My Top 10 Moments of 2014…..
This year unfortunately started out with me not knowing what to do with my life and being partially miserable whilst working in retail. I’m pleased to say it ended the complete opposite, although, not from events that I would have ever imagined. It’s weird to say that thanks to a car accident and losing my day job, I’m now a Social Media Manager (amongst other things) and write for my blog full time too. I knew that I had always loved writing, and ever since starting my blog, it was a dream for it to become my job, but I didn’t think it would become a reality so soon.
Sure, being in constant pain for the half of the year hasn’t been amazing, but having so much freedom to take days off, work late, have time to work on exciting project and meet new people, has meant that I’ve had one of the happiness and most memorable years ever. It was actually something that Louise from Sprinkle of Glitter said in a vlog recently (don’t worry, I’m not a die hard fan girl) that has really stuck with me and made me grateful for this year. She said something along the lines of ‘I didn’t realise that I could be happy everyday’ and I completely related. I always used to say that ‘I’m due a happy day’, as if that I had to earn them. I’ve never been a particularly happy person for numerous reasons, but now I am actually genuinely happy. So much so, that I thought I would write about my top 10 moments of 2014 starting right at the beginning of this incredible journey…..
1) Going to my first blogging event in January
My first event back in January was where I got to meet the incredible Leeds (and surrounding areas) Bloggers that made me feel so welcomed and loved. Not only do I consider most of them my friends to this day, but they also gave me the confidence to attend many other events, and I’m happy to say that throughout the year by attending events and getting out there, that most of my friends are now people I’ve met through blogging and I absolutely love it.
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2) Modelling
This year I got the chance to model on a catwalk for Simply Be and Yours Clothing at Plus North which was an utterly indescribable feeling. Plus North as a Whole was probably one of the best weekends I’ve ever had and it was a massive confidence boost.
I was also asked to Model for Voodoo Vixen’s new range recently and although it didn’t end up exactly how I imagined, it was still a memorable experience which may never be shared with the world. Unless you saw my Facebook status, you’ll not know that I really did not enjoy how I looked on the day, the other models look glamorous and vintage, whereas I didn’t at all, for this reason of me being uncomfortable with the photos and how I looked, they have decided to pull the images – which doesn’t sound like a good thing, but I am really happy with this outcome. The entire experience has only encouraged me to definitely take more and potentially similar opportunities (maybe a hint), but I definitely know not to let others touch my hair and makeup….
3) Leaving Lush and Starting a New Job
Although leaving Lush wasn’t completely voluntarily (I’ve never really said but – I was told that because I couldn’t lift due to the car accident, I couldn’t fulfil my job role, so I had to go off sick for 2 months, after the first month I handed in my notice.) I had already got my new job as a Social Media Manager whilst at Lush and I did plan to do both, but that wasn’t how things turned out. Oddly, it’s probably the best thing that has ever happened to me as this was the month where I really stepped up my blog game and worked my hardest on making something of it.
4) Halloween and being featured in the Metro and Cosmopolitan
I think that speaks for itself really but during my first month off sick, I was a little angry and achy, however, even though it took me a lot longer than normal, I was still able to paint my body and create my favourite Halloween looks of all time. October was a mind blowing month as I was featured in printed magazines, online magazines and different company websites for my Halloween looks, you can even see most of the features on my ‘About Me’ page. It really gave me the confidence boost that I needed to know it was my time to take this on full time and quit my retail job, well that and the fact that I wasn’t getting better….
5) Planning my own event
Myself and two other bloggers that I had never come across before, came together to create the #SheffieldBBloggers. Although in the late stages the two other bloggers were very busy with college/their jobs, the time off meant that I could really give it my all (with the help of my incredibly helpful parents again) and create my dream event. October consisted of very hectic delivery days and ensuring that everything was ready, but it was also one of the best days of the year. I definitely needed by bed afterwards but the feedback from both companies and bloggers has inspired me to do another event this year! Now it’s just finding the time….
6) Freelancing as a Social Media Manager
Although I have my actual job as a Social Media Manager, I also freelance as one as well. It’s very different when you actually thoroughly enjoy a job, I get excited over things when they go well, my ideas are always welcomed and all I want to do is be the best I can possibly be. I now have several clients, one of which allows me to talk about cats and dogs, I think this is a real win in life for me.
7) Visiting, or returning to, London
I was actually born in London, Essex to be exact, yet until this year I have never had the opportunity to go. I’ve now been 3 times in the space of a month and I have to say, I love it. My first visit was for a Plus Size Focus Group with TK Maxx and the Hairfinity event, the second was the Plus Size Awards and finally when I modelled for Voodoo Vixen. I really do hope there’s more opportunities to go to London in 2015 as I’d love to explore it more.
8) Phantom of the Opera
I’ve already said that if I had a bucket list, this would have been on it. Ever since first watching the 2004 film of Phantom of the Opera I have completely been in love with it. As it was my birthday the weekend after the Plus Size Awards, my Mum decided to absolutely spoil me by booking tickets. We didn’t realise at the time that it would leave us with just an hour to get ready for the actual awards, but regardless it was worth it. I would definitely go and see it again and it has only made my love for the Phantom of the Opera and my Parent’s stronger!
9) Winning Best Fashion Blog and Meeting Brands
A joint one as it’s all to do with Plus Size Fashion. The Plus Size Awards seem like they were ages ago when in reality it has been a little over a month. I was blown away to be nominated out of the blue, and ecstatic to actually be able to attend the night and receive my award in person. It is truly my proudest moment ever. The day after the awards, the excitement truly continued as Mum and I were treated to Gifi Field’s company and truly wined and dined, we also got a tour of London and had the most incredible time. I’ve said a few times that meeting the people behind the brands is my new favourite thing, but it truly is. It’s so interesting to see how companies come around and how they operate. I have also been blown away to find out that Gifi (of Scarlett and Jo, in case I haven’t mentioned him enough lately) is actually designing a dress for me as part of his Valentine’s Collection! You’ll be seeing that shortly.
10) The Best Moment of all……
I always ask my Mum to read my posts and proof read them, however, this time, she proof read a slightly different post, as I left out all the parts where my Parent’s have been incredible this year and supported me. Not only did they support me in my decision to quit my stable job and take me to, sometimes even attend blogging events with me, but my Mum also always takes every single outfit photo for the blog, and this month I even got my Dad more involved and made a post with him. I had to make a speech at the Plus Size Awards and again at a family party about winning my award, and both times through shock and nerves I forgot to mention how utterly grateful I am for my Parent’s. They’re the kind of people that everyone instantly likes when meeting, they’d do anything to help others, they’ve never let me down and I really don’t think I’d be where I am in my carer, or this happy without their help and guidance this year.
I have never been this happy or enjoyed a year as much as 2014, I will be very sad to see it go, but I honestly can’t wait for the adventures that 2015 holds.
