2012, the year gone by

2012 seemed both long and short at the same time, filled with spectacular moments of joy and sadness - but mostly, I loved it. Better late than never, here's a recap of some of my highlights.

Clockwise from top left: A trip to Dublin - Going on an egg hunt - A blustery day in Brighton - Climbing to the top of Glastonbury Tor (which I hope to do again this year) - The Hobbs AW12 press day - The Boy's birthday - The Nelly launch party with my wonderful girls - My very first homemade trifle

Clockwise from top left: Anti-gravity yoga (the most hilarious form of exercise ever) - Drinks on the rooftops of London town - All things Jubilee - A sunny day in Richmond - Rollarcoasters with Zsa for The Boy's birthday - Canoeing with family and friends - A trip down the river - The work Jubilee lunch

Clockwise from top left: A gorgeous wedding in France - Ballgowns at the V&A - A fantastic family holiday - Seeing the Swans of Wells - Sunrise over the gardens - Picnics in the park - Olympic fever comes to London - Welcoming the Olympics with drinks and dancing...on a boat

 Clockwise from top left: Miss Kimber becomes Mrs Holloway - A sunny trip to Bicester - Another amazing wedding - The Shining in West Brompton Cemetary - The most amazing birthday cake ever - Bobby and Caroline tie the knot - Afternoon tea for my birthday - A disastrous (but hilarious) cocktail making class

Clockwise from top left: Running the Royal Parks Half Marathon - Sheep on Oxford Street for Wool Week - My last night with the Hobbs girls - Wells carnival - Christmas in Manchester- The gift I've waited all year for - Grandad's 90th birthday - The Boy and I, ready for our close up

Sorry for all the pictures but 2012 had so many magical moments it was hard to narrow it down to only a few!

2012, the year so far

January has been nothing short of magical. Sure, there were moments when the month seemed to be dragging on for all eternity and February would never come, but I wouldn't have missed a minute.

We welcomed in the new year just The Boy and I, a romantic evening of good food, fine wine, and unbelievably, dancing just us two. I'm so lucky, I swear sometimes it's like I live in a Disney movie, soppy I know.

I've spent most of the month being healthy and keeping active, basically trying to achieve my 16lbs in 16 weeks challenge (and as at least one trip this year will involve me being in a bikini, efforts must be doubled for February). So far I'm down 7lbs and am feeling pretty good about it. Plus, thanks to Weight Watchers, I'm still eating all the foods I love and treating myself at weekends to things like curry, or a Sunday roast and a glass of wine.

Exercise over the past few weeks has taken many forms. I have a new found love for power plate classes which, thanks to a groupon deal and an equally determined friend, I have five more sessions to look forward to this month. I have also started walking home from work in central London, which takes over an hour but lets me see sights I would miss if I were squashed on the tube. Like six herons resting in Hyde Park on a frosty winters evening (I know, I’m a geek). I’m looking forward to the lighter evenings when I’ll be doing my after work exercise in Hyde Park with my friends and then be able to walk home whilst the suns still out.

Last weekend was by far the best so far this year, fun but chilled with some of my favourite people. Work has been pretty stressful over the past few weeks so it was nice when both myself, Zsa and the branch merch teams hard work was recognised, and rewarded with a bottle of champagne from the head of merchandising. We of course cracked this open on our girls night in on Friday with Kirsty. Kebabs (seriously, not just any Kebab, THE kebab, if you're in west London check out Best Mangal, they rock), champers, my girls, and a spot of Friday night gossiping, believe me, it was bliss.

Saturday was pretty mellow, beginning with a girls trip to the market to stock up on fruit and veg, checking out some charity shops on the way. Then I met up with Amy and headed to a Hobbs sample sale (that’s right ANOTHER one) where I picked up a great NW3 dress which I’ve wanted for ages, getting round the no-shopping pledge by using the sample sale rule. We finished the evening off as the snow was starting to fall in a lovely Vietnamese restaurant in Chiswick and then on to an amazing pub called the Hampshire Hog, where it was Disaronno’s all round, good times. So far, I feel like I’m managing to stick to my resolutions for 2012 and am feeling pretty happy about it. I’m definitely living a more healthy life and am devoting more time to the people I care about, whilst making some additional cash on eBay along the way. I’m continuing with my scrapbooking, writing and sewing and soon I’ll be a student again (lord help me) so that’ll definitely get my creative juices flowing. If I’m honest, I can’t wait. Bring on the next few weeks.

New Year, New Start

So, Christmas has been and gone and it's time to start turning our attention to 2012 and what the year ahead has in store. This Christmas The Boy and I seemed to receive more than our fair share of presents and I fear on our return to the flat we will struggle slightly for space. No need to worry though, additional clutter will only spur me on with the spring cleaning. For some reason I spend pretty much the last four months of the year obsessing over creating the perfect Christmas that by the time it gets to boxing day I'm ready to take down the decorations and make a fresh start. This year I have big plans, not only for a general clear up of our living space but life in general:

1. Making my bulging wardrobe work for me - I love fashion, which can be seen by the sheer volume of garments, accessories and footwear in almost every accessible area of the flat. Yet I still seem to find that without careful consideration the night before, 6.30am will often see me staring vacantly into the wardrobe uttering the immortal words "I have nothing to wear". The invention of blogging has given me endless inspiration for putting together ensembles yet I often end up reaching for the same old tried and tested outfits. In 2012 I want this all to change. I want to spend less on frivolous fast fashion and make the clothes I have work harder for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting some sort of ridiculous ban on shopping for a year but do expect me to be reworking some old ensembles rather than heading straight to the high street - expect photographic evidence of my attempts to become more of a fashionista in the new year!

2. Get back to crafting - those who read this blog regularly will know that I get inspiration from a variety of places in addition to the world of fashion. I love to draw, knit, sew, paint and just generally craft, these are things that thanks to the nurturing of my mother, I've done all my life, yet seem to have little time for these days. So, with a new sketchbook and endless half started projects in my craft box, 2012 will be the year that I get back to doing some of the things that I truly love to do.

3. Learn to say No - 2011 has been a busy year for The Boy and I with a seemingly endless array of events and obligations taking up the time we should be spending together. Sure, I love celebrating special events in the lives of both our friends and families, but when you get that sinking feeling before you leave to go somewhere with your head basically telling you that you'd be better off staying on the sofa; something isn't right. Sometimes I know it's just me, but ultimately I just want to consider what I do with my free time, and who I spend it with.

4. Choose my friends wisely - a friend is someone who is there for you, no matter what. Who you can go for months or even years without seeing and when you meet up everything is the same. Truly great friends can even be people who you speak to only online, who you knew in the past but have reconnected with over a shared passion. Friends take you as you are, understand and are non-judgemental. Who, when you say you can't afford to do something, actually listen and offer up other solutions. I went for years feeling that I wasn't good enough for certain people, now I see that ultimately they weren't good enough for me, and I now choose my friends wisely. I have learnt over time that it is important to be selective of the people you choose to have in your life as some will simply take and give nothing in return. In 2012 I want to spend more time with the people who make me happy, you know who you are.

5. Save vs. Spend - the end of 2011 has seen vast amounts of cash disappear from my bank account (I like to give) meaning I will need to be frugal as we enter 2012. Equally, 2011 saw the beginnings of a house deposit being squirrelled away here and there and 2012 will be the year in which this grows, by as many methods possible. The L&F eBay shop should be back up and running within the week (watch this space) and spring looks set to be car boot central as I head down south to get rid of the last of my old junk at the family home and help raise a bit of extra cash. Already the queen on the coupon I will be using as many as possible to full effect in the new year to help with the budget in the L&F household for the many weddings and holidays we already have in the diary.

Ultimately, I want to spend 2012 living healthily and happily, surrounded by the ones I love – all the best to all of you for a wonderful fashion filled 2012!