9 Things For 2018

The only thing that is certain in those days between Christmas and New Years is that continual depleting pile of rations. Biscuits, chocolates, sweets, cheeses. They'll be part of your daily routine at least once, or twice.

This year is the first year I've had no plans in the 'in between' time, and you know what? I bloody love it. No one to see, no one to please and I don't have to go out of the house if I don't want to. 

You see, I really wanted a shutdown this year. This year has been manic, exhausting, but incredibly rewarding. So this time is now for me, to regroup for the year ahead and get ready for my shit to be together come January 1st. But we all know really, that those resolutions don't start until the 2nd, right? One extra day to finish up those boxes of biscuits should be enough.

Anyway, here's 11 little things I'm gonna be working hard on in 2018.

1. Diet Changes

Changing my diet in the new year is going to be 100% my priority, if you read my relationship with food post you'll know how ill my favourite foods have been making me recently.

The measurable changes I'm making are that I'm going to be removing dairy completely from my diet for the first month (at least) to see if there are notable differences, and if it helps my asthma too.

I totally get the everything in moderation and we shouldn't 'restrict' ourselves, but there is no middle ground with me. It's either the whole pack of biscuits or nothing. I'll be following a pancreas friendly diet from January which is basically fruit, veg and pulses. YAY ME. So I'll be saying bye to dominos, crisps, chocolate and cake for a little while.

Because of this I'm going to be learning to cook one different meal a week, and I've already been busy pinning recipes. This will be the first time I've properly got myself onto this diet so I'm honestly so excited to see the results, and ya know, to actually feel well!

The first few weeks of going cold turkey on sugar should be fun!

2. Less Digital Time

Haha that was also one for 2017. lol. I mean, I did have one whole week off, and 24 hours off on Christmas Day... 

I'm talking about regular evenings off from 7pm, mornings where I read or watch TV rather than scroll past influencers promoting the same bottle of fake tan. But also weekends where I completely disconnect with it, because I can.

Less digital time makes me happy, so I'm going to actually be proactive in doing it more this year. It means more time to do things I love, so why wouldn't I?

3. Learn Something New

I'm bloody cliche and I know it. As nerdy as I sound, I get so driven to learn something new, I've always loved learning languages and having something new to focus my efforts on. 

I haven't decided what that new thing is yet, but it will probably be to pick up where I left off with Finnish and Spanish whether that's online or with my little pal duolingo.

4. Up My Blogging Game

Your gals got big blogging plans for 2018. I'm already in the midst of planning new content for 2018, and my action points for the year.

In short, I'll be blogging more, more lifestyle content which I love to write, more self promotion, actually host a blogging workshop and up my blog photography as I say I'll do every year. No biggie. Getting past 2,900 followers on Instagram would be real nice too.

5. Be More Active

It's not like I'm not already active, I swim around 3-4 times a week, on a good week. But sitting at a desk all week is me just waiting to be carted away with diabetes or a DVT.

I'm going to be making small changes like walking to the toilet downstairs at work rather than the one on my level. Have a morning sea walk before breakfast once a week. Walk to town instead of drive (which I often do) and maybe clean more too, that's exercise eh?

These small changes are all I want to add on, as they're achievable and honestly won't take any time out of my day.

6. Get A Skincare Routine

For the last 10 years I kid you not my resolution has been to stop picking my spots. Firstly, why am I a 25 year old woman and still getting spots and 2) why do I STILL pick them, and never learn. 

To stop myself looking like a Margherita pizza next year I'm hoping that my new diet will drastically help. The key area that is always congested is the space between my eyes, apparently this area is to do with your liver which is great, right.

I'll also be trying to have one makeup free day per month and obviously to have some sort of skincare routine. I want to invest in some high end cleansers and toners and even use a fancy muslin cloth to take my makeup off with. How often do you have to wash them tho? Asking for a friend.

It could go either way, but I'm hoping with a new skincare routine which doesn't involve face wipes, cotton wool and a drop of cleanser will really help.

7. Self Care

I'm ending the year feeling in a much better place than the start of the year, and whilst I still get down days, I know how to deal with them now. And you know what, it's okay to not feel okay sometimes.

I think I've been pretty good at making time for myself this year, so I want my self care routine and self love to continue and grow in 2018. YOU ARE NO1.

8. Cut The Toxic, Unsupportive People Out of My Life

See ya. Whilst my 'friends I'm leaving in 2017' post may or may not have rattled some feathers, I DID IT. Why do we find ourselves holding back in situations when we know our own worth.

I've read about it for years about cutting the unsupportive and happiness sucking people out of your life, but I've never had the guts to do it. 

2018 is firmly the year of happiness for me. The year that I'm not taking shit from anyone anymore. What does it leave me with? Loyal, good friends that I can count on one hand, and ones that I know will always be there for me. A 2 way friendship, where friendship works both ways. 

9. Give Blood Again

One of my proudest moments of 2017 was giving blood for the first time. That feeling you get when you receive the text to say where your blood has been administered to is like nothing else. 

It's one of the most selfless and nicest things you can do, if you can. I wanted to give blood again last year, but with winter colds and my asthma playing up I needed to look after myself first and foremost.

With my pancreas flare ups rearing their head at the moment, once my new diet has got me feeling a lot better I want to book in again and give blood. I can give blood every 4 months, so I'd like to try and donate twice in 2018.

What are you most excited about bossing in 2018?

Jumper - Primark

Joni Jeans - Topshop

Boots - Miss Selfridge via ASOS

Bag - River Island (similar from Skinny Dip)

Beret - Vintage Market (similar from La Redoute)

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25 Homeware Sale Buys

It's been a while since I've done one of these hefty homeware sale lists, cough *wishlist* cough.

I mean, since I've moved out I've been more fussed about getting the latest on trend pizza tray than a pair of slim mom jeans from ASOS. I've changed. I'm old.  But I also love it a teeny bit.

I've never been a huge sales shopper for clothes because funnily enough the mass of people trampling on the said items in the sales isn't hugely appealing for me. Neither is finding a cute dress that was actually from 2 seasons ago.

But homeware sales are a whole other ball game. It's probably things you've been lurking on for months, in anticipation for those gentle price drops. But most of the time, you'll just be having a browse and think OMG that would look so good next to the other 5793 mugs I have too. So that's what happens, with me anyway.

I had fun putting these little gals together, firstly to window shop for myself, but also to see how many things I now own are also in the sale. That's always fun, right?

So you'll find a hefty little amount of copper, pinks, monochromes and just damn cute homeware pieces that have all been vetted by me for their Instagram worthiness, of course. 

Since I started this list, things have already started going out of stock, so there's no time like the present. Happy Shopping!

1. Eat Drink Enjoy Plate - H&M Home £1.49
2. Wooden Chopping Board - H&M Home £9.99
3. Round Sheepskin Cushion - Oliver Bonas £30
4. Bella Swan Mug - Oliver Bonas £8
5. Ines Medium Jug - Oliver Bonas £16
6. Jimi 1 Drawer Bedside Table - La Redoute £99 (currently 20% off everything)
7. Ikoya Water Hyacinth Basket - La Redoute £69 (currently 20% off everything)
8. So Fresh Bath Mat - Urban Outfitters £18
9. Birdy Silver Side Table - Urban Outfitters £55
10. Hello Word Object - West Elm £14.95
11. Graphic Tricoloured Throw - Maisons Du Monde £56.25
12. Kate Moss Poster - Desenio From £59.95 (currently 30% off selected posters)
13. Copper Coloured Metal Lamp - Maisons Du Monde £40.40
14. (currently out of stock) Same design - Lupita Wooden Console Table - Oliver Bonas £255
15. Penelope Llama Trinket Dish - Oliver Bonas £7
16. (Similar) Edgar White Orbis Marble Table Lamp - Trouva £119
17. Palm Leaves Poster - Desenio From £5.95 (currently 30% off selected posters)
18. Hubsch Monochrome Wool Rug - Trouva £120
19. Canvas Homestore 5pc Set Oslo Copper Cutlery - Trouva £45
20. Pommed Monogram Stocking - Anthropologie £10.95
21. Skye Medium Lantern - The White Company £9
22. Odessa Metal Bin Copper - Made £22
23. Alana Bedside Table Copper - Made £89
24. Brandy Metal Tray - Made £25
25. Mustique Signature Candle - The White Company £14

What homeware bits have you been spying in the sales?

*Some of the above links are affiliate links, this just means that if you make a purchase on them I will make a few pennies from the sale, it doesn't cost you any extra. If you want to get rid of the affiliate link just clear your cookies and refresh, simple!

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5 of My Favourite Posts From 2017

Oh, 2017, it's been a funny old year for blogging. 

I pretty much wrote it off in the summer. I was neither here nor there when I moved out. I still posted OOTD posts that I did way back when and well, I *think* I've finally found my blogging voice.

I'm happier with my content than ever before, and I'll tell you why. I've stripped back the 'air brushed content', it's all or nothing from me now. I'm much more selective in the types of brands and sponsored content I take on. But the main thing? I've started to blog about what I want to blog about. 

So sorry, but no more hand cream reviews or 'I went to this event and I did this and then that..' from me.

Coincidentally the 5 posts I plucked from my archive this year were mostly all written towards the end of the year. They're personal, *hopefully* funny and reads that you can relate to as well. I like how we're never alone in situations that we sometimes feel we are.

There's always someone out there to listen to how I've sliced my hand open with a bread knife, and how I'm calling out the influencer lifestyle I so don't want to be a part of.

So, here's 5 of my faves that I've been most proud of this year.

1. What I Learned From A Week Long Social Media Detox

YAS! I said I'd start the year without social media and I did. A life affirming moment for me, I didn't need social media to complete me, I was actually quite alright without it. 

I gained time, a lot of it. I spoke to people. I swapped my daily scroll of Insta for a conversation with my mum. It was bloody hard, but a real eye opener.

Social media is a wonderful thing, I love it. But once you've been sucked in, the seed has been sown. It roots itself inside you and it's not always a good thing. It can bring doubt, anxiety and jealousy, and also a bit of sadness. 

If you do anything in 2018 or over Christmas, ditch the digital. You'll feel so much happier for it, and it ain't going anywhere.

2. My First 3 Weeks of Being A Homeowner

I couldn't not include one of the biggest life changes/achievements of 2017. I bought my own home! A stressful whirlwind that still rears its ugly troll head now, but oh boy, I did it. I really did it, by myself.

The first 3 weeks were a blur. Mostly 'I can't believe this is mine' and constantly feeling like someone was going to tell me to leave. The honeymoon period was amazing and I love that I have this open diary to look back on. Those big issues that feel like nothing now.

Everything resolves itself. That's the one key thing I've learnt during this year, there will always be 'something', but it's how I react to it and move forward that matters and what I've learnt. Being a homeowner has come with another ticking time bomb of stress and problems, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I *guess* this means I'm an adult now too.

3. 10 Things That Only Happen On An All Inclusive Holiday

I had to include this for the pure lol factor. My favourite list post to date and one that probably no one else finds funny, but I'm just like YEP.

It brings back my summer holiday memories of eating pizza and chips for tea every night. That CUTE AF green wristband and the Benidorm worthy evening entertainment. It was a good one.

4. Fakery Within The Influencer Network

The post that left a sour taste in my mouth. I had a resounding amount of tweets and comments about this post, and it seems that a lot of bloggers could relate to this too.

The originality with influencers is still very much lacking. As the Black Friday sales came and Christmas gift guides did the round we all became accustomed to seeing the exact same ad 5 x in the same scroll. 

But it's not just that. Its how bloggers and influencers have this massive divide now, the glass ceiling that some of us just cannot get past, but also don't want to get past.

Social media and the world of influencers is growing at a scary speed, so we don't know what's next. All we can do is continue to invest in real people, write about what we love on our corners of the internet and be here when the influencer bubble inevitably bursts. Nah, I'm not bitter at all.

5. The Friends I'll Be Leaving In 2017

I couldn't believe how many people reached out to me about this post and were like YES GURL. It appears I'm not alone and some people may be thinking it's a brutal post but I'm sorry you are NUMBER ONE. 

You should never have your happiness sucked away for the benefit of staying in an unfulfilling friendship. The type that eats you up inside, and they know it.

I'm done with being the nice guy and putting up with class A shit. I'm done being there when they aren't there for me. I aint no clothes horse to take anymore soggy laundry. I'm out.

Like Sarah Knight taught me in the life changing magic of not giving a fuck, rid yourself of feeling guilty for saying NO to things, and just don't give a fuck with the NotSorry method.

Here's to even better content in 2018. As always let me know if there are any posts or type of content you would like to see from me in the new year! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. Thanks for sticking around with me, you total babes. See you in 2018.

What are your favourite posts from 2017?

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A Few of My Fave Christmas Presents

I write this as I nurse the Christmas Day bloat, yet still dive my hand back into the M&S shortbread tin for just one more. It's Christmas!

My day digital detox made such a refreshing change to endlessly scrolling through pictures of Charlotte Tilbury, engagements and pictures of everyone's Christmas dinner. I knew this year I was gonna be like HEY I got a baking tray and a mini pyrex jug for Christmas, so....

I mean, I really thought you'd all love seeing pictures of my new baking tray I got for Christmas and OMG I have a new pizza tray so I can cook pizza without the edges being pushed into the oblong tray. 

But, I was also really lucky to receive some other non homeware (non essential) items that I wanted to share with you. I guess, I like pink right?

Copper Cutlery

One commandment I always follow is, thou shall never have too much copper. I'm at risk of shortly living within the realms of a copper cooking pot, and what? The only reason I didn't get any copper cutlery sooner was because you can't put it in the dishwasher. Imagine actually having to clean your dishes. Ugh. So the copper cutlery is going to be for best, and for best I mean when I'm cooking up a lil batch of pancakes for one. I can't bloody wait!

Flamingo Teapot

I spied this little beauty on the Paperchase Instagram a few months ago. I sent it to a few people at the time because OMG. My family/bf know me so well that I opened my presents to not one but TWO flamingo teapots. Who's the real winner here? I'm calling them Pearl and Penelope and I'm so excited to have cups of tea and many Insta snaps with these gals.

Notebook

Too glam to give a damn and don't I know it? I may currently be makeup less and airing the red skin I've been picking, buttt.. Major brownie points for my mum for spotting this in Primark. Nothing motivates me more than a super sassy notebook in my hand and writing on the first clean page of a new book. Is it 2018 yet?

Converse

Baby. pink. velvet. converse. Need I say more? No pair of standard white high tops will do me anymore, I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows! 

Pancake Making Set

I was blown away by this little pancake making kit that my sister got me from Not On The High Street. I didn't know such a thing existed and if anyone knows me well, I love a good stack of pancakes. The batter mix even came with the cutest heart shaped cutter and pastel coloured whisk. Coming to you on an Instagram very soon...

Flamingo Globe Decoration

The pink and flamingo trend continues here. I just love how my friends and family know me so very well. My blogging gal Emily from Maytooctober got me this super sweet flamingo globe. I've already decided it's gonna be an all year round kinda thing, it's too pretty to be stored away for 11 months every year. Dontcha think?

Candle Teacup

I love my mum for crafting this little candle teacup for me. She sourced the vintage tea cup and saucer from a charity shop and made the candle inside it. It was her first attempt at something like this and I love it! It's a present that will stay with me past when the wick burns out too.

Rather than sharing the rest of the kitchen cupboard and chocolate aisle of Sainsbury's with you I wanted to share a few little faves with you. 

Now, if you've done any similar posts hook me up with them below because there's never I like more than have a little nosey!

What did you get for Christmas?

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