The resolutions tag

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It's time for a tag, the resolutions tag to be exact. The new year is started and this tag is all about reflecting on the previous year and make some resolutions for the new one. I already wrote about some of my goals for this new year, so you might have heard some things before, but I haven't reflected on last year yet and wanted to do that with you.




Looking back.

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Name three things you did this year that you're proud of.
I'm proud of the fact that I'm still in San Francisco as an Au pair and didn't give up. I even extended and am going to stay here till July. Being an Au pair is not always easy, but you get so much in return, of course you have to have some luck with the family as well. Luckily for me I get along with the family great and so far we haven't really had any problems, let's keep it this way.

The second thing would be that I finally figured out what I want to do after I finish this program. I send in my application forms to an university in Australia yesterday, to start my degree of nursing/midwifery in February 2015. I will give you some more details about this at another time, but I'm really excited about it.

I don't know if this necessary something to be proud of, but traveling. I'm really happy I came here and met so many new people. And I have seen so many places in this past year; Yosemite, LA, Portland, New York City and Hawaii to name a few. I think that's pretty impressive and it secretly makes me a little bit proud that I have been able to do this, on my own.

Name one thing you wish you'd have done differently.
One of the things I should have done differently is probably saving money. Now by the end of the year I basically didn't save anything at all, and studying in Australia is expensive (as in $8000 in tuition fees upfront for one semester). On the other hand if I had saved all my money I wouldn't have been able to go to all these amazing places, which I otherwise would have never seen. So I guess I look at it on the positive side, I have seen a lot of places that year and created a lot of amazing memories, that no one can ever take away from me.

What was your biggest highlight this year?
I think one of my biggest highlights this year was going to Hawaii. For me that was just a picture in my head and I only knew it from television and pictures. When I got there I realized it really was how I imagined it, and it really looked the way I pictured it. Of course I was in the more touristic part, but still it was like paradise. Next time I would like to visit one of the other island, to see what it's like there. Especially snorkeling with wild dolphins and turtles is an experience I won't easily forget.

What was your favorite beauty product this year?
Then I have to go for eye shadow or lipstick. When I came here I had maybe about 3 lipsticks, let's say I have now about 30... Same thing with eye shadow, I bought at least 10 new palettes since I got here, I will probably need a whole separate suitcase for my make up if I keep going like this.

What was your least favorite beauty product this year?
I don't think I have a product that I really hated this year, but concealer is always a problem for me. I have pretty dark circles under my eyes and so far I haven't found a concealer yet that does the job to cover them up, so if you have any recommendations leave it in the comments below ;)

Who do you want to thank for being amazing this year?
This is going to sound corny, but definitely my mom! When I was struggling to figure out what I was going to do after the Au pair program, she was always there to support me. Even if I came up with some pretty crazy plans and changed my mind pretty much every other week. My mom has always been there for me and I know she always will. Love you mom!

Resolutions.

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What are the make up/beauty resolutions you have for next year?
I want to wear more eye shadow and experiment a little bit more with different colors. Right now I don't really have a clue of what I'm doing so I want to try to do a tutorial on YouTube once every other week, so I can improve my technique and learn what works for me and what doesn't. What YouTube guru's do you follow?

What are the fashion resolutions for next year?
Don't buy anymore pants! I really love dresses and skirts, but when it comes to it I always wear simple jeans. The goal for this year is to not buy anymore jeans or pants, so I can start wearing more skirts and dresses. This is going to be a challenge, but I'm definitely going to put some effort into that this time.

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What are your personal resolutions for next year?
I'm starting a Human Biology class next week, so I want to study hard for it and get good grades. This is going to be though for me considering I haven't been to school for about 2 years now, so I have to get back in the flow. I really want to continue my Au pair program the way it is going now, which is great and hopefully see some more of the area while I'm still here. Which will definitely happen, because I already planned two trips for the next two months!

I want the enjoy the time when I go home, instead of ending up in this negative spiral. This might sound really strange, but I just really don't want to live in Holland and it doesn't feel like I belong there. Usually I'm fine for the first month or so, but then I really start to dread being there. I don't want it to be like this anymore, I should be happy that I will have six months that I can spend with friends and family there before Australia.

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Then there is having a healthier lifestyle, which I actually already did, until December came in my way. Now I'm starting to get back on track and I switch my workout schedule to the mornings, because I won't have time in the evenings anymore once I start my class. Hopefully it works out, because I will have to get up at 6 every morning, and I'm not a morning person.

And off course I want to be better about updating my blog. I hope once my class starts, I will get into a routine and it will be easier to post more often. But it's really hard sometimes, because I just can't find the time, but I will try my best!

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Name one thing you want to check of your bucket list next year.
Skydiving!

I got this tag from NikkieTutorials, and I tag everyone who is interested in doing this tag. What are your highlights from last year, and what do you want to improve this year?