I never stick to new year's resolutions, so this year I decided not to make any.

I do like a challenge though, so I decided that, as it's such an important year for Scotland with the Homecoming, Commonwealth Games and the Referendum, I would celebrate this by doing, wearing, visiting, eating or drinking something Scottish every day during 2014. I am already enjoying finding new things and new places in my neighbourhood in the Merchant City, and I am looking forward to venturing out and discovering more of what Scotland has to offer.

I started off the year and the first day of the challenge by wearing a vintage tartan dress when celebrating with my family. They were really enthusiastic when I told them about my plan and they came up with lots of suggestions of their own, though some of them, such as getting a saltire tattoo I might not take on board!

I embraced Burns day by having four days linked to the man himself, including eating haggis crisps, visiting the statue in George Square, taking part in an online Burns quiz (I got full points!) and of course having a Burns Supper, a dram of whisky and some Scottish berry wine.

My favourite day of January was going to a gig that was part of the Celtic Connections Festival; it's become an annual tradition with my fiancé, my sisters and their husbands. The band Trampled by Turtles were great and we came up with lots more ideas for Scottish things I can do throughout the year over a few beers.

One of the Scottish things I had not planned for was a visit to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, due to trapping my thumb in a gate.

Some of the more pleasurable experiences have included eating shortbread, sampling Scottish craft beers, and visiting the Fish People Café at Shields Road for the first time (and definitely not the last time).

Overall I had a great first month and so far I have stuck to this better than any other resolutions I have made before, and I am looking forward to what February will bring.