let go to get one

**saying "adios!" to 2011 as we welcome 2012...**

over the past few years, i've mentioned how with each New Year, i've stopped wiping my slate completely clean and instead started building upon the base that i've spent a year (or years) creating. it's now become my habit of thought as i count down to midnight and honestly, one of my favorite parts of welcoming a new year.

don't get me wrong, there are things with which i certainly need to regroup at square one (ahem, road rage), but most of my resolutions are a work in progress that may never be quite complete or even as simple as a few mundane tasks i've procrastinated on for like, ever.

on the whole, i like to maintain my health (keep up the exercise routine and the good diet), continue to develop my relationships (near and far), and increase the amount of positive energy + love i put into this world (a little less lip gloss, a little more volunteering). so those standbys are back for another go, with variations to keep them fresh. but i can't do any of these things without taking note of where i've been and truly considering what actually works for me. resolutions are like mistakes - you don't want to keep making the exact same ones over and over again. if you did, what's so new/fun about each year?

this year, on top of traveling (three more new cities in 2012!) and organizing photos from our past summer excursions to costa rica, puerto rico and hawaii, i've made it a goal to buy less...stuff and use more of what i already have. my makeup bag could not have more black eyeliners and pink lip glosses, and i don't think i'll ever need another pair of black boots, so i'm starting there. to say i won't shop is ridiculous and quite frankly, setting me up for failure. but for every item i buy (and if you know me, you know i buy in twos...at least), i'll be giving one away - not consigning - giving. that's my goal anyway. my never-before-tried challenge. so wish me luck!

cheers to you + best of luck on your resolutions. and here's to hope + success with whatever you wish in 2012!

xox

If you didn't come to party...

don't bother knockin' on my door.

sometimes no one can say it quite like prince.

it's hard to believe that 2011 is coming to a close (wasn't will smith just singing Will2k?) but what a year it's been. as another dec. 31 approaches, i once again reflect on the past twelve months and i feel so overcome with love, luck and happiness. most importantly, i'm happy to say that i made good on most all of this year's resolutions which means to me, i've made myself a little more good as well. :)

to recap:
our little home is littered with photos of us committing to a lifetime of wedding bliss on our favorite NC beach; e + i explored the food and culture in san francisco and on two islands of hawaii and vieques, puerto rico; i've experimented more with my closet full of gems and am finally re-incorporating my heels and color into my wardrobe over my cardi + jeans; i volunteered for both habitat for humanity and a local cat rescue organization and whether at the beginning or the end of the day, i got enough "me" time to help me gather my thoughts/feelings for or from the day, which totally recharged my energy. from that though, i DID learn that i just loved to take that energy and use it up on friends + family, because i have the kind that are totally worth it. the road rage...well...five out of six ain't bad!

e + i will be compiling our list of resolutions + the year's highlights like we do every year, tomorrow over wine + yummies. and we're sure to pop bottles, throw some confetti and mumble the lyrics to auld lang syne when that NYC ball drops at midnight. above all, i couldn't be more excited to write down things that i hope to make happen in 2012. among some of the many adventures, there will be paris! e will start his new job! and...this gal will welcome the big 3-0! as all others, it'll be a year of new beginnings, growth, change and surely, surprises!

cheers + happy new year to you!
xox