MERRY CHRISTMAS STYLERS!

It’s the day before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even…well, of course there’s someone stirring. Mum! Der.

I’m up while the family and dog are still snoozing, partly because there was 24 hour shopping last night and my men folk like to shop right at the last minute. Do your menfolk shop that way too. Anyway, I’m feeling festive and grateful so decided to do a Christmas post to say thankyou.

It’s been a HUGE year…massive! I’ve had a few massive years lately, not all good, but 2015 was pretty bloody fabulous. On the family front I got my youngest through year 11, both the boys have girlfriends which brings a welcome new dimension to our family and master 20 is succeeding in his work and life. My mister has been head down and bum up at work and his team is growing, which brings extra responsibility but also extra fun. We’re happy, all feeling connected and all looking forward to Christmas. Winning!

I’m winning on the health front too. I’m now two years post chemo, still on six month checkups with all my specialists and I have new nipples! Towards the end of this year I decided to ‘test’ my body and start working out at a gym. After nine surgeries including a double breast reconstruction this was a big move mentally and physically, but it’s paying off. I’m feeling stronger, scar tissue is releasing and I’m a little more pain free these days (not completely).

I’ve enjoyed my volunteer work this year, public speaking, TV and radio gigs kept me busy as did working with The Hospital Research Foundation. Together we launched two homes for country cancer patients, a project I loved working on. I also loved putting together a ‘handbag of hope’, donated to women fleeing domestic violence. A few blog collaborations saw part proceeds donated to BCNA and Cancer Council Australia, it feels good to give back even if it’s in a small way. Every little bit helps.

I’m loving my bloggy life. Blogging is part work, part fun, part therapy and a whole lotta fabulous. Part way through October the blog turned one, I still can’t believe I work online everyday. In that first year I worked with around 35 brands, designed a tee and bracelet, travelled interstate for a conference, wrote hundreds of blog posts, started ‘Body loving Babes’, did a swimsuit shoot, ran a workshop and did a few public speaking gigs. But best of all I was blessed to have you all in my life.

Every day I get up and post a style pic, not because I think I’m a styling superstar but because I want women to think differently about clothes and their body image. If I can inspire you to find your confidence or try something new then my day is made.

I also share my personal life including my cancer journey with you, I know from all the emails and private messages received that this helps many in the Styling Curvy community. It’s not always easy, I had a handful of nasty comments/troll activity that really threw me. But hey, it’s my first year and I dealt with it and my skin is tougher for it.

Everyday I write and share and everyday you all show up and join in, I love that and I’m extremely grateful to you all. I’m not a planner, I kinda wing it…which is why I’m excited to see what 2016 brings. It’s been a bloody good year, so as I reflect I’m gonna make it a little better with a coffee and this mince tart…home made by a friend!

I know what a shit year feels like (ummm hello cancer), and if you’ve had a less than fabulous year I get it and I’m sending you a hug and strength to overcome the tough days. Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. Sending you all love and wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and freakin awesome 2016!

How good is this start to my day? A homemade coffee and mince tart made by a friend!

Til next time,

Jen x