2014 Goals

I am terrible at making/keeping New Year resolutions. I usually have good intentions which are forgotten by the time February rolls around. This year, however, I plan on making and keeping goals that will help me to be a better person.

1. Become Healthier: Over the past few years of college I have gained a few senior pounds. This year I am determined to replace unhealthy habits with healthier ones and hopefully in the process lose my love handles.
How to: Drink a green smoothie everyday, Drink 8 oz. of water a day, Exercise at least 3x a week

2. Become a Better Teacher: I feel excited to continue learning about teaching. This year I am hoping to continue my education through books, articles, blogs, and of course on the job training.
How to: Find a job (practice interviewing while I wait); Find an article, book, or blog each week

3. Become Happier: Talking to my roommate inspired me to let go of all of the worries and stress that are holding me back. Too often I have found myself thinking that life would be better once I was married/graduated/found a job. I have lost so much time enjoying the wonderful life that I have right now. I have a wonderful family and great friends, I (finally) have my degree, I have a promising and rewarding career ahead of me, and time and freedom to travel and do what I love. This year I resolve to live in the moment and find joy in the journey.
How to: Complete 30 day Gratitude/Thought Challenge, Focus on the positive, Meet new people/Try new things, Travel, and Craft

4. Become More Giving: I am so selfish! This has been something that I have struggled with all my life and something that I want to change. I have been blessed with so much and I want to pay it forward.
How to: Give 10 secs. a day, Volunteer an hour a month, Perform 25 RAOK on my B-day

5. Go Through the Temple: I have seen how my sisters and friends have been changed by their experiences going through the temple, and I want to experience that same joy.
How to: Pray/Read scriptures everyday, Perform church calling, Focus more on the Savior each day

I am excited for what this year brings and the person I will become. Here's to a wonderful 2014!

The End and The Beginning

Wow, I can't believe four years have passed. In that time I have done so many things the greatest of which was graduating from college. I'm finally done! I am officially a teacher and I hope to have my own classroom soon. In that time I have also gained a lot of weight from studying, stress, and a lack of time. One of my goals, besides getting a job, not only for this year but also for next is to reach my goal weight (I would tell you what that is but a lady never talks about her weight).
I'm hoping by the end of my first year of teaching I will be at my goal weight. To motivate myself I am planning on putting away a little money each month and rewarding myself with a new wardrobe for my rockin' new bod. Audrey, who writes one of my favorite blogs Putting Me Together, has an awesome series about building a wardrobe from scratch. I'm using some of those ideas to think about what I want in my new wardrobe.

Step #1: Identify Your Lifestyle Needs
Work: Right now I'm not sure what my work wardrobe will entail. However, I can see it going one of two ways: casual (t-shirt and jeans) or business casual. For a more business casual look I would focus more on trousers, skirts, and dresses along with nicer blouses, cardigans, and blazers. However, if I did teach at a more casual school, I would lean more towards blouses and cardigans than t-shirts to give off a more professional vibe to show who is in charge. In both cases, I would need some comfy flats and maybe even a heel or wedge if I feel brave (you are on your feet a lot!).

Weekend: I mostly lounge around the house on the weekends. If I feel really adventurous, I'll even run some errands. : ) This is also my time to hang out with friends. For all of these situations a t-shirt and jeans work just fine. Throw in a cozy sweater for the winter and I am set.

Special Occasions: The most I get dresses up is for church and the occasional wedding reception. More casual dresses and skirts work for this laid back girl. Although I would like to try to find some fun heels.

Step #2: Style Preferences
My Pinterest board was so helpful in figuring out what I like to wear. Although it can be a little overwhelming as well.

I like: A very feminine look with lots of lace, ruffles, bows, pearls, and floral prints. Pencil skirts and more flowy skirts (like tulle) usually with a button up or regular shirt tucked in and finished off with a cute belt. I like dresses with a defined waist (either built in or created with a belt) and an A-line skirt. I discovered a love for chambray with skirts, colored pants, or under sweaters. I like to mix prints like stripes with polka dots or gingham with polka dots. Casually I enjoy comfy sweaters with jeans (add a scarf and boot for fall/winter) and  jersey shirts/flowy shirts with cardigans, scarves, or puffy vests.

                                                                                             

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