01.01.13 - Sailboat Turns Three & Happy New Year!

Firstly, I truly hope you had a wonderful holiday season wherever in the world you spent it! I've taken a few days away from the internet and spent some quality time with my family. It's safe to say that I have never felt more thankful for the people I'm lucky enough to call my family, there are only a few of us, but my heart has never felt so full. I spent Christmas day in my new onesie that's probably the warmest piece of clothing I've ever owned while our sweet little pup tried his hardest to steal my new slippers & Ralphie munched away on his little vegetable plate all day! 

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

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! ♥