New Year, New Goals!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTNxyWASQttqzMsvOEonZT10sb6LBMgINz3UmBACb0MxboqwNleJau6vpoBGzlYglxRJzSgtSbXDNb_-1f-2bOIAn_kk2tQTySQCm6PcCJsU2wnTHhBFhwUtyuh8gZG5F50dPEgf501Q/s1600/desk+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTNxyWASQttqzMsvOEonZT10sb6LBMgINz3UmBACb0MxboqwNleJau6vpoBGzlYglxRJzSgtSbXDNb_-1f-2bOIAn_kk2tQTySQCm6PcCJsU2wnTHhBFhwUtyuh8gZG5F50dPEgf501Q/s400/desk+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I usually write up my goals for the new year on New Year's Day but this year I decided to take some time to myself yesterday.  If you're a long time reader, then you know that I don't make resolutions.  Instead, I take my cue from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Write-Down-Make-Happen-Knowing/dp/0684850028"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Write It Down, Make It Happen</span></a>, and write down what I want to happen in the new year.  I didn't accomplish everything I wrote down last year but I knew that <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-new-you.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">2010</span></a> was going to be a year of planting seeds that would eventually bloom in 2011.  I already have so many things planned that I'm very excited for January, usually not my favorite month due to the weather.  So instead of focusing on negative resolutions that we all inevitably break, I like to focus on the positive.  Here's to a great new year for all of us! </div><ol><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will continue to build my business and blog in 2011.  </strong>This was first on my list last year and will always an ongoing process.  I'm so grateful to all the sponsors who have signed on and allowed me to spend time on blogging, all the clients who hired me to design their homes, all my loyal readers, and all the wonderful people I met last year.  I can't wait to see what happens this year!</div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will travel more in 2011!</strong>  This is always on my list too but I hope to take more time to get away this year.  I already have a trip to Miami and a cruise scheduled for the beginning of February so I feel like I'm starting out on the right foot.  </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will have my book proposal picked up in 2011.</strong>  I already met with a publisher and have been contacted by many others.  I have decided to work with a collaborator since I realized that I have no idea what I'm doing and I'm excited to finally present my ideas.  </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will contribute to ELLE DECOR in 2011.</strong>  I've already been asked to write for the website and have pitched an amazing house of a friend for the magazine so I can't wait to get started on this task.  ELLE DECOR has the most similar aesthetic to my blog and I've always wanted to contribute and am beyond excited to be working with them! </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will design another bachelor pad in 2011.</strong>  I really enjoy designing for men and would love to pick up another male client. I interviewed for one but the owner ended up being transferred for work.  If anyone knows of anyone who needs help, please send them my way! </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will date more in 2011!</strong>  I used to joke that my not having a boyfriend was not for a lack of trying.  Well, I couldn't really say that last year since all I did was focus on work.  I will definitely be making time for my personal life and if anyone knows anyone for this goal, feel free to let me know! Bonus points if they have all their own hair and an accent! </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will take a class in 2011.</strong>  This one is always on my list and I have yet to take French lessons or learn more about antiques.  I'll see if I can finally check this off my list in 2011. </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will schedule more Sunday brunches in 2011.</strong>  This seems like a silly goal but sometimes it's more fun to make time to relax with friends on a Sunday than to schedule a dinner or a lunch during the work week.  </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will wear more color in 2011.</strong>  I used to wear more color but somehow along the way, my winter closet has become a sea of grey with a little plum thrown in as an accent.  Not very exciting.  Maybe I should buy a red dress to help with goal #6.  </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I will be really happy in 2011!</strong> I can already tell this is going to be a great year! </div></li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Even though this is a little late, I'm going to leave you with the same quote from Edith Lovejoy Pierce that I left you with last year. "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day!" Happy New Year!

New Year, New Goals!

I usually write up my goals for the new year on New Year's Day but this year I decided to take some time to myself yesterday.  If you...

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Attitude of Gratitude

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgwbklWvbQjuiqBthtegBOBFM1hSYYLMkjOkh3JTwXvSkyBGZbLKDwYgYL07DvFDjPqV-QvAqiVgFZnePiV1-jRM0sLVNo0FcOVZAtGeHUf1POVw6giKvd7cTXIPpfWeizLnSjgQCMF8/s1600/FALLFLOWER+ms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgwbklWvbQjuiqBthtegBOBFM1hSYYLMkjOkh3JTwXvSkyBGZbLKDwYgYL07DvFDjPqV-QvAqiVgFZnePiV1-jRM0sLVNo0FcOVZAtGeHUf1POVw6giKvd7cTXIPpfWeizLnSjgQCMF8/s1600/FALLFLOWER+ms.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best part of Thanksgiving is that it has traditionally been a non-commercial holiday.  Well, until stores decided to open this year but I digress.  Thanksgiving is a day when you don't have to do anything but spend time eating and watching the parade and football with those we care about.  It is always nice to take a moment though to think about all that you have to be thankful for this year.  I am always thankful for my fabulous friends and family and wonderful readers.  I've received so many wonderful emails lately and it is always nice to know that all the hard work that goes into the blog is appreciated by others.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last chapter of the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Write-Down-Make-Happen-Knowing/dp/0684850028"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Write It Down, Make It Happen</span></a> is entitled <em>Giving Thanks</em>.  "When you remember to say thanks, when you live your life in a spirit of gratefulness, life will present you with even more things for which to be grateful."  Just a little something to think about on this day of Thanksgiving.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo from Martha Stewart</span></div>

Attitude of Gratitude

The best part of Thanksgiving is that it has traditionally been a non-commercial holiday.  Well, until stores decided to open this year but ...

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