30 Before 30

2016 means that come July I'll be reaching a birthday milestone - the big 30 - OMG! Since I already did the whole freak out thing back before I turned 25, I'm excited to share with you 30 things I hope to achieve and do before the big day. Perhaps some are more doable than others but what's a life without dreams and challenges right?

1) Learn to do the perfect smokey eye

Makeup has never been my strong suit and while I love it I find most times I go straight for the mascara and gloss look.

2) See some more of Europe

Now that I live 'overseas' the wonders of Europe are literally on my door step and so cheap to access thanks to Ryan Air. While France is lovely and all, I hope to branch out and see some other countries this year.

3) Become a better cook

I love baking! Cookies, cakes and pies! However my attempts at savory dishes never reallly work out. I hope this year to add one or two staples to my reportoire.

4) Exercise More

Growing up I was never really one who enjoyed physical activity unless it was dance. However since joining the gym last year, I've found that I quite enjoy going as it's such a great place to clear my mind and listen to my music. Plus a little alone time is good for the soul. Since my appendectomy last September attendance has fallen by the way side between crazy Chirstmas hours and illnesses. This year I plan to schedule more gym time no matter how busy.

5) Dedicate more time to my blog

I started blogging to help build my portfolio and kill time as I was between jobs when I started it. With the old 9-6 now it sometimes gets over looked. This year I hope to see it grow and expand.

6) Go on a girlie holiday

Sometimes you just need time away with the girls to relax, giggle, bitch and more.

7) Worry Less

Fairly self explanitory but I sweat everything, sometimes to the point I can’t sleep – I need to let it go!

8) Drink more water!

Some weeks I suceed, some weeks I don’t. Hoping to be more consistent this year.

9) Play tourist in my home town

We’re going home for the first time in five years and I’m sure a lot has changed. I’d love to do more this year than just hang out with family and friends.

10) Write a book

I’ve this idea for a book that’s been in my head for a very long time. It might not get published but just setting pen to paper would be great.

11) Find that signature scent

Because every girl needs one

12) Get the perfect French wardrobe

It seems so easy. Staples to make up the majority of the closet and get rid of the clutter. Plus it would make getting dressed every morning so much easier.

13) Learn a new skill

I’d love to learn Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator but have always put it off. This could be the year, hopefully.

14) Get a dog!

I’m a dog fanatic and have wanted one for such a long time. We’ve always put it off as we didn’t own our own home, but now we do so I’m shopping for a cocker spaniel.

15) Visit Titanic Belfast

Since it opened in 2012 I’ve been dying to go. We’ve talked about it many times but have never made it up.

16) Have a Spa Day

Because everyone needs to pamper themselves

17) Attend a concert or show

With Dublin just up the road the opportunity for live theatre and music is huge. However being the lazy home birds that we are, we always shy away. This year however I’d like to see just one live performance.

18) Enjoy a day of nothing

In todays world life is always go, go, go. If it’s not work, there’s chores to be done at home, things to be repaired and so forth and so forth. This year I’d like one day to spend with my SO and do absolutely nothing. Stay in bed, eat good food, enjoy nature and just forget everything else. At least until the next day.

19) Find the perfect outfit

For those days when nothing is right, I want to find the outfit that once I put it on I feel like I can conquer the world.

20) Buy a designer handbag

I’ve been lusting after a Michael Kors bag for ages but now that every single person in the world seems to own one I think I’d rather a Ted Baker or Kate Spade bag. This year I hope to finally treat myself without feeling guilty.

21) Buy a Mini

Since I was 15 years of age and saw The Italian Job I have wanted a Mini. It is my dream car and I told myself I’d own one by my 30th birthday. Better get saving.

22) Eat more fruits and veggies

It’s good for you and they taste good. It’s a no brainer really.

23) Sleep over somewhere haunted

Kinnity Castle is one of the most haunted places in Ireland and literally out the road from my in-laws. I haven’t had the chance to visit so this would be the perfect excuse, though I’m not sure my night terrors would appreciate it.

24) Host a cocktail party

Who doesn’t love a lovely classy cocktail party?

25) Afternoon tea

I want to go somewhere fancy (The Shelbourne perhaps) and have a beautiful old fashioned tea.

26) Start a pension

Because you can never start saving for the future too soon.

27) Conquer eyeliner

It still evades me. Would love to do a perfect cat eye flick.

28) Take a digital diet

When I was a kid we used to spend a week at my grandparents house on Wild Horse Island in Flathead Lake. There was no tv, no electricity, certainly no internet and no mobile phones. These weeks were always such fun and I’d love to embrace the simpler times again if only for a day.

29) Learn to take better photos

I love beautiful photos and I’d love to learn how to take them myself.

30) Learn a new dance

I love dancing and I’d love to lear Salsa or Tango or anything really. Be great to just dance again.