Easter is upon us already. It is a great time to catch up with family and friends and take a break from work after the long winter months. Our weather here in Ireland is forecast to improve which is great as we have had miserable weather. I have finished my flower arranging course now so will miss it. Below are some images of the flowers I have in my home at the moment. I have lots as they last so long when I keep them in my entrance hallway as it is much cooler than the kitchen, dining or living room. I loved the flower arranging course and perhaps I might even enroll on another one. I am longing for some sunshine to get out and about and do work in my garden. First thing I need to do is paint the garden fence. I also want to set flowers but it is still a little early for that as the nights are quite cold. Have you any nice plans for Easter?

Today I got some exciting news when I was notified by a friend that my blog was shortlisted for the Blog Awards Ireland 2014 Best Personal Blog. I am really delighted that someone has recognized my blog and thought it worthy enough of being shortlisted. I have been blogging since 2009 and since then have seen many bloggers come and go. I have seen blogs develop, re-design and more and more commercial blogs emerging. Twitter, Instagram and Bloglovin were not around back then as far I was aware. I didn't even know what a blog was, until one day I was reading a UK interior design magazine and came across a few recommendations for blogs to visit. I was curious to see what a blog was and from then I set out on my own blogging journey. A lot of things have happened in my life since then, I have changed job twice, built a new home in the country and even got myself a husband.

At the beginning I wasn't sure what to blog about, I didn't have a digital camera and hadn't a clue how to follow other blogs. Over time I found my niche and what I love most- All things nice from my everyday country life.... I am a true home bird and love nothing more than life in the Irish countryside and I hope that my blog reflects my love of all things country.

I won a place on Holly Becker's Blogging Your Way e-course earlier this year and this really helped me to re-design and update my blog, so I must thank Holly from Decor8. Her blog was one of the first I saw and to this day, it is still my inspiration. I know my blog is still not perfect but I try to make it as professional as I can with what I learn online from other bloggers and you tube.

Through my blog IKEA also contacted me to feature my home on their IKEA Live Magazine, I was really delighted with this as I love interior design and was very proud that they wanted to feature my new home on their online magazine.

Blogging has allowed me to network with other bloggers from all over the world, make new online friends and share my life in rural Ireland with everyone who wishes to read along. The Blog Awards is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the wealth and diversity of blogs from Ireland and the Irish all across the world. There are some amazing blogs on the shortlist and to all of those that have made the shortlist in the Blog Awards I wish you well.  And finally to those that visit my blog, comment or follow along thank you for taking the time and interest in All things nice...

Some images of my new home below. We are still waiting to get the electricity connected but apart from that we can start to move in. We are really looking forward to it. I have been designing my wedding invitations tonight too :) I think they are looking nice too, if I must say so myself.

Canopy and tiles in the kitchen

 New wood beam in place. I am picking wallpaper for the two side walls, rather than paint the walls different colours. 

New stairs in place, there are men varnishing them this week, they are almost finished. We haven't decided if we are going to put carpet up the middle yet.

Doors varnished, the glass is ready to be installed this week. 

Things are progressing so quick. I have so many things to do this week, the list is getting longer day by day. 

Here is a wee blog button I created using Picnik, it is an image of an angel I sketched. I hope you all like it and please feel free to add it to your blog :-) I wasn't sure if I really liked it as you cannot see the wings??!? What do you think? Give it a try yourself it's fun.