Happy New Year, everyone! 2025 – how has that happened?!!
One of my favourite things to do in January is reflect on the past year and revisit my last hopes and goals post. It’s always a mix of celebration and self-reflection, seeing where I’ve thrived and where I’ve got more work to do.
In 2024 hopes and goals, I was mainly focused on moving back to Wellington and making a nice home for Kaydes. The move went well, and we love living in the central city. Everything we need – work, daycare, and life’s little joys – is just a quick five-minute walk from our apartment. Kaydes’ room has become her happy little sanctuary, filled with dolls, makeup play, and her chatter. 💞
Looking ahead, here’s what I’m hoping for in 2025:
- Growing our savings
With our overseas trip planned for August, I’m putting my “strict spending” hat on. After the Christmas bloodshed (who else overdid it?!), I’ve told Kaydes we’ll be focusing on saving this year. As we munched on a cheeky Maccas meal on New Year’s Eve, I casually mentioned my plan to her. Her response? Pure focus on her nuggets and distracted ‘ok mummy’ 😂 - Slow my (shopping) roll
I’ve been shopping more than I’d like, and it’s time to rein it in. The temptation is real – especially when the Boxing Day sale emails arrive. This gorgeous Country Road wallet is still haunting me! But this year, I’m closing my browser tabs with pride. Instead of shopping, I’m channelling my energy into enjoying what I already have, having cheap days out, and planning/booking the trip. - Stop drinking Blue V’s practically everyday
Blue V has been my lifeline – my coffee substitute – but it’s time to let it go. Health-wise and budget-wise, it’s not the best choice. At roughly $15–20 a week, cutting it out will mean extra savings and a cleaner slate for healthier habits. The transition’s rough (I miss that energy kick!), but I’m exploring alternatives like teas that I’ve been sitting around waiting to be used. - Continue with the Festo & Theodore book (repeat from last year)
This goal rolls over from last year. The story of Festo & Theodore is so close to my heart, and I can’t wait to make it a reality. Illustrations remain the tricky part, but I’m determined to get it done. - This website
A creative outlet I love to write on, it was my goal to put out 22 posts last year ..but I published 40! Yas!! For 2025, I’m setting a modest goal of 28 posts. With Kaydes still keeping me on my toes, it feels achievable while giving me space to enjoy writing without pressure. With her sleeping in the next room, I’m enjoying writing the first post ♥️
With that said, are there any posts you would like to see and read this year? - Exercise and increase bone health
Improving my bone health remains a priority, so I have taken up Yoga most Friday mornings, and I’m hoping to go to a couple of sessions a week sometimes. I go to Awhi in the city, and I enjoy the space and instructor Marcelly. I find the end challenging pose ..well challenging, but fun! I find it tricky to memorise the flow sometimes, but I also like the mental challenge to remember it! I also love the wallet friendly price ($10 per session). Hoping my next bone densitometry scan will reflect the strides I’ve started.
What are some of your hopes and goals for 2025? Let’s share, inspire, and cheer each other on this year! 🌟
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
