2024│The Highlights

Happy New Year!

Here we are again, another New Year's Eve and another yearly highlights post. When it comes to thinking about 2024, I don't really know what to think or where to begin. The first word that comes to mind is change. It's been a year of big changes; from career to lifestyle. I know change is inevitable, but as someone who gets very happy in her comfort zone I must say I'm incredibly proud of how I've adapted.

So what can I tell you about this past year? Well, 2024 saw me take a trip to the gorgeous white isle of Ibiza where I watched David Morales do a DJ set at Cafe Mambo (still can't actually believe that happened!?), I climbed to the top of Pendle Hill, spent a day in the beautiful city of Dublin, watched some of the most amazing shows, saw two of my closest friends bring two beautiful lives into the world, worked with some of my favourite brands and I found a new career after leaving the retail job I've had since I was nineteen.

Tonight I'll be welcoming in the new year with my family, friends and a glass of gin, but for now here are some of my highlights of 2024!

A Day Trip To Dublin

My adventures for the year started in February when my lovely friend Chloe and I decided to book a little day trip to Dublin. This gorgeous city has been on my 'to-visit' list for years and I absolutely loved being able to explore everything the place had to offer. We visited Temple Bar, Trinity College and the Guinness Factory where I tried my first proper pint of Guinness. I mean, have you even been to Dublin if you haven't had a pint of Guinness? If you want to read about what we got up to in Dublin, there's a post all about it on the blog!

Buster

At the end of March we said goodbye to our companion of 15 years, Buster. This wasn't a highlight of my year but I couldn't write this post without including him. We got Buster when I was twelve years old and I vividly remember the day we brought him home, to be honest I couldn't actually believe he was ours. This photo was taken on our very first family holiday to Cornwall, a place that was loved by every single one of us and now holds so many special memories. Buster was the most cheeky, loyal, loving little boy and we were so blessed to have him for fifteen years. When you think about it, we grew up together and he was a part of my life for longer than he wasn't. He was there for every high, every low and every moment in between. I genuinely thought he would be here forever but I know he's over the rainbow bridge having lots of fuss from his Grandad. We miss and love you endlessly, our Buster boo. 

2:22 A Ghost Story

I feel so lucky to have seen so many amazing shows this year but I have to say that 2:22 A Ghost Story is one that I literally haven't stopped talking about. We walked into the Liverpool Empire with absolutely no expectations and left completely in awe at what we had just seen. I don't want to say too much about it because it's a show that you just have to go and see for yourselves but I promise you won't regret it. I don't say this often but it is quite literally one of the best things I have ever seen.

The Body Shop & Karaoke Nights

A wholesome evening at The Body Shop turned into a karaoke night with the girls and it was easily one of my favourite nights of the year. What started as a catch up and a browse around The Body Shop, ended up with us hiring a karaoke booth and singing along to our favourite songs. From Sabrina Carpenter to Taylor Swift, we gave some award winning performances if I do say so myself. I genuinely feel so lucky that attending these events over the past few years have brought me three of the most beautiful friends. 

An Afternoon At Tiffany's

At the start of May I unexpectedly left the retail job I'd had since I was nineteen. It was a massive lifestyle change for me personally but it meant that I had a little bit of extra time on my hands whilst I searched for a new job. I started to become more involved with volunteering at Loving Arms Dementia Group which is something that's really helped to brighten my days throughout this year. We decided to take our members for an afternoon of good food and cabaret at Tiffany's in Blackpool, and we all had an absolute ball. This group is so special and to see everyone enjoying themselves truly warmed my heart. 

Six The Musical

If you're a regular here then you'll know just how much Mum and I love SIX the musical, so when it came to Liverpool on the UK tour we just had to get tickets. We love this show more and more every time we see it, the way it uplifts and empowers you is a feeling that I can't put into words. Oh and don't bother asking how many times we've been to see it because I've lost count at this point.

My 27th Birthday

I can't quite believe I'm 27. I know I don't say this often but I'm really proud of everything I've achieved, especially this year. It's so easy to get stuck in this web of comparison in your twenties but I'm here to say you're exactly where you're meant to be and you're doing just fine. I had such a lovely day celebrating my birthday with my family and friends. Mum and I went for a gorgeous meal in Liverpool followed by a few cocktails in Alberts Schloss and we even went in the Disco toilet (if you know, you know). What a way to welcome my 27th year!

Wicked

Oh would you look at that, it's another trip to see a musical and this time it's truly Wicked!

For my birthday this year, my Mum treated me to tickets to spend one short day in the Emerald City and see one of my favourite musicals. I'm not going to start waffling on about how much I adore Wicked, all I will say is that it was my fifth time seeing the show and it was truly spectacular. The best birthday gift ever!

The Girls Aloud Show

At the start of July, Chloe, Trish and I headed to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool to watch 'The Girls Aloud Show'. I grew up listening to Girls Aloud and I remember their 'What Will The Neighbours Say' album being one of the first CD's I ever bought, so to be able to see them perform live was really nostalgic. I just know seven year old Meg would have been screaming and dancing around to Love Machine. Who am I kidding? 27 year old Meg was doing the exact same thing!

Ibiza

A few weeks later Chloe and I jumped on a plane and headed to Ibiza for a week of sunshine, sea and strawberry daquiris. After absolutely loving last year's spontaneous trip, there was no doubt that we'd be back this year. I know this might sound strange but Ibiza makes me feel at home, you know when you've just found that place where you belong? Well I think I belong in Ibiza. 

We wanted to experience a little piece of everything Ibiza had to offer on this trip and I think we did just that, from drinking cocktails at Pikes, to sitting on the beach watching the iconic sunset, to seeing David Morales do a DJ set whilst drinking cocktails at Cafe Mambo. We also explored Ibiza Old Town, Las Dalias Hippie Market and saw Joel Corry & Nathan Dawe perform at Ibiza Rocks! 

I never really understood what people meant when they said that the island is surrounded by a kind of magic but I get it now. Ibiza truly is magical and it holds a special place in my heart. I already can't wait to go back!

Soul In The Park

I hadn't been back from Ibiza for two days and I was already off on another adventure, I don't even think I unpacked my suitcase! At the end of July, Mum and I went to the 'Soul in the Park' event, something we look forward to every year. My music taste is incredibly varied and I was brought up listening to soul music so this is right up my street, three rooms playing the best in soul music. We spent our day sat in the sunshine drinking cider listening to the all the good soul tunes, followed by an evening of dancing until our feet hurt. 

A Day Trip To Barley

We had some gorgeous weather at the start of August so Mum and I decided to go on a day trip which is how we accidentally ended up in the beautiful little village of Barley. How did we accidentally end up there? Well, our intention was to find a place called NewChurch in Pendle. From being a little girl my Mum has always told me about a small shop with three witches outside that she remembers visiting when she was younger. However, every time we've tried to find it we've been unsuccessful. 

It was all going really well, we found the small shop and were happily driving along until we realised that we were in fact lost and Google Maps had stopped working. This is how we stumbled across Barley. We were hot and bothered so we parked up, had a little walk around and called into The Cabin for an iced coffee and a scone. We even discovered that we could climb to the top of Pendle Hill from there, something we've always wanted to do, but sadly we were in dresses and sandals so that one would have to wait for another time. If you want to hear the story about our trek, then keep on reading. 

Sisters Of Mersey

We've certainly been to see our fair share of shows this year, most of which have been at the Royal Court in Liverpool. It's one of my favourite theatres in the city with some of the best comedies I've ever seen. In August, we spontaneously decided to go and watch 'Sisters of Mersey', a comedy about two 'twin' sisters living in a Convent in Liverpool. It was absolutely bizzare and incredibly funny, although I couldn't actually make sense of what was going on. 

Soul Choons

Not to brag but I'm becoming somewhat of a regular at these soul weekends. The late August bank holiday saw Mum and I take a trip to the Prince of Wales hotel in Southport for their annual 'Soul Choons' event. It was similar to the soul weekend we went to in July; three rooms, loads of DJ's and the best soul music. A special moment for me was when one of the DJ's played Crazy World by Kenny Thomas, a song that would always get me up dancing when I was a little girl, so much so they'd normally play it for me as a special request. To be dancing to that song at a soul weekend with my Mum all these years later and still absolutely loving it gave me a lovely sense of nostalgia and it was one of my favourite weekends of the year.

The Jonas Brothers

After once cancelled show and waiting for well over a year, in September Chloe and I finally lived out our teenage dreams and saw the Jonas Brothers live at the Co-op Arena in Manchester. We had the best evening singing at the top of our voices to our favourite Jo Bro's songs and I can't even begin to tell you how close we were to them. I don't think I'll ever be over the fact I was that close to Joe Jonas. Sadly I didn't get my Camp Rock moment but I did hear them sing Play My Music live, and to top it all off nicely they did a cover of The 1975!!!

Lost Soul 2

Our second Royal Court show of the year was Lost Soul 2 and in absolutely no surprise to anyone, it was hilarious. We always leave these shows feeling on top of the world after a proper good laugh, and it also helped that the music was centred around all our favourite soul tunes.

Pendle Hill

I told you it wouldn't be long before we were back in Barley and this time we went to climb Pendle Hill. When I think back on this year, this day will always be one of my favourites because we did nothing but laugh from start to finish. I think it's safe to say that we completely underestimated the walk and Pendle Hill was a lot higher than we thought it was going to be but fuelled by a sausage sandwich and a cappuccino, we made it to the top. The views were absolutely breathtaking and I couldn't believe that such beautiful surroundings were quite literally on our doorstep. Over 15,000 steps later, we made it back to the village and rewarded ourselves with an ice cold diet coke before heading back home.

101 Dalmatians

After climbing to the top of Pendle Hill, we decided to do something a bit more chilled and booked to see another musical. This time we went to see 101 Dalmatians at the Liverpool Empire and it was such a heart warming show! 

Kabannas, Gloria's & Bongo's Bingo

Our social calendar in September and October was jam packed! At the end of September, we were very kindly invited to the launch of Kabin at Kabannas in Liverpool for an evening of cocktails, karaoke and good food. If you want to find out more about what we got up to then there's a post on the blog!

In October Mum and I spent an evening at Gloria's, Liverpool's grooviest disco bar that has launched in the old Mojo on Back Berry Street. I'm sure you know this by now, but I absolutely LOVE my disco house tunes so this bar was completely my vibe. We spent the night drinking Appletini's and dancing to Gloria's House Band who really got the party started. If you're looking for a new place to go in Liverpool then I highly recommend. 

Fast forward to Halloween and we spent the spooky season at Bongo's Bingo. This is literally one of my favourite events to ever exist, I just love the chaos of it all. I've been to Bongo's a couple of times but this time I was very kindly invited to attend which was a major pinch me moment. It was Mum's first time at Bongo's and it's very safe to say that she cannot wait to go back, from dancing on the benches, to trying to win a giant pink fluffy unicorn, we had an absolute ball! 

I feel incredibly grateful to be invited to such fabulous events and to work with some of my favourite brands. I genuinely pinch myself every time I get invited to these events and I feel so lucky to work alongside the most talented bloggers and the most amazing brands.

The Light Before Christmas

For the past two years Mum and I have been to see The Light Before Christmas at Liverpool's stunning Anglican Cathedral. We love it so much that it's become one of our festive traditions. This year the show was called The Light Before Christmas: Starlight and I honestly think it's my favourite one yet. They had bean bags dotted around where you could sit, look up at the ceiling and immerse yourself in the starry night. I can't even begin to tell you how magical it felt. It was truly spectacular.

Bents

Then it was time for our annual festive trip to Bents Garden Centre which is always one of my highlights of the year. There's just something about a garden centre at Christmas time that makes me feel merry and bright. We had a mooch around all the festive displays, which were absolutely stunning this year, and then grabbed a hot chocolate at the Christmas markets. 

Festive Celebrations

December has absolutely flown by and it's been a month of festive celebrations and new beginnings. When I've not been getting my sparkle on and eating all the good food, I've been starting my new job which I'm really enjoying. If you'd have told me that I'd have a new job by the end of the year I'd literally have laughed and told you to shush. I have to say, I really am proud of myself. 

The Scouse Red Riding Hood

Of course Christmas can only mean one thing, it's Panto season!!!

Last year Mum and I went to watch our very first Scouse Panto at the Royal Court in Liverpool and we loved it so much that we booked to see another one this year. It was hilariously bizzare, as every panto should be and we think we're going to try and see it again before it ends in January.

Aladdin

Our last show of the year took us on a magic carpet ride back to the Liverpool Empire to see Aladdin. It was such a lovely show to watch and was sprinkled with little bits of Disney magic here and there. A special mention has to go to the Genie who literally had the crowd cheering and laughing the minute he walked on the stage, what a guy! 

Family & Friends

I know I've sat here and waffled on about all my happy moments of the year but that's not to say it hasn't been without its challenges, many of them in fact. It's true what they say, social media is a highlight reel and I don't do these posts to brag about how amazing my year has been, I do them because it shows that highlights don't have to be huge things. It can be something as simple as a coffee, a walk or a trip to see a show. It's important to have things that bring you joy, regardless of what other people think. 

This year I've made the most wonderful memories and I know that is down to the beautiful, supportive group of people I surround myself with; from friends who hire karaoke booths and are always up for an adventure or two, to my new friends I've made along the way, to my gorgeous family who continue to love and support me every step of the way. I feel so grateful and lucky to have you all. 

From hikes up hills and soul weekends with Mum, to chats about rugby with Dad, to the coffee trips and singing Sinatra with my Mambly, to all the cuddles with our angel Buster, to cocktails, karaoke and holidays with the girls. These people have truly been my biggest cheerleaders this year and I couldn't have got through the year without them. 

Overall, it's been yet another weird and wonderful year. It's had it's highs, it's lows and a few challenges along the way but we made it and I'm proud of us. It's been one of adventures, new careers and a few theatre shows thrown in to mix things up a little. As I sit and wait to welcome in the new year, I feel incredibly thankful that my family, friends and I are entering 2025 healthy and happy. It's been a lovely year and I've got so much to be grateful for. Here's hoping that 2025 will be even better! 

Wishing you all a very healthy and happy New Year! Here's hoping 2025 is filled with love, success and most of all, happiness!

Finally I want to dedicate this post to our Buster; the second brightest star in the sky.

Lots of Love,

Meg x