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"Wednesday Wisdom" - my favourite excuse to post an Instagram pic, and more importantly, a great chance to take some time to reflect on quotes, advice, or little ditties that I've come across recently.
Fabulous Fifteen.
February 10, 2016
The new year is looking extremely bright, but before I let it carry me away, here's a recap of another great year...
I went into 2015 (like many others I'm sure) feeling pretty optimistic, with lots of big goals and resolutions. At the time, I wasn't sure if they were totally realistic, but as this year has drawn to a close, I couldn't be happier with the way that it has panned out. Being the photo addict that I am, there are far too many moments to document, but here are a few of the highlights!
January
We saw in 2015 with our lovely friends Meg and Bill - a great dinner, far too many shots and a "YouTube party" dancing to some throwback tunes. We nursed sore heads for most of the first day of 2015; what a great start to the year!
In the first week, I got a call to say I had been invited to the final stage Assessment Centre for a Grad Scheme in Banking and Finance. I was so nervous, but all went well and I got the job *excited dance* (but more on this later!)
Finally, we said Bon Voyage to my beautiful friends Jess and Lee, and bid them farewell as they set off on their travels around Asia and Australia. I still miss my little honey bee every single day, but I'm very proud of her for following her dreams and having the time of her life!
February
My baby brother turned 21! Where on earth does the time go? A great night at the Casino was had by all as we celebrated Josh getting old.
February also took me on my final trip back to Uni, visiting my uni "little sis" Tash. I was as in love with Canterbury as ever before, but pretty sure Hannah and I felt this was the last time we could get away with pretending we were still students *sob!*
March
All about Mummy Bear! Mother's Day took us on a family trip to the Zoo, which was not only a great day out, taking us back to our childhood, but it was also so lovely to spend the day together just the four of us - something which doesn't happen as often now we're all grown up!
March also means Mum's birthday, so a special treat for her. I took her to Choccy Woccy Doo Dah for lots of sweet treats, then some shopping at my favourite of all the department stores, Liberty, before cocktails and a trip to see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. I would thoroughly recommend all of the above!
April
My lovely Aunty Violet (aka my nan's sister) came down to London to celebrate a very special birthday, and mum and I joined her and the girls for lots of celebrations - lunch at Aqua Shard, cocktails in Covent Garden and one of my favourite musicals Billy Elliot. It's always so lovely to see her, and I know that my nanny was watching over us all that day.
May
Lots of great May moments, including having my hair chopped off (see 'The Big Chop'), S Club 7 reunion with my BFF Abbie...
...and of course, my girly holiday to Croatia with my Twinny Robyn, Lizzie, and Jess.
Despite the rain that taunted us that weekend, we had a fabulous time and made the most of the time away together. We managed to take far too many photos (what's new?!) and squeeze in a trip to the beautiful waterfalls, making the most of every ray of sunshine!
June
The wedding of Mr and Mrs Bains - the first wedding that Joe and I attended as a couple (in 7 years - shocking I know!) and also the first of our mutual friends to get married!
Huge congrats to Shaun and Gemma, who both looked gorgeous! We had such an amazing day, and it was a real honour to share it with them both.
July
"I can't keep calm, my best friend is engaged!!!!"
Actually, rephrase that - two of our best friends are engaged! Getting that FaceTime call from them in Mexico was one of the most exciting things to happen in July - both Joe and I were over the moon for them, and there were tears from both me and Meg during "the story!"
August
So much happened - lots of lovely memories! My cousin Ian married his lovely wife Becky, another great family event and great to see them so happy.
August was also the end of an era. I finally left Gallagher Bassett, my first full time job and home to many lovely people and great memories. I was so sad to leave everyone but over the moon to be embarking on a new adventure. Reading the lovely words in my leaving card really touched me, and I will always look back on my time there with a smile.
Joe and I had a nice little weekend away in Windsor at the end of August which was very cute. We stayed in a lovely little hotel just by the Castle, and did all of the touristy activities, along with shopping for my new work wardrobe!
September
September marked the start of a huge new adventure for me. Starting my new job as a Finance Graduate at a Bank in London was extremely nerve-wracking, yet exciting at the same time. My first two weeks were exciting yet exhausting, with so much being crammed into a short time, and so many new names and faces to learn. We had a couple of days training at Stamford Bridge, followed by a Thames River Cruise, a day volunteering, before finally flying off to Edinburgh for 10 days of Finance specific training.
I am loving my first placement in London; working hard, spending lunchtimes wandering around Spitalfields market, and meeting lots of lovely people. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next three years have in store for me on the scheme!
October
HUGE EXCITING GROWN UP NEWS for Joe and I.
We officially exchanged contracts on our DREAM house. To say that we are proud/ecstatic/excited would be a complete understatement. We are still saving hard, but can't wait to move into our brand new 3 bedroom house in April 2016 (eek!) Watch this space...
November
November was a lovely month, not only because it was my birthday (one step closer to 30 - help!) but also because my lovely Faye came home from Greece for the last time! (I hope!!)
It was so lovely to finally see her again and give her a huge squeeze, and even better to be able to have her home to join all of my other lovely friends for my birthday celebrations for the first time in years.
December
It's Chriiiiiiiiistmaaaaaas. Say no more really. A month of eating, drinking and being very merry. Lots of lovely nights out in the city with work colleagues and friends, followed by a cosy Christmas spent with both mine and Joe's lovely families.
(Oh, and Dolly of course!)
Not forgetting being treated to a beautiful trip to Kew Gardens with Meg to see their "Christmas at Kew" spectacular - another evening that I would definitely recommend for children and adults alike.
Last, but by no means least, New Year's Eve. Despite being an evening which I believe to be totally overrated, this year's party at our friends' house was a huge success. I drank far too much prosecco, danced until the heels came off and laughed so much that I had solid abs the next morning (ok the latter isn't entirely true...)
As I'm sure you can tell after reading (or even skim-reading) this post, I have had one heck of a year. SO many ups, and very few downs (no negativity allowed here!)
If 2016 is half as good as 2015 was, I've got a feeling it's going to be a good'un.
So here's to a Fab Fifteen, and what I hope will be a Super Sassy Sixteen!
The Big Chop.
August 28, 2015
Back in May I decided to continue my charitable run and chop almost 10 inches of my hair off for a good cause...
"Silence is Golden"
April 12, 2015
Sailing the South Ionian
September 17, 2014
Welcome aboard the beautiful Lead boat Athina! Not only is she a gorgeous boat with plenty of character, but she also plays home to Faye, Ali, and Jake from March - November.
working 9-5.
August 31, 2014
I can't believe it's been a year since I graduated and headed to the City, and what a year it's been...
#nomakeupselfie
March 19, 2014
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