Part 1;
Exactly a year ago today I created and launched this site and blog, I had no idea what direction it would take me in or what would become of it, or indeed if anyone would actually read it outside my close family and friends. I couldn't possibly have foreseen how into it people are. I'm not sure of its appeal, that's one of life's many mysteries I suppose. Could it be I have enabled people to see themselves with new eyes and fewer limitations? wouldn't that be an awesome...
There are some HUGE thank you's owed, I am so grateful to anyone that's ever read a blog let alone shared it. I want to thank Chelsea and Nicola at Hotspot Media for taking my story and sending it global and I want to thank Chris and my beautiful boys Sam and Ben for helping me with unending encouragement and the techy stuff because quite honestly I couldn't have done it without you (I have the words not the know how). Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. x
Exactly a year on and Gladrags has had over 28 and a half THOUSAND page views! I couldn't be more thankful and grateful or proud of myself. I get to do something I absolutely love and help people along the way, plus it's opened doors to people I would never have met and lead to a job.
Part 2;
We've been very lucky this year, although we stocked up on medicines just in case of ill health (we've all had those sorts of christmas before) We've actually have had an unbelievably epic Christmas. I decided just before the big day that I wanted to live in the moment, I just wanted to experience a tech free Christmas. Some clarity may be needed here, I wasn't out cooking the turkey on a fire pit in the garden. I simply chose to stay away from social media (and yes Leonie, before you write in to complain about my claim I will admit I did send one message via an FB group chat about a party invite hahahahahah).
Christmas was spent in the best way I can think of, Christmas day my lovely mum and dad joined us for too much food and board games. Then Boxing day was spent with some of the finest human beings this planet has to offer, I did try and give a sentimental speech to that effect at lunch but they shouted me down as is their wont. :)
Christmas day's outfit was based on my expectation of gluttony. Sad but true I'm afraid. I did have the foresight to drink plenty of water in the hope of reducing belly ache, it worked pretty darn well. I chose this dress for its total freedom of movement and stretch. It's made with plenty of elastane, (is there ever a more comforting and reassuring word to find on a clothing label?) It's pretty much made of the softest T shirt material and it was heaven I can tell you. Even comfier than Pj's, now that's a dress for eating in! Eating with peace of mind - no leaks and room to poo, I can't quite put into words how truly wonderful that feeling is. Ok, so the pattern might not be to every ones taste but it does wonders to disguise the outline of my bag.
Boxing day was open house to any of our friends that wanted to come (we're very lucky and have a very small immediate family so we're free to do as we please Boxing day which is really lovely. I have often heard horror stories of Christmases blighted by obligated family visits that end in tears).
I gave the dress code (setting a dress code for one's own home is slightly obnoxious but bear with me...the dress code was "Pj's to ball gowns wear what makes you happy". I decided on the latter, much to my sons horror, embarrassment and disgust, they wore their tracksuit shorts and hoodies I wore pearls, there's no right or wrong, just happy. This dress is surprisingly comfy, I've had it ages but because it's flat fronted and velvet I haven't worn it until now. I think with a bit of weight loss and shaping up it'd look quite nice. I have gained 5lb's over the christmas period, which my friend said wasn't so bad....until I explained that's on top of the 17lbs I was already overweight already!! hahahahahahahah, some serious work needs to be done in the new year SW here I come...again :0
Dress form Dorothy Perkins, Boots from LK Bennett, Weight gain - all my own hard work ;)
Boxing day table ready to go. Food wise it's my favourite day of the year, cold meats, mashed potato and pickles, absolute heaven.
Admittedly a few too many lumps but for the most part they're in all the right places...
With some of my faves...
I apprciate Christmas isn't always a happy time for everyone so I wish with all my heart that you have had a very happy holiday period and that you will have a very very happy, healthy and joyful new year!
With love and gratitude
Suzanne x