197. Dance at the front in Zumba

I'm a poor dancer but I felt like this resolution would be great at reminding myself I can do things that scare me. I'm not sure I'll be public speaking any time soon but dancing at the front really wasn't terrible. Sure I was really 'half' in the front so as not to bang into the woman to the left of me but really for me it was the FRONT.

 Although I don't think I've talked about it on here I suffer from anxiety but have been on some really good meds and talking therapy over the past year and a half. Anyway this challenge really shows me how far I've come. Two years ago dancing anywhere near the front would've resulted in a panic attack, but now it really feels great being able to finally see the teacher. Sorry this has gotten so long for something so small. I hope it inspires someone else to come out of their comfort zone (if you feel ready of course!)

186. Wall climb

I'm scared of heights, and yet for some reason this was not my first time wall climbing. I wanted to try it again, because despite the heights it's fun, and as I can tell by my sore arms and legs incredibly good for my body. Specifically I chose bouldering. It requires no knowledge of ropes and the shoes are rent-able in Lisbon. One tip would be to go with friends. The climbs require breaks in between and if they're more experienced it's a good chance to really work on your technique.

#113 Stick to a Skincare Regime

I still don't understand my skin. It's oily and prone to spots which leave marks on my face for months at a time. I know moisture is the KEY but I still struggle to understand whether it's my diet or the products. This month I've stuck to a skin regime and so far I'd say it's mediocre. By saying that I mean I notice a difference when I'm travelling and don't use the regime but otherwise most months my hormones get the better of me and destroy any progress.

So far it looks like this:

Daytime: I wash my face with Dr Bronner's Soap and put on Nuxe SPF 30 Sun.

Nighttime: I wash my face with NUXE Auabella (light exfoliant), spray with Tea Tree water by Lush, followed by the ordinary vitamin C suspension and NUXE creme fraiche de beaute (a moisturizer that combats pollution).

Now and Again: I'll use a retinol by the ordinary or a face mask from primark or Lush.

Next month my goal is to start oil cleansing with avocado oil. I think it'll be good for my combination skin.

One tip I will leave is that I've started using NUXE products since I've moved to Portugal. They're a french brand and they highlight sustainable and natural remedies for your skin. I use their sunscreen because it's ocean safe, and with their natural emphasis their cleanser is also not too abrasive. I definitely recommend checking them out.

189. Read 1 book for each month for 6 months

Good Morning Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton

This birthday I received a Willoughby's book club subscription for three months. If you don't know what that is, Willoughby's book club is a company that delivers books to your doorstep. They ask you what your favourite books are then they send you a book based on your preferences every month. It's great, and I know this not just from my subscription but from my Dad and sister as well.

For my first read I received good morning midnight. The book is based around two main characters who are based in two extremes of human existence, one at an arctic pole, the other on board a spaceship heading back towards earth.

189. Read 1 book for each month for 6 months

I'm subscribed to booksandquills on youtube and I find her recommendations to be pretty reliable when looking for enjoyable books. This time I was drawn to her description of Circe; a feminist retelling of the Greek goddess who finds her story entwined with that of magic and Odysseus. I really loved this book, I'd probably go as far as saying it's my book of the year. The writing is very straightforward, but there are great little details throughout the epic story of objects, textures, sunlight and colours - simply the mundane, which make it slightly more magical, earthy and witchy - which I love.

If you know nothing about Greek mythology the book is also a great insight into many of stories from the canon.

I loved this book so much I'm now reading song of Achilles which I hope will be my next book of the month.

136. Go out in Portugal

To begin with, I'm not sure this would've been as achievable without housemates. My first month in Lisbon spent living alone I was able to go out but never out, out. I didn't know anyone my age and this was before dating, so my opportunities were limited. It could be said that even with housemates one might find themselves still without anyone to go out with but I was really lucky and chanced upon a group of people happy to show me around. I'm still no expert and I'm currently trying to work my way through conde naste's recommendations of bars, but I now have an inkling of what Bairro Alto and Cais de Sodre have to offer and for me that's pretty cool.

177. Cook a meal for my friends

Completing this challenge made me more sure about one fact; I'm a terrible cook, or rather limited. My plan was to cook an English meal for my Brazilian housemates and I achieved that, actually quite well. The final meal; bangers and mash with baked beans. The problem, however, is that really the meal was quite simple. Maybe too simple, but for a first attempt at dinner for friends I think that's probably key. If I'd attempted anything more difficult I might have completely marred their idea of English food. I think now the only problem is for them it all seems rather simple, but at least it's something.