Instead of the obvious dieting/exercising resolution or goals that people make every year, I made some different ones because dieting would have been too predictable. Sure it’s good to eat better and live a healthier lifestyle, but if those were my new year’s resolutions, I would have already failed miserably. Especially since I’ve eaten fried pickles twice this week. And exercising? Well, that’s what having kids is for so you can chase them around. :)
So here are my goals, which I hope are realistic for me. And they will be challenging, but doable, if I am determined.
#1 – Couponing.
I am really excited about this one. I have seen people save TONS by using coupons, and there is even a show on TLC now about couponing. And no, it’s not a new concept, but I am lazy and have never really clipped coupons. But now that I know I can just fill up my Kroger card online with coupons, it should be easy right? Let’s hope. I enjoy reading The Savings Lifestyle because Andrea lists the hottest deals and coupons available for several retailers/stores. It has helped me tremendously so far and I’m just beginning.
#2 – To not go thrifting just to go thrifting
I have accumulated quite a lot of junk in the past year. A lot I do use, but I am only going to go thrift shopping on the hunt for a specific piece I am looking for. One can only have so many apothecary jars, cloches, and knick knacks right? I have entirely too many accessories. I will only be looking for larger, more substantial pieces from now on. Otherwise the little stuff just looks cluttery. Bigger pieces make a statement.
# 3 – To make the bed every day
And to make it right. That means sheets all straight and all pillows neatly in place. This will definitely be challenging for me.
#4 – To get ready each day
I think this one will prove to be the most difficult for me. I know I would feel better about myself if I actually did this, but it just doesn’t happen…ever. My eyebrows are on its way to looking like that girl’s brows. Isn’t that picture hilarious though?
#5 – To pray more
Sometimes I forget to pray, I’ll admit it. I’m hoping to fix that soon, really soon. I could list several “excuses,” but there really isn’t any excuse worthy enough because it my fault. But I want to pray better…more meaningful heart-felt-hear-my-cry type prayers. I know God hears them all regardless of how they are spoken, but I’m sure you know what I mean.
#6 – To spend more time with my honey
I don’t see how people have a date night once a week! I’d be happy with once a month alone on a date with my husband. Usually we just take Emma with us because she’s a good girl, but some alone time would be nice too. My Mom usually comes and watches her when we do go out, so that’s nice and much appreciated. I’m picky about my sitters! :)
And #7 – To use less !’s and :)’s in my posts this year
This isn’t a real goal, but I thought it was funny. Especially after some of the responses I got when I mentioned it on Twitter.
Aren’t those great? I love it!! :)
So what are your goals for 2011? Are they realistic, or was the bar set too high? Do we share some of the same goals? If you are a couponing queen I’d love for you to tell me how easy and rewarding it is. :)
Sharing this post at Nester’s Goal Party on Thursday. That sounds weird doesn’t it?
xxoo,
Decorchick!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Love all these goals! I need to commit to not only coupon cutting, but actually using the coupons. I’m the worst with that ;)
Michelle @ Ten June says
Great goals! Love the unibrow :) Funny you said that, I’ve been making a conscious effort to use less exclamation points too!! I’ve got to play it cool or something like that ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) (cracking myself up over here)
SamanthaBailes says
I use way too many !!! and :-) too. About a month ago, my hubby read something I wrote and pointed out all the ! had used and then said, “which is funny, because you are not an exuberant person in real life” which just cracked us both up immensely as soon as he said it!
I like the coupon goal. I just get frustrated every time I try it, but my grocery bill is out of control!
Lauren@SimplyLKJ says
That picture cracks me up!!! Love it!!!! Oh wait there “I” go again!!!!! Okay, so if you stop with the !!!!!, then I’ll have to stop with the !!!!! and ….. NEVER!!!!!
elz says
I like your goals. The Extreme Couponing show is fascinating. I’m not sure if I’m jealous that they save all that money or frightened that they spend that much time and energy…but, I can’t stop watching!
Judith @ Creating Balance says
Ha! Are we sisters separated at birth? All of these things are in my head for 2011!
Randi says
Great goals! I too have made a goal to spend more time with my honey. You may want to check out thedatingdivas.com because they have a ton of super cute date ideas. I enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the great work! :) (I think its contagious! :))
Sara @ House Bella says
Loving them! I need to spend less time on the computer, more time out in the real world. Love that goal.
Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says
I used to be a big couponer. When we were young…er and in the military it was how I was able to get by with so little pay. It was almost like a challenge to myself to see how much I could save. Now, I’m a bit lazy and don’t get the paper anymore to cut them out. I will have to look into this online coupon stuff.
My unibrow is beckoning for some attention too. I say this as I sit here in my pj’s and it’s noon! Oops, I mean, ….and it’s noon. Yes, I need to cut back on the ! too.
My main goal this year and to stop talking about all the things I’m going to do and DO all things I want to do. I’m a big talker. Lots of plans. But the plans need to get executed. (!)
DenissaMoore says
I’m all about goals instead of resolutions too. A friend of mine was telling me about krazycouponlady.com, she shows all these different ways and stores to stock up on things. Check it out if you haven’t already! I think with blogging/twittering its so easy to use ! and :) because you want everyone to “feel” your enthusiasm.. haha! At least I think that is why I do it. I’m with ya too on the praying one..it makes me so sad when I realize I forget! But then it gives me even more reason to be so thankful for the loving and forgiving God that we serve!
Rosalie says
You are delightful. The make-up picture is just way hilarious, ‘specially since I just posted about the same thing on my mudderbear blog. I should affix that picture to my mirror. It might keep me grounded. As for the !!!!!! and : ),,,,,,,,,,how else do put in emphasis?? I use mine a lot and figure it’s all part of my style. Here is my signature ^.^) …it’s my face. I enjoy using it. Stay your adoreable self….obviously a lot of people really like you, myself included.
justmeRosalie at mudderbear
Paula @ JC's Loft says
Hahahahaha I’m still laughing at that picture at those eyebrows LOL You have some good resolutions!
Mine is to take care of myself more, which would include getting ready, going to the gym, putting on something other than my PJ’s or workout clothes : ) We’ll see how long that last. It’s hard to run after 2 kids in anything other than pj’s………..right?!
Paula
Chantelle says
I’ve yet to write my resolutions this year… I make them every year and break them by the end of the first week in January.
So I’m trying to take my time and come up with things that I know I can realistically stick to.
I think making the bed every day is a great one – I think I may steal it! Would only take a couple more minutes out of my day and I’d feel as though I’d achieved something before I’d left the bedroom (is that terribly sad?! Haha).
Take Care,
Chantelle
teri says
I love that list. It is great! More realistic than others I’ve read.
Going to have to borrow a few of them for myself.
Joanna Taylor says
Love them! That eyebrow picture IS hilarious, Emily. And I need to user fewer “!!!!’s” and :D’s too. I’d love if you’d come link up your goals at http://www.creatingbetterhabits.com
Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl) says
No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You must remove #7. Don’t leave me alone in blogland. So, are you going to a EUAM to break the habit ;-D.
Brittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
Kimberly says
I love the unibrow pic! I really like your list especially the make your bed everyday. I’m a new mom blogger. Hope you stop by and say Hi!
Dawn says
Happy New Years Emily! I like your very realistic goals. I posted mine a few days ago and one of mine also was better couponing. I put up a good idea on organizing my coupons. You should take a look. I use too many !!!! & :-) but I’ll never give them up!!!
{darlene} says
Great goals!
Love your thrifting goal. My thrifting goal is to START thrifting again. Can’t take these cute kids anywhere! ha!
{darlene} @
http://www.fieldstonehilldesign.com
The Cottage Chick says
I love all your goals! I can relate to every one of them. I have started trying to coupon also. Trying is the keyword there. Making the bed, getting ready, spending time with the hubs. I love it all. I can tell we are kindred spirits!
I can’t wait to meet you in a few weeks.
God Bless,
Denise
Tammy @ Not Just Paper and Glue says
You have set fabulous goals for yourself. I too find that I need to spend more time in prayer. It really is something that should come first and I need to realize I can’t live without it but I often try and then fail.
Katrina says
Those are all wonderful goals!
I, too, use the ! and the :) waaaaay too much in my posts. I gotta knock that off.
And the getting ready in the morning thing — yea, I need to do that, too. It’s soooo easy to stay cozy and comfy in my pj’s all morning long when I don’t have anywhere to be until later in the day. I find that when my bed is not made and I’m hanging around in pj’s …nothing productive ever gets done (by me) and I waste half of the day. It’s a mindset, I’m sure. PJ’s and unmade bed = laid back, which = lazy, which = nothing gets done, which ultimately = dissatisfaction and disappointment.
and at the end of that statement I normally would put a little happy face – but I’m not going to! <——- oooops, I was supposed to stop that little punctuation mark, too. Darn.
Fifi Flowers says
My goal was to attend networking events… UNTIL I read the prices of these event… WOW! I think I will be setting a NEW goal of making plans to go to blogger/social media meet ups instead.
Katie says
sounds like you intend to be more purposeful and I like that.
Bonni says
Sound like good goals!! I’m blog hopping and found your blog. I’m now a follower and would love for you to check out my blog and follow back!