My 2019 Vibes

I am not into New Year's resolutions but rather setting intentions for a coming year or finding ways that I want to live better or in more words, find ways to adjust my lifestyle that will help myself and my family thrive. Some people will choose a word while others will make resolutions. Any way you slice it, I think it's an admirable thing to make an effort to improve your life, no matter what time, place or motivation.

A couple of weeks ago, I did a silly little thing on instagram, decorating a Christmas tree with gifs and I somehow landed on a bunch that seemed to set a vibe... so why not, right? I already try to live a life set by moral principles and kindness but trying to bring a couple other things into the mix is a noble intention set by a mother of two young male tornadoes set on bringing in da noise and da funk!

I want to live the following:

Educate Myself to Be a Better Human (especially to marginalized communities)

Paying attention to what's happening around us isn't a choice, it's our duty. If you're not educating yourself on what is going on in the world, well, that disappoints me. I am not intending to take on all of the world's problems (I've been known to take on more than I can emotionally handle) but I do know that I have lived a life of privilege, wherein I have benefited from being white and from a family that was not poverty stricken. I have been doing some spiritual activism workshops, am planning to see Rachel Cargle in February and am looking forward to doing some hard work helping to be a better human and raise better humans. I don't know 100% what this looks like for my year but I know that it's at the top of my list to achieve.

Spend Less, Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Mindful Shopping

I've been working on this for a few years now but it seems like every year, around the holidays, I fall into the trap of gifting my love. I know that I should be able to do this within reason but when I get festive, boy do I get festive. This year I am kicking off this goal anew by doing a low spend January and a no spend February. My end goal is to spend A LOT less this year, keep to our budget, recycle, reuse and just think before I shop- do I or someone in my family need this? Will this add value to my life (make me happy)? Am I contributing to pollution or negative effects to the environment? I am going to be taking much into account as I spend my money (in all areas) more mindfully than ever.

Be Kind

This should go without saying but truly, this reminder is always a good one. There have been many instances in this past year where someone has shown me kindness and it's meant a great deal to me. I plan to (try) bring kindness into all of my exchanges, as best I can. We never know what someone is going through and what a nice word or two can do for them. Be kind, it's important.

Make the Time to Create

Something I thought about every single day in 2018 was to work on creating something, specifically, whipping out my sewing machine and crafting something... something I was not good at in 2018 was making the time for all these ideas that I had. Looking back, I spent far too much time putting around on the internet, checking my phone or working on other people's projects. I am prioritizing my own stuff this year... so let's see what I can make!

Focus on Fitness and Movement

I really kicked it into high gear this year, going consistently to the gym multiple times a week, finding classes that I really enjoy and making it a part of our routine. I want to continue this into 2019 but perhaps focus it more on what could work to make specific changes in my body. I have plans to perhaps do a couple 5Ks and maybe even a trail run with friends. All I know is that I want to continue moving and shaking and getting stronger!

What a list am I right? It's not so much a list but ways that I want to bringing changes into my every day. I am looking forward to 2019 and seeing what comes my way. I'd love to hear what you've got planned for the upcoming year- leave me an old fashioned comment below!

P&P: Top Holiday Party Looks

What do I think you should wear this holiday season? Personally, I will be rocking a sweater or two, maaaybe a Christmas Dinner dress but for those of you still able to snag cocktails and have a rockin' new Year's Eve, these are your top party looks according to me. I'll break it down for you: Family Pictures, Christmas Dinner. Holiday Cocktails and New Year's Eve. Check it.

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Family Pictures: No need to make a huge production out of your family pictures. Casual is cute and that is the model I am living by this Holiday season, since I really don't have a choice. I am personally going to wear my reindeer sweater from Loft for pictures and the casual Holiday luncheon we plan to throw. Pictured: Reindeer Jacquard Sweater, Embellished Fair Isle Sweater, Holiday Sweater in FairIsle
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Christmas Dinner: I know that some wouldn't think to wear a dress to Christmas dinner since this cans sometimes be a casual affair but these dresses are sweet and comfortable PLUS they are forgiving on the waist line when you eat too many Santa cookies. Pictured: BR Ponte Fit and Flair Dress, Needle + Thread Multi Lace Stitch Dress, Old Navy Floral Shift Dress
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Holiday Cocktails: Heading out with the girls to celebrate the holidays with a drink? Having a work outing not in the office but a fancy restaurant? Kick it up a notch with a fancy (but not too fancy) cocktail dress or pantsuit. Pictured: Chic Racerback Jumpsuit, Native Rose Lace Cutwork Shift, ASOS Blue Floral Skater Dress 
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New Year's Eve: Here is your time to shine, literally. Sequins, metallics, white hot dresses... New Year's is a time to look classy but also look sexay. I am a big fan of leaving a little something to the imagination while still really feeling great about yourself .Pictured: True Decadence Sequin Dress, ASOS Origami Bow Dress, BA&SH Tiare Dress

What are you most excited to dress up for this season?

Happiest of New Year's, my friends

I thought that that a great start to the new year would not be to lay out my resolutions (one of which usually includes a post-holiday diet) but rather, I would lay out some charitable organizations that I either have worked with or would like to work with in the future... and vow to volunteer my time or donate as much as possible this year. So here I am sharing where I want to spend some of my extra time and resources this year. I hope you approve ;-)

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

I did the Breast Cancer 3-day a few years ago and have not forgotten what an amazing experience it was to walk 60 miles in the blistering heat (no lie over 100 degrees one day) for a mighty good cause. Please note: I was not being sarcastic. (See previous post about why this is near and dear to my heart). My goal this year is somehow to get involved again, whether it be to walk, volunteer or donate some sweet moola.

ConKerr Cancer

What an amazing cause for a crafty girl to partake in. You basically whip up some pillowcases but these aren't just any pillow cases... these pillow cases go directly to kids suffering from different life changing illnesses. That was my blurb but read the longer (and more inspirational) version here. They give you the tools, and where to get your charitable craftiness on, so I am thinking why not? It would be fun an fulfilling for sure.

The Special Olympics

I have always wanted to volunteer with the Special Olympics and even went as far as to work on planning a trip out to Boise for the Winter Games (unfortunately it was going to be WAY too much work for me at that stage in the game) but this year, I thought if I gave myself a goal of volunteering at one event and then maybe another, I'd get my feet wet and also get a lay of the land, so to speak. I looked up my Massachusetts chapter and already requested to be added to the volunteer database. First step, taken.

Big Brother/ Big Sister

I always him and haw on the morning of my once a month Big Sister opportunity but I ALWAYS feel great after completing that day's activity. I volunteer for the girls on the waiting list for a Big Sister. This is a way for them to get out and socializing while they are waiting to be placed with that special someone. It is a year long, once a week committment and I am honest with myself about not being able to do that. Truthfully though? For the most part, I make a new little friend every time I pick one of them up for skating, self defense courses, the museum of science and so on an so forth. I want to keep this up this year of our lord 2011.

And last but not least...

I need to be better about remembering to always buy something for the food pantry donation while I am at my local grocery store. As easy as it sounds, it's also easy to forget. I mean, they put the bin right there so when you check out, you can throw the canned goods or Rice a Roni right in there... but I always think of it when I see it and by that time, I only have my precious foodstuff collected on that trip. If I made it a point to donate every time I was in there? Do you know how much that would be from just me alone in one short year? A LOT! This will be a work in progress for me but I may start a count on the blog or something, mayhaps to keep myself motivated.

Anyways, I would like to give back as much as possible this year as I feel like I have been blessed with only the smallest of problems and the fortune of a Queen these days. MUSH ALERT: We should be thankful all the time for what we have and share what we have who are less fortunate for sure.