Our Pup, Zara

I recently mentioned how 2014 was the year we said goodbye to our two year old dog, Zara but I didn't go into much detail, apart from this post which only told half of the story. I finally decided that it's time to open up a little bit and let you know more about what happened. 

Zara showing off her best puppy dog eyes

We weren't ready to say goodbye but unfortunately the world isn't always a kind place. 2nd June 2014 was one of the worst days of my life.  It was supposed to be a day full of happiness as my husband and I celebrated two years of marriage.  Instead we had to drive to Leahurst Campus at The University of Liverpool to see our beautiful English Springer Spaniel, Zara for the last time.

I previously posted about Zara here when we honestly thought she was on the road to recovery and we were through the worst but sadly we were wrong.  Zara ended up having several seizures caused by bleeding on the brain.  No one could tell us why she was bleeding on the brain but it could have had something to do with the clotting problem, which surfaced when we had her spayed. The bleeding could not be stopped and she deteriorated rapidly, to the point where she could no longer stand without the help of a sling. When we walked into the veterinary room she was still wagging her tail and over the moon to see us but it was obvious, even before the vets told us, that she was not going to recover.  Every bone in my body did not want to make that decision but we had to do what was best for Zara. The vets allowed us to take some time to say goodbye and she slipped away peacefully as we stroked her and held her tight. It was so hard to let go. 

Puppy Zara / Springer Zara / Muddy Zara / Loyal Zara

The untimely loss of our beloved Zara hit my husband and I extremely hard and is something that we still have to battle with every day. I never really had pets growing up and so nothing could have prepared me for the feeling of loss and helplessness that followed and overwhelmed me on a daily basis. I could just about hold it together at work and thankfully my close friends had pre-warned everyone in the office not to talk to me about Zara. This definitely helped as I was able to get on with my day-to-day job and talk about Zara as and when I felt up to it.  Some days were, and still are, harder than others.

It took us about 4 weeks to decide that we could not go on without introducing a new dog into our lives.  We are dog (and cat) people and coming home to an empty house was turning out to be the worst part of our day.  Your home should be your sanctuary and where you feel happiest and safe.  Without Zara our home felt empty and actually depressing. I was used to opening our front door to be welcomed by the happiest of pooches as she bounded up to me until I paid her some attention.  I've come to realise that this kind of welcome cannot be replicated in anyway by humans. It just can't. 

We started looking for a new puppy and quickly fell in love with little Luna the Springer Spaniel-cross-Poodle who joined our family in July.  She is an absolute delight and is just what we needed after several months of uncertainty and pain. If people tell you to wait before getting another pet, my advice is do not listen to them. Pets bring so much joy and if they can help heal a broken heart then that is only a good thing in my book. 

Luna at 3 months - our fluff ball

Zara was only in our lives for two short years but she was the best companion we could have ever asked for and as close to a child as my husband and I have had together. We loved her so much and we're grateful for all the fantastic memories she gave us. The unconditional love that dogs show is so special and I'm sure all you dog lovers out there will agree. Z will forever be in our hearts. 

Thanks for reading.

Claire x

Merry Christmas!

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Eat, drink and be merry :)

Claire x

Happy December

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Hold on just a minute whilst I compose myself now that we're in the LAST month of 2014...

*breathes into a paper bag*

Thanks, I think I'll be ok now. 

December is here and that means full on Christmas preparation. I'm talking Christmas songs on repeat, at least one mince pie per day and mad dashes to the shops to pick up far too many presents. How do you plan on spending the festive season?  

Festive Greetings :)

Claire x

November

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I like November. 

Everyone starts to get a little giddy, as Christmas is just around the corner. Then there's the almost constant smell of bonfires and fireworks, yum! Plus, it is most definitely acceptable to stay inside with the heating on full blast, cuddled up with lots of lovely wintery throws, a cup of tea and a good film. Ahhh, bliss. 

Are you heading to a fireworks display this week? What other November plans do you have?

Claire x

October

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Gosh, I know that this is a little late. But hello, October! 

I'm back from Tuscany and had such a lovely time, which I cannot wait to share with you.

I love summer and I'm always sad to see it go. However, there is certainly something rather special about autumn. Here's hoping for plenty of crisp days, perfect for walking our pooch and crunching some leaves underfoot.

Claire x

#MFDF14

I had a few spare annual leave days to take off from work and so I've been enjoying my extended five day weekend. Quality downtime was certainly required and it's happily coincided with my husband's days off. Bonus!

Manchester Town Hall

Cute design for MFDF14's event guide

We took Thursday afternoon to head to Manchester's Food and Drink Festival. The sun was shining (albeit through some smoggy clouds) and Albert Square was looking particularly glorious and smelling unusually scrumptious, thanks to all the fabulous street food vendors that had gathered there. 

Mmm pizza, cider tent, Albert Square and Fundi Pizza's self-built wood-fired pizza oven

After a quick recce of the area we decided on a pepperoni wood-fired pizza from Fundi Pizza, washed down with a cider for me and a beer for the hubs. The pizza was delicious with the pepperoni offering a nice hint of spice combined with a crisp pizza base and smooth cheese all making for a rather happy snack. Our only observation was that the chilli oil was not as spicy as it could have been, but then again we are lovers of spice. 

The super friendly Hip Hop Chip Shop and their delicious wares

We soaked up some more sun and enjoyed the building atmosphere enhanced by the beautiful music of Fabian Emmanuel and Farah Elle pouring out from the beer tent. I then opted for a yummy glass of prosecco from Vin Van Vroom (hello, prosecco on tap - must get one of those installed at my house ;-) paired with untraditional fish and chips from The Hip Hop Chip Shop. This included bite size pieces of battered coley, triple fried chips, perfectly seasoned mushy peas and THE best spicy onion rings I have EVER tasted.  I am not exaggerating. The onions were soft and tender on the inside and all wrapped up in a spicy, crispy, scrumptious batter. If you go to MFDF this year then you must give them a try. 

'Cheers!' Vin Van Vroom, Albert Square, Fair Game with Crepe Lucette and Reds True BBQ telling it like it is

MFDF14 has got it so right and it is definitely worth your while popping by if you get a chance. Great buzz, great food and drink in a great city. We will no doubt be back next year as it is fast becoming an annual treat for my husband and I. 

Claire x

Hello August

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Gosh, July went crazy-quick.  Are you ready for August?  Do you have any exciting August-based plans? 

Claire x

#JanuaryJoy

Hello, 

I just wanted to point you in the direction of a blog's feature that I am currently enjoying and trying to participate in.  Florence Finds has embarked on spreading some 'January Joy'.  Basically, a selection of hints and suggestions to make January less, well, blah.  

Take a look and perhaps give some of them a go...

Here's what I've been up to...

• I have already made one pretty specific resolution which isn't something I fancy sharing as yet but I hope to as the year goes on.  
• I'm already pretty serious about my skin but I guess I could do the usual of drinking more water etc and I hope to do a post about products that I like.  If there's one thing you do this year, I suggest you throw out ANY facial wipes.  They are bad news, trust me.  
• I've emailed some of my uni girl friends who I've not seen in a while and we're hoping to meet up soon for a much needed catch up.  
• I have already made a calendar using Snapfish and it hangs proudly in my kitchen :-).
• I LOVE the feature about clean eats on Florence Finds by Michelle from Pocketful of Dreams and I will be putting some of her recipes into practice.  

Now, the post that I have felt inspired by the most was 'Manage your time'.  I think most of us would agree that things can get a little hectic when we're trying to do what seems to be a thousand things, all at once.  I need to take heed of some of Rebecca's advice PLUS I've been trying to get my husband to agree to a cleaner for some time.  I think I'm just going to book one.  Eek!  

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the rest of the month and generally sorting myself out.  

Good luck!

CB

Image taken from Florence Finds

Well hello, 2014

Wooah, 2014 has just swooped up in here with all the promises that a new year can boast.  The one thing I know I need to remind myself is that no one else can change my direction in life.  I am the only person that can steer my path through the year ahead.  Obviously there might be events, happenings and other such-like that can pop up unexpectedly, and send us off course temporarily, but we are ultimately in the driving seat.  There is a certain direction that I would like to head this year - if only there was a tomtom for life!  Anyway, I'm excited to see what the new year will hold.  

CB

Photo source

Woosh

Wow, the festive season really did take over and left me with little or no time to write.  Hopefully, the New Year will guide me to being a better blogger.  I guess we will have to wait and see.  

Just wanted to say that I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas (better late than never).  It is such a lovely time of year, seeing family and friends and eating and drinking too much.  Last night involved a few too many G&T's.  Oops.  Will I ever learn?

I know that the year ahead will hold some big decisions for me.  I'm feeling positive so let's make it a good'un.  Here's to 2014!  

Love 
CB

Photo by me