HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT I LEARNT IN 2018

Wow, what a year it’s been. Although I try to not make any new years resolutions, I do think it’s nice to reflect on everything that’s happened in 2018 and learn from it all. A lot of good things happened in 2018. I think the fact that I’m still blogging after 5 years probably speaks for itself. I really love it  and it’s the perfect creative outlet for me in the middle of our crazy busy family life.

I was nominated for an Amara interior blog award again last year and this time in the most suitable category I could have ever imagined; photography. I also worked with some amazing companies last year. Especially lots of new, smaller business which I love as you can really get to know the people behind the products. My freelance photography also kept me busy and I’ve even expanded my photography skills from interior and product photography to food photography last year which I’m very excited about. I think it’s important to try to get out of your comfort zone every now and then and try something new. Otherwise, how else will you ever grow? The end of last year was incredibly busy for me in terms of blog work and I’m really grateful for that. I never imagined I would have work lined up for January in November so in a way it has really been an amazing few months.

Of course everything hasn’t gone entirely according to plan this year. That would sound a little too good to be true, right? You probably know I’m talking about our bathroom renovation. I promised to write a separate post about the challenges but I haven’t done it yet, sorry I will very soon. I have never ever had a house renovation project that has given me so much anxiety and sleepless nights. And all because I chose someone I didn’t trust 100% for the job. I guess he did a good job (I mean the standard of his work was good) but he didn’t finish it and I had to hire another person to finish the whole reno in the end. I swear, I’ll  never hire another cowboy builder again. Then again I didn’t know he was a cowboy (he was highly recommend by our plumber and I checked all his references) but I should have trusted my instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Our new herringbone carpet installation also taught me a lot and although I love our wool carpet I’m pretty sure our next house won’t be carpeted at all, but that’s a whole different blog post again.

Last year was also quite hard (personally) due to a family members illness and it has definitely taught me not worry about the little things. There is more to life than working, success and meeting those never ending deadlines. Yes all those things can improve your personal/professional fulfilment but I don’t think they make you happy long term. Good health, being surrounded by family and friends will make you far more happy.  Having said that, I think it’s important to have some kind of a plan. Plans help me visualise the future and stay calm when things are hectic. I try to be realistic these days though and be more kind to myself. We are all doing an amazing job right now and should remember to stop and celebrate the present too. I truly believe that if you’re grateful for the present, more good things will come to you in the future too. Also, if you haven’t read the book Secret yet, I would very much advice you to give it a chance. I’m not saying I live and breath it 100% but it does proof a very strong point and can totally change your outlook on life.

Anyway, I have lots to look forward to this year. I have an exciting work trip coming up later this month and I cannot wait to tell you more about it very soon. It’s my first ever work trip abroad with my blog and I feel very proud about that. I’m hoping to work with some old and new clients as well and just continue to work hard. But, I will try to have a better work life balance this year. I say it every year but it’s something I really struggle with (especially because I work from home).

I also want to thank YOU for reading my blog and/or  following me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I hope that I can continue to give people useful tips and inspiration and basically just help people to avoid making the same renovation mistakes that I’ve made in the past. You’re welcome!

Now tell me, did you make any New Year’s resolutions?

Happy New Year everyone!

PS. Most of the photos in this post are from Christmas but I couldn’t resist sharing them..