7 Things For 2017

Whilst I mentioned a few things that I want to do next year in this post, I wanted to share a few more resolutions with you today. I'm a big believer that you don't need a new year to make plans and goals for yourself. But there is something so refreshing about having a solid date as a fresh start to work from. So here are 7 things that I want to do in 2017. 

PHOTOGRAPH MORE FOR MYSELF

2017 marks the year that I've been taking pictures consistently for over 10 years. That's a crazy long time to do something on a near daily basis. As I now take pictures for my blog, brands and the stock shop it takes up a lot of time and I very rarely just take pictures for my own pleasure. Of course, I absolutely love what I'm doing but those pictures always have to have a purpose and are usually very planned and structured. I've been making a little more of a conscience effort in the last couple of months to do this but I want to make sure I do it in 2017 and utilise Instagram a little more as I've fallen a little out of love with the platform. 

WORK TOWARDS USING MORE CRUELTY FREE OPTIONS

I'm currently testing out some products from Nude By Nature which is a natural cruelty-free Aussie brand. They've got some really beautiful Christmas sets that are centred around beauty that makes you glow. Which of course, we all know that I love. I've been using the Follow The Sun Illumination Collection* as well as their Wanderer Brush Kit*. It's so wonderful to use cruelty-free products that are just as beautiful in their formulation and quality. Their brushes are particularly lovely and offer such a good starter kit for someone who is perhaps interested in beauty but doesn't know where to start as this has everything you need. Alongside a few other brands I've used this year it's shown me that cruelty-free options don't always have to be ineffective. 

USE UP MORE & HAVE LESS

The last half of 2016 I've used up an awful lot of beauty products and it's something that I'm weirdly proud of. I'm so incredibly fortunate to work with so many wonderful PR's who kindly sent me a lot of gifts but it does mean things mount up. I've cleared everything out and passed things along to those who might need it and my family and friends. In 2017 I want to make sure I keep on using everything up and work towards having less. 

CONTINUE WITH A MEAT FREE DIET

December marks by 6-month meat free anniversary and I'm so happy with my decision to cut meat out from my diet. I did wonder if it was something that I'd miss but I even think about anymore and it's opened up my diet so much and given me the courage to try more and be more adventurous with my food. My decision was largely based on my physical health and I've definitely noticed a difference with things which feels awesome. I have no idea if it's something that I'm going to do forever but for right now I'm so happy not eating meat. 

KEEP AT IT WITH FITNESS

2016 hasn't been the best in terms of fitness for me. I've taken a lot of time out due to struggles with my health and then I got a knee injury which I'm still struggling with. For me, exercise is something I class as my 'me time' it's not something I feel like I have to do and it's something I very much enjoy. It's also one of the only things I've found to make a large difference with my mental health. A good consistent fitness routine is something I want to strive towards in 2017. This year has taught me just how important it is for my mind and I'd also like to feel a little stronger too. 

TRAVEL

I've not travelled anywhere in years, nearly 5 to be exact so next year I want to try and travel more. And it doesn't have to abroad, even just a weekend away in the Lake District would be perfect. Getting away from my day to day routine and having a few days in a different place is something my mind is really craving. Travel is something that's presented in the blogging world as completely normal but it's not and it's a luxury in anyone's routine but one that I think can do all of us the world of good. We all need to escape our routines sometimes, even just for a couple of days.  

WORRY LESS & DO MORE

Worry has crippled me this year. I'd love to sit and say that I've managed to push past my anxieties but I haven't at all. I've really struggled with my thoughts becoming completely overpowering and dominate my mind. Even though I have to embrace the fact that I'll always be a worrier and it's just part of who I am I need to try my best to make sure I'm doing enough to make sure those thoughts don't become so severe. I never want to look back at this time of my life and realise that I spent so much time worrying that I didn't do the things that make me happy. 

What are you going to do in 2017?

R x

- this post is in collaboration with Nude by Nature. The brand are currently running a contest for two to go to Australia, all you have to do is upload photo and/or video on Instagram with a caption celebrating a moment that captures ‘where life has taken you’ this holiday season along with the hashtags #wanderlustbynature #mebynature -