Hey Hey Hey!
Another new week is here and with that it's got me thinking about the future, and more specifically what I'd like to achieve throughout the winter months.
I really love setting myself goals every season, it's a really great way for me to evaluate what I've achieved so far, where I see this whole thing going and where I'd like to be in a couple of months time. I'd really urge you to have a little think about those things and perhaps set yourself some too? It's a nice way to guide me and the decisions I have to make every day and allows me to stay focused, much more so than the dreaded New Years Resolutions (although I am partial to those too)
I've set myself goals now for a whole year and I really adore reading back over what I set out to achieve and whether I actually achieved it once that season was up. You can take a look at them using the links at the end of the post if you so wish?
So it's cold again... Great! I love the colder months I have to say but don't deal all to well when being cold, GO FIGURE! I love layering, so I think thats has a lot to do with my love for winter, however, aside from that it can be a down right miserable time of year. So with the inevitable mood change on the horizon, it got me thinking about what I'd REALLY like to achieve this winter, and I've actually rather shocked myself as there is very little to do with work up in here.
And whilst work will ALWAYS be a priority to me, I think it's nice to set myself some life achievement goals instead, some much needed me time, some new additions (not a baby!!) and perhaps a new place to call home?
Make A House A Home.
So we’re finally moving! We moved into our beautiful city centre flat two years ago now and whilst it’s been a beautiful place to live, to learn, to grow and to be with the one I love, it’s time to say goodbye, to discover new areas and to get some much needed space.
I’ll be back with more news about the move very soon but until then let’s just say I’d like to have made a house a home come spring. I have the whole of winter, not to mention Christmas to move into our new space and to make our new home feel like ours. I’m really excited for this next chapter and to create something really beautiful with our new space. Stay tuned for much, much more on the ole interior and moving lark. Eeeeek!
Get A Puppy
With the new found space we FINALLY have room for an addition to our family and we’re hoping to bring home a sausage dog puppy early next year, OH MY GOD!
I honestly cannot believe this could be happening to me, it’s been a dream of mine since I was 14 to actually own a sausage dog, which you’ll know if you’ve been following me since the beginning, I mean it’s in my twitter bio for crying out loud.
I really hope to be introducing you to our new baby very soon and that won’t just be a winter goal achieved but practically a lifelong dream!
Take a Holiday
I mentioned in my summer goals catch up post that we didn’t have time for a good old fashioned break in the sun this year. Whilst I was here there and everywhere and travelling each month, there’s nothing quite like sitting back, with phones firmly switched off and out of offices ON, and sunning yourself for 7 days. I hope we can fit in a little holiday of such in the new year, once everything’s settled with the new place of course, now that would be utterly perfect. I’d love to hear if you have any destinations that are perfect for lapping up some winter sun, do throw them my way if you do.
However, as much as I would truly love to get away, this isn’t something I’ll be too disappointed about if we don’t achieve it, who knows, moving into our new place could be all the holiday we need.
Read More Blogs
When I started my blog almost 5 years ago now (yeah I can’t believe it’s been that long either!) I was completely and utterly consumed by blogs. I read style and lifestyle blogs daily, at any opportunity I could. I loved them and that was part of the reason for starting my own.
Life happened and I got busier and my love for reading blogs was taken up by creating content and well, Instagram I guess.
Lately I’ve fallen in love with reading blogs all over again and I wish for this love to continue. I have a few firm faves that I’m reading on the weekly and sometimes even daily and I’m completely and utterly loving it. Not only are these ladies incredible writers and stylists but they’re continually inspiring my own work and that in itself is a huge deal!
I was a huge advocate for commenting on blogs if I enjoyed a piece, in my mind it was all about credit where credit is due and “how can I expect people to leave me love for posts I’ve worked so hard on, if I don’t do the same on those I’ve enjoyed?” So I’m reading, commenting and sharing more blogs than ever and I’m truly and utterly loving it. I urge you to all do the same, go share some love for your favourite blogs, you have no idea how much that means to the writer.
Similarly do let me know which blogs you love to read as I’d love to add them to my reading list.
So yeah, through the winter months I want to continue my rekindled love for reading blogs and continue to share them with you lovely lot too.
COAT- c/o JAKKE LONDON, JUMPER- c/o MARKUS LUPFER, SHIRT- ZARA (SIMILAR), JEANS- c/o & OTHER STORIES, BOOTS- GUCCI c/o NET-A-PORTER, BAG- c/o MCM
Host A HUGE Dinner Party
From our beautiful flat in the centre came my love for hosting. I adore having people round for dinner, drinks, parties or chilled nights in, I just love hosting! I get a real buzz from looking after people in the comfort of my own home and really can't wait to have the excuse when we leave this flat (HELLO farewell party) and when we move into our new place. I'd REALLY love to challenge myself to host a dinner party for as many guests as we can fit around our not-yet-bought dining room table, now if that's not adulting I don't know what is!?
Get Strong
Something I'm really quite proud about from the summer months was my commitment to training at the gym. I think I have finally broken down the wall that stopped me feeling confident about heading to the gym for a good ole sweat session. It's all down to my personal trainer Kaif who is totally wonderful at tailoring one hour sessions to suit me or even both George and myself in one session.
I can already see the changes in my body, I feel stronger and fitter than I have in a long time and I'm LOVING it! I find myself getting excited and looking forward to my training sessions with Kaif, and thats something I NEVER EVER thought I would say.
I want to continue to train with Kaif and to get stronger than ever before. I want to get to summer and feel completely at home in my own skin, something I've never truly felt before. I know I can get there and I'm excited for the journey.
Expand My Creativity By Working With Creatives
This summer has been a real eye opener when it comes to working relationships and the dependency this job requires on other people. I've learnt SO much this year and I'm SO excited to be working with some all new creatives to increase my pool of wonderful photographers in the Manchester area. It's been so fun reconnecting with old friends again such as Michaela and Portia and working with new creatives such as Jack and Kyle all of which have something completely new and fresh to offer to meganellaby.com and it is SO exciting!
I can't wait to explore this some more throughout the colder months and hopefully bring to you something new and exciting too! With this and with the expansion of photographers I am able to work with, I'm hoping to FINALLY be able to start posting three times a week, something I've wanted to do for the past year but didn't have the resources to do so. Currently I post every Tuesday and Thursday but would love to throw in an extra post on a Sunday, would that suit you guys? Let me know which day you think would be best. I'm SO excited to be able to share more.
I just realised I said that all my winter goals were personal goals rather than work but that last one crept in there, I just couldn't help myself... Sorry about that! But there we have it, seven rather realistic goals for me to try and achieve throughout winter, I'll be back recapping over what I was able to achieve in the spring time, although that seems like a million years away right now, I'm sure it'll be here before we know it... But first, CHRISTMAS!
Do let me know if you're into setting yourself seasonal goals too? I find them to be much more achievable and motivating then setting goals at the beginning of the year, they leave me feeling pumped up and ready to go and I hope they do the same for you too.
x M
Read Summer 2016 Post Here | Read Summer 2016 Recap Post Here | Read Winter 2016-17 Post Here | Read Winter 2016-2017 Recap Post Here | Read Summer 2017 Post Here | Read Summer 2017 Recap Post Here
Hey Megan. I was aware of your blog years ago when I met you at a More! Magazine ‘how would you wear it’ shoot and you were still at uni. I followed you ever since and just think you’re such a genuine person and have fantastic style. I used to work in creative events before I had my son and am now setting goals to finally start a set design/ interiors/ style blog for the new year to be creative again. I know the market is saturated with bloggers, so my goal is to ‘do me’ and that’s very 80s, Wes Anderson, over the top colour, Gucci, Baz Lurhman vibe! I’m getting a perm for Christ sake as I bloody love over the top hair hahah. MUMSGONEWILD! So I hope I can sling a link your way in the new year to read my blog. Xxx
Oh WOW Lucy that was a million years ago! How are you!?
Thank you so much for continually following my journey, that means the bloody world that does!
I’m absolutely THRILLED to hear you’re starting your own space on the internet, thats so exciting! Sounds absolutely freaking awesome too the whole Gucci, Baz Lurhman vibe, ESPECIALLY with the perm… YAAAAS!
Please do send me the link ASAP and huge good luck babe x
Love the post, very inspiring! I have decided to go for it and start my own blog after wanting to do it for such a long time, so I will be setting my own goals to achieve too 🙂 x
Oh babe thats such fantastic news! GO on gal! Let me know how the blog goes (send links) along with how setting some goals too, I’d love to hear em! x
Hello Lovely Lady,
I absolutely love the idea of setting goals each season. Well where do we start, a new home eeeekkkk, a SAUSAGE DOG double EEEEEEKKKK. This season has also seen myself getting back into reading blogs and I am loving it.
Looking forward to seeing what is to come and to keeping up with your blog…. 3 posts yipeee!!!
BIG LOVE,
Siobhan
justauniform.com
Oh youuu, thank you Siobhan for always being so bloody wonderful!
I’m BUZZING that you’ve got back into reading blogs too, I’m so thrilled that I have my blog reading mojo back, it makes such a difference to my day to day! Thanks gorgeous girl, so glad you’re up for the 3 posts a week malarky, WOOO! x
Oh my god! Was this the great news you mentioned in your last vlog? Ahh! Incredibly excited for you, George and hopefully your new sausage puppy! Can’t wait for home decor hauls and inspo from you! ?
AHA it might have been a little bit about this! But there’ll be more news v soon hun!
I’m SO glad you’re all excited and thanks so much for the well wishes, means a lot gorge x
Absolutely love this post, I get so much inspiration from it and I think I will do the same, especially since monthly goals often left me very frustrated as a month goes by so quickly these days!
http://fannyanddailybeauty.com
I’m SO with you on how fast a month FLIES by! Seasonal goals give you enough time to take it slow, to fail at times but then to pick yourself back up again, I honestly swear by them. It’s a nice way to pat yourself on the back from time to time, something which is so often overlooked x
Hey Megan, I’m currently sitting in one of my college classes reading your blog instead of doing work (lol) and becoming so inspired. This blog post was such a great one and has me thinking about all the goals I want to start working on and accomplish. I consider you a huge fashion inspiration as I watch your YouTube videos and follow you on instagram. I plan to start my blog soon and just wanted to say thanks for being so inspiring and keep up the amazing content. (:
Ohhhh Alexandra thank you soso much for your lovely comment, it really means a lot, even if you are being cheeky in college haha1
OMG starting a blog, YES thats so exciting! Good luck with it all and please send over a link once it’s live 😀 x
First off, I am in love with your jacket!! I checked out that brand’s website and they have such amazing pieces! Thanks for tipping me off to it. Also, I hope that you tick all these goals off your list this winter, or at least make progress because some of them are ongoing changes! I’m especially excited to follow your moving journey and to see the new people you collab with!
asplashofsharan.com
It’s AMAZING right! What a colour haha, although I do feel a little like big bird when I wear it, but thats not necessarily a bad thing! Thanks so much lovely for the words of encouragement, it really, truly means the world! x
I used to enjoy reading your blogs so much but I find you so unrelateble these days, it’s all about Gucci this, £1000 shopping spree and wishlists that then the company or designer end up sending you.
Whilst you can afford brand new houses, puppies, holidays and all your expensive gear there’s more to life than money.
Hi Rosie, thanks for your comment, it’s a shame you see it in such a negative way. Like many girls who love fashion, I have always wanted to be able to treat myself to a luxury handbag or two, I work really hard and have now been able to do it, I don’t see anything wrong in that? I am a high street girl through and through, just now with a lovely handbag to go with it and it’s something I’m actually really proud of as I never thought I’d ever be able to own something so beautiful as a gucci bag.
The thing about houses, holidays and puppies, thats just the next stage in my life and probably most peoples life when they reach their mid-late twenties, it’s not about money, it’s about getting to a certain age in life when priorities change, I hope you can understand that. There is most definitely more to life than money, I’m just sorry you’ve portrayed my positive blogpost in such a negative way?
Thanks for the feedback though.
Megan x
What a load of nonsense this comment was Megan! Anyone who has watched your YouTube channel knows you love the high street and most of your purchases are affordable for us all. When you buy big purchases you always give us similar high street alternatives. And as for the gifting, you are lucky but in your position who would turn these gifts down!? Doesn’t mean you’re all about money. Does this person really think having a dog is about money? Ridiculous!
Keep up the hard work, you deserve all the success you get 🙂
Oh Katy, I’m so glad you understand me, it’s so hard when people misconstrue things you say quite innocently. It means the world that you just get it! Thank you gorgeous one! xo
Hey Megan! Such a wonderful post.. I have to say we have few goals in common haha! I’m trying to join gym & get stronger because that’s the best thing one can do for their body right? Oh and also I’ve been wanting to post more often on my blog but that just doesn’t happen? Handling my college and blog + Youtube just becomes so hectic! But I’m graduating next year so hope I get some time for that hehe! Lastly I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOUR DOG!!! I absolutely LOVE dogs and it’s been my dream to have a dog but in future I will surely have a dog❤️ Dogs are the best aren’t they?! ❤️?
Ahhh how amazing that we have so many goals in common, YAY!
Oh wow, you’re juggling college and blogging too, you got this babe! I did it, it’s hard but SO worth it! WOOO graduation is in sight, so not long to go, but stay at them both girlie! You got this!
x
omg Megan I can’t believe you’re getting a liddle cute sausage dog! I too am a LOVER of a little sausage dog. I love them so much can’t wait to see the new addition in your posts and videos!! Hope you achieve all of these and more lovely 🙂 xx Imogen
Imogen \\ http://www.imogenrose.co.uk
EEeeek I know, it’s like my lifelong dream and I’m so freaking excited about it! I’m so excited to share everything with you babe and thanks so much for all the lovely words, it means the world to me! x
I love how motivated you are!!! I really hope you get a little bubba OHH MAA GOSSSHH!!! Also if you’re wanting some warm weather, beaches and lots of delish food, come to Australia!!! Then I can meet you and live happily ever after haha. X
https://ainsleylouise.com/
Ahhh you’re from Australia!? WOWOWOWO I had no idea! AMAZING which part boo? x
I’m from Brisbane!! So lovely here and so beachy!! If you’re after somewhere fashionable, Sydney and Melbourne are the places to be – so much fashion and cute as cafes! There’s also the Gold Coast in Queensland (which is not far from Brisbane) and it’s full of fashion and surf! ORRRR there’s Byron Bay which is completely chilled out, beaches and good food! Us Aussies love food, so good food is everywhere!! We have this store called Doughnut Time that’s now in London so please go check that out whenever you’re in London because they’re amazing!!!!!!!! xx
YES it sounds SO dreamy! I’ve heard so many awesome things about Melbourne and how quirky and independent it is, deffo on my hit list! x
You look like such a babe here! That jacket looks like it was MADE for you. Honestly having just come back to blogging on my own site, I feel like i’ve missed out on so much! The blogging world feels so much more daunting now but commenting and reading blogs is so important – it’s what we all started for!
Camilla
camillaackley.com
Ahhh thanks gorgeous!
SO weird you say that, I was thinking about how different everything is just this morning! You got this girl, your blog was always a fave and I have to say I’ve missed it! SO glad you’re back in the game x
I love to read others’ goals. It makes me rethink what I want, and actually going for my goals. I’m excited for you for getting your dream pet! Also, I’d love to know who is on your blog reading list? I’m always looking for new people to get inspiration from.
Natalie | http://nataliesalchemy.wordpress.com
Ahh I’m so glad you enjoyed babe!
Oooo thats a good idea, I’ll come up with a blog post to share the reading list love! x
Ohhh I love this Megan! Cannot wait to see all your interior posts and wahhhh I want a sausage puppy!!
You always inspire me so much! X
EEEEK so exciting babe! I can’t wait to share everything with you babe x
Congrats on the move girl!
P.s this coat is TOTAL goalzzzz
xx
editionemmagrace – Lifestyle & Style Blogger
I love reading posts about goals!! I’m so excited that you’re moving house. I hope you vlog your moving journey and when it’s done, please do a house tour on your vlog too. I have a weak spot for watching interior design shows or house renovation shows. It’s so exciting to see how creative people get when fixing houses. 🙂
Also SUUUPER excited for you to get a sausage doggo! I’m a proud dachshund owner. Most of my dogs have been dachshunds, and they’re just SO SMART and adorable! Are you planning to get a girl or boy dog?
I used to set yearly goals until I joined this goal setting online course and it’s such a big help. Now I do seasonal goals. It helped me find the structure to finally finish writing my young adult novel about music. I also really wanna grow my travel blog for music lovers, so that’s another seasonal goal to do…probably my first big goal for next year!
So excited for you, Megan! Always looking forward to reading/watching new content from you 🙂
Hi Megan,
I am a big fan of your blog and now also subscribe to your You Tube channel, which I also love. I just wanted to say how much I love your style, and how inspirational I have found your posts and videos. I’ve always been a lover of fashion, but as a 30 year old working mum I often lack the confidence to wear the things I REALLY want to wear. I’ve spent the last few years wearing clothes that I felt were ‘Mum-appropriate’ and put away a lot of my beloved leopard print, vintage handbags and crazy shoes. However, since discovering your channel and blog I have started to re-discover my own style – my goal for winter is definitely to dress more like ‘me’ and less like the person I think I should be trying to be. Thank you, and keep up the amazing work – you’re smashing it 🙂 x
Oh Emma wow this is awesome! It means the world to me that you’re aiming to dress more like you! YAAAAAS! Thanks so much for sharing this with me, it’s made my Saturday morning a hell of a lot brighter.
PLEASE stay in touch and let me know how it all goes, that would mean so much!
Lots of love x
I’ve literally always wanted to comment on your posts because every time I read them they just really resonate with me, but never really known what to say without sounding cheesy, after reading this post about giving credit where it is due I decided it’s time for me to comment and give you all your deserved credit. Ever since I found you on my Instagram explore last year I have been obsessed with every single item you wear, and everything Megan Ellaby. I absolutely love your Youtube channel, you genuinely seem like such a nice person. You really are such an inspiration to me xxx
Victoria! WOW thank you SO much, that really means the world and I’m so glad my post inspired you to finally comment, thank you! I love keeping up to date with my regular readers too so it’s REALLY lovely to meet you babe! I hope we can continue to chat 🙂
Thank you so very much, you’ve made my day! x
First things first, that coat is what dreams are made of! Secondly, I love your goals! I need to remember to set goals for myself more frequently.
Thank you gorgeous one! IT’s pretty damn spectacular isn’t it!! x
Love this kind of post as it gets my juices going to make a set of goals for the next 6 months. I’m so bad for just reaching for a select few blogs and just read them. Need to broaden my horizons but with full time job, creating myself it can get a little hard to it all in. Love your posts Megan, keep them coming and your style ones ?? Joey xxx
Thank you lovely lady, I’m so glad you enjoyed!
But gosh I hear ya on the whole finding time to read, it’s a tough one, but can be SO inspiring so I’m forcing myself to slot it into my daily routine.
Lotsa love x
What a genius idea, setting goals seasonally! It seems like a lot less pressure than setting them yearly. I am meant to be going out tonight, I’m like one more post and I’ll start getting ready.. 7 blog posts later.
Its so refreshing to find a blogger that actually indulges in their writing, although I like photos, sometimes it’s nice to have a little thought provoking conversation!
p.s love your MANCHESTER playlist on Spotify, some absolute bangers on there. xx
Ohhhhh Georgiaaaaa thank you sugar, so glad you liked this post. And you’re enojoying how much I waffle on 🙂
Also buzzing you’ve found that playlist, such bangers right!? x