I had a day of writing planned for today: a rare occasion for me and one that I should have been able to cherish. Instead, I've moved from one computer to another and back again, each time staring at the screen and finding myself unable to focus, my thoughts drifting...
When we left the house where we'd begun our little family, I was so emotional, I wrote about it (of course!). I love where we live now, but leaving the place which was filled with so many memories from our children's early lives was so hard. I came across this piece...
After getting my hands on a few copies of my debut novel from the publisher, as well as setting the stage with props and prompts from the book, the day of the launch party finally rolled around. Pink fizz and conversation flowed, amidst sampling of my homemade gluten...
There is much excitement in my household at the moment as we prepare for this weekend's book launch. Harnessing my creative side, and that of my children (the girls in particular), we've been busy creating props and displays for the party. Called 'The Mystery of the...
Out with the old, in with the new. I don't know about you, but with the appearance of that big yellow thing in the sky and the lighter nights, I have more energy. That is, once I got over the loss of the hour following the clock changes (when did that start to be a...
Is it the fear of missing out that drives us to spend so much time on social media? I wonder about this, as I sit watching a group of teenage girls, supposedly hanging out together. Each of them is individually engrossed in something on the screens of their...
It looks as though testing in primary schools may be changing once again, with the abolition of SATS at Key Stage 1. Almost a year ago, my son was due to sit the new-style SATS tests and I was one of the thousands of parents who took part in the Kids Strike in...
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s awareness to the present moment There is some evidence that mindfulness may be helpful in reducing anxiety, depression and stress, as well as improving wellbeing, attention, focus and cognitive skills. The Government are...
Like many children growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, our childhood was all about the outdoors I often talk to my children about the street where I grew up. It was a 1960’s-built cul-de-sac, not untypical of that era, lined on each side with matching semi-detached...
Follow my blog with Bloglovin We watched a film called Zootropolis last weekend. The animals live together in a civilised society until one day, some of them begin to turn savage. The protagonist (a bunny cop!) makes the connection that these savage animals are...
Why is it whenever I encounter someone with an inspiring attitude, nine times out of ten that person has suffered, or is suffering some adversity? The most positive people I know, understand what it is to feel loss, pain or suffering and yet you would never know. They...
There's been no post from me this year about new year's resolutions. I don't tend to do them anymore. This time last year I was ill, so despite a shaky start to the year, it's already been an improvement on the last one. There hasn't been much writing going on though....
As Christmas approaches, I haven't seen or heard much stressing about having so much to do and so little time. Yes, it's been a busy term with lots of things going on, and the big day is looming, but it seems people around me are embracing the Christmas spirit and all...
I went to a business networking meeting last week where there was a talk about marketing and selling your story. It involved some group discussion as the presenter talked us through the seven P's, namely: passion, principles, purpose, personality, position, people and...
As I approach the end of the year and another birthday, I can’t help thinking what a crazy one it’s been. I wasn’t looking forward to turning 40 last year. As you may know, I kicked and screamed my way in to the next decade and I was determined to make the most of it...
On the day that Thomas Mair was convicted of the murder of MP Jo Cox, I'm heartened to see so much positivity about her life and what she stood for. Jo's amazing, brave sister, Kim talked about continuing Jo's legacy of compassion, tolerance, acceptance and...
I'm celebrating a work anniversary - five years at Nicola Young Copywriter. That's according to LinkedIn anyway and the lovely followers who sent me a message of congratulations on the day. This milestone passed me by because I've been copywriting for much longer than...
As a blogger, I share a lot about the things going on in my life, both the good and bad, but you don't always get to hear the background stuff; the bits that most probably shaped my life and made me the person I am today. In response to a challenge from Renee at Mummy...
Who needs expensive day trips when you can get outdoors and have fun in your own garden? Well, that's what I said this morning and my two little ones looked at me as though I'd gone loopy for even making that suggestion. Regardless of what they may have thought, I...
What are your top tips for keeping the children amused in the summer holidays? This is the first year I haven't arranged lots of activities for the children and I'm going to see how that goes. Wish me luck eh? My theory is, the children are old enough now to be able...