3 Ways to have a Fantastic January

I really love the fresh start of January. I make resolutions, I get excited about new goals, and everything seems full of possibilities. This year, I announced some of my upcoming goals for 2015, but I wanted to share ideas specifically for January.

Whether or not you make resolutions, these are specific ideas for your month. We stay home more in January. We stay inside more in January. So lets use that time for the fullest.

1. Pick an Organization Project. Or 5. 
Last year, I did the January Cure with Apartment Therapy. Has anyone ever done this? It was awesome and full of ideas to organize, declutter, and beautify my apartment. But it was a lot. Honestly, I didn't complete all of them. While I felt like I had done some awesome projects, I also felt like a failure by mid-January. (If you did all of them, jealous)

This year, I am picking a few must-do projects:
- Clear out the kitchen. AR and I did that last Friday while we were both off. We removed everything from the kitchen and pantry, and cleaned the whole thing. Then we sorted and reorganized. The space moves so much better now and looks neater.
- Clear out the bathroom - maybe next week? I have beauty products for days that I need to clear out. I bet I don't use half of them and they are just taking up space.
- Organize the photos on my computer and print ones from last year. If I really do well, I will order a Shutterfly Photo Book for 2014. #dreambig

Love this idea for Pantry Organization!


2. Wear What You Own. 

Confession: I shopped for myself over the holiday. And I received clothing as gifts. And I really didn't need clothes before all of this.
For the month of January, I am NOT buying any clothes/accessories/makeup. I am wearing and using what I have. Maybe you can do the same. Browse Pinterest for inspiration and work through your closet. You may find things you don't like, or things that you forgot that you loved!

3. Try a New Weekend Activity. 
Visit a museum. Volunteer at a local non-profit. Organize a dinner party at your house.
Weekends can fall into routine: eating out, shopping, watching movies, etc. Pick something new and try it this weekend!

I am going to visit one Atlanta attraction this month and try to take a long walk each weekend. What will you try?

What are your plans for January?

x0x0, 

Hannah 

5/12 Meals and Fitness for the Week!

Last week was my first week back from finals and I hit the ground pretty hard with workouts. I made sure to do all my runs outside in order to better acclimate to this heat/humidity. Not fun :(

Last week's workouts:
M- 4 mile walk (rest day)
T - 3.5 mile run with hill repeats
W - 4 mile run & strength training
Th - 3.5 mile run
F - rest
S - 3 mile walk & strength training... and the 5 hours of shopping ;)
S - 5 mile run

A lower mileage week for me, but my paces were good and I was feeling better with the heat. One day I ran at 2pm just to hit the hottest part of the day.

This week I plan to:
M - walk and yoga
T - 4 miles
W - 5 miles
Th - 3 miles & strength
F - rest
S - cross train & strength
S - 7 miles

Meals for the week:
M - lentil tacos with wheat tortillas, cheese, and avocado.
T - turkey meatballs, homemade sauce, and wheat noodles. Served with a salad
W - stuffed bell peppers with ground chicken, black beans, and brown rice. Served with steamed broccoli
Th - leftovers (major grocery budget saver)
F - probably out :)

Baking Adventures
Last week I made biscuits, muffins, wheat bread, and 2 batches of cookies (as gifts!). This wheat I am working on a rustic wheat bread and maybe some granola.

Are you trying any new recipes this week?

What is your fitness goal for the week?

x0x0, 

Hannah 

Goals for 2014

I love a challenge and I look at a new year as one! Each year, I like to reflect on the last year, and pick a few new things to work on. You can read my tips for setting successful goals and resolutions here. This year, I have 2 new goals, and one to continue from 2013.

1. Call a friend: I've moved a lot, so I have many long-distance friends. I am going to be better about keeping in touch this year.
2. Explore my city: I've already made a list of things to do and I plan to work through it, month by month.
3. Continue my recipe challenge. This was so fun last year! I plan to keep it up in 2014 to expand my skills and menus.

What is your 2014 goal?

 

Hannah