Last Friday I turned 31, gosh it sounds so old, so grown up! I can’t quite believe it was a year ago since I wrote this blog post about turning 30. Another year older and with a bit more time on my hands to contemplate (things have calmed down a lot since finishing up with this years peak wedding season) I have been feeling rather reflective & felt compelled to write a post. A little self indulgent and I am not totally sure what my main aim of this post is if being totally honest. I guess there isn’t one as such I more so wanted to deliberate & jot down some thoughts and feelings maybe some of which you can relate too.

Image via Pinterest

I can honestly say that I am actually feeling rather okay, in fact better then okay about now being a 30 something. A revelation that even surprises myself (you will know from my last blog post that I have always disliked getting older). I put this down to one main reason only, I am content, probably the most content I have ever been. More and more since I have got a bit older a realisation has sunk in that life really is about being grateful and appreciating what you do have rather then worrying/focusing on what you don’t. I truly cherish my family and friends, spending time with them making happy memories is what’s important. I thought this years birthday might be a bit disappointing (it had a tough act to follow after the high of last years big birthday). I was expecting to crash down from my 30 cloud with a thump, left feeling a little deflated but on the contrary it has been one of my best birthdays! I have loved every minute of spending time with the special people in my life, as you get older you don’t have as many friends (unless it’s just me 😉 ) but the ones you do have you know truly love you and are their for the long haul.

I’m more content with my business too, it’s taken a little while but I think I now feel confident with who Joanne Truby Floral Design are and what we do. Believe me it’s not easy to get to this point (as my fellow florist friends and business owners will know) a lot of battling my own demons & doubts which inevitably come with working for yourself, it doesn’t matter how many times people tell you how talented you are if you don’t truly believe it yourself it will be a struggle. Over this last year I have learnt to be a bit kinder to myself, those who know me well will know I am my own worst critic, which yes in some ways is good as you are always striving to do the best you possibly can however you do also put a lot of unnecessary stress and pressure on yourself (as if working with flowers doesn’t do that enough!). So it’s important to be kinder to yourself, remembering to give yourself a pat on the back when it is thoroughly deserved. I’m adopting the same philosophy for life in general, I use to get so caught up that we have to achieve certain goals by the time we reach certain ages but why? who says we do? I actually think I’m doing pretty darn well (if I do say so myself!). I have a wonderful home which both Steve & I have thoroughly enjoyed putting our own stamp on (which is still ongoing next on the list is the kitchen & bedroom) and we have made many happy memories here in the last two years. I have my own business doing something that I love, not only am I excited about the opportunities ahead & seeing the business grow but I am also able to reminisce and be so so proud of all it has achieved so far. One of the biggest highlights so far this year has to be having four yes FOUR Perfect Wedding Magazine front covers!! Which I am just so over the moon about, a dream come true.

4th Perfect Wedding Front Cover

Over the next few months I will be plotting & scheming on projects for the business next year, getting ready for Christmas with details being released about our festive offerings. Oh yes & just the small matter of cracking on with my own wedding plans!! I got slightly freaked out the other day when I realised we have just 5 months to go!! (eeek!!) lots of fun DIY projects to be done over the next couple of months. I adore this image captured by Rebecca Douglas from our engagement shoot a few months back, a picture really can say a thousand words sometimes, hey? I feel so lucky to be marrying my Steve.

Image by Rebecca Douglas

As some of you already know my second love after flowers is travelling. I always feel so inspired when I return home from a trip away, it definitely fuels my creativity. A few weeks ago we went to Italy on a mini break which after the busy wedding season was very much needed! Lake Garda was our choice of destination, a truly breath taking part of the world. We’re definitely planning a trip back at some point but to the southern part of the lake as we just didn’t have time to see it all. However if you’re planning on going to Riva del Garda we stayed in the Hotel Villa Nicolli I highly recommend it, lovely SPA hotel friendly staff & the food & wine was incredible if you haven’t been you must go! Also recommend the hop on and off boat trip, Malcesine is idealic and the castle has stunning views overlooking the lake, definitely worth a visit. I didn’t intend for this blog post to turn into a travel guide (promise) but come on who doesn’t like day dreaming about holidaying in Italy? Here’s a few snaps I took whilst we were away…

I know, stunning, right? I told you! Here’s to another year ahead, I wonder what I will write in next years post? One things for sure I will be writing as a Mrs and not a Miss which is pretty blooming exciting! Hope you have enjoyed my ramblings, flowery posts will resume next week, promise.