Why You Should Create a New Year's Resolution Proverb.

New Year's resolutions can be so daunting. It always feels like a long laundry list of reactive items - eat better, exercise more, watch less TV, read more books, etc. It just seems like a reaction to bad behavior. Which makes the resolutions seems a bit like punishment. I'm not a self-punisher type. I don't get motivated by that kind of pain. So I took some time to really think during the gap week between Christmas and New Years about resolutions. The ones I made last year, and how they worked out for me. I actually did accomplish them, each in unique ways. It's always funny and a little embarrassing to look back on previous resolutions, because I personally am always like, "Really?? That was a goal of mine?!" But it was. I'm learning to own my stuff.

As for the resolutions themselves - last year's were so whimsical it still makes me laugh. I actually did a fair amount of bird watching, I watercolor painted greeting cards and mailed them out to friends, I definitely exercised more than I did the previous year (when I was pregnant, haha), and I vastly improved the function, aesthetic and content of this blog. Those were all my resolution goals from last year, and I made great strides in all those areas. Pat on the back, Kristen.

Looking ahead, I have so many ideas for 2016. My mind is spilling over like a bowl full of punch, and I am splashing all over the places the past few days, spewing out ideas to Stevie every other hour. Which is good. I feel like a Pantone color book of swatches - so many shades and tints and so many ideas and they're all beautiful and fascinating and exotic and exciting and how can I possibly anchor all of these?! So I'm trying to take some deep breaths, and you know, edit. But I will say that I've finally honed in on my proverb/mantra/motto (choose your favorite term) for the New Year, and I feel an enormous amount of conviction in it.

Simplify everything.

Be brave and know that you belong.

Follow your instinct.

You can totally make mistakes.

Be excellent and intentional in everything.

These five sentences are my guidepost. I will have to remind myself of them over and over again, but they will serve as my cornerstone encouragement for the year. These words just strike the right chord in my heart.

Why should you create a New Year's Resolution Proverb?

1. To encourage yourself in moments of doubt.

2. To strengthen yourself in moments of weakness.

3. To remind yourself of who you are. And why you're here.

4. And because tailoring your own Proverb totally makes your resolutions feel more significant. Am I right?

Figuring out your Proverb is actually a lot easier than it seems. Don't think, just let a few words flow. Sometimes our convictions are just on the tip of our tongue, or the forefront of our mind. We just have to give ourselves a bit of permission to encourage ourselves. Isn't that kind of funny? It's so easy to encourage our friends and loved ones, but ourselves? Sometimes we have a tricky time with it. Just do it! Figuring out your Proverb (or "guidepost") will help point you towards your goals every single time.

Or if you're having writer's block, you can totally use mine. I love sharing.

How are you feeling about New Years?! How are your resolutions shaping up? Does having a Proverb seem like a strange concept, or does that totally make sense to you? Talk to me!

Christmas & New Years Cards with Minted!

The golden foil. The curly, twirly wreath. The perfectly off-centered photo. The rustic background juxtaposed by the gilded font. The whimsical stamp and the flourished address. I LOVE CHRISTMAS CARDS.

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.

I can't gush enough about how much I loved using Minted for our family Christmas cards. This is the second year I have used Minted, and I am still surprised at how quality the cards are and how excellent the Minted service continues to be. Seriously. I've used other services and this one is my absolute favorite, absolutely unparalleled both in quality and elegance.

Truth be told, last year we didn't order enough Christmas cards. So a few days after I mailed out our last card, I placed another order for cards through Minted - but this time for a tiny batch of New Years cards. There were just a few work people and long-distance friends that we really wanted to touch base with and I am disappointed that I didn't get their addresses in time for the first round of cards. However, I'm sharing all of this with you because even though it's too late to place Christmas card orders, Minted has some gorgeous New Year's card designs that have me swooning. You can check out the design I used last year for our Christmas/Baby announcement and, haha, for our last-minute New Years greeting. This year's Christmas card design is one that I LOVE, especially with that gold foil lettering. As I get older, I am becoming more comfortable with the fact that I like things to sparkle a bit. I used to think that made me too girly or something, but I don't think it does anymore. I'm owning it - I just like a bit of gold sheen!

Minted is offering 15% off all New Years cards before the clock strikes 2016 with the code WINTER15. Grab a few while you can!

Also, if you're hosting a New Year's Eve party, be sure to check out Minted's new Online Invitations - FREE for a limited time and optimized for a rich, cinematic experience on desktops, smartphones, and tablet devices. Kind of makes me wish I was hosting a little shin-dig now, but... too late! We are doing a romantic night away for New Years :) And I seriously can't wait.

What service did you use for your Christmas cards? Were you happy with how they turned out? Do you ever send New Years cards? I'm a mail geek, so I'm interested in hearing from you. Also, how cute are this year's Peanuts stamps?? LOVE.

Only a few days until 2016, friends! Live it up!

Adventure: Blue Ridge Mountains

Map.

Happy New Year! I hope you are excited for the gift of 2013! My New Years' celebration was spent up in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. This has become a yearly tradition that my parents graciously treat my family to, and I really look forward to it. This trip to a cabin in the woods is usually the most relaxing time of my entire year, and boy, do I crave relaxation! Now that my family lives in three different states, it is really special when we can all coordinate time to reunite, relax and dream together. The town of Blue Ridge is quaint and makes for a great afternoon of walking and shopping, but for the most part we lounged around the cabin and did what we do best: NOTHING.

Mmm.

We cooked. We played scrabble. We read. And then we hit the hot tub. It's a really rigorous schedule, but someone's got to do it, right? I was spoiled rotten because I got to play with my 3-year-old nephew (and godson!), Oliver, everyday. His imagination is brilliant. He is already a master artist with Play-dough and he sings and plays the harmonica fearlessly. His golden smile lights up the room. I can't believe how amazing it is to see my sister and brother-in-law's traits in him.

Moment.

It might sound really cheesy, but sitting in the hot tub and staring at the mountain range was really inspiring. There was something therapeutic about being outdoors in the crisp air with the hot water enveloping my crazed mind. I could close my eyes and feel my thoughts quiet down. All the chaos and commotion and holiday stress slowly began to melt away... oh there is nothing like peace. As much as I strive for it in my daily walk, it is usually achieved by deleting the strife and letting God be God. What a concept, right?

Ahead.

I am still in the process of gathering my year-end thoughts and creating some resolutions for the new year. I want to be very honest with myself about what I can commit to doing. Measureable, actionable goals are what I'm going for, but that takes some planning. I think I need to buy myself a cup of coffee and have a bit more "me" time.

What about you? Did you have a holiday getaway that helped you relax? Any tips for creating resolutions?