Highlights of 2017

You know that saying “blink and then it’s gone”? Well that’s what 2017 felt like to me. I blinked, and now it’s the end of the year and I have no idea how I got here. There were a few things that made 2017 amazing, and seeing as I didn’t do this last year (such horror) I couldn’t miss out on doing one this year, so here are my highlights of 2017!

I went to Japan

I finally achieved my weeb dreams and went to the magical country that is Japan, ticking off a few things on my bucket list along the way. I went to Sanrio Puroland, got to see the cherry blossoms, visited the Fushimi Inari-Taisha, hung out in Shibuya with some gyaru, and did a lot of shopping! If you’d like to see all of my Japan posts that I’ve done so far (as there’s more to come) then click here.

My other half moved in

Nothing could prepare me for this, and I’m so so happy that I’m finally living with the one I love. I’m still trying to clear out my wardrobe to create more space for him but thank goodness he doesn’t actually own a lot of clothes! More room for me, I guess…

I got a new job

On another personal note, I got a new job! I really enjoy the work I do and I’m learning so many new things. I’ve also made some good friends there.

I became more sociable

For a person who’s a complete workaholic, this is a huge step for me and it’s something I want to carry on with next year. I think I’ve managed to find my footing and have been able to balance out my social life and my outside-of-work-work-life, yay!

I co-founded the UK gyaru circle QueenE

Alongside with my friend Wib, we co-founded QueenE and have already hosted a few meets this year! I can’t wait for more meets next year and I’d love to do something like chilling out and going to the cat cafe again.

I did my very first Etsy Made Local Market

Where I sold a few of my prints and Christmas cards and it was very, very stressful. I mentioned in a previous post however that I am focussing less on my etsy so that I can focus more on my blog as well as a few other goals for the new year.

I took outfit photos in the wild

My other half and I took a few outfit photos outdoors while we were out in Japan and it was so exciting yet nerve-wracking at the same time! I want to have more confidence doing that sort of thing in the UK, and have done it a couple of times over the Summer. I’m currently gathering a list of places that I want to take photos at, but it’s just a case of finding the time to do so.

We’ve finally started our wedding planning

The big day is finally going to happen and I couldn’t be happier, but boy there are a lot of things that we need to sort out! I always knew that planning a wedding was going to be stressful but I’m glad that most things are out of the way (because I tend to try and sort out everything at the same time).

I went to Warner Bros. Studios Harry Potter Tour for Christmas

It was my second time there but my first time experiencing Christmas. My next biggest goal is to go there for Halloween – maybe next year? On another Harry Potter related note, I went to the House of MinaLima earlier this year and it was AMAZING.

I worked with more brands

Not only did I do more work for my lovely sponsor Kawaii Gyaru Shop, but I also collaborated a lot more with Kawaii Box (who’s now an affiliate!) and other brands such as Japan Candy Box, Tobi, Printiki, Pinky Paradise and Modes4U. You can find all of these posts and similar ones in my ‘reviews‘ section and if you’re interested in working with me in the new year, then hit me up at lizzieebeee@gmail.com .

This place became “Hello Lizzie Bee”

Last, but definitely not least, this blog had a huge makeover. I designed myself a new signature to go along with my new URL, and I never regret a single moment of it. Then last week I went and changed my theme for the first time since I started this blog 7 years ago. Now it’s just a case of going through my old posts and refreshing them – it’ll take ages but it’ll be so worth it.

So what are your highlights for 2017? I’d love to hear how your year was in the comments below!

Lizzie Bee xx // facebook / twitter / instagram / bloglovin’

P.S. For those interested, these polaroid pics are from Printiki who I would highly recommend! I used their polaroid pics all of the time, and the service is really good too!