Out With The Old - In With The New

To say that I've been blessed with an amazing 2012 would be silly, because to me it's just so obvious it need not be spoken. I became a mom, I got married, I celebrated with all of my best friends from every corner of the country, etc. Just thinking about how different my 2012 was from my 2011 is mind-boggling. It makes me really excited for 2013.

I could go back and share with you all my favorite posts and experiences from this past year, but rather than relish in any of that, I want to make room for new adventures and goals. (I mean, I still have to share our wedding photos and honeymoon part 2, so just bear with me. There will be plenty of 2012 highlight reels in that regard)  Today I want to send 2012 off with a excited wave + goodbye, and usher in 2013 with arms wide open. (*cue absolutely terrible Creed song being stuck in your head* Oh, only mine? Awesome)

Twice a year I make a pretty lofty set of goals. New Years and my birthday (and let's face it, I'm getting up there in years so those "24 before 25" lists get a little exhausting!). Usually New Years resolutions are more "blanket"/generalized goals and ideas, and my birthday list is comprised of goals that have more of a dedicated ending/result. I feel like resolutions (if you make them!) should set the tone for the coming year. Last year my blanket resolution was to be more organized. I'm still not the best, and it took a long time to even get started, but I incorporated some organizational techniques into my daily life that I don't think I'd be able to function without now. (I'll be sharing more of these techniques on the blog soon! What good is a good idea if you keep it to yourself?!) When you live and work in the same ~1,200 sq. feet every single day, organization is key. It's definitely something I want to take into 2013 with me (and I hope all of these goals roll over to 2014 and beyond), but this year's theme is "Growth". Growth as a family (not in quantity of members, but in quality of life), growth as a business, and growth as a person. I think each of these 7 resolutions below will help me achieve that. Here's what I'm hoping for 2013...

All too often I find myself tweeting or tumbling things that aren't positive. They're quick rants, shared frustrations, or just negative in general. I really need to be more aware of my passive aggression, too. I'm a firm believer that you get back what you put out into the world, and no one likes to be constantly bombarded with whining and complaining. I found myself doing that on more than one occasion and I know how much I dislike it, so it's only fair. I'm not saying don't be truthful and honest. Sometimes a frustrated tweet or comment can be a good thing (and your friends will rally you with support so you know it's not *that* bad), but just in general, I'd like to share more positivity in hopes that it radiates with someone.


This is one that I really want to figure out. I chart out my editorial calendar upwards of a month in advance, just to get a generalized outline of what might be going on the blog. They're usually not 100% confirmed, and everything can change with ease, but it helps me get an idea of what I need to be doing on a daily basis to stay on schedule (Hello 2012 resolution!). Unfortunately, I sometimes leave those posts until the morning of to be written... then that requires me to rush, figure out a format, skimp on the graphics and just throw it up there. It's not fun. I'd like to be anywhere from 6-10 days ahead of schedule. Not 100% of the time, as I'd like to allow for the present time, too. But at least the foundation of posts. I'm much more efficient when I behave this way. It'll help me, the blog, our businesses, and even Mike, too. Gotta keep his sanity intact for when mine runs for the hills!


I'll probably sound like a hypocrite because it's not like I plan to stop shopping at fast-fashion/mall stores or anything, but this is more of an "overall" statement. Better blog posts, not necessarily more. Better home splurges, not more. Spending a larger chunk of time at a dog park with the pups rather than a couple of 10 minute spurts (though they do tire quickly... haha). Purge a lot of our belongings to make way for a better quality of life in our new home. Maybe not being so afraid to go out and invest in a nice pair of jeans (!!!) that won't make me hate the entire pants experience. This blog is the biggest example of how I hope to make this resolution apparent. I have so many new and fresh ideas for where I see LCH. Even if it's not in line with the growth in the past, I actually feel excited about what lies ahead. This resolution alone has the power to make for an incredible experience if I'm just open to letting it happen.


Another resolution that is much like #2. My day to day is never ever the same. Sometimes I'll wake up at 7:30am and be in my office typing away at the keyboard on the blog, Him + Honey, or design work clear until 2am the next day.  Other days (like today) I half-heartedly roll out of bed at half past 9, then lay on the couch with a blanket until a quarter past 10. I'm lucky to be able to be flexible and take breaks when I want to, but I think our family could really use with some stability in a schedule. Especially with Toby getting ready to go to preschool and Mike and I both balancing a work at home schedule. I think if we had set hours we'd be able to enjoy doing more things as a family, and we'd be more successful in our projects, too. It's tough because I've yet to find a schedule that works for me (or both of us at the same time), so I may be coming to all of you for advice!


This one speaks for itself. On the road, as a parent, as a wife, as a business owner. I've lost my cool on many occasions when I really shouldn't have. All it would've taken is 10 seconds of breathing and I would've been fine. Patience has never been my strong suit and this is the year I plan on changing that. Everyone around me (Toby, Mike, my clients) deserves the utmost respect and if I could just remember to simmer down on occasion, we'd be golden. (Coincidentally this is the virtue we've been practicing with Toby for the past few weeks... Guess we'll learn together! At 4 and 24 years old haha)

I'm really bad about "being busy" and wanting to "go go go!", and even feeling guilty for taking a mid-day Netflix break or whatever. That's so ridiculous! It's nice to feel busy and important, but truth be told, I do most of that to myself. I make myself busy. I take on projects when I know I shouldn't. I say yes to things when I should be spending time with my family instead. I focus on making sure we're financially comfortable as opposed to being happy (for the lack of a better term). I really don't need to be that busy, and I could even balance my very same schedule with ease if I'd just employ resolution #4 (Find a work at home schedule that works). My inability to adhere to set hours makes our whole family tired and worn out. I don't need to do 17 projects or have 12 businesses. We can get by on just one or two with ease, but I have this craving to constantly work and succeed. It says a lot about our society, but even more about me because I know better and I can choose to go against the grain. Here's to scaling back and putting my whole heart into things that truly inspire me and make me feel like a successful person/wife/mom/business owner.


I've found myself quickly unfollowing a lot of people on Twitter, Instagram, and most frequently Tumblr. I don't plan on necessarily doing a total "clean sweep" of any of them (except Google Reader!)  but if someone is notorious about sharing things that don't necessarily inspire me or make me feel good, there's really no reason I should subject myself to that sort of thing ya know? And even people who are generally really nice and polite and positive, but don't share things that I'm interested in... it just makes for social media noise. (If you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings you can always "mute" them on Twitter, but I try to be honest with myself.) I can tell you that it does sometimes sting to have someone unfollow you for a reason you don't know (Rolling my eyes realllll hard at myself right now.. It's only the internet!) but we work to build these relationships with people and regardless of what we say, we want to inspire people and we want them to read what we put out there. Instead of focusing on a select group/clique that may have formed over the years, and trying to keep appearances up just for my own sake, I want to engage with people who inspire me. Inspire me in all facets of life. I think really rehashing my news feeds will help with that. (Facebook, I'm coming for you! You're the worst...) I truly urge each and every one of you to do this one, even if you don't plan on making resolutions. Clear out your feed! Unsubscribe from people who don't make you feel good about yourself. (Even if that means unfollowing me!) Think about what they put out in to the world (and even what YOU put out there! Hello #1!) Life is too short to only breed/feel negativity. Create an online place where you feel like the best you.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Hello longest post ever! Those are my 7 resolutions for 2013. I feel excited, rejuvenated, and even inspired. I'm ready to say "So long!" to 2012 and "Hey!" to 2013.

Are you a resolution person? If so, what are some of yours?!

29 comments:

  1. Love your resolutions - so much more about growth than looking to "fix" things about yourself + life!

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  2. These blanket goals are a great idea. I especially love 'be more aware of what I put into the world.' I'm big on mindfulness in all things, and seriously considering the way your actions affect yourself and others. Great goals!

    whiskey for breakfast

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  3. This post resonates with me so much right now. I'm about to leave work and begin my maternity leave while revamping/diving into a handful of businesses that, fingers crossed, will allow me the privilege of leaving my job and becoming a SAHM once my maternity leave has finished. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to take nine months off work to be with my son and try to plant my feet on the ground before deciding whether going back to work and putting my baby into childcare is something I really NEED to do. Your resolutions are the exact thoughts that are going through my head (and being put onto list after list!) on a daily basis right now. Thanks for being a constant source of inspiration through 2012 - I'm sure you'll do it again in 2013! Good luck with your resolutions and I hope you, Mike and Toby share a wonderful 2013. x

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  4. Really inspiring post and I love the way you've made your resolutions - more about the vibe you want to create for your life next year than about specific things you want to achieve. Sometimes we all get so caught up in achieving things we forget to relax and enjoy the time we have. I've made some goals for 2013, but they're pretty specific things like passing my driving test, decorating my flat etc. All good things that I've been putting off! Have a happy new year! x

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  5. Good luck with these, they are all worthwhile goals!:)

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  6. Love your goals mama! You have been such an inspiration to me for Years!!! Even a few of my tattoos were inspired from your posts....yes ma'am Im a total dork :) This year I set a goal of starting my own blog, and...connecting with bloggers that I have been stalking for ever and always as a blurker. So, This is me saying Heeeyyy, you are awesome! I <3 Tilt, your puppies are too cute for words, mamas tattoos are EPIC, flipping <3 the outfits, wigs and shoes (although how the heck do you walk around...i eat sh*t just barefoot lol) and I really have enjoyed watching your family grow and change over the years. I appreciate your honesty in the process and think you are one hell of a mama to Toby, and proof that biology has absolutly NOTHING to do with being an outstanding mother.If you get sec, okay maybe not im totally terrified to even have anyone read it, but I posted my 2013 goals.

    Thank you thank you thank you for all the inspiration!! And keep em coming (would <3 to see the home process on here!!)

    xo the Rebel

    ps-I WANT YOUR COFFEE TABLE!!

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    1. Aw, sweetest comment ever, thank you so much! You've totally made my day! ;)

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  7. I can certainly relate to these. I too became self-employed this year and still have to figure out a schedule that works. Good luck with all of your goals this year!

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  8. yes, i hear you on the quantity vs quality. love it! here's to 2013!

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  9. I'm certainly a resolutions person, for sure. Since my birthday is Dec. 21st I'm turning my birthday goals into new year resolutions as well. One of the goals I'm most excited about is acquiring a passport. I dream of international travel, but I can't take any amazing or last minute trips without one. Simple as that.

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  10. I have really been feeling your last goal. This past year I stopped trying to constantly hang out with lots of people and really make the time that I spent interacting with others count. It's more important to me to talk to my godmother on the phone for an hour then get coffee with an almost stranger.

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    1. Ahh so so true, Shan. I think it's more important to have a small group of BEST friends as opposed to a huge group of acquaintances anyway ;) <3

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  11. Love these. Totally worth the long post. :) Here's mine: http://www.allysonwonderlandphotography.com/2012/12/31/2013-looking-ahead/

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  12. haha, I'm reading your 'slow down' resolution as I'm working on 3 freelance jobs due tomorrow (!) while I'm on 'holiday' from my real job (which I return to tomorrow) sigh... Yep. I'll be doing that one too! Girl gotta learn to say NO!

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  13. These resolutions are absolutely fantastic!!

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  14. I love your resolutions! Keeping a better schedule with blogging is a huge one of mine also. It'd be a miracle if I could have an entire week's worth of posts queued up and ready to go ahead of time. Good luck with keeping all of these resolutions!

    ps. I'm the girl who designed the animal headdress tattoos you got done. I've been a long time reader since you first contacted me about getting those, and now I'm a first time commenter. ;)

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    1. Hey lady! So awesome to hear from you :D Super flattered to hear that you're a regular reader! My shin pieces are seriously some of my favorites and I have you to thank for that <3

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  15. I totally agree with your first resolution! I should not be allowed on Twitter when I'm frustrated!

    -Lindsey

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  16. These are such smart resolutions and ones that I need to follow in my own life. I haven't made a concrete list for the year yet, but I always set some sort of goal(s).

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  17. I'm not a resolution person, but for this year I set little goals to achieve- lose a bit weight and study harder (well, that second one is hard to achieve, because I always try to convince myself that I'll study harder after every exam for a long time, but in the end I'm always at the same place :D )

    Have a lovely 2013, you are one of my big inspirations. Greetings from Latvia! :)

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  18. I definitely need to clear out my social media networks and unfollow people. Something so small and negative can totally wreck your day. We should all "start fresh".

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  19. I admire your honesty with your goals, especially with clearing out the clutter/negativity with your social networks. I agree with that 100%. Of course this means that I should also be aware of what I am putting out there. Is it inspirational to others? Thanks for making me think just a little bit more :] Happy 2013!

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  20. great post, and good luck with the resolutions :)
    i have a small list as well, but in overall, my year will be themed with 'doing what i love, and not letting my own fears or anyone else hold me back'.
    xo, cheyenne

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  21. These are inspiring and definitely have got me thinking about something in my own life.

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  22. Love your list! My word for 2013 is "Focus" because I find I'm spreading myself way too thin and trying to make everything happen at once. I really like your idea of clearing out my social networks and keeping the brain clutter to a minimum!

    You can read my resolutions here if you want! http://eef-etc.com/2013-resolutions/

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  23. I've been thinking long and hard about my resolutions for this year, rather than jotting down a ton of blue sky, difficult to achieve goals (like I've done in the past) I want this years list to be focused on an overarching theme- similar to yours. I love how many of your goals are focused on improving your quality of life.

    Your last goal especially resonated with me. Since we moved to a new city, I feel like I've sort of been in this crazy rush to make friends, maybe investing too much time in relationships that aren't entirely worthwhile.

    Anyways, all this to say, thanks for the great post!

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  24. ugggh, for some reason i have been having a HARD time cleaning out my blog feed! i follow too many blogs, and have to spend too much time on the computer trying to keep up. but i like so many! i have been pretty successful at staying of that famous blog snark site. i would get caught up and spend an hour reading nothing but mean things and it never left me feeling good, even though it is fun to read that kind of junk. we'll see how long it lasts.

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  25. The slow down and enjoy like one, I need to follow that as well! I get home from work at 5:30ish, and by the time I eat dinner/get settled, I spend way too much time hurrying to try to get jewelry orders made, or to do this or that. I need to enjoy what I do instead of checking things off on a list.

    Sar

    www.etsy.com/shop/owleyevintage

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HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB