Happy New Year! Reflections and Moving Forward

2015
Let me start by saying Happy New Year to you all. I wish you all the most incredible year head full of hard work and love.

As with most people I have spent the last fews days contemplating on what a year 2015 has been. I do not often get to sentimental on the blog but I wanted to share some of the highlights of the year and the plans for 2016.

My Birthday
At a time when I was in a state of self doubt and struggling mentally my birthday helped me to remember that I am loved. I have fantastic friends and family who I cannot take for granted. I was spoilt rotten and their support is incredible. If you want to see some of the posts I wrote about the day you can read them here. I also did a video featuring my lovely presents which you can read here.

Afternoon Tea
2015 was the year I finally managed to have a traditional afternoon tea. I wrote about it here but it was a special evening in a beautiful venue where I was able to watch the sun set while sipping Assam Tea with my best friend.

My Best Friend became pregnant
One of the most incredible feelings in the world is when your best friend tells you they are pregnant. My best friend is my sister so it was as if my actual sister was telling me she was pregnant. The amount we both screamed and hugged and smiled following the announcement was something I do not thing I will ever forget. I had to keep it a secret for a good few months before I could tell anybody and it was probably the hardest secret I have had to keep.

Getting a DSLR camera
Anybody who loves filmography, photography or has their own blog and Youtube channel will tell you when you upgrade your kit it is an incredible feeling. I wanted to up the quality of my blog pictures and my Youtube. I decided to invest in the Canon 700d and everything fell in to place. My videos were getting better as well as my blog content. It is a nice feeling. I still have a long way to go but it was pivotal moment in shaping the way my blog and channel are today.

A step on the career ladder
I have wanted to work in social media and digital marketing and in 2015 I took the first steps in achieving that goal. I was promoting from my previous role in the marketing department and now head the companies clients twitter accounts as well as manage their websites. I still have a long way to go but six months down the line I am grateful for the opportunity.

Spending time with family
This may sound a bit silly to many of you but I have a big family. Since finishing university I faced a lot of mental health issues (some of which I am working on) which made me go in to myself even further and become more of an introvert. This year I got to see long lost family members, discovered new members of family and my appreciation for each and every single one of them grows each day.

Saying Yes
I decided to say yes a lot more. From blogging events to things at work and spending time with my friends. You may have realised that from the contents of my blog towards the end of the year. It allowed me to discover places such as Jamie's Italian and meet some fabulous people and brands such as Everything Five Pounds and Esmie Style.

Muslim Lifestyle Expo
The MLExpo was the first 'travel' event I experienced as a blogger. By travel I mean I was able to venture to the other side of the country because of my little blog. I always wondered what it would feel like to do something like this and throughly enjoyed it. I got to meet some fantastic people, brands and some of them I remain in contact with today! In case you missed it, I have written a post all about the day here.

Presenting an Award Show
On December 19th I was given the opportunity to travel to London and help present the Modest Fashion Blogger awards. This was first time presenting anything and although I was nervous I am glad it was something I did. If you want to see some more about this you can read it here.

Visiting Covent Garden
While I was in London I was able to take a trip to Covent Garden. The home of the Charlotte Tilbury Store, Kate Spade and so much more. There are very few things better in this world than London in Winter.

Organising a Charity event
For work I organised a charity event to raise money for a local charity. It was a tuck shop and I managed to organise the whole thing from the donations to the posters raising over £400. I didn't think it would be possible but it was and it is probably one of my proudest moments of 2015.

Gaining a Nephew
My best friend gave birth to her adorable son Umar Farooq. He is hands down the most perfect bundle of joy. Every time I see him he has changed in some way. Seeming my best friend as a mother is amazing. My admiration for her and increased tenfold. 

Reaching 200 Subscribers
I remember wondering if anybody would watch my videos. A year later and I now have over 200 of you subscribed to my channel. If you're reading this and you watch my videos a big thank you for taking the time out of your day listening to my rambles. It really mean a lot. 

Filming Get Ready With Me Videos
I took the plunge and filmed my first get ready with me video this year. It was an Everyday look which you can see here. I was incredibly nervous but I redo did amazing feedback. It was a huge step in terms of filming and editing but I have been hooked ever since. 

Taking Control 
Something I started to focus on this month and will be taking forward with me next year will be taking back in control. Of my life, the goals I want to Achieve. No more excuses no more giving in. I have realised it is ok to be a bit selfish from time to time and if you want to get anywhere in life it is ok to put yourself first from time to time.

Those are some of the highlights of my year. I just wanted to say a huge happy new year to you all. Thank you for being a part of my year. Your kind words and support mean more than you can imagine.




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