Five Years Since I Started

Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved writing in journals/diaries, and I regret not keeping the ones I wrote in when I was little. I have a few diaries upstairs, some are full, and some are half full, and I love the fact that I have written about most of my days. I love writing and sharing stories, whether it's tips and advice, stories about my life or just anything related to me. So starting my blog was quite an easy decision for me. In fact, it was 5 years ago today, 15th of May, that I started my blog.

Five years ago to this day I wrote my first blog post. Originally, my first ever post was in January 2013, but I didn't properly start until 15th of May 2013, which is when I count it from. Looking back at old posts is quite embarrassing and cringe, but I will never delete any posts from my site. Mainly because they're posts, I will love to look back on in years to come, and still now.

If someone told me 5 years ago that my blog would be where it is today, I would never have believed them. My inspiration was Kerry from Oh So Amelia. Her blog is amazing, and she was one of the reasons I started blogging - as well as seeing an advert on tv. I blogged all kinds of different things such as our days out, monthly updates of my girls and my parenting tips and advice. I had no idea where I was going with it all. I was just going along with it and seeing where it would take me.

Anyone who knows me pretty much knows that I rarely stick to anything, so to stick to this for five years is amazing for me and I am proud of myself. Being able to make a big change that I can now say I'm a self-employed blogger makes it even more exciting and amazing. Having the chance to work from home, around my kids and doing something I love is the best.

My blog has always been my little space where I can somewhat just feel myself. I feel like I can talk about absolutely anything and everything without the fear of being judged. Although, as the years have gone by the whole thing has changed. I do get a little fear of being judged nowadays but that may just be because I have had many troll comments, but it doesn't stop me from doing what I love - writing and sharing.

Blogging has taught me many things. I've learnt things about parenthood, photography and even improved my writing skills. I've never been the best at spelling, punctuation and all that but I do try my best. Photography has always been a passion of mine and being able to learn more and improve my skills because of my blog, makes me super happy.

I've also had the amazing chance to work with some amazing brands. Brands that I have always loved and looked up too. I've had some lifestyle changes, we've had many stay aways with the lovely people are Bluestone, days out to Oakwood Theme Park, Greenwood and many other places. I've also had the great opportunity to review many items that I absolutely love. Being able to get the chance to make memories with my partner and children makes this blog that extra special. It motivates me to work even harder.

Blogging can also have its moments. Being a work from home Mum is draining. Some days I hate it and others I feel extra lucky but trying to find the balance of working from home and looking after kids, is hard. I think it would be a different story if I only had my girls, as they are in full time school. Freddie however, is with me all the time. However, I made a hard decision a few months ago to let him go to nursery once a week just so I can get a full day of work. It was a difficult decision, but it was one of the best decisions too. It's all about trying to find that balance between family and work life.

I'm just so happy that I have been able to help many young women because of my sixteen and pregnant story/experience. I've got many memories written down, with thousands of photos to look back on in years to come. I've had the chance to write a weekly update of my third pregnancy from the moment I found out I was pregnant all the way up until I gave birth to my last baby. Having these special and amazing posts to look back on makes me really happy.

I could go on and on about this, but I'm going to leave it here now. I'm also going to take the chance to say a huge thank you to every single one of you who supports me and have supported me in the last 5 years. I am really grateful for all the support, comments, likes, shares and everything else. Here's to the next 5 years!