A roundup of 2022 and what’s coming in 2023

It’s so cliche to say ‘how it is the start of a new year already’ but honestly, how the hell? Last I checked it was 2021 and here we are in 2023!? It’s fair to say for me 2022 has been a really good year and I’ve gone into the new year with a positive mindset and a very happy heart. I wanted to share a little roundup of the year – what I’ve been up to, how things have gone with my blog and small business – as well as some plans for 2023 and a few goals I’d like to achieve.

A year in review

This past year has been a pretty busy year, with celebrating my sister’s wedding, plenty of trips away and a new job. I’ve managed to tick a few things off the bucket list too which is great. Layla (our cat) had her 14th birthday in November – and I can’t believe we’ve already had her a whole year in December!

Holidays and trips

I was lucky enough to go on a few holidays in 2022. First was a girls trip to Bulgaria which was a lot of fun. It was the perfect relaxation holiday where we didn’t do too much, spending most days chilling by the pool with a cocktail in hand.

Aaron and I had a holiday to Zante which again was lovely and relaxing. We had a few day trips while we were there and saw lots of gorgeous sights. Our hotel was the Bitzaro Grande which was so beautiful, I’d 100% recommend it to anyone.

There were a few smaller trips this year too, with a few days in Bournemouth at the start of the year, Newquay for my sister’s hen-do, a few days in Falmouth for Aaron’s 30th and a trip to Centre Parcs Longleat for my birthday in October.

A new job

In July an opportunity came up for me to apply for a job at the school where Aaron works. It’s the same job as I already had (Science Technician) but in a different (and far better) school, and it would work out well for saving petrol as we could share lifts. I was offered the job and started with the new term in September. After a few weeks I applied to progress to Senior Technician, which was a big step for me but I had a lot of encouragement and support from my colleagues and decided to go for it. I was also offered the chance to do first aid training and becoming first aider for my department which was one of the things I had wanted to achieve. Although I didn’t necessarily dislike my previous school I have no regrets moving especially with the opportunities I’ve had so far.

Health and fitness

This past year has been great for me in terms of fitness. I took the plunge and joined a BodyStep class back in June, and after a few classes my friend Kelly joined me. I’ve been doing it 2-3 times a week ever since and it’s helped me improve my fitness so much. On a few occasions I’ve been able to do things that previously I’d have been so out of breath after and I 100% put it down to that class. I’ve been trying to focus on my overall health too, taking vitamins and eating healthier. I’ve also been making and having lemon and ginger shots every morning. I’m not sure if it’s a placebo effect but it makes me feel so much better and I really notice the difference when I don’t have it.

Blog

In terms of blogging this year hasn’t quite given me the growth I’d hoped for. I will admit I’ve been a bit on and off with blogging, and every now and then I’d get stuck for ideas and give up for a bit. I did however get to work with some fab brands throughout the year which I’m so grateful for.

Small business

If you didn’t know, I have my own small candle business. In 2022 I launched my own website alongside my etsy shop but to be honest it hasn’t taken off as well as I hoped it would. I noticed a huge difference in sales between this Christmas and 2021, which I completely get considering the rise in cost of everything. It didn’t help having the Royal Mail strikes which I think put people off ordering online and there weren’t as many last minute buys.

Plans for 2023

A new house

This year we are hoping to move house, aiming for somewhere closer to work. We currently live about half an hour from work and it makes sense to move more that way, hopefully into something a little bigger too as our current house is pretty small.

Holidays and events

We already have a couple of trips planned for 2023. First is a weekend in Cornwall in march for my sister’s birthday, and we have a city break planned for May to Athens. this is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit, as I’ve always been into ancient Greece and mythology so I’m so excited to finally be going.

One of my favourite bands deaf Havana are touring in April so we have booked tickets for that and a night away in Exeter. I haven’t seen them in a few years so it’ll be nice to hear some of their newer music live.

New teeth

One of the biggest things happening the beginning of this year is my new teeth journey. I’ve signed up to Smile Direct Club for their clear aligners to straighten a couple of teeth that I’ve been insecure about for years. I’m so excited to begin this journey as I’ve heard some great things about it.

Fitness

One of my main goals this year is to continue with my Step classes 3 times a week as well as going to the gym twice a week. I’d really like to work on gaining and toning muscle as well as fat loss, and I feel like this year is going to be the year I get myself into shape.

Blog

For my blog this year I’m really going to try and focus on growing it, not just in terms of numbers but in what content I put out there and working with more brands. I love running my blog and I’d really like to turn it into a more regular source of income.

Small business

I have high hopes for my small business this year and I’ve already got a few new ideas in the pipeline. I’m going to be expanding some of my collections and going to focus more on the types of candles I want to specialise in.

Until next time.

XOX