Things you need to know about me

Feeling Inspired to Create Awesome Content

~ Nicky M ~ 20 Comments

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For me, one of the best parts of being nominated for an award is the reason behind it.

I love (and am humbled by) the fact that someone nominated you because they read something on your blog that made them smile or resonated, touched and inspired them in some way.

So when I was nominated by Mortisha from It’s a Girl Dream for the Blue Sea Black cat award and read about who it’s for, my soul did little start jumps.

This award is for bloggers who strive to write for everybody, and no matter how many viewers they get, make an impact on a reader. This award is an expression of gratitude to the nominee. It should be awarded to anyone that you choose deserves it and it doesn’t mean that they must have hundreds of followers and likes.

When I started this blog, I had little idea of where it would take me. I wrote because I needed to write, I needed to share my story and had a desire to encourage people to see how fabulous they truly were.

I wanted to be everyone’s personal cheerleader.

I feel I’m starting to have real connections now, through the comments people leave on my posts and my tribe is growing. All I ever wanted was for people to feel inspired to see how beautiful life can be when you live authentically.

And if people are liking what I’m writing about – then I feel encouraged to continue to create the best content I possibly can.

Anyway, Oscar moment over; back to the award…

The rules:

Anybody nominated can nominate up to seven other bloggers.
Anybody nominated answers three questions. The questions you ask while nominating can be any three questions. If any questions asked are offending or simply do not want to be answered, the nominee does not have to answer them to earn the award.

The questions I am to answer:

What is your main source of inspiration when writing your blog?

My life so far. After hitting rock bottom after the death of my younger brother, I spent a lot of time and energy figuring out who I was without him. When I found my smile again I began sharing my story with others who had lost all sense of self and needed a little pick me up…and the blog was a natural progression of that.

Do you see blogging as a side hobby or a future career?

At the moment it’s a hobby (that takes up as many hours as my actual job!) but it would be an amazing thing if I could write and inspire people full time and get paid for it – magic wand anyone?

Which blogger has made the biggest impact on your life?

This is a tough question! When I first started looking for ways to rebuild my life, I read blogs by amazing women like Gala Darling, Marie Forleo and Danielle LaPorte. I watched their videos, bought their books and soaked up every journaling exercise they suggested, all in the name of healing myself.

I still follow these people, but for me the ones who now have the biggest impact on my life are the people I am connecting with through my blog. The people who write about their struggles with mental health and anxiety, the people who travel, the people who share their photographs and their lives, the people who write to inspire you to be kind. I guess I am inspired by what others write about – the real day to day stuff and how they want to help us by sharing their stories.

My nominees:

Floating Speck

Benjiman Grant

The Melodramatic Confessions of Carla Louise

Petra Omoregie Caroline

Anyone else who is reading this – you are worthy.

My three questions to these nominees:

What is the thing you enjoy most about blogging?

What is the one thing, starting a blog has taught you about yourself?

If you could wave a magic wand, what is the one wish you would have in regards to your blog?

Cannot wait to read your posts – I nominated you all because you are all amazing and I believe everyone should have a chance to earn this award.

Continue doing what you do, they way you do it. You are inspiring someone, somewhere.

Nicky xo

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Things You Need To Know About Me #8

~ Nicky M ~ 28 Comments

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I am easily pleased.

If you’re a regular visitor to my little corner of the web, you will know that it’s pretty easy to please me.

I post weekly about the little things that have shown up and brought a smile to my face or made my heart do little star jumps.

They’re not big things, extravagant gifts or expensive outings…they are the magical moments that cost very little (sometimes nothing at all), aren’t going to win awards and most people take for granted.

But they are special to me.

They are the thoughtful comments, the little wins and the perfect pauses in a crappy day!

I live a grateful life.

I delight in the detail.

I notice the magic in the mundane.

I love smiling and try hard every day to do so.

Here’s a little love list of things that are sure to secure a smile…

💛 food that tastes as nice as it looks 💛 the smell of a newly opened jar of coffee 💛 coordinating stationary 💛 little love notes left for me to find 💛 when someone compliments my kids 💛 an outfit that looks better on than you visualised 💛 the last pair of sale shoes, in your size 💛 a beautiful flower 💛 when someone takes the time to leave a comment on my blog 💛 the perfect pony tail first time 💛 a child’s drawing 💛 strawberries and cream 💛 a pretty cocktail 💛 a great idea 💛above and beyond customer service 💛 a sale item that is cheaper than the ticket price 💛 an Instagram like 💛 beautiful gift wrapping 💛 writing on the first page of a new notebook 💛 an ‘I saw this and thought of you‘ text 💛

What does it take to please you? Are you difficult to please? Is making you smile, easier said than done?

Let me know below.

Smiles xo

I Think I’ve Found My Tribe

~ Nicky M ~ 14 Comments

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There’s no feeling in the world like the one when you find your kindred spirits.

I’m still such a baby at this blogging lark. Four months old, I’m barely sleeping through the night! But I am learning every day and the thing that makes it so amazing is the people I’m connecting with.

Yes, they come from all walks of life.

Yes, they live in all four corners of the world.

And yes, their stories are as varied as the weather.

But they’re here. Doing what they do. Connecting. Sharing. Embracing. Supporting.

Now that’s my kinda tribe.

I’m honoured to say that I’ve been nominated for some awards recently, so I thought I’d do one post about them all.

Infinite Dreams

Sharon from Curious Queendom nominated me for my first ever award (thanks for being there from the beginning) – this little beauty called Infinite Dreams Award.

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From Dream to Plan nominated me for the very inspiring Versatile Blogger Award.

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Ioana From Music Teacher Lifestyle nominated me for this super gorgeous award.

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Daisy in the Willows nominated me for this epically awesome award.

All four blogs are worthy of a mention and great places to hang out. They’re unique and inspiring in their own way and are the definition of what makes blogging great. They’ve have been so supportive towards me with their comments. Thank you so much.

The awards all share similar rules so I’m going to do a mixture of them all…

The Rules

Thank your nominator and link their Blog on your post.

Answer the questions you feel cool answering or share facts about yourself

Come up with new questions or use the existing ones for your nominees

Let your nominees know. You can pick the number of nominees.

Things you need to know about me

I’m a sensory gal – I eat with my eyes; love sounds such as laughter, music, the rain; crave the feel of soft things on my skin; am seduced by smells such as fresh coffee and perfume; adore eating Thai food and totally love hugs.

My blog is where I write to inspire people to go out and find their happy place, find what makes their soul sing and find themselves along the way. My motivation is to make someone, somewhere smile every day.

I think you are all amazing. Believe it.

I’m addicted to quotes – I get excited when I find the perfect one for just the right occasion.

I love beautifully wrapped gifts – coordinated paper, bags, tissue and ribbon makes my heart do little star jumps.

I’m easily seduced by a pretty cocktail.

I dislike chick flicks – will always opt for the action movie.

My kids are my happy place. Period.

I have an eclectic taste in music – I can switch from classical movie soundtracks to Caro Emerald to Five Finger Death Punch to nineties hip hop to eighties hair metal, depending on my mood!

I still haven’t decided what I want to do when I grow up.

Blogs I think are worth checking out

Tales from the cabbage patch

Angel Stew Blog

Close to you

Johanna Rosberg

Against Modern Consciousness

Ends and Beginnings

Alohalotte

Earth to Emma

Teen Girl Meets World

A Teachers Reflections

Things I need to know about you

Name one amazing thing that has happened to you this week?

Where do you see yourself and your blog in five years time?

What’s your favourite colour and what does it make you think of?

If you were given an extra 12 hours tomorrow, how would you spend them?

Do you know someone who is awesome? Tell me and then tell them.

I know I totally broke all the rules by putting four awards on one post – but hey, isn’t that what blogging’s all about? Your story your way?

Anyway, the main reasons we do these awards are to share blogs worth sharing and to get to know each other better – and I believe I’ve done that with bells on!

I apologise if you’ve already been nominated or this just isn’t your bag, baby – I won’t be offended if you ignore it! But if you want to, you can choose one of these (or all) awards to claim for yourself.

I cannot wait to get you know better – drop me a message when you post.

Awesome and epic, versatile, lovely and infinite dreams are amazing things to be nominated for. However, I’m only as awesome as the readers who inspire me day after day to keep on writing – so thanks to my tribe out there, reading my stuff.

I’m so glad I found you 💋

Nicky xo

The Liebster Award

~ Nicky M ~ 2 Comments

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How exciting to be nominated for an award – I’m just so happy people are reading my ramblings and enjoying them.

I was nominated (err…last month, I do apologise for the delay) by the lovely MimiTa from Musings of a Blueberry. She describes herself as the quirky girl next door who’s into good vibes, all things cultural, kittens and pretty much anything on the planet! You should check out her blog for a quick fix of poetry, quotes, life hacks and…well, musings.

Thankyou MimiTa 🙂

There’s a bunch of things you’re supposed to do once nominated…

Thank the blogger who nominated you – why would you not?

Display the award somewhere on your blog, or at the very least your post – I used this link

Answer a set of 11 questions provided by the blogger who nominated you – scary!

Post 11 random facts about yourself – even scarier!

Nominate 11 blogs of your choosing with less than 1000 followers – exciting!

Create your own set of questions for your nominees to answer – or use mine

So, let’s get this party started…

How did you get into blogging?

I felt I had a story to share. I was familiar with ‘rock bottom’ and had been through the experience of recreating a stronger, more authentic version of myself. I wanted to encourage others and writing about it on a blog seemed the easiest way to do it.

What are your thoughts on writing, creating art, and being a blogger?

As a therapeutic practitioner I spend most of my days being creative and as a blogger, spend most of my evenings writing. It’s hard juggling both – but it makes my soul sing and that feels right.


What do you think about blogger stats?

I probably pay more attention to them than I should – but I am interested to see if people enjoy my writing and I love connecting with the people who comment.


What are your thoughts on art, poetry, and music?

Similar answer to previously – I create art and poetry on a regular basis and love being inspired by it. But music, I could not live without. I’m a bit of a mixed bag – heavy metal, jazz, 80’s hair metal, 90’s house/hip hop, movie soundtracks – depends what mood I’m in.


What do you hope to achieve (though this blog and/or in your life)?

I write to inspire people to go and do stuff that makes them feel happy and confident in themselves – so I guess I’d like to find more ways to do this. I would also love to find a tribe of like-minded gals who inspire each other to create what makes their soul sing. I’d like to wake up and be excited about what my day could look like if I had both of these things


What is your “happy spot” in life?

My kids. If they’re happy, I’m happy. Failing that – a nice cocktail bar!


How would you describe yourself using a poem? Or, if you prefer, list 5 words that you would use to describe yourself and say why. AND did I forget to mention…if you pick the second option, these 5 words must all start with different letters of the alphabet!

Caring – I’m genuinely interested in how you are

Reflective – I love looking back and wondering about stuff I’ve done

Observant – I notice stuff

Grateful – I’m very thankful for my life

Feminine – I like flowers, pretty things and dressing like a sexy lady

What is your prime time to work, and what do you think about having a “prime” working time?

I produce my best work when I’m inspired. I find it hard to create on demand and dislike routines immensely. I believe everyone is different when it comes to work ethics – you have to find out what environment, noise level, time of day etc works for you.


How do you balance everything—life, blogging, your social life, etc?

Like a novice juggler, wearing heels, blindfolded, balancing on a tightrope in a hurricane – ie. I do the best I can, when I can, with what I’ve got!


What are you passionate about? Any issues? Pet peeves? Current events? Hobbies? Artists? Irksome people?

Smiles! I am passionate about making people smile. My aim in life is to help people, especially young people, find what makes them happy and encourage them to do more of it! If I can help you feel just a tiny bit better about yourself I. Am. Happy.


What are 3 positive things about yourself? (Everyone needs a bit of self-encouragement, ya know?)

I’m a good listener, I’m hard working and I give lots of compliments.

Random things you need to know about me…

I have tiny feet (Uk Size 3)

I have tattoos

My first ever crush was Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) in Back to the Future

I think motorbikes are sexy

I am a sushi whore

I have a thing for handbags – read about it here

I’ve been with Hubby since I was 15 years old (nearly 30 years!)

I recently became a bit of a gym bunny

I love reading teenage fiction

I wear red lipstick nearly every day

I always sleep naked

Blogs worthy of a nomination…

I’ve not been around that long, so haven’t got 11 blogs to recommend – however these beauties caught my eye so I thought I’d share them.

Alice at Help Down The Rabbit Hole – writes about life, her experiences and offers from the heart insights and advice. Her website is so cute (not to mention the name), clean and uncluttered. Check her out.

My lovely three is a brand new, outta the box blog – ‘mom’ shares every day musings and gratitude for her three cheerleaders. There is something so lovely about the way she writes about finding the beauty in the everyday stuff.

The Princess and the Blog is where Noelle shares all her knowledge about blogs and encourages you to go after your dreams – all sprinkled with a little Disney. Not going to lie this blog is so amazing I’m surprised she hasn’t already been nominated for this award (apologies if you have!)

Things I need to know about you…

What inspired you to start a blog?

Do you have a routine when constructing blog posts? ie draft, edit, add photos etc – or are you more of a ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ kinda gal?

What’s the one thing that you have to do every single day, without fail?

What’s the kindest thing you have ever done for someone or that someone has done for you?

What things do you do when you’re feeling uninspired, struggling for ideas or overcoming writers block?

Name one thing that you are known for – answers must be nice things only!

What’s the most important quality you believe a friend should have?

Name 3 things you are grateful for right now.

What’s your mission statement or mantra that you live by?

What misconceptions do you think people who don’t blog, have about bloggers?

Name your superpower and tell me what colour would your cape be?

 

I apologise if you’ve already been nominated or this just isn’t your bag, baby – it’s totally okay to ignore it!

Otherwise I cannot wait to get you know better – drop me a message when you post. And enjoy 🙂

 

 

 

 

Things you need to know about me #7

~ Nicky M ~ 4 Comments

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I love holding hands.

When my kids were little I used to love, I mean really love holding their hands.

I still remember the day when my son said he didn’t want to hold my hand anymore. It was a Monday morning and we were on our way to school. I remember quietly walking alongside him, a giant void between us.

He was six and I was heartbroken.

Luckily I’m married to a man who likes to hold my hand. Connection is really important to me and two occasions specifically stand out where hand holding placed a bookmark in my memories.

The first was our wedding day.

We held hands from the minute I joined him at the front of the church. I remember afterwards people saying how cute it was that we held hands throughout the service and what a great idea it was. It wasn’t planned – it just felt natural.

The second was the night my brother died.

I came home in the early hours of the morning after the longest day of my life and fell into bed. We held hands as we slept. No words necessary.

Holding hands for me induces a feeling of safety and comfort but not everyone feels the same. As a therapeutic play worker I see many children with sensory issues, so I understand the power of touch. Some need their space and cannot bear to be touched. Some however need sensory stimulation: to stroke things, twist things, shake things and pop things. To some, nothing is more soothing than silky sand pouring through their fingers.

Whether you seek sensory stimulation or avoid it – the most sensitive parts of your body are literally at your fingertips.

I have such gratitude for my  hands – as well as holding hands, I can paint, blow kisses at loved ones,  give hugs, wave, clap in celebration, eat, write and type, lift weights, do yoga, hold handbags (and cocktail glasses!), paint my nails and stroke my little dog.

Hands are pretty fabulous really. My life wouldn’t be the same without them.

Tell me, how amazing are your hands?

PS. It’s been a while since I’ve written one of these posts – if you’d like to find out more fun facts about me; check out my series Things you need to know about me.