Happy 1st Blogoversary

This time last year I was typing my very first blog post… Coming to the end…  Since writing this first post my life has changed so much.

Boo – Work
I returned to work and to my surprise I didn’t find it half as bad as I had expected. In fact after a few days it was like I had never been away. I originally returned working 18hrs over three days, however Mr Boo was made redundant at the end of March. So to help earn some extra money I started doing an extra day.

When my line manager said that they were going to advertise for another me to work the other two days on a permanent basis I had to think long and hard about whether I actually wanted those hours. So after realising that in a year or two I would want/need to work five days and the possibility that I may not be able to do that in my current position as there would be no additional hours available. I decided to take the leap and go upto 30 hrs over five days. Now I could lie and tell you that I am loving working more and engaging my brain cells, however I would be lying.

I am shattered, I feel as though I live with a constant state of exhaustion (if anyone has any energy boosting tips, please, please tell me them).

Roo
Roo has started and completed her first year at school. She has learnt so much in such a short space of time. Reading seems to be the subject she excels in and I’m keen to push this whilst she has the interest. Thankfully Roo is a very confident child and is always keen to help, participate and make friends.

She still misses her Granny so very much (so do I), but she speaks to her often on the phone and recently spent two weeks with her.

Tigger
Tigger has had a tough time of things, especially since catching chicken pox. He was so ill for a time after that and spent some time in hospital. I really do feel like this knocked his development back a few months. Now with his wonky legs under review he hasn’t had it easy bless him, but he does keep smiling.

Blogging
The world of blogging has changed my life in so many ways. It has opened my life up, not just with product reviews and events but by meeting and chatting to some amazing people. There are far too many of you to name, but hopefully you know who you are. I have met, introduced and been welcomed into a community, a community of people who will go that extra mile without asking. A simple tweet, Facebook or blog comment can make all the difference when you are having a bad day, or sharing some special news.

Of course I have managed to work with some fantastic brands over the past 12mths. I have come across some wonderful PR people (and dare I say some not so nice!), I believe that working with a brand is a two way street, it is not just about what you can get for free or be paid for. It’s about your chance to share your opinions, whether they be good or bad. Feeling that your thoughts, opinions, experiences count towards product development, PR pitches, marketing. Understanding that not everyone sees a brand/product in the same way. 


I want to say a big thank to you all, my followers, my fellow bloggers, brands, PR executives and most of all my little family. I am what I am today because you have all contributed something to my life… Thank you xxx