Hello January 2025
The month that was all wrapped up in one place
{If you’re new here, this is the monthly round-up email I send out to my OG blog subscribers. I send out this format every month - with some bonus Substack posts in between - and I include some offers and ideas from my sponsors. Your support of the work I do with my sponsors helps to keep my newsletters free to you, so thank you!}
I’m coming to you from Houston in the US where I’ve swapped my summer staycation uniform of swimsuits and cover ups for thermals and puffer jackets. Sadly, I’m not here on “vacation”. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, my sister-in-law had been fighting pancreatic cancer for almost two years. Adrena passed away on New Year’s Day and I’ve come over to spend time with my brother. I know some people reading this will have been in his position, losing the love of your life and feeling incredibly lost, wondering how you rebuild a life without your person. My heart breaks for him and I wish I were here under different circumstances, talking and chatting with my sister-in-law who was just one of the world’s kindest and positive souls. Instead, there has been lots of “d and ms” with my brother - we’ve laughed, we’ve cried and we’ve reminisced on everything from our unconventional childhood through to beautiful memories of Adrena.
Among the washing machine of emotions that is grief, there are always moments of joy to be noticed and embraced. Experiencing a rare “Snow Day” in Houston yesterday was one of those moments. When I say rare, it hadn’t snowed here for four years and it hadn’t snowed to this degree since 1973. The whole city shut down - no school, no shops open, no flights in or out, no pubic transport - because unlike places where snow is common place there is not the infrastructure in place here to deal with snow and ice on the roads. Because most people were home, parents were out on the street with kids building snowmen, teenagers were using boogie boards as sleds and neighbours left the warmth of their homes to talk to each other, everyone seemingly uplifted by this brief gift from mother nature. It brought the biggest smile to my face.
Nikki
xoxo
PS. It was a bit of a hasty pack to come over here but I used my tried and true packing guide and so far have nailed it - snow-proof gear included. I will be sharing what I packed to wear here - stay tuned, particularly if you’re travelling to the northern hemisphere in the winter and early spring months.
PPS. Thanks Feedspot for including me in your global list of Top 60 Fashion Influencers over 50 in 2025 - I’m in very good company!
Join me on the mat? This $20 challenge starts Saturday!
The Merrymaker Sister’s 25 Day Mind Body Boost challenge really is a no-brainer if you’re looking to try the MerryBody mind-body exercise method that has been the single biggest self gift I’ve given my peri and now menopausal body. Click below to watch the video.
For $20 you can try the Yoga, Yin Yoga (my FAVE), Pilates, Barre and Fusion classes to see if it’s right for you. Personally, I’m going to use this challenge to get my daily meditation habit on track. If that’s all you do too, you’ll have made a huge difference to your mind over the 25 days.
FIND OUT MORE HERE (it’s not too late to join!)
(sponsored)
Does your activewear drawer need an audit?
Is your activewear drawer in need of an edit and declutter? I’ve just ticked that box and found and filled two personal gaps at lululemon:
1. A bike short alternative for the peak of Brisbane’s hot, humid summer
2. Cool weather pieces for an upcoming trip
Click below to watch the video. I’ve shared exact products and sizing info in my LTK Shop - CLICK HERE
(sponsored)
Still looking for the perfect swimsuit? (save 20% with my code)
Sunseeker is one of Australia’s iconic swimwear brands and it’s knocking it out of the park with its luxury, sustainable designs. I’ve featured four different one pieces here (with just a small taste of Sunseeker’s resort wear offering) as it’s what I most get asked about.
Click below to watch the video. I’m wearing size 14 in all swimsuits and size M in resort wear. Can you guess my fave swimsuit?
SHOP HERE (use code NP20 for a further 20% off site-wide)
(sponsored)
Want more outfit inspiration?
Click the image below or HERE to follow me on LTK and find links to many of the beauty and fashion recommendations I feature.
It’s wonderful that you can be with your brother at such a heartbreaking time. Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition. You’ve been a terrific fashion influencer for a long time. But you’re also an excellent writer. Your sentence about the washing machine of grief brought tears to my eyes. It’s such a perfect analogy. Some fun in the snow is very deserved x
I am glad that you are there with your brother at this devastatingly sad time. Yay for timing it for an arctic blast - I love snow, it’s such a novelty for this Australian!