Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Goodbye 2014 + Hello 2015

We are wrapping up 2014. What a crazy year. 

Good things, busy things, happy time spent with family and friends. 

We had huge professional accomplishments and time where family members and friends really helped us move forward. And of course times where we really helped family and friends move forward.

Lots of effort in our home and making the most of now. Of life. Including investing and preparing for our future happiness.

I've noticed since this fall that my days have been full with making decisions and carrying out plans. I love to think things through and weigh each and every possible outcome - any and all options that are available. But for several months now I will push and say "okay, let's go". It feels right. And I believe that this is my season for putting in some work, investing energy to make my home and life be what I want. 

This has supported my selection of my word for 2015 - "do". The feeling I'm craving for 2015 is that I can make a plan and just start. Yes, to take action. What manageable steps can I take to continue shaping my days into continued success and happiness? What can I do to actually carry out the work I need to achieve goals that I have set? I will celebrate the planning and the first step as well as the completion {if and when I am able to do so}. 

Okay, 2015. I've thought things through. I am ready for you. {Oh and thanks for the fun, 2014!}

Wishing You A Happy + Healthy New Year!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

My Goals + Ideas of Growth {From 2012, 2013, 2014}

Love to see my "work in progress"...


My 14 in 2014

First of all, I will live the year with the word "presence" in mind. 

I will also consider the following 14 habits or open-ended goals for the year.

1. Finish {something I've already started}.

2. Read.

3. Experience.

4. Taste.

5. Create.

6. Rest.

7. Travel.

8. Run.

9. Photograph.

10. Enjoy.

11. Write.

12. Save.

13. Appreciate.

14. Start {something new}.







Did you know that I've almost finished my 13 goals of 2013? {I plan to continue my work on this list into the new year}

My 13 in 2013


1. Read 2 books each month {I'm a bit of a book worm these days}

2. Create and follow a financial plan {eliminating debt sounds like a great plan for our future}

3. Continue de-cluttering of our home {I will kick box madness out of our office and garage}

4. Runbikehike or hit the gym four days a week

5. Share 10 tips, recipes, or ideas that consider or assist with my lifestyle choice of cutting out processed & non local foods on the blog {this has been a long quest -and I'm still not quite there}

6. Take the time to travel to a "someday" place or go on a "someday" trip

7Write {write more, write often and not just on the blog}

8Garden {goodness knows that our compost pile is ready - 'grow big & grow at home'}

9. Create a desirable working space in our study

10. Run a registered 5k and continue the family 5k tradition.

11. Share about my choices and plans concerning "simple living" {share 5 tips or ideas indicating intentionality of this lifestyle choice on the blog}

12. Complete a photography challenge

13. Be mindful and creative with support given to friends and family {no matter how far apart we live}







Did you know I achieved 12 personal goals during 2012? Click on links below to read more. 


My 12 in 2012


1. Explore my cooking creativity and post about 10 personal recipes on my blog this year
2. Runhike, bike or hit the gym four days a week
3. Sew an article of clothing that I or someone else will actually wear
4. Make 12 different loaves of bread
5. Paint and decorate our bedroom
6. Register and run a 5K
7. Go on a brew-cation
8. Start and care for a container garden (hopefully not known as a "contained deer buffet")
9. Read and finish one book each month (is it bad that I'm in the middle of 5 books right now? I'm having trouble with reading one at a time)
10. Organize my box madness (this might be my husband's favorite as we have sacrificed a clean "music room" until my boxes are sorted)
11. Draft plans and a working schedule for our "backyard heaven"
12. Host a party at our home




Monday, December 29, 2014

::Pint-Sized Opinions... a link filled post::

I've recently been cleaning up the blog a bit {see changes here}. Thinking about what I want to spend my time documenting when writing and sharing in this space. I may still share a few new "watering holes" when I come across something pretty note worthy... however I've decided to move this collection of posts out of its featured spot.





Friday, December 26, 2014

Bookworm: Reads of 2014

This year I enjoyed tons of reading - books + magazines- as well as tons of listening. {This past year I have found several podcasts that I like to listen to while cooking or cleaning around the house.} 

::My List of Reads from 2014::

One Woman Farm by Jenna Woginrich

Made from Scratch by Jenna Woginrich

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Committed: A Love Story by Elizabeth Gilbert

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Saved by Ben Hewitt

The Town that Food Saved by Ben Hewitt

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon

I've also been enjoying the magazine Taproot for a few years. {It is real love, y'all... I have all the volumes and do a giddy dance at the mailbox when a new issue is delivered!}

Looking forward to some great reads in 2015... what about you, any great books waiting on the shelf?

Happy Reading!

Friday, December 19, 2014

Monday, December 15, 2014

Photography Archives

Taking photos has been a hobby of mine for many years. I love photographing beautiful scenery or fun family events.


Family Ties

Cheering for our Favorite Cheerleader

Bowling with my Buddies

Fall 2014 Photos


Birthday Babies

Samantha is 2!

Blake is One!


For the Love of Outside

Lake Michigan Visit


Leaves in the Yard (October 5th Challenge)

Finding Bits of Fall (October 12th Challenge) 


Orange & Fall (October 19th Challenge)

Red Foliage, No Foliage (October 26th Challenge)


Winter Photography: Black (February 1 Challenge)

Winter Photography: White (February 8 Challenge)

Check out some fun shots on my instagram!