July Goals

The first six months of 2017 have absolutely flown by. So much so, that I find it a little troubling. How can I let so much time slip by and have nothing to show for it, yet still feel so mentally drained? Before our vacation I felt so overwhelmed. I was working 12 hour days, to go home and change gears to my freelance work. I was so over being needed and pulled in so many directions, yet still felt like I was just running in circles.

Of course 19 days off will completely change that mentality. To the extent that I actually cried on the last night of our trip in the Canary Islands. Mainly because I was sad to leave my bestie and feared it might be another year before being with her in person. But also because this was the first time in a long time I was 100 percent in every moment and didn't have a care in the world. I wasn't making decisions (other than to drink wine or beer), I wasn't organizing, not a single person needed me to do anything (okay, maybe some chopping of vegetables here and there), I was carefree and happy and loving. All of the things I think I may have lost track of the last several months.

So, where does this leave me for July Goals. Well, in a few days I will put my last issue of Vow Bride to bed and my summer responsibilities will be completed. I'm going to sleep. A lot. Take naps and cuddle. I want to finish a couple books I started, get back in the kitchen and back to this blog. I'm also going to take a chill pill when it comes to work.

July, I'm loving you already.

June Goals

Me trying snorkeling (with my mom), in the ocean, in a two-piece. Normally a total no for me.

Even though the first part of June is done and gone - and I've already dealt with some pretty tremendous events so far - I'm looking forward to accomplishing my goals this second half.

My best friend is getting married and the trip we've been talking about, planning for and literally obsessing about for the past 14 months has arrived. The goal for this trip? Besides not making fool of myself while giving a speech (at what time?!) to 120+ people? Completely let go.

Let go of the stress and anxiety. Let the planner, the worry wart, and the spaz take the back seat (or the trunk) for this ride. Enjoy every scene, every conversation, the drinks, dinners, desserts and embrace this wonderful gift of a vacation that has been hand to me - and my family. Also, try lots and lots of new things - meat included! It's not that I don't adhere to this mantra on all vacations, but I think it's important to remind yourself of this often before and during a trip.

One last goal, Instagram the shit out of this vacation. It may be the best and biggest one for a while...

March Self Portrait

I'm participating in the March Meet the Maker Instagram challenge this month. It's my second year and only at seven days in, and I'm already feeling so inspired! Even though several of the prompts are the same as last year, I have pushed myself to think outside the box - and even plan ahead on lots of the themes. I'm really enjoying seeing all the so-talented makers out there and finding tons of new wonderful handmade goods that I can give as gifts in the future.

So, my goal for March is to complete the challenge (follow me here)! And to also set up a few new outlets or creative collaborations for Fairview Place. Maybe a class? Maybe some new perks on the shop... Let's see what the rest of March has in store for me!

December Self Portrait

While last month I gave a word that summed up my feels at the time, this month I am picking a word for all of 2017. I first heard about this project on this podcast. Ali Edwards began the tradition of choosing one little word to focus on, to live with, to investigate, to write about and so on. And I love this idea. I love making lists, setting goals and seeing progress - in all aspects of my life. So, I see this endeavor as an on-going target that can move with me throughout the year.

The first word that came to me was Positive. It's been so easy getting caught up with all the bad news of the world, and I've noticed how all that bad energy has affected my mindset. In the past couple months, Mike has had to remind me to "think positive" on several occasions...which is very concerning. So naturally, positive was the front runner. But, that word was just too cheesy for me. I needed a word that sounded happy. The word needs to help me to focus on the positives of the everyday, but be flexible enough to lend itself to many avenues in 2017.

Worthwhile.
Meaningful.
Mindful.
Encourage.
Aware.
Nurture.
Cultivate.

I still wasn't in love with any of them. Then, tonight, I decided to give another look at my words. And it came out of nowhere.

Bright.

giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining. giving an appearance of cheerful liveliness.

That sums it up perfectly. So, here's to a Bright 2017. Let's do this.

November Self Portrait

This morning I was listening to my new favorite podcast. This week's topic: the value of reflection and finding one word to describe 2016. My mind started to wander. Not so much for a word to explain all of 2016 because this year has been such a whirlwind, but a word that describes November. Maybe this would be a way to come to terms with this month, the spectrum of emotions experienced, the events that have occurred and the overall shock I feel.

Dumbfounded. Embarrassed. Discouraged. Deeply sadden. Words to relate my feelings for (and with) my country. For my friends and family. For a sweet little girl fighting for her life.

The ultimate word is Numb. November has been numbing in a capacity I haven't experienced in a very long time - or maybe ever. And to wrap the month up with a red bow, I was involved in my first-ever car accident on the way to work. Everyone involved was okay, however, my car is not.

We have to look backward in order to move forward with any real clarity. I suppose I am still in the process of looking backward because at this time I just can't find any clarity.

October Self Portrait

For the last month I've been on what some call a "health kick." I've been waking up about a half hour earlier and going to the gym or working out from home, about five to seven days a week. I've been shopping weekly for fresh ingredients for my lunches and prepping them on Sundays (mostly variations of high protein salads with a pretty tasty homemade dressing, so nothing fancy). I'm drinking water - and I don't mean "more" water...I used to have about eight ounces of water a day to now about 70! I also pretty much cut out beer because the way it was making me feel and added more protein to my diet.

Mind you, I'm typically a pretty healthy eater and was working out about one to three times a week. Some feel that a 5' 2" girl who weighs 106 pounds doesn't need to be on a "health kick." And really, it's not. I'm tired of feeling blah about my body. About my clothes not fitting the way I'd prefer. I was tired of feeling like I was always making up for my terrible weekend bad eating and drinking habits.

But I feel like I have to explain all of this. Like there has to be some deeper reason or issue causing my shift in attitude and daily routine. There are a few personal reasons, all of which relate to me doing this for me.

As a 31 year old woman who may (or may not be) getting pregnant in the next year or so, I want to be in great shape so I can support a growing a baby. And bounce back to a healthy body.

My grandmother had, and now my mom is dealing with severe osteoporosis. Earlier this year my mom had to undergo hip surgery because of a fracture. Why not do anything in my power to make my body stronger to possibly prevent or defend against such diseases?

I've been listening to my body and doing what feels good! I'm feeling stronger, I'm feeling better about how I fit in my clothes. I'm also feeling pretty proud of waking up at damn 5:30 so many days a week and sticking to this! So I'm going to keep soaking up this motivation while I can and see where it takes me.

Aunt Eileen

I've been lucky enough to have been surrounded by strong women my whole life. I know I have mentioned this through several blogs before, but when I was younger I wasn't sure I really realized it. Probably because those women were protecting me from what exactly they needed to be determined of....

Regardless, my Aunt Eileen was definitely one of those women. She is the only living sister of my grandfather (the only living Great relative I have left) and is a mere 95 years old. After a very unpleasant first marriage my Aunt and her friend packed up a convertible and headed out west. Santa Monica is stopped, renting an apartment and securing a job at Santa Monica High School as an Art Teacher. It was there she met the real love of her life, Tom. They bought a remodeled a house just eight blocks from the Pacific Ocean. They traveled the world together, as apparent through her home's decor - and photography she took that adorns several walls and photo albums (she was a photographer for the US Navy's WAVES).

It wasn't until I was in high school that my relationship with her had started to blossom. When she heard of my interest in journalism and photography, she insisted I come live with her and work for the L.A. Times. Because in her mind I was just that good to land a job working at one of the best newspapers in the country. She would send me sections of the newspapers, or clippings of their photo stories. She would help a little each semester with $50 check to put toward books and cards of inspiration.

I didn't make my first visit to her house until 2009, but I've been incredibly fortunate to experience her spark, her stories, her love of life and generous hospitality several times since. She is remarkable in so many ways. Some days she recognizes who we are, but others we're just a pretty face that she'll constantly remind you of over and over. Either way, she hasn't lost that flair and quick wit that has always made her Aunt Eileen.

July Self Portrait

There was a birthday card my sister sent me more than a decade ago. On it was a photograph she had taken from one of her excursions out west, with these adorable yet bizarre-looking seals. The message inside said:

Have a wonderful day of your celebration of birth in your 19th year! Leave all your worries behind and eat lots of pie, but do not set any fires! ... Do not fret any longer, fretting only uses up time and produces only doubt. That is unproductive, and you are the most productive person I know. I want you to know that you are the sweetest, most beautiful person in my life. You've kept me going ofr 19 years! Keep confident and stay honest to yourself and you will always be brilliant, I can promise you that.

Obviously, my sister is pretty awesome. And of course the photo and message stuck with me. I immediately added Elephant Seal Rookery and Big Sur to my Bucket List and tucked the card away.

Now, twelve years later, I am checking those boxes and realizing the card couldn't be more true. For starters, we ran into an impressive forest fire that shut down several of the hikes and view points. I was, of course, bummed as the overlooks were covered with a dusty-orange plum of smoke and the entrance path to infamous McWay Waterfall was draped in closed caution tape.

But what could we do? Not fret. We powered through the thick haze and made our way to a gorgeous hike in Lime Kiln where we met several larger-than-life Redwood trees. We took in these eerie, once-in-a-lifetime views of the Pacific Coast Highway sprinkled with firefighters. Mike confidently drove us up, down and around, pausing at every chance to get just one more photo. And yes, we finally met our Elephant Seals, just like the ones on my sister's card.

The whole trip was nothing short of brilliant. We didn't over plan or exhaust ourselves trying to see every site. We embraced every moment, even the ones in a gum-filled alley.

June Self Portrait

It was brought to my attention almost 10 years ago that I assume a lot of guilt for no reason. It took me a little by surprise at the time, but after giving a bit of thought I actually agreed. 200 percent. But what could I do? It was an emotion that I did not know its origination or how to curve.

Over the years, the level of guilt on certain topics ebbed and flowed. I have managed to get over the guilt of saying no to work projects or plans, I don't feel bad for indulging in myself, for not checking emails on the weekends (occasionally) or responding to texts immediately. Others - leaving home, leaving family and things undone, not keeping in touch with people I've known for more than half my life (and longer) - are harder to swallow. Some days I have an overwhelmingly amount of guilt for overcommitting, not doing or knowing enough, or even for feeling tired and going to bed early.

I'm not sure how I made those strides exactly. Maybe I made myself too busy to embrace that feeling. Maybe my overactive conscience took the backseat to enjoy this new no-second guessing, less self-critical person and found it wasn't so bad. I know my confidence has grown immensely, so perhaps I was just growing out of it. On a recent trip home I was sorely reminded of that nagging sensation by someone I should really care less about. But why? For what reason?

I heard some good advice recently. Do something small consistently. Be 100 percent when you're being something - or someone - you believe is good. And that is enough.

May Self Portrait

I must have gone on hundreds of road trips in my life. New cities, girls weekend, camping trips, bus excursions, train rides...I'm fortunate the list goes on. As for preparing for any getaway I look forward to lots of sleep, good meals (both homemade and going out), tasty beverages, new memories with friends and a time of relaxation.

This weekend was no different. We packed up the car and headed to Beech Mountain to see our friends' new house. They brought their kids and Grandma, which to some of you that probably doesn't seem like a getaway...but these are the sort of kids that make the thought of having a few not so bad. Plus, Grandma loves babysitting so it's really a win-win.

Anyway, we filled each day to the brim. Magnificent views, sunbathing, soaks in the hot tub, a campfire and s'mores, animal sightings, even my very first ski lift ride (to a mountain-top bar with 360-degree views)! The concerns of farm signage, deadlines and design drain melted away. By the time Monday morning rolled around I convinced myself we need our own Mountain House about 16 times.

All good things must end, eventually... With two hours left in the drive home my stomach started to get that twinge of anxiety. The week ahead's to-do list starts forming and quickly begins overflowing with items. I used to have this feeling quite frequently, but within the last year it's gotten less and less. Maybe it's because I started saying 'No' more often. Maybe it's because I've just realized everything gets done eventually and nothing is really that big of a deal. Or, maybe it's because we've had
the opportunity to do little escapes like this more often. Regardless the reason, I took a deep breath and drove full-speed home...the next experience awaits.

Self Portrait: February

There were a many highlights of February, but of course one stood out among the rest: Girls Weekend. Obviously vacations are needed every once in a while, but this one was needed for so many reasons. 

First and foremost, I needed a serious recharge. My day job has been exceedingly tough lately. That burnout feeling was starting to creep in, and once he makes his appearance it's hard to come back without a major change and/or reset. The warm California sun, fresh Pacific air, early nights to bed, walking, running and biking was enough to revive my mind and body to that happy place again. 

New insight. As a designer, creative, maker, doer, you’re a constant sponge of the world around you. I'm lucky enough to live in an energized art community, but a week in another area – with a BOOMING art scene at every corner creates a whole new inspired agenda.

It was amazing to another chance to visit with my Great Aunt Eileen, who has been an inspiration to me and my sister for so many years. From the time she spent as a Navy Wave (US Naval Woman's Reserve) to overcoming a harsh marriage, moving across country in her Buick Skylark convertible with a friend to becoming a successful artist and teacher, photographing Tyrone Powers and marrying the love of her life at 40 years old, this woman gave new meaning to courageous time and time again. On the cusp of her 96th birthday next month her mind wanders, but her one-liners and charisma still shine through. 

As every year passes, life fluctuates in its complexity. A time or specific matter seems so significant one year, but so very trivial the next. Having this time with your loved ones is what it’s all about. Build memories. Treasure your sister’s amazing city navigating and planning skills. Listen to stories. Encourage your Mom to ride a bike (but not in traffic). Act a little weird. Indulge your inner foodie. Do the things that bring you the utmost joy, because 96 will be here before we know it.

Self Portrait: January

I started this year off with an extremely positive attitude and overwhelming ambition for 'betterment.' Maybe it was the extra vacation days, or all the cold medicine. I realized I was not in that search for a deeper meaning of how to be a better me, but doing a few things better to make life simpler. I defined some goals for 2016 that 'bettered' some of my ongoing practices throughout 2015. The list wasn't long, or necessarily interesting or even tough, but looking at it now, it is important to me.

• Better organization when it comes to my freelance work. Especially tracking hours and billing clients (every small business's least favorite thing). 
• A better commitment to Fairview Place. Growing my felt flower following and spending time on this long lost blog I've regretfully abandoned.
• Better communication. Work emails to birthdays, just being responsive and responsible to remember the importance of everyone and their time.
• A better brand! Figuring out how Fairview Place fits into my growing freelance business. New logo, website and idea to the approach of a comprehensive design business.

Somehow I've ended up spending the whole month of January coordinating, prioritizing, researching and stalking social media for inspiration for my plan of attack. And what do I have to show for it? Lots of lists (of course). Lots of ideas, plans, fun projects, exciting freelance on the horizon, and rewarding blogs to come . . . including the return of my first Self Portrait of 2016 . . . days late. 'Betterment' first, 'timeliness' second.

August Self Portrait & A Special Thanks

At the beginning of June, John and I submitted a proposal for the City of Norfolk's first parklet program. Truthfully, I didn't really want to be tasked with building a parklet, but why would my juvenile proposal get picked anyway. Since it was one of three submitted, the Downtown Norfolk Council decided to go ahead with all three ideas, reimbursing half of what was purchased up to $2,500. Wait, what? My fantastic reading skills lead me to believe that all materials would be covered up to $2,500. So now we have to build a parklet and pay for it? How much will all of this actually cost? How are we psychically going to construct this thing? Who is this we? Where do we get "parklet materials"? How will we make sure it's ADA compliant, weather proof and withstand Norfolk in general? 

The answer to all these questions? Just ask Norfolk. John asked Drew Richards for some help gathering pallets, to which he brought us these massive 6'x8' pallets, making the perfect base. I called Sherwin Williams in Ghent asking for donations of paint, to which they handed over a trunk-full of colors. We asked Amanda Page Stephens to paint a 'forest floor mural', to which she gathered a team of tweens and spent four evenings in my basement perfecting. John was put in contact with Lancaster Farms, who donated four Willow trees and more than 40 plants. We got a gracious donation from Brother Rutter, discounts from local shops and strangers transporting murals across town. We put a call out on Facebook asking for plants, lumber, tools, paint supplies and volunteers, to which more than 30 people showed up for a seven-hour work day at The Plot and what would become the DisplacedForestNFK (i.e. parklet). The DNC went above and beyond to provide lunch, extra soil and gravel (which was crucial), but most importantly volunteered a staff member to keep the trees and plants watered everyday. And to top it all off, we got a visit from Senator Mark Warner before his appearance at The Parlor!

It was a magical day in the Arts District. And a fantastic day for Norfolk. The city is changing. The scene is expanding. People are learning. It takes time and lots of effort. But with each project, the community is growing braver to want to tackle green-spaces, murals, pop ups, zoning, regulations and the overall idea of a different Norfolk, a prettier, more artistic, more welcoming Norfolk. We are making the difference and it will continue to happen, and get easier, if we just ask.

See more photos here and a wonderful video here. 

Thanks to Amanda Page Stephens, Joe Hamm, Arthur Rutter III, Downtown 100, Downtown Norfolk, Marc Ramsey, Peter Johnston, Jameson Dungan, Josh Roenker, The Plant Outlet at Lancaster Farms, Christina Keeling, Jackson Doughty, Kelly Jackson, Jesse Scaccia Scott Roberts,Eggleston Garden Center, Zoey Apelt, Izzy Cass, Raven Campbell, Amy Nix, The Parlor On Granby, Quincy Brown, Mia Byrd, Noel Gramlich, Mary Elizabeth Miller, Carl Ellis Tarkenton Jr., Rebecca Haynes, Eva Larainne,Leon Guanzon, Honee Guanzon, Chris Holder, Avi Meier, Samantha Hines Meier, Eudaimonia Amoruso, Joshua Akiva Weinstein, Megan O'Reilly, Stephanie Richmond, Brian Malasics, Joe White, Matt Paddock, Lydia Hanssen & Kurt, Erin Cook, Najah Neely, Stacy Ortiz, Mike Hull, Jason Lynch, the DNC Clean/Street Team and everyone else who made this day so great!

For my 92 Days of Summer list, this satisfies: my last monthly self portrait (#37); my last freebie: build a parklet (#81); visit a museum - we just built an outdoor variety (#23); and collage - since this is a piece of art made by sticking various materials together (#59). 

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to read all about it and here to a see a gallery of pictures of everyone participating. 

July Self Portrait

July was a good month. It was good for the soul, for the heart and for clearing my mind.

I had some much-needed phone conversations with a good friend, who, for the first time in a long time seems so amazingly happy.

I took a day off from work to go hang out with my nephews. We played and ate lunch, changed diapers and even read stories.

I purged a lot of stuff I hadn't seen in years and was happy to give it a new home.

I spent an evening at The Plot with a buddy catching up and eating sandwiches. This making me believe more than ever in Norfolk and our growing Arts District.

We left our house for a trip to the farm for a weekend of fresh air, which was tremendously therapeutic.

I finally faced the fact that (neither of) my Grandma(s) would not be attending our wedding, and while it stung for a week, I finally found the inspiration in that repurposing one of their dresses would allow for both of them to still be with us that day.

I took pictures, I created, I cooked, I baked, I laid out in the sun. All of these little things that seem so everyday, I let myself take time with them. Take them in, enjoy them, and in return I feel more at peace.

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to read all about it and here to a see a gallery of pictures of everyone participating. 

June Self Portrait

It's amazing the amount of stuff we accumulate. We have been in our home just more than a year now and I am dumbfounded at how we've been able to fill pretty much every nook and cranny in our 1,400-square-foot condo. I'll admit, a lot of this stuff is mine. However, I do own a business that requires a lot of closet, drawer and/or room space. And I'm just a flat out pack rat. I take after my dad, what can I say? One thing I do not hoard is toiletries. It actually annoys me to have so many products, why do we need six bottles lotion? Why must we have two shoe boxes full of pills and empty pill bottles? Why do we own two cans of shaving cream when we don't even use it!? I found pills that expired in 2007 and the meds I purchased in Thailand (in 2011)! I've always had the mentality, "we have room, why not buy extra? or hang onto it for just a little longer." Not anymore! I pitched quite a few pounds of toiletries and I'm sticking to my mantra of only buying what we need and what works.

Let's see how the fiance deals with that.

#51: Organize closets, you're off the list!

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to read all about it and here to a see a gallery of pictures of everyone participating. 

May Self Portrait

Funny how one image can invoke so many feelings. Last month, Mike and I had our engagement photos taken. I should clarify. I asked my friend, and very talented photographer, Angela to snap a few pictures of us downtown for our Save the Date. In return she handed me 60 amazing images that completely made me feel all warm and fuzzy, and for many reasons. Obviously, I love them because they’re our engagement pictures…which means WE'RE GETTING MARRIED! (Still seems crazy.) I love that we both look so happy and calm and that you feel like you’re getting a little glimpse into those private moments only I’m lucky enough to have. I love the backdrop of Freemason because it has so much history for me and Mike…where we met, fell in love, shared our first apartment and created so many memories together and with friends. And that Angela carved out the perfect little nooks and crannies for us to “Just make out for a minute! Go ahead!” as Ang would say. And I love that I have made friends with such a fun, thoughtful and creative person, who happens to have a wonderful skill and eye as a photographer, and captured these special photographs for us. Here are just a few of my favorites that make me smile ear to ear. Please check out all of Angela's work here, she's just fabulous!

Self Portrait: April

As I've been diving more and more in the land of felt flowers, I've realized I might have found my calling. Now, let's be honest. The world is not in demand of a felt florist. By any means. And really, my calling is graphic design because I'm pretty good at it, and can actually make a living from it. But recently, I feel immense peace when I'm creating these little babies. Twice in the past week I've had conversations with people about how I should start meditating for various reasons (which I've tried, but honestly...me sitting still and being quiet?). But after another evening crafting away at these flowers, I think this may be the best form of reflection and relaxation for me. Or perhaps I just really enjoy playing with my growing collection of beautiful wool felt? Regardless of the reason, I'm pretty excited for my new-found hobby and hope it brings just as much joy to those receiving them as it does for me making them!

Thanks to Kristen at Kitsch for the pretty photo! It was taken during our Mother's Day Pop Up Shop in their Craft Studio.

Self Portrait: March

I will apologize now for the high school selfie shot that appears to be my self portrait this month. I will tell you, this was taken with my 35mm, on a tripod and shot several times! I couldn't help myself though, the sunlight in our foyer (which I'm in fact not a fan of the wall color) was just so pretty as I walked in from work tonight. It sort of had this glowing haze throughout the stairwell, which couldn't describe any better my life this past week.

As I'm sure some of you have heard, but for those who haven't, Mike asked me to marry him! We had the perfect picnic lunch in Williamsburg, followed by a on-one-knee proposal, accompanied with an ovation from the tourists and a surprise stay at a local B&B. And if that wasn't enough, the sweet boy had the ring made from a necklace I inherited from my Godfather, the same necklace my mother worn in her wedding.

The outpouring of congratulations, love, praise and joy came from every corner of the world. Hearing the stories of him debating ring styles and calling my dad the day before filled my heart with happiness. Finding out that Emily (my best friend of 18 years) had known for months, seeing the faces and hearing the squeals and screams of excitement left a smile on my face that will take years to fade. I have never been happier or felt so much love in all of my life. And all because a boy asked a girl to marry him. I hope this feeling lasts a lifetime. 

Self Portrait: February

I admit it. When I get involved in something, I can't just be involved. I have to consume myself with the subject. I have to obsess over it and tell my sister, my mom and Mike (in that order) about my plans...all three of them in a matter of hours. I have to know every detail, in fact, I have to be the one planning all the details. It's a blessing and a curse. I get shit done. Then I get burned out. After a week off and a marathon of Netflix,* I'm back at it.

This month hasn't produced much in the way of crafts or projects. It has, however, confirmed some wonderful friendships and the start a few others. It's given me the potential to make things happen. Big things.
It's flexed my networking, emailing and following up muscles, which I tend to not really enjoy flexing. And it's tested my strength to take a few blows to my heart and soul.

It's been an exciting month, and while I may not have eight boxes of felt sushi or a refinished piece of furniture to show for it, I have some fun brainstorming sessions over brews, lists (and illustrations) of great ideas and a growing knowledge to add to my repertoire that is better than a box of felted food.

*BBC's Sherlock, Sons of Anarchy, Cheers, Call the Midwife, Downton Abbey, House of Cards...just to name a few.

Self Portrait: January

This is slightly reminiscent of last year's January portrait.
See, it does snow on my birthday every year!

I never really set a New Year's Resolution. I can't remember the last time I set and kept one. Instead, I like to just make a crazy long list of stuff in my mind with some overall goals for the year.

Work.  The biggest goal for me this year is to take on the jobs, projects and clients I'm really excited about. Because I work full-time, I need to let myself say no to the jobs that just don't interest me. I'm only home (and awake) six hours a day during the week, so I'm allowed to think my time is valuable and reserved for the cream of the crop.

Cook.  I want to make delicious, wholesome meals. I want to become a crock pot queen, eat leftovers, be excited to bring my lunch to work and try lots of new dishes that won't break the bank. I also want to not worry about taking pictures of the final product and just enjoy the moment.

Make More and Spend Less.  I am so excited for this year's crafty projects, however, I want to concentrate on not buying any more stuff until I use what I have. In the short time we've lived in our house, I have already filled an entire craft room! I do use the majority of it, with the exception of the fabric, but even that will change this year.

Enjoy Everything.  Life is good and I want to indulge in all the wonderful things in my neighborhood, people in my life and opportunities presented to me.

Take Great Care. Although I am young, I'm not the 23-year-old I was when I started blogging years ago. My body is changing and I need to pay attention and take care of it. Get back to running and yoga, drink in moderation and heal my aches and pains.