* Warning; This post contains affiliate links. For more information see Disclaimer.
As you may know, I skipped last month’s monthly review for a number of reasons including the death of my Grandmother. Therefore, you can expect to find a brief monthly review for June incorporated within this post.
Monthly review for June & July; Life in General.
My life has been all over the place. In May I lost my grandfather to terminal cancer, and then on the 25th of June, I lost my grandmother. That’s two very traumatic and life-changing losses in the space of exactly 6 weeks.
I didn’t want last month’s monthly review to be focusing on negatives, so I forewent it for a simple Yoga post instead. At the time I wouldn’t have been able to be as hopeful as I am now, and although this is me censoring my real self, I also don’t want to get into the habit of becoming negative for the sake of transparency.
Am I struggling? Yes. Am I coping? Also, yes. I’m actually coming to terms with it all rather well, choosing to fill myself with positives rather than negatives. It’s not always easy to continue with good thoughts when your life is seemingly falling apart, but by God I’m trying.
I’ve thrown myself into working on the blog, searching for a part-time job I can fit around my treatment and I’ve even taken some much needed time to just sit back and play Minecraft.
Patreon Updates;
One of the many changes I have been working on is my Patreon. For those of you who don’t know, a Patreon is a support system where creators can receive donations from others in exchange for content. I used my Ko-Fi account for some time before deciding on Patreon because I simply didn’t know what I had to offer the world other than writing.
I plan on using my writing as a reward at some point, however, for now, I am working on my very first podcast show! “Let’s Talk About It” is a Patreon only podcast starting on September 2nd.
“I’m starting a Patreon only podcast wherein I discuss a range of topics. Each podcast will be around 15-20 minutes which is perfect for a lunch break!
I’m currently collecting some questions I’ve been sent in the past, and writing up some episodes. At the moment I plan to release them twice a month, and have them available on more commonly used mobile apps so you can listen on the go.”
It’s still under discussion if these podcasts will make it into the public domain. I may opt to release them next year, giving Patreons 5 months of early access, however, the point of offering extras for Patreons is to raise funds in order to support the blog. So, as much as I want the world to have a listen, I also want to be able to support myself.
Patreons are also able to receive early access to the 10 Days of Recovery workbook and have an interactive digital copy or a printer-friendly copy to choose from.
The workbook will be available to all newsletter subscribers on September 8th.
Available now only on Patreon.
Favourites;
AD// CBD Products;
Anyone on my socials will have noticed that I’m a big lover and promoter of CBD products for aches, pains, and mental health issues. I’ve tried various CBD companies and products, so when contacted by Provacan I jumped at the chance to help them out.
My aim is always to be honest on this blog, and I only work with brands I’ve used myself and fully endorse. Provacan is one of those brands.
I’m currently using their CBD oil and CBD balm. The oil I’m familiar with and use 3 times daily. However, I’d never used the blam before and was slightly wary as to what to do with it. Turns out it’s for your skin!
You can support Provacan by checking out the pin below. For an extra 15% off use the code NYXIE at the checkout. Even if you don’t make a purchase, you can still help promote and support me by re-pinning to relevant boards.
You can re-pin by clicking the image below.




Bob & Berts;




This month Ryan has been making an effort to get me out of the house more often and away from my work. I hated it but also loved it because it gave me time to decompress.
There’s nowhere Ryan would rather eat (other than his own cafe and Dominos Pizza) than Bob & Bert’s in Lisburn. It became an almost weekly thing when my anxiety wasn’t getting in the way.
Bob & Bert’s is an artisan coffee house situated in a number of locations around Northern Ireland and Scotland. They serve a variety of foods ranging from an all-day breakfast menu, salads, sandwiches, and burgers, to desserts such as cake, scones and tray bakes.
Sometimes we make the trek into town just to visit there! The staff are amazingly friendly and the place could be in better nick. Not to mention the coffee!
My partner is a coffee addict. He works with coffee, makes artistic coffees, loves all the fancy coffees you can get and drinks far too much of it. So, needless to say, he knows good coffee and is quick to call it out if it’s not up to his standards. Luckily Bob & Bert’s is one of the few places we go where the coffee is always on point.
If you live near a Bob & Bert’s either in Northern Ireland or Scotland, be sure to pay them a visit.




Next month:
In August we have two guest posts coming up. These will be the first of many more to come this year, and I’m hoping next yeat.
The first is from the lovely That Autistic Fit Chick. Over on her blog, she discusses a variety of things including diet culture, fitness, recipes for healthy living and living with autism.




The second guest post is from A New Dawn Podcast. A New Dawn Podcast discusses everything mental health and wellbeing. As you can guess they have a podcast which you can find either on their blog or on Itunes.


I’ll also be continuing to add designs to my new merchandise line which will be launching in September! Be sure to check back for August’s monthly review to find out more about my upcoming projects.
Thank you all so much for your continuous support both with your engagement, and donations. It means so much to me to be able to bring you great content on a weekly basis, engage with you all and start the conversation around mental health.








Great to find a coffee your coffee loving partner enjoys with you. The podcasts will be worth the effort and very fulfilling , good read thank you
Thank you very much for stopping by 😀 I can’t wait for the podcasts to air in September!
Nyxie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandparents. That has to be challenging. A podcast from you would be awesome to hear. Sometimes as I read posts, I imagine the voice of the author. I’m sure yours is completely different than what’s in my mind lol.
Thank you so much for your kind comment and condolences. It hasn’t been easy, and I find myself struggling every day with the loss. I can’t wait for the podcast to air and I hope it’s as much a hit as I hope they’ll be!
Thanks for sharing!
Great things are coming for you in the near future so best of luck!
Thanks For Sharing!!
Sorry to hear about your grandmother. Loved your point about coping and struggling at the same time. Will take a closer look at your reviews too especially the podcast, many thanks
First of all, I am so sorry about the death of your grandparents. Such a sad life event. On the positive side, it had been fun for me to watch your blog grow this past few month. And podcasting is a fantastic idea. I listen to at least one every day. It’s a way to learn while on the go, as I have a hard time sitting still for too long. Good luck with your plans.
Thank you so much for both your kind words and your condolences, they mean a lot. 🙂
So sorry to hear about your grandparents. To lose them both in such a short space of time is so unfair too. It sounds like you’ve coped amazingly well and well done for taking some time off. It’s so important in situations like that even if you don’t think you need it. It sounds like you’ve got some fab things lined up and I can’t wait to read all about them and to give your podcast a listen! Best of luck with it!
Thank you very much pet. I really appreciate this wonderful comment 🙂
You are very welcome 🙂
That’s so cool that you’re starting a podcast soon. I love podcasts and I’m looking forward to hearing yours. Best of luck with that!
Thank you very much 😀 I can’t wait for it to air.
Lovely post. I would so love to visit Scotland and Ireland.
It is beautiful when it’s not raining and blustery!
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandparents. It is so cruel to lose them both so close together. It is important to have something to focus on though and I was only thinking the other day reading one of your posts how much I liked your blog.
Remember it is not negativity to grieve, it is an important process.
Wishing you the very best!
Thank you very much for your kind words. Grieving, I have learned, is a very important part of life.
So sorry, to hear about your grandmother. Besides that unfortunate situation, I’m thrilled to listen to your new podcast and to see what your next projects will be. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much for stopping by.
So sorry for the loss of your grandparents. I’m happy to hear you’ve got out and about though and Bob&Berts looks so cute. Excited to see your future plans.
Cara
http://www.caratigerlilli.com
It’s been a challenging couple of months but glad to see you smiling and thriving through it all
What a challenging few months its been. It’s hard enough losing one person, let alone 2 in such a short space of time. However you’re coping, you’re doing brilliantly x
Thank you so much, Jenny. This means a lot to me. Some days are easier than others, but getting up every morning and working hard for what I want to achieve helps immensely.
Would like to know how the Patreon project will perform, it seems interesting! keep us updated!
I’ll definitely keep you all posted on that when it airs! I’m hoping it’ll do well and will provide an extra bit of income for me.
I do hope you will get through this and come out stronger on the other side. I wish you the very best.
Thank you so much Chantal. That’s so kind of you x
Seems like you have it all together with so much planned. I barely even know what my next post will be about!
I couldn’t cope like that! I need to have a plan set out for everything, and because my life plan has gone down the toilet, I have to focus that energy somewhere else.
You had a busy couple months, but I am so happy to see you growing and expanding your content because you DO have so much to offer! Congratulations on taking those steps.
Thank you so much Britt. You’re so kind and encouraging. Thank God there are people like you in the world, or I’d be lost! xx
So sorry to hear of your losses! It sounds like you have some amazing things in place as well – great job on keep on going despite some heartbreaking setbacks!
Thank you. It’s been hard, and there are hard days, but I’m getting there.
Sorry to hear about your loss and it’s wonderful to see how you are coping, looking forward to hear your new podcast!
Thank you 🙂 It’ll be released in September as Patreon only, however, I’m contemplating releasing the episodes next year to everyone else. It will depend on how it goes.
Great post! I am so sorry for your recent losses, and hope that the next few months are also full of healing. Sending warmth your way!
Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂
I’ve never heard of a Patreon. I’ll definitely be looking into it more. Thanks for introducing the concept.
Thank you very much for stopping by and reading 🙂
I am so sorry to hear about the losses in your life. I had been curious about Patreon and will have to check it out, it sounds like an interesting concept.
Thank you for your condolences. I just thought patreon was a good way to go because it would not only help support me a bit more, but also gives me a chance to try out other things I may enjoy and be good at. The podcast has certainly turned into one of those things.
My condolences. It’s never easy loosing someone you love.
On a more positive note: you starting a podcast for Patreons is such a good idea. I know what you mean that it could be nice if it was available for everyone but I quite like that people who are supporting you and what you do have a little extra. It’s like a special secret society but in a good way. It can make people who have a difficult time feel like they’re a part of something special. I hope your podcast will be a success because your writing is so good! Keep up the good work.
Thank you so, so much. This means so much to me. I’m hoping the Podcast is a success too because it would mean me continuing to do something I love, that is helping me mentally, emotionally and physically, and no longer feel like an utter failure. x
Sorry for your losses. But this is a really good and thoughtful post. Keep writing x
I’m so sorry to hear about your losses. I understand what it is like to have multiple stressful events happen within a short time span. I’m glad you are coping and I wish you the best.
Thank you very much for your condolences, and for your kind words. I appreciate you stopping by 🙂
I am so sorry for your losses. I understand all to well how that can be and I am glad you found ways to cope on the positive side. I am excited for you and your podcast and wish you all positive vibes from here.
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your loved ones. It is important to take the time you need to recuperate. It is great that you are into Patreon now. I’ve heard so much about using CBD products. I didn’t know it is that effective. I need to check it out. Hope you’ll have a great and blessed August!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Sorry for your losses. I lost my grandfather and it was awful – I couldn’t imagine losing my grandmother too. You’ve coped so well.
It looks like you’ve got loads of new, exciting things on your blog! The podcast sounds like it will be really successful:)
Best of luck for August!
George – Britvoyage.com
Wonderful post. I’m sorry to hear of your grandfather. X
Thank you x
Thank you so much for your condolences is. I’m coping as best I can in a bad situation. 🙂
Looking forward to your posts in august! You always choose great topics. Sounds like you have been a busy bee
Thank you! I’m glad to say I almost have September and October done too!
I am so glad to hear that you are coping with the loss of your family members, Chloe! I’ve been sending lots of hugs and good thoughts your way, because I knew it was going to be rough for you. Like you, I’ve been trying to make it a point to get out more lately. It is so easy to shut myself in my office and bury myself in work and blog posts. Sounds like you and I have a lot in common! I’m excited to hear about your podcast, and I will be listening to it!
Thank you so much pet for stopping by. It hasn’t been easy to cope with, as I’m sure you are more than aware. Grief is a weird thing. Some day’s it’s here in full force and others it’s not. But we get through because there is nothing else for it. x
I’m sorry for your losses!
Thank you.
I am so sorry for your losses! Looking forward to seeing more of your posts x
Thank you x