Thank You & Merry Christmas

Blogging is a funny old thing. From my own personal experience (and I've been doing this for quite some time now), it can consume most of my day (to the point that I have no idea how working peeps do it), it's unpaid, it can cost a lot of money (blog maintenance and the constant shopping factor...ok that last one would probably happen with or without blogging) and it's definitely not all parties and freebies. At times the tech side or situations outside my control can get really stressful and it's a constant, never ending cycle of thinking up new posts, taking the photos, writing, editing and doing so all before it's 'old news'! You become creative director, editor, writer, photographer, stylist, model, PR, product tester and proof reader. I'll be the first to admit, it's bloody hard work!
That said, I genuinely love it and couldn't imagine my life without it. Actually, I had no life before it! I've been ill for 11 and a half years now and blogging has given me something fun and worthwhile to focus on. I give myself deadlines and have schedules to keep to.  I get up and dressed and look forward to documenting it, when I'd probably have stayed in my jammies before blogging.  I'm no longer able to sew, design or draw and my social life is extremely limited, so finding something I'm capable of doing right now whilst linking to fashion (and beauty) is a dream come true. For a while I felt like I'd lost myself and any talent I had was wasted. Blogging for me, is not only an escape from my situation but it's also given me this wonderful group of friends from fellow bloggers to readers. I'll go weeks only speaking to my family at home, so having this social aspect, even if it is virtual is brilliant for me.  I really do hope at some point, I can meet some of you in 'real life'.  At times it can feel like you're working for nothing or nobody is reading and I know I'm not the most successful blogger (however you'd measure that) and I also know I'm probably not capable of attending the fancy events that can lure in a wider readership.  However, I hope there's something here that keeps you coming back and I want to thank you all for the support over the past year.  I read and try to reply to every single comment, email and message.  You have no idea how it brightens my day when I log in to find some new comments.  I hope you've all had a happy and safe Christmas if you celebrate and wish the best for you and your families in 2014.