Inside Melly's Mind

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Pinterest UK training, run by the fabulous Elizabeth ( Rosalilium ). Followed by cocktails and nibbles... The training itself took place at Work + Play at Malmaison. We had half an hour or so to mingle and grab coffee, then sat down for the talk.  I think it was over an hour long but I was so engrossed in what Elizabeth was saying, the time flew by. Did you know that... - Pinterest is not a social media platform but a catalogue of ideas? - 75% of all content is generated by businesses and blogs? - no other platform has a more receptive audience than Pinterest? - hashtags don't work on Pinterest? I've come away from the training with a whole list of things to do, to improve myself as a pinner. I'm very excited, especially as I've been hearing about how other bloggers have used Pinterest as an element of their blog strategy and how that's worked for them. Goodies! Thank you, Pinterest UK. I also

Hey there! It has been a ridiculously long time since I posted an outfit, so here's a look that I wore recently. This year, I want to make an effort to share more of what I wear because sometimes, I look alright, you know? Part of the reason that I don't share my outfits is because I'm not a big time fashion blogger. Well, that's not going to stop me. Prepare to delve inside my wardrobe a little more. One item that I can't get enough of this summer is an  off-shoulder top . I've never been a fan of the colour orange on me but I love this burnt shade. I styled this one in particular with a pair of supersoft  black skinny jeans . The boots I'm wearing are a recent favourite. I love this tobacco colour. Can you believe they were only £5? Thank you, Primark.  This stunning  tan tote bag  was a gift from my gorgeous friend Kim, for helping to organise her baby shower. I love it so much! I am obsessed with large bags. I especiall

I had a great time on Saturday, mingling with some other bloggers and getting inspired. I've been making a conscious effort in 2016 to go to more blogger events and be more involved in the blogosphere in general. I feel like I could do better but it's going well, so far. When I saw that the Big Bloggers Meet Up was happening, I made a mental note to go along to it. June came round so quickly that I almost forgot. Anyway, a mere £5.50 later, I was booked in and ready to get the train the next day. We arrived Stirlings Bar, in St Paul's Square just about on time. I invited my cousin Naomi along, as she's about to launch into the blogosphere too. I figured it would be good for her to network and she loved it. The first talk was from super lovely Jem, founder of Iced Jems . She talked about how her brand grew and what she did to get to where she is now. She owns a lovely baking shop in Stourbridge, not too far from me, so I'll be popping in some time. I

This is the second in my Blog Every Day in May challenge. Today, I'm musing on encouragement. Last week, I felt totally rubbish. Have you ever felt a little bit naff but can't quite put your finger on why? Well, that was me, for about a week or so. It was awful. I think that those moments happen to all of us and no matter how long it lasts, you are allowed to feel your feelings. Try not to wallow for too long. One thing that I try to make a habit of doing is encouraging people. Whether you'll admit it or not, everyone likes to be encouraged. Sometimes it comes in the form of praise for something you've done; "great job." Other times, it will come in the form of a gentle nudge; "you can do it. Keep going." Either way, you can't deny that it feels really good. You know what? Making someone feel good can actually make your day too. Over the past few days, I've gone out of my way to encourage a couple of blogger friends. That's n

It's been a while since I did a 'facts about me' sort of post, so I thought this would be a good idea for a little catch up.  1. I was born on Groundhog Day - which means absolutely nothing in England but it is the name of a pretty popular film. I for one would love to wake up in the same day over and over, because I'd always wake up to cards and presents.  2. I love many many genres of music but most people won't know that I love country music. My grandparents used to play it and I think that's where it started.  3. The last concert I went to was Duran Duran (with Seal as their special guest and The Bloom Twins as their support act) at the O2 Arena, last December.  From my shoot with Yasmin Qureshi 4. I wanted to be a teacher, up until the age of about 18, when I realised that I didn't enjoy teaching very much. I used to make lesson plans and teach my teddies.  5. My first ever job was in Clintons.  6. I like candles but rarely bu

What's made you happy recently? This is what's put a smile on my face, the past few weeks... Encouragement from other bloggers I had a lovely Twitter exchange with Rebecca Morgan recently and it genuinely made my day. I don't think I will ever get over the fact that people actually read and enjoy my blog. She writes over at Lawyer in the Making . New clients  The freelance hustle is no joke. It's always nice when a new client comes on board and it's nothing that I ever take for granted - no matter how much work comes in. I signed up a new social media client this month and I'm excited to be doing work with them. I took some photos for their social media this week. Publishing two blog posts in one day  A real achievement for me, as it's something I've struggled with on here in the past. Procrastination is not going to get the better of me this year. I am determined. Time with my best friend  Isn't there something wonderful about a

This is probably the most difficult blog post I've ever written and I still don't want to believe it's true. I was standing in New Look, trying on a skirt, when I read that Prince had passed away. I was confused at first and thought it may have been a hoax. As soon as I saw it confirmed by the Associated Press, I knew it was true. From that moment, I haven't really felt the same. I managed to more or less hold it together, whilst we finished our shopping. It hadn't sunk in yet. I posted a picture on Instagram but managed to avoid most of the tributes online. When I pulled up at home, 'Sometimes It Snows in April' (from the Parade album) came on the radio. I listened to it in its entirety and then sobbed. When I got inside, I cried some more. I always knew that this day would come but it really does feel as though the world is in mourning and I never thought that it would be so soon. I've certainly never had such a heavy heart, over the death of a