Becca Marriner

In the year 2026, I’ve decided that I want to be a hot girl – but like, a lazy hot girl. Dedicated and put-together with clear skin but in an effortless kind of way. The least amount of effort for maximum results would be ideal. Because as much as I want to overhaul my life into Edinburgh’s newest, ‘it girl,’ I don’t have the time or the energy if I want to keep my sanity intact. In the prequel to this post, we reminisced on all the sun we had in 2025 and I hope 2026 is at least half as nice.

Long-time readers will be familiar with the grace period I tend to give myself around this time. I consider the first six weeks of the year as a trial run for what lies ahead, with the real work beginning around my birthday on the 13th of February. During this taster session, I’ll try to suss 2026 out and plan my goals based on what I think could actually be achievable. Some teenagers did try to batter me on Princes Street last week so the outlook is perhaps a little bleak. However, with renewed optimism, I’ve deemed it a freak accident and decided that is not the precedent for the next 10-12 months.

I’m single-handedly attempting to keep the, ‘ins and outs’ trend from a couple of years ago alive because I enjoy the less serious take on New Year’s resolutions. I know what you’re thinking and the answer is no, I am not currently planning on taking three trips to Paris this year. But, if any of my friends start to hint at taking a girls’ holiday, you’ll have me at Charles de Gaulle airport before you can say Bon Voyage!

About two months ago I created a proper skincare routine for myself and have done it close to every morning and evening since then. I’ll admit, some nights I hit the pillow immediately after brushing my teeth. I’ve dealt with acne since my early teens and was hoping by the time I hit my mid-twenties it wouldn’t be so noticeable on my face, yet here we are. I know having a skincare routine is pretty standard for a lot of women my age and it took me a while to catch up. But considering how early I get up for work (which is arguably a lot later than it used to be), it took a while to carve out that time for myself. You’ll notice that’s a running theme in my life.

This has shown me that I can start a new habit and actually stick with it for longer than two days. I’m hoping by tweaking small things as I go, I’ll slowly improve my life with a more evident transformation over time. I’ve used a physical diary since 2020 and receive a new one from Papier every Christmas, their layouts are my fave. For each month, there’s a section to fill in with new habits you aim to start and it’s helping me keep track. Maybe one day, I’ll have an everyday stretching routine under my belt but I imagine I’m at least six months away from that.

Not only will I choose the same diary format every year, but I’ll rewatch TV shows and films over and over again. If my shoes are beyond mending, I’ll often repurchase the same pair because they’re now a staple in my wardrobe. Whilst I am open to trying new things, it’s safe to say that I know what I like. However, each year I do like to watch a new (to me) TV series to help inspire me and make any long-term goals feel more attainable. I promise I do plan a bit further ahead than my ‘ins and outs’ would imply. After I watched the Devil Wears Prada and Confessions of a Shopaholic this week, Ugly Betty seemed like the right fit for 2026. I only know it’s about a girl following her fashion publication dreams so I’m hoping it’s a pick in the right direction. When I start blogging about clothes incessantly, you can thank America Ferrera – hi Barbie!

This is not to say I’m abandoning my actual career any time soon. Things are running smoothly as a cafe manager and with exciting changes on the horizon, this will be the year that I take my coffee snobbery to new heights. I’ve competed in casual latte art throwdowns previously but with a Pegasus almost under my belt, I”m looking towards even bigger challenges.

Whimsical ins and outs aside, there is one thing I’d like to do in 2026 that tops all other resolutions. My partner and I are looking to become homeowners and buy our first flat this year! That being said, we were recently outbid for a property that we absolutely loved and I’ve subsequently lost a bit of faith in the whole idea. Everything is so expensive and knowing people are willing to pay tens of thousands of pounds more for somewhere is a smidge disheartening. Please send kind wishes to my entire life savings as I’ll surely miss them this time next year.

If all goes according to plan, I’ll be interviewed for Skinny and Quine magazines, have glowing skin and be building my dream walk-in wardrobe by the end of 2026. I’ll post Instagram stories as they happen, not three days later and bring sunshine to the whole of Edinburgh. Seems pretty attainable to me! Who knew that introducing a new face wash and a 5-minute tidy at the end of the day would be so revolutionary!

Becca x