The Year Behind and The Year Ahead

Well here we are, at the end of 2014. It's crazy how quickly this year has gone! It feels like a complete blur with work projects and college keeping me occupied for a large proportion of it. But, I've had some good moments this year, and some not so good moments.

To say 'Goodbye' to 2014 and 'Hello' to 2015, I thought it'd be nice to do recap moments from 2014 in pictures, and a 2015 resolution post.

Moments from 2014

1. Participated in my first dance show in over 8 years - such an amazing feeling being back on stage
2. Said 'Goodbye' to my beautiful little girl - such a sad day, I miss her!
3. Got to see Shane Filan on his first solo UK tour - such a great concert
4. Spent a lovely day at Hardwick Park with Omar
5.  Finally got my flat keys and moved into my first home
6. Had a relaxing holiday at the Lake District - wish I was back there!
7. Lovely birthday meal with Chris - even better when you get a tasty free drink
8. Said 'Hi' to a Penguin - I want one!
9. Passed 5 CIMA exams - only 6 more to go.

2015 Resolutions

To get fit and healthy

A very cliche resolution, I know, but it's one I think I should have. I've been discussing summer holiday plans already and this year I'd like to lie by the pool in a bikini and not be hiding my tummy under a swimming costume or baggy t-shirt. I'm not going to starve myself, I'm going to be good, eat healthy and exercise more.

Pass 4 more CIMA exams

I want to complete CIMA by summer 2016 and to do so I need to pass at least 4 exams in 2015. It's al lot of work but it'll all be worth it in the end.

Make more effort on my blog and in the blogging world.

My blog will be one in February, I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I started blogging. I started with very good intentions with blogging but some writers block, and busy times meant I lost motivation, and readers as a result. To those of you who've hung around, I really appreciate your support. I want to build up my blog in 2015, get more involvement in the blogging world and confidence in myself with what I'm writing.

Read more books

When I was younger I used to read, a lot, but since I got to uni reading took a back step. In 2014 I've read more than I probably have in a good few years, but 2015 I want to read even more. I'm aiming for 12 this year, which may not seem much, but it's achievable around college and work.

Thanks to everyone who made this year special, and here's hoping next year will be even better!

Sarah x

The Christmas Tag

Sadly, Christmas is now over, and it's back to normality. No more chocolate for breakfast, no more Christmas songs, back to work & back to the gym. But to keep up the festivities for a little while longer, here's my Christmas tag! 1.What is your favourite Christmas Movie? I have lots of favourites (see my top 5 here!), I don't mind watching the classics but I much prefer the more recent ones. Muppet Christmas Carol without a doubt it my favourite. It has singing, Christmas, a good story, and Muppets! 2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning? Christmas morning. Unless it's from Omar and I'm not seeing him on Christmas morning, then we just open them on the day we give them. 3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory? Christmas 2006. It hadn't been a great year, and two days before my Dad had been taken into hospital for another operation, we didn't think he'd come home in time for Christmas Day. There was nothing particular exciting about that day, I just remember him being home and happy. A nice way to end what was a horrible year. 4. Favourite festive food? Yorkshire Puddings. They're not exactly festive as I love them all year round, but they're 100000 times better on Christmas Day. My cousin, my niece and I are in a competition to see who can eat the most each year. 5. Favourite Christmas gift? Nothing specifically comes to mind when I think of my favourite gift. I've received amazing gifts over the years from dolls/toys to phones/games consoles to bedding/candles. I've appreciated every gift I've got and I can't pick just one favourite. 6. Favourite Christmas scent? I love the smell of the turkey cooking on Christmas Day morning. There's nothing better than coming downstairs, with the Turkey already in the oven (yes my Mum gets up and puts the turkey in at 3am), and the smells filling the kitchen. It's a favourite in our household. We all love that smell. 7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions? Every Christmas Eve we gather at my Grandma's house and my Mum's side of the family eat party type food, swap presents and spend a few hours together. When I got home I always found my new PJs that the Christmas Elves left me so I was ready for Santa coming. It's nice. It's what we've always done. Thankfully the Elves still leave you new PJs when you've moved into your own house! 8. What tops your tree? I have a sparkly purple star on top of my tree this year. We always had an Angel at my Mum's but I thought I'd be different and have a star. 9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always wanted but never recieved? I always wanted a little kitchen type play thing that would let me serve McDonalds to all my friends and family. I never got one because they didn't exist when I was younger. I was devastated when I got to my late teens and saw my cousins with one! 10. What's the best part about Christmas for you? I think having a day where its acceptable to not be at work, to get dressed nice, eat lots of food and just be with family. There's no other day of the year where you can do that. It's perfect. Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year! All the best, Sarah x

My Top 5 Christmas Movies

Boxing Day is a day best spend lying on the sofa, in Pjs, with blankets, a roaring fire, munching chocolates and popcorn, watching Christmas movies. Here's my top 5 list of Christmas movies to watch on this lazy day.

1. Muppet's Christmas Carol - I can't go a Christmas without watching this. The classic Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol but with added singing and Muppets. What could be better?

2. Frozen - A great animated Disney film that made it's name in 2013. Perfect for all year round but the icy theme makes it even better at Christmas. Snuggle up with a Hot Chocolate and get ready to sing along.

3. The Holiday - A brilliant romantic comedy about two women with completely different lifestyles swapping homes for the Christmas period. A fun, easy to watch film.

4. Elf - The perfect film for all the family. So funny and entertaining how ever old you are. Will Ferrel is amazing in it.

5. Polar Express - This is my Dad's favourite Christmas film. It's another great animated film that's perfect for the whole family. Give it a watch, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Enjoy your duvet day!

Sarah x

Merry Christmas

To all my readers out there, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

I hope Santa is great to all of you, and you enjoy spending the day with loved ones.

Once the festivities are over,  I hope to back and blogging with some new material.

Enjoy and best wishes!

Sarah x

My New Home

It's been a long time in coming, but finally I picked up the keys to my new home on the 25th November.

After lots of busy weekends, I can now happily say that I've been living here for 2 weeks and my new home is practically finished. To celebrate, here's a little tour of my new home.

Panoramic of my living room/kitchen

Panoramic of my bedroom

My lovely photo cushions, a house warming gift from my Parents

My Living Room Furniture

My Walk-in-Wardrobe, every Girl's Dream!

It's definitely been worth the wait.

Sarah x

Sorry, I've been MIA...

To anyone out there in blog land that reads my blog, I'm sorry I've been MIA!

The last month has been a bit crazy with exams, moving house and work. I seem to have neglected a lot of things during this time and unfortunately my blog was one of them.

I'm having to borrow my parents Internet to write this post, but as of Friday I'll be all set up in my flat and I'll be back with a new ideas and posts to share going forward.

Bear with me, and hopefully it'll be worth the wait!

Sarah x