her feel like she was special and gave her that little experience. Also, I had a little shop so perhaps a haul soon would be good? 
A big week. I've loved it. 
Autumn feels like it's upon us and I'm glad. I'm finding my feet with routine again and throwing myself into work and motherhood after our summer of whimsy. 
Feel free to write an essay in the comments about your week, it's cathartic lemme tell you!!
Toodlepip!
xx

Why I'm 'Quitting' My YouTube Channel

Oh Hi, 
This is the kind of blog post I feel like I need to take a deep breath before writing. The kind that I need to sit in a quiet room and type fast sentences with long pauses for thought. I've been doing this for almost 7 years but still, there are posts where I feel nervous, like it's my first, and I am tentative yet buzzy with energy for. 
If you're reading this, you have most likely hopped over from my video. I've not filmed that video at the time of writing this. I decided I'd put all my thoughts down here, succinctly and carefully and then in the video I can freely chatter about it and if something is missed, I won't feel that pang of panic when you forget something, because it'll be securely noted here. This blog post is my safety net I guess.

(A very real picture. This is what I look like as I type this post. My necklace is wonky, my hair's a bit frizzy and those roots need some help, I don't have any concealer on and if I'm honest, some of that is yesterday's mascara. For a long time I've tried to be perfect. It's exhausting.)
Here goes. 
Sprinkle of Glitter (the blog) began one late Autumn night on Sept 20th 2009. Two months prior I'd bought a tiny fixer-upper house with my then fiance and I wanted somewhere to document the DIY we did in it. It was set to be a 3 month Autumn project to keep me busy when boredom set in. I'd had a lot of projects before that (my stint volunteering at the cattery, my obsession with Japanese seed beads, a failed attempt at daily baking etc etc) and so this felt no different. I wasn't one to stick at things. 
As the months rolled by, my love for the community around blogging deepened and once the house was finished, I didn't feel like the blog was. I transitioned it from DIY to beauty and in January 2010, set up a YouTube channel, also called Sprinkle of Glitter. 
When Sprinkle of Glitter started, I was a 24 year old PA in a corporate (aka so, so dull) office. I was engaged, planning a wedding, making new friends in a town I hadn't lived in for 6 years, doing up a house and basically, just finding my footing with adulthood. Life was sweet and so was I. 
Seven years later and a lot has happened. If you've been following all these years, some of this will be familiar. If not, let me fill you in. 
I had a big white wedding and we fixed up our house. We planned for and were blessed with a beautiful baby girl (Darcy) and lived happily and lovingly as a family of three (four if you count the grouchy old cat called Mindy that we adopted). Then, as many couples do, we drifted apart, couldn't fix our differences and parted ways to start new chapters separately. A big life thing. 
Over the past two years I've adjusted to single parenthood and acutely felt all the ups and downs that come with it. It still feels like I'm getting to grips with it and new things are still being experienced. As I write this, Darcy is on a holiday with her Dad and his partner. It's the longest I've ever been away from her and whilst I'm pleased for her having this experience and glad she is so loved by them, a part of my heart aches for her to be home with me. It's a hard mix of emotions. Each time something new happens in the shared parenting/single mother arena, the next time feels easier. There are lows but of course, lots of highs too. I'm learning how to navigate and 2 years in, I feel OK. I'll probably touch on this more in the future. 
I've tried my hand at dating, or 'disaster dating' as I've referred to it over copious glasses of fizz with my friends and hope that one day soon I'll fully love and allow myself to be fully loved in return. Although my heart is squishy and open to the idea, it's also fiercely protective of Darcy and any repercussions my love life could have on her. Tricky tricky. 
In the last few years, I've learnt a lot more about what friendship is, what it means to me and the type of friend I am to other people. I've had moments where I've felt so thankful to the people in my life that I could burst. Friends that will pick you up off the floor, shivvy you along even when you're crying, laugh with you over nothing, chatter for hours, embark on tiny adventures (Emma- the time we ran breathlessly from the pub cackling all the way down the road, I'm thinking about this right now!), cheer for you in your success and fill your heart, those are friends. 
I've had some big years. I've had amazing highs and frankly, some pretty awful lows. I've had some 'dig deep' moments and have enjoyed the feeling of always plodding on, always finding the best in each day and always enjoying whatever I have. 
Personal life, you have been a big ass roller coaster. 
Professional life, so have you!! 
I no longer work in the stuffy office of dullness. Instead, quite unexpectedly, social media has become my full time gig and it's all because of you. Your reading, your watching, your support, your kind comments, your love, has turned this late night Autumn project into a blossoming business. Thank you. A million times, thank you.
I was going to do a round up of everything Sprinkle of Glitter has offered in the last 7 years but it's way too much. It has just been incredible. I'm going to have to write an entire post of it's own on it next month because I think it deserves to be documented. I've made life long friends, experienced things I never thought possible, met unbelievable people, travelled, created, published, designed and lived fully. It's hard to express in a paragraph how much has happened- it's been life changing. 
And so to my point. When I began all this, my life was so different, I was different. I was sweet and sugary and untarnished I guess. In almost a decade (woah), I've had knocks and scrapes and growth and life. I'm different. I'm still me, but I'm an older (maybe wiser?) me. I still see life through positive eyes and I still laugh at the ridiculous but I'm an adult. Life isn't all blessings and giggles. Life is loud and vibrant and amazing and gentle and rough and everything in between. I am those things too sometimes. 
As I've grown in my real life, I haven't allowed myself to grow in my online one. I've kept everything rosey and sweet and although I've shared vulnerable moments and been very honest, I've always sugar coated, held back and tried very hard not to offend. 
As an audience grows in size as mine has done (woohoo), so do the amount of opinions you have thrown at you. You're not honest enough, you're sharing too much, you're boring, you're immature, you're using this for views, you're not showing enough of that, you're saying things you shouldn't, you should come out of your shell more. You simply cannot win. 
In a bid to try to though, I've held back. A lot. I've kept things sweet and nice and plodded along reasonably unscathed by the dreaded trolls and haters. I've played it safe. I've stayed inside my box. 
I'm so, so bored. 
My sense of humour is dirty and my life is adult. I like to do shots with my Mummy friends (not with our littles around obviously!), I like to say, 'fuck' and I sometimes, heaven forfend, take Darcy on adventure days that go on past her bedtime. I'm not perfect. I'm don't live a princessy life in a house made of candycanes (although that does sound cool), I just do normal things. I'm 31, I work, I play. I'm so bored of making things I know will just coast by, not upsetting the apple cart. I want to run free and enjoy it. 
I still do want to make videos about the usuals (hauls, motherhood, collabs) but I want to just let myself go more. I need to shed this sugary sweet sparkles and unicorns thing and just say, 'hey, my name is Louise Pentland. I'm a nice gal, doing my best, dating, mumming, enjoying myself, let's share and talk and enjoy'. 
I want to make videos about the hideous dates I've been on, heck, I'd like to make videos talking brazenly about some of the sex I've had. I'd like to make videos talking about Motherhood not just in a light way like I do now but I'd like to tell you what I find hard without you thinking I'm a shit mother or what I find easy without you thinking I'm being smug. I want to make videos about my journey with religion and faith. I want to talk openly about my relationship with the church and what it means to me. I'd like to be able to openly admit that I don't like choker necklaces or those little circle framed sunglasses with blue mirrored lenses! I'd like to run free with my sense of humour, I'd like to be able to have adult conversations, aimed at adults, even though I know some (although not the main proportion) of my audience are young. 
What I really want for the next seven years, and hopefully with your blessing, is to step forward and just be the person I am. More raw, more real, more me. 
What do you think? Are you chill with that? 
Toodlepip
xx
PS- I'm dropping, 'Aloha Sprinklerinos'. New greetings ideas needed!

Preparing Darcy for School

Disclaimer: This is a paid for advertorial with Tesco. 
Aloha Glitterbugs!
Oooeeee it's been a while since I tiptapped away here on my blog. Summer holidays are in full swing so most of my time has been taken up with Mummy duties and squeezing in work round playdates and trips and you get it, you get it. More posts to follow soon I promise! Also, it's about time this blog had a bit of a makeover so keep your eyes peeled! 
Something I've really enjoyed blogging about more this year has been Motherhood and the fun that accompanies that great adventure. 
Darcy is now 5 and so school is a big part of our lives. Last year was her very first year and with every milestone I felt my heart swell. Trying on her uniform, her first stage show, sports day, parents evenings, I love them. Watching her grow and develop is such a pleasure. 
Naturally, as she grows and progresses through her education, there are certain things I need to do to make life run smoothly and the back to school kit is always something I enjoy sorting out. There's something really pleasing about the start of a new school year. Fresh uniforms, unscuffed shoes, sharp pencils and brand new lunch boxes all bring the promise of exciting times ahead and make me feel all the warm fuzzies- is anyone on the same page with me? I hope so!! 
I thought it might be fun in this post to tell you a few of the ways I like to help Darcy prepare for the start of a new year, and how Tesco help me make that easy peasy. Yay!

Bedtimes
I'm pretty strict on a 7pm bedtime throughout the year (Darcy is like me, sleep is vvveerry important) but with no early mornings during the holidays, I usually let it slip. So, a week before school starts, we transition back to 7pm (from about 8-8.30pm). By doing it gradually, I don't have to completely throw her the night before and cause a melt down. Slowly, slowly. 

F&F School Girls Gingham Dresses with Scrunchie (Red, Green and Yellow). Subject to availability, while seasonal stock last, selected stores only).UniformIf I'm totally honest with you, I might actually be the least organised person on the face of the planet. I regularly find myself at almost the point of tears because I've lost things/left stuff to the last minute so to avoid this when term starts, I collect together everything she needs uniform wise, wash it, iron it and have it ready by the door/hanging in her room so that when it comes to it, we can just put it on and GO. I find it so helpful that Tesco have everything you need without having to schlep to lots of different places. Trousers (with reinforced knees for little boys- yay for Mummies!) have amazing quality fits in slim, flat and pleated, the dresses are super sweet (would you just look at those matching scrunchies-so sweet) and these light up anti-scuff shoes were such a hit that I think all shoes are going to need flash features now!! Eeep!


Foodies
Darcy generally has hot lunches cooked by her school but she does take in snacks for break time or evening clubs, so buying her new lunch and snack boxes is always fun. Plus, we can use them for non-school outtings. Or, yanno, if Mummy's feeling fancy and wants to put her popcorn in a bright pink box, she can. Heh heh- it certainly gets my 'Mum Stamp Of Approval'!


Stationery
If you know me at all you know how deep my love for stationery is. So, at this back-to-school time of year, when Tesco is full to the brim with a huge range of untouched pads of paper and giant packs of coloured gel pens, my heart feels aflutter. I hope hope hope that Darcy feels the same love for brand new stationery as I do because this kid is spoilt with supplies! Oooeeeeee I could fill a room with all the lovely things! 

Thinking
Although she isn't moving school this year (last year we transitioned from nursery to reception), she will be moving class and spending time in a new area of the building. We're going to talk a lot about this (I think whilst having a little role play game of Schools so it doesn't feel too intense for her), just so she is mentally prepared for the change and her mind is ready for something different. I know that if my work or leisure spaces changed, I'd feel a bit thrown so the prep is worth it. 
I'm so thankful that Darcy loves her school life so much and that we can enjoy this back-to-school prep together. I'd love to know what you do to get your little ones ready, tell me in the comments! 
Toodlepip!
xx
>

Malaga In Pictures

Hello Glitterbugs,
If you read Monday's post then you'll know that last week I jetted off (oh that sounds so swish doesn't it) to Malaga in the south of Spain for a work thing which co-incided with a bit of site-seeing. The trip was a milestone for me because I booked everything myself and travelled alone (one of my friend's was out there so I wasn't entirely solo but the getting there part was all me) and I have some soon-to-be-conquered issues around trips away.



I went a little cray cray on taking photos and I wanted a place to document them all so here we go, a very picture heavy post! Unless you've seen these on my instagram, they are unedited. If I ever go back (I plan to) then I'm going to take my big camera and take some absolutely gorgeous shots but for now, it's quickie phone shots :) 

The bar in my hotel was pink and curvy, my favourite things.  


Everywhere you looked it was like you were in Kings Landing or some other exotic film location. 

I'm completely unadventurous with food choices so this fish in cheesey goop was a big step for me. It wasn't disgusting. 



Sangria. When in Rome Malaga.


Next time you go away, make sure to look up. Some of the most beautiful architecture is above your eye line. 


Look how clean everything is. The flooring was tiled and shiney. It pleased me haha. 






In every alley there are little eat outside tapas places. They're perfect for a snack/meal and a lot of good people watching. One thing I noticed in Malaga was how well dressed the children all were. Adults too but especially children. It's like they were permanently in their Sunday best. It was so cute.  



I could watch fish for hours so it was a real pleasure to sit in the evening sunshine and watch these little fishies zoom about. 





Pockets of art. 



The courtyard at the Picasso museum. 





The venue for LouiseLIVE 2017. Heh heh. 





This is the kind of shop I wanted to spend hours mooching around in but sadly I had to rush for my flight. 



How they fit this procession through this narrow alley way I do not know. Some kind of floo powder magic I think. 
And there we have it. All the photos on my phone. Lovely. 
I'm going to do more brave things like this and document them here. I'd love to hear your opinions on Malaga OR any other cute European cities you've visited that I should try out!!
Toodlepip!
xx

Take The Bull By The Horns || Motivational Monday

Hello Glitterbugs, 
I spend a lot of my time not doing the things I want to do because I'm scared. For the past couple of years I have had fits and bursts of pushing myself (I bought a car and forced myself to drive on motorways which now feel easy, I said yes to more local social activities and made new friends) but lately, I'm really going for it. 
(Source - Pinterest)
If you watched this video you will know that the guy I was dating since Jan/Feb time broke up with me (I'd love to sit and moan about all the reasons why but you'd hate him and I'm not about spreading bad feelings so let's leave it be) and for a while, I hid away. I had a little cry and mope and vowed to never do fun stuff again. Then, the clouds cleared and I felt good again. I started going out lots, taking good care of myself, loving who I am and the gorgeous life I have been given. I decided to have a summer just saying yes to (most, ;) haha) offers. 
Last week the opportunity came up for me to go to Malaga, Spain for 2 nights. There was a quick work opportunity but also a friend of mine from waaaayyyy back in my Liverpool days was travelling round the south coast and would be in town at the same time as me. He (yes a boy, no not a romantic scenario boy though- just thought I'd quell any excitement there) suggested I go out and just enjoy the town and hang out and in a moment of bravery, I said yes!!
To you, this might not seem like a big deal. To me, a person with quite severe travel issues, these are the things that freaked me out- 
Having to book my flights myself. I was worried I'd do it wrong. Having to navigate the airport alone and time manage by myself. Seeing a friend I haven't seen for over 5 years. Being in a country I can't communicate well in. Booking and staying at a hotel alone that I haven't been before or has recommended by a friend.Ordering food from a menu I don't understand well. Trying new foods. Being too hot and not knowing my friend well enough to say it's hugely bothering me. The potential of getting lost. Ordering, communicating in and paying in a foreign currency in taxis. All the flight stuff but for the return journey. 
Yes, I know, these to some people sound absolutely pathetic but to me, they are very real. Fear is all subjective. Put me on the world's biggest roller coaster and I'll love it, stand me on a stage in front of thousands and I'm fine, leave me with a screaming baby and I'm chilled but travelling, no. 
I could have said 'no thank you'. Left the work thing and wished my friend a good trip. But, I didn't. My life is for living. Each day is the opportunity for an adventure and so is yours. Your days are limited and you energy won't last forever. Do things. Try stuff. I'm not saying I'm off to go backpacking round the jungle any time soon but a city mini break at 3 days notice, yeah, maybe that's doable. 
The airport had it's challenges (I didn't bring enough money to pay my taxi durrr) but I sorted it, the taxi driver in Malaga understood which hotel I was at, it was super hot but there was shade, my friend was really lovely to me, I tried fresh fish in a cheesey sauce thing and whilst I won't have it again, it wasn't awful, I enjoyed wandering about and seeing where it led, I learnt that euros are basically the same as pounds and I took deep breaths whenever I felt the fear swirling in. It was fine. I saw things I wouldn't have seen (a harbour with water so clear you could see every fish, a brass band procession winding through a tiny little alley, art by Picasso!! It was a new and exciting experience. 
I've been home one day and I've notched up my personal bravery points. I feel really bloomin' good about that. Thank you to my friend (who preferred not to be in pics or vlogs) for encouraging me to grab the bull by the horns. 
I encourage you. I encourage you so, so much to do a brave thing this week. You don't need to go absolutely wild but just take a little step into the danger zone. It's very liberating to take control of your fears. I'm going to to do it more. 
Toodlepip! 
xx 

Playlist - Your Questions Answered!

Hello Glitterbugs!
If you've been a Glitterbug for a long time now you might remember THIS post from 2013 when I answered all your questions about Vidcon. I thought it might be fun to do the same kind of thing but for Playlist Live, the convention I just attended in Orlando and shed some light on some of the things you have been wondering about!
All questions are taken from my Facebook Page. It's quite a chatty community over there so do be sure to give it a follow and get involved.



I'm going to answer everything very honestly and in as much detail as appropriate <3
Maha - I wanted to ask, does the YouTube company make all the arrangements for the YouTubers for their stay, like your hotel and airplane tickets?
For an event like Playlist (a convention about online video content) it depends. Generally the event will cover the cost of flights and accommodation for some of it's guests. I am very fortunate to be supported by an incredible management team who liaise with the event to arrange this kind of thing. In the past, when my channels were smaller, I have arranged and funded my own expenses.

Elizabeth - Do these conventions possibly create a larger divide between fans and creators by providing them with 'celebrity' status and controlling all interaction? (Don't mean it negatively! Just curious!).
This is such a good topic of discussion, with lots of points to look at. Broadly, I don't think so. It's important to remember that it's not Playlist that controls the interactions, it's a number of people. The creator firstly decides what they are willing to do. So for me, I chose to do my usual- a panel, a Glitter Time and an interview with Hollywire. I'm happy to do lots of panels and stage things. I also spent a little bit of time walking around and talking to guests. I tend not to say yes to traditional meet & greets because I'm dubious as to how worthy they are of everyone's time. Everyone is rushed and waits for hours to just have a quick hello and a selfie. I don't think that makes me feel like a valued human (more just a thing to stand next to and photograph, like a statue or landmark haha) and I don't think fans should be encouraged to partake in that when there are so many better learning opportunities or ways to enjoy the convention. To be crystal clear, I don't think less of other creators or fans who do this, I just don't think that right now, it's for us. Hang outs yes, queues and soulless selfies, no. 
Playlist has to step in with a level of control for safety at some point. It has to provide security (for ticket holders and guests) to ensure that the event runs smoothly. No, I don't like that there are barriers in the carpark but I'd like it even less if a fan was overcome with excitement for someone, ran to the car to bang on the windows (this happens) and had their feet run over or something. I think Playlist do a good job with keeping everything secure and calm and well organised. Initially these kinds of events could be a bit crazy but these days I think everyone has the hang of stuff and it runs well, for everyone. I'd be interested to hear what ticket holders feel on this. So whilst some experiences can feel a little 'them and us', I think if we look objectively at why there are security measures and negative things that have happened in the past (girls getting squashed, people being over crowded, all the connotations of those experiences etc)
I think the divide is subjective (as is the term 'celebrity'). I don't feel like a celebrity and I would hope that when I interact with people, it's with warmth and kindness. I think that yes, there might well be a few creators who enjoy the celeb 'status' and let that go to their heads but that feeling won't last because I don't think their fans will be fans for long. There are certainly perks to the job and perks to these events but the key is to see them as luxuries rather than entitlements.
Not sure I've answered this one very clearly but I hope some sense can be taken from all that!!




Talia - YouTube Conventions are improving all the time. What things did Playlist do right this year?
I'll answer this but I might be biased because I only saw it from a guest view rather than ticket holder. I think Playlist are incredibly organised. My hotel room and information pack was all ready when I arrived and everything I needed to know was in there. I love the attention to detail throughout the venue with the branding and design work stuck and projected everywhere. I thought there was a really interesting range of panels to attend and lots snacks available in the greenroom!
From a guest standpoint I liked that you all had a lot of things you could go to- panels, signings, performances etc. I enjoyed that pool parties and evening entertainment was put on for you too. I think I would like to see more things in the expo hall for ticket holder though. Vidcon does a pretty good job with this but I'm not sure there was much this year at Playlist. I saw a lot of ticket holders just kind of chilling out in halls and the lobby so wondered if that was a choice or because they were out of other options. 

Talia - What makes you want to attend YouTube conventions? What attracts you to them? 
I love the interaction between viewer and creator. Making videos can be a bit lonely sometimes, especially as I don't live near any other creators (most of whom are dear friends now) so it's really lovely to see so many friends and also meet so many of you, it's a very social weekend. 
I also like the glitz of going away, flying, feeling nice in dresses each day and having a bit of a change of scenery. Saying that, I suffer quite a lot from homesickness so in the coming years I'd like to see if Darcy or one of my sisters will come with me. 


Chloe - Where are your favourite places to visit in Orlando? 
I love this question because I love being in Orlando! Rather obviously, I love DisneyWorld but also I always like to try and stop by Bahama Breeze for yummy food and cocktails and Mall of Millenia for a mooch round.
I hope some of those answers have given you a bit more insight into conventions and how they tick! I enjoyed answering. Thank you to every lovely person who has ever made my convention experiences so good, I look forward to many more! My vlogs of this year's playlist are now up on my channel, Sprinkle of Chatter. You can watch them HERE. 
Toodlepip!
xx

Summer Listings

Hello Glitterbugs,
Not a Motivational Monday today, I looked and looked at quotes and I couldn't really find anything that suited. Last week was quite challenging in my personal life (although great in my work life) so I won't try to preach to you how to do something when I'm not feeling it myself. 


Instead, I thought I'd do one of my favourite blog activities, a list! 
Lists bring me the greatest of joys. I wrote a similar one last year and remember enjoying trying to tick everything off. As life has progressed there are new things to try and more adventures to be had so I thought it would be nice to set out a hopeful goals list of things to do this summer. I'll check back in September and see how I got on. 


Summer Listings
Buy new garden furniture. Host at least 5 'Drinks on the Decking' afternoons.Spend time with Darcy outside.Build her picnic table.Have a day at the seaside.Organise a Mummy Group picnic somewhere beautiful.Cheer for Darcy on her first sports day!Absolutely stuff myself with strawberries.Have an afternoon at a PYO farm with friends.Have a grown up night out with nice dresses and cocktails.Go to the health club at least twice a week. Take Darcy to the play farm place with her friends. Write more.Download and watch Darling Buds of May. Have long evenings in the garden with friends.Pick a month and vlog every day of it. Work towards de-cluttering my office. Take a big trip to Seattle with Darcy and love each moment!Learn to cook one amazing thing.Learn to bake one amazing thing. Find an amazing party shop and stock up on themed supplies. Clear out my kitchen (so many junk drawers) a little bit. Create a summer playlist and lay listening in the hammock. Just once get up early and watch the sun rise. Spend more time at my parent's house. Film and Mummy and Darcy lookbook. Print off nice pictures, frame my art and make a gallery wall in the lounge. Drink more water. Explore London again. Relax, properly. 
For now, I think that will do. I'm walking into this new season feeling stronger than I did last year. I am so grateful for all my blessings and all the sweet things that I have and intend to enjoy each and every day. 
What do you look forward to in the Summer? 
Toodlepip!
xx

Darcy at 5

Hello Glitterbugs!
If you followed my blog last month and read this or this post, you will know that my little girl, Darcy, turned 5 in April. 
I wanted to write a post all about her character and mannerisms as a way to document and remember all the little things she was into and also, one day, she might read this as an adult and smile- Hello grown up Darcy, if you're ready! 
(Thank you so much Courage & Kind for this darling silk dress, Darcy loves it)
Five years old, I think, is my favourite age. I remember saying that specifically about 4 months old and hoping it would never end so I'm thankful that this, 'favourite age' thing doesn't wear out. I'll probably say it for everything haha. 
Darcy is a gem. I know any mother would say that about their child so perhaps she's downright awful to everyone else but I don't think so. 
Where do I start? I'll begin with all the little tiny things I want to cherish forever and then move onto the big character stuff. 
Darcy likes little things, she always has. She likes tiny weeny toys that she can clutch in her hands for long periods of time. She likes the brushes you get with My Little Ponies or the accessories that come with Sylvanian Families. Tsum Tsums too are high up on her light of 'good things'. When we were in Seattle this January, I gave her $10 to choose whatever she wanted and she was straight over to the (Anna & Elsa) Tsums. She likes putting things in bags, boxes, tins and baskets. I'll very often find an assortment of random treasure in a handbag or envelope- not always all her own though I'm afraid, a lot of my bits and pieces go missing too! haha. She loves the trampoline and I'm regularly treated to grand performances that she's spend a long time perfecting upstairs. I always make sure to give big, big claps! 
Fussy eating is the bain of my life. I don't think there are a lot of foods that Darcy specifically hates but quite often she'll just decide that she doesn't want to eat something. I have worried and continue to worry that she doesn't eat enough. I offer and offer but mostly she'll take a few bites and say she's done. She eats really well at school with her classmates but at home, she's like a little bird. However, if I were to give her an endless supply of puddings, she'd more than manage. She has a sweet tooth!
Talking of teeth, none lost yet. I have something really special planned when she looses teeth so I'll keep you posted on that. I would hope that if her first tooth fell out whilst she's with her Dad that he'd somehow find a way to share that with me but right now, we are keeping things very separate which is a shame. 
Separation-wise, Darcy seems to be handling everything so, so well. As you know, we share 50/50 and are still both flexible with changing days here and there if needed. I tell Darcy often that Mummy and Daddy love her and when she says, 'I love Daddy', I say, 'I love so much that Daddy loves you' and she seems to really like that. Sometimes she sends texts to each of us from our phones (a great big paragraph of emojis) and we respond with emojis too. We've talked about having 2 teams, a Mummy & Darcy and a Daddy & Darcy team and she loves having 2 bedrooms. I try to be quite honest with Darcy, she has a lot of questions. She knows I have a new man in my life and I've told her he is kind and handsome and funny. As yet, she still hasn't met him but when the time is right, I'll introduce. I feel nervous about that (I'll perhaps write a separate post because this is meant to be all about her). 
Darcy has a huge social group! I've mentioned a few times about my mummy groups and how Darcy and I both love having them. I've made friends with a couple of Mama's on my street and from there we've all met each other's friends too and formed a nice circle of support and fun. Between all of us there are about 15ish littles so Darcy is never short of a friend to play with after school or on the weekend. I don't let her 'play out' (on the street like I did when I was little- I worry about weirdos) but I do let her play in my neighbour friends gardens or have her friends over here to wreck her bedroom (it's amazing how much destruction little children can cause in under an hour). Last night we got back from playdate number 1 with some of the school Mama's and their littles (that's my other Mummy Group) and went straight into playdate number 2 for strawberries and waterfights in a garden with the local littles. Life for Darcy is full of love and friendship and socialising, just as it should be. 
When playing with older children, Darcy loves to observe and be led but when playing with her peers, Darcy is assertive with her ideas. It's almost like in the wild where there is an alpha lion and she respects that but then when everyone is on a level pegging, she gives leading a go. I hope this develops both ways because I think there is something to be said for having the courage to be in charge but then something valuable about knowing when someone else can do it better. 
Sometimes, Darcy is unsure of her own abilities. Before trying something new she needs a lot of encouragement and reassurance. She's not the first kid to jump into the ball pool and it took a lot of praise and cajoling for her to believe she really could buckle up her own seat belt. With time I think she'll grow in self-believe but until then, I'll carry on nudging warmly. 
Screen time is a big thing for my girl. She's loves it! If I would let her watch TV/play on my phone all day, she would. I'm breezy about her watching films (we often snuggle up together for movie time) but I'm a lot stricter about the phone and limit it heavily. Her current favourite app is a Palace Pets game where you groom all the animals and add accessories to them for the Princesses. 
Travelling is another thing Darcy enjoys. This summer I plan to take her to Seattle to visit the Bitsandclips and Matt will be taking her to Orlando for DisneyWorld. She's a lucky kiddo. Before the year is out I'd really like to try DisneyLand Paris with her and I'm looking into Disney Cruises. I'm sticking with the Disney theme because it feels like something we could easily do just the two of us (not booking any holidays with her and bf yet, although him and I might be going somewhere soon yay) without me freaking out or feeling super lonely. When she's older I'd also like to take her to New York for a Mummy & Me trip! 
All in all, I'm really happy with how Darcy is growing up. She's gone from an easy baby, to a fun toddler to a really great child and I'm thrilled to be her Mama! I have lots of plans for our summer so keep your eyes peeled for those or check out my instagram!
Toodlepip!
xx

Relaxing || Motivational Monday

Hello Glitterbugs!
Merry Monday to you, how are you feeling? 
I feel slow and sluggish but I've just made a big to-do list, had some toast and I'm writing this. Sometimes completing just one task gives you the motivation to tackle and complete another, you just have to start. 



Yesterday was a write off. I had such plans for so many things since I had just returned from a week in New York but none of them happened. I wanted to organise my footage, begin my edits, start some writing, wash my laundry, see to my post and bills, visit some family and so on. Instead, Darcy and I took everything into the garden (hammock, cushions, paddling pool, snacks, toys, music) and spent the entire day there. 
We cuddled and chatted and played. Some of my Mum friends called by and our littles bounced in the sunshine on the trampoline, I whipped up drinks and food with whatever I had in the kitchen, we sat on the decking and just watched the day go by with birds tweeting and bees buzzing and children getting sticky hands from ice lollies. 
It was beautiful. 
I didn't do any of my jobs. I didn't earn any money. I didn't further my career. I make my mark on the world. I just lived my day. 
It was so, so beautiful. 
Last year was cray. I did so many things (managed both channels, wrote a book, released a diary, completed 2 book tours, performed my first live comedy tour, travelled a bunch of times, designed and released a clothing line, etc) and I felt like career-wise it was such an amazing year. Personally though, I was crumbling. In 2016 I made the resolution that Darcy and I come first. Obviously I still want (and need) to work and it's one of my biggest passions but sometimes, just sometimes, it's OK to throw in the towel and have a garden day with your babe. 
This week remember what you're living for. Remember that there is so much more to your life than working and think about what really makes you rich. 
Love you lots Glitterbugs. 
Toodlepip!
xx

LouiseLIVE Info and Chat

Good Morning My Glitterbugs!
I say morning, but who knows what time you're reading this? Wouldn't it be amazing if there was a little bit of tech that could change some of the words in blogs to suit your time? Like morning and afternoon or even seasonal if you're reading this at like Christmas or something? Why am I talking about this?? I'm jet lagged, let's blame that!
I'm typing this blog post from my hotel bed in New York, with a 14th floor view over Manhattan at sunrise. I'm not even kidding. It's glorious. I feel like such a go-getter haha. If you're super interested, THIS, is my current view, except I'm actually under that duvet of dreams. 
Anyway, what was the point of this post, oh yes, LouiseLIVE! I thought that since I've been talking about it so much on my social media that I would make a blog post to kind of A any Q's and fill in the gaps for people who might not know much about it. I've also included some images that guests from LouiseLIVE 2015 took- thank you for sharing those with me <3



Click here to buy tickets!
What is LouiseLIVE?
LouiseLIVE is a live theatre show where I try to bring the essence of my channel to the stage but also a lot more personality that I'm not always able to convey via a screen. The general theme of the show is comedy but there are big elements of self empowerment and hopefully a little bit of inspiration in there too. It's audience interactive (so some guests are invited up on stage with me) but not audience led (so not a Q&A). 


How did LouiseLIVE all begin?
A few years back I was at a YouTube convention in America and I wanted to find a way to spend time with my audience but in a different format to the traditional meet & greet, which I felt wasn't offering the quality that we all deserved. I wanted a way to interact face to face but wasn't just a human conveyor belt of a quick hello and a selfie. I needed more than that and I felt like the audience did too. 
So, I came up with this idea where I would have a bunch of you in a room, you could ask me anything at all you wanted and I could ask you anything and we'd have a sort of giant conversation. 
With each question that someone asked, I ended up talking for a few minutes, sharing stories, asking more about you and we all came away having learnt something more, deepened our relationships and having had a higher quality experience than a fake smile and blurred selfie. It was GOOD. 
After that someone said, why don't you develop this and take it to the stage? So, in 2014 we did a pilot show called, 'The Sprinkle of Glitter Experience", in my home town (woo yeah Northampton! ha) that was very unstructured and audience led, with Q&A's, quizzes, chats etc. The reviews were crazy positive!
When we launched LouiseLIVE in 2015 (much better name, non?), I wanted there to be a proper structure (like you would get in any stage show) and to focus a little bit more on the comedy element of it as that's something that works really well in a live setting. I was also keen to maintain a section about confidence and self empowerment since this is something I'm so passionate about and I think really resonates with a lot of guests. 
And so, 3 years later, here we are about to embark on the second official tour and I couldn't be more excited! I was so happy with how 2015 went so will be going with the same format but of course, all new stories, new ideas and hopefully a lot of new audience members too!



Why is LouiseLIVE so special? 
I have been growing, nurturing and loving my GlitterWorld for 6 years now. I consider it a part of my family, like a second child. When I read comments from you or open your letters that land in my PO Box, I feel like we are connected. Unfortunately, there is a certain distance and coldness that having screens and technology between us brings, so, to have an experience with you all in a theatre setting is very special. 
It allows us the unique opportunity of being amongst this community that we have all worked to create and to celebrate it. We are all sharing in one common interest and the vibe is always incredibly positive and exciting. 
I also think it's special because I feel so much more free on a stage than I do in front of a camera. I feel a lot more like the Louise I am when I'm with my friends and find myself relaxing and hitting on so many more topics than I would on my channel. Hearing the audience laugh and seeing faces with all the feels, it's special. 



Where can I buy tickets for LouiseLIVE?
Right HERE. A lot of tickets have sold out now but a few remain for most of the venues so do be quick if you're wanting any. 


Can I vlog at LouiseLIVE? 
This is just my personal opinion and not that of the theatre venue (they all have their own individual policies). I would love for you to not film the entire show but if you are vlogging your day and want to include little snippets that are a few seconds long here and there, go for it. Also, still photos (as far as I'm concerned) are completely fine. If any of my youtube friends attend, I'd love for them to not be filmed and just be left to enjoy the show <3.

I suffer from anxiety, will I be ok at LouiseLIVE?
I've seen this question a lot. I think because there is an element of audience interaction, some people worry that they'll be picked on or dragged up on stage. DON'T WORRY. If you look terrified or are shaking your head or not raising your hand, I'm 100% not going to pick you. I don't want anyone at my show to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed or afraid. Also, I want to have super bubbly confident people on stage so it's not in my interest to pick a person who's just not feeling it.
If at any point you need to leave, I'm not going to call you out or make a fuss, I'm just going to hope you're ok and leave you to it. 
So, if anxiety is your worry, I hope this has eased it for you. 
------
And that's it! If you have any further Q's, leave them below and if there are any that I see multiple times I will address them in another blog post. 
Can't wait to see you there!!
Toodlepip!
xx