2018 Goals Recap

Well, here we are again.  2019 is 3 months in, and I'm just recapping my 2018 goals now.  I guess it's a slight improvement on last year, where I didn't get around to documenting until June - halfway through the year!

Here were my goals and how I did...

1. start journaling again 

I started journaling, but not super frequently, however a start is a start, amiright?

2. get outside as often as possible 

Yes, we have improved significantly on getting outside, regardless of weather (rain, shine, sun, and snow)

3. make cinnamon bread (my daughter has been asking to make this since we read this favorite book) 

I'm embarrassed to say we haven't done this yet...

4. paint my nails more often 

Yes, I do.  However, I often "forget" and write a note in my planner that says "paint nails tonight."  Is this a sign of getting old?

5. celebrate the little things 

YES!  With a few acquaintances getting some life changing news this year, I'm definitely striving to celebrate the little things and not sweat the small stuff

6. work out at least 3-4 days a week 

Yes and no. I have done better at exercising, some running, mostly cardio at home, but I find I do this in spurts.  A great stretch for 30 days and then I take time off, and then another 2 months, and then time off.  Need to improve on consistency

7. make smarter eating choices (avoid the sugar) 

Trying, not always succeeding.  Weekly meal planning and avoiding shopping while hungry certainly helps.

8. try and limit checking my email/social media to time before my kids are awake / rest time / after bedtime (i.e. avoid being on my phone in front of my kids) 

Yes, I implemented the new screen time limits on iPhone on my phone, so I get warnings when I'm approaching my daily time limit and have to ask for permission to extend the deadline. 

9. cut myself some slack (underlined three times)

I try...always a work in progress.

10. get a new instagram account for the blog up and running

Yes, come follow along over at @our_lovely_little_life

11. read 70 books (my current goal on Goodreads)

You guys...I was soooo close!  68/70 for 2018.  Which, if I do say myself is pretty damn good.  That's more than 1 book per week.  Favorites included A Place for Us, Educated, This is How It Always Is, and Where the Crawdads Sing.

12. save $--- for my destination travel fund, always inspired by this blog

We have saved, would like to save more...

13. grow my Beautycounter business

Yes, I had a very productive last few months of 2018.

14. make montage videos for my kids' birthdays

Still working on it.  

15. try more savory (international) options for breakfast (getting sick of boring ol' granola over here)

We do a lot of sausage + hash browns; yogurt, granola, and honey, and baked oatmeal these day, so widening our palette, though most days they prefer Rice Krispies (go figure)

16. make pita bread from scratch for this favorite dinner which we always have in rotation 

I didn't make pita bread, but I did make a flat bread for a lamb flatbread recipe in Tasting Paris, I'll call that a win.

17. sub a few times this year (getting back in the swing of teaching, as I miss it so)

I did.  Admittedly only twice, but hey, better than nothing!  My hat is back in the ring!

18. enjoy every little moment. stop. look. listen. breathe.

Yes.  Always working on this one.  

Stay tuned for 2019 goals, coming soon!

2018 Goals

Well this is embarrassing... I realize it's a bit absurd to be posting my goals for 2018 at the HALFWAY POINT OF THE YEAR, but...oh well!  I'm doing it.  No shame here!  Goals are goals, amiright?  (Anyone with me? Anyone?)  Let's just pretend that instead of gathering dust in my blog queue for the better part of the past six months, it went live in January, but we're just reading it on a delay.  Besides, I like to have goals documented to look back on anyways, so better late than never!

This year, inspired by 18 for 2018 the goal setting mode of operation by Gretchen Rubin and Elizabeth Kraft of the podcast, Happier, I've tried to come up with many short and sweet goals (namely 18) as opposed to few lofty goals as I think that will be easier to manage and attain in this season of life.

1. start journaling again

2. get outside as often as possible

3. make cinnamon bread (my daughter has been asking to make this since we read this favorite book)

4. paint my nails more often

5. celebrate the little things

6. work out at least 3-4 days a week

7. make smarter eating choices (avoid the sugar)

8. try and limit checking my email/social media to time before my kids are awake / rest time / after bedtime (i.e. avoid being on my phone in front of my kids)

9. cut myself some slack (underlined three times)

10. get a new instagram account for the blog up and running

11. read 70 books (my current goal on Goodreads)

12. save $--- for my destination travel fund, always inspired by this blog

13. grow my Beautycounter business

14. make montage videos for my kids' birthdays

15. try more savory (international) options for breakfast (getting sick of boring ol' granola over here)

16. make pita bread from scratch for this favorite dinner which we always have in rotation 

17. sub a few times this year (getting back in the swing of teaching, as I miss it so)

18. enjoy every little moment. stop. look. listen. breathe.

Alright, I did it!  It's out there!  Phew... Honestly, I'm pretty proud of myself that I got this up in June and not July.  It's the little things people.

image/bloom

2017 Goals Recap

Well, we're already about 1/4 of the way through 2018, it's about time I cobble together some goals for the current year, don't you think?  In the meantime, here's a recap of my 2017.  

+ throw kindness around like confetti
I think this went fairly well.  It is very easy to become consumed or absorbed in our little worlds, ignoring those around us that we interact with but do not inhabit our regular orbits.  I tried to go out of my way to make small talk with strangers, offering more than just a smile, and continuing the conversation were it fruitful.  I also tried to acknowledge and thank service people with more genuine thanks than I have before.  Going out to eat with two young kids is not always a cake walk, but when servers take the time to offer extra crayons or water with a straw and lid, it means a lot. On the whole, I feel like I achieved this goal.

+ try new things
Well, we did attend a symphony this year, which was positively lovely!  Plus, it's an annual benefit function, so we plan to make it an annual thing, and I'm glad we made that initial leap.  In terms of experiences, I tried more adventurous outings with my kids, ditching the stroller and being spontaneous, subscribing less and less to the rigidity of routines like nap time, which has allowed us some spur of the moment adventures.  

+ build an exercise habit 
Um...yeah, this not so much.  I tried, and I have been exercising, though I'm still far from calling it a "habit."

+ give back
I ended up giving back in unexpected ways.  I'm on the board of a local moms group and this year I was the philanthropy chair.  I helped organize an adopt-a-family at Christmas and we sponsored a student at one of our local elementary schools for the 2017-2018 school year.  Our club provided this student with a large donation of items each season (short sleeves for spring, winter coats for winter, you get the idea).  Also did a marble jar with my kids which we call "Kindness Marbles."  When they are caught being kind, a marble goes in the jar.  Upon filling the jar, we counted the marbles and assigned each marble the value of a dime.  Instead of spending this money, we talked about selecting organizations where we could put our kindness back into the world.  I had my kids pick who they wanted to give back to since collecting the kindness marbles had been their effort.  They selected "building houses for people" and "babies," which led us to give back to Habitat for Humanity and March of Dimes. 

+ bake something every week
Ha...also didn't happen.  I had some unexpected health things emerge this year, including gallbladder removal surgery.  This and some dietary changes made baking low on the priority list.

+ put away my phone
Yes, I think I've done better this year, but there is always room to improve in this area.

2018 goals coming soon...

                        Past goals for 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

2017 Goals

Well, now that we're knee deep into February, figured I might as well get around to etching my goals for the year in stone.  This is one of my favorite annual traditions, writing these down, and perhaps even more fun, looking back on past goals and reflections.  I find they are a reliable glimpse into a year, what happened, a memory of the landscape and climate of my life at the time, whether punctuated by a full-time job, a new baby, or occasionally both...

For 2017, I'm trying to switch it up and focus on a few new things.  So here goes..

+ throw kindness around like confetti
I recently discovered a postcard in my card box which read "throw kindness around like confetti" in beautiful gold letters.  I remember thinking to myself, now that's a good motto.  Though I typically aim to be friendly and polite, I don't typically set that intention for the day.  Be kind.  Exhibit grace. Exude kindness.  Whether it's taking the time to say 'thank you' or 'that was meaningful to me' to a friend or family member, to smiling at strangers, to looking for opportunities to bring kindness into someone else's day - I'm committing to doing a better job at depositing more kindness back into the world.

+ try new things
It's easy to fall into a familiar rut, especially when exhaustion sets in at the end of a long day.  I'm no different than the majority, it's very easy and convenient to collapse into the couch, remote in hand and defer to netflix.  However, this year, I'd like to try a few new things.  First, I want to attend a symphony and/or opera.  These are two experiences I've never tried, but have often wondered about and mused that I might enjoy.

+ build an exercise habit 
Now that my children have been sleeping through the night for a while now, it's really high time I resume an exercise routine.  I often set my alarm with fierce intention, willing my future self to jump out of bed upon its blaring and take to the pavement.  Yet, the reality of this is it is frequently upstaged by the snooze button.  Sleep is JUST. SO. GOOD.  I recently heard this quote which really resonated with me, "thoughts lead on to purposes, purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny," by Tyron Edwards.  This is so true, and I want to apply it to many areas of my life, including exercise.  Making the commitment to better oneself can really make a world of difference.

+ give back
Not exactly sure how give back will materialize this year, but I want to feel like I'm contributing to the community.  I always felt I was fulfilling this as a teacher, helping to mold and enrich young minds, and I'm sure I'm doing this with my kids, but I want to try and extend that a step further.  Whether it be posting phone numbers for representatives for friends and family to see, call, and advocate for political issues, or volunteering more locally in my city and surrounding community, or donating money to causes I find worthy, I want to give back more in 2017.

+ bake something every week
We've thankfully gotten the hang of meal planning for the week, which has led to a fuller (and emptier) fridge, a healthier diet, and significantly less waste.  Now that I've mastered pie crust, I'm trying to resume my plan to make homemade bread a no-brainer part of my repertoire.  R and I enjoy baking together and would like this to become a weekly habit instead of a random Tuesday kind of thing.  Whether this is a simple quiche, white bread, or a fancier something like scones or a pie, I'm hopeful that this goal will stick.  A few recipes I've pinned that are eagerly awaiting creation and consumption include chocolate babka, braided cardamom bread, blood orange coffee cake...I could go on.

+ put away my phone
Recharge without the aid of a power adapter. Enough said.

Past goals for 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

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2016 Goals Recap

Here were my goals for 2016.  Here's how I did...

+ upgrading our guest bathroom
Well, started this upgrade.  Accomplished tasks: painted cabinets. Painted walls. Removed paneling and old fixtures.  Refreshed with new rug and shower curtain. Unaccomplished tasks: Upgrading countertops and backsplash.  Some progress, but would've loved to have finished the job.

+ be healthier
I feel like this one is a victory.  I've cut out a lot of sugar in my daily life, including but not limited to switching from flavored yogurts to plain whole milk yogurt, making homemade pasta sauce (instead of buying jarred), making homemade soups.  We no longer buy gallons of ice cream and instead treat ourselves to air popped popcorn with coconut oil and salt or a few squares of dark chocolate and a glass of red wine after dinner.  I haven't given up everything processed, but I feel like as a whole my family is eating much less sugar, sodium, and more veggies and greens than ever before.  Yay!

+ fasting
Well...I thought about it.  I've decided to make some hard and fast rules about drive-thru coffee and social media for myself for 2017.  Stay tuned...

+ focus on gratitude
I began the 5 minute journal in late 2015 and love the concept, but I needed something quicker and more concise.  Instead I bought a blank notebook and write down one thing I'm thankful for every night.  Often times it's the obvious; my kids, my health, my husband, friends, etc. but sometimes it's random things like "AAA" which also is fun to reread, giving me some context of that day in my life. Focusing on the good upon going to sleep up adds a sense of purpose, closure and reminds me to focus on what's really important day to day.

How did you do on your resolutions/goals for 2016?

Past goals for 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

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Happy 8th Birthday Blog

Happy belated birthday little blog.  It's hard to believe you are 8 years old (on January 7th).  I've loved having this space to write, to exhale, and to just be.  I know my followers have declined over the years as my posts have become more infrequent, but if you're still here reading this, thank you for sticking around and following this journey with me.

image/bloom

Goals for 2016

Following my tradition of years past, I don't really like to make resolutions per say, as I dislike the guilt that comes with not living up to the resolution.  Rather, I like to make new goals.  While January 1st really is just an arbitrary date, I do like the newness of a new year, marking the opportunity to set new goals, seek new ambitions, and pursue all that 2016 has to offer.  Plus I feel that posting my goals in a public space - like a blog - helps hold me accountable to follow through.

Here are my goals for 2016

+ upgrading our guest bathroom
This is my big project for the year which involves painting bathroom cabinets, removing and installing a new countertop, laying and grouting a backsplash, and painting the walls.  I'm pretty psyched about the DIY aspect and hopeful that I can do this by myself (with some help from the men in my life), but I really want to try and do most of it solo - just to say I can.  Last weekend, I took one of the free classes offered at Home Depot on installing a backsplash, so I'm feeling pumped about kicking this project into gear!

+ be healthier
I'm not aiming to diet, more aiming to avoid some of my weaknesses.  I didn't crave much sugar until the end of my second pregnancy, but once he was born, all of my sugar cravings came back with a vengeance.  I'm trying to become more aware of my daily sugar intake in things you wouldn't assume are packed with sugar (yogurt, granola, etc.).  I'm also striving to eat more greens, vegetables, and wholesome snacks as opposed to reaching for the cookies, ice cream, and sweets when a late night craving strikes.

+ fasting
Not fasting with food, more with habits. Last year I gave up social media for Lent, which was a great exercise in seeing how much I even refreshed my instagram account.  I want to try a few of these this year.  Things I'm considering doing fasts for: buying lattes, social media, dairy...any other ideas?

+ focus on gratitude
I bought the 5 minute journal in late 2015 and love how after completing it every morning, my day is framed in happiness, gratitude, and positivity.  Focusing on the good upon waking up adds a sense of purpose, energy and inspiration to the day.  I'm finding it so important to be grateful for all the things in my life, rather than get swept up in the minutia.  My goal is to do this as often as possible - if not everyday - as well as keep up my mom's one line a day journal daily.

What are your goals/resolutions for 2016?

Past goals for 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

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2015 Goals Recap

Following my blog traditions (7 years running!), here is my recap on achieving my 2015 goals...

+ worry less

Hmm...Well I tried.  I don't think I'll ever truly be able to share the worrier in me, but I think I've done a better job at letting go, stepping back, and taking a deep breath when things are beyond my control.  I still worry about lots of things, but I think I'm getting better at being present, enjoying the moment, and letting today be today, and leaving some of that worry behind.

+ read more books

This is true, while I haven't polished off any complete bookshelves, I definitely read more than my paltry 2 books in 2014.  This has spiked significantly since I discovered you can check out ebooks on your kindle!  WHAT!?  How did I not know this before?

+ get outside

We definitely took advantage of our gorgeous summer weather and got outside almost everyday.  We haven't been outside all that much with a newborn these past few weeks - but I think that's excusable, right? 

+ try and shop/spend locally

Um...not so much.  I'm a sucker for Amazon Prime and the convenience of a drive-through (especially with two kids in tow), however, I'm debating doing Starbucks-free in 2016.  If I tally up the amount of money I fork over to that company, it makes me cringe...  Thoughts? 

+ other random goals and ideas

…successfully make a poached egg - nope

…memorize a recipe for homemade pie crust -YES!  I did this and have made 9 pies from scratch

…wait to get to work to check email (i.e. not right when I wake up) - yes, definitely better

…make chocolate babka - not yet...

…drink more water - a definite improvement!

…finish my daughter's baby book - no but finished her 1st year in review video...

What are your goals or resolutions for 2016?

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Past goals for 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

Goals for 2015

Following my own traditions, I prefer to make goals for the new year instead of resolutions. 

+ worry less

I worry about everything.  I worry about my daughter, my husband, my parents, my friends.  I worry about illness.  I worry about my students.  I worry about the emails I get from their parents.  I worry about what could happen, did happen, or won't happen.  I've been told I worry more than the average person.  I am so sick of worry.  Time and time again I'm told "don't worry," and I wish it were that simple, that I could just flip a switch and my worries would vanish, or at least be dimmed and muted.  Hence, this my goal for 2015, do whatever I can to worry less.  I would say "don't worry," but I know that's inevitable.  Baby steps.

+ read more books

I used to read all the time. Then I became a mother and my reading quota declined significantly.  Which is expected of course, but I do truly enjoy reading and would like it to become a more frequent activity.  According to my goodreads account, I only read 2 books in 2014.  Gasp!  That is peanuts for me.  The moral of that story is read more in 2015.

+ get outside

With my darling now walking - more like running - I want to take advantage of our fair weather and get outside more often.  Whether that be a stroll around the neighborhood or a hike on a nearby trail, my goal for this year is to spend more time outside as a family than we did in 2014.

+ try and shop/spend locally

I feel like this is a buzz phrase right now, so bear with me.  And one might argue, well in Seattle, Starbucks and Amazon are local…right? But seriously, when I think about my year, I recall way too many frequencies in the drive-thru Starbucks line.  I'd like to change that.  This year, I'd like to strive to buy produce at Farmer's Market during the Spring/Summer months when the pickings are better.  Aim to try and buy coffee and snacks at local establishments rather than always relying on Starbucks to stifle my hunger or thirst with a quick fix.  

+ other random goals and ideas

…successfully make a poached egg

…memorize a recipe for homemade pie crust

…wait to get to work to check email (i.e. not right when I wake up)

…make chocolate babka

…drink more water

…finish baby book 

What are your goals or resolutions for 2015?

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Past goals for 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

2014 Goals Recap

2014 went by in a blur…My daughter started the year at just 4 months of age, and is now just on the cusp of her 16 month birthday.  In this short expanse of time, she's changed and flourished before our eyes.  Milestone after milestone of laughter, babbling chatter, and messy hair-in-your-face smiles later, here we are at the dawn of a new calendar year.

These were my goals for 2014, here's my own critical review of how I did…

+ Maintain balance

I feel like this will be a goal of mine for the rest of my life, as I think it merits a weekly, if not daily reminder.  Balance is essential, and to "have it all," balance is everything.  Ultimately, I think I've done a pretty good job at balancing my home life, my work, my time with my husband, family, and friends.  Heading back to work in January was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.  I had a bit of a mini-emotional breakdown in the few days before I was slated to return to teaching.   And now, 12 months later, after the start of a new school year, I pride myself on the balance I have established between work and home, being a mother and a 1st grade teacher, because in all honesty, it definitely did not occur overnight.  I think, what I've most importantly learned is that everything in life ebbs and flows, there are times when the schedule is brimming with obligations, when a million little loose ends need tying up, but there are also times of lulling calm. I invest my time much differently now than I ever did prior to life as a parent.  My time is more valuable than it's ever been, but I recognize this now in a way that I couldn't have understood in my previous life.  

+ Explore and discover

We venture to a few destinations in 2014: Bozeman, Montana; Ojai, California; Los Angeles, California; and Kona, Hawaii - all with a baby.  However, what I truly meant by this goal was to see life through my daughter's eyes, and I think we did our very best at that, putting down the camera to enjoy the moment of discovery in actuality.  I want to be able to say I lived my life in the present, not just through a snippet of film I witnessed live behind a screen.

+ Meal Planning

Yes!  Hoo-rah!  I even posted about it here.

+ Be active

Well this goal I admit, I wasn't the best at achieving.  Returning to work full time, with a baby - now toddler - is exhausting, especially when my full time job is corralling, listening to, and teaching 26 eager, curious, and exuberant first graders.  That and a bout of the flu, followed by pneumonia in late October which sidelined me from any activity for a month didn't help.  But now I'm just making excuses.  This will be a goal for 2015, you can bet on it…

+ Unplug, write letters, call friends

I tried on this one. I wish I could say "I tried my best," but frankly, that isn't true.  It is hard to unplug.  While I'd prefer reading blogs to social media such as Twitter or Facebook, I have a strange attraction to instagram, I truly enjoy viewing photos of friends near and far.  As much as I've tried to limit my own "screen time," until after my daughter goes to bed, it is a challenge, and I need to remind myself to unplug often.  Not helping in this department, my work email syncs on my phone, which frequently has me reading a message from a parent, student, or colleague after hours more than I'd like.  However, with written correspondence, I think I have upped my ante, especially with my sister moving to Spain for the year, I have even more reason to write letters.  I've made a conscious effort to send photos and cards to my in-laws and my husband's family in Michigan, updating them with visuals of our daughter's growth. 

So…all in all, not too bad.  What are your goals for 2015?

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6 Years of Blogging

This blog is 6 years old today.  SIX!  Where has the time gone?!  While my posting frequency has lagged in the last year(s), I still love blogging and hope to continue it indefinitely, even if my posts do become fewer and far between.  Blogging for me began as a hobby, a creative outlet to write, share, ask, and express.  But this blog has evolved into so much more for me, and become a time capsule, preserving moments of my life in time.  Now look back on and reread snippets of my thought process from the most important moments from my life with nostalgia...meeting my husband, falling in love, getting married, my pregnancy...it's a gift to read these feelings preserved in time.  

Here's to 6 more years of blogging...and BEYOND!

image/etellstales

Goals for 2014

+ Maintain balance

As I prepare to return to work after four months of maternity leave, what I'm most anxious about is balance.  In the coming year I want to strive to maintain a balance as best I can; loving up my little girl, continuing to date my husband, carve out time to laugh with my friends and family, work hard in my job, and make time for myself.  All of these things are important, and I know it will take some time to learn how to juggle everything successfully.

+ Explore and discover

I am constantly amazed and awed as I see my daughter soak up the world around her. Seeing the world through her bright eyes, everything is fresh, wonderous  and gloriously new and interesting.  I want to adopt this way of thinking for myself as well.  2014 is our year to see everything anew; the waterfall at the park, the crackling leaves of a tree, the frost in the window.  I want to see and do more, and delight in seeing familiar people, places, and things through her eyes.

+ Meal planning

Going hand in hand with juggling, my husband and I are attempting a new method of meal planning to streamline our food budget, fridge stock, and overall sanity, inspired by this post.  I'm excited for this new approach, and committed to making it a success...I'll keep you posted! 

+ Be active

With two bridesmaid stints ahead in 2014, I gotta get my butt back in gear and start the year off right!  Whether that be a good old fashioned run outside or a stroller walk on a clear day, I'm looking forward to getting my body back to pre-baby shape.

+ Unplug, write letters, call friends

There used to be a handful of friends I'd frequently chat on the phone with, and lately that number has dwindled.  While we still keep in touch via text or email, I miss the sound of a friend's laugh through the airwaves or the smile inspired by the sight of a friend's familiar handwriting on an envelope when picking up my mail.  While I've always been a card-sender for birthdays and such, this year I aspire to write more letters, call more friends, and unplug just a bit more.  When I look back at my life I want to remember being present in every moment.  Snapshots of me checking my phone, scrolling a feed, or perusing Facebook is not a memory I want to have of myself.  Here's to unplugging more in 2014.

What are your goals for the New Year?

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2013 Goals Recap

+ Blog more.

Well I can't say I really accomplished this since my posts per year has steadily decreased since I began blogging in 2008 (blogger fail!).  However, I have been a tad busier this year with our newest addition :)

+ Save more.

I can honestly say I have saved more (yay!).  I've made a conscious effort to transfer out funds from each paycheck into various accounts that are slowly growing. 

+ Take more pictures.

Absolutely!  Of course, having a baby is also a huge picture-taking motivator!

+ Eat out less and eat more vegetables.

Yes - while we do love our takeout, together my husband and I have made a more conscious effort to plan and cook dinner, and full intend to continue this with more commitment into 2014.  

+ Watch less TV.

Well, yes and no.  I definitely watched more TV during the last few months of my pregnancy; as I was more tired, uncomfortable, and less mobile.  However, since she has been born, I find myself watching MUCH less TV, it just isn't a priority anymore, and happily, I don't miss it at all.  We do still have a handful of shows that we watch on Hulu, but otherwise, our TV intake is significantly down. Huge victory!

+ Worry less.
Well... I think I did better, but I don't think I'll ever be able to "not worry," and that's just life. :)  

Stay tuned for goals/resolutions for 2014...

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Goals for 2013

Goals for 2013

+ Blog more.

I kind of found myself in the midst of a blogging slump toward the end of 2012.  I attribute much of that to my change in job and overall increase in busyness.  However, I'm writing down my intentions for the new year with the intent that my words will hold me accountable to be a more responsible blogger.

+ Save more.

My husband and I have consolidated our accounts and have a goal number in mind to save for 2013.   

+ Take more pictures.

Now that I'm armed with my new Nikon, there's is no excuse why I can't take more pictures.  I'm prepared to arrive camera in hand to snap and capture the life around me.  

+ Eat out less and eat more vegetables.

I mean this is relation to take-out.  My husband and I fall into a once-a-week (at least) take out routine, whether that be carry out pizza, pad thai, or pho.  This is a habit we're hoping to break this year and replace with more vegetables and leafy greens...  Wish us luck!

+ Watch less TV.

Another lazy habit that's so easy to fall into.  Work a long day, crash on the couch, and lazily turn on the TV...  The goal is to cut back on the nightly TV regiment and substitute it with other projects, sports, and activities.

+ Worry less.
Anyone who knows me well knows I am a worry-wort.  It's hard for me to turn off my brain to unwind, relax, destress, and I'm hoping this year to make a conscious effort to try and change that.  Not sure exactly how as of yet, but that's my goal.

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2012 Year in Review

It seems the older I get, the faster the years fly by.  Cliche, perhaps, but certainly true.  I turn 30 this month.  3-0...yikes!  I keep thinking, have I accomplished everything I wanted to do in my twenties?  Ultimately, ruminating on the past goals, finished or unfinished doesn't seem to help anyone, so here's to looking ahead!  

My 2012 goals, here's how I did...

+ Drink more water

YES!  I can easily say I did this, I even uploaded a "drink more water app" on my phone for a brief time period (seriously).

+ Travel somewhere new

* Montana in February

* Ireland in June

*Kauai in December 

+ Do a better job at separating work and home

*Not sure if I will ever be able to do this completely, but I think I'm doing better...

+ Continue to try new recipes and bake consistently

Yes, here is some of my evidence!

+ Try and eat more locally, organically, and sustainably

* A work in progress, but in addition to eating better, I've made a conscious effort to use products without parabens, also a good step in the right direction

+ Only buy clothing I love and enjoy wearing (not simply because it's on sale)

*Yes, my wallet is very thankful for this :)

+ Try and do some of the projects I've pinned on pinterest

* DIY projects, not so much...

*Recipes, YES!  

+ Make soup on Sundays

* A few times; here's a few examples

+ Spend as much time as possible with family and friends

* Always trying to do more of this

I think overall I did pretty well!  Stay tuned for 2013 goals...

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