Hello 2024
Hey guys,
Happy Christmas Eve Eve. I wanted to write you all a little letter about things I have learnt in 2023.
Firstly, I want to thank you all for reading my blog week after week. We’ve had over 400,000 of you this year which is mind-blowing. It’s one of my favourite parts of my job; in fact it doesn’t feel like a job. It’s a space where I can share things that interest me with you guys and I’ve loved every bit of it. I honestly can’t wait to continue next year.
This year has been wild. I know they say that as you get older the years go quicker, but 2023 seems to have flown by as quick as my laundry basket fills up.
I remember after the craziness of Covid that I said to myself that I would try and bring the pace of life down a bit. I think a lot of us probably said that. That 2020 Lisa is laughing at this one because I’ve probably done the complete opposite – but I don’t regret it for a second.
For me, life is all about living. Obviously, life also has challenges. There are a lot of things you guys don’t see online. This year has been wonderful but has also been tough. The hardest thing was seeing my little sister, Jenna, fight and win a battle with cancer. She is one remarkable woman. Her strength and resilience are awe-inspiring. I have no doubt that my dad was holding her hand throughout it all.
Personally, I’ve had another tough year with my endometriosis. I have been going back and forth with having a hysterectomy, which I am now having done on January 3rd. If all goes well, that will mean – for the first time in 30 years – I can be pain-free. IMAGINE. Am I scared? Yes. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.
Through all this, the things that have continued to drive me forward are my friends and fun. I always say it but surrounding yourself with like-minded people with an energy that matches yours is key. Being spontaneous, laughing until your belly hurts, dancing on the tables (literally), hugging and telling friends you love them.
I’m lucky enough to have travelled quite a bit this year. Exploring the beauty of the world is so inspiring. Especially when it’s with Theo who is, and always has been, the love of my life. I hope to see more in 2024 – health, time and finances permitting – which I have always placed huge emphasis on. I place a lot of value in travelling as experiences can change your vision on life, whether it’s Dunkirk or Dubai. Or Swansea or Santorini. Or Newcastle or Naples. I think you get the picture!
Workwise, 2024 will be an exciting year as I am launching a homeware brand with my good friend Lia who owns Anemone Interiors, the spot I get all my vintage homeware from. It’s something we’ve been working on for nearly two years. Get ready for Champagne & Smoke coming February!! OMG I can’t tell you the love that has gone into this project. You can sign up here to be the first to get all the deets. I.can.not.wait.
Things to take forward in 2024:
Continue to graft.
Never restrict your vision. You can achieve anything you want to achieve.
Surround yourself with fun situations.
Be spontaneous.
Rest when you need to rest.
Tell your friends you love them. Write them cards. There's nothing better than receiving a love letter.
Dance around the kitchen to your favourite song daily.
Don’t take anything for granted.
Look after your body.
Take long walks and long baths.
Cook something new each month.
Wear sequins on a Monday.
Glitter is for everyone. Chuck it on.
Go to concerts.
Take pictures on disposable cameras.
Celebrate the small things as much as you would the big.
Don’t take anything for granted. Particularly time because you never know how much you have left.
Think of January 1st as the first blank page of a 365-page book.
Write a good one.
Love,
Lisa xxx