Hello 2019 | My goals and aspirations

Hello everyone!  And happy new year to you all!  I took a bit of a break over Christmas and although I was still posting on Instagram and a bit on Facebook, I have enjoyed the time off.  It has given me time to rest and reflect and start to plan for what my blog might look like in the coming year.  These last few days I have been quite poorly though with a sore throat and virus, I am feeling very tired and very low.  But with everyone back at school and work I thought writing about my goals and aspirations for 2019 would be cathartic.

My lightbox is from Vavaky UK via Amazon

I am experimenting with a part-completed bullet style journal rather than full on bullet journalling which I have favoured the last couple of years.  I don't make time to do all the lovely arty, creative bits so I figured something that is already done for me and I can add to might make more sense.  I still prefer pen and paper diary and planning rather than using apps.

So the first section I completed was ....

GOALS AND DREAMS

Holiday's - I am hoping we will have a sunny holiday in June/July time when our daughter finishes sixth form, she still loves to come with us and I fancy going back to Kalkan in Turkey this year.  

Decluttering - This is an ongoing project and Jo from Less is More has been helping me, we recently worked on my son's room and my wardrobe so next up is the utility room and kitchen area.  I binge watched Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix at the weekend so I am all inspired and keen to get sorted.  As part of this I really do need to get my finances in order, I tend to wing it but budgeting will be more important this year as we will be facing university costs.

Less social media scrolling - This one comes up time and time again and seems a bit contradictory seeing as I am blogging and need SM to promote my blog!  But I still think I can be more mindful of not scrolling just for the sake of it.  I have set a limit on my phone with the new iPhone update so I hope it will help me monitor what I am doing.  Being aware of it is a good start.

Menopause - I am still trying to find the right solution for me and early in December I saw a private consultant in London and have a new HRT prescription (a higher dose than my GP was able to prescribe).  I do plan to write more about my struggles on my blog but it is of course quite personal so I need to consider how I will do that.

Health and Fitness - Whilst I have massively improved what I am doing, I am still not really where I want to be with it.  My meal planning is a bit sporadic and my exercise routine comes and goes.  It's just real life of course but my dream is to find an exercise I love and a foolproof meal planning routine.

​Mental Health - Again not something I have talked about on my blog but with adult children still living at home and the challenges that brings, menopause causing havoc with my hormones and a history of depression and anxiety, I really do need to add a bit more self-care into my life.

And thinking about my blog ...

BLOG PLANS

I'd love to get some interest in my hashtag #beingfiftyandfab (read more here) so I will be introducing it properly again on Instagram!

I will be continuing with my Embracing Life (in Midlife) series and my Being Fifty and Fab monthly posts but I am not putting too much pressure on myself in terms of a schedule as I found this became a bit overwhelming.  

Mostly I want my blog to continue to be a place I can share my own hopes and dreams, my life, my fashion finds, my outfit ideas, my beauty recommendations, what I am doing to be healthier and fitter in my fifties and generally just inspire others! 

​I always love to hear from you so if you have a question or would like me to feature something in particular then do get in touch.  I will collaborate with brands from time to time as long as I am offered something that I totally trust and believe in, something I love that I want to share with you.

I will be kicking off 2019 on my blog with some health and fitness inspiration - first of all an Embracing Life (in Midlife) interview with the lovely Bev from Floresco Health & LIfestyle Coaching.  I am sure you will find her story inspiring and give you some helpful ideas for your own journey.  My top tip right now though is not to rush into any new and big routine - spend some time reflecting on what you want, what you have done before, why it worked or why it didn't work and what is realistic to fit in with your life. 

Love from
Michelle xx
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Below are some photos of what I was wearing over the Christmas break ... 

Above: Cashmere jumper from J Crew with scarf from Sweet Bea (similar here) and coated jeans from Next, trainers from Vionic.

Below: Star Gazing jumper from Whistles (in sale, limited sizes) and coated jeans from Next and right yellow Heidi jumper from Boden (in sale), fur jacket from Toria Lee Accessories.  Scarf is old!

Below: This was Christmas Day and my blouse was a sale purchase from Mint Velvet (now sold out but similar styles are available) worn with Boden velvet jeans (now in sale).