2013 was a fabulous year, full of firsts, adventures and amazing experiences. Here's a round up of some of my favourite moments from the past twelve months.
2013: Spring
To me, the new year always means days out and nights in as the weather is so cold. The Boy and I spent a white weekend in snowy London town, an evening at the theatre (seeing Wicked, finally) and Zsa stayed over for food, films and a bit of a gossip.
In March we headed to New York as a family and, although it was absolutely freezing we had a marvelous time exploring the city. I took Mum to a spa, The Boy and I tried out an amazing restaurant and we all got to walk the High Line. It was the trip of a lifetime and one we'll never forget.
I particularly loved the graffti that had sprung up on the storm damaged Brooklyn Bridge.
2013: Summer We spent a week in the Summer visiting various friends all over the country - and I spent a week cooing over a selection of babies and children. Even The Boy came away feeling broody.
On returning to London we whiled away the Summer months doing what we do best: eating and exploring the city. We had my good friend Kat and her son Leo to stay which allowed The Boy to revert back to his childhood, and spend some sunny days playing in the garden with lego and various Poundland remote controlled aircraft. Which was perfect as it meant Kat and I could spend some time laying in the sun.
We checked out Feast with Zsa Zsa and Ben which, although it was delicious, was far too hot for me.
I took Mum to Fortnum and Mason for Afternoon Tea one day in the summer which was amazing and a real treat.
In August Kimmy and I went to Secret Cinema's screening of Dirty Dancing and it was amazing. A great afternoon/evening with great company in the sunshine, you really can't beat it.
2013: AutumnWith Autumn came my thirtieth birthday and with it many a celebration. It all kicked off with birthday drinks in Hammersmith but also included a weekend break to Paris and a trip to Derbyshire with Ma and Pa. It was a wonderful few weeks spend with my absolute favourite people.
In October I ran my second half marathon, the Royal Parks Half in London. It was more of a struggle than last year as it was so hot but I still loved every minute and am considering running it again next year.
2013: Winter The colder months brought with them lots of gatherings and festivities with friends and family as Christmas got ever closer.
We spent a weekend in Manchester with Sarah and Ryan exploring the Christmas Markets (and basically eating as much as we could), had a big family dinner at Duncans, and Christmas party season kicked off with a bang, it was a great final few weeks of 2013. And of course the year ended with a proposal, but there will be more on that later.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still no runner but my fitness levels have vastly improved and I'm planning on continuing with a few runs every week. I'm even thinking of signing up to run again next year - it's that addictive! - even though I swore on Sunday that this years half would be my last.
I was let down slightly by the weather (it was just too hot for me) and ended up finishing ten minutes slower than last year but to be honest, I'm just pleased I finished and didn't succumb to heat stroke, unlike so many of my fellow runners.
That's me (below), hobbling towards the finish line.
Congratulations to all my fellow runners - see you again next year!
To find out more about the Royal Parks Half Marathon visit their website here.
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!
So, on
Sunday I did something miraculous, terrifying and truly out of character: I ran
the Royal Parks Half Marathon. And most astonishing of all, I actually enjoyed
it. Immensely.
All week I
was in a state of utter terror and disbelief that it had come around so fast
and, even though I'd been training like a maniac for the past few months, was
sure I hadn't done enough. Being far from what you would call a natural runner
(or so I thought) I was certain I would be at the back, probably walking most
of the way, but it turns out I was wildly underestimating my own capabilities.
Having
signed up to take part with someone I used to know (who later quit), I found myself
solitary on the start line with nothing but an excellent playlist and 12,499
other runners for company. I have to say, I really enjoyed running alone as it
allowed me to find my own pace and, quite literally, run with it.
Clockwise from top left: Keep on running - The Royal wave - Mum can't quite believe it! - Terrified but hiding it well
Family and
friends had come out to support me but the crowd in general were so fantastic
that I felt like Mo Farrah as I ran round the route to the sound of applause
and shouts of encouragement.
I love to
make my mum and dad proud but there's nothing I love more than surprising them.
Particularly my dad, who I think had envisioned me strolling along at the back
reading a magazine and eating a cream cake. The joy that I felt as they saw me
for the first time as I ran around the corner at Westminster Bridge was second
to none, and really spurred me on.
Clockwise from top left: Keep on running - Sightseeing on the way - Still smiling - London landmarks
Monday
even saw me register my interest to take part again next year, looks like I've
definitely been bitten by the running bug! If you'd like to sponsor me you still can here.
Before & After
Here's my
tips for anyone considering running a half marathon and what I learned along the
way.
Don't be
scared (well not too much) - The fear of being at the back was just what I
needed to spur me on during my last few weeks of training but no matter what
you may read in the lead up, taking part and raising money is what counts.
A great
playlist can do wonders for moral - Whilst training I had mixed things up by
sometimes listening to music and sometimes not but I knew that when the big day
came around I'd need something uplifting to get me through the tough times. A
mix of pop, hip hop and the odd show tune did it for me, alongside the cheers
from the crowd of course.
Don't be
disheartened - getting overtaken by someone dressed as a dinosaur was a bad
point for me but as the day went on it really became clear that for most people
this race wasn't about winning but about taking part and raising money for some
fantastic charities, whether you're wearing fancy dress or not!
Invest in
some fine footwear - the trainers that I wore to train in (and complete the
half marathon itself) have definitely bitten the dust but they did a fantastic
job getting me from start to finish. They were from Nike btw, and were worth
every penny.
Everyone's
running their own race - whether they're passionate about raising money for a
certain charity, have overcome a personal issue or have simply set themselves a
challenge, it's important to remember that it's the taking part that counts. It
doesn't matter who comes first or last.
Understand
how far a mile actually is - I had wildly underestimated the distance I would
need to run (when you're in a car it seems so quick) which contributed to my
sheer terror in the lead up to the event. I would recommend walking/running a
mile before signing up, to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the
task that lies ahead.
But most
of all, enjoy yourself! Completing a half marathon is quite an achievement and
truly something to be proud of. I can't wait for next year!
To me, the new year always means days out and nights in as the weather is so cold. The Boy and I spent a white weekend in snowy London town, an evening at the theatre (seeing Wicked, finally) and Zsa stayed over for food, films and a bit of a gossip.
2013: AutumnWith Autumn came my thirtieth birthday and with it many a celebration. It all kicked off with birthday drinks in Hammersmith but also included a weekend break to Paris and a trip to Derbyshire with Ma and Pa. It was a wonderful few weeks spend with my absolute favourite people. 
