So here we are then … the end of 2011. This year has moved quickly for me and like every year has seen many ups and downs. It has however, been filled with significant and lasting happy memories. I’ve only been writing this blog for the last few months so I thought I would share the months before Hidden Blossom began, as well as recapping a few of my favourite things since. So … below are a few of my more important events/achievements/experiences from 2011. I hope you enjoy the journey back in time with me.
The year began by seeing in 2011 in Singapore. This marked three months down of an amazing four-month trip through Asia. Joseph and I counted our blessings, as well as our hard work, in having gotten that far. This period of travel was a dream come true for me.
Our Asia trip ended in beautiful Bali at the end of January. Joseph proposed on a secluded beach.
Joseph and I arrived back in the UK and in February we moved into our first flat together. We had a little house-warming to ourselves.
Around this time I started a new job, one which has seen me meeting lots of new people and getting involved in some interesting projects this year.
In May, I walked through the night from Henley-on-Thames to Oxford (our route made it around 24miles) in aid of Maggie’s Cancer Centre in Oxford. The walk took us around 11hours with just three half-hour stops. Needless to say I was a bit tired afterwards, but proud of the achievement and the £2000 we collectively raised.
Over the Summer I came to the realisation that I was not being fulfilled creatively in my day job and I really wanted to find an outlet for my creative interests, in particular interiors, styling and my love of thrifting vintage objects. I have been an avid reader of style blogs for the last few years and this year seemed to be the right time to finally start my own – something I’ve been considering since before I went travelling. I am only just starting out but am proud of how the first six months of my blog have progressed. See my first (very basic) post here and my initial header above.
The Summer also saw me purchase my first DSLR camera; I’ve slowly begun to learn how to use it! I also celebrated both my parents 50th birthdays with them.
In October I participated in the Decor8 Blogging Your Way e-course. It has opened my eyes to the world of blogging. I wrote about it here. As a result of this course I’ve come across some really interesting people, who I look forward to meeting in 2012.
Image Source: Rock N Roll Bride. Photograph by Shell De Mar
I met Rock n Roll Bride Kat Williams in November, along with a lovely group of blogging students at the very first School of Rock (n Roll Bride). See here for my full post on the event.
Also in November, I turned 27 and got a new hair cut. Ok, so getting your hair cut isn’t exactly an achievement but it felt like a big event to me at the time!
Other significant memories from 2011 involve learning more about myself as a personality. I am learning to be ok with the fact that I am an introvert and it takes a lot of energy for me to spend time with other people. I want to work my character to my advantage from now on and not be ashamed by it. I also want other people to understand that introversion is not about being shy or antisocial.
2011 has also seen me begin to post some of my exciting finds; below are my favourite posts from Hidden Blossom in 2011.
- In September I went to the London Design Festival and wrote about it here.
- I enjoyed collating some of my favourite retro kitchens in October as well as sharing the work of artist duo James Plumb.
- Also in October I reviewed the book A Handmade Home by Sania Pell and was blown away by the positive comments I received from fellow BYW students.
- I got all dressed up for Halloween.
- I’ve shared some of my favourite vintage finds and Christmas decor inspiration.
- Also in 2011, I shared a series on Book Artists and began a regular Friday column called Etsy Focus, where each week I share an Etsy shop that I’m particularly fond of, as well as a regular Sunday column called Sunday Brunch, where I share my favourite links and inspirations from across the web.
2011 was packed full of fun. I hope 2012 will be just as exciting, if not more so. I’ll be back again tomorrow with my hopes for the new year before I get stuck into January and new posts on vintage finds and styling experiments.
Have a fabulous New Years Eve my friends! I’m off to a winter BBQ.
