Goals Shmoals

So, what ever happened to my goals anyway?  I did quarterly check-in posts in 2012, and then monthly in 2013 - never with consistent success.  I intended to make some new 2014 goals and then continue the monthly updates, but then I just didn't.  And I'm okay with it.  I'm actually doing better with all my "goals" without them being articulated.  Apparently I just rebel against authority, even my own.  (I'll be like "I'm going to do such and such thing this year" and then I'm like "No one tells me what to do!") 

For example, reading 50 books a year has been my goal for the past few years.  I've just barely met it, usually reading a short book in the last couple days of December.  This year, I didn't make an official goal, but I've read 40 already.  That's ridiculous.  I always thought people were crazy when they said they read 100 books in a year, but if I keep up this rate, I'll be at 80.  And I don't even read super fast or spend all my free time in a book.  So I now believe the 100-books-in-a-year readers. 

Another often missed goal for me has been exercising on a regular basis.  I would set reasonable expectations like 3x a week and completely fail.  So I decided that I should try to workout every day.  Every.Single.Day.  And I did for all of January.  And now even when I fail, I'm at the gym 3-4 times in a week.  So failure now is really success.  And since I didn't officially make a goal of working out every day, it's not really failure.

These 2 things really work together, because I read while I'm riding the bike at the gym.  I don't like exercising, but I like reading.  If I make myself go to the gym, that's an hour of free reading time!  I'm bribing myself a little bit, but it works!       

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I haven't completely abandoned self-improvement activities, but I just no longer set myself up for failure.  Halfway through the year seemed like a good time to do that.  And now you know the amount of trickery that is required to get myself to do things!
Dress: Old Navy (option, option)
Scarf: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Sandals: Carlos Santana (option, option)

2013 Goals Review

This is the outfit I wore to John's office Christmas party a few weeks ago.  It's the same dress I wore back in 2011, but I don't think anyone noticed.  I felt festive enough while still having decently comfortable shoes, and a cardigan to keep warm.  Two years ago, I was freezing, and my feet were in severe pain by the end of the night.  See, I'm learning as I go!

Anyway, as we close out the year, I need to do my final goal review.  I had 6 goals for 2013.  I did monthly check-ins, except for November.  It probably would have matched October pretty closely. 

The short story for December is that I worked out A LOT.  Like 6 times a week for the first 3 weeks.  I even went to a Zumba class in Indiana!  I didn't sew anything, or cook consistently, or do any projects around the house.  I stuck to my budget, and I read several books.  So 50/50 for the month.  And I kind of feel like exercise is my top priority, so I feel good about that!

Here's my annual summary:

• Do a Project - mostly sewing.   50% success rate, with a generous definition of "projects."  I did a couple re-fashions, but I didn't do any serious sewing projects.  I'd really like to start sewing more, but it's just hard to find the time.  Maybe in 2014.
• Work out 3x a week - on Jan 1, I decided I would set up a reward system for this.  Then I didn't actually do the rewards system at all.  I think I was about 75% successful with this one.  In the beginning of the year, I just couldn't stay healthy, so I would be good for 2-3 weeks and then off for 1-2 weeks.  I'm getting better at making myself go to the gym, and tracking with My Fitness Pal is helping, too.  
• Tackle a Project around the house - well, I never made my list of things to do, but I think I did a decent job of getting stuff done.  We painted the guest bathroom, and half of the basement.  I also did some serious de-cluttering in our various closets, and took several bags to Goodwill or consignment.  I should really make that list so I know what I should be doing!  
• Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - this is my worst category.  I'm just inconsistent, and I haven't figured out a good system to be more consistent.  
• Stick to a clothing budget - WIN!  I was almost $100 under budget for the year.  YAY!
• Read 50 books in the year - WIN!  This is my second year reading 50 books, and I cut it close again.  

So, I did pretty well on 3 categories, passable on 2, and failed on one.  Overall, I am confident that making goals and having monthly check-ins has helped me to better than I would have otherwise.  I need to think about my 2014 goals, but I'll be sure to keep myself accountable again!

Dress: Ann Taylor
Cardigan: Old Navy
Necklace: InPink
Tights: Target
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Stripe Week - Skirt

Get excited - it is STRIPES WEEK!

A pretty decent percentage (no, I didn't do the math) of the tops in my closet are striped, but I'm a firm believer that stripes should not be limited to the torso.  A black and white striped skirt is a very versatile piece, so I was happy to add this one to my closet in the spring (for only $7)  It's safe to say this will be a staple going into the fall and winter, as well.

This jacket is another item I'm feeling pretty smart about.  I bought it back in 2011 on super clearance, and it was a total impulse buy.  Now camo is having a moment and an almost identical jacket is going for $78.  I'm going to pretend I'm a visionary for buying my jacket 2 years early.

Come back every day this week for another outfit featuring stripes!  I'm going to try to challenge myself by doing different color combos, but you may see black/white again, because it's just so easy!  You should also stop by A Journey in Style to see what Kate is wearing.  Then remember to link up with us on Friday!

Jacket & Skirt: Old Navy  (similar)  (similar skirt)
Top: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Born

When September Ends - Goal Review

Happy Monday!  I'm sure I'll be posting about my mom's visit soon, but unfortunately, it's the end of the month, so I have to do my goal review.  September was better than August, but still not pretty!

• Do a project, mostly sewing - nope.  But I do have an easy sewing project in mind, so that must count for something.  This dress ripped at the seam, so I'm going to chop it into a top instead of a dress.  I thought I'd have time to do it last week, but I have poor time management skills. 
• Work out 3x a week - I think so. 

• Tackle a project around the house - I did clean out the linen closet in the guest bathroom.  It's been a sort of mess since we moved in, because I'm never in there, so it's kind of "out of sight, out of mind."  But I finally organized it and threw away a bunch of stuff! 
• Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - medium.  I don't know - we are home so randomly in the evenings.  I think I did okay. 
• Stick to a clothing budget - while technically over for September, I was using leftovers from prior months, so I'm still on track for the year.
• Read 50 books in 2013 - I finished 4 books in September.  I'm still 2 books behind schedule for the year, but again, once I get done with these 800 page Harry Potter books, I think I'll be able to catch up.  I'll just have to be strategic with a few shorter books.  

We're officially 75% through 2013, and I am not feeling great about my goals.  Maybe 4th quarter will be really awesome.  Are you still working on any goals or NY resolutions?  

Blazer: H&M
Top & Jeans: Gap
Necklace: InPink
Shoes: Target

August Goal Confessions

Well, August has come and gone and I'm still just slacking on my goals.  I'm not even going to make excuses for myself.  Here's the damage:   

• Do a project, mostly sewing - nope 
• Work out 3x a week - I probably worked out 3 times total.  Fail. 

• Tackle a project around the house -Operation Closet Clean-out is in progress and I hope to get a lot done this weekend. 
• Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - not even close
• Stick to a clothing budget -  success!
• Read 50 books in 2013 - I'm falling behind, partly because I abandoned a book that I had started.  I've read 30 books this year, but I should be at 32, to be on track for 50.  I'm not too worried, because I tend to read more in the fall and winter.  I'm sure I can catch back up.  

 I don't even know what to say about this.  I've got a million excuses and none of them are worth whining about here, so I'll just say I hope I can get my act together in September!  

How are you doing on your goals?  Any advice on how I can do better?

Outfit note:  I must give credit to Kate for the idea of putting a navy tee with coral/pink floral shorts.  The cardigan was necessary, because my office gets cold sometimes.  

Top: Gap
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shorts: Loft
Necklace: Dillard's
Sandals: Love Culture

Shameful July Goal Review

July was ridiculous!  By my calculations, I basically had one normal week.  First, my sister and nieces were in town.  The day they left was the day VBS started, which meant I was working all day and at church until late evening.  The next weekend, John and I spent all day Saturday at the golf thing.  Then I had about 5 days of normal before we left for an epic road trip to Montana.  Needless to say, the goal review isn't going to look good.  No judging, okay?

• Do a project, mostly sewing - nope (but I should get a few bonus points for the art project I did with my nieces)     
• Work out 3x a week - I'm going to be tricky on this one, because it's my goal review and I make the rules.  When my family was here, we were pretty active, with a zoo day, and walking around at the pedestrian bridge, plus just generally running around the backyard and going to the park, etc.  The week of VBS, I was chasing 4 year old kids around and doing a lot of hand motions to the songs, which has to count for something.  I did go to the gym 4 times during the "normal" week.  And I went hiking 3 of the days in Montana, so I think I should get credit for exercise this month, at least. 
• Tackle a project around the house - nope
• Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week -this is hard when we aren't even home!  I'm not sure I cooked a real meal 3 times in the entire month!
• Stick to a clothing budget - success! 
• Read 50 books in 2013.   One thing that vacation helps with!  I finished 5 books and am partway through 2 others, so I'm back on track with this annual goal.  I currently have 8 books checked out from the library, because everything on my hold list became available at the same time.  Prioritization is going to be tricky!  

August is looking a little less hectic, so I'm hoping to get back into some good habits!    

Top: Alfani
Skirt: Gap (refashioned dress)
Sandals: Carlos Santana
Purse: Dooney and Bourke

Goals Review for June

Happy July!  The good news is that my sister and nieces are in town and we are likely having way too much fun!  The bad news is that a new month means it is goal review time!  June was rough, for various reasons.  It was another busy month of traveling to a few places, and trying to spend time with friends and family as much as possible, while maintaining some order around my house and trying to stay on top of things at work.  It just feels like there is a lot going on right now!  This review is going to be painful - try not to judge me too much.  I reserve the right to bend the rules on all subjects. 

• Do a project, mostly sewing - well... I did re-hem my gold skirt.  AND I found 2 old necklaces that my dad bought in Israel in the 80s, and I re-strung them.  So, those are both projects, right?     
• Work out 3x a week - not so much.  I've had a lot going on in the evenings, and just haven't made exercise a priority.  Funny thing is, I've actually lost weight this month, because I started tracking my calories.  I'm down about 8 pounds!  It's a good reminder that diet and exercise are both so important.  I'm also kicking myself, because imagine how much more I would have lost if I'd been consistently exercising this month!! 
• Tackle a project around the house - I haven't done any big projects, but I am still making progress toward sorting and getting rid of things.  It's hard to tackle projects when I'm not around on the weekends. 
• Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - yeah, not so much on this one either.  
• Stick to a clothing budget - success!  This is the only goal I can consistently achieve! 
• Read 50 books.  I'm falling behind on this one.  I've finished just 2 books in June, but I'm halfway through 2 other books.  

So yeah, June was not a banner month for my goals!    I suspect July won't be much better, as I have a lot of stuff still going on, but I will try to get on track!  

Halfway through the year, I'm feeling sort of like a failure, but I'm doing better than I did last year!  Small victories, right?

How are you doing on your annual goals??  

Cardigan & Skirt: Loft
Top: Old Navy
Shoes: Anne Klein

May Goals Review

I'm sorry, but where did May go?  It really flew by, but I think I say that every month.  I'm really starting to resent my 5 months ago self for saying I would do monthly goal review posts.  It's not always fun to confess my failures each month.  Let's get to it, I guess:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - Yep, I did a sewing project this month!  Memorial Day is the secret of my success.  I even have a post written up about my re-fashion project scheduled for this week! 
2. Work out 3x a week - probably not so much.  The first half of the month was busy with graduation stuff and family in town.  The rest of the month I have just been un-motivated lazy.  I think I've gone to Zumba class every Monday, and maybe gone to the gym a couple more times total this month.  (Ugly truth - I weighed myself for the first time in awhile and it is not good.  I need to get serious about losing some weight!)    
3. Tackle a project around the house - serious sorting and decluttering is happening!  We pulled everything out of the storage closet and took a carload of stuff to Goodwill.  I've sorted through a few more dresser drawers and 2 more bags to donate.  And I finally am getting rid of some of my old formal dresses from high school!  They are being sold at my in-laws garage sale this weekend, so hopefully I get some more shopping money! 
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - this is still my worst one.  In my defense, I didn't need to cook for the first 2 weeks of May, because we were so busy with family stuff and eating out or at John's parents' house.  Then we had leftovers from the graduation party.  I think I've made a few legitimate meals in the last couple weeks, but I honestly don't remember. 
5. Stick to a clothing budget - success! 
6. Read 50 books.  I'm still on track for the year with 20 so far.  I read 4 books in May, which is pretty good considering all the graduation/family stuff we had going on. 

I mean, I succeeded at 4 of 6, but I still feel like a failure this month.  Probably because my top priority should be working out regularly.  I'm hoping to get on track in June, but I'll be honest, the summer is going to be crazy busy!  

It's also the last day of the "We Love Target" party with Whitney and Heidi.  Today's topic is "Favorite Score," which is really hard to pick.  I went with this floral top, because it's one of my recent favorite buys.  Plus I was excited to wear my new Gap blazer!  

Blazer: Gap

Top: Target

Jeans: Von Maur

Shoes: BCBGeneration

April Goal Review and a Close Enough African Violet

It is Day 2 of the Pantone Spring Color Challenge with Marissa and Heidi, which means I'm supposed to be wearing something that is "African Violet."  I'm pretty sure I don't have anything that is the exact right shade, so my light purple cardigan will have to do.

It's also the last day of April, which means I have to take stock of my goals:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - Um, I don't think I have done any sewing. 
2. Work out 3x a week - I think so?  I haven't been keeping track as well this month, but I have been going to the gym pretty regularly, plus I went hiking and even went to a yoga class in Arizona.  For what it's worth, I'm pretty much sore all the time.  That will go away eventually, right? 
3. Tackle a project around the house - We painted half of the basement!  I also am about halfway done sorting through my dresser drawers.  I'm hoping to get rid of quite a few things, and then organize everything else so it is easier to see what I have. 
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  LOOK, A BEAR!  Did I distract you enough that you won't notice how badly I failed at this in April?  No?  LOOK, ANOTHER BEAR!  Why am I so bad at preparing meals???
5. Stick to a clothing budget - success!
6. Read 50 books.  I'm on track with this one.  I finished 3 books in April, and am currently reading 3 books.  I'm at 16 for the year, which Goodreads says means I am on track.  I'd like to stay 1-2 books ahead of schedule, but since I am partway through 3 other books, I'll probably jump ahead soon.  

***I'm trying to figure out how to edit my photos with ipiccy, so any advice is appreciated!  Somehow, my legs look super tan in the first picture.  I'm not trying to make myself thinner or anything, just want to get the light and colors to look good.


Dress: Target
Cardigan: Gap
Belt: Limited
Sandals: Carlos Santana via DSW

March in Review

Great news, everyone!  I was 100% successful at all my goals in March...

April Fool's!*

I wasn't quite 100% successful.  My excuses this month include vacation and trying to get caught up from being on vacation.  Let's see how everything shakes out:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - I did sew a new button on a shirt that I wanted to take to consignment, but I don't think that counts.  I'm also about 99% finished with painting an anchor on a sweater, to look like this.  Hopefully it will turn out wearable!     
2. Work out - I'm calling this a success.  I got a fair amount of exercise on vacation, just from walking all over the place, and even went to the gym on the boat one day!  Since we got back, I've been pretty good about getting to the gym at least 3 times a week.  
3. Tackle a project around the house - I'm hoping to declutter the house one step at a time.  In March, I was able to clean out my closet, and took a big bag of items to Goodwill, and another stack to consignment.  I still need to tackle the items in my dressers, but I have a good start.  
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  Cue some failure music here.  After vacation, I haven't really gotten back into the swing of things with cooking, or like, having groceries on hand to cook.  
5. Stick to a clothing budget - success!
6. Read 50 books in the year - March was a good month for reading!  It's amazing how much I can read  on vacation when I am not bothered with things like working.  I read 5 books on vacation and 2 others since we got back.  That puts me at 13 for the year, which means I am right on track to hit 50.

One quarter into the year, and I feel pretty good about everything.  I am definitely doing better this year than I did in 2012!  I think the monthly check-ins are helping keep me accountable, as well as having more specific goals. 

How are you all doing on any resolutions or goals for the year? 

Outfit details:
Button-down shirt: New York & Co
Top: Max Studio (via Marshall's)
Belt: Charming Charlie
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Guess

*I really hate April Fool's Day.  I am just worried all day that I will be tricked somehow, and I don't really see the fun in it, at all. 

February Check-In

Take One, Pass It On Item:  striped tee from Tuesday's post
*this is my last TOPIO outfit!  I will be posting a summary about the challenge next week!


Is it just me, or is February shorter than the other months!?  (if you don't understand jokes:  Yes, February is shorter).  I feel like I just did my January update and here we are again.  For all my new readers (welcome!), I am doing monthly posts on my annual goals, in the hopes that accountability will help me stay motivated! 

1. Do a project, mostly sewing -  it's a small project, but it counts.  I have a dress that I bought on clearance at Ann Taylor about a year ago.  I love it, but it had a halter top, which is not ideal for my  body type.  When I bought it, I thought I could modify it pretty easily, but I just never did it.  I've worn it a few times, but just as a skirt, with a sweater on top.  I finally got around to sewing the ties into normal straps.  YAY!  It's still not an "every day" dress, but I am excited that I can now wear it for some fancier occasions.   
2. Work out - this will sound familiar.  I met my goal of 3x a week for the first 2 weeks, and then I got sick.  Several people have told me it sounds like the other strain of flu, but I am in denial and saying it was just a cold.  I have gotten back on track this week, so here's hoping I can stay healthy in March. 
3. Tackle a project around the house - John and I got the hallway bathroom all painted, and I set it up with the yellow and gray decor!  I am pretty excited with the finished product.  I will try to take pictures and post about it soon. 
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  I think I did this.  I wasn't keeping track as well.  I did try some new recipes, so that is good! 
5. Stick to a clothing budget - success! 
6. Read 50 books in the year - I read 3 books in February.  If I keep this up, I will only get 36 in the year.  I guess I need to start reading more! 

Overall, I feel pretty good about February.  If I can just stay healthy, I think I will be on track!   

How are you doing on your goals for the year?  

Tee: Gap
Cardigan: Marisa Kristina via Marshall's
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Wanted via Piperlime

January Check-In

 

I love how you can see John reflected in my sunglasses!  

2013 got off to a decent start, but then I was knocked out by the flu for about 2 weeks.  Not awesome, you guys.  With that in mind, I don't think I did very well on my goals for the month.  

1. Do a project, mostly sewing -  I haven't done any sewing, but I did have craft night with my friends at the beginning of the month.  I made some art for the bathroom.  Now I just need to paint and put up my new decor (that I bought last summer).  
2. Work out - I met my goal of 3x a week for the first 2 weeks, and then I got the flu.  You aren't supposed to exercise when you have the flu, so I took off exercise for 2 weeks.  I'm back on track this week.  I won't call it a success, but I don't feel too bad about failing, since I have a good reason/excuse.    
3. Tackle a project around the house - good thing this says "tackle" and not "finish!  I have started preparing to paint the bathroom.  So far, I have picked out a color of paint, and started taping around the trim/doors/counter.  I'm hoping to start actually painting this weekend.  
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  Same story as #2 - I was on track with this until I got sick and then I was in no shape to make dinner.  I'm getting back on track this week.  
5. Stick to a clothing budget - I did pretty good this month.  Just $10 over my budget.
6. Read 50 books in the year - I finished 3 books in January, and I am about halfway through another one.  I'd say I am on track for the year.    

All in all, it's not as bad as I thought it might be.  I just need to get back on track and stay motivated.  I'm going to keep the same goals for February, and hopefully stay healthy enough to be successful this time!

Tank, Tee, and Jeans: Gap
Cardigan: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Converse

Resolute

I didn't get the black shirt/blue jean memo

Happy New Year!  I'll be like everyone else and say I CANNOT BELIEVE IT'S 2013!  I mean, seriously, how did this happen?  We had our traditional college friends NYE party.  I think it's pretty awesome that we get together every year.  It kind of blows my mind that I've known these people for almost 10 years!  Anyway, we had a lot of fun, and I stayed up way past my bedtime!    

After my lame attempt at goals in 2012, I need to figure out a better way to set and achieve goals in 2013.  I am keeping some of the same goals, but changing them a little bit, to be more specific and measurable.  I'm also going to do monthly check-ins.  When I did my quarterly check-in posts, I usually got back on track for a few weeks.  I'm hoping more frequent accountability will make me more successful!

So, on a monthly basis, I want to:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - my craftiness got some practice in 2012, and I want to focus on sewing more in 2013.  I'd like to tackle at least 1 sewing project each month.  Ideally, some of these projects would involve refashioning items from Goodwill, like Marisa.  Plus, I really need to finish my t-shirt quilt that I started a few years ago.  
2. Work out - Since I am SO not motivated, I think I am going to bribe myself with rewards each month. So, if I meet my goal, I get to schedule a massage that month.  In January, I'm going to workout at least 3 days a week.  I have a new Jillian Michaels DVD, so it's just a 20 minute commitment and a pretty decent workout.  Each month, I will have a new goal to work on.  
3. Tackle a project around the house - I need to make a list of things that need to get done.  I really want to organize and get rid of things we don't need anymore.  I figure if I can manage one each month, that would be pretty good progress!
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  I'm so bad at making dinner, and when I try to get motivated, I set unrealistic expectations, and then I fail and then I give up until I get motivated again.  So, instead of 7 days a week, I will try 3 days a week, and then fill in the other days with the "easy" options.  
5. Stick to a clothing budget - I don't think I am too bad, but I just don't keep good track of how much I am spending on clothes each month.  I need to start paying attention!  

My last goal is just for the year:

      6. Read 50 books.  I think this will be an ongoing goal.  I love to read, but without a goal, I tend to get           distracted with other things like TV, or perusing Pinterest.  Reading is a better use of my time!

I'm linking up with Sarah and Andrea today!  Go check out all the other resolutionizers!  I don't have 13 resolutions, but the rules state it is still legal.