One Word

Hi friends!! Happy 2012! I am THRILLED about this year for some reason. I have a feeling that tons of exciting things are right around the corner. It's a nice feeling to have I must say...

I made some New Years resolutions last year. Some worked out, most didn't. This year I chose to do something different. Lauren of Simply LKJ gave me a wonderful idea, which was to choose just one word to focus on during the year. I love that. 

My word for 2012 is...

 I would like to...

Learn more about God

Learn how to be more patient

Learn more about how to really live life. I mean really live...

Learn how to integrate more balance in my life (God help me on that one)
Learn that everything doesn't have to be done right this second...

Learn more about photography

Learn more about food (Baking a chocolate cake is up first- never done that)

Learn how to complain less

Learn how to be more appreciative and thankful

Learn Photoshop (That green circle in the photo above was done in Photoshop. I've got a ways to go, huh?)

Learn how to ride a horse

Learn how to become a better writer
Learn how to stay off my iPhone so dang much (Ugggghhh)

Perhaps if I learn those things, I will come closer to learning my purpose in life, which is a goal I have been working on for a few years now. The journey of trying to find out has been quite a ride. I have my seatbelt on...
..................................

So "learn" is just one word, but it encompasses so much right? I realize that some of the things on my list are things that one learns over time and not in one year, but starting the process is an accomplishment of a goal in my book. I think the learning process will be fine as long as I keep this in mind...

If you had a word for 2012, what would it be?

** "Weekends In" will be back next Monday. Food tomorrow as usual!! **

Images 1/2

xo,

Going Out With Some Style!

Well, 2012 is almost here! There is something about how "2012" sounds that gets me all excited. It just has a nice ring to it. Know what I mean?

Before I explain this beauty of a dress, let me be honest about something. I have zero plans for attending a New Year's Eve party this year. The plan is for me to be safe and sound at home with a glass of champagne. The plan is also for me to be awake at midnight. We'll see how that goes. That's just how I'm rollin' this year. Am I the only one?

Dress/Earrings/Pumps/Bracelet/Ring/Clutch

So about the outfit. If I were to go out, this is what I would want to wear. I'm not sure how much longer sequins will be in, but I would certainly take advantage of this fabulous trend by wearing a little sparkle. I would probably throw on a pair of opaque black tights if it's a bit nippy out. 

The dress says it all to me, so my accessories would be nice and simple. I LOVE that YSL bracelet. It's on sale for $711. I'll race you to buy it! Ha. I think the teardrop earrings would be perfect- especially if I wore my hair back or up. The ring is the cherry on top. It's simple, yet makes a statement. Oh and the shoes... Jimmy Choo platforms. Delicious.

What are your plans for New Years??? Whatever they are, be safe!

Linking up with Friday's Fancies (for the first time I might add)!

P.S. If you want to avoid nursing a hangover on New Years Day, refer to Gwyneth Paltrow's blog post from yesterday. It might help... :)

xo,

Out With The Old, In With The New

I love this chandelier by Anthropologie. It would be perfect for my guest room! I want to buy it right now!  But if I bought it, then #6 (and I guess #5), on my list of New Years resolutions would be down the drain. I spent the last week thinking about what I liked, what I disliked, and what I learned during 2010. There are definitely some things that I did for the last time in 2010 and will do for the first time in 2011. That leads me to my list of resolutions for 2011:

1. Have more conversations with God. He's the one person who never gets tired of hearing you talk.  
2. Be more adventurous. Do more. See more. Live more. Period.
3. Re-decorate, or actually decorate my bedroom. See my Bedroom Blues post. Yes, the bedroom STILL looks like that. I did purchase a great duvet over the holidays from TJMaxx, so I do have a head start on this one.
4. I'm a huge planner (i.e. I started this post about a week ago), but I need to savor more moments and not worry so much about the hours, days, months, and years.
5. Do a better giver of time and money and a better saver of time and money.  I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but I know it can be done.
6. Along with #5, focus more on my needs and less on my wants. Gosh I really do want that chandelier...
7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Most, not all, of my meals are fresh and natural. And I go to Pilates at this fabulous studio once a week - well most weeks. But I could always eat more fresh meals and up my classes to twice a week.
8. Start using coupons. My friend and author of the blog The Coupon Maximizer has made me realize that I am throwing money out of the window every time I go to to Target or Publix.
9. Up the ante with this blog. I have learned that great blogs take lots of time! But despite my busy work schedule,  I am going to work hard this year to make it more creative and more interesting. I already have some great ideas, so stay tuned!

I'm sure there are more things I need to work on, but my heart is pounding thinking about how I am going to accomplish just these things!

I'll keep you posted throughout the year on how things are going! Happy New Year!

On To The Next!!

I can't believe this year is almost over! I am so blessed and have so much to be thankful for. I have a great family, great friends, and great supporters of this blog! I look forward to all that 2011 has in store. I wish all of you a safe and Happy New Year! See you in 2011!

Image: Martha Stewart