My 2021 in Alphabetical Order

Read my other yearly recaps: 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

This year has been... interesting, to say the least. Full of highs and lows. I definitely made my fair share of mistakes and "oops" moments, but somehow, I made it through. I can honestly say I'm not the same person I was at the start of the year. Going into the new year, I'm hoping for fresh perspectives and new lessons to take with me.

Every year, I do a recap of how the year went, and even though this one was way different than expected, keeping this little tradition alive has been so helpful and kinda fun. It's getting trickier each year, but it is what it is, right?

Here’s my 2021 recap in alphabetical order:

Axis-Y | Starting with my favorite skincare brand of 2021! I’m obsessed with Axis-Y because they make amazing skincare for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Their Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum? A total game-changer for me.

Bullet journal | I decided to kick off a bullet journal vibe on my Instagram with a ton of stories and reels! I was sooo nervous when I hit "post" on my journal spreads, but honestly, who knew I'd end up showing my safe space to everyone? It was wild, but I'm so glad I did it. Totally one of those surprising moments where things just worked out!

Canva Pro | I finally subscribed to Canva Pro after wanting it for ages! It's honestly all I need as a content creator and small biz owner. Click here to see my top 5 fave Canva Pro features!

Disappointing products | Isn't it the worst when something works for everyone but you? When Tati came back to YouTube, I was SO hyped and fell back in love with makeup. Naturally, I bought a foundation she raved about, but ugh, it was a no-go for me. I wanted it to work sooo badly, but it was just bad makeup days every time. Guess it's not for me, fam.

Eid 2021 | Another chill Eid. Crossing my fingers 2022 will be better. I miss feeling excited to do my Eid makeup and wear a cute baju kurung.

Five Things | Bringing back my "Five Things" series was one of my best blog decisions this year! I'm so grateful you all still enjoy these posts and let me get a little personal with them. Thank you for keeping me passionate about writing and sharing the things I love.

Got a new brother-in-law! | It's kinda weird having a brother-in-law now, but we're so happy to welcome him to the family. He treats my sister so well, loves my baby cat, and is just the nicest guy. Plus, we finally have a real man in the house this time, lol!

Homemade mashed potato salad | As a picky eater and first-time salad lover, this mashed potato salad was way better than expected. The dressing made it SO flavorful. Can't believe I spent years hating on salad. To my fellow picky eaters: you might be missing out!

Indoor activities < outdoor activities | With so many indoor activities becoming a thing now (hello, home workouts and painting), I've been loving hobbies that don't require going outside much. Watercolor painting, bullet journaling, and trying new recipes are my faves!

Just one more cup of tea | If I had a dollar for every time I said, "Just one more cup of tea," I'd be rich by now, lol.

Know my worth | I used to think getting a free product was enough as a blogger. Spoiler: it's not always the case! No matter your following, always charge what you're worth. Doing things for free? Not anymore. You matter, and so does your influence.

Low-buy | I did a low-buy year, focusing on budgeting and curbing my makeup/clothes spending. I didn't manage to summarize it yet, but I'll spill the tea in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!

Making the most of my mid-twenties | I decided to take a less mainstream path this year—leaving a toxic workplace and starting my own biz with my sister. It was tough at times, but I've grown so much, and I'm proud of the changes I made.

Notebook Therapy | I'm totally obsessed with this adorable bullet journal from Notebook Therapy. It's my first journal from them. Drooling over it, tbh. 

Officially went 100% freelance | After leaving my toxic workplace, I decided to try freelancing. It's been 10 months now, and while freelancing isn't for everyone, working from home has been such a rewarding experience for me.

Productive weeks through and through | Who even was I in 2021? Suddenly, I was having productive weeks left and right, which is SO unlike me. But I'm proud of myself for it—growth, baby!

Realized I still love "beauty" | My love for beauty is still going strong. I can't help but talk about makeup, and my humble collection still inspires me to try new looks.

Sisters & Brushes 2.0 | My sis and I relaunched our biz this year, and it did so much better than we expected. We hit more than RM1000 in sales in just 3 months! Like, what?! So happy we took that break because Sisters & Brushes 2.0 is stronger than ever.

"Taylor's Version" | My fellow Swifties, we got Fearless and Red (Taylor's Version) in the same year! I'm still not over it. Easily my albums of the year.

Up all night | Let's just say my sleep schedule? It's wrecked. I was doing so well at the start of the year, but towards the end... it's been all downhill. And that's on freelancing! Lol.

Vaxxed and fabulous | Grateful to be fully vaccinated! Got my second shot in June and my booster in November. Feeling good and doing my part to stop the spread. 

Whew, what a year! I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy. I'm so ready for 2022. I've never been this excited for a new year before. Let's see how much I can outdo myself next year! Thanks for all your love and support—you're seriously the best.

How's your 2021? What's something you're looking forward to in 2022?