My year in review | reflections, celebrations and looking forward to 2025

2024 ... you weren’t so bad and in fact sorting through my camera roll to write this post and my caption for my Instagram reel I realised I’d had a lot of fun!  Even if there were times when I was exhausted, fed up and overwhelmed.

So in a lighthearted look back here are a few of my 2024 highlights and a reminder that despite setbacks, there are always good moments and glimmers of hope, laughter and opportunities to make memories together:

Looking back and celebrating 2024!

There were London trips, often with my daughter, we went to the theatre to see Mrs Doubtfire in January and in December we had our first family outing with the kids and their new'ish partners, it was incredibly special and I feel very blessed.  It was my 58th birthday and we went ice skating at Somerset House, had a wander in Covent Garden, drinks and supper.

In early March, my daughter had an unexpected few days off work so we booked flights to Spain, we decided against a full on city break and instead headed to the smaller seaside resort of Cadiz.  It was a good decision and we were able to mix sightseeting with beach time and relaxing on the terrace at our Airbnb.

I managed to see some of my best friends during the year, two I've known since I was five years old, giggling together and revisiting the village where I grew up always makes me happy.

Obviously the really big day in 2024 was Emily's (second) graduation ceremony, this time for her Norland Diploma, and now officially a fully qualified Norland Nanny.  The ceremony was held in Bath Abbey and we took the opportunity to spoil ourselves with a night at The Royal Crescent Hotel which was amazing!

Norland Diploma Graduation in Bath

Then just two weeks later we were off on a family ski holiday, a bit later in the season than our usual preference but the sun was welcome and having the time together was very special.  Less skiing than a February trip but still beautiful in our favourite ski destination, Morzine in the French Alps.

In early summer I had a lovely day out shopping with my friend and personal stylist Sarah van Dort, she helped me choose a dress for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, it has been years since we went and it was a boiling hot day but my dress and hat were a joy to wear (and got lots of compliments)!

Wearing a Reiss dress for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot 2024

My daughter and I also managed a few days during the heatwave to pop over to the Isle of Wight - how lucky was I to get to do some many trips with her this year - I made the most of it, I think things will change a little now she has a serious boyfriend (and a full time job).

It was my husband's 60th birthday in August, we had a low key celebration with family and also a night away at the Cambridge Graduate Hotel, then our big treat was a trip to Tuscany, we visited Florence, Lucca and the Chianti region and loved it so much, a highlight was definitely the Vespa day!

I managed one more trip away in late October, yes with my daughter again, this time to our favorite Kalkan in Turkey.  I wasn't sure how I'd feel about late sunshine and not having the light evenings but it worked out fantastically well and we loved the temperatures at that time of year, so much so that I have booked to go back next October with my husband.

Finding peace on the beach at Cadiz in Spain

So whilst I have plans to sort myself out a bit in 2025 (more on that soon) I’m happy to look back over the last year and realise it wasn’t a write off, thank you to my husband, my son, my daughter and my family and friends for being there and supporting me!  I am super excited about the new year and what it has planned for us!

Here’s to more fun, positivity and strength in 2025.

​Happy New Year dear readers, thank you for being here.

Love Michelle xx

My beautiful cashmere knit is from Cotton & Cashmere and my boots are from Pavers.

​Thank you to all the brands and small businesses who trusted me this year to write about their products and services, I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I am given.