Tuesday Inspiration…

I’m in need of a little mind over matter today…I choose to have a good day!!

…Hope you choose to have a wonderful day too!

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Do the Crazy Thing…

As we head into the weekend, here is one last piece of inspiration to end “2012 Goal Week” on the right note:

…Go on; go do the crazy thing…the thing of wonder…let them gasp!!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!

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Goal Five: Get Healthy

2012 is the year I turn 29…

2012 is the last full year of my 20′s…whoa! 

2012 is the year I will get healthy!! 

When I say healthy…I don’t just mean lose those ten pounds…I don’t just mean eat more greens…I mean really, truly become a healthy individual (mind, body & soul)!!  I want to gain strength, find more energy, breathe easier, eat responsibly and feel confident & proud of my body.

This is a tall order, I know!  But as I get older these bad habits will be all the harder to break…as it will be simultaneously difficult to start new, better routines.  So today is the day…I’m going to seize it…Goal Five: Get Healthy!!

One specific part of this goal is to start running again!!  I hereby challenge myself to run a 5k, 10k and half marathon this year.  Normally I’m not a fan of advertising, but I must say these two ads really hit home and remind me of why I love to run…not just for my body, but for my mental & emotional health as well:

Now it’s time to lace up my shoes, head out the door and start running…

Thanks for letting me put down my 2012 goals in writing this week…I hope you will all help to keep me accountable!!  I also hope to look back on these posts a year from now with satisfaction that I accomplished my goals…hopefully!

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Dream Bank…

How cool is this Dream Bank from Uncommon Goods…great inspiration to save (and pretty darn cute)!  You could easily make your own by putting a picture of what you’re saving for in a shadow box and cutting a slit for the money to drop in!  Or just use a large jar with your picture showing through!!

I’m thinking I’ll try this out with a beautiful picture of an apartment I’ve been eyeing…hopefully that will motivate me to keep socking away money!! 

Are you saving up for anything special…a trip, shoes, a new car, etc.?

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Goal Four: $ave Money

This is going to be the hardest, but also most necessary goal of 2012 for me…$ave Money!!!!  In the last couple of years I’ve done a bit of an overhaul on my personal finances.  Things are much better in that department…with the exception of my savings!  It still continues to get depleted rather than grow.

I need to fix this problem because I’d love to move into my own place by next fall…with no roommates to help lighten the cost of living!  And so I need a cushion…a nice, big, fluffy savings cushion to help as I adjust to living by myself.

Here are 18 Ways to Save (at Least) $1 a Day from SavvySugar:

1. Hold the milk. In your coffee, that is. If you regularly stop at the coffee shop on your way to work, order it black to avoid any extra costs.
2. Go generic. At the grocery store, pick the generic variety of different foods to save big on pantry staples.
3. Keep the change. Sure, sometimes it’s annoying to have change littering your purse or jangling in your pocket, but you’d be surprised by how quickly those nickels add up.
4. Swap soda for water. If you can’t give it up altogether, vow to sip water instead of soda during at least one meal each day.
5. Trade CDs with a friend. Hoping to add the latest Rihanna song to your workout playlist? Reach out to a friend and burn CDs for each other to gather new music for free.
6. Fuel up for less. Unless it’s required for your specific car model, nix the premium gas habit and use gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas in the area.
7. Find free WiFi. Work in cafés or libraries with free WiFi. Not sure which spots offer Internet? Use the Free Wi-Fi app to scope out local places with wireless access.
8. Practice your sewing skills. Skip a trip to the tailor and learn to do the simple adjustments yourself, like shortening a hem or taking in a blouse.
9. Video chat to save minutes. Rather than spending an hour on your cell phone, use free services like Skype or Google Chat to catch up with your friends.
10. Choose free apps. Are the premium features really that great? If not, pick the free version of your favorite smartphone apps to avoid unnecessary costs. Check out Free App a Day for daily app offers to help you save.
11. Use a rewards card. Get major price cuts at the grocery store by using a rewards card. Even better? Look online before shopping to see if there are any coupons available for your must-have items.
12. Check out free ebooks. Search Amazon for free titles to save big on your reading habit. You’ll be able to explore new authors and genres without spending a dime.
13. Pick takeout over delivery. Too busy — or, OK, lazy — to cook? Dodge extra delivery fees and tip dollars by ordering takeout instead.
14. Turn off lights. Leaving multiple lights on throughout the day can cost you, so lower your electricity bill by making sure to turn off every light before you head to work.
15. Skip the condiment extras. Sandwich add-ons like avocado and cheese quickly add up. If you need more flavor, ask your server to pile on a little more of the free stuff.
16. Choose app over print. Save on your New York Times subscription by switching to digital access. For $3.75 a week, you’ll have unlimited access to the publication’s website as well as their smartphone app.
17. Use a thermostat. Automatically adjust the temperature of your home by using a thermostat. To save energy, remember to leave it on rather than turning it on and off when you start to feel hot or cold.
18. Dry your clothes on a rack. Instead of putting a dollar into the dryer — and possibly another dollar if your items are still damp — hang your clothes on a drying rack.

What do you think…are these good tips?  Do you have any ideas for how to make saving money easier?  I find SavvySugar continually has good money & personal finance tips as well as these two sites:

• Daily Worth
• LearnVest

Sometimes just by browsing these sites and keeping money on my mind, I tend to avoid mindless spending.  This doesn’t always work though…since I stopped at Starbucks to get a coffee this morning, I’d say I’m already off to a rocky start!  But I’m determined to keep saving and achieve this goal!!  Here is some inspiration to keep striving…

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Goal Three: Take Risks

My third goal of 2012 is to take more risks!  Now I’m not thinking anything really dangerous or life-threatening…but more of small steps or actions that I’ve always been curious to try.  I want to push the boundaries of my comfort zone…I want to live just a little bit more! 

Here are a few of the “risks” I’m hoping to take this year:

1. Wear Red Lipstick…and hopefully not feel like I’m playing dress up!
2. Go to a movie alone…or better yet, eat at a sit down restaurant alone (eeps!)
3. Pursue my dream of going back to school…stop planning & just do it!
4. Wear polka dots…or stripes, neon, animal print…mix it up!
5. Invest in the stock market!
6. Try leaving the house without any make-up on…this makes me cringe a bit!
7. Stop being afraid to speak my mind…instead be more transparent with my emotions!
8. Take a Zumba class…don’t sweat my uncoordinated moves, just sweat!
9. Wear a two-piece bathing suit…it’s been years (years & years) since I have!
10. Go on blind date…or two!
11. Learn to scuba dive…totally scared but also intrigued to try this out!
12. Save more money…I know this isn’t a risk, but sometimes I believe that by setting money aside I miss out on the fun now!
13. Go mountain climbing…ok, well maybe just hike more!
14. Start believing that I’m worth being in a relationship…I do have something to give!
15. Move into a place all by myself…no roommates, yikes!

Are you a risk taker?  What are some “good” risks you would recommend taking?

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Goal Two: The “Do” in “DIY!”

 

Anyone else out there love Pinterest?  I’m a bit obsessed…honestly I can’t get enough of it!!  However, I do need to get better about actually following through and “doing”…rather than just “pinning!”

I need to cook the meals, mix the drinks, paint the walls, sew the dress, knit the scarf, make the earrings, style my hair…etc.  Pinterest has just become my one big to-do list…and my second goal for 2012 is to start the “Do” in “Do It Yourself!!”

Here are two projects I pinned awhile ago from In Honor of Design…and just got the supplies for!  Let the “doing” officially begin!!

**Click project name or photo for full DIY instructions! **

{Tassel Earrings}

{Sequin Clutch}

{My Purchased Supplies!}

…I promise to post an update when I’m finished making these cute accessories!! 

Any fun DIY projects you are working on?

**Update**

{Finished Clutches}

{Finished Earrings}

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Tuesday Inspiration…

A little inspiration & motivation for “2012 Goal Week:”

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Goal One: Become a Morning Person

Wakey, Wakey…Rise and Shine!  It’s more like hit snooze and crawl back under the covers in my case!  I’ve never been a morning person…but after college I managed to get myself into a somewhat consistent routine which allowed my mornings to start without too much pain. 

But lately I’ve fallen back into my old habits of staying up way too late…which in turn makes my mornings rushed & miserable!  AKA…I’m late to work…a lot!  I’m lucky to have a job that doesn’t require me to punch in at a specific time, but I still hate being late!  I find tardiness rude and disrespectful, and would never want to give that impression to my boss, co-workers, friends or family!

So what can I do to change my bad sleep habits and turn my mornings into something I look forward to rather than dread?

Here are some tips from The Beauty Bean that I need to try out:

Have A Reason To Rise. This is the single most important element in being an early riser. So, before hitting the sheets, crystallize the reasons for getting up the next morning (and write them down if it helps!).

Make Your Mornings Count. If you are committed to waking up early for a reason, it is crucial to follow through. So, stick to the plan and be productive. In fact, some of your most productive work can be done in the early morning hours before the rest of the world is awake to distract and disrupt you.

Sleep Well. Your body is trying to tell you something if you constantly feel tired during the day. So, trade in that last hour spent Facebook stalking and get into bed. If that’s still not cutting it (heck, we all know that sleeping longer doesn’t necessarily translate to sleeping better), and you find you are still tired after 6-8 hours, chances are you’re not sleeping well. To ensure a well-rested night’s sleep, make sure you have a good mattress and pillow and give yourself time to unwind before bed.

**I need to stop drinking caffeine so late in the day…also may need to make going to bed a bit nicer with satin pillowcases, calming lavender lotion and chamomile tea! **

Banish SNOOZE. Everyone is tempted by that little voice telling us to hit “snooze.” But we’ve learned the hard way that this little voice rarely has anything good to say, so don’t indulge! Sleeping in for another 10 minutes is guaranteed to lead to another 10 minutes and then another… and we all know where this ends! So, the next time you hear that little voice, just say “No” and…

Jump Out Of Bed. Immediately subdue any temptation to stay in bed by jumping out of bed instantly. We know, it sounds ridiculous, but it really does work.

**May have to put my alarm clock far away from my bed…so that I have to literally have to jump and walk to turn it off! **

Set A Routine. Establishing a consistent routine is essential for becoming an early riser. Try to go to sleep and wake up at same time everyday (even on days you don’t have to) in order to train your body. Warning: the first few weeks are going to be tough, but it will eventually pay off!

Reward Yourself. Waking up early can be hard and, while having a purpose is a good start, it isn’t always enough. Come on, are you really going to get up early to work on a budget report? So, reward yourself! Your reward can be anything from reading blogs before work to having time to buy a cappuccino at your favorite café.

**A Reward: I’m thinking of sitting down to a real breakfast in the morning…rather than quickly downing a yogurt while putting on mascara! **

Note The Consequences. Remind yourself of the downsides of sleeping in. For us, losing that time in the morning can significantly impact our entire week. So remind yourself not only of the perks of being, well, perky in the morning – but also the downsides of sleeping in.

**Remind myself how much I despise being rushed and late! **

Are you a morning person?  Do you have any tips to help jumpstart your day?

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Lessons I Wish I Had Learned Earlier…

I already posted earlier today that this has been a challenging week for me…but today is a new day and I’m determined to change my attitude!  I started by browsing the uplifting site Positively Positive and found a little something worth passing along…

{50 Lessons I wish I Had Learned Earlier}

1. You’re stronger than you think you are.
2. Mistakes teach you important lessons. Every time you make one, you’re one step closer to your goal.
3. There is nothing to hold you back except you.
4. You can press forward long after you can’t. It’s a matter of wanting it bad enough.
5. No matter how much progress you make there will always be the people who insist that whatever you’re trying to do is impossible.
6. You are limited only by your own imagination. Let it fly.
7. Perception is reality.
8. Your instincts can be trusted.
9. There is only one question to ask yourself: “What would you do if you were not afraid?”
10. It’s often hard to tell just how close you are to success.
11. The only mistake that can truly hurt you is choosing to do nothing simply because you’re too scared to make a mistake.
12. Never let success get to your head, and never let failure get to your heart.
13. You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life.
14. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
15. Do what you love, not what you think you’re supposed to do.
16. Laughter is the best medicine for stress. Laugh at yourself often.
17. If you want to feel rich, just count all the great things you have that money can’t buy.
18. Forgiving yourself is far more important than getting others to forgive you.
19. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, you’ll often find that you’re right.
20. Be nice to yourself.
21. For the most part, it doesn’t matter what people think. Follow your own truth.
22. No education is wasted. Drink in as many new experiences as you can.
23. Making one person smile can change the world.
24. Don’t forget to enjoy your journey!
25. You never know how strong you really are until being strong is the only choice you have.
26. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
27. You cannot change what you refuse to confront.
28. Crying doesn’t indicate that you’re weak. It doesn’t always solve your problems either.
29. No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.
30. Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
31. You can learn great things from your mistakes when you aren’t busy denying them.
32. Give up worrying about what others think of you.
33. When you stop chasing the wrong things you give the right things a chance to catch you.
34. You have to accept that some things will never be yours, and learn to appreciate the things that are only yours.
35. As Henry Ford put it, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.”
36. Don’t be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. Some of your best life experiences and opportunities will transpire only after you dare to lose.
37. Giving up doesn’t always mean you’re weak, sometimes it means you are strong enough and smart enough to let go.
38. You’ll rarely be 100% sure it will work. But you can always be 100% sure doing nothing won’t work.
39. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future for too long. Right now is life. Live it.
40. No matter how cautiously you choose your words, someone will always twist them around and misinterpret what you say. Just say what you need to say.
41. Not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of good luck.
42. If you are passionate about something, pursue it, no matter what anyone else thinks. That’s how dreams are achieved.
43. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.
44. What lies before us and behind us are tiny matters when compared to what lies within us.
45. Don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.
46. It’s not about getting a chance, it’s about taking a chance.
47. If it were easy everyone would do it.
48. Be vulnerable.
49. A problem is a chance for you to learn.
50. Regardless of the situation, life goes on.

What do you think?  I find all 50 to be good reminders even when you’re not having a tough day…but especially if you are in the midst of difficult one!

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