Bonne Anneé from France!

Helloooo out there! 

As some of you may know, I spent my New Year skiing in the French Alps, which was AMAZING. You give me a little snow shower and I'm going to return to a happy snowman building 10 year old.
(See Exhibit A)

Aside from the obvious little life pleasures that France has to offer, (bread, cheese, wine, repeat) it was wonderful to be able to spend some quality time with my Dad, Step-mum & Step-sister, which is a rarity these days and everyone is SO busy with clashing routines.

We also got to set off Chinese lanterns in Les Carroz town square in between Christmas and New Year which is something I've always wanted to witness, so seeing it in a snow topped setting was fantastic! (I also may or may not have turned a bit pyromaniac with the lighter - oops!). There was a massive tun out of both French and English tourists who delved in and went wild with their lanterns, and aside from us almost burning down the Christmas tree in the square more than once, it was an incredible sight to see- no photos I have seen do Chinese Lanterns justice!

 The view from our chalet was beautiful. Luckily the Boxing day snow came right in time for my arrival and I was ready and raring to go with skis in tow (oooh how poetic!)

 It also made a fantastic beer and wine fridge. Super Eco-Friendly Family! 

Now now, mulled wine, my old friend. Not only am I sure it is in the small print of the definition of 'winter' but it is best tasted on the side of a mountain with a side order of snow! I promise. I might have had cold tootsies by the time Vin Chaud O'Clock occurred but it warmed me nicely from the insides out every single time!

One of the highlights of the holiday, however, was the surprise Christmas present we received from my Step-Mum when I finally met them out in France. Ski-Joëring. Yeah 'what on Earth is that?'... Exactly my question when I opened up the little letter and miniature donkey figurine. Skis on, grab the reins and off we go! Basically skiing on the back of a horse, and SO much fun! A little family run business with 12 horses and the most adorable dog, Goliath, Cheval et Montange (found here) was perfect! Everyone seemed to chip in and although there was a minor language barrier, everyone was super friendly! As you can see, my horse Isabelle and I bonded like nobody's business and I effectively became a horse whisperer!

I know that Cheval Et Montage is open all year round for various different weather related horsey activities, so if you're ever near the Alps, hit them up!

All in all a very welcome holiday and the most perfect way to bring in the New Year!

What did you guys do to welcome in the new year?

With Love,

Zoe

x

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Post-2013 reflection... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well here it is... HAPPY NEW YEAR, and although I am a day late , I hope that each and every one of your beautiful little faces had a cracking 2013 and will have an even better 2014!

It is my last day here in the French Alps in the little town of Les Carroz which I am very excited to tell you all about when I return to the UK, and December sure has been a month where I have reflected and taken the time out that I needed.. (Thank you Morocco, thank you France!).

I have realised a lot of fun things that 2013 has shown me, none of which would be better presented to you than with the help of a list, so here goes!:

1. I only remember one of the New Years resolutions I made.... But I stuck to it!

I have realised that although I forgot about any New Years resolutions I made, the only one I can remember making and actually sticking to was to try and see good in people, even if I really had to stretch to find a good thing to say about them... And it REALLY changed my outlook, so I if you're stuck for a resolution, take that one! 

2. I am one tough cookie

I've lost my pushover ways, and surprised myself with my inner strength through some crazy tough times, hooray for 2013! I have some of my closest friends to thank for that!

3. I've started up my blog again! Huge smiles all round!

This is something that I have wanted to do for soooo long but couldn't quite find the inspiration of the focus or the time to commit to. It took a bit of a bloggers break after September but having travel inspiration has really got me coming out all guns blazing!

4. I am seeing where I get different character traits from.

This is a weird one and one I've only very recently starting seeing, but I've noticed I have inherited SO many of my Dad's character traits. He is too loving- doting husband, father and everything in between and that's one of the main things I've realised if definitely in my blood. Mum however, rarely shows her affections... I know she loves me and I love her and she's my best friend but expression isn't her thing. However she provided me with my humorous side. That woman laughs for England! 

5. "The more you put in, the more you get out"

For me, this is up there with the biggies of the year. Cliché city but I definitely have worked my little butt of this year in every aspect of my life -Work, study, sport, relationships. And it's definitely paying off! Of course with everything it's a learning curve but everything is all gravy as I've come into 2014!!

2013, in true Zoe style, should be summed up in pictures! Here you go!

Now the tough bit.... Resolutions!

I've always tried to be good and have resolutions but the serious hardcore ones, I've never been good at sticking too... (Go to the gym more, don't eat junk food, no chocolate... NO FUN THERE!!) so I have decided to make a few simple ones which should be easy to stick to and a constant reminder to be good. 

- Don't get too disheartened if things aren't working out how I thought they would... It's all meant to be!

- Make a special effort to see the people closest to me. That has been tricky this year, being so busy and all.

- Be the owner of a pink driving license by the end of 2014. THIS IS A MUST!

- Lose a few pounds and inches. Not necessarily all at once, but a little work in progress.

- One blog post a week minimum? I can't promise they'll be super exciting but they'll be there!

- Be fearless and honest.

LETS DO THIS! 

What New Years resolutions have you made? And what do you remember most about 2013?

With love, 

Zoe

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