A Look Back

2013 was a great (and stressful) year. Peter and I moved in to our very own home, after nine months being out of work I was offered a great job, my freelance worked picked up to a point where I could barely keep track of it, but I managed and learned a lot in the process. Most importantly, however, is that my outlook has changed greatly over the past year.

Had I written the previous paragraph at the beginning of January 2013 it would have gone something like this: I lost my job and spent nine months unemployed being turned down by every job I applied for. This got so bad that I was convinced I was obviously terrible at what I do and almost gave up on my freelance work which ended up almost impossible to keep on top of.

I can't tell you how awesome it feels to have changed that! I still have a ways to go yet, but it feels fantastic that I've been able to make that one change - to see the positives when before I would concentrate on the negatives.

With this in mind, there are a lot of posts I've written in the last year that I'm very proud of so I thought it might be a good idea to share some as a little retrospective on my blogging growth and to keep the positivity flowing around here.

In 2013 I met some amazing folk. Three in particular have been a constant source of encouragement, support and inspiration. Whether they know it or not, they helped me a great deal in changing my outlook and becoming more positive and I'm so grateful to them. So I'm also sharing a couple of posts from each of these great bloggers that have helped me during the last year - a positive naming and shaming if you like ;)

My Favourite Posts of 2013
How to Keep Calm and Focused While Working Freelance
Five Things We Can Learn From Rocky
Embrace Your Inner Geek
Blogging 101 - What I've Learned So Far
Make It So

And now for a couple of my favourite posts from the lovely ladies I was telling you about

Crystal at The Happy Type
Protecting Your joy
Work It Out

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Melyssa at The Nectar Collective
15 Tips for Being Positive
The Rules of Positivity

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Erika at Chimerikal
Throwing Away My Bucket List
The Middles

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A Welcome Back

My blog has been sitting here in web space unloved, but not forgotten. Life in the latter part of 2013 got a little bit crazy. My freelance work boomed, I got a full time job and keeping on top of everything burned me out a bit.

After a much needed break over Christmas and New Year I'm feeling better, calm, collected, refreshed and ready to get back in to the swing of blogging. However this time I'm changing things up a bit with my approach.

There are a few conditions that come with my new blogging mission:
1. I'm making a promise to not get angry and annoyed with myself if I don't post everyday

2. I will not give up if I feel my blog isn't as good as others

3. I'm not going to get bogged down with numbers! My blog is for me to share and express my thoughts - not to make money

4. I must go easy on myself! Take inspiration from others, not try to emulate them - to be my own bloggy self!

These conditions are a result of what added to my burning out, taking my blog far too seriously and forgetting what my initial intentions were. Always worrying about numbers, content and whether anyone was reading.

You lovely and talented folk who have blogs full of killer content, making a living from blogging amaze and inspire me, but after giving it a go, full time blogging just isn't for me. And that's ok! I've realised that doesn't make me a blogging failure.

2014 is my positive year, a year where I'll be kinder to myself. So I'm taking a more chilled out and laid back approach - I'm blogging for me and my own sanity. If I make new connections and re-connect with old ones that will be amazing, but I won't be going crazy if there's only three of you reading this, that will be fine (and hey to the three of you).

So here's to a New Year, new and refreshed blogging aspirations, to new connections and old! I hope you've all had a great holiday season. Now it's time to kick 2014 in the ass and make it a great one!

Here's one of my new favourite inspirational tunes for a kick start!

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Blogging 101 - What I've Learned So Far

I've been blogging (properly) for a couple of months now and have had some pretty cool things happen. I've met new folk who share awesome content and comment on my blog - makes my day every time. I've felt more motivated than ever to follow my bloggy and design dreams. I've sponsored amazing writers who in return have given my little space in the blogosphere shout outs and most importantly I feel like I'm a part of a great community of talented and inspiring people that encourage and support each other.

How did this all happen? Research! I researched the crap out of blogging tips, tricks, 101 posts and eBooks. I also asked around for help which was something I was pretty intimidated by at first, but was so glad I did as everyone was helpful and understanding.  

Today I wanted to share some of the best resources that helped me and still do – I have them all bookmarked and read them from time to time to keep me in check, but I also wanted to share some of my own thoughts of my own about what I’m working on to grow my blog’s community.

These are a few of the most useful resources that I’ve read and use to keep on top of my blog and the work I need to do in order for it to grow: 

Blogging 101 by Amanda at Living in Another Language  

How to Grow Your Blog {Like a Boss} by Melyssa The Nectar Collective 

The Growing Your Blog series by Abbi at Seasons of a Homemaker 

Determining the Success of Your Blog by Erin at Two Thirds Hazel 

Why Hello Google Analytics by Belinda at Found Love Now What?

What Barney Stinson Can Teach Us About Blogging and by Kenzie at Chasing Happy

The Building Your Blog's Brand series also by Kenzie

Each of these posts and articles has helped me in some way along the line and I owe a BIG thank you to all the lovely ladies who wrote them! 

Now I’d like to share some of my own experiences and blogging practices. Like most of the posts above have mentioned I try and respond to every comment made on my blog and in turn comment on others. This was the mistake I made in the past. I've been blogging on and off since 2009 and used to think "why is no one reading this?" - cue the face palm! It was simply because my lazy ass wasn't taking the time to interact. You can use all the SEO tricks in the book, but unless you actually get involved you're never going to get anyone reading your blog. However, it's all about quality over quantity. I'd rather have low numbers and high interaction than hundreds of followers and a community devoid of life!

Speaking of SEO, Belinda's posts on Google Analytics were really useful as I've always found it pretty confusing and didn't know what metrics to focus on. I also stressed a bit about SEO and if I was doing it right or failing miserably. Belinda put my mind totally at ease, saying that we don't need to go SEO crazy, just cover the basics and you'll be fine if you focus on great content and interacting with the blogging community.

The other thing I wanted to share is the importance of social media in the plugging of your blog. Its soooo important, but the trick is to get the balance right. While I worked as a Digital Production Assistant I tried to implement the 70/30 rule - 30% you and 70% other content that's awesome! No one wants to hear about you, you, you, but if they follow you chances are they're interested in things you like. So if you think that blog post, article, video or pic is interesting or just plain awesome then share it! And don't forget to say why, chances are the original author will thank you for it and you'll give em' a smile. If folk are following you and engaging with you, it's a sure fire way to know you're doing it right.

Blogging for me has been great fun over the last few months and is only getting better as the days go on. I hope you've found all the resources gathered together as useful as I did and take something new from them.

Have I missed anything? Share your tips, tricks and ideas in the comments. That's the best bit about blogging, sharing experiences and knowledge to help each other, now let's hug it out!

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Liebster 2.0

I was going to do another Random Fact Friday post, but my ego has taken another boost as I've been nominated for another Liebster Award. Don't worry I won't get all carried away and try to take over the world. This time I owe massive thanks to fab folk, Melyssa at The Nectar Collective and Heather over on Find That Warm Fuzzy Feeling. First I'll do a quick recap of the Liebster Award rules.

• Share 11 facts about yourself.
• Answer your nominator's 11 questions 
• Nominate 11 fellow bloggers that have less than 200 followers
• Pose 11 questions to those nominees

So as I've got two sets to answer I'll get stuck right in...

11 Facts about Moi:
I love cheese and onion crisp sandwiches // I tried to learn Russian for no reason - I can still read a bit // I skipped school some days because I couldn't stop reading Lord of the Rings // I spend my Saturday mornings with Peter watching all of the week's AMC Movie Talk // I saw The Matrix five times in the cinema, twice by myself // I've never seen Blade Runner - The shame! // I love go karting // I hate fur and all it stands for //  I have 2 tattoos // I have issues with clowns - stay the hella way! // I'm super excited to go see Pacific Rim in IMAX next week.

 

Melyssa's Questions:

 

1. What was the best thing that happened to you this week?
Got a pic sent through from a client of my artwork inked on his arm :)

2. What’s your favorite part about blogging?
Meeting new folk and discovering my own voice

3. What is the best memory you have with one of your relatives?
Playing a game my brother, cousins and I invented called Carry Warry Duckit. If you'd like instructions please leave a comment!

4. What three words do people describe you as the most?
hmmm -I have no idea, I've never asked although I'd like to think they think I'm  awesome, creative and legen - wait for it - dary!

5. What three words do you hope people use to describe you at your funeral?
Awesome, creative and legen - wait for it - dary!

6. Without thinking about obstacles, what is the biggest dream you’d like to accomplish in your life?
Going to Africa and to see an elephant in the wild

7. What would you do if you stepped in dog poo on the way to an important interview? Probably swear a bit! I'm not good in heels so I wouldn't be wearing my interview shoes on the way. I'm sneaky and try to arrive at least 15 mins early so I can swap shoes on the sly before I head in.- I'm like a ninja!

8. Why do you blog?
To share my work, meet bloggy friends and learn about blogging, art, writing and myself.

9. What five things make you extremely happy?
Peter, aka El Pedro aka The Animator aka the bf, learning something new, my brother's borderline offensive jokes and the dry manner in which he delivers them, the epic cuteness of puppies and baking something for someone who'll enjoy it.

10. What is something you achieved this month or something you’re proud of from June?
Pushing forward with my greetings card idea and getting some printed at home.

11. What’s your favourite quote? » It's here


Heather's Questions:

1. What are ten things that give you a warm fuzzy feeling? 
Hugs from Peter // when I'm told I'm loved // again the epic cuteness of puppies // babies laughing // doing something nice for someone // the ending to It's a Wonderful Life // making or baking something for someone // seeing pics of my designs inked // an awesome piece of music // 
2. What book do you find yourself recommending a lot?
Lord of the rings – although no one listens! 
3. What was the last random act of kindness you performed and/or received? I found an elderly ladies keys that she had lost in the theatre, it totally made her day that I found him. She gave me a fiver as a reward which in turn made my day as I didn't have any cash on my for dinner.
4. If you could only travel to one more new place in your life, where would you go & why?

Its not new as I've been before, but Disney World with Peter. I know we’d have soooo much fun and it would feel brand new.

5. Tell us three examples of how your parent(s) are wonderful.

Supportive, Supportive and even more supportive.

6. What is your favorite post on your blog?

Make it so / Public apology 

7. Would you rather be locked overnight in a grocery store, a library, or a department store?

A department store as it would most likely have some books and some food.

8. Do you have a favorite/sweet/absurd babysitting story?

Hmm, well I can’t remember any particular individual babysitting story, but I spent my entire childhood being babysat by my Grandma during the week after school and at the weekends as my parents were working. She made our childhood a memorable and happy one. 

9. Give your 14 year old self some advice.

Stop caring so much about what people think and embrace your weirdness. 

10. If heaven exits, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the gates?

You did good! 

11. What do you see in this inkblot?

Freakily , I looked at it and saw two girls with ponytails kissing and then thought no, it looks like a loaf of bread with muscles and legs – scrolled down the post to see what you saw and boom, you thought exactly the same.... oooohh spooky!


My Nominees:

I'm nominating seven of the newest blogs that I have found and love
Heather from Find That Warm Fuzzy Feeling
Erika from Chimerikal
Jen from The Cutest Curliest
Crystal from Seoul Sold
Laura from Inspirational Sparks
Sydney from Always Without Words
Melanie from Melanie Fangting

My 11 Questions:

1. What was your dream job when you were a kid?
2. What's the best blog post you've read this week?
3. What made you laugh most this week?
4. Best Youtube vid you've found?
5. Who is your favourite Muppet?
6. What is/was your favourite video game?
7. If you could spend the day with one famous/influential person from history who would it be?
8. What one thing do you do to brighten your day?
9. What's your favourite word or phrase?
10. Who would play you in a movie of your life?
11. Do you collect anything?

If you fancy answering the questions please feel free to leave your answers in the comments and a link to your blog so I can do my nosey!

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Weekly Wishes

 

Today I'm linking up with The Nectar Collective's Weekly Wishes series to where we share our goals, challenges and wishes for the week.

I'm on a mission to improve my writing skills and last week an opportunity raised its lovely little head that couldn't be allowed to get away. Movie review site Mike and Rusty's Reviews placed an ad on Gumtree asking for designers to help voluntarily with web graphics, this was a great opportunity in itself so I emailed asking for more info and if I could offer my help.

A fantastic reply from Mike arrived a couple of days later saying that they would love my help, but also included the question: "would you like to write for us too?"

My initial reaction was no as I have little experience writing for my own blog never mind a review website, then my gut and heart kicked in!

My on-going challenge this year is to write, write and write some more, gaining experience along the way. Here it was, in my inbox, the perfect opportunity to write for others. Could I really say no?

No! I'm throwing myself in at the deep end - time to swim.

This weeks challenge to myself is to get that first review written and get the ball rolling.
Wish me luck.

 

- See more at: http://thenectarcollective.com/#sthash.Pxme8hmQ.dpuf

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- See more at: http://thenectarcollective.com/#sthash.RFUbCviI.dpuf

 

Favourtie Tweeters

Yesterday I shared five of my favourite blogs and I thought I'd continue sharing with some of my favourite tweeters. I've been in love with Twitter for a few years now and use it to catch up on what's happening in the world of geekery, design, TV, movies and the world in general. These are a few of my favourite tweeters and they're all fabulous so I suggest you follow them.

@leemac85

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I am a copywriter, blogger, and creative with BIG ideas! I work in digital, and love to tweet. Working on my first novel series, The Perfect Fit

Leanne is a copywriter, blogger and author working on her first novel. I first met Leanne online when I was looking for guidance on a social media job I'd started. Leanne has been a constant source of knowledge and inspiration when it comes to all things social and digital related.

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@GiseleNMendez

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 Bass player, MMA fan and proud owner of a cute (and crazy) Boston Terrier. SEO & social media doer + Natural born networker = Outreach Manager at @WeAreUpstream

Gisele is another fantastic digital, social and SEO guru to look out for online. Along with Leanne, Gisele was essential in helping me find my feet in social media and is always sharing fantastic info and content. Gisele has been an amazing source of support throughout my journey in social and blogging and I can't thank her enough.

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@DavidCousens
//Blog//Website//

One half of Cool Surface illustration. We draw stuff for money!

David and Sarah Cousens are the amazing artist behind Cool Surface and you may have seen their work in mags such as Digital Arts, Photoshop Creative and Imagine FX. I've been a fan of their work for years and have worked through quite a few of their tutorials in the many magazines I've bought just for their work.

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@tinybuddha

//Blog//Website//   Simple wisdom for complex lives. Quotes, tips & stories to help us help ourselves and each other.   

Tiny Buddha is a fantastic source of positivity and inspiration especially when you're feeling a bit blue. They share inspirational quotes and their own posts that are written by a whole load of contributing authors. It's a fantastic intro for beginners in to the world of mindfulness too.

 

Thanks for checking out my favourite Tweeters, now go follow them too! Soon I'll post a favourite tee designers post featuring all the wonderful artists that I've fell in love with over the last year - so stay tuned!

If you're on Twitter feel free to leave your link in the comments so I can follow.

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Five Favourite Blogs

One of the Everyday in May topics that I missed was to post a list of my favourite blogs and I thought that it was a good time to catch up. My list is a mix of friends, blogging idols and blogs I visit regularly for inspiration and motivation. If you’re up for discovering some new bloggy friends then click through the list.

Tomorrow I'll share my favourite Tweeters, so be sure to check back.

Am Bothan is written by my best bud Anna and is where she shares her adventures on the isle of Islay and other treks around Scotland.  Anna has a love of Scotland's Gaelic culture and heritage and you can't help but feel a wee twinge of healthy patriotism when you read her posts. Plus there is always a beautiful pic involved showcasing just what a beautiful country we live in. Tapadh leibh Anna!

"I have personal and professional interests in the field of culture-heritage and like nothing more than discussing and sharing ideas on both culture and heritage with others. Further interests you might come across here include: archaeology, handcrafts, music and landscapes."

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Another talented friend of mine, Kirsty is the author of new blog Bake Good. For years Kirsty has been treating the world to her baked goods and in high school we all got fantastically designed birthday cakes {two of mine were Lord of the Rings and Linkin Park; nom, nom nom} that tasted equally amazing. In Bake Good Kirsty shares some of her favourite recipes from her many cook books, some of which have been altered by her own expertise and know-how. I'll definitely be trying one of her recipes soon.

"I hope to share some of my favourite recipes, whilst also pushing myself to try out bakes I have never attempted before (mostly bread) as well as working my way through the backlog of cookbooks I have piling up on my shelves that I haven’t baked nearly enough from!"

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Julie Ann Art is a wonderful blog that I found while trying to find an anniversary card for Peter. I fell in love with Julie Ann's cards instantly and check the blog daily for news and new designs. Julie Ann has also played a massive role in inspiring me in my plans for taking DaisyBisley to the next level, so if you're reading this Julie Ann, thank you.

"Julie Ann Art is a lifestyle blog with a focus on self employment, indie business tips, and DIY tutorials. Here, Julie discusses the challenges and successes she faces while pursuing her small business full-time. She takes great pride in the content of my blog and hope readers are left feeling creative and inspired. Her blog has become her creative outlet, where she can not only document all of her ideas, inspirations, and handmade projects, but share them with other crafty nerds like herself!"

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Melyssa at The Nectar Collective is my newest blogging idol. I love her posts on positivity and creativity and I do hope to one day have a blog as awesome and inspiring as hers. Melyssa has such a unique voice that keeps you reading and coming back for more. Nectar Collective is full of laughs and a variety of posts. Personal favourites are "Musings by Monja" - Posts by Melyssa's cute corgi and "Japan: the Good; the Bad and the Bizarre" - a collection of good, bad and strange things about living in Japan. Now that I'm venturing out in to self employment, Nectar Collective has become a daily stop for me to find positivity and inspiration when I need it most.

"I will share anything I can that makes me come alive, and that I think might help you, too – DIY projects to get your hands moving, advice to help you become your best self, recipes to reconnect you with the wonderful creativity in cooking, photos and stories from adventures all over the world, and anything else to help you learn, grow, experience, and create."

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 Now that we're talking about inspirational blogs, I feel I have to share Story of my Life. Those of you that took part in the Blog Everyday in May challenge already know Jenni and her beautiful blog. Those of you that don't I urge you to head over for a nosey. Jenni writes about life, fashion, blogging and her photography. If it wasn't for Jenni and her blogging challenge I wouldn't be here finally getting stuck in to my blogging dreams of world domination! Thank you Jenni.

"I run this blog and my photography business for a living in Austin, TX. I love what I do and where I live, and I'm grateful I can say that. Writing and photography and social media truly are my passion in life."

 

Thanks to all on the list for inspiring me to be a better blogger and setting me on the right track to achieving my goals. Oh and please check back tomorrow when I'll share my favourite Tweeters.

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High Speed Training Course Review

Back in March the lovely Gisele over at In Social We Trust put me in touch with High Speed Training who asked me to review a couple of their courses. I was more than happy to do this as I love learning new things and developing my skills.

High Speed Training offer a wide range of courses covering topics from food hygiene, health and safety to business and customer service skills. They are split in to different modules that you can work through at your own pace, making them great for those with limited time.

As I was starting up the blog again and wanted to start fulfilling one of goals, to get better at writing, I chose Business Writing Skills first followed by the Time Management course.

Business Writing Skills

Business Writing is split in to four modules, each having both audio and written slides and are easy to work through and understand. At the end of each module there is a multiple choice exercise to help you review the content.

Once all the modules are complete there is then a final assessment to work through. Again this is made up of 15 multiple choice questions and if you don't pass it can be taken again at no extra cost. You also receive a personalised certificate upon completion and passing the course.

I found the course to be suitable for anyone wanting to understand techniques used to improve their writing and covers punctuation, grammar, spelling as well as different types of business writing. It was a great way to review my language skills, not just for business, but for all aspects of writing.

Time Management

I chose the Time Management course in order to improve my skills and better prioritise my workload. It follows the same structure as the Business Writing course and has the same exercises and assessment at the end.

The topics covered include the importance of time management, evaluating how time is used, managing meetings, setting objectives and taking decisive action. I did feel that this course was aimed at small to large businesses and would have liked more information about management for the individual. However the course was interesting and full of useful information and tips.

I would recommend High Speed Training as a great resource for learning new skills. The site is very user friendly and easy to navigate. The courses are also good value, both being £25 + vat and are CPD accredited. If you fancy learning something new the site is well worth a look.

Highlights of using High Speed Training:

• The courses are well laid out and easy to follow
• You can start the course at any time and work through it at our own pace
• A personalised certificate is sent to you on completion of your course

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Liebster Award

Woke up today to a lovely message from Dani at The Stay at Work Housewife who has kindly nominated me for a Liebster Award. My first ever blogging award! Liebster is a German word that means dearest or beloved and is an unofficial award given to up and coming bloggers with under 200 followers by fellow bloggers. It's a way to pay it forward and I'm over the moon that Daisy Bisley has been noticed and nominated, so now it's my turn to pay it forward.

Here are the basic rules for being nominated:

•  Share 11 random facts about yourself
•  Answer the 11 questions the blogger who nominated you asked
•  Create 11 questions to ask the 11 people you nominate
• Nominate 11 bloggers with under 200 followers and let them know they’ve been nominated

11 Random Facts about me:

I'm rubbish at maths // One of my dreams, since childhood is to swim with dolphins // I love elephants and have my own herd // I once sold Terrence Stamp a DVD //  I have a fear of werewolves // I'm an obsessive Lord of the Rings fan // I love Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry and Hanna Barbera cartoons  // One day I will go to Africa and see an elephant in the wild  //  I've almost completed my Disney Classics collection - only 4 to go // I have 1 brother and 17 first cousins  //  The best pizza I've ever eaten was in Cetraro, Itlay

My herd

And my answer to Dani's questions: 

What is your favorite movie?

This is a very difficult one to answer for me as I'm a huge movie nerd, but I think one of my favourites that I've watched recently is Little Miss Sunshine. 

Why did you start a blog?

I started DaisyBisley to share my design work and updates, but since I started the Blog Everyday in May challenge it's become more than that. It's a chance for me to connect with new people, learn and engage.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My parents and family.

Would you rather be hot or cold?

As a pale, red haired Scot I struggle with the heat, I'm built for the cold. Think it's my ancient Scandinavian roots.

If you could give yourself, 10 years ago, advice what would you say?

Do something that scares you once in a while and step out of you comfort zone. Try something new and don't be afraid to be yourself!

Name one small thing you do for yourself that brightens your day.
Taking time out to read really relaxes me, or if it's sunny I'll head out for a walk.

What is one dream you hope to achieve in your lifetime?
Ever since I was 8 or 9, whenever it was The Lion King came out, I've been obsessed with Africa's wildlife and have dreamt of one day going there to see it.

If you could be an animal for a day, what kind of animal would you be?
I think I'd like to be an eagle or a dolphin, or maybe a combination of both so I can fly and be an awesome swimmer.

Has anyone ever told you that you look like a celebrity, if so, who?
I answered this one in a post a few days ago. I'm still sticking to it - A lovely old lady and a lookee-likey generator both said I looked like Rita Hayworth.

Name one bad habit you have.
I'm a bit of a procrastinator and can be a bit messy!!

What do you hope to achieve with your blog?
I hope to connect with new people and make bloggy friends. I also want to get my work out there too as I hope to make DaisyBisley a successful design shop.

Here are my list of nominees:
Am Bothan
Bake Good
In Social We Trust
The Social Exchange
SianLouise
Fettbot
Precious Impressions
Junk Mail
My Dearest Friend
My Life in Scotland
Trying for Sighs

And their questions:
1.  What is your favourite book?
2.  What's the one city you've always wanted to visit?
3.  What are you're top 3 albums of all time?
4.  Why did you start blogging?
5.  Star Trek or Star Wars?
6.  What's your favourite blog at the moment?
7.  What's your favourite recipe?
8.  If you could learn a new skill what would it be?
9.  If you could invent anything you want, what would it be?
10.  Favourite TV show of all time?
11.  If this character was a real person, what fictional chracter would be your best friend?

Many thanks to Dani again for nominating me, you've really made my week!!

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Letting Go

Day 30: React to this term: Letting Go

I have to admit I'm finding it hard to put this one in to words, so a list will have to do. Here are a few things I'd like to let go of:

• The negative part of my brain that tells me I'm crap at something or that I "can't" do something. I'm working on this one with a lot of research in to mindfulness and meditation... hope it works.

• The 15lbs I've gained in the past two years - I'd like to get back to my fitter, healthier state.

• The evil procrastinator in me that has a hand in why nothing has been done about the previous statement.
• The annoyance I feel when someone from Glasgow asks how I spell my last name.
•  The nerd rage that builds up when someone bashes Lord of the Rings - I'm looking at you Peter! - It's the source of my nerd power.

Other than that I don't think I need to let anything else go. However I would like to pick a few things up; a wee boost in self confidence, a 100% foolproof regime for my unpredictable auburn curls, another tattoo and to improve my cooking repertoire. So if anyone has any tips on feeling more confident, tricks on taming curls or some really good recipes please feel free to share and I'll get started!

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5 Songs

With our challenge quickly nearing its end I'm a little bit sad. It's been a great month of prompts, meeting new folk and learning more about myself and writing. I'm looking forward to continuing the blog without so many prompts and coming up with my own features, but I have to admit I'm nervous about it!

On to today's topic: Five songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories. I love music and it has been a constant friend throughout my life, working like a therapist during the bad times and enhancing the good times by association. Helping to mould me in to the person I am. It was difficult to pick just five songs that mean something to me as there are so many, so I thought it might be best if I choose those that kind of sum up feelings and memories as a whole. Let's see how I do.

T Rex and 20th Century Boy in particular takes me back to high school and specifically one night during a concert that my best friends and I put on. You know who you are and you know what moment of the night I'm talking about. I put the Placebo version in too as they remind me of the 90s indie child rebelliousness we all had.


Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Price's Summertime is essential to my summer. We don't get many sunny days in Scotland so we have to make the best of them and this is part if my sunshine playlist. It's kind of the same thing at Christmas - It's not Christmas until Noddy Holder screams it and Die Hard is on telly. Summer isn't summer without this track and Boom Shake the Room wouldn't go a miss either.

Let's get a bit soppy for a moment. This is our song, we danced together for the first time to it and it pretty much sums up how we feel.


DeVotchKa came in to my life in late 2005 when I heard How it Ends in the trailer for Everything is Illuminated and I went on an internet treasure hunt to find out what/who it was. Much to my joy they did a lot of work on the soundtrack for Little Miss Sunshine with Michael Danna - both these movies are also two of my favourites and Everything is Illuminated is also a fantastic and beautiful book you should read.

I've also added We're Leaving as it was a track they played at one of their gigs. They jumped down and in amongst us and performed it acoustically. it was and still is one the best gigs I've ever been to.

No musical journey of my life would be complete without Bon Jovi. I have loved them since I can remember and they have been there through thick and thin. Many a day has been spent singing/screaming a long to Jon Bon.

I also wanted to add this little video.


It's my wee brother's birthday today and we both loved Spaced, hence the DaisyBisley name. He's 26 years young today and the sun is shining - so get Jazzy Jeff on and have a great day bruv!

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