It only seems like it's been five minutes since I sat down to write a similar post last year, well, that's perhaps a slight exaggeration but it certainly doesn't feel like a whole year has passed. Turns out when your parents tell you that the years go by quicker the older you get, they're not wrong! There's a big part of me that wants to cling on to those seconds that slip by and shout at them to go a little slower, but you do quickly learn to appreciate every little thing, which is magical and beautiful all at the same time.
For the majority of last year I felt like I was stuck in a rut that was impossible to get out of. The harder I fought, the more stuck I got until eventually I gave in a little and just trundled along. I know we all have those periods of time sometimes and all you can really do is keep on going with the knowledge that the end will eventually be in sight. I took some time, particularly throughout December, to gather my thoughts and have a jolly good think about what I would like from the upcoming year. I know that when the clock strikes midnight to mark a new year it doesn't mean that things are magically going to change, I like to think of it as a milestone because everything that happens in your life helps to shape the person that you are. Life is never perfect, bad things happen to everyone, it's truly about how you take those negative experiences and turn them into something positive.
In 2013 I want to do more! Have more fun! Be spontaneous! No more excuses, no more uncertainty, just action. I'm in need of some new adventures, some new projects and some new inspiration. I've had a few ideas spinning around inside my head for a little while but I managed to talk myself out of them after seeing so many others doing something similar but way better. Now I'm very much in the mindset of why the heck not? If they can do it, then surely I can too? Just with my own little spin on it. And if it doesn't work out then, well, never mind, at least I can say I tried! So this year will be the year I go for it and try and forge out a good freelance photography career for myself. I'm part way through setting up my print shop and I'm so excited for it, like ridiculously excited. I have a billion and one pages of notes on the go full of market research and ideas already!
I spent some time looking through the archives of this little piece of the internet and although that's often something that can be a little cringe-worthy (& believe me, there were many moments like that) I realised that I have changed a lot, which is natural and to be expected. But I didn't realise that the way I blogged had changed quite so much. Again, I think it's natural to be influenced by others consciously or otherwise, it happens, but this year I want to be a little more influenced by the old me. I want to find my own voice again and revel in a bit of nostalgia.
![]() |
Topshop All About Me lipstick. |
I used to share a lot more of my life than just what my favourite lipstick was that day, which I loved. And then, I don't know, I got a little scared almost? Scared I was sharing too much and not keeping enough back for myself. So I focused almost entirely on make up, partly because I felt that's what you wanted from me, I mean it's probably one, if not the only reason you clicked that little subscribe button. Don't get me wrong, I still love make up and I'll still be babbling on about it, sharing my monthly favourites and all that other fun stuff, but I'll perhaps be slowing down on the individual reviews and sharing other things I like too.
I've felt a lot more settled this past year. I definitely underestimated how big an impact on every part of my life it would be moving from the little seaside town I called home for 22 years. I was never the biggest fan of change in any respect, but I think now I can appreciate the good things that come out of not so great situations. Without that change my boyfriend and I would still be hundreds of miles apart and, well, that wasn't so fun. We've lived in the same place now for a little over a year and a half and it's been everything I ever hoped for and so much more. If you're in a long distance relationship, please know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and it's worth fighting for if you've found your other half. This year marks our 5 year anniversary. Five - Whole - Years! That's insane! I still remember the first day we met like it was yesterday. I'm so thankful to have met him, he's one of life's true gems and I still can't believe he likes me! Crazy days.
Thank you so much if you filled out my little reader survey that I posted about before Christmas. If you haven't & you don't mind answering a few questions you can do that here & I'd really appreciate it. I had a few people ask if it was a sponsored post, which I thought was a little bizarre. Nope, it's just my way of checking in with you each year, I love reading through & hearing about your thoughts and opinions! There were a few answers in there that made me smile, I shouldn't do outfit posts because all I wear is dresses, tights & cardigans (that's very true it is all I wear, they are all different, but you're right, fashion isn't really my thing. I just wear what I like!), that I talk about blush too much (again, guilty as charged!) & that my face in photographs is silly. Well, I can only apologise for that last one, what can I say? It's my photo face. I bet you have one too! I do love you & I truly appreciate your honesty, it's really helped me out!
There were also an overwhelming amount of incredibly supportive comments packed full of wonderful compliments that I'm certain I don't deserve. A lot of them mentioned writing about what I want to write about and you're right, that's exactly what I will be doing, I was just curious I suppose. I feel like you know lots about me but I don't know very much about you, so it was just my little way of seeing what you like and what you don't. As I expected there were lots of conflicting comments proving that it is indeed impossible to please everyone all of the time. I can only hope there will be something in the mish-mash of posts that you will like & be able to relate to.
Ultimately I want to be relateable. Always. I mean, I'm just a normal person that makes mistakes, that sometimes stays home all day in pyjamas and that's trying to figure out which path in life is the right one to take. There are no rules when it comes to blogging. There's no right and wrong. And that's what I love about it. It was so exciting setting up this blog three years ago, all of the pages were blank and I couldn't wait to fill it with my ramblings, to really put my own stamp on it. If you're thinking of starting your own blog, all I can say is go for it! And always stay true to yourself. Never feel as though you have to do things in a certain way. Never try to be anyone else but you. Nobody does you as good as you do you. It's been three incredible years, I can't believe Sailboat is three already & I hope the fourth year is even better!
I hope that you had happy & safe new year celebrations. I hope that you're doing well and looking forward to the new year ahead. I truly hope you'll stick with me and check back every once in a while over the coming weeks and months, lets see what 2013 brings together. And remember, life is what you make of it, always make it spectacular!
With Love,
Jennie May
xoxo
Jennie May
xoxo
P.S. If you ever need me, for whatever reason, I've taken a bit of a step back from twitter so send me over a quick email (sailorjennie@gmail.com) and I'll be sure to reply ASAP! ♥
Aaw Happy New Year to you Jennie! I always enjoy reading your blog and will continue to do so. xxx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Carly! Thank you so much <3 xo
DeleteHappy New Year Jennie.
ReplyDeleteLovely honest post, I definitely think you should go for it with your photography. I'm looking forward to seeing them.
I felt stuck in a rut a couple of years ago but you never know what life will throw at you and now I'm engaged with a baby, planning my wedding. Crazy.
Wishing you lots of happiness and I'm looking forward to reading what you get up to in 2013.
Harriet x
arushoflove.blogspot.co.uk
Aww that's so lovely! I hope you have a truly magical year <3 xo
DeleteThank you for that sometimes you need to take a step back and look at what you do have have and not what you don't. Thank you and good luck for 2013
ReplyDeleteWww.theteacuproom.blogspot.com
Thank you lovely! <3
DeleteWow people say some odd and mean things! All I wear is dresses and cardigans too but I still post them ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Happy new year lovely! xo
DeleteOh Jennie happy new year! I really hope 2013 is your year, you really deserve it!
ReplyDeleteSophie
X
Happy New Year Sophie! I hope you have an amazing one <3
DeleteAhhh Jennie I have loved discovering your blog! What I love about it is the variety, makeup, beauty, life, wishlists, fashion. These are my favourite kinds of blogs. A bit of everything. You know what they say; variety is the spice of life! I disagree with the comment of your face being silly in photos! I personally think you take wonderful photos, and now I actually own my own little camera I hope I can develop my photography skills half as good as yours have developed!
ReplyDeleteI think the exact same about my blog posts in respect of the posts in the past that make you cringe. Although you have 2 and a half years over me on blogging, I imagine I will look back over time at posts and think 'Oh Looooord! What was I thinking writing that?' We should never regret them though. Those cringe-worthy posts are what help our blogs grow more and more by the day!
I hope you had a wonderful NYE and I hope you have a wonderful 2013 in store for you :) xxx
Aww thank you so much! Yay, you'll love snapping pictures, it can get super addictive! Oh absolutely, there are some posts I want to take down and forget about forever but where's the fun in that?! Hopefully I'll be able to still look back on those posts in 10 years, that'd be so much fun haha! <3 xo
DeleteI wish you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy new year. I think your photo face is pretty great ;)
ReplyDeleteAww thank you lovely, you too! <3
DeleteLovely post :) Happy New Year lovely x
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year lovely lady! xo
DeleteWhat a lovely reflective post and wishing you a very happy New year. Here's to 2013.
ReplyDeletexx
Katie
Happy New Year Katie! <3
DeleteWhat a sweet post! I'm glad you're going to try and do more- its so important to grab opportunities with both hands, to be spontaneous and create wonderful memories to relive over and over in our old age.
ReplyDeleteI hope you begin to enjoy blogging more again, just be yourself, write about whatever you feel like writing about and we'll enjoy reading it, I promise xx
Visit The Other Side Of Cool
Tweet me! @othersideofcool
Aww thank you so much! xo
DeleteHappy New Year Jennie! So happy to see a post from you. I've always been a big fan of Sailboat and I sure will continue to be xxx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Alice <3
DeleteGreat post Jennie (as always :) ). I've said it before and I will say it again, aside from the beautifully worded posts, one of the reasons I was originally drawn to your blog and one of the reasons I come back time and time again is the gorgeous photography. You go for it girlfriend and don't let anybody hold you back. You will only fail if you don't try so go out there and grab it with both hands as I am sure you will succeed in a photography career.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and Happy birthday to Sailboat! x
Thank you so much, you always have such wonderfully wise words which are always gratefully received! <3
DeleteHappy New Year my lovely!! Your photography is one of the many reasons I enjoy your blog the way I do - it is beautiful, and there is no reason you couldn't push on a make a career out of it in any way you wanted to chase. I completely believe you can make it happen :-)
ReplyDeleteJem xXx
Happy New Year Jem, I hope 2013 is full of smiles for you! Thank you <3
DeleteHappy new year lovely! I absolutely adore your blog -- a huge congratulations on three years! You should be so proud of everything you've achieved all while staying one of the loveliest and most kind and funny bloggers I've ever had the pleasure of working with and tweeting / commenting too! 2013 is going to be such a good'un xxx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Laura! I hope it's an amazing one for you! Thank you so much lovely, it's been a pleasure getting to know you! <3
DeleteHappy New Year Jennie! I think this post is just awesome, and you are SO right - doing you is the most important thing. I never come here for the makeup, I come here for your personality and.....just YOU in general!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year lovely, thank you so much for your kind words always <3
DeleteHappy New Year gorgeous! Glad to hear you had a good Christmas :) Very much looking forward to another year of Sailboat - a very firm favourite of mine. I hope you have a fab 2013 xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year lovely! Thank you so much <3
DeleteJennie, your blog is just one of the most beautifully written, wonderul things I have seen. Your blog was the first I'd ever read, and even now, 2 years later, I still keep coming back. You are a wonderul person, and your posts really bring some happiness to my day. Thank you :) <3
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you SO much for such lovely words, they make my heart smile! <3
DeleteHappy new year jennie - and don't be afraid to grow. I hope 2013 brings you happiness!!
ReplyDeleteXO
Happy New Year! <3
DeleteHappy New Year hun Charlotte xx
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely! xo
DeleteYou are so beautiful! I love reading whatever you write: makeup related or not.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your Christmas was lovely. I hope you have an amazing 2013.
Having a blog for 3 years is a huge milestone. Congratulatons! I love your blog
Love
xxCoco
Thank you lovely, I hope 2013 is an amazing year for you too! <3
DeleteSo happy to have a long, thoughtful post of yours on my dash again :) I really like the way you write and reflect on things & I can't stop telling people in general, that beauty blogs might be popular as hell, but they are not that interesting to read on - it's more like a catalogue, full of nice pictures - so I changed my favourite blogs from the majority of beauty blogs to a majority of "lifestyle" blogs, where one actually gets to know a blogger and his/her life way better than "only" beauty products. Not saying that I don't like beauty blogs anymore, I just changed the emphasis of my interest. And I'm happy to see you've changed your perspective as well :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, I think there was a moment where I thought, ahh there's so much more I want to document and remember, so I'm excited to start doing that too <3
DeleteWhat a wonderful, thoughtful, articulate post. The reason I read your blog is exactly for these reasons - I love the way you write and the things you capture through your photography and words. You capture things so well because you seem to be sensitive to life and observant, and I know they're hard qualities to bear sometimes because it means you are always questioning things and striving to be better but I think as long as you follow your heart and write what you want to write you can't go far wrong (as you said at the end of the post). I find it difficult to open up on my blog too because it makes you feel vulnerable but I think it's a by-product of blogging that you open up a window into your world and if there's people that don't like it, or think you wear too many dresses (silly!) then that's okay because for every one of them there's a hundred people who adore your blog and want to read more. Your blog remains one of my favourites, as it was when I first started blogging, and I hope 2013 brings amazing things for Sailboat and for you. xo
ReplyDeleteRosie // A Rosie Outlook
Aww Rosie, thank you so much for your kind words, they really mean the world! I absolutely adore your blog, I read every single post but for some reason my laptop hates me and will never let me comment! Your blog will remain one of my absolute favourite, always! <3
DeleteYou write the most beautiful posts. It's always nice to see bloggers care about the readers and what they want to see but I also think you are already doing such a great job. I love your blog because I can find at least one post a month about everything I love. I think my favourites are the ones where you talk about life experiences and makes us feel less alone. It really important for people like me to know someobody, somewhere has gone through the similar situation. Happy 2013!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much lovely! I hope you're doing well & have had a lovely start to the new year <3 xo
DeleteHappy New Year Jennie ! Hope you achieve everything you want this year. I've only just started to blog as I have been reading your blog for sometime but haven't felt brave enough to start posting so thank you for the confidence.
ReplyDeleteFaye fayebeaman.blogspot.co.uk
Aww I'm so happy to hear that! <3
DeleteCongratulations on your blog turning 3! I'm so happy to hear that you will blog about what you truly want to write about...I always love reading you, no matter what the post is about. You're always so positive! I'm very much looking forward to read what you have to say in 2013. x
ReplyDeleteAww thank you SO much lovely! xoxo
DeleteHappy New Year Jennie! x
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! <3
Deletehappy new year! i love your blog, i'm new to blogging and stuff it would be really great if anyone could come check it out http://esmeonthemooon.blogspot.co.uk/ ? If you do i would really appreciate it :)x
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year <3
DeleteHappy new year beautiful <3
ReplyDeletehttp://coeursdefoxes.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year lovely! <3
DeleteBeautiful, beautiful photos. Happy New Year Jennie! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely, I hope 2013 will be a wonderful year for you! <3
DeleteBeautiful Photos !
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!:)
http://www.hardcandyyyy.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year! <3 xo
DeleteHappy Blogiversary, Jennie! I definitely think you have an amazing blog and am excited to see all your future posts. If your goal is to have a relatable blog then I must say you've definitely achieved it. I always love reading every word of your blog because I find you just so incredibly relatable and real. I love your lifestyle posts, fashion posts, beauty posts and everything else you put up on Sailboat! I just think you're an amazing writer and should be confident in everything you do! Excited to see what adventures you go on in 2013!
ReplyDeletexoxo Bree
The Urban Umbrella
http://www.theurbanumbrella.com
Aww thank you so much lovely, that really does mean the world! <3
Delete