It is time for reflections about what a huge year it’s been for me, filled with many ups and downs. One in which I learned so very much, and lost a few. I have a feeling it was all in preparation for what we already know we are facing in 2017. In just 54 more days, our eldest daughter is moving to the UK. I can’t lie, it is going to take an awful lot of strength for me to get through that one, while I am so proud to have raised a daughter that is confident enough to jet of over to the other side of the world without knowing another soul, the Mummy in me wants my kids never far from home. That said, 2016 has been a cracker!

At the end of 2015, I was awarded the HIA CSR 2015 QLD Business Partner of the Year award, this lead to so many doors opening, and I count it to be a part of our 2016.

In February I was interviewed by the Sunday Mail about this little blog, our business and our home.

I have had a few opportunities to speak publicly, with talks given at St Marys College, Coffee with Kirsten and the HIA Women in Construction Industry Luncheon. All of which I loved!

I was interviewed again by the newspapers, this time the Courier Mail about living where we live.

This lead into 2 new writing opportunities. I wrote a few articles for Discover Ipswich and am now writing regularly for the My BT Ipswich website in their Advice Army.

I was a featured in Queensland Homes Magazine, and then we began advertising there for our business as well.

My blog readers…….that’s you, have doubled this year! Thank you. xx This year also saw me publish my 500th blog post, something I am very proud of. I was also awarded as a top five Australian Interior Blogger in the international Amara blogging awards.

It was a big year personally as well, I turned the big 40 and must admit I have loved my first year in my 40’s.

We finally finished the first stage of our renovations and the second stage is due to begin on the 3rd of January with a new front fence, before the pool and garage. Although these were on our intention boards for 2016, we just couldn’t squeeze it all in!

It wasn’t all smooth sailing though, complications with my heart in May are yet to be sorted out. My son broke not one but two arms, my step son tore the ligaments clean off the bone in his knee and required surgery. We lost a few friends, who it turns out were not friends at all, but it certainly gave us a new perspective on people.

I had 2 meltdowns, brought on by far too much stress, I’ve managed to find 10kgs I didn’t know existed and I have begun seeing a psychologist.

While not all smooth sailing, I rate this as an awesome year, and share my downs to show that life is not all glamour, it’s tough for us all.

2017 is already shaping up to be a challenging one, with our darling moving and wisdom teeth surgery scheduled for late January. But with challenges, comes learning and I am ready for the lot!

It’s that part of the post where I thank you, my readers, for your love and support. My blog gives me an outlet that is so very important to who I am, and it is here simply because you care enough to read and engage. I appreciate each and every one of you and very much look forward to sharing 2017 with you.

Can I also say, that none of what was achieved this year would be possible without the support of so many, especially my husband, The Builder, Adam. A very big thank you to my every day helpers, Kate who is my right hand lady, Gena our very own “Alice”, Paul our gardener, Gabi our bookkeeper and our Fernbrooke Homes team. Happy New Year!

What were your favourite 2016 moments? Did you have a year of ups and downs? Looking forward to 2017?

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