December Update and 2013 Bucket List!

I literally cannot believe that another year has gone by. I think I have finally hit that point where I'm starting to realize how fast time goes by. 

In addition to that, 2014 totally feels unreal. When I was younger, I could picture my life and what would be like up until 2012.

 Now that we've hit 2014 I feel like I am officially living in the future. 

I'm not sure if that made any sense whatsoever, but nevertheless, the year end is upon us. 

Looking back at 2013 feels weird... like it all happened in a blur

but at the same time I can remember each detail like it was yesterday. 

Time is a cruel, cruel thing. 

I figure I'd finish the year off with how I started it. 

Last January, I made a resolution to keep track of my monthly goals on here. I can't believe that I actually stuck to it! 

To look back at my past goals click here:

 January's Goals

February's Goals

March's Goals

April's Goals

May's Goals

June's Goals

July's Goals

August's Goals

September Goals

October Goals

November Goals

And alas, the last month is here.

December Goals:

1. Stop and enjoy the season.

Check! It was a fabulous (but way too short) season!

2.Try to be present more

While I can't say that I've completely committed to this, I certainly made a point to do certain things instead of just waste time on electronics. 

3. Finish up the current book I'm reading.

I loved Dark Places. It took me a while to read because I refused to do so at night for fear of nightmares, but I did finally finish it. It's definitely dark and bloody and very gory, but also intriguing and compelling. I'd recommend to those who don't have a weak stomach, but love a good thriller!

So let's see how I did on my 2013 bucket list. 

I didn't complete everything on it, but I didn't intend to. It was just a tentative list of things I'd like to accomplish.

My 2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods-Meh. I won't cross this one out because it would be a lie. But I will say that I've become more aware of the ingredients in foods. 

-buy local produce/go to local farmer's market more-

-volunteer somewhere

-have my first giveaway on my blog-I debated back and forth on this one and ultimately decided that now's not the right time. Maybe in the future. 

-figure out my college plan

-save my money up for something big- Fail! But hey, I did save up for sheets, which weren't cheap! I also saved to make sure I could give a few gifts for Christmas. I tried!

-bake a blackberry cobbler from scratch

-eat better and be active-The holidays certainly weren't my friend, but looking back on this past year, I made an effort. I want to continue this, but it's a marathon not a sprint. 

-make new friends 

-work on my scrapbook

-go on a road trip

-write a letter to myself to open in 10 years- I finally did this on the day I graduated!

-go camping

-read at least 8 books-  

-teach myself how to sew-I've accepted that this didn't happen and I am at peace. (LOL!) 

So all in all, 2013 was a success. While the year did bring it's fair share of challenges,  heart aches and pain, it also brought a lot of good, sweet memories. 

August Update + September Goals

 January's Goals

February's Goals

March's Goals

April's Goals

May's Goals

June's Goals

July's Goals

I'm back for another update on my monthly goals!

August Goals:

1. Be Kind. 

I kinda forgot about this one. Not that I haven't been kind to anyone, but I just forgot to put more effort into being kind to people who really need it. I think that instead of getting hurt, angry or upset, I need to stop and just be kind. So... kinda. Work in progress, how about that?

2. Use up products before opening new ones.

You should have seen my trash can before I left the mountains. 

I literally used up 3 hairsprays, 4 body washes, two mascaras, and several other miscellaneous products. Check!

3. Live in the Moment.

I'm trying. I am starting stop and relish in the now. Life goes by so fast and I hate to think that I'm wasting it. I've also started a weekly wrap up to help me remember the small things. 

4. Read "The Fault In Our Stars", "Beautiful Ruins", "The 

Spectacular Now" or "Gone Girl" 

I read "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Gone Girl." 

I made the mistake of reading The Fault during an emotional transition. Warning:

 DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY UNSTABLE.

I was bawling, but it was so good, probably one of the best I've ever read. It is very heartbreaking and I was a wreck for a good three days after I finished it. I read it in a 48 hour period It was so good I couldn't put it down (I read it entirely in about 2 days)  but once I got to the end, I knew what was coming so I didn't want to read as fast (as if I took my time, "it" wouldn't happen). Does that makes sense? I don't know... but take my advice. Read it, but make sure you have a box of tissues.

As far as Gone Girl, like I said, it was great! I read it right after 'Fault' and it kinda helped me get over all my emotions! hehe :) It was awesome too, and I once again, couldn't put it down. 

I can't wait for the movie, too!

My 2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods-work in progress. So far Costco is winning for food with less than five ingredients!

-buy local produce/go to local farmer's market more-

-volunteer somewhere

-have my first giveaway on my blog-again, work in progress

-figure out my college plan

-save my money up for something big-My very own car!!! just starting though :(

-bake a blackberry cobbler from scratch

-eat better and be active-starting to track my calories and also starting to work out 4x a week

-make new friends

-work on my scrapbook

-go on a road trip

-write a letter to myself to open in 10 years

-go camping

-read at least 8 books- 6 down, 2 to go :)

-teach myself how to sew

and now for....

September Goals:

1. Keep up with Algebra

I am terrible at math, no surprise there but this semester I am taking algebra (required to graduate). There's a lot of homework so I know it can be easy to get behind. I want to make sure I keep up with everything and go to the math lab, call my grandpa, get help etc when I need it. 

2. Work on my Migraine Experiment

I want to keep up with my exercise and healthy eating and develop a routine to my new schedule. I also want to get some help from my sister-in-law who's a personal trainer.

3. Use my planner!!!

I can't be the only person who buys a new planner with good intentions to regularly use it. 

Sometimes I just get so behind, I just give up on it all together. But I am taking more classes this semester so I know I need to use it to remember everything I need to do.

4. Catch up with my Online Shop 

My poor shop needs some serious attention. I haven't been able to list more items, so it's looking pretty bare. I really really need to play catch up with it!

5. Read More, Watch less TV

I feel like I always end these post with a book I want to read. Oh well, I guess I really need the encouragement. It's so much easier to just flip the TV on and mindlessly spend all my free time. I genuinely enjoy reading more than TV, so I need to set my priorities straight.  

There you have it! I'll check back in at the end of the month!

February Update and March Goals and Bucket List!

Read  January's Goals 

Well, February is over, and March has begun.

Crazy, I know.

So here is an update on how I did this month!

February's Goals:

1. exercise and continue to walk my dog everyday

I did okay at this. Not perfect and not everyday, but it's a marathon and not a sprint, right?

2.read this book

read it, and loved it!

I really recommend it. 

{But beware, there is drug use and other things that might offend some people. So, if those kind of things bug you, then steer clear.}

Oh, and yes, I have seen the film! I thought it was fantastic and portrayed the book wonderfully. It's probably one of the best film adaptations of a book I've seen.

It definitely stayed true to the book, which I like!

3. Organize, organize, organize

Check, check, check.

Man. The spring cleaning bug really bit me hard this month.

I was organizing everything!
Here are just a few things I've organized this month:

I cleaned up underneath my bathroom sink using the black containers I found during this goodwill trip

I organized our family's movie collection.
{This was quite a task!}

 I even organized my t-shirt drawer using this method.
It saves so much room!!!

and of course you've already seen my Ikea cart storage 
So, as you can see, I was a bit OCD when it came to "organization" this month

4. Put finishing touches on my room and do a room tour!

This is still a work in progress. I feel like just when I think I finish one aspect, I find another item I need to work on.

But it will get done, and of course I will share with you!

I'm super duper excited with how it's all coming together, though!

Here is a sneak peek:

GAHH! I am so so excited to share it with you!

5. Do more Random Acts of Kindness.

~I surprised someone with their favorite starbucks drink

~I surprised a few peeps with a handmade dessert
~I bought my little Bro something small to let him know I'm thinking of him
and there were more, but I can't remember
{If you want to read more about RAK's read this blog, she did one everyday for a whole month!}

2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods-this has been hard, but worth it! I have been trying to only by foods with ingredients with 5 or less and ones I can pronounce :)

-buy local produce/go to local farmer's market more

-volunteer somewhere

-have my first giveaway on my blog-COMING SOON!

-figure out my college plan

-save my money up for something big (don't have a clue what that will be...yet   I have a few ideas of what I want to save for, now just to narrow it down)

-bake a blackberry cobbler from scratch

-eat better and be active-working on this! I've been eating my "green" smoothies, and obviously walking everyday has helped!

-make new friends-yay! I've met a couple new people this semester in school that I really like!

-work on my scrapbook- it took me a while to figure out where I put it, but I found it and even finished it! I am now working on my next one!

-go on a road trip
-write a letter to myself to open in 10 years
-go camping
-read at least 8 books-1 down, 7 to go :)
-teach myself how to sew

March's Goals

1. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Give it where it's needed or deserved.

2. Switch my closet over from winter to spring!

{Bring on the capris and sun dresses!}

3. Write the people I don't get to see or hear from everyday, and tell them that I love them.

4. read this book.

And that's all!
I'll check back in with you at the end of the month!
Happy March!

January Update and February Goals and Bucket List

Wow! Where did January go?

I cannot believe that it's already over.

Get ready for this ginormous post...

Here were my goals for the month of January along with how I did:

January's 5 Goals:

1. Go to a class at my gym at least 3 times.

I should've planned better for this. I was bummed that every week the gym class was scheduled at the exact times I had work.

So, unfortunately, I did not make it 3 times to class at the gym, but I did make it once!!

It was definitely an interesting experience, and I want to go back!

2.Walk Sydney (my dog) everyday

Rain or Shine, I did it!

I honestly enjoyed doing it everyday.

She is a ball of energy, so moving into an apartment has been hard on her.

Walking her, and letting her run around everyday has made her break her bad habits (Chewing on walls and shoes!) and has also cut down on her hyper-ness. (yes, I just made that word up)

3.Spend absolutely nothing on myself (that's not necessary) all month. 

Things like clothes, makeup, books and sadly goodwill :'( 

I really should've been more specific on this.

It was hard for me to differentiate between spending money on needs and wants.

Yes, I spent money on things that were necessary.

(things like books for school, shampoo, and groceries)

In terms of wants, I did a really good job. Not perfect, but good.

Ultimately, I succeeded in my goal of saving over spending.

4. Start up my coupon binder/couponing again but still stick with #3

Yep, couponing is in full swing again around here!

I honestly love it, mostly because I know I have time to devote to it.

It takes a TON of time

but I save even more.

I'll have to write a couple posts on a few of my hauls!

5. Finish The Little Bee and begin a new book.

This was a huge fail.

but if you read this post you'll understand why.

I really do want to read it! It sounds so interesting and intriguing. 

but I didn't. oops.

I did however re-read one of my favorites, which I do every winter.

(because I'm weird like that)

and now for a bucket list update

2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods 

-buy local produce/go to local farmer's market more

-volunteer somewhere

-have my first giveaway on my blog

-figure out my college plan

-save my money up for something big (don't have a clue what that will be...yet    I have a few ideas of what I want to save for, now just to narrow it down)

-bake a blackberry cobbler from scratch

-eat better and be active-working on this! I've been eating my "green" smoothies, and obviously walking everyday has helped!

-make new friends-yay! I've met a couple new people this semester in school that I really like!

-work on my scrapbook- it took me a while to figure out where I put it, but I found it and even finished it! I am now working on my next one!

-go on a road trip
-write a letter to myself to open in 10 years
-go camping
-read at least 8 books
-teach myself how to sew

Now, onto February:

February's Goals:

1. exercise and continue to walk my dog everyday

2.read this book

3. Organize, organize, organize

4. Put finishing touches on my room and do a room tour!

5. Do more Random Acts of Kindness.

and that's it!

I'll check back in with you at the end of February (**shutter**) and tell ya how I did!