I would like to thank my friend Helen from Crispy Confessions for creating and nominating me for the Dazzling Blogger Award. If you don’t know Helen, she’s an amazing mom of two, and an incredibly talented blogger. She is not afraid to tackle topics that we all avoid, such as racism, stereotypes and so much more. She also offers stellar blogging tips for all of the bloggers looking to grow. So if you’re keen on some really good content, make sure to check out Crispy Confessions!
Now, let’s move on to the Dazzling Blogger Award:

The Official Rules for the Dazzling Blogger Award
- Thank the person who nominated you for The Dazzling Blogger Award.
- Link back to the original blog post.
- Answer the seven questions that they asked on their blog post.
- Make up seven new questions.
- Nominate seven more people for The Dazzling Blogger Award, who you think exemplifies excellent blogging skills.
The 7 Questions
What is one life lesson that you learned during the Covid-19 pandemic?
2020 was quite the year of personal growth, and yet it was also the year that I lost control of my life. How is that possible right? Well, that’s the thing… Everything about the year was unexpected, and it felt as though we were all learning to dodge bullets.
One thing in particular that I learnt last year was to let go of petty things.
If you have read my post on what frustrated me most about the pandemic, you may know that my husband, daughter, and I had just moved into a one-bedroom apartment. It wasn’t a train smash, but when you are locked up for five weeks with people, they are bound to irritate you at some point. Being in such a small space meant that we were always stepping on each other’s toes. Oh, and the place was also always messy… and I had no personal space. Needless to say, it took patience, and intention to make it through that period.
The secret? Focus on the bigger picture, because all petty things are irrelevant.
What was the catalyst for you wanting to start blogging?
I started my blog during the global pandemic because I needed a way to cope with a situation at work that left me broken. As most people can relate to, 2020 forced us to work through our emotions – mainly because we were stripped of our coping mechanisms.
When picking a niche, I initially thought of parenting so that my daughter could read it one day and get to know her mother from a different lens. Obviously, that didn’t last too long because ‘sharenting‘ just wasn’t for me.
What are seven things that you hope to accomplish within the next five years?
It’s a bit ambitious to even consider this, but I hope to eliminate my mortgage in the next five years. I also hope to grow my blog to the point that it is earning enough passive income to pay for my daughter’s monthly school fees. There’s no particular reason why it needs to go to that specifically, but it’s a number that I consider to be achievable.
What book or movie has been life-changing for you?
Harry Potter is probably the thing that helped me through a difficult time in life. Soon after my mom died, I moved to live with my dad who I had only ever spoken to on the phone. He also came as a package – with a wife and kids. It was quite a difficult transition, so stepping into a fantasy world with Harry felt absolutely amazing. Even though he was a fictional character, seeing that he found a whole new world to fit into made me think that maybe I just needed to find my own tribe.
What advice would you give to any new blogger?
My biggest tip would be to write about what you enjoy while keeping the reader in mind. I started my blog as somewhat of an online journal, and although there are people who liked reading such content, it didn’t quite add value. If you plan on monetising your blog at some point, make sure that your content adds value to the reader.
What are seven of your favorite things?
I change my mind like I change clothes, so this list might change tomorrow. Regardless, the things I can call my favourites right now are; my bed, travel coffee mug, car, laptop, phone, bathtub, and treadmill. Not in that order, of course, but these are the materialistic things that are making me happy right now.
In seven words or less, tell me what your blog is about.
Figuring out how to be an adult.
My 7 nominees for the Dazzling Blogger Award
- Chocoviv
- Beauty of Cafe
- Storytime with Shivani
- Bossy Babe
- Sanctuary of Greatness
- Adventures from Elle
- Above my Waves
The questions for my Dazzling Blogger Award nominees
- What is the first thing you do each morning?
- How long does it take for you to write a blog post, edit, and post it?
- What is the thing you fear the most in the blogging world?
- If your blog had an expiration date, what would it be? And why?
- How has your blog transitioned over its lifetime?
- Who is your blogging bestie? And why?
- If you were featured on the news, what would it be for?
Are you keen on joining in on the fun? Why not write your own post for the Dazzling Blogger Award!

Congratulations on being nominated Shelly!! Loved your answers to Helen’s questions ♥️
Thank you for sharing the 😊thoughts😊
Your welcome
Thanks Maya 🙂
Your welcome ❤️
Congratulations Shelly, you truly deserve this awards as you really are a Dazzling Blogger! Many more awards to come! 🖤🖤🖤
Thanks hun 🙂 You are very sweet!
Your most welcome! You are also sweet, we see people the way we are!
Congrats
Thanks Beth <3
Congrats on your nomination!! Very well deserved and great post!
love reading your answers ❤
And thanks for the nomination
deserved💖❣️🌷
I started my blog as a way to cope with things too. Well, it began as journaling, but I branched out 🙂. Congrats on your nomination Shelly!
I love these post. Congratulations on your nomination. It’s so exciting to be part of the inaugural class for a new blogging award. I’ll be sharing my response later this month.
“Figuring out how to be an adult.” I love it. I think we’re all figuring that out. LOL
Thanks Michelle 🙂 Congratulations on your nomination too! I can’t wait to read your answers.
And if you are still figuring out how to be an adult, I guess there is no answer to that problem! lol
Ha ha. It’s definitely a work in progress!
I love this✨”Figuring our how to be an adult” -best answer ever!
1 bed-room apartment -that must have hard in pandemic. I felt claustrophobic in my house after a bit -this pandemic has been quite something!
Hahah yeah it’s the truth though. I’m nearly thirty and feel like a teenager at heart 😛
Yes – a 1 bedroom apartment for a family of three was horrible! We even terminated our lease early and moved to my in-laws’ other house in another city because it was too much!
Thanks so much for the nom, Shelly! 🙂 It’s always nice to be recognized and congrats to you for being recognized in the same way! 🙂
I love that you’re always so willing to help other bloggers with questions they may have- your support has meant so much to my blogging journey. I also loved your vulnerability when you touched on the difficult transition from losing your mom to living with your dad- thank you for sharing!
I will be sure to link back to this post and the original on next Wednesday’s post! 🙂 Have a good one!
Awww thanks J, it’s so sweet of you! And you deserve the nomination for being such a Dazzling Blogger yourself 😘
Congratulations on your award sis
For the blogger advice : in making sure the blog adds values , I also think it’s very important.
Wjays the point of reading an article which doesn’t profit anything.
Congrats again on the Dazzling Award
You deserve it
Dazzling looks good one you! congrats Shelly💖
Thanks Cindy, you’re the best 🥰
Oh you’re most welcome… so are you!❣️
💖 I think In said this twice because it’s sooo true💖
loved your winning blog post. there’s always a special charm around these posts….keep up the spirit….
You dazzle with or without and award.
💖💖💖💖
Awwww! That’s so sweet of you!
tis true my friend💖
💖💖💖❤️❤️❤️🤗