I saw a great post looking back at the year on Penny from the A Residence‘s blog. I think in the cold dark months of January, it the perfect time to look back, and to help make plans for the coming year.
January
It was in January that I wrote about my blog and kitchen appearing in B magazine. This is the photograph that was used. I think my blog had been starting to have more of a lifestyle edge to, and it was this that gave me the final push to interiors and design.
February
In February, I at last taught myself how to ice cupcakes. I was so chuffed with my Mothers Day cupcakes, I must make them again this year.
It was also the month that a band of merry people joined Team Honk to raise money for Sports Relief. My section of the team walked the following month between Derby and Nottingham. I loved my costume just a little bit too much!
March
I’d wanted to learn to crochet for so long, and in March I finally figured it out. I’m still working on my granny square blanket though…
It was also a month of gardening, this photograph I took was featured on some B&Q advertising.
I also completed my bedroom makeover, it still brings a smile to my face every morning.
April
Miss A became the proud owner of a Maxi Micro Scooter, and our school runs became a whole lot easier.
I used the change in weather and the onset of spring to do one of my favourite things – photography.
May
It was a fun packed month for Miss A.
I was a Center Parcs family blogger last year, and in May we went to Center Parcs celebrate her 5th Birthday. Miss A rode her first pony, and is still talking about Bonnie now!
June
Half way through the year, and I started making travel plans. I am desperate to go back to Italy, but with all my family, hopefully this year I will be able to go back there.
It was definitely a year of craft with my newly acquired Cricut Explore.
July
We had an amazing blog opportunity with IHG hotel group and became rewards club millionaires. The next couple of months I had great fun spending them with my family.
With shopping splurges, weekends away and an iPad I could have gotten used to being a millionaire very easily!
I also wrote about my visit to France with Canvas Holidays, where I made great new friendships with bloggers. I also found a kind of camping that even I could deal with!
August
The summer holidays were full of sunshine, friendship and family time!
It was also when we finally completed the en-suite makeover, and I got my craft on again!
September
With the girls back to school, it was time for me to enjoy a photography course in Birmingham.
Also meeting the very lovely (who knew) Liz Jones.
October
I was working again with the amazing Royal Caribbean come October and I got to visit the biggest ship in the world – Oasis of the Seas.
A fairground ride on a cruise ship? Yes really!
It was time to make some home-made gifts for Christmas, first up was sloe gin, it tasted amazing!
Infused olive oils next.
November
Then I was off again on a cruise, but this time (and for the first time) I got to share it with Tall Dad. Quantum of the Seas was an amazing experience.
The sky dive was scary, petrifying even, but I loved it, and I’ll definitely not forget wearing that blue suit.
Or meeting these guys!
December
In the final month of the year, I went on an incredible trip to Africa with Coca-Cola, I still have to pinch myself that I had the honour of being asked to go over there to see the projects that Coca-Cola are involved in.
I then took two weeks off blogging, it’s the first time I have done that since I started 4 years ago, I think. It meant I could catch up (with my sleep) and enjoy family time.
What an amazing year 2014 was, and I cant wait to share 2015 with you!
Jen says
It was an incredible year for you Amanda, great photos and great memories. Can’t wait to see what you get up to this year!
Amanda Cottingham says
I’m excited in anticipation!
Jenny from Cheetahs In My Shoes says
What a wonderful round up of the year – here’s to 2015 bringing more fun, learning and excitement!
Amanda Cottingham says
Thank you!
Liz Burton says
Wowee what a busy year for you! I’m so proud of all you’ve achieved, I can’t wait to share in your adventures this year. x
Amanda Cottingham says
We need to make plans Liz 😉
Sally says
Wow, you packed a lot in! Gorgeous photos and lovely memories 🙂
Amanda Cottingham says
Thanks Sally, it really seems that way looking back.
Donna says
What a great idea – and so much packed into one year. Makes me wonder what the hell I’ve been doing with my time! lol
Amanda Cottingham says
hehe, that made me chuckle!
becky says
wow your year was amazing too! well done you !
Amanda Cottingham says
Thanks Becky.
Polka Dot Family says
You had a busy year! I’m still lusting after your B&Q bedroom, it looks so inviting.
otilia stocks says
Oh you had such a great year! Didn’t know you went off with Coca Cola 🙂 see I took some of the december off blogging 🙂
Nikki Thomas says
That is amazing! What a fantastic year you have had! Such gorgeous photos too
Pinkoddy says
What an absolutely amazing year and it was so nice to see it all there together like that. Can’t wait to see what 2015 brings for you.
Michelle Twin Mum says
Wow, it really has been an amazing year, I enjoyed looking through those. Mich x
Amanda Cottingham says
Thanks Michelle, and a very happy new year to you!
Carolin says
What an amazing year 2014 was. May 2015 bring you just as much happiness, fun and excitement x
Amanda Cottingham says
Thank you Carolin, and you too!
Sonya Cisco says
What an incredible year, packed with adventures! Hope 2015 is just as exciting and that you make it to Italy 🙂 x
Amanda Cottingham says
I have everything crossed for an Italian jaunt!
Mammasaurus says
Wow what a busy year you had – and amazing opportunities via the blog too – here’s to more of the same in 2015 ! xx
Cass says
What a fab idea for a post and what an amazing year you had – I hope you have an even better year this year x x
Mari says
An amazing year and heaven knows what you’ll get up to this year, I’m sure it will be equally as much fun if not much more.
Have fun
Vicky says
What an amazing year! Nathan would have been very jealous if he saw that you met Alfie and Marcus!
Amanda Cottingham says
I sky dived with them Vicky, it was so cool!
Helen says
Wow. You had such an incredible year!! I can’t wait to see what you share in 2015! You take beautiful photos!
Sonia says
What an incredible year you had Amanda! I hope 2015 brings you just as much xx