So November! I'm glad we've still got Halloween to look forward to on Saturday, and we're going out for drinks for Tom's birthday too so it's gonna' be fun. So far, November is looking MEGA busy. With trips down South, people coming to visit and lots of events on at work, I have a feeling it's going to fly by. And also, is anyone else loving how autumn is feeling at the moment? The colours stun me every single day and I honestly love these months more than any other. There's a magical feeling about them leading into the festive season. But that could also be because it's payday tomorrow, too! ;)

Setting goals at the start of the month is a great way to align my work with the things in life that matter to me the most. Plus, sharing them with you motivates me even more to complete them, and I love reading about the goals you set for yourself too. Today, we're diving into how I got on in October as well as the goals I'll be working towards during November.

Behind-the-Scenes: My Blog & Life Goals for November 2015

HOW I GOT ON IN October

1. Completely Hijack My Bedroom - partially done

I realised soon after making this goal that it's actually a HUGE task to complete. Sorting out my wardrobe properly is going to take at least a day in itself! So I've decided to split this into chunks and do a section at the time. Last weekend I sorted out all my CDs & DVDs, and also rearranged my window ledge and my desk that looks out onto the window. It looks much better already - now just to do the rest of the room!

2. Journal Every Day - done

I've been really enjoying making journaling a regular part of my life. It's been put into my routine last thing at night when I get into bed. The prompts I've been using make me look forward to it every day and I can't wait to see November's prompts. Sometimes I write a whole page, sometimes I write a paragraph - but that's the beauty of it.

Do you journal? If not, definitely think about making it one of your goals this month!

3. Start My Secret Social Media Freebie - done

I've not made huge progress with this but I've definitely got somewhere. I've made a huge list of everything I want to include and started collecting research together. Ideally, I want to wait until I get my MacBook Pro so I can use Pages to create this. Which means I'm probably going to aim for a January 2016 launch date - exciting!

4. Keep Up To Date With Twitter Chats and Facebook Groups - not done

OK, so I've really been lacking with this recently. I think I probably took part in about two Twitter chats over the past month and I really need to start being more active in Facebook groups. But it's good to recognise where you're not getting things done, because it makes you realise what you're missing out on - Twitter chats and Facebook groups are so valuable.

1. Start Doing a Weekly Periscope

So this is quite a biggie and one that I'm shaking in my boots about, but also really looking forward to. You see, I've always sort of enjoyed presenting and holding sessions with people. But I've never been that confident with video - Periscope is just too good of a platform to pass up so I'm going to give it a shot!

For the brand new series that has started on ABOH, "Blogging Breakthrough", to go with it I'm going to start doing a Periscope every Friday afternoon. It's going to link directly to the blog post that goes live that day as part of the series, and also include secret tips that won't be on the blog.

What do you think? Does that sound good? I hope you'll tune in?

If you want to be part of the series, I'd love for you to join!

2. Finally Get a Macbook Pro

I've been harping on about buying myself a Macbook Pro for the most part of this year. But with changes in jobs and an inconsistent income, it just hasn't been realistic. Now, it is. My current Sony laptop is a nightmare and for what I want to create with this blog, I need a great laptop - and of course, everyone has told me to go for a MacBook Pro!

So I've been sensible with my money and budgeted and hopefully this month it can happen. I guess the main thing I'm worried about is spending so much money on this one thing for myself - I'm trying to justify that it's worth it, so if you think it will be, let me know!

3. Sort My Nails Out

My nails have always been a problem. I used to bite them so much when I was younger. I've stopped for years now, but it's damaged them forever. I'm trying to grow them, but because they're not strong enough, they just break when they get to a certain length. So this month, I want to be extra intentional with them and make a real effort to sort them out.

4. Do as Much of My Room as I Can

The second personal goal of mine this month is going to be related to my room again. I really want to get this done, which is why I'm making it a goal again. Even if I do a section every weekend, that'll take me to the end of November, and then hopefully it'll be complete!

Now, onto the review.

BLOG

Honestly, I've never felt more content with my blog. I love the schedule I've got right now, love the topics I'm blogging about and love that you're enjoying it too! That means more than anything. And I'm so excited about the Blogging Breakthrough series!

Three Most Popular Posts Of The Month:

Behind-the-Scenes: My Blog & Life Goals for October 2015
Why I Unfollowed Almost 90% of Blogs on My Bloglovin’ Feed – and You Should Too
101 of the Best Sites Online Right Now (Part 5)

SIDE PROJECTS

My freelance writing work is going really well. I've not had time to look for any more gigs, but I think I'm more than OK with what I've currently got. Anymore, and I think I'd be pushing the time I have to create content for them. But I can reveal that another website I've been writing for is... BeFunky! This is an amazing photo editing app and the blog gives you tips and advice not just on how to use the app, but also how to improve your photography skills in a variety of ways. It's great for bloggers too, hint hint ;)

WORK

My day job is great. I've got everything I always wanted in my career. A great team, a thriving company, a place where I'll grow and I'm doing what I enjoy - marketing! There's something so special about a place that has such a community feeling. It makes you even more dedicated to what you do.

I've not had much time off yet since I started apart from two days this week as it's half term. But we get two weeks off at Christmas so I'm trying to power through!

FITNESS

Since I've kept up my fitness regime this month I've noticed a big difference in my body. My endurance, for one thing, has increased so much. Workouts that I used to struggle through, I can now keep up with and put more effort into. I'm getting more flexible, more fit and most of all, I really enjoy working out.

LIFE

Another fun month has been had! We've spent almost every night lighting candles, having the fire on and bringing blankets down to cuddle on the sofa with. It was Tom's birthday yesterday so we went on a little adventure and out for our tea, and this weekend we're watching the big Preston football game and then going out for drinks afterwards. Hope you all have a frightening yet amazing Halloween!

Thanks for reading, friends. Come on then – what are your goals for November? Leave a comment and let me know!