New Year's Resolutions

It's a new year and a new day. Along with every other person in the world posting on all social medias, here is my own post of resolutions. Ha! Every year, Matt and I try to set up a few resolutions for us to follow. It's been hit and miss over the years, but this year I only have 3 so I hope it's doable.

1. Purge
This is the year of the purge. I'm kind of known to be a sentimental sap and will hold on to everything. I have Christmas/Birthday cards from my grandparents and great grandparents since I was a child. Clothes I've held onto since college, odds and ends I keep for some unknown "craft" it could be used for, etc. This year I'm purging and plan to donate, sell, and trash lots and lots. The cards are totally staying though.

2. Blog More!
Since having Ellie and since moving to the new house my blogging has really slowed down. I've thought about ditching it altogether even. For one, I don't have as much time as I used to. Between work, family, and housekeeping, there's not as much time for blogging. I don't want to cheapen my blog with half-assed or meaningless posts. I haven't had a chance to read as many blogs either, but have stuck to the few that have really stayed true to themselves and share posts that I enjoy whether it's just about their family weekends, easy how-tos, or if they simply have a Facebook page and make it easy to check out each morning as I lay in bed before I start the day. I've thought a lot about my voice in blogging and hope to shape it more this upcoming year. If you have any suggestions on what you'd like to see, please share!

3. Cook More
I've tried some more recipes lately and although I still do not enjoy cooking, I want to be able to have more dishes under my belt. I love having a day off during the week and have a warm meal ready when Matt walks in the door. Call it old fashioned, but I know he really appreciates it. Plus, since I enjoy eating, I should learn to cook. Cup of Noodles and cereal do not count as "cooking". I don't think I'll ever learn to love it (let's count running as another thing I'll never love as well), but I don't want to loathe it or be too lazy to pull something together for my family or myself.

What are some of your resolutions? Do you make any?

Resolutions 2011

Last year I had a few resolutions (see my OG post here and my latest update here) that I kept throughout the year, but this year I want to do something different. I think that each month I'll have a new goal(s) for that particular month and see how it goes. Each month I'll choose one or a few items I want to get done, work on, or start doing that are either personal, blog related or something else entirely. Doing it this way I feel that if it doesn't work out I won't feel so bad and the ones that do work out I'll simply jump for joy!

So without further ado, here are my goals for January:

1. Start and finish my wedding invitations
I'm seriously dreading this task. My template is almost ready, I'm shopping for paper this weekend, and I've been approved to print them at work on my own time. I have plenty of people who are willing to help me and a craft day for my fave ladies this month so I'm sure I can get it done, but I'm still dreading it anyways. Any tips?

2. Post one OOTD each week
I've really enjoyed doing these posts and have gotten great feedback from you ladies! Thank you so much for your suggestions, comments, and support! This resolution I may try and keep throughout the year, but like I said we'll see how it goes. I'm hoping that this will also get me out of my current work attire rut of plain and boring with nearly no makeup. It's been poor weather out here in CA and the rain makes me useless. Hopefully I can spiff up some and show off.

I have some great ideas for future months and I can't wait to get them started (example: quit cussing- such an ugly habit I've somehow picked up and a new template for LLP), but this month is a bit too busy to get some of them done.

What are your resolutions for the new year? What are things you want to accomplish this year? What are you looking forward to doing?

** Don't forget to enter my New Year Giveaway sponsored by CSN HERE**

Resolutions Update: November

The Grinch- One of my all time favorites, I watch several times each season.

I seriously cannot believe it's December already!! This will be one of my last updates and I have new goals and ideas for resolutions for the 2011 year, a post will be coming soon!

As always, I'm sure many of you, myself included, have given up, started new resolutions, etc.

Here is my progress for November: 

Home Alone- It never gets old.

1. Write in my journal- No change from previous months. This resolution has set sail my friends.

The Muppet Christmas Carol- The story and the Muppets are a classic.

2. This is my year of savings- So I've continued to save for my personal savings and for the wedding, but the holiday season is making it tough!! Instead of stocking away my bonuses from work, I've been using them on gifts. Oh well, we're going pretty easy this year so it won't be too bad of a lull in my savings.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation- This is my favorite of the series, so disfunctional and hilarious.

3. Lose body fat before wedding date- I've worked out several times this month and LOVE working with a trainer. I'm learning a lot of exercises that will help me with my overall goal of a leaner toned body. I've even started working out on my own, separate from the trainer. I'm so glad I decided to go for it, I'm hoping to really make exercising a routine and not just something I do every now and then.

The Christmas Classics- Such nostalgia when I watch these.

4. Learn to cook- I made Cider again from Leah's recipe of The Way We Are, check out her post here about it. My family loved it and I had to make a second batch (which I was prepared for just in case). I'll probably be making it again for Christmas. If you haven't tried it yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!

Elf- I can quote this movie perfectly yearround. My fave movie of Will Ferrell

5. To be more personal on this blog- Thank you ladies for all of your feedback on this post. I have some great ideas for posts coming soon!

A Christmas Story- I've watched this every year since I was young.

So, how have you ladies been doing with your resolutions? Have you changed or modified any of them? Do you have any resolutions for the new Fall season?

He-Man & She-Ra Christmas Special 

Ok, so I've never seen this movie, but my 5 year old self would love it I'm sure. I'm going to add it to my Netflix que.

Resolutions, October Update

Aagh only two more months left in the year!! I seriously can't believe how fast this year has been going!! I've made some great advances in my resolutions and I can't wait to share them with you!

As always, I'm sure many of you, myself included, have given up, started new resolutions, etc. Luckily, the year is almost over so we get to start over soon!

Here is my progress for October: 

1. Write in my journal- No change from previous months. This resolution has died, may it rest in peace. 

2. This is my year of savings- I'm continuing to save for the wedding, but still trying to put a little something away for my personal savings. I need to be saving some more though and will have to show some restraint over the holidays. It always feel as though no matter what you make, it's never enough. I need to really budget myself and I'm doing fine as I am now, but there's always room for improvement.

3. Lose body fat before wedding date- I've worked out a few times this month and ate pretty healthy, and I LOST 5LBS!! Woohoo!! I'm still nowhere near where I want to be so I have hired a trainer! I figure I can use a trainer once a week and then when I get to where I want to be I can cut back to just maintain until the wedding/honeymoon. I debated back and forth for a long time about getting a trainer and I think it will be what I need to A) actually go to the gym and not slack while I'm there B) get results C) keep me motivated and D) learn what I actually need to do to change according to my body type. I'm pretty excited about this new adventure! Anyone out there used a trainer before? What's your opinion? I've also made small changes like cutting out beer and changing from whole milk to 1%. I was pretty nervous about switching, but 1% is delicious!

4. Learn to cook- This month I made Cider from Leah's recipe of The Way We Are, check out her post here about it. It was a huge hit and I will be brewing it up for Thanksgiving and possibly Christmas.  Last week my cousin also taught me how to make sushi and since the Fiance and I love sushi, I think I'll have to make it for him.

5. To be more personal on this blog- I'm having a lot more fun with my blog now that I'm more personal on it and I think that it's really grown. For any future posts, is there anything you'd like to see more of? Less of? Anything you'd like to know about me?

So, how have you ladies been doing with your resolutions? Have you changed or modified any of them? Do you have any resolutions for the new Fall season? I think I'm going to do next year's resolutions slightly different and will let you all know how it will be next month!

Resolutions, September Update

So, I'm a little bit late for my Resolutions Update, but it's been a busy month...and I've been putting off updating you guys about my progress. Why you ask? Because it's zilch. Wait, I take that back. I have one resolution that will make you proud!

As always, I'm sure many of you, myself included, have given up, started new resolutions, etc.

Here is my progress for September: 

1. Write in my journal- No change from previous months. This resolution has set sail my friends.

2. This is my year of savings- I'm continuing to save for the wedding, but still trying to put a little something away for my personal savings. We've made a few more wedding down payments and it's so exciting! We have a lot of the bulk of the planning done, now it's off to the small details.

3. Lose body fat before wedding date- I've worked out twice this month. Ugh. I did get a new workout tank and I'm pretty excited to use it.  Also, starting Monday, I plan on tracking my calorie intake like I did at the beginning of the year and it worked very well. I still weigh about the same, no change so that's good! Although, I did attend a party last week and received several compliments as of weight loss. Woohoo!

Good news, I had my body fat percentage calculated at the gym and although I'm not where I'd like to be I'm only 8% off. The gym trainer told me that 1% = 1 pound. That's right where I want to be too! So I'm hoping that with my combination of tracking calories and the inspiration from a new workout tank, I'll actually visit the gym. Only a few more months before the wedding and I need to get in hot mode!

4. Learn to cook- Guess what I did. I made pancakes. From scratch. No not with Bisquick- that's not scratch, but with ingredients I had to measure out and mix all by myself like a grown up. Whoa. Who knew miracles could happen? They were delicious by the way and super easy.  

5. To be more personal on this blog- I'm having a lot more fun with my blog now that I'm more personal on it and I think that it's really grown. For any future posts, is there anything you'd like to see more of? Less of? Anything you'd like to know about me?

So, how have you ladies been doing with your resolutions? Have you changed or modified any of them? Do you have any resolutions for the new Fall season?

Isn't Heidi Klum's Halloween costumes the best? She's so creative!

Resolutions, August Update

"As you wish"

I'm sorry ladies, but this month I was so freaking bad at my resolutions! I was also out of town two of these weekends so I blame it on that for messing up my routine! That's fair right? So, as a distraction- I'd like to dedicate this post's images and quotes from one of my favorite movies and books, The Princess Bride. Check out some fun trivia about the movie here.


As always, I'm sure many of you, myself included, have given up, started new resolutions, etc.

Here is my progress for July: 

"INCONCEIVABLE"
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die"
"No more rhymes now, I mean it" "Anybody want a peanut?" "DYEEAAHHHHHH"

1. Write in my journal- No change from previous months, I did go to Vroman's bookstore to look for the One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book, where you write one line a day, but wasn't able to find it there either. I think I'm just going to give up on this for a while and add it to my Christmas wish list.

"You seem a decent fellow... I hate to kill you"

"You seem a decent fellow... I hate to die. "

2. This is my year of savings- With less than 250 days before the wedding every penny we save counts! I'm continuing to save for the wedding, but still trying to put a little something away for my personal savings. We've made a few wedding down payments and it's so exciting! After the wedding the Fiance and I will be pinching every penny to try and buy a house. So I'm glad I'm getting some practice in now!

"You mean, you'll put down your rock and I'll put down my sword, and we'll try and kill each other like civilized people? "

3. Lose body fat before wedding date- I've been so busy this month that my schedule is all messed up and crazy. After work, shopping, wedding planning etc the last thing I want to do is exercise. I have started cycling classes at my 24 Hour Fitness and love them! I'm going every Wednesday with one of my BFFs. At first I literally thought about keeling over and letting the bike take me out with it's fast spinning wheels, but after the first 30 minutes your legs go numb and you no longer pray for death. I actually kind of enjoy this class and it definitely gets easier. I would suggest pacing yourself the first class so you know how far to push yourself the next time. In September, I'm also gone two weekends, but I'm hoping to get back on the routine mid month.

I also didn't follow my diet plan whatsoever. Once I'm working out regularly I'll try it again. I have continued to eat healthier though.

Do you have any tips for motivating yourself to go to the gym? Any pointers for eating less but not being hungry or tired?? Please dish!!

"Is this a kissing book? "

4. Learn to cook- Last week I made bruschetta and it was phenomenal!! It was so easy too I'm going to make it all the time as a snack! I used 6-8 tomatoes diced, 3 fresh diced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of each vinegar and extra virgin oil, 4-5 basil leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. I added a little bit more garlic and basil leaves after the initial ones just because I liked it better that way and none of my tomatoes were the same size. Mix all of this and let stand no longer than 3 hours before serving. Then for the bread, I used one sourdough and one white baguette sliced, brushed the olive oil and diced garlic cloves on the top of each piece and put under the broiler for a few minutes. It was so delicious and was gone in 10 minutes flat! Just ask Kipp from Shiny Things Distract Me how good it was, she was there with the most amazing Sangria! Get her recipe here.

"Get back, witch. "

"I'm not a witch, I'm your wife. But after what you just said, I'm not even sure I want to be that any more. "

5. To be more personal on this blog- I'm having a lot more fun with my blog now that I'm more personal on it and I think that it's really grown. For any future posts, is there anything you'd like to see more of? Less of? Anything you'd like to know about me?

"Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."

So, how have you ladies been doing with your resolutions? Have you changed or modified any of them? Do you have any resolutions for the new Fall season?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a Corioliss Flat Iron! Enter here!

Resolutions, July Update

I CANNOT believe that summer is more than halfway over. Thank goodness CA stays warm through mid-October. Seriously, I don't think any month has flown by as quickly as this one. I must be having fun!

I'm sure many of you, myself included, have given up, started new resolutions, etc.

Here is my progress for July: 

1. Write in my journal- No change from previous months, I did go to Borders to look for the One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book, where you write one line a day, but wasn't able to find it. Let's be honest though, I don't know if it would get much use.

 

2. This is my year of savings- With less than 300 days before the wedding every penny we save counts! I'm continuing to save for the wedding, but still trying to put a little something away for my personal savings.

3. Lose 15lbs by May 1st- So, May 1st has come and gone. Why don't we change this to lose body fat before the wedding date? Does that work?

I have gone back and forth this month with working out, one week I'll go four days the next I don't go at all. When I don't go, it's usually because of late nights at work or social events I can't pass up. Also, because my drive to work in the morning is an hour and a half I'd have to be up at 430 am to work out before work- which is not going to happen for me! Yes, I know many people all over the world do this everyday, but they are a much better person than I. There, I said it. I'm not ashamed. Remember when I said I subscribed to  Self Magazine? Well is was really Shape Magazine. Hahaha! That's the one I was reading at my future SIL that I really liked. I can't wait to get my first issue for some pointers and motivation. Have you ever read that magazine?  I'll be sure to share any knowledge I gain with you ladies! 

I'm also starting a high-protein diet for this month. Here's a breakdown of my food intake for the next 31 days:

Meal 1: 1 whole omega-3 egg, 2 egg whites, 1 packet plain oatmeal

Meal 2: 20g protein shake mixed with water, 1 small apple

Meal 3: 4oz chicken, turkey, or fish (tilapia, orange rought, cod, etc...)Green veggies or salad with 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Meal 4: 20g protein shake, 1tbsp all natural peanut butter or 12 almonds

Meal 5: same as meal 3

Meal 6: same as meal 4

I'm a little apprehensive about this plan, but I know it will give me great results. I get one "cheat" day a week and I've already started imagining my amazing meals for those days. I'm sure I'll deviate a little from this schedule, but I'm really going to give it a good try!

Do you have any tips for motivating yourself to go to the gym? Any pointers for eating less but not being hungry or tired?? Please dish!!

4. Learn to cook- I made wine popsicles for the 4th of July that were delicious and every commenter who had anything to say said that yes, it definitely counts as cooking. So ha! Take that New Years Resolution! Also, with my new diet plan for August I'll be cooking lots of 4oz of meat so my resolution will be back in play as I learn to spice up my bland meals.

5. To be more personal on this blog- I feel the same way this month as the last few months which is this: I love so much sharing personal stuff with you guys! It's been so much fun for me. Thank you everyone who reads/comments/emails me! I appreciate each and every one of you, your messages really make my day and I've enjoyed getting to know you guys better and finding new blogs to follow. For any future posts, is there anything you'd like to see more of? Less of? Anything you'd like to know about me?

Overall, I feel really good about my resolutions, better than I've felt in a long time about them. I have high expectations for this month and look forward to the last official month of summer.

So, how have you ladies been doing with your resolutions? Have you changed or modified any of them? Have you said sayonara to any? I hope each one of you are enjoying the summer and any changes that have come your way.

Resolutions, June Update

Wow, this past month was so busy! Holidays and engagement (!), and vacations. I hardly had any time to pay any attention whatsoever to my resolutions. Darn shame....not that I was really doing anything with them to begin with! Ok, so enough of the year has passed that you may have ditched some resolutions (ahem, cooking and journaling) or have started new ones.

So here we go with my progress thus far:

 

1. Write in my journal- From last month, my journal is still sitting in my desk unopened and the pages are beginning to yellow. Maybe I should just take it home. I did come across a handy little journal called One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book, where you write one line a day. It seems pretty nifty. Maybe I'll give it a whirl? Or do you think it will just be like my Keel's Simple Diary experience? Which to refresh your memory, has been written in maybe 10 times.

2. This is my year of savings- So, this year of savings will quickly be blown on a 5 hour event called a wedding. I've nearly emptied, not completely emptied, just took a large chunk, of  my savings account so far with starting a savings account for the wedding. The Fiance and I are paying for it ourselves, so every cent we earn counts. Yay for overtime and bonuses!

3. Lose 15lbs by May 1st- This past month changed A LOT! Yay me! Even before the proposal, I was starting to eat healthier and started going back to the gym. Now that I have a pretty little gem on my hand, I'm going on the regular. I've even subscribed to Self Magazine for some pointers and motivation. Have you ever read that magazine? I never gave it a look since I wasn't a gym rat, but after looking around on their website for the past month and borrowing copies from my future Sister-in-Laws I'm hooked! I'll be sure to share any knowledge I gain with you ladies! 
Do you have any tips for motivating yourself to go to the gym? Any pointers for eating less but not being hungry or tired?? Please dish!!

4. Learn to cook- Ya I ditched this one a few months back, but  have made a few summer recipes that I found last month. I'll be posting about them soon!  Also, my husband to be has begun to drop hints, not really even hints but flat out statements, about his fear of starving to death once we're married. I'll definitely have to register for some beginners cook books. Does it matter that I CAN cook, I just don't enjoy it?

5. To be more personal on this blog- I love so much sharing personal stuff with you guys! It's been so much fun for me. Thank you everyone who reads/comments/emails me! I appreciate each and every one of you, your messages really make my day and I've enjoyed getting to know you guys better and finding new blogs to follow. For any future posts, is there anything you'd like to see more of? Less of? Anything you'd like to know about me?

 

So, I'm not doing too too hot with my Resolutions, but I do feel refreshed and motivated with an upcoming wedding and the summer season. I'm hoping to make some progress on all of my resolutions, even the ones that have gone astray. Sorry for all of the wedding references above with the resolutions, I promise I won't become ALL wedding stuff All the time. Maybe just a few posts if you guys are interested... are you? are you? huh? Let me know!

So, how have you ladies been doing with your resolutions? Have you changed or modified any of them? Have you said sayonara to any? I hope each one of you are enjoying the summer and any changes that have come your way.