Category: about me

Last time I looked at my resolutions I hadn’t quite hit them all. This time the year’s come full circle. Here’s how I did with them:

1.  Run 10km! NOT DONE

Total fail on this one. 2015 needs to be the year I sort my fitness routine out.

2. Use toy cameras. DONE

I did use these more this year, and intend to continue doing so. There’s something exciting about not knowing what a photo will look like until it’s developed!

3.  Read more. DONE

I definitely reignited my love of reading this year. Something I plan on keeping up with!

4. Be more creative. DONE

I’ve loved knitting, sewing, painting and creating my way through 2o14 and even made the Christmas presents I’d planned on earlier this year!

5. Think positively. DONE

Definitely still a work in progress but my approach to life compared to a year ago is definitely a lot more positive!

6. Save money. DONE-ISH

This was great at the start of the year then slowed once I was out of work. The saving I did manage, though, came in as a handy reserve for the last 4 months of 2014 whilst I searched for a new job.

7. More time offline! NOT DONE

I’m still guilty of being an online time waster. I’m the ultimate procrastinator and can waste ages faffing with nonsense on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest. Whilst these aren’t bad sites to visit, I really do need to reduce the time I spend on them!

8. Declutter! DONE

My clothes collection got an overhaul, as did my possessions. I think I can safely say now that the only things I have in my house are things I really value. It was also a good exercise as it helped remind me of things I own that I’d forgotten about!

Did you make any resolutions in 2014? How did you do with them?

December is definitely up there as one of my favourite months. It’s no secret that I LOVE Christmas and all that it brings!

My highlights from this month (the last of 2014, how has it come around so quickly?)

1. Getting engaged!

This is potentially also the highlight of my year! I genuinely didn’t expect it,  but was ridiculously happy when Jonny got down on one knee on Christmas Eve. I think it’s fair to say I haven’t really stopped smiling since he asked. I’m VERY excited to start some serious wedding planning now!

2. CHRISTMAS!!

Obviously Christmas was a highlight of this month! Spending time with family and friends was fantastic with far too much food and drink consumed. It’s a running family joke that I have eyes bigger than my belly when it comes to Christmas dinner.

3. 10 Year university reunion.

At the start of the month a group of us got together to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of us all starting Lancaster University. It was a fun-filled weekend, which reminded me how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends, even after 10 years of knowing me!

4. Preparing for my new school

Going into school and meeting my future class was great fun. I’ve already got the measure of a couple of characters! I’m definitely prepared for the new school year now although I’m excited and terrified in equal measure about getting back into the classroom!

After seeing Annatha on the lovely Prattle and Froth posting about the 101 in 1001 challenge I did a little research. I love the idea of setting little personal goals like this (I previously completed a 365 photo challenge)

So I sat down and, after much thinking, head scratching and Pinterest searching I came up with my own 101 in 1001 list. It’s a mixture of reading, crafting, health and general life style targets.

Here it is:

1. Read 50 books.

2. Sort through photos/back up.

3. Organise materials/update scrapbook.  10.1.15

4. Sort through/organise craft supplies.

5. Visit Edinburgh.

6. Grow something edible.

7. Bake bread.

8. Visit a new (to me) local restaurant.

9. Find a lipstick that suits me!  10.1.15

10. Go camping.

11. Get a job.  5.1.15

12. Re-read Harry Potter series.

13. Visit Whitby.

14. Cook 10 new recipes.

15. Visit a zoo.

16. 1 month with no unnecessary shopping.

17. Learn basic sign language.

18. Plan an event. (30^th birthday?)

19. See a West End musical. (Les Mis.?)

20. Complete black-work embroidery hoops.

21. Vote in general election.

22. Keep houseplants alive!

23. Create a weed free garden full of flowers.

24. Visit the Isle of Man.

25. Save all £2 coins for a treat.

26. Do more volunteer work.

27. Grow hair long/to a length happy with!

28. Explore the Lake District.

29. Read 10 classic novels. 

30. Wear an entirely handmade outfit.

31. Visit a spa.

32. Go blackberry picking.

33. Have a real Christmas tree.

34. Have hair styled for an event/party.

35. Keep ‘good things’ diary up to date.

36. Eat at a Michelin starred restaurant.

37. Complete mindfulness book.

38. Read a Shakespeare play.

39. Go to the cinema.

40. Turn off phone for 24 hours.

41. Give something up for Lent.

42. Make own candles from wax leftovers.

43. De-clutter possessions.

44. Complete Wreck This Journal.

45. Run 10km.

46. 1 week without complaining.

47. Have a professional manicure.

48. Create photo an hour blog post.

49. Read LOTR trilogy.

50. Have a weekend away with Jonny.  6.2.15-8.2.15

51. Unsubscribe from all junk emails!

52. Complete all sewing projects. 

53. Take a selfie every week for 1 year.

54. Learn how to style hair into a messy bun.

55. Drink champagne on NYE.  31.12.14-1.1.15

56. Read all books owned but never read.

57. 1 month without takeaways!

58. Visit 10 National Trust properties.

59. Organise book collection.

60. Unplug for a weekend.

61. Make 10 Pinterest projects.

62. Have make-up done professionally.

63. Write children’s book.

64.  Complete 365 photo project again.

65. Make croissants.

66. Build a snowman.

67. Have solo coffee shop date.

68. Complete Dry January.

69. Grow something from a seed.

70. Read all Jane Austen novels.

71. Make a pie (with home-made pastry.)

72. Buy an original piece of art.

73. Visit a Christmas market.

74. Complete HIIT 101.

75. Try oysters.

76. Have at least one date night a month.

77. Visit somewhere never been before.

78. Learn to crochet.

79. Make Cath Kidston granny square cushion.

80. Photograph same location for 4 seasons.

81. Cook a 3 course dinner.  31.12.14

82. Complete all knitting projects. 

83. Go to the ballet.

84. Visit 5 Museums/Art Galleries.

85. Use toy cameras and develop films!

86. Cook for friends.

87. Watch all DVDs owned but never watched.

88. Make 29 before 30 list.

89. Re-read His Dark Materials trilogy.

90. Visit Italy.

91. Complete 30 Day Shred.

92. Climb a mountain.  7.2.15

93. Bake a birthday cake.

94. Eat lobster.  31.12.14

95. Have a girlie weekend with Mum.

96. Complete BBG.

97. Be a tourist in Lancaster.

98. Make flavoured vodka.

99. Get a professional pedicure.

100. Visit the theatre.

101. Stargaze. (Spot a shooting star!)

I’ve decided to start it on 31st December, so that my New Year’s resolutions on 1st January don’t clash too much with it!

The plan is to post an update on my 101 in 1001 progress at the end of each month. I’m excited to embark on this new challenge, seeing how my life changes/improves as a result of hitting the little targets along the way.

My date for completion of the project is 27th September 2017. Here’s to the next 33 months!

I love receiving post (especially at Christmas) so when I saw Sunny Sweet Pea’s Christmas card swap I signed up straight away!

It’s a great idea; you sign up then get 4 lovely people to send Christmas post to (in the excitement that they’ll do the same and you’ll receive 4 Christmas deliveries!)

I got some lovely ladies to share with, in particular Martina and Amy. It’s been nice to exchange messages with them and have a catch up with their lovely blogs.

The card swap has been something I’ve really enjoyed, and something I’d definitely get involved with again!