Goodbye 2015!

As far as years go, 2015 is one I'll be glad to say goodbye to. There's been some good points; my holiday to France in the summer was amazing (you can read all about it here). The sun, the heat, the relaxation, the sights. I'd go back in a heartbeat! I've also gotten to try out some new things like Pointe and pole dancing, and I've got to see Wicked and Les Miserables on stage. Two shows I've wanted to see for a long time. I also got a weekend away in London so after 24 years of living in the UK I can finally say I've visited my capital city.

But there's been some low points too. Failing my exam was definitely one of them. I've never failed anything in my life before, so this came as a shock to me is something I didn't cope well with. Work making the changes it did, and the impact that has had on everything else has made this year very difficult and on occasions, very overwhelming. But by far the worst thing in 2015 was losing my Grandad. Not being at home meant it came quite out of the blue  and took a long time to come to terms with. He was a big part of my childhood and it's very weird to think he's not around anymore.

The things I've been through this year, both good and bad, have taught me a lot and I've had to grow as a person to cope with some of them. It hasn't been easy, and at times I have wanted to throw in the towel and give up on some things, but I've persevered and come out at fighting at the other end. I may not have enjoyed you 2015, and I am glad to see you go, but I just need to say 'thank you' for all that I've learnt. Goodbye!

Sarah x

My 2015 Reading List

A resolution for 2015 is to read more, and this year I want to read at least 12 books. This may not seem much but in between work, college and seeing my friends/family there's not much time left for fun reading.

My Goodreads want to read list (you can see it here) gets longer and longer every few week as my friend's recommend more amazing books, but here's what I'd to read and review in 2015.

1. My Side of Life: The Autobiography - Shane Filan

2. City of Bones (Mortal Instruments) - Cassandra Clare

3. Cruel Beauty - Rosamund Hodge

4. Stranger - Megan Hart

5. Since You've Been Gone - Morgan Matson

6. Angel of Storms (Millennium's Rule Trilogy) - Trudi Canvan

7. Sweet Addiction - Jessica Daniels

8. Dinner with a Vampire (The Dark Heroine) - Abigail Gibbs

9. Dorothy Must Die - Danielle Paige

10. City of Stairs - Robert Jackson Bennett

11. Famous in Love - Rebecca Serle

12. The Paper Magician (The Paper Magician Trilogy) - Charlie N. Holmberg

My list isn't in order, and isn't set in stone. I know that if I fall in love with a series I'll probably read all of those before moving onto something new, but I'm optimistic that the reading bug will get me this year and I'll read a lot more than previous years.

If you have any suggestions you think I may like comment below, I'd love to hear what you're reading!

Sarah x

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