I’m going to keep this short and sweet (a bit like the gold glittery dress by Next I’m wearing in the pics-which isn’t too short to be fair) because I know you have things to do, people to see and places to go, people. I can’t believe it’s New Year’s Eve and before we know it we’ll be kissing the year goodbye, something I for one, cannot wait to do.
The onesie is on and the takeaway is booked and together with the family and our neighbour and friend Libby, we’ll be toasting a new year that we hope will be more positive than the last.
I’ve experienced unspeakable sadness this year with the loss of my beloved auntie Zak after a shock cancer diagnosis and just 4 short months as she battled it with strength and grace I’ve not witnessed before.
I’m struggling to even write that Zak is no longer with us, let alone fully process it (I have this yearning to travel the world in the hope I might find her) but I’m wading through this heart-wrenching grief, accepting the sleeplessness nights as they come, and praying my family and I will find peace, somehow, in the coming year.
…As the new year is upon us I reflect on the growth of my children, their kindness, joie de vivre and sense of humour. I feel grateful for the growth of my business and the resolve and commitment it took for me to write a book despite the overwhelming personal trauma of last year.
I’m equally proud and happy that we took the risk to move from Yorkshire to Windsor which has thankfully felt like home from day one, bringing us great joy and a much yearned-for work/home life balance thanks to my now short commute to London, and a school and community my children love.
I’m grateful to all of you, who have been there for me through the good times and the bad, the many emails and messages I received at the death of Zak, those of you who knew I was suffering from insomnia and sought out my email to check I was sleeping, to assure me I wasn’t alone. To the women on the street (and in Waitrose-ha) who stopped me to tell me my work had helped them start new businesses and blogs and feel more confident. It was in the moments, I found strength when I had none to continue.
I feel so grateful to my husband, Peter, too, my rock and of course my amazing kids who have shown me unconditional love: Oliver and Alexander. I also want to thank my best mates Carlie and Caroline who have been there for me in the hardest of times and who make me laugh like no one else, my wonderful, supportive folks, and my whole tribe of support I couldn’t cope without. Thank you all.
…And now, back to the dress. This glittery figure-hugging number brings understated sparkle to NYE (for those not in a onesie tonight) and was the frock I rocked around the Christmas tree on the Big Day too. I added an oversized Topshop jumper and large red Topshop hoops for a laid-back day look and won’t be giving the glitter up just yet so you’ll be seeing more of it soon. My over-the-knee boots are Daniel Footwear, floppy red hat is TK Maxx.
I like the playful cut-out short sleeves and the glittery belt which helps accentuate the albeit bigger waist, thanks to mince pies.
The next set of earrings of dreams you see were picked up on the final night of the Christmas Market last night on the Southbank, a wonderful discovery by EK Project who you can find at Camden Market, or online. The earrings which are handmade, lazer cut wooden pieces with tassels ‘as soft as a kitten’ as Alexander noted as he stroked them, certainly makes the designer Ewa Koltuniewicz, one to watch. I’m going to be buying her necklaces and more earrings over the coming year.
Beautiful red bag is by beautiful designer Dara Ford.
I shared this earlier on Instagram too: my highlights from global brand collabs (I was the first UK blogger and quite possibly the world to represent an airline and I was proud to become an ambassador for Herbal Essences) and I got to meet my tween heartthrob Christian Slater!
So there it is, fashion and reflections.
I wish you health, love and happiness for the coming year.
Happy New Year! xxx
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Vicki, thank you for your honesty. Here’s to a better 2018 for you (and for continued loving of life in Windsor) xx
Here’s to 2018 and lots more wonderful posts. x
Well done on coping with all the upheaval and sad times last year. Hopefully there’ll be more good health for everyone in 2018. Happy new year
Wishing you all the very best in 2018, and may you continue to heal from the loss of your aunt. Let’s rock 2018! #BrilliantBlogPosts xo
Thank you darling Lisa, Happy New Year x
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Aunt. I pray that 2018 will bring you much happiness and joy! Congrats on your move! I just loved the photo you posted on Instagram with all the Christmas lights. Truly magical!
Sounds like a difficult year, but you have got through it with support from a caring family. I hope 2018 is good to you. Love the dress! #BrillBlogposts
Thanks lovely, big career-highs, huge personal lows. Happy New Year x
It’s such an inspiration to see a strong woman who has risen from such crushing blows as your dear auntie’s death to achieve such wonderful triumphs and retain your own joie de vivre. I’m so glad to have found your blog last year, and I’m excited to read what you will make of 2018.
Thank you so much Michelle, reading your comment has really moved me. I feel so lucky to have found your brilliant blog too, thank you for your kindness and support x
My darling girl! What a strong lady you are. I can feel your grief and I send you lots of love.
An amazing year for you guys – congratulations on all you’ve achieved. And I just know your 2018 will be amazing. Well done – you inspirational lovely kind lady
Cx
Thank you for sharing your year. It’s so hard when we lose someone, I’m thinking of you and your family. 🙂 Hope you enjoyed New Year’s Eve and wishing you a wonderful 2018.
Zania
x
Moonsparkle (ZM) recently posted…White Chocolate Christmas Cake + New Year Biscuits
Thanks Zania, very hard, Happy New Year xx
Wow – what a year…that had more going on than most people have in a decade!! I so pleased for you, for all the wonderful things you have achieved this year and how positive your move down to Windsor has been. I’m so sorry for you that what should have been such an epic year was tinged with such sadness. You continue to be a total inspiration to me and so many and I wish you all the best in 2018. Xx
Eb Gargano recently posted…Happy New Year and my Easy Peasy Foodie 2017 Roundup
Thank you darling, it’s been such a tough 2017. Lots of love to you and excited to meet you this year. Thank you for your support. I adore your brilliant blog xxx
Wow so much has happened to you over the year, and I can only see things getting bigger and better. Happy New Year to you and the family. 🙂
#brillblogposts
Thank you darling xx
Happy New Year Vicki! Hope 2018 brings you lots of happiness and fulfillment in every field! Thanks for being such a wonderful inspiration to so many of us! xxx
Jo Allison / Jo’s Kitchen Larder recently posted…Top 10 Recipes of 2017 on Jo’s Kitchen Larder
Aw thank you for such a touching comment, Happy New Year lovely. Thank you so much for your support xx
Wow what a great year….Ethan Hawke! Eeek! ?
You look fab Vicky and you look great in red btw.
Happy New Year to you and your lovely family.
#brillblogposts
Christian Slater not Ethan Hawke but easily confused lovely. Thanks so much and Happy New Year xxx
What a year it has been! Wishing you all the best for 2018!
The Frenchie Mummy recently posted…Blogging Goals 2018
Thank you darling, Happy New Year xx
Fantastic post, Vicki – I hope 2018 is a lot happier for you and that it brings you everything you desire. Thank you for all your support, love and inspiration, I couldn’t appreciate it (or you!) any more!!!!!
Catherine x
Aw thank you my gorgeous friend. Thank you too for all your love, inspiration and friendship, I’m so happy to have met you thanks to this beautiful blogging world xx
Happy New Year! I’m so sorry you experienced such a big loss last year. I hope you are healing & that this year is a good one for you. Megan x
Thank you Megan, Happy New Year xx
Happy New Year, Vicki! I sincerely hope 2018 is your best ever!
Hugs hugs,
Suzy xxx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Happy New Year! Sorry it’s been a tough year for you at times but you’re definitely an inspiration for so many people.
An amazing year with both highs and lows. This year will be incredible. Happy new year lovely x
Happy New Year Vicki! I hope 2018 brings you and your loved ones lots of happiness ?
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I can’t quite believe where this year has gone, maybe it’s because I am getting older, I don’t know, but I seem to blink and Christmas is upon us again, Happy new year to you m
Karen, the next best thing to mummy recently posted…My Experience Of Pregnancy & Birth
Happy new year Vicki x