Monday, 4 January 2016

make the most of january

New Year, new beginnings. How are you settling into the new year so far? Have you made any resolutions? This year, instead of New Year resolutions, I am going to have a bucket list every month, as I have done previously. I have given myself reachable targets as I was finding that ten a month was quite a lot. I'll let you know how it goes!

Finish e-book
I am in the process of writing an e-book about how to get married in New York at City Hall. I'd been playing around with the idea since we came back. It will be full of info that we found invaluable while we were there. 

Eat Clean
As much as I love Christmas and all the eating and drinking that goes with it, my body is crying out for some clean eating. I'm not going on the scales for at least a month, then maybe I might just be back at the weight I was before Christmas! Well, there's always hope! Our impending summer holiday is a huge motivator. 

I'm loving these new little Fitbit gadgets that you wear on your wrist. I hear they motivate you to get more active and right now that is just what I need!
If anyone sees me walking into any fast food chains, please barricade the door! I will thank you for it later.

Capsule Wardrobe
I have been known to go to the sales and buy anything that looks like a bargain, which means I end up with bits and pieces that don't work together. Convincing myself that it's a good buy because 'it's pretty, I haven't got a pair of gloves in bright green, I'm sure that skirt will be great for summer'. Guess what; the said pieces stay in my wardrobe until I have a sort out and take a visit to the charity shop. 

I tend to talk myself into holding onto these pieces 'just in case' or 'I might wear that this week'. Recently, I had a clear out and begrudgingly put things aside for the charity shop. I was sure I would miss these items but I have to say honestly I haven't. 

Personally, I think the French have it sussed. They rely on quality key pieces and elegance rather than keeping up with the latest fashions. This results in clothes that last longer, less time figuring out what to wear and more money in your purse.

I love the basic, simple style of Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jane Birkin, Kate Moss and Audrey Hepburn; Simple t-shirts with jeans, capri pants with a striped Breton top, mens shirts, ballet flats, a classic trench coat, a little black dress, a blazer, a cashmere sweater, a leather jacket and simple accessories. A 'made in Paris' look.

I've been drooling over a Burberry trench coat for a long time now but, as you can imagine, my purse strings don't stretch that far. So I have been on the hunt for something very similar and low and behold I have found it. Zara have done it again; this shop really is coat heaven! I have found the exact trench I wanted! My first French styled capsule wardrobe piece. 

Dry January
Now this is going to be quite a challenge for me as I do tend to like a drink or two! I am prone to a glass of wine or two in the evening and a couple of cocktails at the weekend. Awwwww, just writing this I can feel the bubbles of Prosecco in my mouth! But no, I can do this! Steve and I have decided to do it together so that when one of us tries to reach for the wine bottle, we can place a bottle of sparkling water in the hand instead.

I'm hoping to see an improvement in my sleep pattern, a boost in energy and some weight loss. I will be so proud of myself if I can do it, especially as we have a few nights with friends arranged and it's also Steve's birthday at the end of the month. 

I can and I will! Good luck to all you lovelies taking part too.

Spa Break
I can feel the tension falling from my shoulders just thinking about a visit to a spa. Is there anything better for relaxation than a massage, a soak in a hot tub or a skin treatment? I often think massages should be available on the NHS! 

I have only had the pleasure of a spa day once. It was a lovely gift from my daughter and boy was it good. I came out feeling like I was floating on air. Well, I've been thinking what I can get Steve for his upcoming birthday and the spa break pinged into my mind. I'm still looking for ideas on where to go so if you know anywhere good, I'd love to hear from you. 

Do you have any goals for January?

Have a great week lovelies.



6 comments:

  1. It is very nice for you to have plans for this month. I am sure you will be successfull.
    After I moved to the US, I gained some weight, I think it is because of different eating style.
    I want to lose them. I am starting walking and my goal is to be thinner at the end of the month. ;)
    @little_little_into_the_middle

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    1. Awwww I hope so! Dry January is going well. I hope you reach your goals too. Good luck xx

  2. Lovely to see you blogging again! Happy New Year :)

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    1. Awww thanks so much Louise. Happy New Year lovely! xx

  3. Welcome to the club of Couples Who Got Married at City Hall in NYC! I love hearing about it since my husband and I were married there too, in 1998. I hear it's relatively fancy now but it was a true dump when we were there, at least the waiting room was, as well as the counter where we got the license, but that was part of the charm ha ha! Congratulations to you. I think some of the coolest people I have ever met were married at City Hall so I'm glad to know there is another couple to add to my list! Happy 2016 to you and hubby. xx

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    1. Awwww it's so good to know that you got married there as well, Jill. Isn't it wonderful! The building is really nice. A lot of money has obviously been spent on it.
      Thank you so much for the congrats. Happy New Year lovely xx