My January round up

Okay so firstly – how is January already over? I swear it was Christmas last week and New Years Day a few days ago? No? Well as quickly as it may have gone, the first month of 2021 is done and dusted and I thought I’d write a little round up of my month for anyone who is interested in hearing about it (probably just you Mum).

Now I’m usually the type of gal to curl up under a blanket and hibernate throughout January (and don’t get me wrong – this year was no different because we literally had no choice but to stay in our homes), but believe it or not, there were a few days this Jan that I actually felt motivated enough to get out my dressing gown, get off my sofa and get things done. I know, I'm as shocked as you are.

Rather than setting myself up to fail right from the get-go (like I do most other years) with huge, unrealistic, life changing new year’s resolutions – this year, I decided to set myself small, achievable monthly goals instead. I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets very overwhelmed at the thought of being at the bottom of a huge mountain that needs climbing, so these small goals have made it feel more as if I’m on a nice, hilly walk in the Peak District than a full-on trek up Mount Everest, you know?

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My January goals

My goals last month were to complete veganuary, start couch to 5k, start a blog and read at least one book and against all odds, I actually managed them all.

• I spent the whole month as a vegan and enjoyed it so much that I'm going to try and keep it up as much as I can (shout out to Papa John's vegan options, Jus Roll cinnamon rolls and Oreos for helping me through).

• I’m 4 weeks into couch to 5k and although I still don’t particularly like running, I’m now determined to finish the full 9 weeks.

• I started my blog even though I was so nervous to do it and am really loving it so far.

• I managed to read five books this month (mainly due to being in lockdown and having little else to do but I’m still happy with that).

Please don't think I'm bragging about having the most productive month ever because I can assure you that I spent the majority of January laid horizontally on my sofa, eating Biscoff spread straight from the jar and watching hours upon hours of Netflix but I do think it's important to celebrate even the littlest of wins so that's what I'm trying to do here.

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My January favourites

I've decided that each month it would be nice to share a few of my favourite things from that month; some things that have made me smile and made the dreary days feel a little bit brighter. Feel free to let me know some of your January favourites in the comments below - I'd love to hear them.

Favourite book

I'm going to have to cheat here because I have two favourites (I originally had three so this is progress). The book that I still can't stop thinking about is 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara - it was absolutely amazing but truly heart-breaking and I don't think I could ever read it again because there just wasn't enough light in the darkness for a 'happily-ever-after' kind of girl like me. My other top pick from January has got to be 'Away with the Penguins' by Hazel Prior - it was just so heart warming and uplifting, with just the right amount of twists and turns.

Favourite TV show

Okay, I'm going to have to cheat again because when you spend about 8 hours a day watching TV, it's impossible to just choose one show. I know I'm about 15 years late to the party but we started watching Prison Break (when I say started, I mean that we've already smashed through 3 seasons - don't judge) and I'm extremely invested in it. My other shout out has (of course) got to go to RuPaul's Drag Race because it's just the best thing ever.

Unpopular opinion - I watched Bridgerton and really didn't get what all the fuss was about, I'm sorry.

Favourite food

This has got to go to Papa Johns not-chicken vegan bites. I'm usually not one for meat substitutes and would far rather just eat vegetables but goodness me, these were absolutely delicious.

Favourite product

I'm not going to lie, I've had the same skincare routine for the last 5 years so I very rarely add new products in to the mix but I did receive Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream for Christmas and I'm really loving it so far.

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My February goals

Last but not least, it's time to set my February goals - I've found it quite difficult to think of goals that aren't going to put too much pressure on me but I've decided on 4 and am writing them here to hold myself accountable.

1. I'm not going to buy any new clothes in Feb

2. I'm going to stick to a vegan diet at least 5 days a week

3. I am going to try cooking/baking a new recipe each week

4. I am going to create an evening routine and stick to it

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I hope you enjoyed reading this and I’d really love to hear the highlights of your month too. Please also remember that it's absolutely fine if the biggest achievement of your month was just getting through it - you're doing a great job.

Katie x