2015 resolution roundup

So I am a sucker for contributor articles from sites such as Buzzfeed, Thought Catalog and Elite Daily. Over the past month, I've noticed these sites have created "resolutions you should make" geared for people in my same stage of life. I have read these articles and decided to compile my own Top 25 list for 2015. Yes, logically I should have chose a top 15, but c'est la vie, it's my own list. :)

c/o pinterest

1. Learn to shrug things off more often
Basically the year of "Shake it Off"... T Swift knew what she was talking about! :)
c/o: buzzfeed

2. Stop beating yourself up for skipping the gym on days you truly didn’t have time. But also, stop skipping the gym on days you had plenty of time to go.
c/o elite daily

3. Stop wasting food.
"According to CNN, 40 percent of food is wasted in the U.S. every year. That’s more than 20 pounds of food per month, per person. Meanwhile, people in poorer countries are going without. Planning meals efficiently will help you cut down on your grocery bill and stop wasting valuable resources."
c/o: lauren conrad

4. Stay just vulnerable enough to accept real love when it comes along and just guarded enough to protect yourself from the assholes.

c/o: thought catalog

5. Be Actively Generous

"We can all afford to be more generous. And generosity is such an important thing to foster, because it really shapes the condition of our heart. The more we can give to God, the world around us, and those in need, the more we realize that the most valuable things are not our possessions- but the sharing of our possessions."

c/o: true love dates

6. Rid yourself of “frenemies.” Don’t spend 2015 surrounded by people you secretly despise.

c/o elite daily

7. Stop dieting: Just eat more fruit and veg and drink a ton of water.

...and probably workout a little more.

c/o: buzzfeed

8. Unplug for an hour a day.

"Make a commitment to be screen-free for at least one hour a day in 2015. Try leaving your phone on silent in the other room while you cook and eat dinner. Or, don’t bring your phone with you when you take your daily walk. Whenever you choose to do it, take some time to truly connect with the people around you or to reflect by yourself without distractions."

c/o: lauren conrad

9. Stop caring about how many people “like” your Instagram photos. 

"If you like the photo enough to post it, what else matters? Social media anxiety is a waste of time."

c/o elite daily

10. Figure out how to re-create your favorite takeaway food at home.

c/o: buzzfeed

11. If you think somebody is cute, say “hi” and introduce yourself. Every relationship you have ever had started with a greeting.

c/o elite daily

12. Get 7 hours of sleep.

"Many of us focus on diet and exercise but forget about the most basic way to take care of ourselves. Getting enough sleep is so important, both physically and emotionally. Make a real commitment to go to bed on time and get your beauty rest."

c/o: lauren conrad

13. Try a food you’ve never eaten before. Also, find out how high your spicy food tolerance really is.

c/o: buzzfeed

14. Remember that you have no obligation to anyone but yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable with him, if he’s not absolutely rocking your world, even if something just doesn’t feel right — Do not ever apologize for declining or ending it all together.

c/o: thought catalog

15. Worry less about what people think.

c/o: buzzfeed

16. Read for pleasure.

It’s so important to never stop learning, no matter what stage of life you’re in. 

c/o: lauren conrad

17. Stop worrying about when to text someone you like. Don’t give into all those silly games this year.

c/o: buzzfeed

18. Leave your phone number for someone. 

Worst-case scenario: you won’t get a call and maybe you’ll feel a tiny bit embarrassed. Regardless of the outcome, you put yourself out there and probably made the other person’s day.

c/o elite daily

19. Stop taking things so damn personally. If it doesn’t end up working out, know that it’s not a reflection of you as a person. 

"Rejection can often feel like a completely personal attack, but it’s usually more about his issues than yours. And if it is about you, then just chalk it up to a bad match and move on." 

c/o: thought catalog

20. Cross something off your bucket list. 

"Sky dive, bungee jump, scuba dive, etc. Don’t make excuses as to why you can’t accomplish something, and check out."

c/o elite daily

21. Figure out what makes you tick, what you actually feel passionate about, and delve further into it. Never stop learning.

c/o: buzzfeed

22. Stop hating yourself for eating dessert. A piece of birthday cake is a right, not a privilege.

c/o elite daily

23. Just do it already.

"Adopt a dog. Quit your job to pursue your passion. Ask that cute guy out on the first date. If you’ve been thinking of doing something for a long time, chances are it’s the right decision. Start your year off with no regrets and everything will work itself out, one way or another."

c/o: lauren conrad

24. Stop standing in your own way.

"Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t reside in-between your own ears. Follow your intuition and learn that nothing that lasts is started through force. If you have to force it, leave it behind."

c/o elite daily

25. Learn to make the first move, be bold, be brave, be the first to dance, grab 2015 by the horns.

This one's my favorite :)

c/o: buzzfeed

Wishing you happiness, laughter, health and love in 2015 - cheers! :)

#emilygoestokc

This week I FINALLY went to Kansas City to visit Bre!  I say finally because Bre moved here almost 5 years ago & being the slacker best friend I am, I have yet to visit.

But we changed that this week in an epic Best Friend Week.  Here is our week in pictures and few words.

I left Monday afternoon for Kansas City on an absolutely full flight next to a couple that demanded I use a Clorox wipe on my seat, tray & arm-rests before they let me have a seat.

Dallas > KC

 We started best friend week with beautiful pampering in the most fabulously luxurious nail salon I have every encountered.  We came back to B's apartment where I was introduced to Jasper, or as I call him, J-Baby for the first time.  We were immediately inseparable best friends. 

J-Baby & I snuggling for the first time

So. Cold.

 We stayed up late, drank Dr Pepper and talked forever.  The next morning we dubbed shopping day and for the first time in my life I was two places at once.  Both Missouri & Kansas...which was pretty epic for me.  We ended the day eating free Chili's and watching the Babysitter's Club Movie on Netflix.

Shopping Day!

We also FaceTimed Coach Husband at regular intervals & listened to his silliness. 

Facetiming Coach

New Year's Eve Day we did lots of fun things!  It was 14 degrees all day long and I have never been more cold before in my life.  I still don't think my feet are warm.  Bre took me downtown for some seriously fabulous barbeque at Jack Stack.  Seriously SO STINKING GOOD.  If you are ever in KC, you must eat here.  I was obsessed & stuffed myself.  After lunch we made our way to the Plaza for some more shopping {sorry Coach Husband, but it's all from my personal spending section of the budget}.  We introduced me to my first coffee beverage at Starbucks, which was a hit.  

First White Chocolate Mocah

Plaza

After shopping & Starbucks we made our way to the Crown Center to make Bre so very happy and ice skate.  Imagine, 14 degrees, ice rink & this Texas girl.  

Respective feelings about the ice skating endeavor

On the ice

Skating so fast we're blurry...or not

In this picture it looks like I am made for winter

Look out Olympics 2018

Obviously I was thrilled

Post ice-skating picture.  I love you Bre!

We rang in the new year watching Friends, drinking Dr Pepper & putting on facial masks.  It was utter perfection.

On our last day together we have done...nothing.  Football all day & Cracker Barrel.  Friends on Netflix, two Sonic drinks in one day & chill time before I board a plane and head back to life in Texas.  Not only am I grateful for Bre's friendship and precious spirit but that no matter how far away we are, what life has dealt us & the end of other friendships she is...my person.  My best friend, my rock, my sister, encourager and accountability partner.  

I love you Bre!  Thanks for hosting me in KC.

miss january goals

Oh hello 2015, nice to meet you! I feel like you and I are going to be great friends over the next 365 days!

2015 has already started pretty marvelous, as I sit here and type this on my couch with me best friend to my side, Dr. Pepper in front of me and Friends on the TV. If this is how my year will look, I'll be a happy girl! :)

c/o pinterest

January Goals

1. Be on time to work

2. Clean out drawers / reorganize 

3. Finish 1 book

4. Finish marathon-ing OTH so I can start a new show

5. Finish Mom's New Year's Cards

As part of the New Year, I want to make a conscious effort to look forward and not back. In the spirit of that philosophy, I'm going to set my January goals, but not recap my December. yes this may be a chicken's way of admitting to failing miserably at December's goals. December was not near the month I had planned or expected... it was long, emotional and exhausting, There were wonderful parts, don't get me wrong, but I struggled to fully enjoy the happy moments and silence sad. That being said, new year - new leaf! :)

January Goals: Mrs.

Today is the first blank page in the chapter of 2015.  This past year was a beautiful season in life filled with new friends, adventures with Coach Husband and the Lord moving in great ways.

I ended 2014 with some lofty goals for December and I am shocked that I accomplished so much during this busy holiday season.

finish & send out Christmas cards

participate in 25 Small Ways

get back into barre class

finish Christmas shopping

record holiday traditions


2015 is going to be a fabulous year and I am starting it off with the following goals.


teach Dixie to say her prayers
start a gratitude journal
cook dinner every night this month
the #365DaysofTruth from She Reads Truth
cash in coins


Cheers to the beginning of a new chapter!

2015 Family Focus

I have never been a New Year's Resolution person.  I always struggled to pinpoint one or two things I wanted to do or change in my life.  Coach Husband is the same way.  In fact when asked what his resolutions are, his response is normally, "Whatever the Lord thinks I need to work on that day."

This year CH & I decided to have a focus instead of resolutions.  A focus of what to work on together as a family.  After much prayer and discussion our Family Focus for 2015 will be finances.


We have worked diligently this past week to create a workable budget for ourselves and a savings goal believe is challenging but attainable.  We are both incredibly excited about our focus this year.




Word: Intentional
Verse: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Focus: Finances



Today I will celebrate the last day of a wonderful year in Kansas City with Bre & look forward to a new year, new focus & new adventures in 2015.

Small Ways: Day 2

Small Ways Day 2 called for a handwritten note left for CH.  I loved this small way & I am glad it is on my list multiple times this month!

CH drinks milk every morning with his breakfast, so while he was out pulling his tire this morning I popped the note in the fridge.

first birthday.

I've decided to start writing a letter to my niece every year on her birthday and saving it. Whether I one day give them to her, or they just become an annual diary entry...today is the start. I was too excited when she was born to put my thoughts on paper.

c/o: Pinterest

P -

Happy birthday sweet baby girl! I cannot even believe that you are 1. How is that even possible?
In some ways I feel like it was just yesterday I was anxiously waiting for you to be born, but in others - I can't remember our family without you.

This year has been one of the best I've had, and I attribute a lot of that to you sweet girl. You made me Aunt B. You gave me a reason to open up and tap into a love I didn't even know I had. You have changed our family in a way I could never have imagined.

It's because of you princess, that I've gotten to watch my older brother - the guy I've admired and adored my entire life, become the best daddy. You are a lucky lady, he is enough like your Grandpa for me to know that you will always be in good hands with him as your Dad.

As amazing as this year has been,  I can't wait for what's to come, because I know we have so much good ahead. You are already so smart, little one - with such a spunky personality. You are going to give us a run for our money, but it's okay; we can handle it.

You will never know what you mean to me. In your innocence you have renewed my faith and unintentionally inspired me to be better; be someone you will look up to one day.

I will always have your back angel... you and me against the world.

Happy birthday, sweet girl.

Love,
Aunt B