Hello there and welcome to this week’s #PoCoLo a friendly linky where you can link any post published in the last week. It’s good to be back after a break for Easter, and an Easter with such lovely weather, although it would be good to have that back too, wouldn’t it?
Both Morgan and I know you’ll find some great posts to read, maybe some new-to-you blogs too, so do pop over to some of the posts linked and take the time to leave a comment or two so that everyone benefits from some extra love.
I had a relaxing Easter, got a little bit sunburnt in the Norfolk wind, and probably relaxed a little too much as I took an impromptu break from my blog and all the tasks I thought I’d get on with. The result is I'm more behind than I was before, but I’m trying not to beat myself up about that as it’s rare that I don’t post anything for a week, so I think perhaps I needed that break.
CHERRY BLOSSOM IN GREENWICH PARK
Blogger Showcase: Nicky from The Organised Blogger and Spinnin’ Plates
1 Who are you?
Hi I'm Nicky. The creator of Ready To Go! Social Media Graphics Membership and Virtual Assistant at The Organised Blogger along with running my Blog Spinnin Plates. I am also mum of 3, partner to Andy and woofa owner! Living in North Devon, when we are not working, we try to spend as much of our time on the beautiful coastline and beaches.
With nearly 30 years of experience including roles as a Personal Assistant in an Advertising Agency, Devon County Council School Administrator, Social Media Designer and Manager, I soon realised that my unique set of skills could help my local and online community.
2 How did you discover blogs/blogging?
I discovered Blogging shortly after I hit breaking point in 2017. I was working full time, running a busy family and home. Feeling stressed, overwhelmed and struggling in every way to do it all and be everything to everyone. I wanted to share my story, to help others in my position. That’s when Spinnin’ Plates started.
My mix of passions has helped mould the path that led me towards starting The Organised Blogger in 2018.
3 Why did you start blogging?
I love working to create a thriving home, life and business and helping other bloggers, small businesses and entrepreneurs to do the same; by minimising daily admin tasks, creating high quality visual graphics, content research and social media management to save time, increase followers and engagement!
Initially, I found it challenging learning on the job. When you first start blogging, you have no idea what it takes to blog successfully, but I’m a perfectionist and I put my heart and soul into learning full time and within just three months had completed a course and joined an amazing group with a superb mentor.
4 What do you find most challenging?
Initially, I found it challenging learning on the job. When you first start blogging, you have no idea what it takes to blog successfully, but I’m a perfectionist and I put my heart and soul into learning full time and within just three months had completed a course and joined an amazing group with a superb mentor.
5 Are you blogging for fun or do you have goals?
I now run both my Blog and Business side by side. Within Spinnin’ Plates I share tips to other busy mums to help them create a calm, organised life. Over at The Organised Blogger, I offer professional, engaging social media graphics month after month, to suit every Blogger, Small Business, V.A. or Agency. Along with a variety of Virtual Assistant services.
6 What is your favourite thing about blogging?
Blogging has evolved over the years and for me, it is now very much a business, with set goals and I’m happy to say this is not only fun, but the benefits of finding such a wonderful, warm and welcoming community of strong, independent women has been the icing on the cake.
7 Have you ever attended a blogging conference and if so, what did you think?
Living in the South West of England I have found it pretty hard to make any blogging events as it’s always a day there and a day back. I do have an incredible online tribe and I have started going to local networking events, which has been wonderful.
8 What are your 3 best posts?
My top posts are:
3. Design Apps for every novice and expert
9 Describe yourself in three words
If I were to describe myself in three words…Kind, generous and (super)organised!
10 Are you a tea and biscuits or coffee and cake person?
After giving up caffeine 2 years ago this month, I am a hot lemon and honey person, and cake, always cake.
11 What's your idea of a perfect night out?
My perfect night out would be dinner with friends. To get out of the home office and see normal people can’t be underestimated!
12 Your perfect night in?
My perfect night in is always when my partner is home, he travels around the world with his job, so it’s a rare treat! A nice gin and tonic and a good film, not forgetting a giant bar of galaxy!
13 What would your best friend/OH/mum or kids say is your best quality?
I think people would say that I am always thinking of others. (but they would all agree, I don’t do enough for myself!).
Thanks for sharing more about yourself and your blogs Nicky. You can connect with Nicky on her social channels here:
Spinnin’ Plates: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram
The Organised Blogger: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram
If you’d like to be featured as a future Blogger Showcase, then please answer our questions and get in touch. Our waiting list is the shortest it’s been for a while, so you could be featured in a couple of weeks - and we’d love to share more about you, and your blog.