Saying Hello To 2017.


HELLO 2017,

We’re eight days in and it’s been radio silence on my side of things. But I wanted to start this year off right. I want to pour my heart in to this space this year, and finally today things just felt right. We’re back with a new look and a new outlook on things and I couldn’t be more excited. 

So, my new years resolutions are well overdue hmmm? I tried so many times to go over the past year and address the new. But those drafts have been trashed and I’ll start with this: Happiness. That is all I want for this year. I truly believe that this is where the fate all of my successes and failures begins and this year that is my driving force behind all my decisions. I spent the past year doing everything I thought I should do, and trying to be everything I thought people wanted me to be. I started to become a watered down version of myself and to be quite honest it sucked. 2016 was a bit of an internal struggle for me and that’s why this post has been so long in the making. 

But enough of that. Today I’m saying welcome back to all of you who have stuck with me so patiently whilst I get my shizz together and in the spirit of leaving all my doubts and insecurities in 2016 I’m accompanying this post with the photos I was too scared to post last year. We shot these in Costa Rica, and I originally pulled every image apart and told myself I didn’t look good enough in them to post. I look at them now and I LOVE THEM. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come over the past six months and that I’m finally at a stage where I feel comfortable sharing them. Costa Rica was such a surreal experience, and aside from being just a tad home sick (like spending £50 on calls home kind of home sick) I feel so fortunate that I got to experience such a wonderful adventure with two of my favourite girls.

So aside from my focus on happiness, what do I want from this year? More of a life balance is something I’m striving for this year, as well as being kinder to myself both mentally and physically. I’ve been on a bit of a journey over the last six months and now I’m more focused than ever on filling my life with things that nourish me and bring me joy. I want to shut out the noise and the buzz that comes hand in hand with having an online space and focus on creating things that I love, and that hopefully you’ll love too. I want 2017 to be the year that I choose joy over stress. I want to continue to explore the world, camera in hand, of course. And I want to bring you all along for the ride.

Here’s to the next chapter!

Photos by Tamara Kalinic

71 Comments

  1. Shiana
    08 Jan 2017 / 11:14 pm

    SUCH GORGEOUS PHOTOS! Happy New Year Suzie! Heres to a 2017 filled with happiness! Also a huge congrats on the blog relaunch 🙂

    Shiana xx
    www.shianajarvis.com

  2. Kerry Lynne
    08 Jan 2017 / 11:18 pm

    This is such a lovely, inspiring post! You look gorgeous and I wish you all the success and happiness. You deserve it xx

  3. Frances Hemmant
    08 Jan 2017 / 11:52 pm

    Such a gorgeous post! and you look incredible, you should definitely love these photos!!! So stunning! 😍🔥

  4. Holly R
    08 Jan 2017 / 11:54 pm

    Beautiful photos, you're honestly so breathtaking stunning! And I absolutely agree I want to focus on happiness over stress. Hope this year is a great one! Holly x |http://www.thechroniclesofholly.com/

  5. Emeline
    08 Jan 2017 / 11:55 pm

    You look absolutely breathtaking in these pictures Suzie 🙂

    Here's to a new year of being kinder to ourselves, I should follow this resolution as well! Looking forward to your content this year, you're such a lovely person that I enjoy what you post anyways, but seeing you being yourself is definitely even more inspiring for us viewers 🙂

    And don't stress yourself on what you can and can't post, especially on the blog! A blog doesn't have to be just a streamlined version of what people see as "aesthetic goals", it is YOUR place where you can experiment and post whatever you want to post, just do what you want to do 🙂 (Besides, you're so beautiful that anything would still be aesthetic goals anyway haha but my advice would apply even if it wasn't the case)

  6. Emeline
    08 Jan 2017 / 11:56 pm

    PS: love the new blog design! I find it easier to see the order in which the posts were published now

  7. Ellie
    08 Jan 2017 / 11:58 pm

    You look so good, Costa Rica has always been somewhere Ive dreamt of visiting. such a lovely post, all the best for 2017.
    Ellie x
    http://ellelavie.blogspot.co.uk/

  8. Naomi
    09 Jan 2017 / 12:13 am

    Wonderful post, and you look amazing! I agree, this is the year for happiness and wellbeing, I can't wait to see what you get up to this year! x

  9. Areli
    09 Jan 2017 / 12:54 am

    Wishing you all the best this 2017!
    xx,
    areli's april
    http://arelisapril.blogspot.com/

  10. Chloe Barnes
    09 Jan 2017 / 1:11 am

    Not only do these photos look beautiful, your words demonstrate you have a beautiful personality which is all the more important 💕

  11. Bonnie Garner
    09 Jan 2017 / 1:22 am

    You look fantastic! 😍 😍 😍
    I wish you the best for 2017 😊

  12. The Gem Agenda
    09 Jan 2017 / 7:21 am

    You look stunning Suzie!! And I think in by sharing these photos that you once didn't like of yourself, you're showing girls that you don't have to be stick thin to be beautiful. Happiness is a wonderful new years resolution, because that's really all that should matter in life – that we are happy.

    Gemma x
    The Gem Agenda

  13. The Sunday Mode
    09 Jan 2017 / 8:26 am

    Beautiful photos Suzie, you look stunning! To be honest I think you always look gorgeous though, and I don't know how say that without sounding like I'm coming across as fake but it's true!

    Really looking forward to seeing the content you create this year 🙂
    x

    Julia // The Sunday Mode

  14. Frances
    09 Jan 2017 / 9:12 am

    These pictures of you are just stunning!!! So pleased you finally felt comfortable enough to post them – you look absolutely gorgeous xxx

    Frances Kayleigh

  15. Cydney Helsdown
    09 Jan 2017 / 9:24 am

    You look stunning, the photo quality is just perfect!
    – Cydney http://cydneyhelsdown.co.uk

  16. Nicole Parise
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:10 am

    I love the simple layout you have now! Those photos are just gorgeous, such a beautiful area and your swimwear is wonderful! Happy 2017 🙂

    xx nicole
    www.nicoleparise.com

  17. Nicole Parise
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:10 am

    I love the simple layout you have now! Those photos are just gorgeous, such a beautiful area and your swimwear is wonderful! Happy 2017 🙂

    xx nicole
    www.nicoleparise.com

  18. Zoe
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:12 am

    You look incredible, these photos are stunning. Well done for getting yourself in a happier head space!

    Zoe – http://zoeoliviablog.co.uk

  19. Christina
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:13 am

    You have a beautiful body. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I love your vlogs. They make me smile. I love it when you eat cookies, say the word f**k, cuddle Nala and laugh with Alix!
    Keep up the great work!
    xx
    Christina
    https://scienceheartgreece.blogspot.gr/

  20. Neeltje | Thoughts in Style
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:19 am

    You look amazing Suzie and I am loving the new lay-out! X
    http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/

  21. S, x
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:23 am

    You look bloody GORGEOUS in these photos!!! x
    Sophie Cliff

  22. Savannah Giersthove
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:32 am

    You look so gorgeous! Love the photos and the bikini! x http://www.justsavxnnah.com

  23. Lynnsay
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:32 am

    YES GIRL! I absolutely love these photos of you, you look incredible! I know what it's like to be so unconfident taking photos of myself (especially in swimwear) and it's something I'd really like to work on this year too, because who really has the time to be hating on themselves?! Can't wait to see all your content in 2017 Suzie, I'm sure it'll be an amazing year!

    Lynnsay x
    www.sartorialscot.com

  24. Millie Robinson
    09 Jan 2017 / 11:09 am

    You look so beautiful! Love the new design too! x

    www.abeautyromance.com
    www.abeautyromance.com

  25. Oroma Roxella Rukevwe
    09 Jan 2017 / 11:37 am

    These are beautiful photos. I wish you all the best this year!

    / O.R.R. – Life & Style Journal

  26. Shii Sakai
    09 Jan 2017 / 1:10 pm

    You are so radiant and such an inspiration to me. Happy New Year:)

    Shii x
    plumsandseasalt.com

  27. Indi Stilling
    09 Jan 2017 / 2:11 pm

    Happy new year! These photos are beautiful, hope you have a wonderful 2017! x

    www.indistilling.wordpress.com

  28. Lucy Alice
    09 Jan 2017 / 2:32 pm

    You look absolutely stunning in these photos Suzie – love the new design as well, hope 2017 is good to you!

    Lucy | Forever September

  29. Fiona Heslin
    09 Jan 2017 / 2:38 pm

    Amazing post! & totally relate to your resolution of happiness. Super excited to continue following your journey in 2017 🙂
    www.fionaheslin.co.uk

  30. Sara Chergui
    09 Jan 2017 / 2:42 pm

    These photos are looking so gorgeous and so do you !

    Sara,
    www.thecrimeofashion.com

  31. Oh Eva!
    09 Jan 2017 / 3:14 pm

    Oh my god, I love this post so much! You're simply gorgeous, that's it.

    Eva

    xx

  32. Madeleine S-B
    09 Jan 2017 / 3:38 pm

    Happy New Year! You look so beautiful and confident in those photos 🙂 I agree that 2017 should be about happiness, I spent so much of last year hurting and trying to find my way – it finally feel like things are going to start coming together this year!

    www.madeleineslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk

  33. harriet
    09 Jan 2017 / 4:00 pm

    Susie you look great and you are inspiring other to be body confident! lovely photos and new layout
    Following you for a while and think you can sense that your back to feeling good!
    Harriet xx
    harrietloves.co.uk

  34. Margaux White
    09 Jan 2017 / 4:08 pm

    How amazing when we realise the progress we've made in a year! Your photos and you are gorgeous – keep feeling empowered x

    Margaux / www.bonjourwhite.com

  35. Amy M
    09 Jan 2017 / 5:11 pm

    You look just stunning in these photos Suzie! I hope 2017 is amazing for you ♥

    Amy // snippetsofamy.co.uk

  36. Rowan
    09 Jan 2017 / 5:17 pm

    Omg, you're such a babe. You look incredible.

    Rowan | rollibeauty.com

  37. Elena from Loovelle
    09 Jan 2017 / 6:33 pm

    i actually love your new blog design and actually got the same for myself a few weeks ago ready to update my blog and the pictures, oh my god. you are such a beautiful lady.

    loovelle.blogspot.com

  38. Sandra Nwokocha
    09 Jan 2017 / 6:51 pm

    Such an amazing post!!The quality of the pictures are AMAZING!!! wishing a beautiful year full of laughter and happiness!!

    Sandra
    www.sandrawhiteman.com

  39. Lipstick & Confetti
    09 Jan 2017 / 7:01 pm

    Great post, Suzie! Love the new blog design too 🙂

    xo, Liz
    http://lipstickandconfetti.com

  40. Lisa Autumn
    09 Jan 2017 / 7:25 pm

    OMG Girl I am obsessed with your new design! SO much more you! And you are such a girlboss! Looking up to you 🙂

    xx Lisa
    lisaautumn.com

  41. Emma Smith
    09 Jan 2017 / 8:17 pm

    Wow these photos are 🔥🔥 You go girl!! Love the new layout too!! xx

  42. Laura
    09 Jan 2017 / 8:58 pm

    Good on you for this post, you look AMAZING. Loved reading this!

    Now need a holiday…

    TINYTWISST.COM

  43. Cristina SF
    09 Jan 2017 / 9:12 pm

    Happy New Year, Suzie! Can I borrow your line "choose joy over stress"? I really need to work on that so I'm going to repeat it to myself once and again every time I stress out!

    www.memoriesofthepacific.com

  44. Sophie Blumenthal
    09 Jan 2017 / 9:15 pm

    These photos are gorgeous, what a stunning place!

    Sophie x

  45. Charlotte Morgan
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:10 pm

    Beautiful photos! You look incredible, and the scenery is so inviting!
    Hope you have an amazing year! xx

    http://www.styleandsplurging.net

  46. Natasha Chan
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:13 pm

    Suzie, you look so beautiful! Be proud of yourself and everything you have accomplished. Wishing you all the luck in the world in finding balance and joy, looking forward to seeing your journey this year.

    Natasha x
    The Night is Wild

  47. Ellenor Marie
    09 Jan 2017 / 10:18 pm

    Lovely shots- I wish I had your figure! 🙂

    http://www.champagne-lifestyle.com

  48. Daisy Chain Daydreams Blog
    10 Jan 2017 / 1:21 am

    I love your new blog design – very chic! Also, such an inspiring blog post. You look beautiful!
    Here's to 2017! I can't wait to see what it brings!

    Daisy Chain Daydreams xox
    https://daisychaindaydreamsblog.wordpress.com/

  49. Connie Bentley
    10 Jan 2017 / 3:50 am

    You look great! Where is your bathing suit from??

  50. Jackie
    10 Jan 2017 / 12:49 pm

    This is gorgeous and you looks absolutely amazing! Loving the new design for the blog and can't wait to read more. I'm going on a beach holiday in the summer and youngave me so much inspiration for photos.

    Jackie | fashionxfairytale |

  51. Amy Theodore
    10 Jan 2017 / 10:37 pm

    These photos are absolutely stunning! I also resonate with this post so much. I had a change up in the look of my blog and the type of content I wanted to be producing. I also want to focus more on me in this new year. I feel like a lot of people are choosing to make that change in 2017, maybe it's something about 2016 that has had everyone thinking enough is enough, time to feel good, and I love it! Can't wait to see your content for 2017.

    Amy
    www.thenoiseinwonderland.com

  52. FlareAForte
    11 Jan 2017 / 8:08 am

    You look stunning Suzie! and Costa Rica seems amazing! x
    www.flareaforte.com

  53. Kate
    11 Jan 2017 / 2:52 pm

    Gorgeous inside and out, my dear!

  54. Saffy Needham
    11 Jan 2017 / 3:38 pm

    You look beautiful! My definite new year resolution is to have more self love to myself too and the line choose joy over stress is something I definitely need to remember! ;D
    http://sapphiresaysfashion.blogspot.co.uk/

  55. Emily Anne
    11 Jan 2017 / 4:13 pm

    love these pictures!

    Emily xoxo
    http://emilyannestanford.blogspot.co.uk/

  56. M
    12 Jan 2017 / 1:56 am

    You look so comfortable with your own shape and it's really a fantastic thing to know and also to show the world that confidence means everything. I'm a proud reader of your blog!! Keep it up!

    www.eekiem.com

  57. Stasi Miteva
    12 Jan 2017 / 6:48 pm

    oh, so beautiful!

    https://sundayhaze.com

  58. Anonymous
    12 Jan 2017 / 6:51 pm

    ohhh I love your pictures! You are such a pretty and lovely young woman! 🙂

  59. emma lindvall
    12 Jan 2017 / 7:33 pm

    You look so stunning!

  60. Elisha Iveson
    12 Jan 2017 / 8:07 pm

    how could you ever worry about these photos, they're beautiful suzie!

    happy 2017 to you!

    elisha | www.elisha-mae.co.uk

  61. Daena Louise
    12 Jan 2017 / 8:10 pm

    You are looking fire-yyy in these photos girl !!! *insert fire emoji here*

    http://www.daenalouise.blogspot.co.uk

  62. Anonymous
    12 Jan 2017 / 9:24 pm

    You look stunning in all these photos!

  63. Sian Lake
    12 Jan 2017 / 9:50 pm

    Oh my goodness you look incredible! x

  64. Kelly Anne
    12 Jan 2017 / 10:10 pm

    Such beautiful photos! You look amazing! Hoping that this year brings you the happiness you're looking for.

    Kelly x
    http://www.anneinthedollhouse.com/

  65. Rachel Drago
    13 Jan 2017 / 4:44 pm

    Love them Suzie 🙂 you look amazing!!

  66. Tamara
    13 Jan 2017 / 5:59 pm

    You look absolutely stunning Suzie! I love the new layout!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com
    Vegas Vlog & Sephora Giveaway

  67. Kay
    13 Jan 2017 / 7:24 pm

    These photos are wow! I had a sense, only near the end of last year, that you seemed to be feeling low. I'm glad your really putting yourself frist this year and while its wonderful and life altering to say yes to lots of things it also vital to listen to your heart and soul and say no too. Well put Suzy and I wish you the best for 2017. xx

  68. Admin
    16 Jan 2017 / 10:23 am

    You are so gorgeous, i like your swimsuit, looking like a model.
    www.naturalremediesbeauty.com

  69. Victoria Louise
    17 Jan 2017 / 4:10 pm

    Beautiful <3

    http://victorialouisekblogs.blogspot.co.uk/

    Victoria

    X

  70. A
    18 Jan 2017 / 12:30 am

    Congrats on the blog relaunch! These photos are so fantastic!!!

  71. Emma Lawrence
    29 Jan 2017 / 9:51 pm

    Amazing blog, these pictures are amazing!! x

    http://fashionsfault.blogspot.co.uk