2020: My Best Bits
Hello everyone! How are we all? I feel like it’s been ages (and it has, really). In all honesty, your gal was knackered by the time the festive holidays rolled round, so I was really keen to properly switch off and relax (hence no blog-post last Sunday). I really hope that you all managed to have a nice Christmas and festive period - particularly given the circumstances this year.
Here's a wee snap from a few days ago. I had to take advantage of the snow!
When I sat down to write this post, it was going to be a ‘thank fuck that’s all over’ piece, and celebrate the fact that we’ve made it to a New (and perhaps more promising) Year. But then I thought .. nah .. that level of negativity is not my jam, and whilst I’m definitely glad to see the back of some of 2020 and know how difficult it’s been, I wanted to draw out and document the best bits of this crazy year, and celebrate those things. I’m determined to keep pulling out any thread of positivity that I possibly can, whilst we’re having to adapt our ways of living. Please do not see this as me bragging about how great my year has been (it’s had many challenges, let me tell you) - I just want to keep my wee space on the internet as positive as possible.
With that in mind, I wanted to sum up my best bits of 2020 and list some of the fab things I’ve discovered over the last 12 months - these are from a variety of areas; film, tv, activities, fashion, nature etc.. So without further ado, I’m going to get started!
January;
Celebrating Calum and I’s 6th anniversary together (we’ve just celebrated our 7th!). We went along to Loch Fyne last year and enjoyed a fabulous meal together.
Using our slow cooker for the first time and feeling like we were *grown ups*.
Going to see Little Women at the cinema (twice) and solidly crying from the half-way point through to the end. Honestly - what a film. The cinematography is beautiful, and the cast is *chef’s kiss*. I just got it on DVD for Christmas, so there's more viewing to come!
Watching Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore, which was incredibly insightful. Really recommend you give it a watch.
February;
Visiting Muiravonside Country Park with Calum. We had a lovely walk and enjoyed seeing all of the animals.
Having a sleepover at my sister’s with her and my mum. We put on silly face masks and watched silly films - what could be better.
I got excited for Wes Anderson’s latest film release ‘The French Dispatch’. Looks like I’ll need to wait a bit longer for that now!
Calum and I watched Lost in Translation and I fell back in love with the story. I recommend that you check it out, and also have a listen to the soundtrack - I’ve had it on throughout the year.
Christine and the Queens released People I’ve Been Sad and it HIT!
March;
(The month that lockdown started in the UK)
I got some new bits and bobs for my room and really made it feel like my own.
I had my first attempt at making banana bread, which was successful (ish!). The first of many attempts, might I add.
I managed to get over to Kirkcaldy at the beginning of the month to spend time with my amazing friends Gail, Rhi & Jenna. Looking back on the year, I’m so grateful that we managed to do that, girls.
I started working from home - whilst it does have it’s negatives, I’ve grown to love it.
The soundtrack to that first month was the music from Call Me By Your Name - so beautiful. That’s another film/book I’d recommend you check out if you haven’t already.
April;
I started doing a couple of ballet classes on Youtube which I really enjoyed (and should start up again!).
Many more attempts at banana bread were made, as well as fairy cakes and lemon meringue pie. There was also a failed attempt at a chocolate cheesecake, but we won’t go there ..
I discovered Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting. Man, that show really does just cheer you up and bring you 30 mins of chilled out joy. Cheers for that, Bob.
I tried on my Nana’s hand sewn wedding dress (don’t get any ideas in your head, people). But it was so nice to wear something that she wore.
I mastered the art of doing the ‘low bun’ with my hair.
I read Julie Andrews autobiography (Home Work) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I genuinely find behind the scenes of Hollywood so incredibly fascinating.
May;
We really started to up the walking ante and did so many incredible walks this month. May I say, walking is a thread that runs through almost every month this year, but I don’t want to keep repeating myself!
Calum played a Facebook Live Gig (one of many this year) which was the joy that we all needed at that time.
Attempted to make sourdough bread for the first time (and succeeding, kinda!).
Watched The Godfather films. It reminded me why they’re classics.
Attempting to draw (pretty unsuccessfully), but being proud of myself for giving it a bash.
My best pal getting a kitten and falling in love with her.
Seeing ducklings on the river and enjoying nature more than ever.
Jumping on the bandwagon and watching Normal People. I absolutely fell in love with the story and the characters. I equally loved the book.
June;
I started to really examine and educate myself on the Black Lives Matter movement.
We celebrated Calum, Mum and Dad’s birthdays. They were really lovely days.
My sister and I visited Blackness and enjoyed a walk there amongst the beautiful scenery.
Calum released The Stones of Tomorrow. I think it’s some of his best work. I also listened to a lot of Nick Drake and Phoebe Bridgers that month.
July;
I finally got to see a couple of my amazing friends in person, from a distance. It was so lovely.
I bought my first ever car. I’d saved and saved and got the car that I’ve wanted for a number of years. I’m really not a petrolhead, but every time I see my wee car, it makes me happy.
Calum and I started to see the baby signets on the pond start to grow.
We were lucky enough to be able to visit Yorkshire during July (all within government guidelines at the time). The trip was filled with beautiful walks, perfect scenery and incredible company. I’m so thankful for that trip - it came at a time when I really needed it.
We celebrated my sister turning 30 whilst we were in Yorkshire and had such a wonderful day. I love ya, sis.
I bought myself an Olympus Mju II film camera and started to get excited at the prospect of getting more into photography.
August;
I made the decision to take some time away from work. Whilst it was really difficult at the time, I look back on it and know that I 100% did the right thing.
I also made the decision to start up my blog and put more effort into my Instagram/social media platforms. That has been one of the biggest rewards of 2020 and can’t tell you how glad I am to have finally taken the plunge.
I bought myself my nifty wee laptop for writing.
I witnessed the craziest weather of the year. Continual thunder for hours on end. It was quite scary but very dramatic!
I published my first few blog-posts and really felt like I’d achieved something.
I binge watched The Fall.
Calum and I went out for a meal together which felt like the biggest treat in the world.
September;
I visited Aberdour with my parents and fell in love with the wee town again. Being by the sea genuinely is my happy place.
My halloween costume arrived for the party that I never managed to have (next year guys .. maybe!).
I picked up my cricket style cream knitted vest which is now serving (pardon the pun) as a staple in my wardrobe.
I got my hair cut and really started to get a taste for it being shorter.
I wore a dress from Monsoon which made me feel more put together than I had in months.
I created my first fashion reel on Instagram which I still feel proud of.
I fell in love with Fleet Foxes newest album.
October;
I worked with my friend and fellow creator Erin to showcase some of her amazing earrings at Chandelier and Skittles.
I had a week off of work and spent the time walking and enjoying the company of my nearest and dearest.
I visited the Mid-Century Modern exhibition with my best mate and we spent the day together celebrating our upcoming birthdays.
My mum, sister and I got creative at the Honey Pot Creative Cafe in South Queensferry. I painted a little pot for storing my jewellery and absolutely love it.
I turned 27 and celebrated with my loved ones. We went on a beautiful walk and ate cake - what could be better.
November;
I started using the new camera that I got for my birthday. So so glad I got it.
Started up zoom calls with friends again.
Visited Culross on one of the most beautiful afternoons of the year. The light and scenery was just stunning.
My dad and I did some charity shopping together.
I finally found the perfect pair of straight leg jeans. Levi Ribcage Jeans - I love ya.
I made some exciting decisions about the future of my blog.
Calum and I started watching The Bridge & Valhalla Murders. I’m now addicted to a dark crime drama.
December;
We put our Christmas tree up and began to feel festive.
We started watching Spiral - honestly, if you’ve not seen it, get it on. It’s a French crime drama and it’s so so good. All on iPlayer!
My sister and I had a lovely weekend together in town which felt really special.
I finished reading Natives by Akala. So informative and important. I implore you to read it. I’ve also just started reading The Fellowship of the Ring again and am loving it.
Calum released his latest EP, A View From the Notebooks. I am so incredibly proud.
I managed to celebrate Christmas & New Year with loved ones and had a great (and somewhat chilled) time, despite all of the odds.
So there we have it guys - the best bits of my 2020. I really hope you enjoyed this and offered you a bit of positivity amongst all the craziness that has been this past year. It’s good to be reflective, and I urge you all to look back on your year and pull out any achievements, milestones or happy moments, and celebrate them. I will be back in 2 weeks time with my next blog-post. In the meantime, have a wonderful start to January 2021. I can’t wait to see what we all do this year.
Lots of love,
El xx
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