New Year, New Me

I realize I am very late in posting this, but I’ve only just gotten back into blogging and I figure better late than never. Here are my New Years resolutions for 2017! (I’ve already started working on a few – more posts to come!)   

• Explore more of Ireland. I’ve just moved halfway across the world to a country famous for it’s beautiful countryside, and I’ve hardly seen any of it! Before I explore Europe I want to get to know the country I now call home. 
• Take photographs. My wonderful parents gave me the most incredible Christmas gift – a Nikon D3400 camera! I’ve wanted a DSLR camera for forever so I am so excited to finally own one and to learn about photography. 
• Read more books. I have a whole list of books I want to read. My goal is to read every week night before bed. Even on nights where I feel I’m too busy to read, I can manage one chapter. Plus it’s a great way to unwind and prepare my body for sleep. 
• Drink more water. This is so important! Water is essential for life, not to mention the wonders it does for your hair and skin. 
• Spend money on what’s important. I’m finally starting to understand that I don’t need to buy every new clothing item on the market simply because it’s what’s in style. I have more than enough clothes, and I know I would be much happier spending money on quality things like traveling to a new city or a delicious vegan meal with friends.
• Get enough sleep. I work long days now and get up early, if I don’t get enough sleep it really makes a difference. So for now it’s in bed by 10:30, lights out by 11.
• Eat more fruit. I eat so many vegetables, but I never seem to eat fruit! I have no idea why. Fruit is so delicious and so nutrient dense. 
• Keep in touch with friends and family back home. Life gets busy and before you know it it’s been weeks since you last spoke to the people you love most in the world. It’s so important to make time for these people, whether it be long Skype video calls to catch up, a quick phone call to share a story, or even a just a Facebook message to share a funny post. 
• Travel around Europe. After I’ve seen a bit more of Ireland I fully plan to take advantage of the inexpensive flights within Europe! I have a whole list of countries I want to see.
• Go to the gym. I’m half excited half dreading this one. When I commit to the gym I absolutely love it. Exercise makes me feel so good. The hardest part is getting started! I’m currently doing the 4 week pre training for Kayla Itsines’ BBG workouts, then I’ll be starting the 3 month BBG workout plan. Bikini body here I come! 
• Cook meals at home. I love to cook! I have so much fun trying new recipes or coming up with my own creations. Not to mention eating at home is almost always much healthier than eating out. And it’s much cheaper!
• Be more present. It’s so easy to be distracted in our world of smart phones and social media. Instead of trying to snapchat the exciting thing I’m doing, I just want to experience it. Give the people you’re with your full attention and be fully invested in what you’re doing.