Kate Reilly James

Hello again all, I hope you had a very merry Christmas?

It’s Boxing Day, 3:40pm and I’ve lost sight of my living room carpet again for the second day running, which is a sure fire sign that my children have been spoiled, and more to the point, I am fully relaxed!

My 11 year old daughter lining up my wine glass for a classy Christmas photo!

Springing up off the sofa to throw the vacuum around or repeatedly ask my dudes to tidy their new toys away is just not on the agenda……well not until tomorrow.

I’ve not written very much on the blog in the latter stage of this year, mainly because work has been insanely busy and writing for pleasure had lost its appeal. I’ve succumbed to the more convenient few lines on my Facebook page instead, but it’s on my resolution list to write here a lot more.

As 2017 draws near (I filed my NYE nightlife copy this morning!) I’m reminded of the importance of taking a moment to just breathe and put things into perspective. Yesterday news spread around the world that another pop legend, George Michael (I’m a big fan), had passed away and coupled with quite a few glasses of festive bubbly, I found myself sobbing watching Love Actually on my own, feeling incredibly sad.

Professionally I’ve enjoyed some soaring highs this year. Joining The Guide Liverpool as a graduate, being promoted to Head of Editorial Content and working with some of the industry’s brightest stars had been phenomenal.

Huge career highlight for me, a masterclass in rugby with the legend that is World Cup Winning Rugby Player, Maggie Alphonsi MBE at Liverpool One.

Personally I struggled to come to terms with a couple of crashing lows that just as my friends and family assured me, would take time to heal. It also took a wonderful long weekend in Paris and a whole lot of laughs.

2016 has been a real up and down year for a lot of us. So many high profile deaths, personal challenges and bouts of illness, yet I’ve had my fair share of mind-blowing experiences and opportunities and so looking back, I can’t complain.

I’m starting the new year planning and designing my first ever clothing collection, ready to grace the catwalk of the Lord Mayor of Liverpool’s Charity Fashion Show in March. Paying homage to my military upbringing and a mark of respect to those who have served and those who continue to keep us safe.

Also, I’m absolutely delighted to report that I’m joining Hugh Baird College as an industry representative in an attempt to help media students gain valuable experience of the industry while building their portfolio’s and contacts list. Super chuffed about this!

The Guide Liverpool Team. Director and Presenter Jay Hynd, Videographer David Wright and me and the MIB Awards following our nomination for Best Creative Business

And as if that’s not enough, The Guide Liverpool continues to grow and 2017 is going to be absolutely belting. We’re constantly evolving and adapting to how the public wants to consume information, whether that means me taking part in the Santa Dash 5k with a Gopro strapped to my head (yep I did that) or recording live from gigs and events right across the north west, I’ll be part of the hardest working team around, bringing you all the action as it happens.

As you look back on 2016, I hope you can say you lived life to the full? If not, keep it in mind as 2017 rolls around and make it a year to remember for all the right reasons.

Happy New Year x