My 2021 in Alphabetical Order

My 2021 in Alphabetical Order

Hello, gorgeousness! Do you recall that time I said, "The future is uncertain, but I am all in to embrace it" in this post? Man, was I way off the mark! I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in this...

Read my other yearly recaps: 2016201820192020

This year has been interesting, to say the least. It's had its ups and downs. I have totally made my fair share of errors and F-ups. But in the end, I made it through. I can say that I am a slightly different person from when I started this year and I am going into this new year with, hopefully, new perspectives as well as new lessons that I will take with me.

Every year I like to do a recap of what the whole year looked like for me and even though this year looked so much different than anyone expected, it's been helpful and fun to keep this tradition going. It gets more and more challenging every year but it is what it is. 

Here's my 2021 recap in alphabetical order:

Axis-Y | Starting off with my favourite skincare brand of 2021! I feel in love with Axis-Y as they make phenomenal skincare for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Their Dark Spot Correcting Glow serum is definitely a winner for me. It's a game-changer. 

Bullet journal | I decided to kickstart a bullet journal craze on my Instagram feed and dropped a bunch of Instagram stories and REELS! I can still feel that rush of nerves when I hit that "post" button on the clips showcasing my journal spreads. I mean, who'd have thought I'd ever show my safe space for all to see? But hey, sometimes you just gotta take those wild leaps, and I'm damn glad I did. It turned out to be one of those surprisingly genius moves!

Canva Pro | Officially subscribed to Canva Pro this year after having it on my wish list for ages! It's honestly all I need as a content creator and a small business owner. Click here to read 5 of my favourite features of Canva Pro.

Disappointing products | Don't you just hate it when a product does wonder for everyone but you? When Tati came back to YouTube, it was a moment for me. I started falling in love with makeup again and actually went out to just buy new makeup. Long story short, she raved about this foundation in several Youtube videos so I bought it and I did not like it. I really wanted it to work but I kept having bad makeup days with that foundation on. I guess it's not for me, fam. 

Eid 2021 

My 2021 in Alphabetical Order

My 2021 in Alphabetical Order

Another humble Eid celebration because the world fell apart. I just hope 2022 will be the opposite of this. I want to feel excited again about doing my makeup during Eid's morning and donning a new pair of lovely baju kurung. Anyway, don't mind my cat, he was all ready to run away from me.

Five Things | I made a wise decision to bring back this series from the archive of my blog because it's such a big hit every single month now. I am so grateful that you're still interested in these kinds of posts and that you don't mind me being a little personal there. Thank you for encouraging me to never lose my passion for writing my personal stories and sharing the things I enjoy. 

Got a new brother-in-law! | It's so weird having a brother-in-law but we're so grateful to have him to be a part of the family. He's so nice, he treats my sister so well, he loves my baby cat and he's the best. At least now we have a real man living in this house LOL. 

Homemade mashed potato salad | As a first-time salad-eater and a forever picky-eater, this homemade mashed potato salad tasted better than I could have dreamed. The dressing on the vegetable packs the meal with flavour. I can't believe I spent almost my entire existence avoiding and hating on salad. I encourage all the picky eaters out there to learn from my experience. You might have been missing out on something delicious your whole life. 

Indoor activities < outdoor activities | With the emergence of indoor activities like home workouts and contactless activities nowadays, I was definitely more open to exploring more hobbies that don't require me to go outside too much. Watercolour painting, bullet journaling and trying out new recipes are absolutely my faves! 

Just one more cup of tea | Probably one of the most used lines in my head. Just one more, one more cup of tea, wouldn't hurt anybody.

Know my price | Previously I was told getting a free product was enough, I promise you it's not always the case. No matter what your following is, you better charge. I am done doing something for free. It feels so wrong at first but your influence matters. 

Low-buy | Earlier this year I did a low-buy year — really focusing on my spending habits and creating a budgeting spreadsheet for my weakness of buying new makeup and clothes. I didn't get around to summarizing the year properly but I wanted to write a little bit about that. Was my low-buy 2021 a success? I will let you know in an upcoming blog post. Stay tuned!

Making the most of my mid-twenties | I opted to embark on a less mainstream journey, which I would define as not being afraid of changes, getting out of that toxic workplace and starting a new business. This journey came with many bittersweet moments and plenty of learning along the way. I am glad to have found a better version of myself in both professional and personal contexts. 

Notebook Therapy | Can't stop drooling on this super adorable bullet journal.

My 2021 in Alphabetical Order

Officially went 100% freelance | After walking out of a toxic workplace, I was slightly traumatized to begin looking for a new place so I went freelance. I thought why not? I already have a blog although I am not a full-time blogger, I already have the basics of blogging. I understand freelance blogging and writing for clients is not for everyone but I have been on this journey for the past 10 months. Working from home is definitely so rewarding.

Productive workweeks | I was like a whole different person because productivity hasn't been in my book, ever. But in 2021, I managed to squeeze in a lot of productive workweeks that made me look back and smile. And that's on growth.

Quotidian | "Nothing in life is ever quotidian; every object has possibilities for artistic expression."

Realized that my love for beauty is still here | Still going strong! I believe I can never not talk about bits of makeup in my day to day life. Plus, the humble makeup collection that I have still inspired me to try a bunch of new makeup looks and rock them around the house. 

Sisters & Brushes 2.0 | Fueled by the desire to create something memorable out of a hobby, my sister and I revamped and reinvented Sisters & Brushes. I am glad we took that long break because we're basically not ready for Sisters & Brushes 1.0 but that break has made us stronger. When we decided to relaunch the business, it did much better than I expected. Sisters & Brushes 2.0 managed to secure its first RM1000 sales in just 3 months!! How's that even possible?!

"Taylor's Version" | Whaddup my fellow Swifties! We have been blessed with Fearless Taylor's Version, and now Red Taylor's version all in one year?! I can't breathe. These are honestly my album of the year. 

Up all night | I think I have definitely forgotten how to sleep early and how to quiet my thoughts at night. I think it has gotten worse towards the end of the year. I was doing so good at first though but I guess it came back.

Vaxxed and fabulous | So, so grateful to be fully vaccinated so that I can do my part to stop the spread of COVID-19 and I can also shove it in anti-vaxxers' faces. Got my full jab earlier in June and I have just got my booster shot in November. 

My 2021 in Alphabetical Order

My 2021 in Alphabetical Order

"We're going 80 mph" | My s/o retorts. "You're just getting started here, I don't want you to get in trouble" he added. If you're following me on Instagram (where I post a hefty amount of stories every day), you would know that I am learning to drive for the past week. It was so much fun and I never thought I'd see the day! I can finally drive myself to the grocery store and I can park properly now. So proud of myself.

Xaern | I xaern the art of decluttering! I kind of hate how decluttering takes over my mind and how a casual cleaning turned into a deep cleaning and reorganizing. It happens randomly, most of the time and it's definitely something so time-consuming but is so therapeutic.

Year of lots of healing and minding my own business | Pretty self-explanatory. I don't have time for drama. Focusing on myself is my top priority and maturing myself is probably my biggest flex.

Zeal | Yeah, I think that's the only thing I have that I don't want to lose — my zeal for constantly creating content, to love what I do best and that it'll never ever leads to burnout. Burnout is real and it's a thing. At the end of the day, everyone wants to do what they love so they will never work a day in their lives. Be careful. You don't want to feel like your passion for work becomes all-consuming. 


I hope that despite all of the challenges this year has brought, that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. Now, I am excited for the new year! I don't know about you but I have never looked forward to a new year more than I am looking forward to 2022. Can't wait to just outdo myself next year. Thank you so much for all your love and support. Thank you for being part of this amazing community. Sending you best wishes for the year ahead xx

How's your 2021?

18 comments

  1. Thanks for sharing this sweetie!

    Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk

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    1. Thank you for stopping by! Happy new year, Danielle! xx

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  2. This was so interesting for reading. You had such a beautiful 2021. Happy New Year.

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by! Happy new year <3

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  3. Those Eid pictures are beautiful. Happy New Year.

    Bernie,
    The Style Fanatic

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  4. This is such a good blogpost and really interesting to read! Happy new year x

    Emilia | emjbarker.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thank you so much for reading! Happy new year, bae xx

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  5. This was a fun and exciting post. The A-Z concept is a great idea. Congratulations on getting out of a toxic work place. The same happened for me early last year. And congrats on becoming a full time freelance writer. I hope you had a great xmas and new year : ) xo

    www.juanitalikes.com

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, doll! I hope you did too. Happy new year xx

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  6. Whatta roller coaster year, its good knowing you know and acknowledge what is doing you good/not! Might as well do this for myself too!

    Keep inspiring!

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  7. I loved this! You achieved a lot last year - bring on 2022 achievements! x

    Beautylymin

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    1. Thank you Siobhan!! <3 I hope 2022 is our year! We deserve it xx

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  8. Lots of memories and good moments, I'm glad you brought us along with you on these journeys, I could remember different blog posts where you mentioned them before :)
    I hope this year is filled with many more happy memories for you!
    minae ♡

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    1. Thank you so much, Minae <3333 I hope nothing but awesomeness comes to your way this year! Thank you for being such an inspiring blogger! ^^

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