It always seems to be the way, you plod along in routine after routine for months, and then when change comes it comes one after the other, relentless, picking you up and throwing you into the unfamiliar again and again. 

So where do I start? Possibly the largest change to my lifestyle is the fact I've changed jobs. This in itself was pretty heartwrenching, as I truly enjoyed my old job and worked with a really fantastic team, but a combination of difficulties began to build up and after many sleepless nights and pro/con lists I made the difficult decision to hand in my resignation and leave the jewellery industry. Luckily, I found a new role fairly quickly and although I'm still settling in, I'm hopeful that better times are ahead. Pictured above are some nostalgic images of my favourite pieces we worked on in the last year, as well as a particularly moody shot of Regent's Park, where I spent a while wandering after my last job interview, trying to clear my head and stay optimistic. Concurrent with all the work drama were a couple of health issues which necessitated in an operation, which so happened to take place the week I resigned - I'm pretty sure post-op recovery shouldn't consist of regular anxiety attacks and general freaking out at oneself, but that's how I chose to play it! I distracted myself with reading my way through several books at once, which you can read about here.

But let's move on to happier topics, such as beautiful cities and sister bonding. I had a few days free between jobs so booked a train up to York to visit my sister Nat at university. Prior to this I'd only spent 24 hours in the city last June so it was nice to spend a couple of days getting to know York a little, and even managed to navigate by myself while Nat was in a lecture! I'm putting together a little photo diary post but looking back at my pictures all I notice is an overwhelming number of hot drinks, my favourite being the chai latte at Gatehouse Coffee, the mocha at Brew + Brownie and the hot chocolates at the York Cocoa House. We even managed to squeeze in a quick visit to Harrogate, so I am now utterly charmed by the North and am hoping to get a few more trips in this year!

Next up was the culmination of many months' organisation - my friend Stephie's hen party extravaganza! We kicked things off with a surprise stay at the Georgian House Hotel - specifically in the Harry Potter inspired Wizarding chambers. Steph had absolutely no clue right up until we were led down the secret staircase and her whoops of joy will stay with me forever! After a night of most excellent Potter trivia and music, we headed to Kensington for a 1920s afternoon tea and 40s swing dancing class, before finishing off the night eating and drinking around Kingly Court. Exhausting maybe, but it was worth it to see Steph having such a good time!

Finally, where there's a hen party, there's a wedding... and what a beautiful wedding it was! I've asked Steph to do me a little wedding report to run alongside some of the photos I took as a proud maid of honour, but I think we can all agree she looked absolutely breathtaking, no? It's made me a little nostalgic for my own wedding and I'd just like to relive both days to take everything in. It was the first time I'd been a bridesmaid since I was a toddler, and having experienced weddings from both perspectives now I think being bridesmaid is just as fun as being the bride!

Phew, well that concludes the major events of the year so far - needless to say, I'm looking forward to a slightly more chilled out spring, with my 28th birthday looming and a couple more much needed bank holidays. Thank you for reading this mammoth post and let me know how your 2016 is going so far!

Love Dani xoxo