1&2/52

I need more pictures in my life. This is a fact. In an attempt to be more cognizant of my surroundings and what we're doing with our days, I'm embarking on a little photo-project for 2014. Like bleubird said last year, I'm just not ready to commit to a 'picture a day for a year' kind of thing. That's quite the lofty goal for this picture taking novice.... So instead, I'm going to stick with one picture a week. 

Naturally I am late. We're half way through week 3 -BUT- thankfully I've been taking pictures. Maybe I knew I was going to attempt this project before I really 'knew'...ya know? Hm. 

Week 1:
I got a vitamix for Christmas and it is amaaaaaaaazing. It's my new favorite kitchen toy.

Week 2:
Stella in her natural habitat.

resolutions and such

our chalkboard for the new year 

Goal setting is one of my favorite things to do. I love this time of year and try my best to take advantage of the new year enthusiasm to simplify, organize, and make room in my life for better, healthier habits.

This year my goals all revolve around a central theme: stress relief. Fall was a draining season. Work was tough, and I spent a lot of time anxious and unsettled. I picked up a lot of unhealthy habits (like copious amounts of television in the evenings) in an attempt to decompress, which didn't help one single bit. Shocking, right?

I decided that this new season would be different, and I've chosen goals that will hopefully be simple, healthy, and stress relieving. Here is what I've committed to:

• Taking my work email off of my phone. Such a handy tool...so anxiety provoking. No more Friday evening emails to stress over for the next 3 days. I'll only be answering (and looking at) work-related emails during work hours.
• Walking/running at least 10,000 steps a day. I feel so much better when I'm active. I've put a reward system in place (like a new pair of lululemon pants!!!) for each month that I get my 10,000 steps every day. Hopefully this will encourage me to push through the early months when habits are still forming. 
• Clean eating 80% of the time. Like exercise, I just feel better when I eat well.  "Clean eating" can be so vague, and honestly, I'm still trying to figure out what it means for my life. Where I think we are headed is non-processed, organic foods that nourish. Lots of vegetables and lean meats. Foods that are high in fiber and protein. No added sugars. Smaller amounts of dairy. My thoughts on clean eating are still changing and forming...and so what this looks like for our family may very well morph in time.
• Unplugging at least 30 minutes before bed. I love my social media, but sometimes it just stresses me out. Nobody needs that right before sleep. That time is much better spent reading, preparing for the next day, or catching up with the mister. 

So there you have it! My goals. I'm sticking to them so far! We've been eating well, exercising most days, and moving all days. I took work email off of my phone on the 1st, and I instantly felt lighter. It's been so nice. Unplugging at night as been difficult, but I'm confident it will get easier with time.

We start back to work on Monday and I feel more peace about going back than I have in a long time. I think that's a good start. :]

coming out of the holiday coma

Tomorrow I will unpack bags, trek to the grocery store, and begin the long process of packing away Christmas decorations in preparation for a new year. It's always a little bittersweet...a mix of sadness over leaving family and friends states away and excitement for what all the coming year may hold. There's also so much to do when we return from our holiday travels that it always feels a little overwhelming. (Not so awesome example: our deep freezer died while we were gone. hello garage full of rotting food. yikes.) Tonight though...tonight I'll have a glass of wine, burn my final Christmas candle, and enjoy these last sweet holiday moments. Everything else can wait until tomorrow. (Except the rotting food. We definitely handled that first thing.)

7 things

You know what makes for a pretty great Monday? Let's make a list. 

1. we bought a zoo movie night

2. a short (THREE day) work week. yay for conferences!

3. marking things off my to do list

5. copious amount of tea

6. fall scented...everything

and last but not least...

7. late afternoon snuggles with this lady ^^

seven days into october and it's been glorious thus far. huzzah!

coming out of the daze

I get sick at the beginning of school every year. Never fails. Always sucks. I've been nursing some version of the allergy monster / stomach bug / achy joint old person crud preeeeetty much since the beginning of September. 

BUT it's October now, and I am claiming that this mess be gone. Done-zo. Not gonna do it anymore. 

So there. 

I will say there are some parts of being sick that haven't been so bad. There have been lots of puppy cuddles, cool nights with spicy candles, and quite a few afternoon naps.

I'll leave you with a picture of my favorite napping buddy. 

She's my favorite. Happy October!