Goodbye 2017 & Hello 2018

Welcome back guys and Happy New Year!!

I can’t believe it’s 2018 already (do we say that every new year?). The past 12 months has absolutely flown by. I honestly do feel like this year has been faster than ever.

As we are beginning the new year, I always like to reflect on everything I have achieved and experienced over previous months, think about what I want to achieve over the coming months and set some goals to help me focus. I’m not really a resolutions type of girl but I do love a ‘to-do’ list so writing down some goals every January helps me put things into perspective but also, isn’t it just great when you put a little tick next to something you’ve been working towards for a while?! (No? Just me then)

My main goal for 2017 was to get up and running with my blog, to be brave, confident and consistent with what I post and for the most part I think I’ve done well. My first post went live on 12th February 2017 and since then I have posted almost every week since. I think my quietest time on the blog has been most recently – throughout November and December – mainly down to holidays and Christmas time, so a little tip for this year is to definitely be more organised when going away and pre-schedule all my posts.

I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved so far with my blog and I’m excited to see where it takes me over the next 12 months. I hope I have been a little source of inspiration for some of you guys and will continue to do my best going forward.

Reflecting back on 2017, there has been so many other experiences and moments to be grateful of: I moved out of my little apartment and into my first ever house with my boyfriend back in March, my boyfriend became my FIANCÉ after we got engaged in New York City, I have moved into a new role at work, been lucky enough to travel and see some beautiful parts of the world; including my dream of being in NYC at Christmas time, I’ve stayed in some stunning hotels, celebrated so many weddings, birthdays and special occasions with friends and family and feel like I’ve also matured a lot and grown personally (it’s about time I suppose, I am 28 after all).

Moving into 2018, I have some goals and aspirations which are quite similar to last year, and some which are very, very different.

My Blog

Again, I’m aiming for consistency with my blog but I want to post a lot more on both my blog and Instagram and also become a lot more creative with my photography and writing. It’s going to take a lot of planning and organisation to reach the levels I want to alongside a full time job, but I’m ready for it and I LOVE this little space so I want to put my all in every day. I’m also branching out into the world of YouTube and have posted my very first video over on my channel today (which you can see here)! This is a big step for me, but no more worrying about what others will think or say – that’s a huge lesson I’ve learnt and I’m going to try and live by going forward.

Fitness

I used to be such a little gym bunny and I loved it. I would go at least 3 times a week and felt amazing for it, but with so much going on this year it’s something that has fallen to the back of my priorities. The plan in the new year is to get back into a proper routine so I’ve got no excuses, and I want to try mixing it up with other sports (badminton if my fiancé has anything to do with it), because I can get very bored with fitness if it’s all treadmills and squats jumps.

Wedding Saving

The top priority money wise this year is to save it all. Yep. I’m currently planning an engagement party and wedding so I really need to be an adult, stop splurging and start saving. I know it will all be worth it in the end and I’m already so excited for the big day. Oh by the way, if anyone has any wedding planning tips please send them my way as they will all be very well received.

Travel

Ok, so I know I’ve just this second been talking about saving but I still want to have the odd adventure and discover new parts of the world. Travelling has my heart and I am truly happy when I’m out and about exploring. It doesn’t necessarily have to be at the other side of the world (although isn’t that the dream), we have some pretty beautiful locations within the UK and Europe, so I think 2018 will be the year for road trips and closer destinations but I still can’t wait.

Me, myself and I

Again, with everything going on this year I think I’ve kind of forgotten about myself and that I need time out to relax and unwind. I love to be busy, so I’m sometimes my own worst enemy – if there’s nothing to run around for, I will create a reason to go running around like a mad woman, ticking off tasks and doing bits here and there. This year, I’m going to take the time to relax more often, pamper myself, read, watch my favourite movies, drink coffee and people watch, even wander around the shops for hours which is something I haven’t done in forever. Little things that make my soul happy are what I’m focusing on for the year ahead.

As does every year, 2017 has certainly had it’s highs and lows but I’m grateful for every moment, the lessons I’ve learnt and the memories I’ve made. I feel very lucky and excited to see what the new year brings.

Here’s to 2018…

 

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