Stand out blog posts of 2023

As we reach the end of 2023 it's natural to reflect on the months gone by. It's a time where new year goals are rife and we consider areas for self improvement. Whilst I'm on the fence about new years resolutions, something I am certain about is celebrating achievements and shouting about things we're proud of. And that's exactly what I'm doing today. I'm following suit from 2022 and delving into my stand out blog posts of 2023... As well as a few of my favourites from other bloggers I've read this year too!

My stand out blog posts of 2023

Coastal interiors: The secret to creating a calming space

I have a background in interior design but unfortunately it's not something I practice so much nowadays... Other than when it comes to my own home, that is. Although even then it seems my sense of style is at battle my husbands. With that being said, I love writing about interior design and being able to put something out there that's truly mine. With this particular post I was able to transport myself and my readers to the tranquility of the coast. Something I'm 100% here for! I loved choosing the imagery for this post and I'm so happy with how everything came together.

_{[Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash]}

How to plan your Spring themed baby shower

As someone who's had two children yet haven't had a baby shower, I absolutely loved putting this post together. I feel like it was a good one for me and a lovely way to reflect on what could have been. My inner nerd also really enjoyed creating a concise 6 week countdown. I love the admin that comes with this particular post and I hope it's helpful for any expectant mums.

Letting go of mum guilt and doing things for me

This year particularly has seen me giving a big fat middle finger to mum guilt. I've done a lot more for myself this year. Much more than previous years since becoming a parent and I'm so happy with myself that I've been able to do so. This particular post addresses the things I've been doing for myself, and purely myself, from tattoo removal to practicing yoga, starting a college course and more. I can't wait to carry more of this energy through to 2024.

2024 Fashion trends to prepare your wardrobe for

I'm including this article in my stand out blog posts of 2023 list not only because it's a favourite of mine, but also because it bring me a hell of a lot of traffic. I love the way this post has come together. But I also love the success it's brought to me and my website. I'm super chuffed with this one.

How to enforce discipline while gentle parenting

I want to write more about gentle parenting (and the misconceptions) as it's something I'm super passionate abou. So often people think gentle parenting means letting your kids get away with murder, but it's really not the case. And I hope this blog post shows that whilst yes you can practice gentle parenting, you can still discipline your child.

Diamonds, Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia: What are the best clear stones?

This was my full circle moment of 2023. Many moons ago I used to work for Ernest Jones the jewellers and they used to sell Carat jewellery. This particular post is a collaboration with Carat who after years of selling them, reached out to me wanting to work together. This is one of those collaborations that just hits differently, you know!

City break outfit essentials: What to pack for your next trip

This post was a collaboration with Very, and one that I'm so pleased with. It was my first experience of creating outfit mood boards, but I actually think they work really well dotted in amongst the more lifestyle images I have taken to accompany the copy. I was luckily able to select items of clothing for this campaign that myself and my family wore on our first family holiday abroad. I love working with Very, and the privilege of doing so will never not be lost on me.

Matching family outfits: The psychological benefits

I worked with Bee Pumpkin on this blog post, discussing the physchological benefits of twinning and wearing matching family outfits. I enjoyed this purely because it's something I've not personally done and I found the whole research aspect really interesting! I don't think I'll ever go full matchy matchy when it comes to family outfits, but it was really lovely seeing those that do. I can't deny the warm fuzzy feeling twinning brings.

_{[Photo by Anna Shvets]}

Cooking with toddlers: Building bonds through culinary adventures

One of my more newer posts, I'm including this one in my stand out blog posts of 2023 list again because of how interesting I found the research aspect. That's the thing about doing this job, no two days are the same and I'm able to look into areas I might never have done so before. This particular blog post really made me hone in on the fact that everyday family life, especially when it comes to cooking, isn't Insta-worthy and it doesn't have to be perfect. It's about creating a quality family bond.

Ring in the new year with a bedroom makeover: Interior design trends for 2024

It seems I've really enjoyed creating prediction posts for the new year, as I'm including another in my stand out blog posts of 2023 list. This time it's interiors! An area I love. I honed in on bedroom design for this particular post however I'd say the trends can be applied to all rooms in the home.

^{[Photo by Timothy Buck on Unsplash]}

Stand out blog posts of 2023 from others

Georgia Anne - How I kept my small wedding budget friendly

I absolutely loved reading this from Georgia. I've been married nearly six years now and my husband and I are still on the fence of Whether we did the right thing or not having a 'big' wedding. I say big, it wasn't massive in the grand scheme of things, however we could have just as easily gone down to the registry office and gone out for a nice meal afterwards. We both loved our wedding day however were under no illusion that it's a ridiculous amount of money to spend on one day (and other people). I loved getting an insight into Georgia's wedding day, where she spent money and where she held back. I agreed with so many of her points in this post.

Lucy Mary - Black trousers: 7 fashionable outfits for any occasion

I've really been enjoying fashion content this year and wanted to select this post from Lucy as one of my fave blog posts of 2023 because black trousers have been a staple for me this year. I've always shied away from them through fear of looking too formal, but I think with a cool pair of white trainers they can look really great. Lucy's shown the versatility of black trousers and that they're an absolute staple in anyone's wardrobe.

Jenny in Neverland - Yoga advice for beginners. 6 tips to get you started.

Yoga is something I've been wanting (and probably needing) to get back into for the last few years. This particular post from Jenny really put my mind at ease, especially when it comes to peer pressure or feeling like I'm not pro enough. Jenny really hones in on the fact that anybody can do yoga. Any skill set and any age. I've been practicing for the last couple of months now and it's been incredibly beneficial, not just physically, but mentally too.

Lea Mai Carter - Struggling with my identity after having a baby

I've written a few blog posts about postpartum difficulties, especially when it feels like you've lost yourself. This particular post from Lea feels like it's been taken from my brain. It's so sad, but it feels like there was so much of it I was nodding along with. And unfortunately I bet we're not the only ones that have felt this way. Things like this need speaking about more, not to normalise, but to make other women feel less alone. So hooray to Lea for this one!

Polished Couture - Our amazing honeymoon 2023

If you're ever looking for Dubai or Maldives inspiration, Beth is 100% your gal! This post contains the most stunning honeymoon photos as well as handy tips and tricks for if you're holidaying over there. Plus her outfits are all 10/10's. I absolutely loved reading about the newlyweds most luxurious trip.

Skinnedcartree - Is TikTok safe for kids?

Corinne has been much more vocal this year when it comes to child safety online. And rightly so! She's posted a variety of hard hitting topics this year however I wanted to include this one as I think TikTok is particularly dangerous, even more so than other social media platforms. Children and young people are so impressionable and with the rise in mental health and self esteem issues I think social media plays is massively to blame.

Lisa's notebook - What to do in the garden in November

Lisa is the gardener I wish I was! I've included her latest gardening post in my fave blog posts of 2023, but literally all of them are my favourites! She breaks everything down so perfectly, from flowers to veggies to wildlife and everything in between. There's always a lot to her gardening blog posts, but they're never intimidating or scary! There's something about the way the Lisa writes that's encouraging, uplifting and inspiring. If you're even just the slightest bit into gardening, you need to check out these posts from Lisa.

What are your stand out blog posts of 2023? Have you read any of the ones I've selected this year?