New Year Goals

Welcome to the new year y'all! 

I don't know about you, but I'm glad it's here. I love the feeling of a fresh start. A new week and a new month is great, but nothing compares to a new year.  

I talked last year about how I don't like to set resolutions, but to set goals instead. Today I want to share a couple of things I like to consider when I'm setting my yearly goals. 

I like goals that I can break down into small bites. When you're setting your goals think about how you can break it down and judge your progress, whether its monthly or quarterly. An example is that I love to read, but I hardly make the time to sit down and pick up a book. I can't very well set a goal of "read more" but instead I set the goal of read six books this year. That's one every other month. Easy to keep checking up on myself. 

Be realistic about your goals. If you're wanting to save money but are living paycheck to paycheck without a lot leftover, don't set of goal of $5,000+. Be more realistic and set a goal of $1,000 or 2.  A lot more attainable and then if you exceed it you get to pat yourself on the back!

I went a little crazy with my goals this year and set a list longer than usual. But they're all realistic and able to break down and I'm so excited! I've got a good feeling some great things are going to happen this year and I can't wait. 

What are your goals this year? I'd love to see if I should add any to my list ;)

xo Courtney 

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Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year’s, friends! I sure hope everyone had fun ringing in the New Year. I’m not going to lie – as much as I love the holidays I’m a little glad they’re now over so life can go back to a normal pace!

Of course, with the New Year comes resolutions. I’ve never been any good at resolutions. I make them, start them, and end them all within the month of January. However, this year I have some things I’d really like to accomplish. So instead of resolutions, I’m setting goals for 2016. I’ve always been a fan of goals and do a little better with them than resolutions. Now I know what you’re thinking – resolutions/goals, Courtney aren’t they the same thing? Yeah probably. But there’s power in the name so you’ve got to pick what works best for you. I’m actually thinking about calling it my to-do list for 2016, because I’m a huge fan of to-do lists!

So here is my list of goals/to-do’s for 2016:

1.       Weight Loss – haha I know. The most obvious and typical one out there. But hubs and I were talking while driving all over the world on Christmas and we’re both experiencing tight clothes and some that just don’t fit. So we’re conquering this one together and holding each other accountable. Workouts and slightly better eating will hopefully get us both where we need to be.

2.       Take better care of myself – I’m not the best at washing my face every night and my teenage skin is gone, so I’ve got to get on the ball. So under this heading I’m throwing in – washing my face every day, applying lotion daily, taking vitamins, care of my nails, etc. I guess it’s time to start treating my body like the age it is before it’s too late!

3.       Savings Goals – hubs and I have set some savings goals we’d really like to hit before the end of the year. This one isn’t always easy because there is always something out there that you really want. But we’re determined because we really want to buy a house!

4.       Journal Daily – I’m going to try and write in a journal every day. Timehop is one of my favorite apps, because I love to reminisce over old memories. So my hope with this is to go back and read it at the end of the year to see what all we’ve done. I have a feeling that 2016 is going to be a good year for me and hubs so I want to be able to remember it!

 

I hope everyone has a glittery and magical 2016. How do you set resolutions that you can keep? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

xo Courtney

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NYE Outfit Inspo

Happy New Year's Eve! Can you believe it, the last day of 2015.. I honestly cannot. Looking back at all the ups and downs (mainly ups, this was truly a great year) it's so bittersweet to say hello to 2016. I'm excited for what the year holds but I honestly cannot believe that a year can get better than '15, we will see! 

If you're anything like me, you wandered into your closet around 11pm last night wondering 'what in the world am I wearing tomorrow?' and then planned a very last minute trip to the mall today. #GUILTY. I wanted to share a few last minute ideas on what you could wear that you may already have in your closet or a few quick places you could grab something!! Whether you're headed to a black tie affair or a pajama party, I've got you covered! 

-- A Touch of Sparkle --

This is for all you ladies who don't feel comfortable head to toe sequins or maybe if you're headed to a more casual event! Look for a statement piece and pair with your favorite distressed denim for a fun look. (Can you believe I snagged these heels at the Thrift Store?!) 

-- Feather Frenzy -- 

I love feathers especially on NYE. I purchased this skirt a couple of years back and I'm shocked how often I find myself wearing it, definitely a great closet staple. Pair it with a black top for a dressier look or go for a more casual vibe with an oversized sweater. I also love fringe skirts! 

-- Lovely Legs -- 

Sequin leggings are perfect if you're wanting to stay comfortable but still look effortlessly glam. I love how great they look with an oversized tee (it's like the fanciest pajamas you've ever owned!)

-- Bling Bling Blazer -- 

A fun option is a sequin blazer! It pairs perfectly with a little black dress or tulle skirt. 

-- Metallic Maxi -- 

I love anything shiny, this is less glam and a little edgier! I love the rose gold (my favorite color!). This full length beauty is perfect with flats because no one will know and was under $30 from Forever21! 

-- Pajama Party -- 

My personal favorite option, snuggle up in your favorite & cutest pajamas to watch the countdown from the comfort of your couch! Invite some friends over or make it a date night! Turn it into a fun slumber party and whip up some yummy brunch the next day, just don't forget your black eye peas for good luck! 

I hope everyone has the MOST wonderful New Year's Eve, thanks so much for spending the year with us! Here's to an A M A Z I N G 2016! XO,

Riley 

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Best Year EVER!!

Image via Pinterest

I am so excited about this New Year!  I believe it will be the best year ever!! Why??  Because I get a clean slate, a new beginning, a fresh new start.  The possibilities are endless.  I like to start each new year with what I know I have to look forward too. I like to make a list of the things we know will happen.  I also like to add a list of things I would like to happen. The week between Christmas and New Years I love to open my planner and start planning the year in front of me!  And I am loving my new Mambi Happy Planner. 

Image via Pinterest

Things with dates on the calendar:

My niece will turn 1 this year! (February)

My daughter will graduate from High School! (May)

A trip for just me and my Husband!  No kids!!  (June)

A family summer vacation to see several new states and watch my son in a Karate Tournament all rolled into one crazy adventure! (July)

My daughter will go away to college.  ( I have mixed emotions about this one! Excited for this chapter of her life for her....sad for me!) (August, move in day is her daddy's birthday!)

 

 

Things I would like to make happen: 

Cousin Trip- where me and some of my girl cousins get together with our kids in a cabin and catch up with each others lives!

Cooper Family Reunion-I need to make this happen!  The matriarch of the family will be 90 this year so I need to get this planned and invitations sent out immediately!

Game Night-I plan to bring this back this year!  We were so busy last year that we only had game night about every 3 or 4 months and that is totally unacceptable!  (While working on my planner last night I decided I was just going to have to schedule it and make it happen!)

Dollywood- We received Dollywood season passes for Christmas.  I have to find several days where we can go and hang out in Dollywood.  It is such a fun time with the kiddos!

Image via Pinterest

 

Hikes-We live in Chattanooga which was voted the Best Outdoor City in America.  We need to get several hikes on the calendar for this year.  We took a small one last Sunday and it was such a great day to be outdoors. 

 

 

Image via Pinterest

The things I want to get on my calendar are my Resolutions.  Of course, I would like to lose some weight and exercise.  But if I see a cookie I am going to eat a cookie or three.  Plus, I don't like to set myself up for failure.  So this year to make it the BEST YEAR EVER I decided to make an effort to add things I really want to do!  Things like Family Game Night, hiking, and date nights with my husband.  (plus if we go hiking I will lose the pounds I added at Christmas!)

 

I am very excited to ring in this New Year!  I am also excited to hear what you are planning on doing!  What are your resolutions??  Please share with the other SHE's what you have dreamed up for 2016!  May it be your BEST YEAR EVER!

 

Lisa

 

 

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