Monthly Musings: September

October 4, 2016October 3, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 11 Comments

So the summer seems a distant memory; it feels as if the children have been back at school forever and the shops are now stocked to the ceiling with Christmas wares!

The countdown it seems, has begun!

Before we all start to panic, let’s take a moment to remember the loveliness that was September!

Think new school uniforms, Autumn leaves, misty mornings.

Here’s a round up of my favourite bits from September…

New things

🌸 Letters From the Mat created her own list of things that made her smile

🌸 Becoming a brand rep for Aspire Style (Use the code SHIMMER to get 10% discount)

🌸 You Are Not Alone in This World reblogged my post about the smile challenge

🌸 At the beginning of the month I had my best views ever in one day – 169! Thankyou 💛

Best of #itsthelittlethings

This month was a big one as I set myself the challenge to post a photo EVERY SINGLE DAY of something that made me smile. Here’s a few of my favourites…

A parent showed their appreciation with beautiful flowers

My parents celebrated 45 years of marriage

My favourite posts

🌸 Awards and more awards!

🌸 5 things that confident women DON’T do!

🌸 5 ways to use affirmations

🌸 Why you should embrace the glorious mess that you are

My favourite thoughts

Blogs I think are worth checking out

Thriving Under Pressure

Confessions of a Reborn Girl

All Things Steph

Looking forward to next month

🌸 A new monthly challenge

🌸 Planning a series of interviews

🌸 All things Halloween!

Thank you for stopping by my little blog – I appreciate it so much, it’s what motivates me to write.

As the days start to get colder and slightly darker, it’s easy to retreat into the comfort of our homes, our pyjamas or ourselves. Here’s one final thought to leave you with…

shine

What did you get up to this September? I’d love to know in the comments below or why not follow my Facebook Page and get in touch there?

Nicky 💋

Birthday Celebrations @Touchwood

September 28, 2016September 27, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 4 Comments

Who doesn’t love a birthday?

And Touchwood has turned 15 this September so I decided to pop down and partake in a little celebration!

As a local, I can still remember peering through the boards as Solihull’s high street and car parks were transformed into what is now known as Touchwood. This modern shopping centre sits comfortably in the town centre alongside many historic buildings and is host to over 100 shops and restaurants, a John Lewis department store and a Cineworld nine-screen multiplex cinema.

To mark their birthday, they’ve added a Prosecco bar in the Atrium…

…where you can enjoy a cheeky glass of fizz – well it’d be rude not to!

And take a selfie on the crystal throne!

As well as birthday drinks, Touchwood is sharing the birthday excitement by giving away a whole host of prizes in it’s Crystal Code Cracker Challenge! Spend £15 and you will receive a unique code which could hold the key to an exclusive gift. If your code unlocks the safe located in the Atrium, you could win one of over 100 exclusive gifts.

Celebrations are running until 2nd October – so you still have time to join in the fun!

Why not pop down this weekend and partake in a little Prosecco and then enjoy The Big Taste in Mell Square?

See you there 💋

Touchwood

Homer Road

Solihull

B91 3GJ

Touchwood’s Prosecco bar is open to over 18’s only. I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were taken by me unless otherwise stated.

Not Your Average Girls Night In @Fabulous

September 27, 2016September 25, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 10 Comments

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Recently I was asked the question “Why do we wear jewellery?”

As someone who wears jewellery every day I have always chosen what I wear for many reasons – to enhance an outfit and to make me feel special, to provoke a memory or thought.

But I also appreciate that there is a time for large chunky, fun pieces worn just for the hell of it.

When I attended a Girls Night In event at Fabulous recently, I had an insight into how this question influences not only what brands they stock, but what message the jewellery is conveying.

Owner Jo Stroud, believes that we wear jewellery for 5 reasons. She believes jewellery is personal and portable, precious, permanent and there to prompt us.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

As well as understanding why women wear and buy jewellery, Fabulous emphasises that it can also be inspirational and holistic; with their collections aimed at enhancing mind, body and soul.

For your mind, think mindfulness.

Jewellery engraved with words or affirmations to promote positivity and inspire you – like Fabulous’s very own Mantra collection…

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

…or symbols, for example like Alex & Ani.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

For body, think of the physical aspects of wearing a beautiful piece.

Think of the way it makes you feel, how the colours may enhance your mood and lift your soul.

The Take What You Need collection enables you to change your message and colours to suit your day.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

And the Fervor Montréal is about having some fun with what you’re wearing.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Your soul is the essence of you.

It’s jewellery that describes you and promotes who you are. Think Thomas Sabo charm bracelets and Cherish lockets; anything that you can personalise so that it fits in with your beliefs.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Life’s journey is Fabulous’s own brand that represents the journey you have been on. The elliptical twists in the pieces show that our paths do not always run smoothly, but twist, turn and change direction.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Choose a piece that represents your life so far.

Is it off the beaten track; following your heart and the the road less travelled like a free spirit?

Or are you trying to find a way; using strength and determination to find a way through life’s obstacles?

Do you light the way; allowing others to follow, giving courage and hope and sharing love?

Maybe you’re a trailblazer; exploring new things and embracing the new adventure with excitement?

Whichever path you are walking, embrace it for all it has taught you so far.

I was blown away by the messages behind the collections. I love a good story – and if I feel connected to a brand or a piece of jewellery, then I’m more likely to choose it as something I wear regularly.

So, I challenge you to only wear pieces of jewellery that inspire you, remind you or simply make you feel fabulous.

Fabulous

3 Poplar Arcade
Touchwood
Solihull
B91 3GH
UK

The Fabulous Collections Girls Night In event was open to the general public and I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were taken by me unless otherwise stated.

Why my heart did little star jumps…

September 15, 2016September 12, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 14 Comments

As a new blogger on the block, I felt humbled the first time I was nominated for this award…but not this time!

This time I was excited!

To know that another fabulous person thinks you are worthy of The Liebster Award again felt so awesome my heart did little star jumps!!

To know that people still enjoy reading my content 6 months in excites me.

To know that people like your blog and what you have to say so much that they want to others to know too fills me with happiness.

To know that you get a chance to nominate and share blogs you enjoy reading with others makes me smile – because this is what it’s all about.

…and who doesn’t love a good Q & A session?

So, thank-you to Yasmin’s Lifestyle Blog and Dressing Egos for nominating me (a few weeks ago, sorry!)

There’s a bunch of things you’re supposed to do:

Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Answer the 11 questions the blogger gives you.
Nominate 5-11 bloggers that you think are deserving of the award.
Let the bloggers know that you nominated them.
Give them 11 questions of your own.

So let’s get this party started:

What is/was your favorite subject in school?

That’s easy – English. All I ever wanted to do was read books and write stories.

What is your favorite book?

Ooooh not so easy! Depends what mood I’m in…I absolutely love reading teenage fiction, however I’m reading a lot of biographies of kick ass women at the moment! So, I don’t really have one (hope that’s an acceptable answer?)

Have you voted in any election before?

Yes.

What’s your go-to summer outfit?

A floaty, girly dress with sandals.

If you could only put on one make-up item which would it be?

Tinted moisturiser – I do not have good skin!

If you could travel in any where in the world where would it be?

Probably America as there’s a bit of everything there – beach, mountains, shopping…

Do you prefer a good movie or a few episodes of your favorite show?

Ooooh another tough one…I am really fussy about what I watch on TV (no crap basically!) so if I’m watching a show it’s because I really want to watch it.

Mac or Windows?

Mac definitely!

Fruits or veggies?

Vegetables all the way – fruits are the enemy, they don’t like me at all!!!

Do you have a specific exercise routine?

Nope – just whatever I fancy doing! I do yoga, lift weights, run, dance….

Favorite weekend activity?

Breakfast in a lovely restaurant, shopping and chilling at home – oh that’s 3…

Things I need to know about you:

If you had to change your name, what would it be?

Name your best quality.

What foods do you detest and why?

Do you have a favourite number or one that you notice a lot?

What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?

Dogs or cats?

Would you say your glass was half full or half empty?

What is the one piece of advice you wish you had been given before starting a blog?

Where is your favourite place to be?

Have you ever seen a sunset?

Who was the last person you spoke to?

I am nominating these worthy blogs:

Not quite 11, but I have highlighted or nominated quite a few lovely bloggers lately and this was all I could manage.

Don’t forget to let me know when you post as I can’t wait to get to know you a little better.

If you think someone is doing a great job, or deserving of some praise don’t forget to tell them.

You just might change someone’s day!

Wear What You Want!

September 8, 2016September 4, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 18 Comments

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

“No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up.”

Regina Brett

When you get dressed in the morning it should be an activity that brings you pleasure!

When you wear clothes that you love, you feel like you can take on the world.

Clothes should energise you, make you smile, bring enjoyment.

I feel at my best in a pretty little dress with a pair of heels and red lips. It’s like my armour – I am ready for battle.

That’s because I know what I like; I rarely follow fashion and only, ONLY buy things that I love.

If I try something on and I like it but don’t love it – sorry but it goes back on the rail.

I love buying vintage and retro outfits – I can feel more amazing in a £3.50 second hand dress that fits me perfectly and is in keeping with my style than I would in the newest designer clothes.

Only once have I asked the question “What are you wearing?” and followed the crowd by wearing what everyone else was. I did not feel like ‘me’ and consequently did not enjoy my night out!