THANKFUL FOR 2015
31/12/2015
I generally find writing quite easy. Once I’m in the zone – i.e sat in Starbucks with my 5th latte and headphones in to drown out the 50 million screaming babies – from the moment that I start tapping away, I don’t really stop. (Bar a quick coffee sip and gluten free brownie bite obviously, #basicbitch). But I genuinely wasn’t sure what I wanted to write about in today’s post.
My natural instinct for the last post of 2015 would be a favourites, but I feel like I covered everything in my 2015 Beauty favourites and 15 amazing things in 2015 video. Yes there are favourite outfits, but let’s be honest… that’s what Instagram is for isn’t it? Psst p.s we hit 10k followers on Christmas eve and as much as I hate myself for being a little bit excited about that… I just am. A little bit. Not gonna lie [insert monkey covering eye’s emoji here].
Another thing that will no doubt pop up all over the blogosphere – yep, still want to punch myself in the face for using that term – is New year’s resolutions and goals, but if there’s one I’ve learnt from noting down my resolutions each year it’s that a) I will never eat healthily (for a long enough time anyway) b) I will never exercise because I am a lazy cow and c) I will never stop putting pressure on myself to be the best I can be – and do the best that I can – and I think I’ve just accepted that that’s OK. As a full time blogger and somebody that now relies solely upon myself to actually make a living, I find it near impossible to take a break and relax. Do I hope that in 2016 I’ll spend less of my time totally stressed out and working every spare second of the day? Of course. Do I think that that will actually happen? Debatable. But maybe that’s why things have actually worked out this year? (I’m aware that that could potentially sound self indulgent – which makes me want to punch myself in the face as much as the term blogosphere – but realistically, I think I’m just trying to justify to myself that nearly killing myself every single day is actually paying off.
So rather than set resolutions – I have a million and one personal goals (written in my new Kikki K notebooks obvs) but I want to keep them to myself for when I fail them – I thought I would list a few things that I’m really thankful for and a few hopes for 2016.
My family and friends
For being my rocks, my best friends, for supporting me through everything and anything and making me cry with laughter on a daily basis. I could not do any of what I’m doing now without you by my side.
Being comfortable
You only have to walk down the street in London to see a homeless person and despite not knowing their situation or how they ended up there, it will forever humble me and make me feel so incredibly grateful that I have a home, I’m comfortable and I’m surrounded with lovely, cosy things inside it. Not to mention the most amazing, supportive people inside it.
Health
My health is not only something that I rarely talk about, but also something that hasn’t been amazing since I turned 15. It’s been a pretty rough ride over the last 8 years and if I’m honest, things recently have been really tough. But I am so aware that there are millions of people out there that are so much worse off than me and right now, I’m just grateful that I can struggle through, do my job and get on with life (dosed up on all the drugs). One thing I did realise this year is that talking about things really bloody helps – I know, who’d have thought it? – I wrote about having coeliac disease here and to date it’s still one of my most popular (and favourite) posts. I received so many comments and personal emails thanking me for opening up and saying that it helped them so much that it’s definitely something I’d consider more of in the future because if I can help one person… well, that just blows my mind in all honesty.
Travel
This year I got to travel a little more. I saw Edinburgh which I absolutely adored and cannot wait to return again, and I also went to NYC for the first time. I have so much more that I’d love to – and will – say about NYC but I’m saving that for another time as I have a bit of a special video to come. But yes, I went to New York in February and had the time of my life (I also got engaged so you know, that helps too…) before returning last month and I can honestly say that that place will just forever have my heart. I am so thankful that I got to discover Manhattan twice and can’t wait to do so more next year!
Blogging full time
Ahh, now this is a biggie. At the beginning of the year, I took a risk (for once in my life, The Granny next door, no more!) and decided not to go back into TV and try blogging full time for a couple of months. A couple of months turned into half a year and nearly a year later… it’s just genuinely the best decision I’ve ever made. From the most incredible collaborations with brands that I’ve loved for years and years, to meeting and collaborating with bloggers and youtubers that are now great friends of mine and attending some fab events this year – The Gleam halloween party, Benefit Breakfasts, Fleur’s makeup launch and just working with Jo Malone has been so wonderful let alone their beautiful events are just a tiny example – and for that, I can’t thank you enough. Without you reading this little corner of the internet I really wouldn’t be able to have done any of it.
You
You, yep, you right there reading this right now. I am so thankful for you. Every single comment on this blog, every single message/tweet/Instagram comment I receive, every time you even click on here to see what I’ve been up to … I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart because as I said above, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without it. Besides the fact that it’s a huge reason why I can blog as a job, every lovely comment has given my (non-existent) confidence levels such a boost and there have been so many times when I’ve felt like giving up on this – I think every full time blogger has this at least once a month – and your comments/love just make it so worth continuing on through the those times. So thank you, thank for everything!
Hopes for 2016!
- To carry on working with incredible brands and grow this little space of the internet even further.
- To spend much more time with friends and family (rather than holed up in my office with my head in my laptop)
- To actually plan a little bit of my wedding rather than saying “ohhh, it’ll wait” or thinking pinning 104858345 photo’s is actually planning the wedding.
- To stress less and enjoy every moment of life. Blogging and making this job work is obviously so important to me, but living life and enjoying every precious second is even more so. I want to work to live, not live to work.
- To be happy. Ultimately – and most importantly – I just want to be happy.
Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, I hope you have the most amazing New Year and are excited for a fresh start in 2016. Some changes are coming up for me and The Elle Next door – forever feeling like a total tit referring to my blog as if it’s a person – over the next year so I really hope you’ll come along for the ride with me.
Thanks so much for reading!
xx
I always think I should be more thankful for my health as there definitely is someone out there who has it worse (even if it doesn't change how your feel or impact your life). I hope 2016 is a great year for you!
Jodie, xo // Jodie Loue
So right, even though other people's situations have no impact on your life, I always consider them to put things into perspective. Hope it's great for you too lovely!
xx
Happy new year Elle, I hope 2016 brings you everything you wish and more xx
The Beauty Bloss
Thanks so much hun, you too!
xx
Ahhhh…I made my ultimate goal to be happy too. We can make lots of resolutions and #goals that we never stick to but that's the most important in the end.
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
Totally with you there hun!
xx
Loved this post Elle – I'm so so happy for your and your achievements this year. Makes me smile so much to see that you've come so far and are doing so well. You are honestly, one of the nicest people ever, who rarely complains about anything, and I love you for it. I hope 2016 is a good one for you and maybe it'll be the year we meet? Yep, I hope so! Happy New Year to you lovely, I hope it brings you great health and happiness xxx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
You are the biggest babe, thank you so much Sam for always being so so lovely! I so hope 2016 is the year we meet, we definitely need to make it happen. All the best for 2016 girly, you deserve it!
xx
Loved this post, I'm hoping to try and take my blog and my two Youtube Channels to higher places in 2016 whilst also embracing the challenges of life, who knows where it'll take me but I hope you have an excellent New Year.
Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
Ahh you definitely will hun, you have an amazing blog, it'll get there!
xx
Aw lovely post hun, I'm going to sit down today and set myself some goals for 2016 – ones that may actually be achievable for a change.
Emma | HarmonyBlaze.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks so much Emma, so pleased you liked it!
xx
You are so inspirational Elle! That's why I love reading your blog so much! So happy I finally got to meet you this year and lots more to come in 2016! Happy New Year! xoxo
http://www.duchessoffashion.co.uk
Ahh thank you my love, you are find too kind! So happy I got to meet you to, more to come in the new year!
xx
It's impressive, all that you have achieved in 2015 and I hope you have an equally wonderful 2016 with plenty of travel thrown into the mix!
Thank you Suze, definitely hope there's lots more travel for next year too!
xx
What an amazing 2015 you have had!! Congrats to all of your success and learning experiences! I always enjoy all of your posts! I hope you have a happy new year!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Thank you so much lovely, I'm so happy you've enjoyed my posts, I have loved yours too!
xx
Wishing you all the best for 2016 – Happy New Year!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Thanks so much, you too!
xx
It's been a fab year for you, feel like a proud mother, I do! But totally with you on the health front. My Fibromyalgia and Dyslexia posts are probably my favourite ones I have written. (The Dyslexia one is probably my favourite purely because of HOW I wrote it!)
Yes, definitely spend 2016 being happy (and planning your wedding of course!)
Meg | A Little Twist Of…
Haha thanks so much lovely! I'm actually reading your fibro post now <3 Have an amazing 2016!
xx
You've had an amazing year! I've really loved reading your blog & I have some of your videos to catch up on when I have some free time next week! Hope 2016 is everything you dream of! xx
Beautylymin
Ah thank you so much, that makes me so happy! Have an amazing 2016 <3
xx
Such an inspiring post, I haven't made the jump to blogging full time yet, but it is something I have been thinking about. It's so nice to hear blogger success stories!
XO,
Meagan
BLOGLOVIN'
Hearts of Gold Blog
Instagram @heartsofgoldblog
Thanks so much hun, you'll definitely get there, your blog is gorgeous!
xx
I really like how you sum this year up 🙂 You know that I envy to you your trip to NYC (but you know – in good meaning, because I'm sure that I'll be in NYC someday :)) and I hope that 2016 will be even better for you 🙂
I wish you amazing NYE amd happy New Year, dear!
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com
Thanks so much lovely, have an amazing new year!
xx
I loved reading your year end post! Your blog is amazing and inspiring, always look forward to reading the latest post. Have a great New Years! Looking forward to much more!
http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Thanks so much hun, I'm so happy you enjoy it <3
xx
Loved this post Elle! You've had such an amazing year and I know it's just going to get even better for you! I'm so glad we finally got to meet this year and I hope we have plenty of opportunities to see each other more often in 2016!
hellomissjordan.com xx
Ah thank you so much lovely, so pleased we got to meet too, we definitely need to see each other more in 2016!
xx
Seems like you had a great year and I hope 2016 is just as good! Lovely pictures by the way 🙂
Happy new year, Elle!
Yousra | Mystic Tales
Thanks so much lovely, HNY to you too!
xx
Have a happy new year!!!!! Wishing you a wonderful 2016
Thank you lovely, you too!
xx
Fab post Elle. I've been trying to avoid all the 'new years resolutions and goals' posts.. personally I've written a more 'thank you' post.
I too have set some personal and blogging goals, but am keeping them close to my chest.
I only found your blog late in 2015 and I have to say, although I've probably said it before, I love your posts. They're so well written and your photography is spot on! total fan-girling.
Love forward to seeing what 2016 has in-store for you, lots of amazing things I'm sure. 🙂
Caroline.x
http://www.notesfromcaroline.com
Thanks so much lovely, what a lovely comment. So happy you've been enjoying my blog, that always makes my day!
xx
Ellie, I loved this post incredibly. I feel the exact same way about resolutions so I keep them to myself most of the time. I do have hopes for the new year, too, though and the biggest one is the last one you listed down; to be happy. It sounds so simple, so trivial, but happiness is something I'll be actively pursuing in the new year.
Also, thank you for blogging, Ellie. Cheers to the 2016, and happy new year!
May | THE MAYDEN | Bloglovin'
Moved to: http://www.themayden.com
Thank you so so much lovely, what a lovely comment. Wishing you the most amazing 2016!
xx
I'm not good at New Years Resolutions' and I fail generally most of them. That said, I think there is some good in having New Years Resolutions. It's a reminder of where you are now and where you will be then. It's something I like, comparing how you were.
I have a lot of hopes for 2016, mostly because my 2015 has been so crappy. I hope we all achieve our goals. Happy New Year Elle! <3
xx Bash | Hey Bash | bloglovin'
INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY
Oh definitely, I always have them but this year kept them in my head and just named a few goals 🙂 Hope your 2016 is amazing!
xx
I hope 2016 will be an amazing year for you! Good luck as a full time blogger <3
Totally understand, I want to visit NYC so bad XD
Nati xx
http://www.simplyartdicted.com
Thank you, it's been a year now so long may it continue 🙂
xx
Happy new year, Lovely! I hope 2016 is a fantastic year for you, good luck with the wedding planning!
Rubi | Instagram | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com
Thank you Rubi!
xx
Such a great post, I wish you all the best for the coming year lovely.
I just wanted to ask where you got the '16 diary and workbook from? I need to get way more organised but I just can't find one I like!
Isabelle | http://www.isabellekategm.co.uk ♡
This is such a sweet post! I think you're just one of the loveliest bloggers out there and I love how down to earth and funny you are! It was a pleasure to meet you this year and good luck with your goals – look how you turned yourself into a #GirlBoss in 2015, so who knows what heights you'll reach this year? x
Josie | Sick Chick Chic
That planner looks great! I could use something like that
Happy New Year
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
I think it's so inspirational how you had a dream and just went for it! I have been reading your blog for a while now and seen how much it has grown. But also just how dedicated you are at everything. I am currently trying to do the same and work day and night on my blog and channel. It's just sometimes difficult trying to explain to everyone what I'm trying to do. As blogging and youtube is such a new career path. But seeing you succeed has definitely given me even more motivation to carry on working hard. Your blog and channel are amazing Elle, keep it up!
– http://www.veebzboo.com
– http://www.youtube.com/veebzboo – CHATTY New Year's Eve Make-up Look
You've seriously done amazing Elle, I am so proud and always look to you for inspiration – can't wait to see you smash it in 2016
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty
The pics are amazing and the text is very inspirational. You have an amazing blog, congrats <3
http://fiftyshadesofpink.blogs.sapo.pt
This is so inspirational! I feel like too many people get caught up in their new years resolutions and stress about them, rather than remembering the great times in the year just over. Lovely post x
Jess
http://springbaby06.blogspot.com
I love reading your blog. Always makes me smile! Thank you for sharing your true thoughts on every matter! Honestly is always appreciated!!
Happy New Year!
Dora http://www.BangsBang.com
What an amazing year babes, wonderful to see you shine, blogging is just so brilliant! Happy New Year x
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