For the last few years I’ve been setting myself goals for the year, rather than resolutions which may feel like a chore to complete. It all came about towards the end of 2023 when I was inspired by my friend Debbie to set a list of 24 things to achieve in 2024. I continued this theme into 2025 with 25 goals and now, here we are in early 2026 and I’ve got 26 to share. You can of course go back to previous posts from 2024 and 2025 to review my progress if you’re interested.
1. Continue monthly sea dips. Since I’ve managed to do this for the last two years, it seems silly to stop now. January dip still pending, so I need to plan that asap!
2. Visit a new European city / country. There’s a few in mind, but I’m open to where the year may lead, after all it’s only January. Three of my city breaks last year were planned fairly last minute.
3.Buy my first house. Oooh this is a biggie and one I was toying with not sharing it on the internet, however things are progressing nicely and it’s all quite exciting (and terrifying in equal measure). Plus, as much as this blog allows me to do fun things and share them, it’s an online diary for me to look back on too. Though is there anything more stress inducing than buying a house by yourself? Answers in the comments please.
4. Learn latte art. I’m moving this one up the list as I have failed to do this last year, so Lucy if you’re reading this, get me booked in for a lesson or two.
5. Eat the lasagne at Vito’s Osteria. Again, this one rolls over but that slow cooked beef shin lasagne looks delicious and even if I go by myself, I am eating it this year. Photo proof will follow.
6. Get tickets for Radio 1 Big Weekend in Sunderland. After many years, big weekend is returning to Sunderland, to Herrington Country Park. I’d like to go (this hinges on the line up being good, but I like such a mix of music there’s bound to be one or two I’d like to see) and keeping my fingers crossed that maybe we’ll get Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Parcels (unlikely but ~manifesting~) to name just a few suggestions.
7. Tick off another 3 Wainwrights. I don’t know which yet, but this could be fun. Got a few trips over to the Lake District, so could tie in nicely.
8. Go see The Futureheads at Christmas, again. Their Christmas gig at The Fire Station was such good fun, I’d like to make it an annual thing. This is providing that the lads put a gig on again in December; sure they will.
9. Reach 300 parkruns. I’m on 263, so even if I miss some weeks, it’s got a high chance of success.
10. Run 19 mins for 5k. Okay, okay she’s getting bold. I ran 19:31 on NYE which was a big PB so why not set a slightly wild and ambitious goal to improve by 31 sections over this year? Worth a shot. I have some other running goals too, but I’ll not list them out here.
11. Big bridesmaid duties for Lucy. My baby sister is getting married this year which is so wonderful. I know bridesmaids are meant to keep the bride calm on the day, so I’ll have to manage my emotions for this one or I’ll be a sobbing mess in the corner of the room.
12. Go on another press trip. Manifesting this one last year worked well, so universe do your best!
13. Read 12 books. I’m on my first of the year at the moment. If I can manage one book a month then this is doable. Wait, that sounds like something I typed last year…
14. Hire a boat in Knaresborough. This one has rolled over as my August solo trip meant no one to row with. Cue the tiny violin, no I’m kidding, I had a great day out but I will make sure I head back with company.
15. Have a spa day somewhere new. I already have a couple of places in mind, The Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge or Middleton Lodge both look very nice.
16. Stay at Woodland Chase Glamping. This place looks gorgeous and it’s in Northumberland so it’s a win, win. Maybe my birthday getaway this year, I’ve got the raise the stakes since I stayed at The Roundhouses last year. Treat yo’self!
17. Go on a tour of Roker Pier. These are closed for the winter but I think it would be great to learn about the history, especially when the pier has since been restored after storm damage and reopened. It’s a prime spot in Sun’lun to see dolphins too, I can tell you that already!
18. Take a solo trip. This could tie in with the press trip, or be another last minute getaway that I got in the habit of doing late last year.
19. Win a race. Another bold one, why not? Shy bairns get nowt seems to be a good phrase to mention right about now.
20. Visit Kielder Observatory. Stargazing in the dark skies of Northumberland. Sign me up.
21. Walk the Pilgrims Way to Holy Island. This one will have to be Spring/Summer so I retain the feeling in my toes. With any visit to Holy Island, it’s imperative to check the tide times and walking the Pilgrims Way will require more research as the typical causeway times don’t apply.
22. Cross the stepping stones in Morpeth. I didn’t realise Morpeth had stepping stones until the start of this year, I now want to walk across them, naturally as any adult would?! Will take photos and hopefully won’t fall in the river! If anyone can point me towards other stepping stones, I’d love to hear about them – if helpful, I’ve crossed the ones at Druridge Bay, Stanhope, Reeth and Chee Dale.
23. Go to a workshop / event at April 11. This new independent studio is hosting a range of workshops and events, would be a lovely place for a girls night.
24. Have Sunday lunch at South Causey Inn during the Hjem residency. I’ve had Sunday lunch there once before, but would like to see what Hjem offer. I had a fine dining / tasting menu goal on my list in a previous year that I didn’t tick off, so this is a nod to that just a little while later.
25. Make my own toasted marshmallow fluff. After many hot chocolates, I think it’s time I try and make my own. Tied in with this will be continuing the hot choc series, it seems to be getting some good feedback, which is nice.
26. Go on a sunset cruise around the Farne Islands. I’m a sucker for a good sunset and the thought of being out on a boat, watching the sunset and seeing some wildlife, sounds wonderfully romantic.
What’s on your list for this year? Whether it’s 26 things like mine or even a handful of ideas for rainy day activities, places to visit or coffee shops to try. I can always provide recommendations!
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