A Look Back at 2016

Each year I like to look back at the year that's just been, and remind myself of what I've achieved, the experiences that have come my way and the people I have met along the way. It's always enjoyable to reminisce of fond memories, but also to put into perspective everything that has happened.

Whilst 2016 was a particularly horrible year for many reasons, I find that this time of year however, is one full of love and kindness. My Christmas and new year was spent with close friends and family, and it was an enjoyable time of celebrations and reflections. Through all the bad that has (and is continuing) to happen in the world around us, we must remember to look for the positives and the good within people. However hard it may feel at times.

On a more personal note, this year was one of positive change in my life. I found a new job in spring, working for one of my favourite brands - ASOS, and I couldn't be happier. I was also bridesmaid for one of my best friends, I met the beautiful Alexa Chung, I was lucky enough to be flown to Paris for an event and I attended my first every London Fashion Week! Looking back, it was a whirlwind of a year but another fantastic year spent here in London. One I will cherish!

January

January started the year with a bang, with a complimentary dinner at Tom's Kitchen in Chelsea. This was quite possible the fanciest restaurant Stew and I had ever eaten at. With a wonderful manager, fantastic food and exceptional wine, it was a night we will never forget and would love to visit again some time.

February

One of my favourite moments of the year was in February, when Stew surprised me with a champagne trip on the London Eye for Valentine's Day. This was especially significant as it's one of the most romantic things he has ever done, and something I would never have guessed!

March

In March I made my first ever designer purchase. Whilst this may seem trivial, it was a big moment for me. I had worked with Farfetch on an exciting project and was very kindly given a gift card to spent on their site. I purchased a pair of Isabel Marant trainers and a Michael Kors bag!

April

Not only is both mine and Stew's birthday in April, but this year it was also the month that I met the absolutely, outrageously beautiful, Alexa Chung. An event I will never forget! In fact, it was a month of celebrity encounters, as I also attended a cooking class with the wonderful Jimmy Doherty.

May

Marking the end of spring and the beginning of summer, May now also marks the anniversary of one of my best friends. I was privileged to be her bridesmaid. It was a truly beautiful day!

June

I spent a wonderful week in Krakow, Poland in June, exploring part of Europe I had never visited before. I can't wait to do more city breaks and long weekends next year.

July

There were two especially significant dining experiences this year. The first being Tom's Kitchen, as I've already mentioned, and the second being The Artisan Bistro. Another restaurant in Chelsea, The Artisan Bistro was another fantastic night of food and wine, and amazing service. We couldn't fault it!

July was also the month that I saw my third ever musical, Beautiful, The Carole King Musical. I had no idea what to expect beforehand, but ended up knowing most of the soundtrack and loved every minute. I can't wait to go to the theatre more in 2017.

I also attended a couple of music festivals this year, one being complimentary through my blog - Citadel. It was only a one day event, but it was one of the highlights of me summer, and I've already booked next years festival - BST to see Justin Bieber!!

August

The biggest and most incredible experience of my year has to be hopping on the Eurostar to Paris for a couple of days in August, for the launch of the Honor 8 mobile phone. This was my first press trip abroad and I couldn't quite believe my luck when I was asked. In fact, I was sure they had the wrong person when they asked me. This has got to be the highlight of my blogging career. I know it seems to be the norm now for bloggers to travel the world with brands, but for someone like me this was a huge opportunity and I couldn't be more thankful!

September

Continuing the amazing blogger perk ride, I was invited to my first ever London Fashion Week in September with Sunglass Hut. It was a great experience, as I was lucky enough to be able to bring along a friend to experience it with me. Amidst all the hustle and bustle on the day, we enjoyed every second and I hope to go again next year.

October

I mentioned that this year was particularly special because I landed a new job role at ASOS. Well, not only that, but they also picked me to star in two videos that they collaborated with LinkedIn on, promoting LinkedIn as a platform to find jobs at ASOS - exactly how I found my role. This was a fantastic experience and one that I am so proud to be part of. You can watch the videos here or on my LinkedIn.

November

This Christmas, and the build up to it, has brought me (and Stew) many amazing gifts including the incredible Harvey Nichols hamper I recently reviewed. Plus, we enjoyed a one night stay at the beautiful citizenM Tower of London Hotel. I also experienced my first ever Thanksgiving dinner this year, cooked for by the fantastic Brad McDonald.

December

And just like that, we're at the end of the year. This December flew by, as they all always do these days. We made the most of every second of it though, packing in all of the London sights and this year I was lucky enough to be feature on the New Look advent calendar - twice! They reached out to me, wanting to share a couple of festive recipes of mine. This year the recipes section of my blog has really taken off. Not only do I enjoy creating them (and eating them!), but it's lovely to know that others appreciate them too. I always love reading your comments if you've re-created any of them.