Winter White, Part 2

These pictures are from a few weeks ago, before this happened.  This was one of my winter white options for linking up with Bri, but I liked the other one better.   

I don't have much else to say.  I hope the snow melts off our deck enough that I can take pictures out there again soon!  I don't know if I am brave enough to set up the tripod in the front yard!

Dress and Sweater: Gap
Belt: Urban Outfitters
Boots: Rampage

Class of '68

Believe it or not, I was NOT in the Senior class of 1968.  

I don't remember when it was, but at some point, I was helping my mom sort through her jewelry box.  I think I was probably in middle or high school.  Anyway, I thought this was cool, and she said I could have it.  (unless my memory is wrong, and I just took it, which is also a possibility.)  I don't think I've ever worn it before, but I found it in my jewelry box the other day and thought it would be fun to add to this ensemble.

Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Blazer: Limited
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration
Necklace: from my mom

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.  

2012 Goal Review

Well, it is the end of the year, so I guess I should check in with my goals and see how terribly I failed!  I'm probably being too hard on myself, but maybe not.

1. Be more active - Ummm, no.  I just couldn't get into a routine of working out.  I think I need to come up with a more specific plan for 2013.  
2. Be a more discerning shopper - I'll call this a success.  I did the Jan-Mar shopping ban, and I think I am doing better at buying quality items that I will wear more often, instead of just buying things because they are cheap.  I still shop almost exclusively in the clearance section, but I make myself think of several outfits for an item before I purchase it.  
3. Be a better wife!  Mostly in the realm of dinner preparation.  I'm just so inconsistent with this.  I have no way of measuring success other than my feelings, and I feel like I am still terrible at making dinner most weeks.
4. Be more creative!  Success!  I've done quite a few crafty projects this year!  
5. Read 50 books in 2012.  Done!  I was way ahead of schedule until I started the Game of Thrones books, which are 1000+ pages each.  That can really hurt the total number of books!  I had to be strategic in the last week and read a few of the shorter books on my list, but if I look at total number of pages read, I more than doubled my 2011 reading.  

So, 3 out of 5 isn't too bad, right?  I tend to succeed at the things I actually enjoy, like reading books!  I need to figure out how to enjoy things like working out and making dinner.  Maybe I need to get a Wii so I can play Just Dance all the time as my workout, because that is fun!  Not sure how to make dinner preparation fun.

How did you do on your goals/resolutions in 2012?

Sweater: Old Navy
Scarf: Calvin Klein
Skirt: Target
Boots: BareTraps via DSW

Carbon Copy

It's been such a busy week with Christmas and being lazy, that I haven't had much time to upload and edit current pictures, so I'm glad I had these pictures on reserve. 

This outfit is from a couple weeks ago, when it was still somewhat reasonable to wear flats with no socks.  I wore a very similar outfit back in September.  Since my jeans are pretty much the same color as that skirt, it was a no brainer that I should recreate the look. 

I'm looking forward to another 4 day weekend!  I am hoping to get a lot of stuff done around the house, and then kick off 2013 with some motivation to be better at everything (but more on that later)!

Happy Friday! 

Cardigan and Jeans: Gap
Tank Top: Old Navy
Shoes: Target

Christmas Eve

You all got a sneak peek at my Christmas Eve outfit here, but I really liked it, so I figured it deserves a full post.  I found this skirt for $8 at Target on Sunday.  I also found a super cute dress for my sis-in-law that is the same color/style for $8.  I was kind of jealous that the dress wasn't in my size, but at least I got a green pencil skirt!  Of course, I was sure I needed to wear it for Christmas Eve.  I thought this open-front floral cardigan would do the trick, with a shiny belt for extra festivity.  Add red nails, and I felt very festive!

The reason I look kind of embarrassed in these pictures is because the whole family was watching me.  They know about my blog, but it was still awkward to have an audience!

Top, Sweater: Gap
Skirt, tights: Target
Belt: Chinese Laundry via TJ Maxx
Boots: BareTraps via DSW

Christmas!

This is the first Christmas since John and I got married where we haven't either traveled or had out-of-town guests visiting.  It was kind of nice to have a quieter holiday this year.  We just went over to his parents' house for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Christmas Eve

Opening Stockings

Music-themed kitchen utensils!  

Modeling my new scarf and blazer - very classy with PJs

You'll have to excuse the grainy pictures from Christmas morning.  My head decided that Christmas morning is an appropriate time for a migraine, so I had to avoid flash photography.  I slowly started feeling better throughout the day, as we had a delicious Christmas feast and played board games.

How was your Christmas?  I hope you had a wonderful day with friends and family!