As I was getting ready to write my blog post on Sunday morning, I realized that my one year blogiversary was in two days. How did that creep up on me? So, I changed my planned post to celebrate my little blog and write a personal post on how it all began.
To celebrate I decided to go apple picking. In fact my first blog post was about my favorite fall activity. I shared a delicious mini apple rose tartlet recipe (click here), which was read by my family and a few close friends. It was a good start.
I’ve always loved fashion, food and travel. But stopped embracing my passionate pursuits after experiencing one of the biggest losses in my life ~ the passing of my dad. It was a very dark time in my life. I have not publicly shared this because it is still very difficult to talk about. Grief runs its course and it comes in stages. There are still times when I break down like it happened yesterday. But with the love and support of my husband, family and friends I find hope that life goes on.
The act of writing has always been a cathartic one for me and I found blogging to be a powerful healing tool. My dad’s death has forever changed me and how I look at the world. I wake up early every morning to meditate and to remember him. My dad always savored the small things in life like the first sip of his hot tea on a cold morning or the first bite of his peanut butter sandwich, his favorite. I’ve turned to my memories for comfort. I am also learning to enjoy the little things and share the beauty of everyday life in the hope of spreading some love, joy and inspiration. That is how Nikki Living Life 2.0 got its name and its start.
I’ve met some pretty awesome blogger babes in this blogging community. I love how everyone celebrates each others wins, and really just support each other in any way possible. There is always a willingness to share and help one another. Without community this blog would feel very lonesome, and I would definitely not have learned as much as I did in such a short period of time.
Nikki Living Life has experienced such growth, beyond what I could ever have imagined, and it’s all thanks to you! I am grateful to you for reading, commenting, following, re-posting, sharing and actually coming back week after week (which still blows my mind), you are the reason I get to do this. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I would also like to thank my hubby Andrew who takes all the beautiful photographs for my blog. Andrew’s photographs have allowed me to tell an ongoing narrative of my evolving personal style and my pursuit for a healthy lifestyle.
Of course no birthday/anniversary/blogiversary is complete without something sweet. I have a great recipe for an apple cider float that I know you will enjoy.
Ingredients:
French Vanilla Ice Cream (or ice cream of your choice)
Apple Cider
Apple Slices
Whipped Cream
Brown Sugar (optional)
Cinnamon
Directions
Add one scoop of ice cream to a mug and pour in the apple cider. Top with whipped cream, a little brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Add slices of apple to the rim as a garnish.
Cheers beauties
Photo Credit: Andrew Swaine
Congrats for your one year blog, happy blogiversary!! You’re doing a great job and you can be proud of you!
http://violettedaily.com
Thank you Violette for all the love and support ?
Happy Blog Anniversary! I just adore your denim look here. So cute and perfect for apple picking. Thanks for this delicious recipe too!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you Kathrine. Hope you get to try the Apple Cider Float recipe ? It is delicious.
Happy Blogiversary!! I love this look, such a fun denim jumper!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Thank you Elise ?
Awe I love this..So heart-felt and inspirational! I’m sure your Dad is proud of all your accomplishments. And I, too, like the support system of the blogging community. So, Cheers to many more blogging years!
-L.
LenaRevealed.com
Thank you for your beautiful comment Lena. It is so much appreciated. Will always continue making my dad proud 🙂 So glad our paths crossed through this awesome blogging community ?
SUPER CUTE and I’m so inspired to make that float!
Sheena | http://www.sheenalovessunsets.com
Thank you Sheena. Hope you get to try the Apple Cider Float recipe. It is delish ?
Happy blog birthday, babe- wishing you many more to come!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you Ashley ?
Happy blog-anniversary gorgeous lady! You inspire me so much and I am happy to have found you! I agree with you, without this community of amazing fans, subscribers/followers who are here to support you unconditionally, blogging would be super -lonely! Thanks for sharing how it all began and I wish you nothing but success! That outfit is super-cool too! Have a great week!
http://www.chiclyyours.com
Thank you beautiful lady. I could not be more thrilled that our paths crossed as well. Thank you for all your sweet comments and support. You always make my day ?
Woo happy 1 year babe! xx
http://www.fromluxewithlove.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/from-luxe-with-love-14590195
Thank you Natalie ?
Happy Blog Anniversary and to many more years of your blog!!! ♥
I’m also so happy that I started my blog almost two years ago, I never regretted it 🙂 All the best for you and those pics are so cute! 🙂
xxx
Tina
http://styleappetite.com
Thank you Tina ? for all the well wishes. Sincerely appreciated. Wishing you much love as well beautiful lady.
My congrats with your Blogiversary, dear! So stunning post!! In love with your pictures!
Have a nice evening!
Natallia
https://loveorganic.ch/en/blogen/
Merci Natallia ?
Congratulations on your blogiversary Nikki! You spread so much joy when posting your beautiful pictures and I love to read about your stories. That apple cider looks ravishing, I have to try it.
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Thank you Simone. Your comment means so much to me. It has been so awesome getting to know over the last few months. ? Yes. I hope you get to try the apple cider float 🙂
Awww this post is do sweet! Happy blog anniversary dear! Here’s to many wonderful posts from you!!’ Couldn’t agree more with everything you said. Xo
Edwige| http://www.hypnozglam.com
Thank you for this comment Edwige. It is so much appreciated ?
Congrats! Cute pictures!
Have a nice day!
Gil Zetbase
Merci Gil ?
congrats honey!
Hadas | The Fashion Matters- Luxury travel and fashion blog
Grazie Hadas ?
Happy blogiversary babe! I lovee your outfit! The plaid and denim combo is incredible! x
TOUCHOFGS
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Have a great day girlie ?
Those hunter boots! I have always wanted to own one!
Angelie // What Men Like in Women’s Clothes
Hunter boots are a great investment. Received this pair as a gift recently 🙂
congrats on one year!
xx
http://thedemeler.com
Thank you ?
Happy blogiversary gurl.. keep writing the sky is just your starting point
Glowyshoes’s blog
Thank you ?
Congrats dear Nikki! Keep this beautiful smile on your face and I wish you all the best with your blog in the future 😉 Always inspiring, funny and stylish! 😉
Ohh…this apple cider looks very good 😉
Jovita
http://www.b-vanilla.com
Thank you Jovita. Your comment means so much to me? Looking forward to seeing us all grow as we continue this journey together.
Congrats for this anniversary! Keep it up, you are doing a good job!
xo Corina
http://unbouquetdamour.com/five-ways-happy/
Thank you Corina ?
Happy blogiversary dear, wish you many wonderful blogging years ahead. Lovely outfit.
Bernie, xx
The Style Fanatic
Thank you Benita ?
Love the photos! such a cute outfit!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: MES VOYAGES A PARIS
Merci Monica
Happy anniversary! Keep up the good work.
So sorry your Dad died. I can imagine it was and is so hard for you. May his soul rest in peace.
Your outfit is cute!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thank you Rena ? I really appreciate all the love and support you’ve shown me.
You are still in my thoughts <3 xx
Apple picking sounds like a lovely way of celebrating 1 year of blogging – congratulations! I love your Hunter wellies by the way, they look so cute with the pinafore dress and red plaid shirt.
aglassofice.com
x
Thank you Gabrielle ?
Happy one year blog anniversary babe. Your story how it’s started with the blog, has touhed me. I love to read your blog and see your beautifull pics. Enjoy blogging and keep smiling. X Reena
Thank you my dear sweet Reena. I sincerely appreciate your comment they always brighten up my day ?
Congrats for this anniversary!
https://tiateilli.com/
Thank you Tia
Awww happy blogiversary 🙂 you are such a beauty, that outfit i so love !!
Thank you Nancy Xx
Happy one year anniversary Nikki! The memory of your dad brought me into tears and you dad will be very happy that you enjoy the little things in life and spread the happiness to others. The apple picking outfit is so darling and you look like a high school kid.
Xx
Thank you Ting. Your comment means so much to me. My daily efforts to keep my dad’s memory alive have and will continue to bring me a great deal of comfort, I will pass it on by spreading the beauty, love and light ?
Love this little apple picking outfit!
http://www.moorehisstyle.com
Thank you Joel
You’re such a pretty lady and that smile of your is lovely. I love personal blog posts like this. Good to read what blogging means to you. Happy birthday to your blog and keep dem great posts coming. You look wonderful!
https://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you Mavis. Your comment means a lot and is much appreciated. Thank you for the love and support ?
Congratulations darling on your one year anniversary, here’s to many more!!!!!! xoxo Lovely
Thank you Lovely ?
Happy one year blogging Nikki!
I have to agree with you on savoring the moments. All the small details are what make life so wonderful! Your photos are so pretty! Loving this theme. I hope you are having a great week.
Xx Caroline
http://www.foreverdolledup.net
Thank you Caroline. During the course of a busy everyday day, it does feels good to stop and appreciate the little things in life that bring us joy. Wishing you a fabulous week as well beautiful lady ?
Congratulations my darling for this achievement and I wish you many many more to come. I will forever be grateful that we connected here. You are so strong babe and I can relate to what you went through as I lost my dad when I was a teenager and what it feels like. Its been 15 years since then but still feels like yesterday. I know you as one of the strongest women and more power to you girl. Almost forgot to tell you that this denim outfit looks so adorable on you.
XOXO,
Vyom
Thank you my dear sweet Vyom. You always make my day brighter. I am so appreciative of your friendship and I too am glad that our paths crossed. It has been so wonderful getting to know you over these 12 months. My heart breaks to hear about your dad as well. Wishing you much love and light ?
Congratulations on your one year blogiversary!! I am so sorry to hear about your dad passing away and the way you have dealt with such a great loss is inspiring. It helps having a strong support system around you but you have also focused on helping yourself heal through writing and meditation. You such a beautiful story and I can’t wait to see what adventures await you xx
https://dreamofadventures.com/
Thank you beautiful lady. Your comment made me teary. I truly appreciate all the love and support that you and this blogging community have given and shown me. Here’s to new adventures for us all ?
happy blog anniversary!!
kisses from the sandpit ☀️☀️
http://www.mahryska.com
Thank u Mahryska Xx
This is such a lovely post and well done for hitting the one year mark – that alone is such an achievement!!! Hope you’re well and have a great start to the week!
Layla xx
http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
Thank you for taking the time to send me your good wishes Layla. I sincerely appreciated it. Have a great week as well beautiful lady Xx
Congratulations!!
http://www.atrendylifestyle.com/2017/10/animal-print-kimono.html
Gracias Rebeca Xx
Congraaats!! love the photos!! the plan looks so sweet!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: THE RITUAL OF AYURVEDA
Thank you Monica Xx
Happy Blogiversary! Cheers to year two!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thank you Rach Xx
Happy Blog Anniversary! I like your look simple and at the same time stylish. this apple cider looks very good. So stunning post!!
http://www.tuestilo.eu/blog/16_tipos-de-sujetadores-.html
Muchas gracias Xx
WHat a delicious idea! Gotta try it! Best http://www.lachicadelamaleta.com
So so sorry for your loss my love. And of course it will still be very painful when thinking of your father and those last moments, but he lives within you every time he comes to mind. And of course, Happy Happy One Year Blogiversary to you!!! I’m so glad to have met you along your journey and you are so right when you mentioned how great of a community blogging is. It’s important for us to support each other along the way because it isn’t an easy task or journey. Keep creating great content and fantastic photography (kudos to your hubby for fully supporting you).
Xoxo
http://www.stylemefancy.com
Thank you Pentene. Your comment means more to me than you will ever know. Thank you for all the love and support over the past 12 months. So glad that our paths crossed ?
Congrats on your blog darling!
xx
lau
http://www.malibluemymind.com
Thank u Lau Xx
Congrats on 1 year! of blogging! I need to try a cider float! xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Thank you Dominique. The apple cider float is such a simple and easy to make treat. Hope you like it Xx
Yay! So fun! I love your jumper!
Thank you Katie Xx
Thats a stunning dress. Congratz on your anniversary. Loved your post <3
Thank you Prajakta Xx
Happy Blog Anniversary! Awesome look! Thanks for sharing!
Visit my blog and let me know what you think!
http://www.thisissivylla.com
Thank you Sivylla Xx
Loved this inspirational story and I’m sure your dad is very proud of you!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Thank you Katherine Xx
Congrats on your first year of belonging my dear! Wish you all the best for you and your blog for many years to come!
xo
Stella
https://www.stellaasteria.com
Thank you Stella Xx
So cool! Congratulations! Keep going always 🙂
Dasynka
http://dasynka.com
Thank you beautiful Xx
Happy Birthday to your one year blog anniversary! Mine will be in January…Love your pics of you looking for apples! I‘m very sorry for the loss of your dad, this must be very hard 🙁 I‘m sure he would be proud of you!
Annika
http://www.fashiontravelstar.com
Thank u Annika ? I sincerely appreciate your comment and all the support you’ve given me through the year. Much Love Xx
Happy blogniversary, Nikki! I am so sorry to read about your dad passing and I love that you honour his memory in such a nice and down-to-earth way. I am sure he is proud of you and your blog, and of everything that makes you happy in life, wherever he is now. Thanks for the inspo on fashion, for being so kind and for making this community a bit sweeter. Much love from Cambridge,
Saida | She talks Glam
Thank you so much Saida ?? Your comment really touched my heart. I really appreciate it beautiful lady. Much Love and light to you as well. Xx
Loving this cute little overalls on you. Happy Blogiversary stunner!
Really sorry for your loss!
Love, Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/my-first-indo-western-look/