A Day At The Dogs Trust, Cute Towns & Celebrations | What I Got Up To In July

Apologies, I've been a little quiet recently. I had a very long grovel at the start of this post, but I would really like to address that as a different subject in another post, which I am currently working on! 

Looking back, I really don't feel like I had a very busy July.. I don't really feel like any months are busy for me. Apart from back in April, when my boyfriend & I embarked on 2 weeks in the USA! If you don't already follow me on Instagram and want to know more in depth about what I got up to then all the highlights are here!

Surprisingly, it was very fun filled and fairly interesting! :)


A Day At The Dogs Trust.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough spend the day at the Dogs Trust. This is something I have wanted to do for so long. I was very excited, because this was the sponsored charity my work had chosen for the year, so me and another member of staff got a day out to go and help them.

 When we arrived, we had a quick health and safety brief, got introduced to some of the staff members and shown around the centre. It was really interesting to see how big the centre actually is and what each part specialises in. 

In the morning, we helped out with odd jobs around the centre aka. Cleaning, Sweeping up and making re-homing packs for the dogs.
We actually met 3 dogs who were going to be re-homed the same day, which was really exciting, as they were all so adorable! How I didn't actually walk out of there with all of the dogs, I'm not sure. It took a lot of will power!

Thankfully, the majority of the dogs in there aren't found abandoned, most people just give their dog up because they physically can't look after them any more, or their personal circumstances change. It was re-assuring to know that not everyone abandons their animals, but also sad because these dogs never know when they will find a home.

On a positive note, it's really humbling how many people actually go out of their way to donate valuable resources to the centre. When we were out in the courtyard, lots of people turned up and asked where they needed to put old blankets, food etc.
Faith in humanity.. Restored!


We got sent off for lunch which was an hour and a half.. Crazy right?!
After some awkward encounters in the staff room, we decided to head into Shoreham High Street, to see if we could find a nice coffee shop. Shoreham has so many I swear?!
We found one called 'Tom Foolery' .. Considering I drive through the high street every monday morning, I had never seen it before! It is the cutest little place I have ever seen.. I would recommend to anyone who lives close by. :)

Upon our return came the fun part.. Dog socialising and walking! 
The first 2 dogs were a chocolate Labrador called Lola and a mixed breed called Saffie. 
We headed to the nearby beach with them and gave them a good stroll and lots of cuddles. 

We then had a huge, but gorgeous Rottweiler (which I am desperately trying to remember the name of!) and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Humphrey - he was honestly the softest dog ever. It's amazing to see the bond between 2 dogs when they are paired in a kennel together. It's almost heartbreaking to see, because you know they will undoubtedly be re-homed separately. 

We then had a Whippet and another Staffie called Kerry, who I actually got licked to death by! She was the sweetest little soul and I definitely had a soft spot for her. People get staffies all wrong most of the time - they are actually a very soft and loyal breed, providing they are brought up right.

I know this is going to sound cliche, but a dog really is for life and not just for Christmas. If you could see how many dogs there are behind the scenes and how many dogs are very troubled by day to day life, it's really eye opening.
To think there are 20 other centres, not taking into account all the other rescue places around the world, that is a lot of dogs without homes. If you are thinking about getting a dog, please consider realistically if it's actually feasible. Don't just get a dog without thinking it through!

On another note, if you are seriously thinking of re-homing a dog, please visit the Dog's Trust website here to see where your nearest centre is. It will be the most rewarding thing you ever do! :)

Disclaimer: I have not been asked by the Dogs Trust to write this, and I have linked all the dogs that are available on the website. Sadly my memory is too rubbish to remember the other dogs names without seeing a photo and some are not listed on the website. All opinions are my own.


Graduation Day!

First up, I just want to say a MASSIVE congratulations to my best friend Viv, for graduating last month to be a teacher! Words can't explain how proud I am. I know how bloody hard 
she worked throughout the course, so I'm happy I could briefly make it down :)
I managed to whizz down on my lunch break (hence I look atrociously un-smart) and even blagged a free glass of bubbly! Yum!


Summer Dog Walks.

A few weeks back, was the first day off that Jack and I have spent together in a very long time! We had the loveliest morning walking his dogs on the beach, and to top it off we got back to a huge legendary fry-up from his Mum! We all mooched into the nearby high street and ended up at the pub for an afternoon bevvy.. Because why the heck not?! 

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Lewes Castle & The Only Country Pub In Glynde. 

Lewes has to be the most picturesque town ever.

Me and Viv originally met up in Lewes to explore this old abandoned school, which was infact abandoned and all boarded up.. After taking about 4 wrong turns to desperatley looking for somewhere to park, we finally met up and embarked on our advetures!

We went for a little stroll around the castle,then randomly headed off in the little red Yaris to find a country pub! We finally, after about half an hour of detours, found a nice place to drink.. Dying of thirst by this point!

This has to be the most hilarious evening of antics and terrible selfies I have had in a very long time. If it hadn't of been for this girl over the last few months, I think I would have lost all my sanity!

Viv managed to lock her keys in the car whilst I laughed and we ended up playing a very BAD game of darts, whilst we waited for the spare pair of keys!



Picnics and Sunsets on Beachy Head.

So I really wasn't lying when I said I liked picnics and beach dates in my recent 'Summer Tag' post.
This was slightly daunting, because I am terrified of heights. Sometimes you have to face your fears to have fun!
We mainly came up for the sunset (Yes, I do more romantic activities with my friend)
It's so peaceful up there and really nice to chill out. Such beautiful scenery. We scoffed Doritos and drank a good old Kopparberg, before heading back for an amazing homemade dinner!

                                      
'Roseys Beer Fest' Joe's 30th Birthday. 

This was such a good way to spend a Saturday!
 Although this was a few weeks ago, it was the perfect day to have a birthday BBQ in the sun. I saw so many old faces that I haven't seen in forever & did lots of childlike activties such as Frisbee and Snap. It was so nice to catch up, get pretty merry and take endless amounts of weird selfies with everyone enjoying themselves. 
I know how much effort Viv put in to make this an unforgettable day, and it didn't disappoint - it wasn't even my birthday!

Here's the nicer photos that made the cut ;) 

What have you been up to lately? :) 

Tania xo

Top 30 Guilty Pleasures From 90's & Noughties

source: weheartit



Music from a young age has always been a big part of my life. It has got me through some really rough times and helped me enjoy those moments worth remembering.

I've been feeling really nostalgic lately, after re-discovering some old gems. My Spotify currently screams nothing but old school happiness.
There's nothing I love more than throwing a few shapes, or singing along to some old tunes!

I used to be one of those kids who lived for Top Of The Pops on a Friday evening.. It had to be the only 'so bad it's good' show BBC2 ever did. Remember how annoying it was when you waited all week, only to discover you hated every single artist on there?


Anyway, I had to try and narrow down my favourite, cheesetastic songs from the last 20 odd years, so here they are..

1. S Club 7 - You're My Number One. 

Loved it. Loved them. Loved the TV show. 
S Club forever. <3

P.s I didn't actually put them first for the pun, it just happened.

2. Tatu - All The Things She Said

One of the catchiest one hit wonders ever?
Were they even lesbians? Does anyone know?!

3. Steps - Better The Devil You Know

OMG this video though. No-one except Lady Gaga could pull an outfit like this off on stage these days.

 I remember playing this song so loud on my CD Player, crying & begging my mum to take me to London to see them, although I wasn't sure if I wanted to go because it might be too loud.. LOL. Needless to say, we didn't go. But I ended up seeing the Steps Tribute band a bit closer to home, which was just as epic! 

4. McFly - The Heart Never Lies

McFly were my all time favourite boy band (after Busted split, of course)

As soon as Five Colours in her hair came out, I became fully obsessed. I saw them 7 times before I was 15, then met them twice in my local HMV. They were a big part of my life growing up throughout school, and gave me some amazing friendships/opportunities. 

5. Cher - Believe 

''DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AFTER LOVE?!''
I had this on tape.. Yep, Tape! I remember my mum driving my sister and I around, listening to this full blast and us hysterically laughing at her. Oh Mum..

6.  JoJo - Leave (Get Out) 

This girl had style.
 I literally wanted to be her at school for the whole 5 minutes she was around.

7. Westlife -Seasons In The Sun 

I used to love Westlife!
 Uptown Girl first got me into them when it came out.
I then grew to hate it, because it was so over played on VH1. 
Does VH1 even exist anymore?! 



8. High School Musical  - Breaking Free

I loved this film something chronic.
I watched the Disney Channel every single day leading up to the release of this, just to see the adverts with Zac Efron. 
Lets be honest, he has always been pretty wonderful eye candy.

9. Vengaboys - We're Going To Ibiza

Most played song on my 'Now That's What I Call *insert year here*'


10. S CLUB 8 - Automatic High

S Club 8 were the middle school dream. 
To think half of them are now in 'The Saturdays' and the others just dropped off the planet.

11. Lou Bega - Mambo No. 5 

I will shamelessly dance to this song no matter what. Sober or not. 
Lou Bega, you da man. 


12. Shanks & Bigfoot - Sweet Like Chocolate 

Now this was the most hideous song ever made, but it was also the catchiest. My dad got a CD player for his car when that first ever came about, and always played it to me and my sister for the sheer lols. We probably asked him to buy it, back in the day when Woolworths existed! 

13. Spice Girls - Wannabe

So much sass, so long ago. Too many times of crying to Viva Forever </3 

14. Busted - Air Hostess

Anything & everything Busted is always ok!

15. Hilary Duff - So Yesterday 

I really liked Hilary Duff as an actress and singer. 
It's not often that happens!

16. B*Witched - C'est La Vie

This song = Pop Idol PS2 Game. Did anyone have that? 
It was seriously the best game ever! 

17 . Avril Lavigne - Complicated 

My dad took me and my sister to see her in Brighton after school one day, and it was our first ever concert. SO GOOD. I was frantically waving at her the whole gig and she eventually waved back haha! 

Oh to be 10 again.. 

18. Panic! At The Disco - I Write Sins Not Tragedies

Emo days. I love Panic!

Remember all the commotion when they took away the '!'
Wait, does that still stand or..?

19. Backstreet Boys - I Want It That Way

''TELL ME WAAAHY'' 

They follow me on Twitter.. Just saying.

20 . DJ Sammy- Heaven 

When Bebo & listening to music out loud in the playground was a cool thing to be doing. 
I actually think the DJ Boonie version was more popular in year 7? Crrrrinnngeee.

(Am I the only one that thought this thumbnail was a naked woman?!)


21. Five - Keep On Movin'

Ultimate school disco tune.
When jumping up and down was an acceptable way of dancing, without looking like a mad drunk.


22. Smash Mouth - All Star

I think I've actually heard this song played more by cover bands. 
Still a great hit though!

23. Simple Plan - I'd Do Anything

I remember going for a family photo shoot when I was younger & my Auntie playing Simple Plan in the car for the entire journey.  I immediately fell in love and downloaded all of their songs onto my MP3.

24. Hearsay - Pure And Simple

I don't even know where this band ever came from? 
Wasn't it a show on ITV or something, that has this giant slide inside a clubhouse?

25. Nickleback - How You Remind Me

I know a lot of people never liked Nickleback, but I for one absolutely did (and still do) 
There's something about Chad Kroeger's ridiculously low husky voice that always makes me want to sing along.

26. Ricky Martin - Livin' La Vida Loca 

He's still going according to Google! He is currently a judge on 'The Voice' in Mexico.

27. Enrique Iglesias - Hero

I think this song speaks for itself.
 He's just beautiful man isn't he?

28. The Corrs - Breathless

Another tape classic!

29. Shania Twain - That Don't Impress Me Much

This woman was the ultimate diva back in the day!

30. Eiffel 65 - I'm Blue 

It had to be the be all and end all, didn't it? 
I recently heard a spoof with misheard lyrics over the top and now all I can hear is 'I'm Blue I would beat off a guy..' 
Hmmmmmm..!

What are your guilty pleasures from your youth?

Tania :)

xo
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