bristol blogger
date ideas
intentional living
lifestyle
love
relationships
valentines day
This is honestly one of my favourite things to do with my boyfriend. Nature often has a way of reminding us how wonderful the world is, and there's something simple yet special about sharing that view with a partner, just taking a moment or two to take in the world together. If you're planning a sunset viewing, keep an eye on the weather, and find a spot with a good viewpoint. Living in Bristol/Gloucester, some of the ones we've explored have been Cleeve Hill, Selsley Common, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Nibley, Coaley Peak.
Cute, Affordable Date Ideas for Valentine's Day 2020.
With Valentine's Day coming up, it's time to get planning, and figure out what cute, affordable date ideas will make your day!
This year will be my first Valentine's Day in a relationship in 5 years, and I'm excited about it. In the 6 months I've been with my (quite wonderful) boyfriend, we've been on some pretty incredible dates, which have made our time together feel completely magical... and we've not spent much money either - me, my relationship and my bank balance are all very happy.
If you're having a mind blank when it comes to celebrating Valentine's day, I've put together a list of cute, affordable date ideas to help ya out (you're welcome).
Watch Sunsets:
This is honestly one of my favourite things to do with my boyfriend. Nature often has a way of reminding us how wonderful the world is, and there's something simple yet special about sharing that view with a partner, just taking a moment or two to take in the world together. If you're planning a sunset viewing, keep an eye on the weather, and find a spot with a good viewpoint. Living in Bristol/Gloucester, some of the ones we've explored have been Cleeve Hill, Selsley Common, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Nibley, Coaley Peak.
Go to a Comedy Show:
On our second date, we went to see some stand-up comedy. As the comedians were all relatively small it was inexpensive. It was nice to do something different, and we got to laugh - what more could you want?!
Magic Show/Bar:
Probably one of the more pricey suggestions but I didn't want to leave it out. If you're looking to do something a bit different with your loved one, why not consider going to a magic show/bar. We recently went to Smoke and Mirrors with some friends (it's a great choice for a double/triple date, group hang situation). It was so fun to do something a bit different and made for a memorable evening.
Walk:
There is nothing I love more than going for a walk... I mean seriously, I've talked about it in this blog post and this blog post. Getting out in fresh air is good for the mind and soul, and it's nice to explore nature with your partner. You can talk about your goals, hopes and dreams as you wander, or laugh and reminisce. If you're stuck on where to go walking, you can't go wrong with a National Trust Trail. Extra points if you manage to combine it with a sunset view!
Cook Dinner Together:
Sometimes, the best things are the most simple. We all need to eat, so why not make dinner an event. It can be fun to try out new recipes and cook together. Put some extra effort in when you set the table and light a candle or two and enjoy the flavours of a meal you made together.
Go to the beach:
No, it doesn't matter if it's cold, thermals and jumpers exist for a reason. Sit on a blanket with fish and chips and watch the waves come crashing in.
Cathedrals:
Cathedrals make a nice place to visit together, that's whether you wander inside and admire the stained glass windows, or simply take it in from the outside. Cathedrals tend to be both beautiful and peaceful. Near us, we have Lacock and Gloucester cathedral, in both locations parts of Harry Potter was filmed which makes them feel, well, magic.
Museums & Art Galleries:
The majority of museums and art galleries are free to enter, maybe with occasionally paying a little extra for certain exhibitions, or making a small donation. Honestly, I couldn't think of anything more perfect than holding hands and looking at art.
Star Gaze:
If it's a clear night, take advantage. Take some blankets outdoors and watch the night sky together. There's something romantic in the twinkling lights in the sky, reminding you how big the universe truly is.
Read together:
Something me & my boyfriend have begun to do is read together. We choose a book we both want to read and take it in turns to read a chapter aloud to one another. It felt awkward and bizarre at first, but once you get over the initial weirdness, it was wonderful to get lost in a fictional world together.
Pottery Painting:
If you want a creative activity, to keep you busy on Valentines Day, why not try pottery painting? It's usually inexpensive, it's fun and you get to take something you made home with you. You could even each paint something for the other and trade when you're done to add that extra bit of romance.
Skating:
One of the best dates I've been on with my boyfriend was an ice-skating one... but I realise it's not really the season for that. Rollerskating, or a roller-disco if you're feeling funky could be a super fun option!
Visit a new place:
Vague I know. What I mean is, choose a city or cute village nearby that you haven't been before, somewhere that's not home but close enough that taking a day trip won't cost you the earth. Explore somewhere new together.
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I hope these date ideas have inspired you! There have been times we've of course ended on less romantic dates... does the time my boyfriend took me to the recycling centre (in the early days) count as a date? Or what about the time we went to Gloucester service station just to have a look?! As fun as these both were, I'm assuming you want something a tad more romantic for V-Day, so the list above should help.
Let me know how you end up spending the big day!
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2019 books
bookblogger
bookclub
books
fiction
memoir
reading
ya fiction
★★☆☆☆
What A Time To Be Alone by Chidera Eggerue: This book talks about the importance of independence as young women, and how to feel happy alone. I found it to be wise, yet slightly repetitive of what The Slumflower posts on social media. It's beautifully illustrated throughout so makes for a great coffee table book. I talk about this more here.
★★★☆☆
The Life Diet by Laura Jane Williams: I listened to the audiobook of this (Laura claims it was written to be listened to, although you can read it) It was a fairly quick listen. Laura offers great advice on how to lead a fulfilling life.
★★★☆☆
Wishes Fulfilled by Wayne W Dyer: I didn't enjoy this guide on manifestation as much as I expected to. Although the author came across wise and knowledgable on the subject, I found it to be filled with too many religious references, which I found unrelatable.
★★☆☆☆
★★★★☆
This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay: Adam Kay shares both hilarious and heartbreaking journal entries from his time as a junior doctor. I talk more about it here.
★★★★★
Becoming by Michell Obama: I listened to the audiobook of this and completely fell in love with it. Michell Obama talks about growing in working-class Chicago and tells stories about life in the Whitehouse. It is fascinating while the narration remains relatable. I talk more about this here.
★★★★☆
The Wrong Knickers by Bryony Gordon: Bryony tells the story of the chaos of her 20s. This is hilarious and relatable. I talk more about this here.
★★★☆☆
How to Fail by Elizabeth Day: I've spoken about this book time and time again because it is brilliant. The memoir is about everything Elizabeth Day has learned from failure. It's both wise and reassuring.
★★★★★
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay: A sort of festive version of This is Going to Hurt with diary entries written around the Christmas period. This quick read is equally as brilliant.
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan: This comedy tells the story an Asian heir to a massive fortune who brings his American-born Chinese girlfriend to meet his family. Although this story is both funny and ridiculous, I'd heard so many good things about it before I read it, that I found it to be completely underwhelming and disappointing. I talk about it more here.
★★☆☆☆
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste NG: This thriller begins with the death of Lydia who has mysteriously drowned and then goes on to tell the story of her family, and what had happened. It's gripping and interesting. I talk about it more here.
★★★☆☆
Still Me by Jojo Moyes: The third instalment of Me Before You, follows Lou as she begins a new job in New York. It has equally as much charm as the previous books in the Me Before You series and I really enjoyed it. I talk about it more here.
★★★☆☆
How To Be Good by Nick Hornby: Written in the perspective of a GP, who is married to a writer. It's the story of her husband inviting a spiritual advisor called GoodLife to live with them, and their attempts at becoming good. Although I found this thought-provoking at points, there were also points I found it boring.
★★☆☆☆
One Day by David Nichols: This is the enchanting story of Emma and Dexter follows the pair through there relationship over twenty years, capturing there lives on the same day each year. This story feels very real, it's beautiful and heartbreaking. I talk more about this here.
★★★★☆
Essays in Love by Alan de Botton: This fictional story of a couple who meet on an aeroplane is written in the form of beautiful, thought-provoking philosophical essays which offer insights into the author's thoughts on love and relationships. It's brilliant and unlike anything that I've ever read before. I talk about this more here.
★★★★☆
Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams: This rom-com tells the story of a couple who have been flirting via newspaper ads, keep missing their opportunity to meet in real life. The characters feel very real, it's relatable, but also very cliché and predictable. I talk more about this here.
★★★☆☆
Heartburn by Norah Ephron: I know so many people who love this book, but I just didn't get it. It tells the story of a wife who learns her husband is having an affair and has recipes weaved into the narrative throughout. Although it is undeniably well written, I found it boring.
★★☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan: This book follows an evening of teens Nick & Norah as they meet at a gig and unexpectedly spend the entire evening in New York together. You can read my full review of it here.
★★★★☆
Open Summer Road by Emery Lord. This book is about Reagan, a once rebellious teen, who spends the Summer on the tour bus with her best friend who just so happens to be a famous popstar. They are joined on tour by another artist, Matt Finch. It's a story about friendship, with a touch of romance weaved in. I talk more about this here and here.
★★★☆☆
After by Anna Todd (series): After is the story of the relationship between bad boy Hardin, and sheltered girl Tessa. Their relationship is clearly quite toxic. This book definitely has its faults, but I couldn't put it down. I found myself reading the full series in a really short amount of time because I was fascinated by the characters. These books are both stories of betrayal and love. I talk more about this here.
★★★★☆
Someday by David Levithan: This is the third book in the series 'Everyday' (I review the first book here). The character A does not have a body of his own, instead, his spirt moves to a new body each day. In this book, he and Riannon try to figure out to make their relationship work and we get to know another character who, like A does not have a body of his own. I talk more about this here
★★★★☆
Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle: This book consists of three different teen romance stories which take place on Christmas Eve during the storm. I liked the first one most out of the three. It makes a lighthearted, feel-good festive read, but doesn't really have much depth to it.
★★☆☆☆
Validate Me by Charly Cox: Charly's second book Validate Me consists of poems written on her phone about modern life, dating and mental health. I talk about it more here.
★★★★☆
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Every Book I Read in 2019.
As someone who is always looking for book recommendations, I thought you might be too, so in today's post, I am going to share every book I read in 2019 and my thoughts on them. (I did this for 2018 too, you can find the post here).
Self Development
Playing Big by Tara Mohr: This self-help style-book is a guide on how to play big, and overcome limiting factors in your life. Although I found it made some good point, which stuck with me, I thought it was a tad underwhelming as I'd heard so many good things about it. In places, it felt repetitive and even boring.★★☆☆☆
What A Time To Be Alone by Chidera Eggerue: This book talks about the importance of independence as young women, and how to feel happy alone. I found it to be wise, yet slightly repetitive of what The Slumflower posts on social media. It's beautifully illustrated throughout so makes for a great coffee table book. I talk about this more here.
★★★☆☆
The Life Diet by Laura Jane Williams: I listened to the audiobook of this (Laura claims it was written to be listened to, although you can read it) It was a fairly quick listen. Laura offers great advice on how to lead a fulfilling life.
★★★☆☆
Wishes Fulfilled by Wayne W Dyer: I didn't enjoy this guide on manifestation as much as I expected to. Although the author came across wise and knowledgable on the subject, I found it to be filled with too many religious references, which I found unrelatable.
★★☆☆☆
Memoirs
The Rules Do Not Apply to Ariel Levy: This memoir by the New Yorker writer is tender, insightful and heartbreaking. I talk about it more here.★★★★☆
This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay: Adam Kay shares both hilarious and heartbreaking journal entries from his time as a junior doctor. I talk more about it here.
★★★★★
Becoming by Michell Obama: I listened to the audiobook of this and completely fell in love with it. Michell Obama talks about growing in working-class Chicago and tells stories about life in the Whitehouse. It is fascinating while the narration remains relatable. I talk more about this here.
★★★★☆
The Wrong Knickers by Bryony Gordon: Bryony tells the story of the chaos of her 20s. This is hilarious and relatable. I talk more about this here.
★★★☆☆
How to Fail by Elizabeth Day: I've spoken about this book time and time again because it is brilliant. The memoir is about everything Elizabeth Day has learned from failure. It's both wise and reassuring.
★★★★★
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay: A sort of festive version of This is Going to Hurt with diary entries written around the Christmas period. This quick read is equally as brilliant.
★★★★☆
Adult Fiction
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste NG: This tells the story of two contrasting families at Shaker Heights, and what caused one of the Richardson children to set their house alight. Both the characters and narrative carry a lot of depth and I was gripped from the start. I talk more about this here.★★★★☆
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan: This comedy tells the story an Asian heir to a massive fortune who brings his American-born Chinese girlfriend to meet his family. Although this story is both funny and ridiculous, I'd heard so many good things about it before I read it, that I found it to be completely underwhelming and disappointing. I talk about it more here.
★★☆☆☆
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste NG: This thriller begins with the death of Lydia who has mysteriously drowned and then goes on to tell the story of her family, and what had happened. It's gripping and interesting. I talk about it more here.
★★★☆☆
Still Me by Jojo Moyes: The third instalment of Me Before You, follows Lou as she begins a new job in New York. It has equally as much charm as the previous books in the Me Before You series and I really enjoyed it. I talk about it more here.
★★★☆☆
How To Be Good by Nick Hornby: Written in the perspective of a GP, who is married to a writer. It's the story of her husband inviting a spiritual advisor called GoodLife to live with them, and their attempts at becoming good. Although I found this thought-provoking at points, there were also points I found it boring.
★★☆☆☆
One Day by David Nichols: This is the enchanting story of Emma and Dexter follows the pair through there relationship over twenty years, capturing there lives on the same day each year. This story feels very real, it's beautiful and heartbreaking. I talk more about this here.
★★★★☆
Essays in Love by Alan de Botton: This fictional story of a couple who meet on an aeroplane is written in the form of beautiful, thought-provoking philosophical essays which offer insights into the author's thoughts on love and relationships. It's brilliant and unlike anything that I've ever read before. I talk about this more here.
★★★★☆
Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams: This rom-com tells the story of a couple who have been flirting via newspaper ads, keep missing their opportunity to meet in real life. The characters feel very real, it's relatable, but also very cliché and predictable. I talk more about this here.
★★★☆☆
Heartburn by Norah Ephron: I know so many people who love this book, but I just didn't get it. It tells the story of a wife who learns her husband is having an affair and has recipes weaved into the narrative throughout. Although it is undeniably well written, I found it boring.
★★☆☆☆
Young Adult Fiction
It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne: After a breakup and watching her parent's marriage end, Audrey is fed up with unrealistic stories films tell us when she takes a job at the cinema and meets wannabe filmmaker Harry. In some places it's a typical YA fiction romance, in others, the characters act in unexpected ways.★★★☆☆
Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan: This book follows an evening of teens Nick & Norah as they meet at a gig and unexpectedly spend the entire evening in New York together. You can read my full review of it here.
★★★★☆
Open Summer Road by Emery Lord. This book is about Reagan, a once rebellious teen, who spends the Summer on the tour bus with her best friend who just so happens to be a famous popstar. They are joined on tour by another artist, Matt Finch. It's a story about friendship, with a touch of romance weaved in. I talk more about this here and here.
★★★☆☆
After by Anna Todd (series): After is the story of the relationship between bad boy Hardin, and sheltered girl Tessa. Their relationship is clearly quite toxic. This book definitely has its faults, but I couldn't put it down. I found myself reading the full series in a really short amount of time because I was fascinated by the characters. These books are both stories of betrayal and love. I talk more about this here.
★★★★☆
Someday by David Levithan: This is the third book in the series 'Everyday' (I review the first book here). The character A does not have a body of his own, instead, his spirt moves to a new body each day. In this book, he and Riannon try to figure out to make their relationship work and we get to know another character who, like A does not have a body of his own. I talk more about this here
★★★★☆
Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle: This book consists of three different teen romance stories which take place on Christmas Eve during the storm. I liked the first one most out of the three. It makes a lighthearted, feel-good festive read, but doesn't really have much depth to it.
★★☆☆☆
Poetry
Validate Me by Charly Cox: Charly's second book Validate Me consists of poems written on her phone about modern life, dating and mental health. I talk about it more here.★★★★☆
Youtube Video: Stand Out Books of 2019:
I also made a video, sharing the books from the year which really struck a chord with me. You can hear me talk more in-depth about my favourite reads of 2019 below, or over on my Youtube channel (which you should probably subscribe to while you're there too).
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intentional living
lifestyle
podcasts
During 2019, I found myself headphones in, clinging on to the words of podcast hosts. I listened to motivational podcasts, inspirational podcasts, funny podcasts, tv podcasts... you get the point, I've listened to a lot of different podcasts.
I've spoken about podcasts I've loved before which you can read here, and here. Those posts were a little while ago, so I figured it was time for a refresher... so here are my favourite podcasts of 2019.
My 2019 Top Podcasts.
During 2019, I found myself headphones in, clinging on to the words of podcast hosts. I listened to motivational podcasts, inspirational podcasts, funny podcasts, tv podcasts... you get the point, I've listened to a lot of different podcasts.
I've spoken about podcasts I've loved before which you can read here, and here. Those posts were a little while ago, so I figured it was time for a refresher... so here are my favourite podcasts of 2019.
Soul Sugar
Youtuber Carrie Rad discusses all subjects which feed the soul - from friendship to business building. Sometimes alone and sometimes she interviews guests. I find Carrie warm, inspiring and calming to listen to; somehow the podcast does feel exactly like sugar for the soul.It Takes Three Network
I discovered these girls at the start of the year when I decided to rewatch One Tree Hill and I've been obsessed ever since. I searched for a One Tree podcast and came across Tree Hill Talk, binged it along with the show. I then moved on to Lis, Ingrid and Michelle's next podcasts, Let's Talk OC and 3 Gossip Girls - after a little bit of binging at the start of Let's Talk OC I managed to get up to date and listen in time. In case it wasn't obvious, the three friends discuss each episode of the given TV show. I listen to them so often they feel like friends, and I've subscribed to their Patreon page, which has been well worth it. It includes so many perks, such as their Riverpod, which, you guessed it, is a Riverdale podcast. I am well and truly obsessed with everything these girls do.
Nobody Panic
I've definitely mentioned this in previous blog posts, but this is one of those podcasts I've loved since my podcast obsession began. Formally The Debrief podcast, it's hosted by comedians Stevie Martin and Tessa Coates, they discuss adulting how to's - the advice is sometimes useful, sometimes bizarre but they are always relatable and hilarious. Every time I listen to this podcast, I find myself laughing out loud.
How to Fail with Elizabeth Day
This podcast birthed the book How To Fail (which you can read my review of here). It is brilliant and reassuring. Elizabeth Day interviews successful people on their failures. The conversations are always inspiring and Elizabeth is an amazing interviewer, always knowing the most interesting questions to ask.
The High Low
I'll be surprised if you haven't heard of the pop-culture podcast The High Low, hosted by journalist Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton - the pair discuss current affairs, the books and media they've consumed and more. With listener emails, book special and occasional guest interviews - this podcast is always enjoyable, I come away from it feeling both educated and entertained.
2020
bucket list
intentional living
lifestyle
mindful living
Alongside my 2020 goals, I decided to come up with a bucket list for the year, as there are always other, smaller things which I find myself saying "I'd love to do that" about, and sometimes there are plans I intend to make which end up forgotten.
So here's a list of the things I'd love to do and will be doing during 2020, which I'll be going through and crossing off in an attempt to hold myself accountable. I want to make the most of the year, rather than letting time get away from me, making my way through this list should help me ensure 2020 is a memorable one.
- Complete 30-day yoga challenge: I plan on starting my year with this one from yoga with Adriene
- Pass my driving test
- Go to the Harry Potter Studio tour
- Have a spa day
- Host a dinner party
- Visit 3 new cities
- Visit a new country
- Watch a sunset
- Watch a sunrise
- Read 35 books
- Work with at least 6 brands on blogposts
- Swim in the sea
- Stargaze
- Finish writing my first book
- Learn some Italian
- Complete an escape room
- Go on a bike ride (I am a very very nervous bike rider, so this one is a big deal for me)
- Take myself out to dinner and the cinema, alone
- Go to a wedding
- Complete a charity run
- Take myself to a museum/art exhibition
- Visit 3 different museums
- Send postcards
- Paint a picture I'm proud of
- Throw a party
- Go pottery painting
What's on your 2020 bucket list?
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My 2020 Bucket List - Bucket List Ideas.
Alongside my 2020 goals, I decided to come up with a bucket list for the year, as there are always other, smaller things which I find myself saying "I'd love to do that" about, and sometimes there are plans I intend to make which end up forgotten.
So here's a list of the things I'd love to do and will be doing during 2020, which I'll be going through and crossing off in an attempt to hold myself accountable. I want to make the most of the year, rather than letting time get away from me, making my way through this list should help me ensure 2020 is a memorable one.
My 2020 Bucket List:
- Complete 30-day yoga challenge: I plan on starting my year with this one from yoga with Adriene - Pass my driving test
- Go to the Harry Potter Studio tour
- Have a spa day
- Host a dinner party
- Visit 3 new cities
- Visit a new country
- Watch a sunset
- Watch a sunrise
- Read 35 books
- Work with at least 6 brands on blogposts
- Swim in the sea
- Stargaze
- Finish writing my first book
- Learn some Italian
- Complete an escape room
- Go on a bike ride (I am a very very nervous bike rider, so this one is a big deal for me)
- Take myself out to dinner and the cinema, alone
- Go to a wedding
- Complete a charity run
- Take myself to a museum/art exhibition
- Visit 3 different museums
- Send postcards
- Paint a picture I'm proud of
- Throw a party
- Go pottery painting
What's on your 2020 bucket list?
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#chloeharrietsbooksclub
bookclub
books
essays
fiction
read
reader
reading
Half-way through 2019, I came up with the idea of #ChloeHarrietsBookClub, I completely loved the idea at first, however, towards the end of the year, for several reasons, it sort of just faded out. I'll be honest, it was a bit all over the place, it even confused me - I couldn't ever decide whether the books were worthy of a full blog review or whether I should keep the conversation going over on my Instagram, or if anyone cared and was bothering to read along... due to the same confusion as me, alongside my lack of promotion and SEO on the blog posts, the answer was probably not. With my approach, it was unlikely I was going to create the little community of book lovers that I'd imagined. I still, however, love the idea... I'm giving it another go, but this time with fewer books and more reliability. I'll write a full review of each book at the start of the following month - of course it's also likely I'll open up the conversation on my Instagram stories whilst reading, heck I might even go wild and open up the conversation on my Facebook page (honestly, I haven’t used it for years but I figured it’s time to dust it off and re-enter the world of Facebook). This year #chloeharrietsbookclub will be a lot easier to keep up with, and worth getting involved with.
September: Clean by Juno Dawson
Keep your eyes peeled at the end of each month for my reviews, and be sure to follow #chloeharrietsbookclub on Instagram to keep up over there!
Let me know which titles you're most excited for. Happy reading!
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ChloeHarriets 2020 Book Club - The Reading List.
So if you're a big fan of reading and are looking to smash an ambitious Goodreads goal for 2020, add these titles to your to-read list, or if you're a new reader looking to ease yourself in, knowing you there's one book to read a month and a community to keep the conversation going will hopefully encourage you in your reading journey. Whatever type of reader you are, I'd love for you to get involved.
The list of books is mainly fiction with a couple of essays thrown in there. I've tried to keep it somewhat varied. There's some trashy young adult which is my absolute guilty pleasure, some new releases for 2020 that I’m looking forward to, and some which I’ve been recommended - hopefully, there will be something in there which floats everyone's boat.
The Reading List:
January: Normal People by Sally Rooney. I know pretty much everyone has read this and loves it, I, however, am late to the party. It didn't get read when I originally planned last year because my book club got abandon and I found myself flicking through some other pages instead. But I'm officially a couple of chapters in and really I am really enjoying it. My full review will go live on Thursday 30th January. If you have read, or are reading it - I'd love to discuss it with you!
February: The Course of Love by Alain de Botton
March: Wild by Cheryl Strayed
June: Find Me by Andre Aciman
July: Olive by Emma Gannon
October: Modern Love by Daniel Jones
November: Ghost by Dolly Alderton
December: And a Happy New Year by Holly Bourne
Let me know which titles you're most excited for. Happy reading!
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2020
2020 goals
goals
intentional living
lifestyle
self improvement
vision board
January Goal: Complete this 30-day yoga challenge which I know will be good for both my body and mind.
Write in my diary more, scrapbook, meditate daily again, begin gratitude journaling again, get back into the habit of writing my line a day journal each evening, go for walks just to get outside, stop rushing around so much.
January Goal: Complete my line-a-day journal daily.
Cancel any unnecessary subscription, set up regular a savings account that I can't access whenever I fancy splurging on ASOS, actually use my Monzo account, track my spending, get myself a lifetime ISA. set a budget for each month. (If you've got a similar goal, there's an excellent section on The Anna Edit's, An Edited Life book which will make the whole budgeting thing a lot less scary) Basically, be a grown-up when it comes to my bank account.
January Goal: Figure out where I am at with my finances, get into the habit of checking my bank account daily and cancel any unnecessary subscriptions
January goal: Get back into the swing of things. Stick to my posting schedule and continue making changes to improve my blog. Finally, get my new branding sorted. Edit a chapter of the book I've been writing.
January goal: Get back into a good sleeping pattern.
Dress: H&M
Sofa: M&S
Cushions: unsure, similar linked here and here
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My 2020 Goals.
As promised, here are my 2020 goals - that new years magic tends to get me feeling a little over-ambitious so there are lots of them, but better to dream big, right?!
They're also a little vague, so to ensure they're actually achievable, each month I'll be choosing more specific goals within each area to so I can make sure I'm actually working towards the goals rather than just talking about them. I've included those January aims in the post for those who are extra nosey.
Treat myself with kindness:
I don't mean letting myself off the hook when I have a to-do list as long as my arm but fancy being lazy, or taking lengthy baths over doing work for 'self-care', I mean, eating my veggies, working out, taking vitamins, listening to my body, writing every day even when I don't feel like it. An idea which I came across in Laura Jane Williams' book 'The Life Diet' is to ask yourself what the version of yourself who loves you most would do. Regularly I'm going to check in with myself and consider what the Chloe who loves herself the most would do. When I'm tempted to cancel a driving lesson, lay in bed all day or skip my work out, asking this question will help me prioritise doing what is actually good for me. In other words, it is, treating myself with kindness - the type of kindness which will positively impact me in the present and future, not just for a couple of moments.January Goal: Complete this 30-day yoga challenge which I know will be good for both my body and mind.
Take time to reflect, slow down, be more Zen.
Write in my diary more, scrapbook, meditate daily again, begin gratitude journaling again, get back into the habit of writing my line a day journal each evening, go for walks just to get outside, stop rushing around so much.January Goal: Complete my line-a-day journal daily.
Get my finances in order:
Cancel any unnecessary subscription, set up regular a savings account that I can't access whenever I fancy splurging on ASOS, actually use my Monzo account, track my spending, get myself a lifetime ISA. set a budget for each month. (If you've got a similar goal, there's an excellent section on The Anna Edit's, An Edited Life book which will make the whole budgeting thing a lot less scary) Basically, be a grown-up when it comes to my bank account.January Goal: Figure out where I am at with my finances, get into the habit of checking my bank account daily and cancel any unnecessary subscriptions
Blog, write, youtube:
Take those things I want to do seriously again. I want to start treating my blog like a business rather than a hobby and start putting in the time and effort into creating the career I want. I'm going to start concentrating on the less glamorous side of things, SEO, promoting posts etc, alongside the creative aspect to ensure my blog starts getting some traction.January goal: Get back into the swing of things. Stick to my posting schedule and continue making changes to improve my blog. Finally, get my new branding sorted. Edit a chapter of the book I've been writing.
Learn to cook:
I like to think I'm not an awful cook, but I am not a confident cook. If I offer to make you dinner, you can be sure you'll get fajita's, because it's the one dish that feels kind of fail-safe. This year I want to get confident making some different meals. I'm going to buy some recipe books (please, send your recommendations my way), and learn some actual recipes, rather than going by my usual method of throwing everything I fancy and hoping to make something tasty (and then when I do, wondering if I'll ever be able to remember how I made it). By the end of 2020, I want to feel confident enough to cook the new dishes I've learned to make at dinner parties with friends (because apparently, I'm an adult who throws dinner parties now, who knew?!).
January goal: Track down some good healthy recipes and get practising.
Get into a good routine:
Towards the end of 2019, I found myself with insomnia, awake most of the night tossing and turning and therefore struggling to get out of bed at a decent time. Working from home meant too many days spent completely indoors, and my PJ's worn more than anything else. This year, I want to get a solid routine down. Get up earlier, sleep better, exercise regularly, make sure I'm getting fresh air, and actually getting dressed each day.January goal: Get back into a good sleeping pattern.
Shop this post:
Dress: H&M
Sofa: M&S
Cushions: unsure, similar linked here and here
Creating my 2020 Vision Board: Youtube Video:
Something I do at the beginning of each year is creating a vision board. It helps me both realise what I actually want to focus on in the year ahead and acts as a giant, aesthetically pleasing reminder of what I'm aiming for whenever I find myself going off track. So if like me, you want to get your goals for the year down, but feel a bit lost on where to start, I'd recommend doing the same...
I made a full video on how I created my 2020 vision board, and I talk through all that I achieved on my 2019 board. You can find the video on my Youtube channel (be a doll, and hit that subscribes button while you're there), or down below...
What are your 2020 goals?
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