Curve ball time. Instead of focusing my typical Thursday “All in the details…” feature on a special room today, I’ve decided to focus attention on a handful of special thoughts, reflections and resolutions. It is the first week of 2013 after all. (Speaking of, who else has written “2012” on autopilot the last few days??)
In terms of this blog, 2012 was a whirlwind. Readership doubled, I decided to go back to daily posts instead of just 3 days a week and I FINALLY began to learn how to use a DSLR camera. There was also that moment when one totally random, frankly quite shotty project went viral on Pinterest, catapulting the blog into uncharted stats territory (for reasons I’m still scratching my head over). Said project also landed me an Apartment Therapy feature. And lastly, our home was featured on The Everygirl (as was a festive little DIY project), and I also began writing for Glitter Guide. I STILL have to pinch myself when thinking about those last two accomplishments.
All in all, I couldn’t be more excited with the current lifestyle of DG-DIY. You guys have seriously made this little corner of the Internet one of the coziest and most humbling retreats for me.
But gooshy stuff aside…Let’s talk goals. This post is already far wordier (and photo-scarce) then I had planned, so I’ll be concise. I only have 2 resolutions for the year ahead because I don’t like to be unrealistic, but I think the ones I’ve chosen are both good and valuable things to focus on – One for the emotional benefits, and the other for the financial:
- Be kinder: Here’s a confession…When it comes to my relationship with John, I kind of resort to the flirtation tactics of a 5th grader. In other words, I have this major crush on my hubby, like MAJOR, but I show it by teasing and taunting him. I know, I know…Not cool. Especially when he’s the gentlest, most thoughtful creature on earth. But I’d seriously do anything for the guy, so this year, I’m resolving to show my love in a kinder way. No more figuratively pushing him in the dirt and calling him a “poopy face,” all while doodling hearts and his last name in my trapper keeper…
- No new clothes for a year: So this one is actually super last minute. Joy Cho (of Oh Joy!) made a shout out on Twitter yesterday to someone who did just that in 2012, and it intrigued me. I immediately asked myself mentally if I too could achieve such a bragging right, and the thought wasn’t all that crazy! So I’m going to try my DAMNEDEST not to buy clothes for an entire year, that’s 365 whole days. I AM allowing myself 2 exceptions though. Gifted clothes are a-okay (hint hint family members) and I’m also going to give myself 3 “Get Out Of Jail Free” cards to go shopping for EMERGENCIES ONLY. Wish me luck…I think I’ll need it.
Thanks for a FABULOUS 2012, and I’d love to know – What resolutions are you guys coming up with for the new year?
Good luck on the clothes. I saw that post too and realized I need far less than I think I do. 🙂
Thank you!! I’ll let you know how it goes 🙂
Good luck on the “no new clothes” – I did it, and loved it! It really made me understand how much I can get from the great network of thrift stores I have in my area, and since I was thrifting, the stress of shopping disappeared (much easier to take a risk on a $10 shirt than a $100 shirt). I allowed myself one major exception – undies!
I agree on the undies exception 😉 and so good to hear that you had success with it!
I can only think of one article of clothing I purchased in 2012: a $12 coat from the thrift store. It wasn’t on purpose, but I really can’t think of any other 2012 clothes, unless you count yarn to knit some socks. Last year was the first year I’ve really purged my belongings – I think seeing how many clothes I was giving away let me buy less.
Thanks for sharing that! Makes me believe a little bit more that I CAN do this…
You go girl! Consider reading The Care and Keeping of Husbands (if you haven’t already). And by no “new” clothes, does that mean you are permitting yourself to buy used clothes? Just curious!
Thanks! And thanks also for the book suggestion 🙂 Gonna try not to buy even used clothes actually! Not gonna be easy…
Way to go! It’ll be great to see how much money you save.
I’m hoping to see a big difference in my savings!!
Hi Carrie 🙂 I always do no shop November before the holidays in December to save up money for gifts. I found it way WAY easier than I thought and made a resolution to do every other month as no shop month (with the exception of gifts, groceries, etc.). 🙂 good luck!! You can do it!!
Hey!!! Thank you so much for sharing that! I am definitely going to make a point to do that this holiday season…I’m sure it helps a bunch. Thanks for the support! xoxo
OHHH!!!! My budget totally doesn’t allow for clothes but all the great colors are…..SO GREAT!!!!! I think I am going to dye some white items I have for some great spring color and have a few strapless maxi dresses converted to skirts because I am tired of yanking on them. Here’s to nothing!! I do legitimately need some new summer sandals, though!
What a great idea to dye your white pieces!! Might have to use that advice…Thanks!