2017- what a year!

I always love sitting down to read the year in review posts, and writing them has a cathartic feeling that I look forward to.

Alot has happen over the past twelve months since I last convened at my desk with a mug of hot tea and mulled over the events of the year.

2017 has been a brilliant year for me professionally, with many projects and long dreamt plans finally coming to fruition.

I've managed an election campaign, expanded my work in the political field and am working with amazing organisations championing women in politics. I've ticked off a life long dream of being on the radio, contributing to election coverage as well as regularly appearing on two of the main radio shows in Wales. I've worked with clients in new professional fields, and made many new contacts who have transformed the way I think and do business.

I've also been present at some of the year's memorable events. The Trump Inauguration in January was one I won't forget in a long time, as was the Women's March and working on the GE 2017 election campaign. Other highlights include meeting the Prime Minister, Theresa May and seeing her awesome shoes in real life!

But perhaps most of all, the highlight of 2017 has been, for the first time, feeling comfortable with who I am working with and feeling part of a tribe that truly fits. Finding friends amongst 2017's journey has been wonderful, and is just one of the things I am grateful that this rollercoaster year brought. And with new friends and new challenges come the inevitable 'retirement' of others. Some friendships have come to an end due to professional reasons- never ever fail to be surprised by the judgement and actions of others!

And as I look to 2018, I hope this new year will be as successful as the one we are seeing out. I have big hopes and dreams for new projects, new workstreams and new relationships. 2018 will be a landmark year in many ways- I turn the big 3-0, we celebrate the anniversary of women's suffrage in the UK and our country will face many big changes. But this is what a new year is all about - new challenges, new opportunities and a fresh change to make a difference. Bring it!

The Beltway Bible

I've got a stack of books that I'm making my way through at the moment - and the top of my list is The Beltway Bible.

I've worked on the Hill and having also worked in politics in the UK, I'm a total geek for books which spell out everything you need to know about our political institutions. Written by political reporter and editor of Huff Post's Washington DC Bureau, Eliot Nelson provides a satirical and absolutely fabulous look at the A-Z of everything you would want to know about the Hill.

From why everyone in Washington is an 'expert' to the value of certain Twitter accounts, this is definitely a book for the political fanatic in your life. Nelson thinks that this book will only be read in the bathroom - something I have to disagree with! This is one I'll be dipping in and out of over the years of political ups and downs that are to come.

January through Instagram

Corgi watching in Windsor | Having a House of Cards moment in Federal Triangle | Metro architecture | French Toast Sunday | Admiring all the houses in Georgetown | Cosy desk decor | Looking ahead to spring | Vivacious heels from Russell & Bromley | Visiting Windsor Castle

Washington DC Trip: Inauguration, Women's March and Winter Fun

Washington DC is like my second home. Full of charm, beautiful architecture and the most interesting people, I was in the District last week for the inauguration, Women's March and to catch up with friends and colleagues.

I had booked my ticket before the results of the presidential election were revealed. I knew this trip wouldn't be like the ones that had gone before.

I arrived two days before inauguration day, and even then the mood was tense. I'd describe it as a mix between anticipation and trepidation. When inauguration day dawned, I headed into the city on the Metro with my friend. The Metro was empty, with only a few other passengers on the train. It was quieter than a work day! Security was extremely tight in the centre of DC, with lots of police, National Guard, army and snipers on the roofs. Protestors had already begun to demonstrate and their chants were in competition with cheers of 'USA' from Trump supporters. The mood was not one of celebration or jubilation, and as a spectator, I was really shocked by the scenes that I saw. I've written more about the day here.

The next day was the Women's March, and spirits were lifted. In contrast to the day before, the Metro was packed with women. Each holding handmade and really witty signs, as well as pink Kitty hats, the mood was positive and upbeat, and it was clear that many women had travelled far and wide to be in DC for this historic moment. When we exited the Metro everybody cheered and this continued outside. People literally streamed towards the National Mall, and within a short space of time, it was clear that attendance would top the predicted turnout. I met so many people from across America and was pretty psyched when someone gave me an original Hillary Clinton campaign sign. It really was a positive day.

The rest of my trip was spent attending meetings and exploring some of my favourite parts of the city. I went to the Air and Space Museum - my first trip since aged 11! Whilst not much had changed it was pretty cool to see the Hubble Telescope, the Space Shuttle exhibition and items from the Moon Landing. I also revisited the American History Museum to see the First Lady dresses- I always do this when I am in DC! I also had a good time visiting the British Embassy and strolling the streets of Georgetown and admiring the gorgeous houses.

Air and Space Museum

Julia Child's kitchen

Michelle Obama's beautiful inaugural gown

Georgetown architecture

America felt like a different place when I left. The change of administration is always an interesting episode to watch, and as a Brit, it was fascinating to see the pomp and pageantry of a new President taking office. So much has happened in the last week, much of which is completely hard to comprehend. Whilst I will always love visiting the USA, I feel future trips will be very different. 

Theresa May meets Donald Trump in Washington DC

Prime Minister Theresa May met President Donald Trump in Washington DC today. She's the first world leader to meet the newly inaugurated President since he was sworn in a week ago.

Crown Copyright/Jay Allen

The PM arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday evening to address Republican congressional leaders at their annual retreat, delivering a commitment to the strengthening of the special relationship and that the USA and the UK will 'lead together again.'



May wore a navy blue suit and the gold Twister block heels from Russell & Bromley in her first US appearance as PM. She debuted a custom made military inspired black coat by British designer Daniel Blake and accessorised with her black Amanda Wakeley shoulder bag with chain detail.

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Today, Theresa May laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

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Crown Copyright/Jay Allen

She also laid a wreath at the grave of Field Marshall Dill.

Crown Copyright/Jay Allen

The Prime Minister then headed to the White House to meet President Trump, visiting the Oval Office and holding a joint press conference in the East Room. May wore a favourite red Amanda Wakeley dress and jacket, accessorising with a pair of LK Bennett patent red kitten heels and a patterned silk scarf.

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Number 10

Obama Administration: Behind the Scenes at the White House

The White House is a special place in itself, and one of the joys of the past eight years has been Pete Souza's photographs documenting the people and spaces that make up the Executive Mansion. I've been fortunate to visit the White House on a few occasions, the many years of history and beautiful architecture making it a special place. Here are just some of the fantastic photographs from the Obama Administration providing a behind the scenes glimpse of life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Detail of the Resolute Desk as the President was talking with two aides in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Aerial view of the White House taken from the cockpit of Marine One upon arrival from Baltimore, Md., Jan. 15, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama walks toward the West Wing of the White House, Sept. 26, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

2013 USO Service Member Honorees watch from the Green Room of the White House as Marine One takes off from the South Lawn, Oct. 25, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Sunny waits by the door in the Diplomatic Reception Room Vestibule of the White House, Nov. 8, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

White House Butler Jorge Davila visits with Bo and Sunny in the Butler's Pantry, Dec. 1, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Chief of Staff Denis McDonough's feet are pictured during a meeting in the Oval Office, Nov. 14, 2013. The Oval Office rug has several quotations around its perimeter, including one from Abraham Lincoln which reads, "government of the people, by the people, for the people." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visit with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom and Samantha Cameron during a State Dinner reception on the Truman Balcony of the White House, March 14, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama descend the Grand Staircase to greet guests at a holiday reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Dec. 15, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Marine One departs the South Lawn of the White House, Nov. 26, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

First Lady Michelle Obama and White House chefs join children from Bancroft and Tubman Elementary Schools to harvest vegetables during the third annual White House Kitchen Garden fall harvest on the South Lawn, Oct. 5, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Barack Obama exits Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House following a trip to Fort Stewart, Ga., April 27, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Bo, the Obama family dog, lounges in the West Garden Room of the White House, Sept. 15, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Barack Obama delivers remarks during a meeting with newly elected governors at Blair House in Washington, D.C., Dec. 2, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Barack Obama walks from the White House to Blair House in Washington, D.C., to attend a working meeting with business leaders, Dec. 15, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama has lunch with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the Oval Office Private Dining Room, Dec. 20, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama listens to the University of Texas Pan American Mariachi Aztlan band in the Grand Foyer before signing the Executive Order for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans in the East Room of the White House, Oct. 19, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Snow blankets the White House south grounds during a blizzard Feb. 6, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The White House blanketed in snow after a snowstorm on the morning of Feb. 3, 2010. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama, upper right, stands near a carpet bearing the presidential seal before making remarks in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

The Presidential limousine gets a quick cleaning before a trip taking President Barack Obama to a conference at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., Feb. 3, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Barack Obama stands in the Outer Oval Office, viewed from the Cabinet Room of the White House, Jan. 7, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama whistles as he walks along the Colonnade of the White House following a holiday reception, Dec. 14, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

A Marine Sentry stands guard outside the West Wing entrance of the White House, Dec. 14, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

White House Chief Floral Designer Laura Dowling arranges a bouquet in the Vermeil Room of the White House, Dec. 1, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Snow covers the East Garden at the White House, Dec. 21, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Bo, the Obama family dog, waits near a Christmas tree in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Dec. 3, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

The sky is seen above the Truman Balcony of the White House, Sept., 29 2009. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Cranberry garland decorates a fireplace mantle in the Red Room of the White House, Dec. 1, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

A team of volunteers decorates the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House, Nov. 30, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Pumpkins decorate the Navy Mess in the West Wing of the White House, Oct. 26, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

The Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial are seen at dusk behind the the South Lawn Fountain of the White House, Oct. 22, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

A shadow is cast across a place setting in President Barack Obama's private dining room on Oct. 13, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)