Monday, December 31, 2012

Resolutions for 2013.

Well, it's that time of year again where we start reflecting on the last year of our lives and vow to continue doing what has made us happy and to change what has made us unhappy.  This year I am really excited about my resolutions for 2013.  I had so many great things happen this year and I cannot wait to see what 2013 has in store for me! My resolutions are mostly focused on how I can continue my happiness and those couple of areas that I need to tweak to find my true happiness. So, without further adieu, here are my 2013 resolutions:

 
1. Get healthy - eat better, exercise, and stop drinking soda! I am going to give it my all for a solid 3 months and I know I will feel better physically and mentally. This isn't the proverbial "I'm going to lose weight" resolution, those types of resolutions don't work the best for me. Rather, this year, I will take small steps to lose weight and get healthy.  I've made myself a work out plan using my treadmill and weights that I have at home - and I will utilize a reward system.  I found the reward system on Pinterest, you basically pay yourself a certain amount for every work-out and pound lost and then after you reach your goal, or some other predetermined date, you use the money to buy something you want.  At first I felt stupid rewarding myself for something that I should be doing as a matter of course, but, I want to make eating right and working out a habit and I think this will be just the motivation I need to do so.
2. Get organized - at home and at the office.  At home, I am slowly cleaning out rooms and getting rid of things that I don't need.  I plan on having a big garage sale soon! At the office, I cleaned up my desk and I am going to get to work earlier to get myself ready for the day.  I bought this adorable planner from May Designs for 2013:

 

and, also, plan on utilizing basic organization tools (dry erase boards, filing, paper sorters, etc.) to develop a system that works for me and helps me be better organized.
 
3. Continue to work on relationships - this past year, I learned a lot about myself as a friend, a daughter, and a wife.  I learned that I am stronger than I think I am and that I am no longer going to put up with pointless drama or unrewarding relationships.  I have worked really hard on limiting those relationships that are draining on me or that bring too much unwanted drama in my life.  This year I plan on focusing on being a wife and my relationship with my husband. Also, I want on building my own relationship with God on my own terms.  I bought this daily devotions book and I am really excited to start each morning off with this book:


 
4. Get financially fit - I want to be more financially smart, period.  I have some debt that I want to pay off and my goal is to come up with a plan, execute it, and become debt free! Also, I have started getting short term disability in place and a hospital plan to prepare for Baby Powers (not that there is anything to report on that end...but it's always good to plan).  I bought the Dave Ramsey book and plan on incorporating some of his ideas into the Powers household as well.
5. Be thankful - finally, I want to focus on being thankful for all that I have.  Sometimes I get so caught up in all that's nothing happening in my life that I forget to focus on all that is happening.  So, this year I resolve to focus on the positive and not the negative! I saw this great idea on Facebook that I want to incorporate into Justin's and I's life - you write down happy moments, successful moments, joyous occasions, etc. on a piece of paper and put them into a jar and then on New Years Eve you read all the pieces of paper and reminisce about all the good things that happened that year.  Love this!

So there you have it, my resolutions for 2013. I hope you have a Safe and Happy New Years!

xoxo,
M

Friday, December 28, 2012

Playing Catch-Up (Part II) - Bridal Shower.

My mom and my bridesmaids hosted the most amazing shower for me. We had it at Carrabba's so that no one would have the responsibility of hosting it at their home and having to set up and clean-up - it worked out perfectly! One of my bridesmaids, Billie-Jo, was in charge of the decorations and she did such an amazing job...the decorations matched the theme  of the wedding perfectly. I was very overwhelmed walking into Carrabba's that day and opening all of the presents, I am not someone that enjoys being center of attention, but, a few glasses of wine calmed my nerves - ha! All in all it was a wonderful shower and I had such a great time with my close family and friends.  Enjoy these pictures from that very special day-

The invitations were so adorable and I got a good laugh out of the messages my friends and family left me -


Brittany, one of my bridesmaids, made me this amazing Wedding Countdown -



The favors were so stinkin' cute -


Cheers!


The "Guess how old the Bride is" game, these pictures make me laugh -

Dessert!


Bridesmaids -


Family -


New family -



I hung my wedding dress on this hanger - love it!


Amazing cookies my cousin Jozette made -


Love my "Powers" Platter -


Love him!


xoxo,
M

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Playing Catch-up (Part 1) - Meet Bowden.

Those of you who know me know that I love animals. I think I've even posted a thing or two about my obsession with love of animals. Justin and I have 2 cats and we discussed adopting a dog, but our plan was to wait until after the wedding...because, really, we didn't need the added stress. Well, then we laid eyes on him:


and we decided we needed him ASAP!  We were originally going to foster him, but, that lasted all of 30 seconds - so, we adopted him. We love this guy so much and he has brought so much joy into our lives! He's also brought some frustration...but, mostly joy :). I mean, how can you stay mad at this face:



xoxo,
M


Friday, December 21, 2012

Writing Therapy.

I know I've mentioned this before - but, I've found that writing things down, either in a journal or making lists, has always been a way for me to clear my head.  This is one of the reasons why I started this blog.  Obviously the stress of planning a wedding got the best of me and I stopped blogging, but, that didn't mean I stopped writing things down.  I had SO many wedding lists - in my office, at home, in my purse...it was crazy! But, I know all of those lists helped calm me down and put things in perspective.  With the wedding planning done (woo hoo!) and my focus back on life as a whole..goals, dreams, wants, needs, I've found myself hankering to write - and what better way than to get back to blogging! I can't promise that I will blog everyday, but, I want to get back to putting my thoughts and ideas on paper (or, electronic paper), so, hopefully some of you will still be interested in what I have to say (even after an 8 month hiatus). I have SO much to fill ya'll in on!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! Merry Christmas!

I will leave you with some inspiring messages I've pinned lately:






xoxo,
MJP