I honestly cannot believe I am already writing this post. A part of me can’t comprehend that 2017 – the year that started approximately 45 minutes ago – is almost over. Fuck. I mean… fuuuuuck. Where has the time gone? Seriously? Did a Demogorgon eat it? (Cheeky lil reference for y’all Stranger Things lovers) But alas, here we are. Almost at the end of another topsy, turvy year. And it’s time for me to look back and reflect on some of the good things that happened.
Places, holidays, days out etc.
Norfolk Broads boating holiday (April): This was my boyfriend and I’s second time out on the Broads and it was just as lovely.
Severn Valley Railway Steam Gala (September): My first time on the Steam Railway in Shropshire and it certainly won’t be my last.
Lincolnshire visiting my boyfriend’s family (multiple times): I always enjoy spending a few days in Lincolnshire with my boyfriend’s family in the countryside. It’s a welcome change to the city and we always have a lovely time.
Donington Park Formula 1 museum (March & September): We have 6 monthly visits to Donington museum and we stuck to that religiously this year. It never disappoints.
Silverstone’s Williams 40 event (June): We went to the Williams 40 event for my boyfriend’s birthday and it was wonderful! Free tickets, old race cars, seeing all the stars. It was a perfect day.
Paradise Wildlife Park (September): We went to Paradise Wildlife Park for my birthday this year as a cute little day out and I always enjoy it there.
Food
Cote Restaurant (and others): This is the year I’ve started going out for meals more because I have control of my anxiety and it doesn’t stop me anymore. The French restaurant Cote has been a firm favourite for us – I would highly recommend.
Afternoon tea: This year, I did my first ever afternoon tea! With my mum and friend Lynsey, we enjoyed it at the Vertigo Lounge in Essex and I was so impressed.
Guylian seashell cupcakes: I have made a ton of these in the latter part of this year after finding the recipe on Call Me Courtney’s wonderful blog!
TV / Books
Bake Off: I’ve honestly loved Bake Off this year with the new presenters and I’ve really grown to like the new bakers too. I’m currently writing this post on the morning of the final so I don’t know who’s won but I hope it’s Sophie!
Orphan Black: 2017 is the year that I discovered my new, all-time favourite series – Orphan Black. And it’s going to take a lot to top that.
Stranger Things: Series 2 of Stranger Things was long awaited for me and and it didn’t disappoint in the slightest! Absolutely fantastic continuation of the series.
Formula 1: I’ve loved this F1 season, personally and although I’m gutted Lewis got the title and not Sebastian, I still think it’s been a year to remember especially with Max – my favourite driver – winning 2 races this year!
Books: 2017 has been stellar for books. I’ve rarely read anything I’ve not liked this year. I have a whole separate post about my favourite books of 2017 here!
Other
Smear test & colposcopy: I learn this year that I am stronger than what I think and I can deal with things which come my way, after having an abnormal smear result in September. It all turned out okay but it was a very nerve-wracking time.
Redecorating my bedroom: I spent a good month redecorating my room and I absolutely adore it now!
Blogging: I’ve loved blogging this year. Absolutely loved it. I’ve been so motivated and inspired and that’s a huge deal for me. I’ve seen a steady growth in my followers and daily views and worked with some amazing brands such as Jenems Jewellery, bakerdays, and Jewellery Box so 2017 has been an amazing blogging year for me.
Yoga: 2017 was also the year I firmly got into yoga and it has changed my entire attitude and well being. I’m going to continue to practice and get better at it and I can’t wait to see where I am with it this time next year!
Loved this look back at the last year! Funnily enough, I had my first ever afternoon tea this year, too. For my hen do! It was fab. Definitely an experience I want to repeat.
Ah really! More afternoon teas this year! I wish we lived closer cos that’d be a cute day out haha! xxx
Tehe I’m loving the Stranger Things reference! This year really has gone way too quick… But it’s making me look forward to 2018 even more.
Also, I can’t believe it was your first time going for afternoon tea this year. I can’t imagine not going for afternoon tea in the summer.
Bloody love Stranger Things & I know right! Definitely more afternoon teas this year xxx
What a lovely round up, I’m so glad you’ve had a great year and made so many wonderful memories. Also that the F1 day was so good! Here’s hoping for a equally brilliant 2018 for you xxx
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Thank you (: I hope so too xxx
2017 has flown by! It looks like you had quite a year with everything. Here’s to 2018 being more of the good and less of the bad!
Imogen’s Typewriter. <3
Thank you, I hope so too xxx
You have the chattiest and coolest writing style ❤️ Also max verstappen is my fave driver to watch, f1 has been ace this year!!
Awh thank you so much! Max is also my favourite driver (; zxx
So glad you are eating out Jenny with your anxiety under control. Yoga is great I used to be yoga person when I was younger. I need to find an exercise class/club to join in 2018. Working fulltime means it is so hard to find the time. But, It’s important, so somehow I will have to fit it in. All the best for a lovely 2018 full of all the things you love. Xxx
I’d highly recommend yoga with Adriene! As you can do it at home and choose her shorter practices if you don’t have time for a long one 🙂 thank you, you too! xxx
As always a fabulous post Jenny! Such a fantastic way to look back on your year and some really gorgeous photos too. So glad that your health scare ended up fine in the end it must have been a very scary time for you ❤️
Thank you (: it was a pretty nerve wracking experience but I’m so glad I got through it and handled it xxx
What a lovely post – sounds like you had an eventful year, but some amazing memories have been made too! I’ve always wanted to get into Yoga – maybe I’ll try push myself more this year to do it! I hope 2018 is another great year for you 🙂
Amy,
https://creativenails.uk
Thank you (: it was a pretty good year! I’m hoping 2018 will be even better. I’d highly recommend Yoga! xxx
Wow a very adventurous year, it’s always good when you can look back at it all. I’ve got yoga on my goals for 2018, I’m hoping to have this a my go to exercise and relaxation- so I’m looking forward to that! Thanks for sharing 💖
That’s why I love yoga because it can incorporate both and you can tailor it to how you feel that day (: best of luck with it! xxx
Those seashell cupcakes look so beautiful! And I too was a massive fan of Bake Off (Although I still am seething and believe that Liam was ROBBED)! Great post, I love that you managed to eat out more and rise above your anxiety, that’s honestly so amazing!
Jas xx
Oh my god DON’T I am still outraged about the Liam thing! And thank you (: it’s nice to be able to go out and do “normal” things like have lunch out. Although it still tests my anxiety, I know I can do it xxx
This is such a brilliant post Jenny! 💖 It’s so lovely to reflect on the year! I love the sound of the boating holiday, that sounds super relaxing and looks stunning from the photo! 😍 Its great that you have had such a positive experience with yoga too! I hope 2018 is another fantastic year for you and your blog 😘✨ xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thanks Bexa! The boat is lovely and the area is beautiful but it’s not half a relaxing holiday as you might think! It’s actually bloody hard work haha xxx
It’s sounds like you’ve had a really good year! I’ve always wanted to start yoga as I’ve heard it’s really good so that will be one of my 2018 goals. I’m so happy you’ve loved blogging this year as I always look forward to reading your posts 💕
Samantha | https://believeinamiracle.co.uk
Yoga has changed my life in a way this year! It’s SO good for you both physically and mentally so I’d always recommend it to people! Thanks so much (: xxx
2017 was so many things for so many people – I’m definitely on the more “it was *meh* at best”-side, but I’m really happy for you that you had a good one 🙂 Here’s to more of that this coming year!
It totally was. I hope 2018 is better for you! I’d say on a scale of 1 to 10, 2017 was a 7 for me. Here’s to making 2018 that 8! xxx
This is such a lovely reflection post, might just have to do something similar because it’s so lovely! All those food picks and all your trips and days out sound amazing! Wishing you more for 2018!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk / http://www.foodandbakertravels.co.uk
Thank you! (: xxx
I love love love that your anxiety has stopped ruining eating out for you. It’s such a fun part of socialising. Sounds like you’ve had an eventful year. I hope 2018 is just as exciting x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
It’s still a struggle but I know I can handle it now! Which is a great feeling (: thank you! Hope 2018 is wonderful to you too xx
Oh, Jenny, it sounds like you’ve had such a good year! I’m so happy for you! I’m really pleased to hear that yoga has really helped you. I’m a firm believer in using exercise to help control anxiety, and yoga is so perfect for helping re-centre your mind. Here’s to a happy and fulfilling 2018!
Anna xxx
http://www.glass-shoes.com
Thank you (: I’m hoping to up my yoga practice from now on and into the New Year xxx
Sound like you had a great year! It’s been so long since I’ve been to an afternoon tea, I need to go right away.
A Sparkle Of Grace
It wasn’t too bad really (: I wanna go again soon too xxx
A great summary of your year. This year has been start of yoga for me too. Yoga helps to keep both mind and body in shape.
Goodluck for the next year 😊
Ah really? That’s amazing! Hope you manage to continue to enjoy it in 2018 and expand your practice even more! xxx
Yeah really! Yup I am planning to continue yoga in 2018. 😊
This is the sort of post that makes me think seriously about what I want to be. I didn’t find 2017 that easy, I think it’s possibly because I’ve been so focused on books, reading, writing and reviewing (and we were living in a house far removed from people and I began to feel it for the first time ever-we’ve moved since). I’d love to be able to put a post together with all the lovely things I’ve done this year and while I’ve had tons of brilliant times with the kiddies and hubby, I feel like it was a year where I just kept my head down. Thanks for this and all the lovely and eye opening posts this year(marches off to contemplate future!)
Awh well having a quiet year definitely isn’t a bad thing. Compared to a lot of bloggers I see online, I’ve had an exceptionally tame year as well but we can’t compare ourselves. My September was absolutely hectic but October I barely did a thing so you know, swings and roundabouts! Wishing you all the best for 2018! xxx
Thanks, you too:)
Glad you loved Shropshire and the SVR. I live part of the year in Ludlow.
I absolutely adored it! Going back in March (: xx