Tuesday 20 May 2014

One Today

I'm so so happy to be able to sit here and write that New Girl in Toon is one today!

I now can't imagine my life without having this lovely little place to play.  I have loved my first year of blogging so much and I'm so thankful to each and every one of you who have shared my journey, watched me eat yet another afternoon tea and left such lovely comments on my posts.

Blogging is hard work, and it's a hobby that you end up completely dedicating yourself to.  It is also the best hobby in the world and I'm so glad that I've discovered it.

Moving to a new part of the country has been difficult at times, I'm 5 hours away from my family and friends back in Norwich and 3 hours away from friends in London.   I miss them all so much but my blog has really helped me to embrace my new life. 

At times New Girl In Toon has made me step way out of my comfort zone, I'm a very shy and at times unconfident person, which isn't easy to overcome when you're living in a new city.  New Girl has pushed me to be brave - I've met new people, walked into rooms full of strangers and been invited to local events.  At times I've shocked myself at the things I've managed to do.

The North East has a wonderful blogging community and I'd like to thank each and every local blogger for welcoming me.    Feeling a part of something in my new home has been so important to me.

Lastly I really have to say how much I owe to my boyfriend, Simon.  He's been so supportive of my blog since the day I announced I wanted to start it.  He patiently lets his food go cold whilst I photograph it, interrupts what he's doing to proof read my posts, gives me the courage to attend blogger events even though I'm always terrified, allows me to drag him on adventures with my camera and takes endless photos of me.  

It's been really fun to have a read through my blog and to look back on all the things that I've done in my first year in the North East.  I thought I'd share a few of my favourite posts with you from the past year:

Picnic in the Park - when I first announced to my friends in the South that I was moving I got quite a few "but it always rains up North" comments.   The North East went on to have an amazing Summer and this is one of my favourite memories, a picnic in my favourite spot Saltwell Park


Durham Day Trip - Durham is one of my favourite places to visit and has popped up on the blog a few times over the last 12 months.  It was the perfect place to take my friend  Lauren when she came up for a visit.

Cakes Taste Better on a Perfect Purple Sofa - I think we all know that I'm a bit of an afternoon tea fan.  This trip to the  Hotel Indigo was one of the first afternoon teas to feature on my blog and was a wonderful afternoon spent with my friend Kate eating cake and drinking cocktails.


Sunny Rhodes - Simon and I had our first holiday abroad together and obviously I had to share it all with you.  I look back at these photos all the time, they make me so happy.

Saltwell's Secret Keeper - Enchanted Parks was one of the highlights of Christmas, we spent a lovely few hours strolling around enjoying the amazing lighting displays and had the most gorgeous hot chocolates, this was the night our obsession with caramel hot chocolate began!

Coming Home -  I now really do see the North East as my home and returning from a trip to see the Angel of the North saying "welcome home" is always special.


A birthday of course calls for cake, so I give you all permission to buy yourself a huge slab of something delicious today! 

Thank you so much to you all for being so lovely to me during my first year of blogging, and here's to the next year!
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21 comments

  1. Aww happy blogiversary! I've loved following your blog, can't wait for more+ :) x

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  2. This post made me smile so much! And it has definitely made me excited for what may be in store in the next year for a newbie like me :) Congratulations on one year and may this be the best year yet!

    PS. Now going to spend my morning browsing through the various posts you've linked.. excellent!

    Imogen // imogenscribbles.blogspot.co.uk

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  3. Happy Blog Birthday! :)
    I agree that writing a blog has helped me through some sad/bad times in my life and has also helped me be more self aware, in a good way and more confident. But by far, the best thing, is making new friends. :)
    Congrats on your one year and all you have achieved. Plenty more to come. :)

    Caroline.x
    notesfromcaroline.com

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  4. Happy bloggy birthday my lovely!!
    Lots of love,
    Angie
    SilverSpoon London

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  5. Happy first birthday New Girl in Toon! I hope you celebrate with some fizz and cake! So pleased you decided to blog or I wouldn't have met you! Only two months till Gingerbread Smiles' first birthday! :D

    xxx

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  6. Happy Blog Birthday!!! This is a very remarkable day and I like the way you wrote about this :)
    I also love blogging, it makes me happy, organised and creative!
    Have a super day!!!

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  7. Happy Blog Birthday! Looking forward to reading what happens in the next year :) x

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  8. Awww Happy Blog Day! Yours is one of my most favourite and I look forward to reading your journey over the next year! xxx

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  9. HAPPY BLOGASERY! (A word? It sounds like a word) I love reading it, so hope you continue to write it :D

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  10. Happy blog birthday, I'm glad you have settled in the North East and love it!
    It really is a great place to be and I love my life here and I'm pleased you do too :)

    Gems x
    Fashion, Well Done

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  11. Yay! Happy Blogiversary, sweetie! I look forward to many more posts. Glad we found and follow each other! xxx

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  12. Happy Birthday New Girl in Toon! Such a great blog and such an amazing blogger! If my blog is half as successful as yours by its first birthday I'll be more than happy! I always look forward to reading it! Here's to its second year :)

    K xx

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  13. Happy Blogging Birthday! Thanks for sharing your journey with us, your blog is one of my favourite and I look forward to every post. :)

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  14. aww happy blog birthday!! so wonderful that you discovered a hobby you love so much, i can definitely relate. so glad i discovered you :) x

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  15. Happy blog birthday, glad you decided to start this and share your new life in the North with us all

    Belle x Part of Belle's world

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  16. Writing a quality blog is not an easy feat so well done. I love reading your blog and your adventures. I am glad you found blogging as a hobby. Raising a glass of orange and a big slab of cake to you. Sorry no bubbles in the house so next best thing. Love the pic at end of the post beautiful Lucy x

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  17. Happy blog birthday! You're blog takes me back to the four years I lived in Newcastle as a student, it's still one of my favorite places in the world!

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  18. Sorry I am late but happy blog birthday x

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  19. Happy Belated Blog Birthday! I was ill so am a bit late to the celebrations, but so happy I've discovered your blog over the last few months!
    x

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  20. Happy belated blog birthday! Here's to many more happy years of blogging! :-) x

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