Creating and sharing magic!

Proud Moments in February

And just like that, this weird baby month is coming to a close, but its actually been a pretty great one. Its been a while since I did a monthly reflections sort of post, mainly because I prefer to look forward at what’s to come, but February has brought me so many wonderful moments this year that I figured why not look back at some of the things that I’ve been so incredibly proud of this month, and celebrate myself for a change.

Approaching a brand and getting a response

For the first time in my 4+ years of blogging, I took the plunge and contacted a brand that I really wanted to work with. I had no expectations, other than assuming that I’d probably be ignored or shot down, but just sending the email gave me a little boost of confidence because I felt I’d written a great pitch. Well that boost was then completely skyrocketed as I not only got a response, but it came back to me the very next day, and it was the loveliest response I think I could have been sent. Despite not meeting their usual requirements for sponsored work, they said they thought my email was so personal and thought my blog was so bright and colourful that they wanted to send me something anyway, and I’ve been squealing ever since!

Launching the #HappiestFitbitClub

I’ve been sitting on the idea for this for over a year now, but a few weeks ago I put out some feelers on Twitter and Instagram and I got the most amazing response! Now I have over 30 lovely club members who participate every week in my challenges, and I’m blown away by how well everyone is doing. And not only has it been a good motivation for my members, its really challenging and motivating me, and I’m feeling so good because of it! Wanna join? Sign up here!

Getting out of my comfort zone with custom orders

One of my New Years resolutions was to push my sewing skills a bit more this year and get away from just making skirts and accessories. Well, I’ve had some pretty cool custom order requests this month and I’ve got to make some amazing things that have really challenged me, but I’ve had the most fun creating them and I think they’ve turned out so well! Here’s just one of my makes from this month:

Managing at least one meat free day every week

I didn’t doubt my ability to go meat free one day a week, but I did think I would very easily slip up accidentally, but nope! I’ve been enjoying all sorts of different meal options and doing my little bit to help.

Defeating the negative thoughts

I’ve mentioned a couple of times now that I’ve been struggling a lot recently with some pretty strong negative body thoughts, but I bought myself some new swimsuits for my upcoming Aulani trip and when trying them on I actually felt pretty good. Its slow progress, I still have some not-so-good days, but I’m getting my brain and body back to where it should be.

Insta-growing!

Call it luck, call it progress, call it completely random, but I’ve finally been seeing my follower count on Instagram steadily climbing – I’ve gained over 100 followers this month and the number doesn’t seem to be dropping back like it normally does, yay!

Have you had a lovely February, or are you ready for another month to start?

Twitter / Bloglovin/ Instagram

February 28, 2018Lottie 1 Comment

Turning 21

There’s always a part of me that can’t believe I am where I am in my life, and two weeks from today I’ll be turning 21, whaa?!

A proper proper adult, none of this 18+ rubbish! I’ll be old enough to drink in America, rent a car here in the UK, and generally be classified as ‘in my twenties’, and its all kind of surreal really.

One thing about growing up is that I feel every year I discover myself a bit more; finding myself getting closer to the person I want to be, growing in confidence and getting my priorities right, and this last year has really been full of these discoveries.

In the last year I had my first ‘adult’ breakup. I decided that while I did love him, I wasn’t prepared to sacrifice the life I want for myself for the life I would have with him; our futures were heading in opposite directions and that was ok. We found peace in that, and parted ways on good terms. I’ve never come away from a breakup as calm and collected, and being so ok with being single for a little while, and its been such a nice change.

I know that I want to be a career girl. Turning my business into a full time job is my absolute dream, and I’m prepared to work my socks off for it. I’ve done a lot of the ‘behind the scenes’ work in the last 6-8 months, and I know that 2016 is going to be the year I make it happen, especially with such an amazing support group. When I decided I didn’t want to go to university, I was naive in believing that my business would blossom into something in my first year out of school, but next year lines up nicely with the time that all my friends will be graduating, and therefore their 3 years of higher education will link nicely with my 3 years of real life.

The last year has seen a significant change in my fitness. Running and going to the gym has become a key part of my weekly schedule, and the changes have been really noticeable; I’m more confident in myself and my body, and with a few more changes I’ll have a body to be proud of.

I like to think I’ve really flourished as a blogger, and my confidence on social media has rocketed. I love writing and sharing with like-minded people, and its thanks to LottieDoesDisney I’ve made such wonderful friends, both here in the UK and in the wider world, who I am forever grateful for.

I’ve learnt that there are times for spoiling, as well as times for saving. I loved taking the family to Disney on Ice for Christmas last year, and I hope to continue being able to treat them whenever I can. I’ve also discovered its ok to spoil myself once in a while; I work hard to earn a treat every once in a while.

I’ve grown so much as a person in this last year, and I like to think that I’ve become a better person for it. So here’s to another great year!

(Oh, and in case you’ve read this and thought ‘wow, how mature’ (unlikely but still), I’ll actually be celebrating my 21st birthday in Disneyland Paris so let’s not get carried away)

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