The beginning of 2019 cannot possibly have been a whole year ago. Yet here we are, somehow it was, and now we find ourselves almost at the beginning of a brand new decade.

An annual highlights post and a year in review is something which I started only last year but which I hope I can carry on for a very long time. When I wonder what on earth I did with all that time, it not only puts into perspective just how many good things have actually filled it, it’s also a brilliant exercise in gratitude. I’d truly recommend looking back on your highlights of 2019, even if you don’t choose to share them.

I recently looked back on my last highlights with complete nostalgia. Although I want these posts to be filled with as many helpful recommendations for life, travel and experience, honestly? They’re miles more beneficial to me than they ever will be to anyone else. I hope that one day I’m able to look back on a whole series of annual highlights, a priceless experience. 2019 has been a really tough year, but as it comes to a close I’m making peace with that and focusing on the positives. So here are the highlights of my 2019.

FEBRUARY 2019: A VALENTINES STAY AT THE AQUA SANA SPA SUITES

You must be getting bored of hearing my Center Parcs Spa recommendation by now? We love it there so much that we headed to their Luxury Spa Suites again for Valentines day. For a one night stay it’s pretty pricey. However, when you consider everything that’s included it becomes a little easier to justify.

We each had treatments and spent a whole lot of time doing nothing. It was bliss.

Before we left the site, we also headed into the village to their Subtropical Swimming Paradise. It’s always been a favourite of mine, but booking a whole Center Parcs break for it seems excessive.

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APRIL 2019: A NEW CAR & A TRIP TO PARIS

At the beginning of April Jamie picked up our new Mercedes. Despite admiring cars from a distance, I’ve always seen my own simply as a tool to get me from A to B and wasn’t too bothered about the upgrade until it arrived on the drive. Now, I love it and it’s safe to say I won’t be driving a manual again unless I can absolutely help it.

In a sparkly new car that still smelled new, we headed to the airport en route to Prague. Yes, you read that right; not Paris but Prague. Unfortunately, traffic dictated a late arrival which resulted in a missed flight, ergo a missed break to Prague. After a few hours of phone calls, bickering, Google searches, and the emotions that ensue hunger and a canceled holiday, we finally made it to McDonalds where we decided to be as positive as possible. There were no later available flights to anywhere that were within budget, so instead we booked Paris for a day or so later.

We found a silver lining in Paris. A city that I had always wanted to visit but hadn’t expected myself to fall in love with. The trip was magical, from the museums and the candlelit meals to evening strolls lit by the Eiffel Tower. I won’t go into all of it again, but if you haven’t yet been yourself, I’d recommend checking out my Paris City Guide For The First Timer.

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MAY 2019: AN INTHEFROW X CLARINS EVENT & LOW-KEY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

In May, I met one of my biggest inspirations at her In The Frow X Clarins event. There’s nothing to say that I haven’t already covered, but the day was a definite highlight.

In 2019 I turned 24. Jamie and I celebrated in Cambridge, shopping, sunning ourselves near the river and heading to Sticks’n’Sushi for dinner.

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JUNE 2019: THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Our main holiday, 2019, was to the Dominican Republic, where we enjoyed 10 days of sun. Our resort was fantastic and we got to tick Saona Island, aka paradise, off of our travel bucket list. Plus, I got an awesome tan.

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JULY 2019: A DAY AT THE RACES

Throughout the year I was determined to say yes to more new experiences. Heading to Newmarket Race Course for a day at the races was the type of thing I had in mind, so when I was offered tickets it was a no-brainer. We placed a few bets, enjoyed a very British picnic and won back some of our money. Overall it was just nice to do something different as a couple and we’d definitely consider going back with a group of friends.

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AUGUST 2019: DATES AND OUTDOOR CINEMAS

In August we thoroughly enjoyed the sun and made time to enjoy day dates in pretty places like Peter Beales rose gardens. We spent quite a bit of time in Cambridge and loved heading to the gorgeous Gonville Hotel to watch The Great Gatsby outdoors with Enchanted Cinema.

OCTOBER 2019: HORSEY SEALS & PUMPKIN PICKING

Horsey is somewhere I love to visit during the colder months. I love a walk along the beach, being near the water (however choppy) and watching the seasonal seal inhabitants.

Between November and January, grey seals give birth to their pups and it’s amazing to be able to see them. If you fancy a trip, check out Friends of Horsey Seals for information on how to view the seals responsibly.

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2019 is the second year in which we’ve headed to the Undley Patch to pick our pumpkins. Offering food stalls, a maize maze and, let’s be honest, the ultimate Autumnal photo opportunity.

NOVEMBER 2019: RESTAURANT WEEK

The first week of November was Norfolk Restaurant Week, aka an excuse for more date nights than usual. Other than that, I spent most of November working and preparing all of my Christmas content. I also used Black Friday as an excuse to get started on my Christmas shopping.

DECEMBER 2019: A STAY AT CONGHAM HALL & CHRISTMAS

And then it was the last month of the entire decade (which flew, didn’t it?). Christmas events were, of course, the main focus. We also enjoyed a one night stay at the Congham Hall Hotel & Spa for a little pre-Christmas relaxation.

Over the last few days, and the final ones of December, I’ve been working on getting a head start on the new year. I love having an end of year clean and organise so that I’m in the best position to start the new year with a fresh start.

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