My blog year in review 2015

Last year, I shared a post reflecting back on everything I had shared on here and I fancied doing the same for the past 12 months.

It's a good thing to do, as you can remind yourself of how far you've come and what you've enjoyed as well as seeing where the next year could take you if you make the effort or change that's needed.

Personally, I'm glad to be saying goodbye to 2015 for various reasons. You can't really blame a year in itself for not being what you had wanted but I still like the idea of welcoming in a new one with all the hope a fresh start offers.

Here's my blog year in review, 2015, and just a few of my favourite photos too:

January I reflected on a year of being a working mum, the importance of choosing me time and shared a few healthy breakfast ideas too.

February: I wrote about how the idea of 'being mum' isn't a destination but rather a journey, full of twists and milestones, plus I wrote a post about when you learn you're going to be a mum for the first time.

I also posted my recipe for brilliant bruschetta. Yum.

March I carried on learning about eating clean and wrote about how I needed to shake off a kind of lethargy I was going through at the time. I felt that way a lot in 2015 but the new year will be different; I'm determined to make time and do more of the things I want and need to in order to be happy. 

I also asked the question why don't we put ourselves first, and I think it's something that struck a chord with quite a few people.

We went to West Midlands Safari Park to meet some dinosaurs, I shared some Easter food ideas and hubs even had a spot on the blog too.

It was a bumper month!

April We started the month with a visit to Sea Life Centre Birmingham and we also had fun at the opening of the extension of Thomas Land.

Our house had a bit of attention with our bedroom receiving a much needed mini makeover. 

I shared some of Ethan's favourite reads as well as my latest beauty faves and posted my smoothie recipe ideas.

May It was little man's second birthday, so I wrote a new letter to him. We had a family party and took him to Severn Valley Railway and I made a little video too.

I wrote about the face of a mother, reflecting on my own reflection and asked the question how honest is too honest, in life and in blogging.

June I shared my preparation tips for changing bags, gift ideas for Father's Day , fun family activities and even a tutorial on how to make a baby clothes bouquet.

I shared some ideas on using up leftovers (handy for this time of year) and with my Sister-in-Law's wedding having a retro twist, I gave a guide to how to create a 50's look.

I also talked about how important grandparents are and how lucky Ethan is, turning two - the story so far and we went to Baddesley Clinton for a lovely day out.

July This month, I posted about a typical day in our house, enjoyed a birthday retreat and pledged to put dinosaurs before dishes.

I whipped up cauliflower rice for the first time, made pea guacamole, shared a list of my favourite bloggers and went on the quest for the perfect red pout.

August It must have been a busy one as I wrote a little less this month. The main highlight was a post about great days out in the Midlands, which took some time to pull together and I'm sure I will add to again. 

I also wrote a poem to my son-shine and at work, I reached my 10 year milestone.

September Another milestone for Ethan was reached as we chose a big boy bed, some Gruffalo inspired home items and Ethan successfully made the tradition from cot to toddler bed without a hitch.

We hired our first cleaner for a big clean, started our preparations for autumn, celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and I shared some of Birmingham's hidden gems.

October Ethan started what I call the flip flop phase, we thought we may have been on the cusp of potty training (we weren't) and I volunteered to be a part of a fundraising group called Project Shoebox. 

I also prepared my now annual guide as to where to see Santa in the Midlands.

November This month seems to be all about round ups of this and that, talking about Christmas traditions and lots of craft ideas too.

I was also moved by the kindness of people.

December We started a book advent, I posted about ideas to make more of a humble bowl of soup and I made some photo calendars.

I've also just shared some ideas on how to get yourself into gear and be organised in 2016, reviewed two useful Busy B diaries and wrote about my happy eating goals too.

***

Phew, what a year! Honestly, even if you're not a blogger, taking some time to look back and flick through notes in your diary, places you've been and photos you've taken is such a good exercise. It really helps you appreciate everything you've done and how far you've come.

I've realised just how much has happened in 2015 (and I thought 2014 was a busy year!) and I am really grateful for every one of you who has stopped by my corner of the web once or many times.

Thank you all and here's to a happy, healthy and rewarding new year.

Much love,

Kelly x