This year has been remarkable. I’m so blessed to have had such a good year. Here are a few highlights of 2012:
1. Travelling the world great big chunks one step at a time. This year I’ve been so fortunate to have been able to travel to Thailand, Czech Republic, Austria (twice in one year), Hungary, Germany and the Netherlands. I did this in a series of three separate trips. I have sat in many airports, through many sleepless flights, spent many hours planning routes and booking hotels. I experienced so many different cultures, languages, foods and people. I can’t wait to find out where 2013 will blow me to.
2. I started this blog this year and it’s been wonderful watching it grow. I love waking up in the morning to a bunch of friendly comments from the sweetest readers which encourage me to continue blogging about my insignificant little life. It has also been wonderful to watch other blogs grow alongside mine. I think supporting one another so important in life and I feel so happy to see reader’s blogs doing well. Yes, I read your blogs too!
3. I achieved the biggest accomplishment I could ever have wished for in 2012. I completed my LLB degree. That’s right, I’m now a lawyer. I love the quote that you can never be overdressed or over-educated. The anxiety, stress, hours and hours (and hours) of studying, the tears, the panic was all worth it in the end. I owe a HUGE thank you to my support system. These people saw me through every step of the way and believe me it wasn’t pretty. My friends and family are the pillar of strength that I am able to stand on.
4. International travel has already been mentioned but I live in the most beautiful country in the world, South Africa. I don’t have to travel far to have my mind blow by landscape and scenery. This year I’ve spent time in Cape Town in all it’s glory. I’ve been on safari in Pafuri, a private concession of the Kruger Park. I have hiked through (21km of) Champagne Castle in the Drakensburg. I’ve sipped wine in Magaliesburg and bellinis in Umhlanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal. To anyone who has never been to Africa or, more specifically, South Africa, get your passport out and get moving already!!!
5. I watched my little sister grow into a gorgeous young lady. I often talk about my sister (here and here) probably because my life would be incomplete without her. Thanks, Jasmine for being so willing to help me plan outfits and for your constant inspiration. You have blossomed this year, inside and out.
6. I’ve found that I have a love for great tailoring and great collars this year. I predict 2013 will have many more posts on both. I love sophisticated glamour and throwing in a pop of colour so watch this space for more.
7. While I’m slowly expanding my social networking skills, throughout this year I’ve been exploring these. You can now follow Arum Lilea on GFC, Bloglovin’, Chictopia, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and (I’m most excited about this one) Instagram. All the links can be found on the right or with the name Arum Lilea.
Thank you to my wonderful readers for leading me on this interesting path. A blog is nothing without its readers, so without you there would be absolutely no reason to carry on. I wish you all the very best for 2013. May you have a safe New Years celebration surrounded by all those dear to you and may all your wildest dreams for 2013 start unfolding before your eyes.
Jade Wright says
New Years Resolutions! What are yours???
http://bohemianmuses.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/new-years-resolutions.html
xx
Wynne Prasetyo says
glad to know 2012 treated you very well! congrats on your LLB degree. i will finish law school mid 2013 as well so pray for me! have a wonderful 2013!
GIVEAWAY IS ON!
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Leanne says
Best of luck for your studies. It’s not easy but definitely worth it!
xxx
Alexandra A. says
Hi! Happy New Year! :))
Would you like to follow each other via GFC | Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin? :))
Please let me know and I’ll follow you back! 😀
xoxo
Alexandra A.,
The Glitter Side @ Blogspot
The Glitter Side @ Facebook
The Glitter Side @ Pinterest
The Glitter Side @ Bloglovin
Vanessa says
Nice pics! Happy 2013! xo!
Christina Monique says
SO happy I found your blog! such a beautiful 2012 you had! make 2013 awesome!!
follow me at tinafiglove.blogspot.com thank you
Milna Mandusic says
Happy New Year darling!
Ps. your photographer is amazing!
Win a L’OREAL MASCARA >> GIVEAWAY <<
milna89.blogspot.com
Nikki says
Happy New Year Leanne 🙂 I hope it’s just as amazing as 2012!!
Xx
Jade Wright says
Working through the pain of a breakup, the beginning of my personal story about moving out and moving on:
http://bohemianmuses.blogspot.com/2013/01/working-through-pain-of-breakup.html
Heather says
Sounds like you had an amazing 2012- here’s to a fabulous new year dear 🙂
XO
Pearls & Paws
Pascale says
what a great year!!
Here’s hoping 2013 is just as exciting!
xx
http://www.atipsytart.blogspot.com
Vanessa says
Hi dear! of course we can follow each others…i follow you! Now I’m waiting you <3 xo!
Christina Monique says
Yes I am following you! Follow me!
thank you.
tinafiglove.blogspot.com
Fash Boulevard says
Happy New Year, love. Such a fabulous post. If you get a sec, I’d love to hear your thoughts on my Candy Land Christmas party. xo
http://www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com
Alexandra A. says
Following you back via GFC! :))
Alexandra A.,
The Glitter Side @ Blogspot
The Glitter Side @ Facebook
The Glitter Side @ Pinterest
The Glitter Side @ Bloglovin
fashionbeautyquest says
A lovely blog
Do you want to follow each other? Let me know.
http://www.fashionbeautyquest.blogspot.co.uk
fashionbeautyquest says
Thanks – now following you too!
http://www.fashionbeautyquest.blogspot.co.uk
Katie Did What says
You are so gorgeous!! Wow, what a year it was! 🙂 Glad you found my blog, sweet girl!
xo
Ola says
hapy new year 😉
aleksandra-fortuna.blogspot.com
Diana Marks says
Happy New year! May 2013 be even happier for you!
LA By Diana Live Magazine
Raya - reportingforbeauty says
Congrats on having this amazing year! I hope the new year will just as rewarding for you and I wish you and your loved ones have a happy and healthy 2013. I just discovered your blog and I think it’s such a fun, inspirational fashion blog! xoxo
http://reportingforbeauty.wordpress.com
Hannah T. says
I just discovered you blog and I LOVE it!
Wanna follow each other? I just did!;)
x Hannah
http://theadventurouslifestylelab.blogspot.be/
Marufa K says
wow you been to so many places im glad i bumped in to your blog following check my blog out and follow back if you like what you see x 🙂
http://thepocketsizedbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/