Lovely Prints to Add to Your Life

Lately I have been obsessing about floral prints. I don't want them for wallpaper. I just want to stare at flowers and breathe the tranquility in. I can see myself using these prints for formal dinner or an elegant and girlie birthday party.  I can even see them on a spring kimono or on flats. We have seen this trend last year and I hope it hasn't died out. These prints are fresh, girlie, and elegant.

What I love most about these prints is that you can easily combine them with any other color. Want it as a blouse, just add a pair of pink or gray trousers to it. Want it to use as a tablecloth, just add white or orange flowers and set them in the middle of the table. Want to use them as wallpaper then just use it on one wall or make the cutest nursery out of that flower-y room. Gosh, the possibilities.

I cannot get enough of them. Luckily, I decided to work on a scrapbook {what on earth was I thinking?!} and I will add some flower power to those pages. Also, I am hoping to add more flowers to my wardrobe and if not, then at least get some fresh flowers from the market once a month. I may not fully be fond of the city I currently live in but this doesn't stop me from finding pleasure in the little things. Prints and flowers! 

Have a fantastic weekend! Go out and get you some flowers!

images via 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Four

Christina did this questionnaire thing over at Easily Entertained and tagged all her readers. Thought I could do this as well since I, also, feel like I'm in a bit of a creative slump. Plus, what's more fun to get to know your fellow bloggers, right?

4 NAMES THAT PEOPLE CALL ME
Selma
Babe
Cece
Pillow (only my cousins do)

4 JOBS I'VE HAD
(I have a short job history.)
Babysitter
International Student Greeter (unpaid but it was a job I took seriously)
Office Clerk
Front Desk Assistant Manager

4 MOVIES I'VE WATCHED MORE THAN ONCE
(I've seen at least a hundred movies more than once, but here are some favorites; I'm such a girl.)
Gone With The Wind
Because I said so
Sleepless in Seattle
Speed

4 BOOKS I’D RECOMMEND
On Photography by Susan Sontag
The Pledge by Friedrich Dürrenmatt
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I have more books I'd recommend but you'd think I am crazy if I revealed them ;)  

4 PLACES I'VE LIVED
Luzern, Switzerland
Oakland, CA
Ventura, CA
Irvine, CA - apparently I have a thing for California?!

4 PLACES I'VE BEEN
Istanbul
New York City
Philadelphia
Paris

4 PLACES I’D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW
Los Angeles/Orange County
Luzern, Switzerland
Istanbul, Turkey
On a beach, under an umbrella and a blended margarita {so had to copy this!}

4 THINGS I DON’T EAT
Chocolate
Liver
Seafood I have to "operate on" before eating...don't want to do this. {Do it for me and I'll eat it.}
Gluten {it makes me sick and is not a dietary preference}

4 OF MY FAVORITE FOODS
Salmon
Avocado
Fluffy rice
Cheese

4 TV SHOWS I LAST WATCHED
Revenge
Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce
Pretty Little Liars
Modern Family

4 THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR
Traveling overseas to see my mom and friends again
Moving to a better {and cheaper} place
Working and earning for the future
Simplifying life

4 THINGS I’M ALWAYS SAYING
I'm so cold
Oh boy
Maybe
Okay

And now I'm tagging all of you! Let me know if you play along so I can come by and read your answers!

image via here

Today is the Day

 

I am so weak today. My month of no sweets slowly comes to an end and oh my I so want to eat everything I see. I am literally counting down the days until February 1. I will make a dessert that day just for the heck of it. I must eat something sweet. Honey on apple or banana doesn't do it for me anymore. Four full days and then I am ready for a new food challenge.

Today is the day I feel the worst. I have been strong and willing to avoid sweets this month and it's been fine until today. This elimination wasn't difficult but oh my today is the day I feel the weakest and most tempted {and no, I am not PMSing}. 

Today is also the day my favorite person goes back to school. It's going to be a tough semester but this will bring him so much closer to the end. Working and going to school always takes longer, and when the school cuts classes and professors it takes even longer. Yet, he can do this because today is the day he will take one step closer to being stronger, better, and more educated.

Also, today is the day I promised myself to be a better person, not just for me but for my favorite person, my friends, and family. This includes working on a scrapbook, writing more letters, or just cards, no shopping anymore and saving up more so we are ready to move by the end of May. YES, we are moving. We will still stay in the Sacramento area but move more east to a better apartment complex. We are ready to make this move. If we could we would move today, but no one wants and should break a lease so we definitely will stick to our little place we call home and suck it up until May. Three full months. Three full months. Doesn't sound that bad, does it?

Today is the day I am going to enjoy every single moment and not worry about four more sugarless days, or the three months left in our current home. Today is the day I am striving to be a happier person. The next few months will be so much easier and more fun.

Make today the day you choose to be better, stronger, more of something you thought you are not. If I can {and I am the pessimist lately} then so can you!!! 

xoxo

image via society6

The Time I spent in Orange County

Two weeks ago my favorite person and I went to Orange County. That is where his family is from, and where we both met and lived before we moved to the Sacramento Area. This was definitely long overdue. Yes, I went last month for a longer weekend but it wasn't enough. He hadn't been back since early August so it was really time. There is no way to describe how much we both miss this place. It felt great being back and seeing friends and family again. It was a happy and healthy week for both of us.

It was fun having brunch on a bright and sunny Saturday by the beach {hello, of course!!}. It was also amazing having pets around again. Loved snuggling with doggies and cats. Made quiet evenings so much more fun. A few trips to the beach, hikes overlooking the Pacific, walking through L.A.,  and just fabulous days spent in our favorite area and climate. We definitely had a blast. We will be back. Sadly not any time soon but we will; until then, I am sending Southern California lots of kisses.

Save Money By Renting Books From CampusBookRentals

For many of you school is long over - graduated years ago, recently walked your graduation walk, or you are about to graduate this spring. Maybe you are amongst many who have decided to go back to college and get another, if not higher degree. Maybe you know someone who is going back to school, or you are a parent, a girlfriend/boyfriend, or a great friend to someone who pays way too much for school books. Thanks to CampusBookRentals getting the right books at affordable prices has become so much easier.  

Some of the perks of renting textbooks are:

  

-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices

-free shipping both ways (clearly, that's amazing!)

-can highlight, underline and even write in the textbooks

-flexible renting periods (all up to you!)

-with each textbook rented CampusBookRentals will donate to Operation Smile

-plus, this company is a trusted source since 2007!

You can also make money by renting your books. Their new program, RentBack, allows you to rent your books to others so you make 2-4 times as much money than when you would sell your books. It is just like having a little business on the side. Sounds great, doesn't it? 

I personally like CampusBookRentals. Their service is simple, affordable, fast, convenient, and what I like most, they give back with each textbook rented. Give it a try - you won't be disappointed.

Renting books has just become easier and better. What are you waiting for?!

Creamy Easy and oh so yummy Bacon Corn Dip

Superbowl is around the corner. Spring parties are around the corner. Date time is around the corner. For whatever reason a dip is always an easy way to break the ice, enjoy a great night out with your date, or just munch on something relatively healthy. I have a confession to make, if I hear bacon I am sold. So when I was looking for a bacon recipe I stumbled upon a bacon dip. I tweaked it a little and it turned out delicious. Our date night was saved, and our bellies filled. No dinner was necessary afterwards.

Here's what you need:

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 3 cups corn kernels {frozen, canned or roasted}
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper{I used green and just a little red - what I had available}
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced {optional}
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 2 tablespoons milk, or more to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar, or more to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Here's what you do:

• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat
• Add bacon, cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, drain excess fat, keep a little fat for the next step
• Add corn, onion, bell pepper {and jalapeño} to the skillet
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4-5 minutes
• Stir in cream cheese and milk until well combined, about 2-3 minutes
• If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed until desired consistency is reached
• Stir in green onions and sugar; season with salt and pepper, to taste
• Sprinkle bacon or mix in the bacon
• Serve immediately

The dip came out less creamy and more liquidy but it was worth the extra shot of milk I added. I didn't want it to be sticky and we all know cream cheese makes things sticky. I think 4 slices of bacon wasn't enough. Next time I will use 8 slices of bacon. Remember, I love bacon! Plus, it is called bacon corn dip and not corn bacon dip. I also used green bell peppers instead of all red. It was a great dip though and we finished the entire bowl with and without chips, because to be honest, this dip was so good I just wanted to use my spoon and eat it all like that. Yes, that good!

Oh, and best part? It was done in less than 30 minutes and is of course, gluten free!!

Water is important - So drink up!

For years I have been struggling to drink right even though I know it is important! It is known that the body needs fluids. Some bodies need more and others less, but we all know that we need to drink throughout the day not only to hydrate our body, our whole system that keeps up going {or living} but to actually feel energized, well, and just healthy. 

Last year was the worst for me. I struggled a lot through the entire year to keep up with my drinking.  Even in the 110-degree heat. At school I would have my water bottle with me and I would make sure to drink a bottle per class sessions. Free refills all over campus allowed me to drink generously, but once I went home I kind of forgot to drink. I didn't even drink coffee or soda instead. I just forgot. That is how bad it was. Granted, my body was probably telling me it was okay to not drink since I had so much earlier in the day but at night I felt thirsty, and one should not feel thirsty before bedtime.

So, I had to come up with a solution to trick myself to drink more. After all, it is said that the amount of water we drink each day can change our health, our looks, and the way we feel. Who wouldn't want that?

My only Trick

I learned that when there is no soda or similar stuff in the house I will end up drinking water. So, I started eliminating those drinks. I bought a big bottle {32oz} with infuser so I can add freshly diced lemons, oranges, cucumbers, and even strawberries to my water. That way it won't taste boring and will still hydrate me. I also make sure that I am drinking something warm {decaffeinated tea or just water} about an hour or two before bedtime. Best idea ever. It calms me.

Also, my 32oz bottle will now be used to fill my body three times a day. That makes roughly three liters a day and that is definitely all I need. I read this article and got inspired. Yes, the photo could be photo shopped after all but I still want to give it a try and see how I am feeling with three liters of water per day - not to mention the water I "eat". Coffee won't be eliminated but enjoyed in moderate consumption. I will give this a try, especially since I have been struggling for so long. Plus, with spring and warmer temperatures approaching it is essential to drink water. I want to be ready for when it gets hotter.

Water is important!!!

Am I the only one struggling to drink enough throughout the day? 

What is your trick?

image via buzzfeed

No Sweets Food Challenge Update

Remember my monthly food challenge? {you can read about it here}. I thought today, mid-month, would be a great idea to share an update...progress if you will. I am "only" giving up sweets, and not just sugar by itself. So, no candy, gum, cookies, cake, cupcakes, you get the picture. This is definitely not a difficult task. It is doable. My gluten intolerance helps me with this challenge. I cannot eat regular cookies or cake or what not anyways, so if I crave these I need to pay some extra money and visit different grocery stores or even cities to get my sweet tooth in line. YET, my body still longs for some sweet stuff; even after two weeks.

How to handle those cravings? Simple. Just find healthier snacks and desserts. I had to get creative and research a little but it all worked out.

Whenever I feel like I need a cookie, or see my favorite person snack on sweet stuff {he's so skinny I wonder how he does that?!} I started taking a handful of cranberries, almonds, grapes, or even raisins. If I had vegetables at hand, I'd chew on those during the day. This wouldn't work for a dessert though but that is then when the cranberries or pomegranate seeds came in and some yogurt. I was in heaven. Also, since this month is a no sweets month and not necessarily a no sugar month {that will happen in June} I added honey to my granny smith apples, or just added it to my teas. Also, cinnamon, banana and some milk helped me ease my cravings for sweet stuff.

Two more weeks and my month of no sweets will be over. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

images via livestrong and deliciously sprinkled

Yummy Stuffed Pepper Soup

Guys, I made a stuffed pepper soup and it was oh so delicious. I was more than just thrilled because B doesn't like bell peppers that much and I love them. I always had to sneak a few slices into dishes or just eat them separately. Not this time. He devoured this delicious, quite healthy and easy soup. Best part? It's gluten free and you don't have to go overboard to make it that way because it's already gluten free.

Here's what you need:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small yellow onion chopped {about 1 cup}
• 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper 
• 3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans petite diced tomatoes
• 1 {15 oz} can tomato sauce
• 1 {14.5} can beef or chicken broth
• 2 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup rice {white or brown}
• Cheddar or mozzarella cheese, for serving {optional but it is so yummy}

Here's what you do:

• In a large pot heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat
• Once hot add beef, season with salt and pepper and cook until browned
• Drain beef and pour onto a plate {lined with paper towels}, set aside
• Heat 1 Tbsp oil in the same pot {don't want to use too many pots here}
• Add onions,  and bell peppers and saute for about 3 minutes
• Add garlic, mix together
• Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth as well as parsley, basil and oregano
• Then add the beef, season with salt and pepper to taste
• Bring to a light boil & then reduce the heat to low, cover & simmer for about 30 minutes
• In a separate pot or rice cooker prepare the rice
• Once the soup is done add rice to the soup, slowly mix it all together
• Serve and garnish with cheese or/and fresh parsley {or none}

If you want your soup to be more soupy do not add all the rice. I added all the rice and it still felt soupy but we loved it. It was even better the next day. It didn't turn into mush at all. We mixed in cheddar cheese and it tasted great, not at all cheesy if you are worried about that. I used chicken broth because that is what I had handy. I didn't want to go out and buy beef broth and it still worked. 

Loved this dish on a cold day in January! We so deserved this healthy dish. ;) 

Any soups you love to eat during this time of year?!

My Love for the beach

This image pretty much sums up my feelings when it comes to the beach. It is my happy place. It is my place to recharge, relax, and find tranquility in this chaotic world we live in. Not everyone is as privileged to have a beach nearby. Since I moved I am not as fortunate to go to the beach. I miss it daily, especially during the summer. I never took it for granted but I also never fully took it seriously. The ocean and its beach were just there. Now they are not. 

I love the beach so much. It brings back peace to my busy life. I am not running around like a hamster but things happen in life. We work, we study, we read, we clean, we cook, we run errands, we help each other, and we try to breathe in between. We have friends, family, spouses, neighbors, and pets. Life can be hectic. When we least expect it we end up sick with a simple cold or even the flu. Our hectic lives are halted for a few days, yet our brains never stop to run. So, when I go to the beach and sit down in the soft and often warm sand I get a chance to relax. The air feels better. My mind stops running. I feel at peace. I am me again.

So, today I am going to the beach!
I don't care how cold or warm it is, I am going to walk on sand and listen to the waves. Last year just around the same time I did the same. It was a gray day but a beautiful one, just perfect for a walk on the beach. Can you see the surfer in the back?! I believe I also had a bad hair day. Yet, it felt so good!

I'm so excited. Happy Beach Day.

image via beach bliss living

Off to Los Angeles

This morning B and I are off to Los Angeles. It has been five months for him to be back home and one month for me. It is time for the both of us to see friends again, visit family and enjoy the area we miss so much. There are no words to describe how much we miss life down south. Not saying NorCal is bad, it is just not us. That is okay. We are making the best out of this situation. Also, B's grandpa is in his 90s and even though he is a healthy {and quite funny} man we simply don't know how much longer he might be around. So, we are making sure to spend as much time with him as even possible; something I couldn't do when my grandma was around since she hardly recognized me anymore. We definitely need this trip. We absolutely need to unwind and recharge. Cannot wait.

Have an absolutely perfect day!

One Day in Napa

Napa Valley. 

What can I say? If you have been here you know it, if you haven't you might as well know it. Yet, in the end you still never fully know this place. I have been here a few times and every time it is a new experience. Napa Valley is special to me and my man. It is only an hour away from where we live, and makes us happy every time we visit. It brings back memories, reminds us of our special day, and also brings joy to our current life. As if this wine region can magically brighten our days; or maybe it can. I would say the different wines one can actually try and buy makes this place special; and the great restaurants and breathtaking views of course!

When we go to Napa besides the wine tasting {if we end up doing that, it varies} we always stop by Kara's Cupcakes and get a few yummy ones. Their gluten free cupcakes are to die for. I kid you not. I have tried so many and they were all okay, but Kara's? Yes, please! 

Cannot wait to go back soon. A trip to the wine country is always fun. Wish next time our friends can come visit and we can all go again. There's hope. Fingers crossed.

Have a fantastic day.

xoxo

What Friendship Means to Me

Friendship is a generous word. Some people and cultures take it lightly and call everyone they meet and work with friends, and others choose their friends wisely. Whichever group you belong to doesn't matter when it comes to this post. All that matters is that we all long for the same. We all want friends we can spend time with, talk to, laugh with, call, and just be ourselves. It is that simple. 

Some of us go to work and call those colleagues friends. Some go to school and the classmates they talk to the most are their friends, and others even consider their Facebook friends as friends. Honestly, they aren't your friends. They will probably never consider you a friend unless you two are really truly friends...not colleagues, relatives, neighbors, classmates or people you once spend a day with. A friend should be someone you can text at midnight and a text will come back the same day/hour or very early in the morning apologizing for not responding sooner. A friend is someone you can call and talk about private {if not intimate} things with. A friend is someone who will travel for you if time and money allows. Sometimes this will not be possible and as painful as this may be {I have been in this situation twice so far} that friendship will not suffer. That friendship will grow because both sides will understand and continue to live life as beautifully as lived before. 

Personally I can't stand it when B calls his people at work friends. I have to correct him because those people aren't his friends. They never spend time together unless they work together. They never call or text unless it is work related. They never make plans together. They talk at work {and I don't want to know what they talk about} and that is it. There is no real friendship blossoming. Period.

Granted, as bloggers we have come across different kinds of people. We exchange cards, email on a regular basis, share stories, and yes, even meet up. Friendships form, most of them stay simple, others become so grand they become best friends. Friends you meet up with, travel with, text and call and share the same interests at times. Those blog friends turned real life friends are awesome. Kudos to all of us who have experienced this. 

Friendship to me means all that and much more. I have a few friends left in Europe whom I talk to often but nearly not often enough as I would like. We send each other cards, texts, gifts {I am working on a few things at the moment}, and just brighten each other up with stories and the feeling that yes, no matter the distance, we are there for one another.

I also have a few friends here. Unfortunately we don't live close to one another so I am really trying to make it happen and see them as often as I can. I greatly value the same gesture in return. When I moved I left part of me there. I didn't know it would be hard to find new friends. I didn't expect it to be so easy though, therefore, I have been strongly holding on to what I have left behind. With our lives being busy {or are we making them too busy?} makes it challenging to stay in contact BUT when a friendship really matters we make the effort.

I have had a friend who I thought was a great one to me. Yet, I believe the second she realized how I lived my life, how I studied, how I enjoyed the little things {a glass of wine after a long day for example} or just how I was made her judge me and probably made her disapprove of me. I don't know. I have had this feeling for a long time. I never told anyone. I felt betrayed. I felt bad. I felt sad. Yet, at the same time I told myself that no matter what and when I should remain the person I am. I shouldn't change to get her approval back or even our friendship back. I refused to change, and I still do. It pains me to see her do stuff with other people. It pains me to remember that she wanted to do things with me and then went behind my back and did those things with someone else. It is okay but it is not right to betray me that way. In a way I changed our friendship from "great and personal" to "colleague like", so we talk when it conveniences the both of us {or mainly her}. I feel bad, but I am not sorry. We have changed, or maybe we never have but never realized that we were different. Different isn't bad but if one doesn't tolerate the other one or accepts that one as who she/he is than it is not worth it.

This isn't me venting about an old friendship. This is me writing it out and being stronger. This is me living better and making 2015 a fantastic year. This is me getting rid of clutter {friends of all kinds, items, ideas} and making my life simpler, healthier, and above all happier. Isn't that what life is about?!

Friendship to me means being happy with the people I surround myself and share my life with. I won't apologize and I won't budge. It's time to clean my life of all those negative parts, and make room for new things, new friendships, new opportunities.

After all, it is a new year, isn't it?!

images via here and here

Winter Accessories that never get old

It has been chillier here in Northern California. Yes, it's not always sunny and 75 degrees all year round. We have had snow, frost, and just about all that stuff you don't think California may get. This is NorCal for ya. With colder temps it is never too late to bundle up with new items. I love to walk, and without proper wear I am cold. Extremely cold. I am cold all year round. Really. So, with this year just barely a few days old it is time to prep my closet with some cute winter accessories and extra layers.

I am clearly obsessed with stripes. I can't help it. Most of my socks are striped and a few shirts too. I just feel this adds a little extra to my regular, basic color-only outfits. Plus, since I love pink I have to add pink to most of my outfits. It makes me smile, happy, and just feel sophisticated.So, this scarf, the headband/turban, and the gloves are a must for me. They are cute, warm, and affordable. The scarf may be a bit pricey for some of you but I learned to be a firm believer in a pricier item when the quality works as well, so I can keep an item for up to ten years {or forever}. 

Do you have all your winter items ready, renewed, and all?!
I once believed that whatever I had was good enough but turns out a new pair of gloves or a new top that can be easily used a layer makes me happy. The feeling you get when you first use your new socks, or those comfy legwarmers. Priceless.

xoxo

Get Healthier and Shape Up

As you know I am not a New Year's Resolution girl. I know myself well enough; I won't ever go through with it. Also, I would rather set goals with a time limit to make sure I can accomplish that goal and be happy with the result. While browsing for ideas to make 2015 a fun year I found this idea to give up certain things for one full month. This idea includes a major bonus because it improves your body and hopefully physique by early summer so you are ready for your new {or old} swimsuit.

I love this challenge. It's not a diet. It is not forcing you to entirely give up everything at once {which is unhealthy anyways}. It allows you to focus on one thing and nix that thing for one full month. You don't even have to follow the above idea. You can tailor it to your own needs and dietary preference. I have to replace the month of February and May. I cannot eat gluten and fried food is mostly done with gluten/wheat based coating so that's a no go as well.

What would you give up? 

It usually takes up to three weeks to give up a habit {or create one}, so giving up certain foods or drinks for a month may mean something bigger for you. You may stick with that new idea. You may not but instead appreciate its taste better. I cannot wait to try this out. I already started not eating any sweets. Fun so far!

I'll be giving up the following:

January: sweets

February:  alcohol
March: dairy
April: soda/ice tea
May: chips/popcorn/snack-food
June: sugar

Wish me luck!

image and idea via here
Linking up with Globetrotting in Heels

How To Stay Strong With New Years Resolutions

Are you awake yet?
Then get up, take a shower, drink a glass of milk or water, make coffee or tea, eat breakfast, and then take a half-hour walk outside. If you are reading this and it is two in the morning then please go to bed and get some rest. Your body will thank you later.

It's time to change up a few things even though I don't believe in New Years Resolutions. I know a lot of people who set up goals or say January 1st is the day to start exercising more or eating better or something else. Sometimes it works but we all know most of the time it just doesn't work at all. I know that exact thought can be a downer, yet please, let that not make you feel bad. It's okay. It has happened to the best of us.

If you have a list or just one main point you want to follow along, one main New Years Resolution to follow through then do the following {little tricks}:

- write it down {on multiple post-it notes or in notebooks and put them all over your place}

- sometimes one or two things to change your life is enough to make a difference; don't overdo it

- write down the positive or/and negative outcomes

- if you still want to follow through, make a punish or fail list 

- set a time goal {until March 31, or until June 1} 

- don't say you want to do this for one full year
- don't have a backup - they are the worst

Yes, you read right. 

Right now it's all about prepping your mind. If you don't believe in change there is hardly a way for you to fully go through anything! For your fail list write down what your punishment will be; e.g. don't get the bag you have been lusting for or don't go to the movies for at least six months, etc. It is all about willpower. If your mind is not in it, then nothing will work. 

Prep your mind, make it work and test yourself and your personality.

- start RIGHT NOW. Doesn't matter whether it is 6am or noon or even 2pm. Start NOW.
- start on a Monday {it's easier to start when the week starts compared to start on a weekend}.

- if you struggle, write it down. Don't give up. Easier said than done but write it out.
- remember the thing you need to do when you fail {it's a booster to stay focused}.

- DO NOT find excuses {you have already failed if you try looking for just one}. 

- be a grownup and show some power.

Now that you have a goal set, a reasonable time set, and fully committed yourself to it all...have fun. If you fail or struggle in the beginning, remember that this is normal and okay. No one's perfect.

Just because you want to lose weight {what most people go for when a new year starts} doesn't mean you cannot enjoy the foods you love. Have the willpower to eat less of whatever makes you happy, or restrict yourself to that food once a week. You don't want to suffer, you want to see results. If you suffer you are likely to give up {hello, we have all been there} and you will fail and not get that desired bag or vacation.

Have fun exploring new recipes, trying out new hike points, or putting away extra money {if your goal is to save up money}. Have fun and look at the positive sides. There will always be moments when you don't feel like following through that is why I said set a time limit. It is easier to follow through a two-month change in your life than a one-year change. 

By all means I am no expert but I have personally set goals and I followed through. For my own health, for my own life, I had to change a few things and ohmygawwwwd it wasn't easy. I struggled. Yet, I had that one thing written down that made me believe I am doing the right thing. It helped me. It helped me go through with my goal, stay on track, have fun, enjoy new things, and explore what life and this world offers. I am still working on that goal and I haven't felt better in years.
Also, I had set a second goal. I didn't start with that goal until August of last year but it was well worth it. I put away $1-bills whenever I came across one. I shoved those bills in an envelope and never looked at them again. I have not looked at them yet but will in a few hours. I know I will have a nice amount ready for me and my favorite person to spend this week. It will be a little weird counting one-dollar bills but it will be fun spending those.

Stay strong with whatever New Years Resolution you are going for.
My goal is to save up money, get healthier {food and shape wise - visit tomorrow for more}, find a job I love going to, visit friends and family AND eat more fruits/veggies. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

xoxo

first image via here
second image via here