15 best bits of 2015

I know it's oh-so-cliched but I just can't quite believe that 2015 has left us to make way for a new and exciting 2016. Honestly...HOW. WHEN.

Last year, I looked back at all the things I learnt about me and my life in 2014 (take a trip down memory lane and have another read of it here - go on, you know you want to).

This time round, I'm getting all reflective on life all over again (no surprises there). And while I'm still learning in that big ol' school called life every single day still, I can honestly, whole-heartedly say that 2015 has been one of the best and my personal favourite years of my life so far, and here are 15 reasons why...

1.) I moved to London

I lived away from home for over 4 years now but with uni living meaning that I still came home for weeks and even months at a time every so often when term was finished, this is the first time I've properly felt like I've lived away from home and flown the nest if you will (although I'm sure my mum will tell you she feels otherwise). London has been an amazing, weird, hectic, mad, beautiful, cramped, massive and magical place to live in this past year, and continues to be as I enter my 2nd year calling it my home.

2.) I got a new London family

And with a new home, comes a new family. I spent the 1st half of the year staying with some pretty generous family who let me stay longer than niceties entail. Rent-free. In Zone 1, Angel. (No amount of boxes of biscuits I give them will ever say thank you enough) But there came a time when I had to give them their spare room and my own personal space back. Enter the era of 18B and my London mum and big sis; Katie & Bryony. These girls have only been in my life for 6 months but have already looked after me when I'm horrifically drunk, help me make sure the dickheads in my life stay out of my life, made me tea when I'm hungover, made me laugh until I cry and become some pretty special friends. Thanks for making London and 18B feel like home girls.

3.) I got a job

After months of interning, uncertainty, feeling knocked down and approaching 100 job applications, I finally got a job as a legit journalist! There was an immediate sense of stability, security, relief, pride and just sheer happiness. What I once thought of as a dream job was now a reality and I couldn't have been more grateful. The hard work and grief had paid off and everything was coming up Amy!

4.) I left my job

Sometimes life doesn't pan out how you thought it would and it's oh-so-easy to feel like a failure, knocked down and beat yourself up about it. But y'know what you should do instead? See it as a chance to take up other opportunities you might have overlooked. Leaving my first job made me really re-evaluate my work/life balance and what I really wanted to spent the majority of my everyday life doing. You can know something isn't entirely right for you and still be so grateful you had the opportunity. I've now got more freedom and flexibility. I get to try more things and find out what I like and not so much, know what I'm good at and what I need to improve at - and at this moment in time, the freelance life is keeping me pretty happy.

5.) I got on a plane (or 3)

I don't really do New Year resolutions, but after not going abroad for quite a few years, I wanted to spend less of my money on materialistic things and spend it more on creating memories and experiences - and that including seeing more of the world. I frolicked around in Prague, Milan and Budapest and weekend city getaways are now my new bestie.

6.) I wrecked my hair

As a kid with a dad who constantly cut my hair into a mushroom-shaped bob, as soon as I was given the freedom to let reign over my own hair, I vowed to grow it to Rapunzel-lengths to make up for lost time. And indeed, it got pretty long. And it kinda stayed that way since I was about 17 - apart from the 2 or 3 year stint where my fringe got all Zooey Deschanel. So it was time for a change. Liiike, dip-dying my hair once, twice, three times a bleach job. Add some grey toner and voila! My grandma-worthy hair goals were achieved and 3 months later I'm still head over heels in love with it (even if my dad isn't)

7.) I missed home

You take so much for granted when you're living at home: the cooking, the washing, the warm thermostat - basically not needing to look after yourself. But above all that, your family, parents, those who do the looking after. Every few months or so, a wave of feeling homesick hits me and all I want is a big hug off my mum and a drink with my dad - sadly, they're 180 miles away. So I resort to booking a train ticket and as soon as I see them on that train platform, I'm so happy and grateful to have them in my life and be reunited with them. (Don't ever let them know that though - promise?)

8.) I missed my friends

Ditto - see above for explanation. You pick up friends along the way in your life, all at different stages and in different friend groups. But with everyone doing their own thing, it gets so much difficult to see people on a regular basis and before you know it, it's been 6 weeks and you still haven't gone for that drink you said you would. Make the effort - text back, make plans, call for a chat. When it all goes to shit, they're the ones who'll come to your house with a bottle of wine and a pizza and wipe away your tears.

9.) I loved love

I've dated here and there over the past couple of years since my last serious relationship, but after having my heart toyed with and my loyalty and feelings trampled on one too many times, I became a little bit more guarded and little less generous with my emotions (despite being an ol' hopeless romantic). But this year, I finally let down my guards a tiny bit and let some people into my life who made me happy, made me laugh and made me restore my faith in others. A few were fun for a little while, a couple I couldn't wait to get rid of, and some I hope will still in my life for a little while longer.

10.) I gave up the gym

Being a big fat child who grew up living above a take-away (pretty stereotypical I know, but man it was hard to resist those Singapore fried noodles), I always have a teeny voice at the back of my mind reminding me never to get back to that state. I became quite a gym bunny at one point but after I left uni at Sheffield, I swapped the gym for running to de-stress & get some fresh air. But honestly, this year, the last thing on my mind is how many miles I've done. In between work and just, life, all I want to do is put my feet up and rest. I walk pretty much everywhere on a daily basis and my 4-year relationship with yoga keeps me sane physically and mentally. My body's the most chuffed and confident I've ever felt about it, and granted I'm not a Victoria's Secret angel, but as long as I'm happy and healthy, then it's all gravy.

11.) My wardrobe got ridiculous

Last year, I learnt how to give zero fucks and embrace the eff out of my personal style, and it's one of the best things I've ever done. That does however mean that I've got some pretty mental additions to my wadrobe - including but not limited to multi-coloured pom-pom shoes, a lucky cat and seashell bag, Cher Horowitz worthy fluffy heels, a gold leather skirt and a 'Bugger Off' tee. I look forward to getting ready from my dressing up box every goddamn day.

12.) I got to know strangers

When you're a kid, making friends is as easy as ABC, and when you go to uni, you're all in the same boat and you bond and make friendships over it - along with the tequila shots and deadline dramas of course. But when you become an adult, making friends gets a bit trickier, especially when you move to a new city. I've met some people this year who I never would've thought would be in my life. People who are bonkers, people that I would've stayed away from in school, people who are the complete opposite to me - but they're all people I'm oh so glad I got to know and am now so happy to call a friend.

13.) I was hungover, exhausted & skint

I have never been so tired, busy or poor in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. Before you go running to my mum, yes I have saved some £££ away fo ra rainy day and my future yada yada, but the rest of it? Well, it's been spent on tickets, gigs, nights out, rollerskating, dinner, drinks and everything else in between - my poor diary has never been so abused with plans. If I'm spending 70% of my everyday life working to earn money, you can bet your sweet ass that I'm spending the other 30% enjoying it and having a good time. You know, before the adult responsibilities REALLY kick in. As for the hangovers...that might be because I'm getting old and shit now - BOO.

14.) I gave less fucks

One of my biggest anxieties throughout life is wondering what people's opinion of me are. Last year, I got a lot better at not worrying about it, but it's hard for a tiger to change it's stripes - not impossible - but a bit tricky. Whether it's people at work, my friends, and of course, those pesky boys. I give my best not to worry about what people thought about my blog, my opinions, what I wore and how my life seemed. Instead if thinking, I just...did. And y'know what? It's been pretty damn liberating. Highly recommend it.

15.) I didn't know what the hell was going on with my life

AND I STILL DON'T. I don't think I ever will. I've taken some chances, kicked myself over missed chances and made a few mistakes in hindsight (damn that pesky hindsight). And that's just fine with me. Life: please keep throwing surprises and curveballs over my way - it's keeping me on my toes and I'm not gonna lie...I'm loving it.

Can't wait for what you've got stored away in 2016 you cheeky little rascal.

Until next time,
A.x

14 things I learnt in 2014

I spent the first moments of 2015 hugging my friends, watching fireworks, clinking champagne glasses, holding hands with one another while mumbling along to 'Auld Lang Syne' (that none of us knew the words to...), which was then followed by watching a bunch of bare bums run around in the cold while I ate a slice of Ferrero Rocher cheesecake. 

Couldn't think of a better way to ring in the new year to be honest.

As we say Au Revoir to 2014 and wave Bonjour! to 2015, it's inevitable that it's a time that we reflect and look back on the year that's passed. 

So, here are all the life lessons I've learnt in 2014, and what I learnt about myself.

1.) Novelty handbags are for life, not just for LOLs

And thank god 2014 was THE year for novelty handbags that gave me lots of new offerings. I bow down to my queens, Anya Hindmarch and Charlotte Olympia, even if my budget is way below them (one day my beautifuls...), but for now, I'm happy with my milk carton and a fluff monster.

2.) I enjoy writing my blog so much more, now that I write it for myself.

When I first started blogging, I had such a clear idea my head that it was going to be a fashion blog, and solely that. After many outfits posts that became more and more half-hearted, and for the days I just lounged in my sweats, I ended up with no content. The first time I wrote a post that was more about something more personal, and not just some dress I bought that week, I actually felt nervous to publish it, and Lo-&-behold, people actually really liked it! Although I still like posting a tutu skirt here and a beaded dress there. I've been doing posts like these more and more. I still always try to make my content interesting for others to read (otherwise, I might as well put it in my diary). Not only am I happier writing them and with my blog, but friends like reading them, and I'm gaining more readers too! Shucks you guys *blushes*.

3.) Never apologise for things you shouldn't be sorry for.

Declining on a 2nd date with someone. Not being able to help out with something because you're working to a deadline. Choosing to stay in and binge on Netflix, instead of going out this one time. These are all decisions that you're allowed to make as a human being and not be made to feel guilty of. No apologies needed.

4.) I'm a feminist.

I've written about it enough this year, so I'm not going to go on about it, but I basically had some warped views of what feminism was, didn't think I was one, and then realised my views actually meant that I was. A pretty proud one at that. You can read more here and here. Grab some biscuits and sit down to have a read.

5.) Fully embrace the fuck out of your personal style.

I pick up a leather pleated skort-playsuit and I full on know it'd look amazing on Jourdan Dunn or that friend of mine with the killer legs. But I put it on, and it just doesn't look...right. It fits ok, it looks ok, but it just doesn't look like me. I just wasn't destined to dress 'cool', and I'm more than OK with that as I sit in my sparkly skirt and bardot top.

6.) Job-hunting is an absolute ballache.

Yes, I know unemployment is dropping, and yes, I've not been graduated for long, but the mountain of applications I've sent over this past year, compared to the minuscule replies I've received, is enough to make Micky Mouse feel down in Disneyland. Companies and magazine: I know you're hella busy but PLEASE, answer back to me! I'm pretty easy-going and positive about the whole thing most of the time, but it's also definitely not a walk in the park either.

7.) One night stands don't make you a shitty person.

I'm a complete, smushy, philosophical hopeless romantic, but sometimes, that's just exactly why some guys stumble into your life. They're not all gonna sweep you off your feet and be the Seth to your Summer, the Ross to your Rachel. And definitely don't spend the next day feeling guilty and bad about yourself. You did nothing wrong. 

8.) Going on a break with technology is a healthy thing.

I love social media and all the hashtags and retweets that go with it. I spend more time on YouTube and Instagram than I care to think about, and although I'm all about the future and jazzy tech things that can do amazing things, I realise that I spend the majority of my day staring at a screen, moving from my laptop to my phone and back again. It's good to disconnect. Go to the pub with your friends and don't instagram about it - just revel in their company. Read a book and let your imagination completely suck you into it. Leave your phone at home and go for a walk. Listen to the birds, embrace the nature - channel your inner David Attonburugh. 

9.) Stop comparing yourself to other people.

There's always going to be someone who's body you idolise towards, or someone who you think is completely ace-ing it and going far with their career. But we all have our own individual worries and struggles, and you're doing the best that you can. What you see of others is only a small champagne-&-shopping filled slice of their life. Instagram lives aren't real lives. 

10.) Friendships grow apart.

Those who care about the friendship you share, will make the time and effort for it. Those who aren't, you'll see them on a yearly reunion basis, and it'll still be lovely, and you'll always have those memories of being embarrassing teenagers together. But you shouldn't always feel like you're the only one making effort to catch up or make plans. It's fine to have some friends who you aren't as close to compared to others. Think of it as a tiered cake of friendship. Yum.

11.) Similarly, friends are just the best.

Deadline stress, date outfit dilemmas, hungover debriefing over endless coffee, or the same old boy troubles - friends are fucking fantastic at helping you through it all. They pour you into a taxi home when you've had one too many, and they invite you round for tea when law revision is getting to you. Whether it's bonkers northerners you've only known for a year that you clicked with straight away, or a group of childhood friends who you've known since you've first shared your first Strongbow together - they're brilliant and you need to make sure you cherish those lil treasures.

12.) Stop caring what other people think.

It's easier said than done. You shouldn't care what other people think about you, but we're all human, and we do. But throughout this year, the thought of whether people will think I look silly in my multi-coloured feather gilet, or think I'm ridiculous when I roller-skate to my friend's flat, disappeared more and more. Whether it's if you care about whether people will like your new hair, or you're worrying about what that guy thinks of you, there's no point worrying. It doesn't matter what someone else's opinion is on the situation. If someone made you feel shit, then they made you feel shit. That's that, and they're obviously not worth it, because, who likes to feel shit?
Worry less, have a laugh, and enjoy your life.

13.) Time goes by way too quickly.

Big cliché I know, but blimey-o-riley, it really does! Having little nieces and nephews running around really makes me realise this more than ever. One moment, they're spitting out strawberries out into my hand and I'm chasing after their snotty noses with a tissue, and the next minute, they're asking me about make-up and teaching me how to play games on my phone. 

14.) As always, tea fixes any and everything.

That's a given. Hasn't changed, never will. 

What have you learnt from the past year? 

I hope you all had fantastic 2014, and 2015 has lots of new memories, love, laughter & adventures stored for you.

Happy New Year you lil' munchkins!

Stay happy!

Until next time...

A.x