Denim shirt – Pure Energy, via Target, 4 (“present” from Chris)
T-shirt – Avenue, 26/28
Skirt – Evans, UK 30
Ring – Cato
Sandals – Clarks, “Caslynn Paula“, 11M

I’ve always been a creative person, but in the last few years “responsibilities” get in the way of hobbies. It isn’t that I don’t have time – I do, but it’s easier to put off things that don’t pay the rent, you know? Or prioritize sleep, getting outside, visiting friends, etc.

So what if Chris won’t get his handknit socks for another year… To be fair – he knows that it takes about two years, which is how long it took me to knit and send a pair to the friend who introduced us. But really, who needs handknit socks in Texas anyway?

I’ll finish them… someday.

Being around other creative people inspires me, so this once a month get-together is perfect – visiting with friends and crafts! The added bonus is productivity – the more time I spent around other creative people, the more I get done. Win, win!

This outfit was chosen for comfort. Summer is creeping up on us, but it’s still cool in the morning, warmer in the the afternoon and definitely unpredictable. I love maxi dresses and skirts because they are perfect for anything! Except for the fact that I’m a klutz.

Today I tripped over a shelf in CVS, after getting my skirt caught and then I drove around with my skirt hanging out of the car door. A neighbor informed me of that when I went to get the mail. At least it wasn’t raining, right?

Despite my tendency to trip (which let’s be real – happens anyway), maxi’s are comfortable and versatile. Especially skirts like this one in a jersey knit. It’s like fancy pajamas. Unfortunately, knits aren’t a great medium for pleats. I have a poor track record with washing them… and then the pleats fall out. What’s up with that?

I ditched 11 pairs of shoes this spring for various offenses. Many of them were just too old, worn out and hurt my feet. Just because they still look cute does not mean my feet have to suffer! It took me a few outings to remember why I started investing in good shoes. Blisters aren’t worth it!

After my purge, I noticed that I was lacking in the sandal department. Since summer in Texas lasts from now until December, I wear them a lot! I remembered to have Chris take a picture of my new summer sandals (also featured in my last post, just hidden) – the “Caslynn Paula” from Clarks, in black. Which are surprisingly comfortable (they have a fancy “ortho” sole), well made, easy to walk in and cute.

Normally, I don’t do well with tall shoes, but I haven’t had any issues with these. The tripping mentioned above was actually done in flats. I’m special like that. They come in black, nude and grey. I wish they had a tan/cognac because I would have snapped those up too. They retail for $109, which is pricey but I got mine for 20% off and they are worth every penny. I’d trade 4 pairs of Target sandals for a pair of these any day!

P.S. I got Chris to take these by promising I’d post them tonight (which basically never happens, and he makes fun of me). BAM! Done.

Have you made any summer purchases? What’s your favorite summer footwear?

This week, Steph was in charge of the theme and she choose neon.

You know that saying… “Go big or go home?” That sums up this week’s challenge for me. And I knew this jacket had to be part of it.

Neon is something I’ve grown to love. We weren’t always friends. At first, there was something about the eye searing color and glowing in the dark that put me off, but I came to realize that those qualities are pretty awesome.

Jacket – Cult of California, 5
Shirt – ASOS Curve, US 22
Tank – Old Navy, XL
Jeggings – Old Navy, 28
Necklace – Cara Coture, via ideeli
Sandals – Clarks, “Caslynn Paula“, 11M

Other than a handful of accessories, the neon pieces in my wardrobe are exclusively from Cult of California. This jacket was given to me by the designer, Jen, as a part of a review last year but jackets, humidity and 100+ temperatures don’t really mix.

This is something I wouldn’t have thought to buy for myself. I love the moto jacket but I would have gone for the black. Jen brought me over to the “dark” (neon) side with this, because since then, I’ve picked up the two cheetah tops, and a set of “Bent Prism” active wear, all from Cult of California, in this particular shade of day-glow green.

And when I wear this jacket out, I’d definitely buy a replacement.

The neon moto is a big statement piece, so I played down everything else – a black top, with chiffon hem for texture, denim, this Cara Coture necklace from ideeli and my favorite pair of summer sandals from Clarks that you can’t see – sorry!

My nails were a metallic navy from last week (Essie “Aruba Blue”), so I touched them up and added a coat of “Alpha Nail” from Nail Pattern Boldness. It is a gorgeous “blue to purple shifting duochrome” and my teenage self would have died for a bottle. The necklace matched perfectly. It was meant to be!

I can blame thank Plump for my new indie polish addiction.

Here is how I challenged myself this week:

1. Day glow, during a bright, spring day – Enough said.
2. Wearing pants – I still say that I hate pants… but I think this pair and I are friends.
3. Not the ideal outfit for the outing- Ended up wearing this to… the movie theater. Yeah, I was that person.
4. Minimal accessories – necklace & glasses. (I still think glasses don’t count!)
5. Different makeup – light, daytime smokey eye (to the best of my ability a.k.a. not much) and nude lipgloss.

Some of you might have heard, but as of Friday, the funding from Cult of California has been pulled. Jen still has hope for her line but needs our help!

Jen has brought some really amazing, unique designs to the table in the past year and I’d hate to see it disappear now. Fashion forward, boundary pushing, plus size clothing up to size 28/30? Cute, comfortable plus size active wear that you won’t find anywhere else? And her pending swimwear line for release this summer? I can’t wait. On top of this, it’s all made in the USA.

Plus size fashion needs more indie designers with fresh ideas – not less! I am all about using my money to support things I love, voting with my dollars, particularly companies that make clothing for my body (and withholding when they don’t) – and this is no exception.

If you’ve been coveting anything from Cult of California, now is the time to show your support and shop! What’s calling to you?

Check out the other ladies participating in “Outside My Comfort Zone”:

Stephanie: Seeing Sp0ts
Gail: Gaily Gumdrops
Rachel: Happyness Magnet
Leah: Just Me Leah
Crystal: Tales from the Fat Side
Mary: Mary’s Big Closet
Becky: Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat
Emma: Plus Size Millard
Becky: Mrs Bebe Blog
Rachel: A Dress is for Life

Are you rocking neon this year? Do you prefer it in large or small doses?

Do you vote with your dollars?

But wait. You’re asking why I’ve skipped from 2 to 5? Taking pictures is easy. Writing? Not so much. That’s a challenge in itself. Lately, I’m trying a new thing called “GETTING SHIT DONE”. Too often I stop myself from starting or finishing a project because I can’t do it “perfectly” or to some arbitrary standards/specifications that I’ve set. It’s pretty ridiculous but happens nonetheless.

First step in moving outside my comfort zone this week? Not doing (posting) things “in order”.

Shirt – H&M+, 3x
Cardigan – Merona, 2x
Skirt – ASOS Curve, UK 24
Shoes – Clarks, “Valley Moon”, size 9.5W
Bracelet – a gift

Trouble with this week’s challenge is that pastels and I don’t get along. But that’s part of the point, right? Saccharine, candy colors can be cute, but they don’t do it for me. And they stain easily (dangerous). I’m drawn to the bold and bright. It’s hard to take a look in my closet and find that I don’t really own anything pastel. Is that possible?

If was shopping, I’d test out the mint/peach trend that’s “in” for spring, but shopping from your closet has its perks. Like more money in my bank account and less clutter in our living space. Win, win.

Without any obvious choices for this challenge, I decided to opt for this peachy top with black lace from H&M+, and this light grey skirt from ASOS Curve. I see the top as more of a neutral color, that is very (almost too) close to my skin tone but I guess it works as a pastel too. The saving grace is the lace detailing, which adds a little contrast.

For my second pastel, I went with nail polish. This is ‘Riots Not Diets’ from Plump Polish, it is a glitter polish (gold/pink/black) in a seafoamy base. This is 3-4 light coats so I could get enough glitter on each nail.

I’m also sporting my new glasses from Coastal. The Derek Cardigan – omgeverybodyhasthem – super hipster, cat eye glasses. I’ve been wanting them for ages and after I got my prescription done, for $16 I couldn’t say no.

Here is how I challenged myself:

1. Posted on time – I’m a procrastinator and perfectionist, what can I say.
2. Light colors on top and bottom – weird for me, risked the inevitable stains.
3. Didn’t buy anything – resisted the temptation to buy something new (again, story of my life).
4. Minimal accessories – just the bracelet. Do glasses count if I need them to see?

Light colored clothing is out of my comfort zone for a reason. Before leaving the house I got makeup (which seems permanent) and tea on this outfit… luckily in places easily hidden by the cardigan, after turning the skirt backwards. Ha!

Check out the other ladies participating in “Outside My Comfort Zone”:

Stephanie: Seeing Sp0ts
Gail: Gaily Gumdrops
Rachel: Happyness Magnet
Leah: Just Me Leah
Crystal: Tales from the Fat Side
Mary: Mary’s Big Closet
Becky: Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat
Emma: Plus Size Millard
Becky: Mrs Bebe Blog
Rachel: A Dress is for Life

Are you wearing pastels this season? What’s your favorite?

I wanted to live in the city, near everything I needed. I wanted to rely on my own two feet, a bike or public transportation and more or less did. Until I moved to Texas, I never owned a car. I always borrowed one from family, until my grandfather signed over the title of the vehicle that brought me 2300 miles to Texas.

Dress – Eshakti, 28
Cardigan – Old Navy, XXL
Jelly flats – Mel via ideeli, size 10
Bracelet – Style & Co., Macy’s
Necklace – Etsy

The 20 year old minivan (yes, you read right) was fun while it lasted. Nostalgic even, since a minivan was the first car I drove. The days of carting my siblings and their friends around. The stuck side door that you had to slam shut if you did get it open – it was fun to watch the macho kids try that one. That one time at work when two SUVs parked too close on both sides with no room to spare, and I was able to climb through the back and over the seats, instead of waiting for one of those jerks to come move their car. The night my friend and I took the car during a sleepover (when we shouldn’t have, sorry Mom!) and drove over to her house to grab something. We caught her so-called “friends” toilet papering her parent’s house and scared the crap out of them. Good times.

Driving a minivan might not be an ideal mode of transportation when you’re in your late 20s and childless, but it worked. I liked sitting higher up. It didn’t move fast but got the job done. It had a lot of room for “stuff”. It was also fairly inconspicuous. I do drive fast on occasion and (knock on wood) never got a ticket while driving a minivan. That is one thing (that I feel like) I’m going to miss.

Our new car is a 2014 Subaru Forester. It’s a lot peppier than a minivan.

Ideally, I would have taken these in a field somewhere before sunset, looking like I popped right out of a car commercial… but alas, we had some celebratory sushi (or doomsday “you just signed up for a lot of debt” meal) and snapped these after.

The finance lady took our picture we signed… my expression says it all.

Oddly enough, I really miss public transit. Living in Houston is tough without a car. I thought living in the East Bay was bad enough, but here (especially the suburbs) it is almost non-existent. It was nice to go to San Francisco on BART for school or fun, and not have to worry about parking or getting around. Except a few times I almost missed the last train and got stuck in the city… oops.

This dress is from Eshakti and is one of the few decent things I’ve purchased from them since my bad experience(s) last year. I’ve tried custom sizing several times with catastrophic results, so I was really glad when they expanded the standard sizing. Things are still a little wonky, but much better than before and things I can fix.

We’ve only had the car a few weeks and I’ve definitely put it to work. I don’t commute but we’ve gone on a few field trips – like the beach and a weekend in Dallas with friends (and yarn)! There will definitely be a whole lot of shopping from my closet as I get used to paying a car note and insurance… ha!

Have you made any big changes or decisions lately?

This week (March 13th), our challenge was to wear the color yellow and a skirt. The title alludes to the fact that I did not put as much thought into this challenge as the first one. Yellow is tough for me. I don’t own a lot of it and if I had to pick the color I am least likely to wear… yellow would be it. I adore bright colors but I have a tough time finding the “right” yellow. When my trusty mustard cardigan went kaput, I was at a loss.

This ASOS blouse popped up in the fall and had to be mine – yellow or not. A secretary blouse with heart print and billowy sleeves? Yes please!

I paired it with a well-loved, vintage skirt that I’ve worn many, many times. In fact, I’ve worn this outfit (or similar) a few times in the fall/winter, but it never got photographed. Another challenge fail – since I’m trying to come up with new ways to wear things. But at least I didn’t feel compelled to shop to complete the challenge (my personal goal)… so I consider it a win.

Blouse – ASOS Curve, UK 26
Skirt – Vintage, via Cupcakes and Muffintops
Shoes – Clarks, “Valley Moon”, size 9.5W
Belt – Torrid
Bracelet – F21
Ring – My Grandma’s

My original outfit idea meant not being a procrastinator and making a skirt I’ve had in mind for ages… but things have been a little hectic around here. Especially the car issues. Like having my windshield repair fail, resulting in a dashboard and steering column full of water, getting it sorted out and finding temporary transportation. That was fun. Obviously the skirt part didn’t happen but I’m hoping to put my machine to work over the summer!

Here is how I challenged myself:

1. Wore yellow on my top half – rarely, if ever happens.
2. Not seasonally appropriate – it was hot.
3. Didn’t buy anything – resisted the temptation to buy something new.
4. Wore my cat eye glasses – they don’t have a glare coating (worst decision ever), and are a smidge too narrow, but I’m making it work anyway.

Check out the other ladies participating in “Outside My Comfort Zone”:

Stephanie: Seeing Sp0ts
Gail: Gaily Gumdrops
Rachel: Happyness Magnet
Leah: Just Me Leah
Crystal: Tales from the Fat Side
Mary: Mary’s Big Closet
Becky: Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat
Emma: Plus Size Millard
Becky: Mrs Bebe Blog

Sometimes good things happen when you step outside your comfort zone! I’m glad that I let myself take a chance on this yellow blouse – the heart print didn’t hurt.

I’ve almost been in Texas a year, and we don’t get much cool weather… but this is definitely an item I consider worth storing away in the off season. As a girl trying to downsize her closet and have “less stuff”, that says something!

What color is outside your comfort zone? Have you stepped outside your zone this week?

This past week, I had some good mail. I was super excited to finally find a chambray button down that fits. Surprisingly, from Land’s End. Their sizing goes to a 3x, or 24/26-ish but they are usually generously cut. For their fabulous quality and lifetime guarantee, I’m willing to take a risk.

You’ve seen these pictures if you follow me on Instagram… but it was a nice way to start the weekend! Mail & a pedicure.

Saturday was actually pretty chilly, so I risked wearing layers. I fell in love with one of Rebecca’s recent outfits and it inspired me to try something new. The bulk of the chambray shirt under the sweater was almost too much for me. I don’t like to wear things that require constant adjusting and the sleeves were driving me up the wall.

I might have brought an extra top/jacket combo, just in case I needed a wardrobe change… but I managed!

Heart sweater – Forever 21, 3X
Chambray button down – Land’s End, 3X, here.
Skirt – Avenue, 26/28
Shoes – Clarks, “Valley Moon”, 9.5W
Necklace – Etsy

It felt like an oddly “grown up” weekend. Started with self care, met Chris for lunch at the tea house for yummy gluten free food, checked out a cute antique store, then we went on our quarterly trip to Trader Joe’s for some groceries. Of course, Chris was a good sport and let me take some silly pictures all day.

Since I was trying out the chambray shirt for the first time, I decided to take it a step further and pair it with a denim skirt. The skirt is a dark enough wash that it contrasts well. Wish I had a sweater other than this black one – but you make-do with what you’ve got! And sweaters in Texas aren’t really necessary.

Most of the time, I don’t know if something actually works until I see the photos… after I’ve worn it in public. A mirror just isn’t the same!

Chris kept laughing because I look like a school teacher “or something” from way back when. It took me over two weeks to realize that wearing an old pair of glasses was giving me a headache, so I’m sporting these cat-eye glasses (most recent prescription) until I get a new, every day pair.

As far as self care goes, I hope you guys realize that while taking care of the ones you love is important and rewarding… you need to take care of you too! A lot of my crafting, “beauty regimen” (if you call it that) and hobbies are all forms of self care. Heck, even blogging! Life can be hectic, but taking moments out of your day to do something for yourself and catch your breath can work wonders!

I have a bad habit of putting my own needs on the back burner while I’m trying to accomplish other things… and it always catches up with me.

How did you spend your weekend? What is your self-care ritual?

Last week, I was shopping with a friend, when I posted this photo on Instagram:

Blazer & top from Lane Bryant Outlet

An orange blazer is not something I’d normally go for, but I liked the shade. It didn’t hurt that my friend was a good enabler, so I decided to try it out. As a result, I had a conversation with Rachel, of Happyness Magnet who asked if I’d like to join in on a new challenge about moving outside your comfort zone… and the rest is history.

This week, our challenge is titled “Blazing Red”, using a pop of red and a blazer.

Blazer – Eloquii, size 24
Blouse – Evans, UK 30/32
Jeggings – Old Navy, size 28
Heels – Tsubo, size 11
Necklace – Style & Co, via Macy’s
Bracelet – Torrid
Ring – New Look

It was tempting to wear my red blazer and call it a day but that wasn’t really challenging myself, which defeats the purpose. So I dug into the depths of my closet and pulled out an unworn item – this Eloquii floral blazer, and decided to create an outfit of things that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Here is how I did it:

1. Bold, patterned blazer – most of mine are solid and don’t look like your Grandma’s couch.
2. Pants – I’m pretty sure you guys know that I hate pants. Nothing new there.
3. Heels – I’m a klutz and I like to be on good terms with my feet.
4. Dark/neutral colors – I like bright and obnoxious things.

For several months, I was dying for a floral blazer – the uglier, the better. The thrift store didn’t produce any gems and a couple of online options were iffy, until I found this one. The monochromatic print is great and relatively tame. Of course, when I got it, I loved it but had doubts of how it would work in my wardrobe. I decided to keep it because I figured it would pair well with a lot of my bright, jersey dresses – much like my favorite black & white patterned cardigans. I was going to pair it with one for this challenge but again, felt like it was a cop out.

Even though I hate pants, blazers look great with skinny jeans and a longer top, so that’s the route I went. Most of my shirts are too short to wear with pants, since I prefer skirts and tuck in my tops, so this Evans top gets put through its paces when pants are involved.

Heels and I aren’t exactly friends. Being a klutz is tough. I trip over my own feet, I really don’t need any help (or additional height) contributing to my inevitable downfall. A friend of mine introduced me to a few pairs of heels that I can manage to wear for an extended period, walk (semi) gracefully and not kill myself in. Win! These Tsubo heels are one of them.

The first outfit I tried to throw together for this challenge involved a lot of black and was extremely awkward. I love my bright tights, bold lipstick and bright, fun colors, so I tried something new – to keep things dark, with subtle pops of color via accessories.

I even went outside my comfort zone regarding the photos. I prefer natural light and outdoor shots, but on weekdays it just isn’t possible. These aren’t too bad… and you get a peek of our apartment!

I’m pretty happy with how this outfit came together. I’d actually wear it again! Can’t say that about everything I post up here on the blog… but this works! Fashion is supposed to be fun and experimental. I still prefer my dresses, but sometimes a little change in the routine is good.

Check out the other ladies participating in “Outside My Comfort Zone”:

Stephanie: http://www.seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk
Gail: http://www.gailygumdrops.blogspot.ie
Rachel: http://www.happynessmagnet.com
Leah: http://www.justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk
Crystal: http://www.talesfromthefatside.org
Mary: http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt
Becky: http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com

Since I found fa(t)shion, I’ve conquered a lot of self imposed or societal “rules”, fears and other things that have held me back from doing and wearing what I wanted, just because I have a fat body. And I inevitably learned that the only rule is that there are no rules.

The way you think and your relationship with your body isn’t something that changes overnight. It takes hard work… in baby steps! Try taking a step outside your comfort zone – big or small – and see where it takes you!

Do you push yourself outside your comfort zone? How do you do it? Or are you happy to stay within?

You know what to expect during the summer (anything under 90 degrees and low humidity is a blessing) but the rest of the year… it’s up to chance. Sometimes it’s as predicted. Sometimes the complete opposite. Sometimes you get a little of everything – hot, warm, cold, wind, rain… and don’t forget the humidity – all in the same day.

Sweater – Sag Harbor, 2X
Skirt – Michaela pencil skirt, IGIGI, size 30, via FatToo
Cardigan – JC Penney, 3x
Tights – We Love Colors in Scarlet Red, EE
Shoes – Clarks, “Valley Moon”, 9.5W (they run one size large)
Necklace – My grandma’s
Bracelet – Evans

Despite my little ritual, taking the weather forecast seriously usually ends poorly. You need to plan for everything!

I woke up Sunday morning, still sleepy from a late night, ecstatic to find that it was only 45 degrees outside. Cold, low humidity and a chance of rain = absolutely perfect. It meant that I could actually wear some cold weather clothing. We had a week or so of sub-50 temperatures in December, otherwise Houston has had a warm winter. My summer clothes never got put away.

Sadly, 70% of my wardrobe is definitely winter/cold weather appropriate. When it is cool enough, I’m like a small child and dance around in excitement – seriously, people make fun of me. But come on, who isn’t excited about things like knee high boots, sweaters and wool coats?

When it’s cold, I want to change my outfit three times a day just to make it worthwhile. I haven’t succumbed… yet.

We’re already getting hints of spring – warmer weather (duh), flowers are blooming, birds a’ chirping (which needs to stop outside of our window, thanks!) – so taking the opportunity when presented is important. I pulled a couple of neglected pieces out of my closet – this leopard sweater that I thrifted (never wore it) and this secondhand IGIGI Michaela pencil skirt. I adore the cut/fit of my purple Michaela skirt so much, that I snagged this one when I saw it.

It ended up being a gorgeous day – but not the gloomy, cool weather I had anticipated. Walking around (shopping *cough*)in an acrylic sweater, tights, etc. on a gorgeous day is a recipe for disaster… but I survived.

I almost didn’t publish this when I realized that I wore the same cardigan as my last post… but they’re several weeks apart, ha ha. Who cares!

Are you eager for spring? Or wishing that winter will last a little longer?

Cardigan – JC Penney, 3x
Dress – SNAP via Ross, 3x
Leggings – Torrid, 3
Belt – Talbot’s, 2x
Flats – Clarks
Necklace – Betsey Johnson, Christmas present

Ta da!

Yesterday we finally had Chris’ parents over for dinner. Smart person I am suggested a weekday, when I didn’t have Chris to boss around help, but he did come home a little early. It went well, dinner tasted okay and more importantly… the apartment was clean! Ha ha.

It is tough being away from my family, but his parents have made our life in Texas easier and we appreciate it. They have helped us since day one – like moving in all my stuff (embarassing!), getting things for the apartment, etc., so it was nice to have them over for a real dinner. And just in time, since we’ll be moving when our lease is up. The last time they were here for dinner was pizza the first week we moved in… on a card table and camp chairs. Things have changed!

This outfit is a random assortment from my closet that I recently “cleaned out” (more later). I picked this dress up from Ross back in the fall – cute skater dress, made from a lurex (sparkly) knit? Sign me up. I’ve said before that animal print is not my thing… but sometimes I can’t resit!

My favorite way to wear it is toned down, with a brown cardigan (matchy matchy), but yesterday I wanted a punch of color! Normally I’d wear tights, but for hanging out at home, leggings have tights beat – no question.

It turns out that my apartment has decent indoor lighting (if it’s awful, let me keep my illusions!), so after-dark pictures aren’t too shabby. The background could use some work… but oh well!

Anything new and exciting going on with you?

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that 2013 is everything you want and more.

When I discovered body acceptance, I decided to stop making New Years resolutions. To stop participating in the shame cycle that revolves around the New Year festivities. To stop buying into the idea that we must remove something from our lives at the beginning of the year, then feel shameful if we do not succeed. To ultimately reject diet culture.

And my life is better for it.

Why is it that we use this opportunity – the New Year – to cut things out of our lives, when we can be promising ourselves to add great things in? To enrich our lives, instead of taking away.

What kind of things can we add to our lives? If you have suggestions, feel free to comment and share!

1. Be more creative.
   Everyone can be creative. It doesn’t necessarily have to mean creative in the arts & crafts kind of way. Think of it in the context of something you enjoy – cooking, kindness, writing, etc. and do it!
2. Start a new tradition.
   A monthly gathering with friends. A family dinner once a week. A game night? The possibilities are endless. Start a new tradition with your friends and family to enjoy each other’s company.
3. Try new things.
   Push yourself outside of your comfort zone! Try new foods… or try cooking new foods! Explore a new city (or a different part of yours). Try a new style of clothing. Take a class. Start a new hobby.
4. Movement.
   Move your body in ways that move you! Stroll through the farmers’ market on the weekend. Take your dog for a walk. Grab your camera for a nature hike. Shop til you drop at the mall!

While I detest the traditional New Year resolutions, I tend to make goals year round. I have a few to share, but my timing sucks. Is it the same thing? Different? Who cares, right?

1. Financial independence.
   This is a big one for me. When I started attending a four year school, it was accompanied by a boatload of student loan debt and honestly, I’m tired of it. This year, I plan to make a big dent in repaying them and will finish my degree by paying for classes without additional loans.
2. Be more creative.
   I like to make things but the last few years my creativity has suffered. This year, my goal is to be open to possibilities and to craft when inspiration strikes.
3. Fun with friends.
   I’ve been fortunate enough to make some great friends in Houston, even though I still miss my friends in California. In December, I started hosting an event called Crafternoon – a social, crafty gathering, that I will continue to host this year. I plan to be penpals with far away friends and do a better job of keeping in touch.
4. Family time.
   The holidays were hard, being so far away from my family… but now my mom has a new computer with Skype. Thanks to technology, I was able to spend a small part of Christmas with them, and will continue to annoy my family via the internet this year. And in person, when I can!
5. Movement.
   It has taken me the better part of the last five years to “fix” my relationship with movement (and I’m still working on it), after half a lifetime of dieting that sucked the fun out of everything. This year, I will continue to move in ways that I enjoy, that make me and my body feel good.
6. Be awesome.
   This is the year of me. To focus on my own wants and needs, to learn that it is okay to say no and to surround myself with people worthy of my time, energy and friendship. Which hasn’t always been the case. To take care of myself – mind, body and soul.

Andddd, because they have been few and far between – an outfit.

Peplum Top – ASOS Curve, UK 26
Skirt – Domino Dollhouse, 4x
Cardigan – Merona, 2, second hand
Belt – Old Navy, 3x
Tights – We Love Colors, EE
Bracelet – from Rebecca.
Sequin flats – Evans, 8E, from 2010

In 2012, I was blessed in life, love and friendship. I hope that continues this year.

What are your feelings on New Year’s resolutions? Do you have any goals for 2013?