I was debating whether or not to put together one of these ‘yearly roundup’ posts, mostly as I didn’t want it to repeat my 2017 travels alas here we are, I have a few spare hours on my hands and decided to dust off the Macbook which has been hibernating over Christmas time. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to revert back to living normal life, I am far too comfortable with this Crimbo Limbo. I can barely even get showered before midday, it’s been truly great. 

So 2017 was bittersweet, on one hand it was my best year yet, but the ending was not so great. If I were to round up the past 12 months with one word, it would be BUSY. I especially feel like the second half of the year was spent trying to play catch up and keep my head above water. In all honesty it’s been a struggle trying to maintain all aspects of my life, from work, to my blog, to freelance work and not to mention a social life. I can’t moan though, the year was pretty good to me and I’m excited to see what 2018 brings but before we countdown to the New Year, I thought I’d reflect on the year we’re about to leave behind.

I Travelled A Lot

2017 was set to be the year I threw myself into more travelling and I did just that! I went to new cities, returned to old favourites, I spent a month in a camper van in California, and I explored destinations closer to home such as the Lake District, Brighton and Cornwall. Our month in America was honestly the best experience of my life, and hasn’t cured my craving for a road trip, it just made it stronger! I would LOVE to to do it all over again, and Charlie and I have already been discussing potential routes for the future. America definitely has a large piece of my heart. My travels were what made this year so special for me, and I hope 2018 will bring even more adventures. 

We Bought A House

Among the travels, we also somehow managed to buy a house. It was something that was definitely on the radar for us, but I didn’t think it would happen this year. The perfect place just happened to come on the market, and we knew it felt right. It’s a huge renovation project, and I expect much of 2018 will be spent in paint overalls and trying not to have a mental breakdown over the size of the project. It will all be worth it in the end, I might just need to remind myself of that in a few months time. With this in mind, I was thinking of introducing more interiors content onto my blog, with before/after pictures and our journey from taking a decaying victorian house to a Pinterest worthy dream, lol, I hope. 

I Became Environmentally Aware

In 2016 I went vegan, largely because of the animals but 2017 was definitely the year I became so much more aware of our individual impact on the environment. I already don’t contribute to the meat and dairy industries but I’ve also tried to ‘do my bit’ in other ways. I’ve drastically cut down on plastic, we used to have plastic straws in the house all the time but now we have reusable straws and I carry around metal straws in my bag for when I’m in restaurants so I don’t have to use a plastic one. I ALWAYS carry a tote bag with me, and in 2018 I want to try and locate some nearby farm shop so I can buy fresh fruit and veg locally and not have to purchase the plastic covered groceries in Tesco. I’m definitely not perfect, but it was something I want to work on.

I Made A Regular Secondary Income

This year I started to take my blog more seriously, I’ve been blogging since 2012 (well December 2011 I think but yeah…) but never really considered it as a business. In 2017 I hired an accountant and registered self employed. I made a regular income on my blog each month through sponsored posts, Instagram ads and a little consultancy too. I’m extremely grateful for this, and it’s spurred me on even more to work hard on my blog and social channels. Sometimes I go through stages where I just need a BREAK from the constant pressure to create content, and this past week or so I’ve definitely given my brain space to think and evaluate. I can’t wait to get going with 2018 and new projects!

I Lost A Very Special Bunny

If you follow me on Twitter, you might be aware that this month I lost one of my fur babies. Our special little Arthur buns was put to sleep just before Christmas, and I was, and still am, absolutely heartbroken. After a three month long battle, endless vet trips, an MRI scan at the RVC in London and mountains of medication, we lost our special little guy. He put up such a strong battle, and I am absolutely devastated that we will be entering the New Year without him. He had the best life ever with his wife bun Mimi, and I’m sad that it was taken from him too soon, rest in peace little guy.

A year of some very high high’s and the lowest lows, I am grateful for all the good things that happened to me this year, but remain heartbroken at the loss of Arthur.

I hope that 2018 brings more travels, a successful start to the renovation of our house and plenty of happy memories. I want to up my diet, practice meditation, get back into yoga, spend more time outside, spend less time on my phone, and learn how to successfully juggle everything in my life without getting too stressed. Tips welcome.

Happy New Year angels!