As we start 2020 off with a bang, it's always nice to reflect on the events of the past year. One of the advantages of writing blogs is the fact our memories are documented, making it fun to scroll back through and remind ourselves of what we got up to throughout the year. So what did we get up to in 2019?
A Year In The Life Of A Blogger
January
My annual tradition of enjoying an Afternoon Tea birthday treat started back in 2018, after enjoying a wonderful lunch at the Dearden Tea rooms in Haslingden. After happening upon a local Italian Baker who makes the most amazing cakes, I placed an order for my 2019 birthday treat and was totally bowled over! How fabulous is the Afternoon Tea spread (pictured above)? Needless to say, I have another order placed for my birthday this year!
February
Two days after we lost our beloved furry best friend Honey, Liv and I found ourselves learning how to ski on an intensive 8 hour lesson at the Chill Factore in Manchester. It was the best distraction for us at the time and something we had never considered before. Not being a fan of snow, it wasn't High on my list of activities to learn... however we both left immensely tired, and totally loved our time on the slopes! I may have had a tendency to aim at whoever was in my way, but I got the hang of it and cannot wait to return!
March
As the weather started to improve, I realised how lovely it was to get away from staring at a screen and go on walks with a dog walking friend. Not only was it great gossip time but the walks were also great for inspiration when you found a blank screen staring back at you... the walks inspired my How To Combat Blogger Loneliness post featured later in the year.
April
Easter heralded the first of a few trips away in 2019 and it was much needed. Visiting the Costa Brava at Easter time wasn't as hot as I would have liked it, but it was great to get away for a break and also spend time with my parents. Somewhere I have never been before, the gorgeous coastline and empty hidden gem beaches totally stood out.
May
After last visiting Sorrento when I was 16 years old, I could not wait to return to Italy for a friend's wedding back in May. It feels like a lifetime ago now and despite a year of plans, our 4 day break was sadly over in the blink of an eye, but the memories live on!
June
Unfortunately, June was memorable for all the wring reasons as we found ourselves trundling up to the local hospital and returning home with Liv sporting a cast! I guess that as one way to get out of sports day at school! It was a tough 6 weeks, especially for a child who loves adventure and climbing. Fortunately the lovely people at Big Potato Games and Stib ensured we were kept entertained with fun family games and artwork supplies. Before we knew it, the cast would come off at the beginning of July and we could get on with enjoying our summer!
July
The school summer holidays were a very welcome break after the June nightmare! A trip over to France was just what we needed, especially as we experienced 40 degree heat the first few days... utter bliss! I've always been taken aback by the beauty of waterfalls, as you can tell from my early Instagram feed. This gorgeous waterfall, just through the Pyrenees on the Spanish border was simply breathtaking!
August
My two week childfree break was mainly spent painting and decorating Liv's bedroom. I have never heard of a plumber calling a month after work has been completed to check all is ok before, but I can confirm it actually happened on this occasion! I did manage to break free from the paint fumes though and enjoyed the best day out ever with my friend and fellow blogger Jane from A Little Lyrical. Jane won a Manchester United experience day for 2 at Hotel Football at the BlogOn conference earlier in the year. After eagerly awaiting the new season fixtures, it only seemed fair we attended for the first game... which was Manchester Utd vs Chelsea. I was the only Chelsea fan in a room filled with Utd fans, many of whom enjoyed the unlimited drink on the day... and erm, Gary Neville. Chelsea lost 4-0, it really could only happen to me! However, we enjoyed a sublime 3 course meal and some great conversations with our very random table set up.
September
Having to set my alarm again for 7.23am seemed like torture, the summer was over and life as we knew it was back to normal, with Liv embarking on her final year in primary school. This was the month she started indoor climbing lessons at a local-ish climbing centre in Manchester. Any chance she gets, she will climb anything so I knew she would enjoy the lessons and I quite enjoy chatting to the friends I have made too for the two hours we are there. NICS Level 1, here we come!
October
I was so excited to attend a Pandora showcase event in Manchester with my blogger bestie Jenny from The Brick Castle. Stepping into The Ivy in Manchester was almost like going back in time to the Great Gastby era, the decor is stunning and was the perfect venue for the PandoraMe event. Hands down it has to be the best PR event I have ever attended - relaxed, everyone chatting away, the perfect venue, beautiful jewellery and an aura reader who stated I would be getting married soon! It was great my blogger bestie was there too as for once, I did not know any other bloggers there!
November
Sliding into the Christmas countdown, we had a seriously busy month, especially as my parents came over to spend some time with us. One of my favourite events this month was trialling a Manchester Giants Birthday Party with Liv and getting to enjoy a game afterwards. Such a great idea for a child's birthday party, I can highly recommend - something totally different to the norm and it was great to add some live sport into the mix.
December
We had a lovely chilled December, it was just what we needed after November and it was even better to sit down and enjoy a yummy pre-Christmas feast with the Strictly Come Dancing final. M&S very kindly worked with us on featuring their AMAZING selection of Christmas food, they totally surpassed themselves with their range for Christmas 2019. It was great to have some time away from blogging and staring at a screen, the downtime was much appreciated... ready to start 2020 afresh!
We had an amazing 2019 and I am hoping we can make 2020 even better! Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year... here's to the next decade!
