I've decided this year to change things up a bit. As the new year begins, I usually write a few traditional resolutions which are simply forgotten. It's the usual; to eat healthier, work harder and strive to be a better person. This year I thought I'd give something new a try; a list of promises to make to myself. As we approached the latter part of 2016, there were so many occasions where I said to myself 'I wish...' , 'why didn't I...' or 'if only...', and it soon became apparent that all the things that I wanted were simple changes I could make. These are all small promises I have made to myself to keep me positive, happy, and challenged, but also to bring back those things I used to enjoy and love but have forgotten.

1. DON'T LET 'LITTLE WHITE SOCKS' TAKE OVER MY LIFE

Yes. I said it. As much as I love my blog, and don't get me wrong I really do, I don't want it to completely take over my life as it has done in the past. Planning posts in advance will give me a chance to know what photographs need to be taken, and an average time a post will be written. I have also decided to stick to posting twice a week, which 3 weeks in (along with planning), has already made blogging manageable working alongside other projects I am doing.

2. MAKE MY OWN CLOTHES INSTEAD OF BUYING

Shopping with me can sometimes be a pain; I always see things I like, but there is something I wish I could change. I guess it's the ex-fashion student in me. I am lucky enough to have the skills and equipment to make my own things, so why don't I?

3. SEEK MORE OPPORTUNITIES

Nothing is going to come to us if we just wait, but working hard and seeking opportunities will. Emailing brands I'd love to work with, or applying for jobs I know I'd be perfect for is going to help me progress. Even if I send out 50 emails and get 1 reply, that 1 reply could change something little, or everything.

4. LOOK AFTER MYSELF

I am always putting myself physically last and never really pampering myself. The mornings are always a rush to get ready and start working, and a relaxing bath has become an unlikely occurrence (despite collating a mini Lush shop in my bedroom). Taking away even an hour of my day to make myself feel special can really help relax those stresses.

5. SET MYSELF A DIFFERENT WEEKLY GOAL

Like I said, resolutions don't work well for me, but setting weekly goals does. Whether it's to spend at least 1 hour a day reading, to stick to my meal plan, or to even make sure I get enough sleep. The most important thing is to reward myself when I've done well.

6. COMPLETE WISHES OFF MY BUCKETLIST

When I turned 26 in September, I wrote a bucketlist of just over 100 things I want to complete by the time I'm 30, and I have already forgotten about it. All the things on that list are something I really want to do, so I want to make sure I keep checking back and aim to do as much as I can this year.

7. READ MORE BOOKS... AND MAYBE WRITE SOMETHING MYSELF?

I have become obsessed with books, and whenever I have any spare time I am reading. I really want to spend this year indulging myself in books, and even maybe, just maybe write something myself. Not aiming for a book, but a piece of writing I am proud of.

8. PAINT MY NAILS

My favourite things to do as a teenager was to paint my nails and experiment with anything covered in glitter. I hate chipped nails, and as I spent less time maintaining my varnish, it started to become a chore so I stopped painting my nails for months at a time. I want to keep up with my nails this year, and as we speak, (well type), I am currently waiting for my nails to dry. For this week I have gone for 'In A Heart Beat' and 'Road Rage' both from Barry M.

9. HAVE 'ME' TIME

I like to have a plan or even just an idea of what I'm going to be doing, but I think I need to be a little spontaneous. Don't organise anything, do whatever I like at that exact moment.

10. START A BULLET JOURNAL

Do you ever wake up super early, get straight to work, finish late in the evening and wonder why it looks like you've done zero work? It sucks! I would then spend the rest of the week feeling guilty, putting loads of pressure on myself and getting nothing else done; it's a vicious cycle. I've decided to start a bullet journal to help me overcome this madness and know exactly what I need to be doing each day.

11. STOP BEING RECKLESS WITH MONEY AND SAVE

Everything I want to do cost far too much money, but the problem is I love to spend money; a mix that never goes well, (unless you're a millionaire). I am trying to get into the habit of thinking if I really need this, or would the money be better spent elsewhere.

12. START DRAWING & COMPLETE A DRAWING BOOK

This is one thing I really want get back to and that's drawing. I was never the best, but in time I had improved a great deal and want to be at that level again, but hopefully, even better.

13. PUSH MYSELF, BUT NOT TOO MUCH

I am one of those people who love to put pressure on myself and push to my breaking point. No matter what I do it has to be perfect, even if it's the smallest mundane thing. To be honest I don't think this can ever change as this is who I am, but I would love to use this annoyance of a trait in a positive way. Pushing myself to do the things I've always wanted to do, or am too scared to try; convert that feeling of pressure into adrenaline.

4. MAKE THINGS

I'm addicted to *Pinterest* and my timeline is constantly inundated with the coolest diys ever. When I was younger, I used to spend all my time making things whether it was a classroom made from cardboard, or unevenly knitting together any yarns I could find. I have always been creative, and most of the things I do still stick to this, but I want to make things which have no purpose or goals, but just to enjoy my time.

15. MAKE TIME FOR PEOPLE

I'm still trying to get the balance between work and play just right. It's a lot harder when you're your own boss and don't have a set work time. Working alongside the promise to not let LWS take over my life, creating this balance will come with organising time and knowing it's ok to take breaks.

16. EXPERIMENT MORE IN THE KITCHEN

A few years ago I decided to completely cut out processed foods and have been trying to strive for a healthier diet. Since then, I've been trying to recreate some of my favourite meals using whole-grains, pulses and vegetables. This year I want to use all the techniques and ideas I've learnt and make some of my own dishes. I know my biggest weakness is anything sweet, so making healthier desserts is definitely at the top of my list.

17. JUST BE HAPPY

This is something we all aim for. I just want to feel happy, positive and proud being who I am and doing what I do no matter what.

Let me know in the comments below anything you have promised yourself for 2017.