8 Weeks To A Better Me: Where I Am, Weeks 5-8

(Note: The header will lead you to my post for that week in case you missed it.)




Week 5 - Loving Life & Having Fun:

• Plan fun outings - We have definitely had outing and it's been fun. We even went out with some friends and found out we love this sushi place just down the street from my house. They have six vegetarian rolls that don't require special ordering! I wish it was a bit cooler so we could walk about town a bit more but for now our shorts trips will do just fine.

• Pictures - Documenting has not been my forte as of late and it really bums me out. There have been so many sweet and fun moments that I wished I had better documentation of.

• Enjoy it all more - Achieved but I will always strive to keep this. I have really just enjoyed everything and everyone for the most part. Letting go of the "this and that's" and anythings else that might bring down my mood has made me feel light!

Week 6 - Home Sweet Home:

• Organization - I have gotten everything organized and kept it so tidy that it's kind of exciting!

• Fill Wall Space - Wall space is still a bit empty. I'm waiting for the perfect pieces.

• Bye Bye Random Junk - Half of this project has been executed but those electrical gadgets are still hanging around waiting for a new home. As well as a few other odds and ends.

Week 7 - Personal Style:

• Get Inspired - Oh boy did I! I have made a great start on being inspired and find great examples of things that will work for me. I've decided to to keep my inspiration fresh and new to make sure I never get bored with my wardrobe.

• Finding My Perfect Fit - Done and done! Adding belts to a bit-to-lose top or something a bit more flowy than I like instantly brings out my shape. I've also gotten over my "I have wide shoulders" issue and bought some cute dresses with semi small straps. Seems like something silly but finding the right fit in different clothing items is really making the difference.

• Invest in Perfect Pieces - I went on a closet revival mission and found the perfect balance of affordable pieces and one splurge piece. Luckily all of these things will transition into other seasons with an addition of a cardigan or pair of jeans instead of shorts or a skirt.

Week 8 - Awakening Your Creative Side:

• Find Constant Inspiration - This has been the easiest yet with Pinterest follows having impeccable taste and my discovery of new blogs and bloggers. My boards are  being updated and my head is spinning with things I want to do and try.

• Try Things Out - I successfully gave my blog a make-over and I love, love, love it! I have yet to try any of my book marked DIY's but I have big plans and if all goes well a few blog posts to show the results and possibly the process of one or two.

• Share The Wealth - Big plans in store! I cannot wait to make and share. Just haven't had the time.

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8 Weeks To A Better Me: Week Eight

This is the final week of  "8 Weeks" and I have to say I'm sort of sad. Though I will post one more "8 Weeks" post to sum up weeks 5 - 8, I will definitely miss reading inspiring posts and making my own goals based around each theme.

Leigh-Ann wrote about awakening your creative side beautifully. She was a huge inspiration to me and I've very excited to put into motion things that will bring out my creativity.

  

• Find Constant Inspiration - Through other bloggers, my daily life and anywhere else I can find it. I aim to document what I find and adapt those inspirations into my own projects.

• Try Things Out - While I love crafts, DIY and making things with my hands, I have become a huge inspiration hoarder. My bookmarked paged are mostly inspiration of things I want to do, make and try. Once a month I need to grab something from my two biggest lists (DIY through various outlets & Food) and make something. Why save these bookmarks and dream of the possibilities without making them a reality?

• Share The Wealth - I was actually just talking to a friend about how I don't bake because nothing ever gets eaten. I need to bring my handmade joy to others. Boxes or bags of cookies or cupcakes, handmade cards for special occasions and even handmade gifts instead of store bought ones will push me to keep creating and to give something a bit more special to those I love.

  

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8 Weeks To A Better Me: Week Seven

This week on Sometimes Sweet, Elsie from A Beautiful Mess talks about personal style. Like most of the other weeks themes, this is definitely something I have been trying to work on and find myself in and the tips are perfect! I adore Elsie's fun style greatly and she is always spot on when combining things that some think wouldn't work. I have no personal style. I wear pretty much whatever is clean and can be thrown together in less than 5 minutes. I purchase things I like with no real sense of how it fits in to what I prefer to wear or may not be the best fit on my body but it "SUPER CUTE!". With that said, here are my goals!

• Get Inspired - I follow some amazing bloggers who's personal style is very apparent. I am constantly inspired by their fashion risks and overall style. While I will probably never be a strictly jeans or strictly skirts and dresses girl, I need to find more of a balance. Wearing dresses does not need to be complicated and wearing jeans doesn't have to be super casual. Also, building mood boards both in notebooks and on Pinterest will help me get a better vision of what really appeals to me.

• Finding My Perfect Fit - I have a bit of an odd shaped body. What fits in the top sometimes doesn't fit my waist at all and the other way around. Also, most things will fit great in the legs and behind area but be a bit tight on my hips. Finding brands and cuts that are comfortable and flatter are key in my search to revitalize my closet.

• Invest in Perfect Pieces - I cannot tell you how many times I see a dress or skirt or blouse and know that if I owned it, I could do so much with it and treasure it for many seasons. The problem is that I have a $50 - $60 limit on most clothing and shoe items and quality doesn't always come cheap. Buying under my limit on things that will make me happy in the short run is alright as long as it leaves me room to spend over that on things that will be my go-to for several years.

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8 Weeks To A Better Me: Where I Am, Weeks 1-4

I have had a lot of fun reading each weeks post on Sometimes Sweet and setting goals for myself. Here's how I'm doing so far. (Note: The header will lead you to my post for that week in case you missed it.)



Week 1 - Blogging:

• Blog Scheduling - I'm doing so-so on this one. I definitely plan to be more proactive about planning for my regularly occurring posts  and actually executing them ahead of time to leave time for more post that are right here, right now.

• Comments - I have definitely increased the frequency in which I comment, but I've fallen way behind in reading posts so I'm sure there are lots of comments to be made.

• More Me - I feel I have done a great job of putting myself into the things I post and I have great plans for future things that will contribute to me sharing more of my personality and daily goings-on.

Week 2 - Fitness/Working Out:

• Commitment - I have pretty much failed. I haven't been to the gym in  probably a month and I haven't worked out at home.

• Nutrition - I have done great! Healthy snacks, better main meals, bye-bye soda and extra sugar in tea and coffee.

• Workout gear / Motivation - Fail. No new gear and I haven't gone so the motivation factor isn't helping. I will be working on this one, big time.

Week 3 - Healthy Eating:

• Drink more water!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - I have been a water drinking machine! Well....compared to my habits prior to this goal at least. I have pretty much suck to drinking at least 2 glasses of water a day and I feel the difference. I feel full more often and crave healthier snacks rather than being super hungry and reaching for something naughty.

• More Veggies - I've done well in adding in more veggies, but I could do a whole heck of a lot better. Luckily, the farmers market starts this Friday and I can stock up on lots of goodies there.

• Less Soda - I am happy to report that I have been soda free for a little more than 4 weeks. I'm not sure how it happened that I went my initial week without soda but after I realized that it had been a week, I wanted to stick to it. I do plan on drinking soda again, just not very often. Though it's kinda fun to see how long I can go.

Week 4 - Loving Yourself:

• Clean House/Dress Up - This first part of this was to clean house, and boy did I ever! I have tons more room in my closet and drawers and the majority of things I have not worn  and will not wear again are bye-bye. This includes shoes and a purse or two. I'm so proud of myself! The second part I've fallen behind on. Part of this is because I've been sick and part because I've been too lazy but dressing up has just not been on my priority list and neither has purchasing things to fill the new wholes in my closet. I'm making a plan, list and budget this week to get working on it.

• Think positive - I'm so glad I made being nicer to myself a goal. It has really worked! I've cut myself big time slack since I've been sick instead of beating myself up that I look like death is near. And that mean voice that had something snarky to say anytime a sweet complement was sent my way is quieter and quieter. It's lovely!

• Don't let life bring me down - Overall I have felt very light. I have had my share of computer problems, random rude people and all that but they really have not made an impact on me. It's amazing how easy it is to brush these things off if you just keep a bit of thick skin against negativity.

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8 Weeks To A Better Me: Week Six

This week on Sometimes Sweet Mandi from Here's Looking at Me, Kid gives her tips on how to make your home a wonderful place to live. I really loved all that she had to say and if you're interested in giving your home or space a spruce or feel then her tips are definitely for you. Just so you know, if seeking out inspiration on Apartment Therapy, beware! It is very easy to spend an hour on their site and not realize it.

 

• Organization - I'm currently working with only one room for all my things. Unfortunately I use this as an excuse to let the clutter slide. In addition to keeping my little home space clean, I need to keep it organized and tidy. Luckily I have only one junk drawer and tend to keep crafting things all in one handy place. This really needs to transfer over to bills, paperwork and the like. Sorting and putting it in it's proper place right away will keep me from having to spend an hour doing it all at once later.

• Fill Wall Space - I recently hung a few things and it really made me happy. Having art I enjoy and pictures of the things and people I love makes me smile and bring warmth to my space, empty walls do not. Make it, buy it, snap it. Whatever, just make those walls happy!

• Bye Bye Random Junk - I keep movie tickets, baseball tickets, theater playbills...everything, and I really need to weed through them all and only keep the extra special ones. Also, I tend to keep manuals and old electrical accessories. Why? You're guess is as good as mine! Time for them to find a new home.

 

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8 Weeks To A Better Me: Week Five

This week Lauren of Busy Bee is the guest on Sometimes Sweet and she talks all about loving life and having fun! This is such a great topic since I feel at times that I laze about instead of seizing the moment. Luckily, the Mister and I did just that but taking last minute trip put of town for a concert just a couple weeks ago. While this is great, I really want to find ways to incorporate this into every week and staying in town. Since it's not always the best option financially to get up and go.

• Plan fun outings - Every other week, get out of the house for a good part of the day. This has to be something other than attending a birthday party, wedding, etc. Whether it's going to the farmers markets on Friday evening or Saturday morning, I have to do it. This will also lead to buying more locally grown and in season fruits and veggies. Taking trips with the Mister to the park, an occasion movie, or just a short drive will gives us more time to enjoy each other and our surroundings.

• Pictures - I really do love my life and I would love to share more, unfortunately taking pictures is not always on the top of my list, this needs to change. It's important that I document life big and small even if it's not to share with anyone. I want to look back and cherish the moments I had during these days of my life and hopefully share them with my children.

• Enjoy it all more -  Soak up the moments I have with those I share my life with. Don't get caught up in things I feel I "should" do that aren't necessary and instead do the things I want. Smile with those shiny weird braces and live in positivity.

(Note: I'm a week behind the actual 8 week course as of this post. Forgive me? Awesome.)


**This post disappeared off published and went into drafts so I have reposted to it's original date.**

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8 Weeks To A Better Me: Week Four

This weeks post is my favorite one thus far. I adored what Kaelah had to say about herself and the advice she gave and think that it's definitely something everyone should check out, even if you aren't participating in the "8 Weeks". I actually found Kaelah through Sometimes Sweet and after browsing her most recent posts at that time, I was hooked! Between sweet outfits posts, glimpses into her lovely life and her positive words, Kaelah has become a daily read for me.

Now I have to say that overall, I really do love myself. (Obviously I don't mean this in any sort of vain way.) Up until about four and a half or five years ago I wasn't particularly fond of myself. There was a lot that went into that and for the sake of sticking to the subject I won't go into all of it now. what is important is there was a moment that I looked at myself (physically, personality, mentally) and said "This is NOT who I want to be and not who I really am in my heart." From that point on I have became the real me through and through. This would have never came to be if I hadn't loved myself and decided that I was worthy of everything I've ever wanted for myself. While I am light years from that poor girl, I also know that positivity is the only way to keep the real me ever present.

•  Clean house / Dress up - I keep things because I think I might wear them again. The problem is that I now have little to no room for anything new and a plethora of things I do not wear or even like. I shop for great deals and always buy quality on the things I will wear more regularly so they last longer so allowing myself new clothing is not really that big of a deal. Whether I'm staying home, going out, going to work or headed to the gym, looking put together makes me feel confident. I want to make more of an effort to limit my thrown on and/or frumpy days to a few times a week and try to look the way I want to look. By making more of an effort on my appearance I will be less shy to let my personality shine.   
  

• Think positive - Silencing my inner critic is a big one. I am terrible at accepting compliments and the main reason is because my head always has something to point out once I receive one. Obviously I have things that wiggle or jiggle in ways that society tells me they shouldn't, but I am very happy with myself inside and out and will not be told that this is wrong. Changing my mind's immediate reaction is important since it's just not really how I feel.

• Don't let life bring me down - This is positive thinking for the rest of me. It always seems that I get the rude phone calls at work, grumpy person ringing me up at the store, nasty looks from random people and every inconsiderate driver finds me on the road but I let them have too much of my time. Though these encounters are minutes or even seconds long, they really get me down. The fact is that I will not that to deal with most of these people ever again so I shouldn't allow them to have any impact on my day or life unless it's a positive one. Any time these instances occur I will focus on a positive event or person that I have in that moment or that day.

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8 Weeks To A Better Me: Week Three

I'm a couple days late this week due to an unexpected trip (more on that later) but here it is! This weeks focus is healthy eating which you can view here. Tracy of Shutterbean offers such amazing tips on eating healthy and still enjoying indulgences like ice cream (my personal fav). Luckily since last weeks goal of mine to eat better I've already started.

• Drink more water!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Yes, the exclamation points are necessary. Folks, I drink less than one glass of water a day. The only time I drink water is when I work out and I only drink a venti sized Starbucks cup worth. (With braces and bands using my water bottle is not an option so my SB cup with straw is perfect.) That's 20 ounces. SAD! My goal is 2 glasses a water a day and the extra 20oz when it's a workout day.

• More Veggies - You would think as a vegetarian and a lover of vegetables I would eat buckets full but unfortunately I've been slacking in that department. I would like to make sure they make a big appearance in my meals and I'd also like to mix up which I eat as I tend to stick to broccoli and asparagus.

• Less Soda - I actually cut my soda intake to one a day about two months ago but now I feel that is still too much. I would like to consume four sodas a week maximum and cut the dark variety to two a week. It comes at a great time since it's heating up and I am crazy about iced tea. Also, since the goal is too cut out these sugars I will need to make sure I'm using less sugar in my tea.

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8 Weeks To A Better Me: Week Two

Week two is up on Sometimes Sweet and it features Amber of  I Love You to the Moon. I have had the pleasure of following Amber via Instagram and then twitter and she is super sweet and an inspiration in many ways. This week is all about fitness and I'm so glad it's one of the topics discussed because it's something I have been trying to be better with.

• Commitment -  I actually like going to the gym and though I'd like to go twice, every single week it just doesn't happen. My number one goal is to get to the gym every single week. To do this I'm going to make sure my gym clothes are on my bed or in the middle of the floor where I just cannot ignore them. Along with this goal I plan to supplement a home workout (yoga, swimming or walking) if I only attend the gym once.

•  Nutrition - To keep my body in line with how I want to feel I need to cut the unhealthy snacks and over eating. Lately I have been "hungry" 24/7. When I say hungry, I mean wanting donuts, chips, fro yo, extra serving of dinner, etc. I've realised that I don't actually feel hungry except first thing in the morning and to me that isn't good. Other than recently I stick to a good breakfast which is usually yogurt, a mid-morning snack of some sort of fruit, a mid-sized lunch of something healthy and filling, an afternoon snack of pretzels and string or laughing cow cheese, and then a yummy dinner with veggies of some sort. Dessert only usually happens 3 times a week. My body would really like to get back to this sort of eating and I'm going to make an effort to have that happen.

• Workout gear / Motivation - This is sort of a two-for but they also can go hand-in-hand. I'm in need of a new pair of running shoes since I'm currently using my court/volleyball shoes from I believe my sophomore year of HS. They will still work as a hiking shoe but I need to treat my soles to some new comfort and support. Since it's heating up I will also need to add some more shorts and/or capri's to my work out wardrobe. I am also on the hunt for some cool shirts/tanks to add so I can mix things up and feel cute even though I will be getting sweaty and feel okay being around other people. Along with feeling good, I want to motivate myself with reminders and rewards for myself. I am going to leave a note with my clothes to remind me that I will feel great after my workout and reward myself with a new little something for sticking to my goals every two weeks or so.

I look forward to meeting these goals and to working on me in a different way this week.

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8 Weeks To A Better Me: Week One!

 

 

So Danielle over at Sometimes Sweet was my gateway to amazing bloggers. When I first started reading blogs I read craft blogs. Then I added a few fashion blogs. This was great but honestly while I love crafts, I hardly ever do them (except for knitting) and fashion blogs are amazing but they never inspired me to blog on my own since after week two my outfit posts would become repetitive (sad but true). Once I discovered Sometimes Sweet, a whole new world of blogging opened and inspiration was found at every turn.

 

I was catching up on blog posts (because this was unacceptable) and I found her new series with the same title of this post. I'm so very excited to join in the challenge and ever happier to see what the first week's subject was since it's something I've slowly been working on!

 

 

 

I really like blogging. I have a place to express myself in any way I choose. I also love the fact that this will be the place I can look back and see who I was at a certain point in my life. What was I inspired by? What did I listen to? What events did I share? It's a great little snippet of me.

My three goals are things I've been wrestling to achieve but since it's not written down I can easily forgetting.

• Blog Scheduling - While I want to maintain quality and sincerity, I need structure. Scheduling what I post, when will give me the freedom to add in a post or skip one during any given week while keeping my blog regular. Also setting a deadline for myself will keep me from procrastinating or second guessing.

• Comments - Now that I have finally gotten my notifications in order I will definitely be keeping up on any comments I receive. But this goal is really for commenting on other blogs. Too many times I will want to pop in a 'Hello' or compliment on an outfit or post and I just don't because I'm too shy. I find this rather silly because it's not like it puts me in a spotlight...I'm behind a computer screen. Also, some bloggers are new-er or have a small following (like myself) and would love to know that their words are being heard or their pictures seen and a little bit of encouragement.

• More Me - As I touched briefly on this in my first goal, I really want sincerity in my little space on the internet. While I believe that I have maintained this thus far, I really believe I could be doing a better job of it. I created a themed post schedule for myself and quickly realized that some features I'm not as passionate about as I first thought I would be. I also rely to much of my themed post and need more personal content.

I look forward to making these goals a reality and to improving my little blog. I also look forward to all the other ways to improve me!

 

 

 

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