10 questions with: The Mammy Blogger
Hi Niamh, welcome to Liffey Valley Style HQ! Thank you for taking the time to talk to us.
Let’s begin…
1. What is your best childhood memory?
Wow, that’s a really tough one. I had a very happy childhood so it’s hard to single out one memory. We had a holiday home in Brittas Bay when I was very small and we’d go there with our cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and have the most amazing time. BBQs out on the grass, bunk beds, bike rides, dusk walks on the beach and coming home to hot chocolate afterwards-Bliss!
2. What’s your favourite thing about being a Mum?
Becoming a mum has completely changed my life. Up until my son arrived in December 2016, I’d never changed a nappy, made a bottle, put on a onesie or even held a baby for more than 5 minutes without it unleashing what I like to call ‘the death roar.’ It’s transformed me as a person and given me a whole new set of priorities. 11 months in, and I’m starting to like the new person I’m becoming and that’s all down to my son.
He’s just such a happy little dude. I adore spending time with him, listening to his laugh, holding him in my arms, playing with him, watching him explore the world and soothing him when he needs it. I love everything about him. I literally want to eat his chubby cheeks and when he snuggles into me for a hug, I am complete putty in his hands!
3. What advice would you give to our Mummy followers?
I started www.themammyblog.ie to help other first time mums, to let them know they aren’t alone in sometimes feeling overwhelmed and that it’s okay to pine for your old life too. You shouldn’t be expected to become an amazing mum overnight- It takes time. Sometimes you won’t bond with your baby the instant he or she is thrust onto your chest after labour, and that is totally normal too. It does not mean you are a bad mum. Be kind to yourself and know you are doing your best… the first three months can be particularly tough so don’t be afraid to reach out for help, but know that it does get better… And if I can do it, you definitely can.
4. What achievement are you most proud of?
Erm… the soppy part of me wants to say giving birth to my son! And that’s partly true, but I think being shortlisted for an Eircom Golden Spider for Best Digital Editor in 2010 was a great achievement. The media landscape was completely different back then and I had just launched Beautycouture.ie in late 2009 and got shortlisted in my first year. It was before the online world really exploded and I was up against the likes of heavy hitters such as RTE.ie! I was a one-woman show, so it was both a huge complement and a massive mismatch – sort of David and Goliath situation. I didn’t take the gong but it was a nice string to add to my bow. Also as nerdy as it sounds getting a first class honours in both my BA and MA is something I’m personally very proud of.
5. What was the last picture you took on your phone? Can you show us?
These days my phone is full of pictures of my son and or dog! And the last pic I took on my phone was of course of them both checking out the pumpkin before I carved it.
6. You blog about your life and style, do you like shopping and where is your favourite place to shop?
I adore shopping, but it has certainly changed for me since becoming a mum. Now I’ve got to take the pram into consideration and it’s amazing how many stores just don’t cater for them. I find shopping centres like Liffey Valley really good for this though; I can easily stroll in and out of the stores without the stress and bustle of town.
I adore New Look and H&M, I think in terms of high street shops they are right up there for both quality and style. I’ve pieces from both stores that have stood the test of time and both excel across fashion, shoes and accessories. Of course, I have to always say Penney’s… that place is heavenly! What can’t you buy in there?
7. What is your guilty pleasure?
Wine! After a long week, I really look forward to a cold glass of wine and I’m completely unapologetic about that. It’s my weekend treat.
8. What is your pet peeve?
Rude people. There is just no need to be rude. Saying please and thank you doesn’t cost anything, but means a heck of a lot. And if you don’t have something nice to say, then say nothing.
9. Where do you see yourself in 10 years-time?
I’ll be over the big 4-0 hill! So I am a bit freaked out about that! In all seriousness though, I would hope to have fulfilled my lifelong ambition to become a best-selling author and maybe have more children.
10. Do you have any nicknames (beside The Mammy Blogger!)?
I’m not big on nicknames for me, Niamhie is a bit of a nickname, but mama, mammy or mummy looks like they are set to become my names for the foreseeable future!
