december goals

 

HELLO DECEMBER!  Where did you come from?  We are back in our house after two weeks at the inlaws because of a broken furnace and one week at my parents in STL for Thanksgiving.  It felt so good to be back in our warm house and bed Saturday night but we had a great week full of family.  I was sad to leave it all.  But now it is back to routine and real life.  And I don't hate it.  How was your holiday?

While away I did some thinking about how I wanted to spend the last month of 2014.  As much as I have enjoyed coming up with a blogging schedule and blogging on a regular basis, I decided to take the month of December off to refresh a little and enjoy the season.  And by enjoy the season, I mean watching Elf and Love Actually as many times as I can.  However, there a few goals I would like accomplish in December. 

blog related.  I would like a more clean and simple blog design.  I want to start sponsoring other blogs but need to do some research.  Any recommendations on who I should sponsor in 2015 who has helped your blog grow?  Read and take notes on all of the articles on blogging that I have pinned lately. 

health related.  Go to the gym and lift 3 times a week.  Also, continue to walk and run with friends even though I will want to stay inside and snuggle all day.  Eat a more strict paleo diet and limit my alcohol intake.  

photography related.  Update Etsy.  Explore Etsy for ideas on how to network and get my shop out there.  Post on Alyson Cornman Photography.  Start another 365 photo project.  Get prepared to bring back #capturingmymoments in 2015.  

and last but not least, be in the moment.  I love the holidays and really want to enjoy them this year.  They always fly by.  But if you miss me too much, be sure to head over to ACP, Etsy, Twitter, and Instagram to follow along. 

What are your goals for December?

What are you most looking forward to this month?

What are your favorite holiday movies?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, Bre, Elizabeth, and Meg today!

weekly wishes

Another week come and gone.  Another week spent at the in-laws because our furnace is still broken and won't be replaced until this week (hopefully!).  As much as I have enjoyed our time hanging out with the in-laws, I very much look forward to our bed.  We are leaving Friday for a week with my family so I would really like to be back in the house before we leave so I don't have to worry about packing in a cold house.  Ugh, whatcha gonna do?  At least there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  

health. eat better.  not horrible but not great either.  

gym. I need to hit up the gym at least 3x this week.  only went twice with a good 40 minute run with a friend on Saturday.  

website. add a few personal touches to the site.  i uploaded a new-ish photo.  I just need to add an about me and make a bit of a plan as to where I want to take it. 

lift. go to the gym 3x this week.
pack. make a packing list and pack.
nutrition. I would like to look into a more paleo diet.  I get sick of food pretty easily so any and all recommendations are welcome.

What are your goals for the week?

What do you have planned for the week?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Meg today! 

weekly wishes

Soooo, last Sunday night the husband and I came home to a chilly house.  Unfortunately, and very appropriately, our furnace is no longer working.  Luckily, the first few days of November were in the 50s and 60s so the house wasn't too too cold.  Husband even opened the windows on Tuesday to let warm air in so we could keep it trapped inside.  BUT the cold air is a-comin so we have been staying at the in-laws until our furnace gets fixed.  (or until it gets warm again. just kidding.) #homeownerproblems

In an effort to get myself back on track, I would like to write down some goals I have for myself for the week.  I have been slacking and need to get back on track.

health. I have not been eating well lately and I can feel it.  I took one look at myself in the mirror yesterday before I showered and I am not happy with what I saw. 

gym. I need to hit up the gym at least 3x this week.  I took one week off because I was sick and only went 2 days last week again because I wasn't feeling well one of the days.  I have no more excuses now.

website. I have finally gotten around to posting on my photography site and am really loving the design I won from Kotryna.  I just need to add a few more personal touches.  And for a not so shameless plug, head over to the site and be sure to follow along on bloglovin, instagram, twitter, etc for updates. 

How have you been doing?

What are your goals for the week?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Meg today!

weekly wishes

Since spending a few weekends away, I have gotten off track and out of a good routine.  We have no plans to go anywhere until the weekend before Thanksgiving so I am going utilize my time better and get back on track starting today.  Nothing like the beginning of a new week to get a fresh start. 

ymca. go to the gym 3 times a week. 

xmas. buy one gift this week. 

etsy. update my Etsy shop with some Fall photos. 

What are your goals for the week?

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Melyssa, Meg, and Leeann today!

weekly wishes

dmv: get a new ID.  I have a temporary ID until the request I sent to get a new one comes in.  

gift: order bulk card stock paper. I feel so overwhelmed by where to find them.  Suggestions are very welcome. 

journal: write in one. negative. 


explore. with the changing of the season and the cooler temps all I want to do is snuggle up inside.  I need to get out more and explore with my camera.  I want to capture Fall this year.
crochet. Since it is cooler and rain in the forecast in the beginning of the week, some Harry Potter and working on the blanket I am making sounds like a good plan as well.
ymca.  I have been slacking in the weight lifting department.  Need to get back into the 3x per week routine.

How was your weekend?

What are your goals for the week?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Meg today!

weekly wishes

 I know you all missed me so, so I apologize for my absence last week.  We spent a lovely weekend visiting with my SIL and her boyfriend in State College that I didn't get the chance to write any posts for the week.  I know I could have written some during the week but I had laundry, cleaning, and The Good Wife watching to do.  Free Cary.

(or two weeks ago)
track: I need to get back on track tracking MFP.  Negative.  Since getting back into weight lifting, I have just been eating whatever while being aware of my sugar and carb intake.  
gift: order prints for my Mom for her Christmas gift. nein.
list: make a packing list for our trip to State College. done.
lunges: be able to do at least two sets of 10 lunges at the gym. yes!  I have been able to do three sets.  And I even added weights:)




dmv: My ID expires the day after my birthday.  I need to head down to the DMV to get a new one.  Doesn't that sound like fun?
gift: order bulk card stock paper (do you recommend any good places to order them from?) and order prints for gifts.
journal: While cleaning out the drawers and bedside table for a friend who is staying in our guest room for a few months, I found my old journals.  It reminded me how much I enjoyed and missed journaling.

What are your goals for the week?

What are Fall shows are you looking forward to?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Meg today!

weekly wishes

 How was everyone's weekend?  

A friend of ours was in town from Richmond, VA.  His girlfriend is the head girls soccer coach for VCU and were in town playing Pitt so him and I met up for dinner and happy hour before the game.  VCU was not supposed to win but they did.  I must admit, I was a bit torn on who to root for.  I am glad VCU won since they came all of that way (and because my friend's girlfriend is the coach) but still sad  to see the home team lose. 

Saturday I spent the morning running/walking with Barb for our weekly work-out then came back home and snuggled in bed while I got the blog prepared for the week.  Saturday night the husband and I met up with our friend and to listen to him play at a bar.  I have not seen him play before so it was nice to finally be able to do so. 

We didn't get to bed until late Saturday night so I didn't get out of bed on Sunday until 11.  It was lovely. 

crochet: I would like to work on a few rows here and there throughout the week. I am single crocheting my way to make a giant blanket for our couch.  It will take a lot of time but with football games and Harry Potter to watch I am sure I will have plenty of time to work on it.

gym: workout at the gym three times this week. only made it twice. 

gift: print off quote for my sister for her Christmas gift.  made the quote. just need to find a place to print it off.  any suggestions?

track: I need to get back on track tracking MFP.  As much of a pain in the ass it is to keep up with it does hold me accountable.  Thanks for the reminder Samantha.
gift: order prints for my Mom for her Christmas gift.
list: Making a packing list for our trip to State College this weekend to visit with my SIL and her boyfriend.
lunges: be able to do at least two sets of 10 lunges at the gym.  I forgot how hard these are when your not used to them.

What are your goals for the week?

How did you do last week?

Linking up with Melyssa, Lisa, Molly, Elizabeth, Meg, and Leeann today!

weekly wishes

How was everyone's weekend?  I watched Divergent on Saturday while the husband worked.  I really enjoyed it.  Like more than the book.  And trust me when I tell you I hate to say that because the books are normally always so much better than the movies.  However, I was not overly impressed with the book to begin with so there's that.  But of course I will keep reading because I want to know what happens.  And yesterday, we watched the Steelers home opener.  And by watched, I mean I crocheted while the husband watched.  That's how I roll during football season.  

health.  I need to start planning meals for the week ahead of time.  I found a really delicious and easy chicken salad recipe. 
exercise. I want to get back into weight lifting. lifted once. 
routine. I need to get back into a routine. done.

crochet: I spent $94 splurged on yarn yesterday to make a blanket for our couch.  I would like to work on a few rows here and there throughout the week. 

gym: workout at the gym three times this week. 

gift: print off quote for my sister for her Christmas gift. 

What are your goals for the week?

How did you do last week?

Linking up with Melyssa, Molly, Meg, Leeann, and Elizabeth today!

september | monthly wishes

Happy Labor Day, party people!

Saturday was beautiful so I spent most of the day on my front porch reading.  It was glorious.  I only stopped once the sun went down and I couldn't see any more.  Yesterday, the husband and I had hoped to camp and explore Moraine State Park but it rained instead so we made the most out of it and went to grab lunch from our favorite Mexican restaurant in the city then headed to The Warhol Museum.  Like I mentioned before, I am not a huge museum-y person so I have never been before.  However, this may be one of my favorite museums I have ever been to - which is not saying much since I haven't really been to many.  I loved browsing his pieces and seeing the evolution of his art.  He must have been one of the most interesting people to meet in person. 

How was your long weekend?

Etsy: focus on selling my photos on Etsy.   Didn't do well with this.  I get very overwhelmed by it all.  I just need to set small goals for myself.  Although, I did sell this photo to my sister-in-law!

Video: complete video I am making for my girlfriends before Mom heads back to school. D-O-N-E

Run:  run at least 2 miles, twice a week with a longer - 3+ mile - run one day. The first run I attempted after falling was good but only got .5 miles.  Hope to build back up this month.

Blog: I will write and schedule posts.  Besides the accidental week break I took, I have been good about writing posts while the husband is at work.  I wrote this one on Saturday!

Photograph: I have been in a funk with taking photos lately but this post from Taylor reminded me "the rush" I get when taking photos. I have still been leaving the big camera at home. Ugh.

project: research and work on a project that I have been wanting to do for friends of ours since they got married. 

gifts: I would like to buy at least three gifts for Christmas this month.  I do realize it is only September but I don't want to be spending so much at Christmas since we will be travelling. 

read:  I have 10 more books to finish before the end of the year to meet my 25 books goals in 2014 I set for myself.  I am confident it can be done since I have three that still need to be finished and one lined for book club in October. 

pin & tweet:  I would like to be better about pinning and tweeting, especially my stuff.  I would like to make it a habit and spend a few minutes at a time on each throughout the day.  Any good tweeting and pinning suggestions?

photos: Have the big camera with me more.  There have been so many moments recently where I have wished I had it with me.  

get up: get up when my alarm goes off.  I have gotten into the habit of hitting the snooze button two times too many in the morning. 

health: lift, run and walk more as well as eat better.  I haven't kept track on MyFitnessPal much lately nor have I weighed myself.  I think I need to take a break and just go on how I feel.  And this past week, I felt pretty good. 

Did you set goals for yourself in August?

How did you do?

What are your goals for September?

Linking up with Melyssa, Molly, Leeann, and Elizabeth today!

oops

Welp, last week I took an accidental blogging break - and I was only back for a week. oopsy poopsy.  I hope to be better this week.  

Anywayyyyy, how was y'alls weekend?  I spent most of mine with my little girlfriends.  I swear, spending just a few hours with them a day are just what the doctor ordered.  They make me smile and laugh until I have tears streaming down my face on a daily basis.  I cannot complain about that.

The husband and I did get to hang out with some family.  His brother is house-sitting for their parents while they help their sister move to State College so we had a few drinks and a bonfire.  I got very lucky in the in-law department.  They have always made me feel like I am part of the family.

I have still been a bit of a funk lately.  There is so much I want to do and see that I start to feel overwhelmed by it all.  And when I get overwhelmed I tend to shut down.  Help!  Any suggestions on what I can do?  

In an attempt to get refocused though, here are my goals for the week.
health.  I have been eating so unhealthy and can feel it.  I know not feeling healthy plays a major part in my mood so this is #1.  I need to start planning meals for the week ahead of time.  Do you know of any easy, quick, and healthy meal options?

exercise. Since I fell a week and a half ago while running I have been nervous to try again.  I still need to get out though.  I have a great hill by my house that would be perfect for a good walk.  Also, I want to get back into weight lifting.  I am so weak.

routine.  Now that Summer is coming to a close, I need to get back into a routine.  As much as I like to do things and be out, I am a creature of habit and do enjoy routine.

What are you looking forward to this week?

What goals have you set for yourself?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, Molly, Elizabeth, and Meg today!

weekly wishes

Happy Monday everyone!  Another weekend has come and gone way too fast.  How was your weekend?  Not much happened over here.  Since the husband works Saturdays, I was pretty productive doing and putting away laundry, writing blog posts, and cleaning.  I was supposed to go for a walk with a friend early but wasn't feeling 100% so decided to cancel.  Luckily, she is very understanding!  (hi Barb!)

Yesterday the husband and I took AB, the 5 year old girl I nanny for, to the pool for a few hours.  Seriously, that girl.  She never ceases to amaze me.  She is getting so confident that it both makes me so happy and a little sad.  But only sad because she is growing up WAY too fast.  I tell her all of the time that she needs to stop growing.  Her response?  "I can't help it."  Touche girlfriend, touche.

And since it's another Monday, I need to get my shiz stuff together and get back on track.  I am starting back slow this time.

Goals for the week:

tv | I have made a bad habit of binge watching shows on AmazonPrime once I get home.  I need to spend more time outside either reading, going on a photo walk, exercising, or doing anything else really.  TV just rots my brain. 

instagram | I have been in a bit of a funk lately and I have a feeling seeing everyone's amazing Summer adventure photos has me all caught up in that evil comparison game.  I need to spend less time mindlessly browsing my feed.  Once a day.  That's it.
appointment | make an appointment to see about a few things.  Don't worry, nothing serious:)

How was your week?

What are your goals for the week?

Linking up with Leeann, Melyssa, Molly, Lisa, and Meg today!

august

My sister was in town over the weekend to complete her first triathlon on Saturday.  I got up early Saturday morning to watch her swim, bike, and run before 9 am.  I always feel inspired after watching a race and hope to complete a triathlon next Summer.  She said she had a lot of fun and wants to do another one.  How much fun would it be for me and my sisters do one together?  Add it to the bucket list!

Saturday night the husband and I met up with her and her friend for dinner and drinks on the Southside.  I am not sure how long they lasted, but the husband and I started to fade pretty quickly so we headed back home early for a good nights rest and no early morning alarm clocks.  Sunday mornings might be my favorite.  Especially when they begin with a few thunderstorms and rain allowing me to get some things done around the house.  How was your weekend?

Even though Summer is almost over, I am feeling pretty motivated for August.  We have a few fun things planned on the calendar to look forward to to celebrate the end of a great Summer.
My goals for August:
Etsy: focus on selling my photos on Etsy.  I will share more about these photos soon.

Video: complete video I am making for my girlfriends before Mom heads back to school. 

Run:  run at least 2 miles, twice a week with a longer - 3+ mile - run one day. 

Blog: I will write and schedule posts.  Like I mentioned in this post, I have developed a blogging schedule for myself.  I am excited to implement it this month.  

Photograph: I have been in a funk with taking photos lately but this post from Taylor reminded me "the rush" I get when taking photos.

What are your goals for August?

Do you have anything exciting planned to celebrate the last full month of Summer?

Linking up with Melyssa, Molly, Leeann, Lisa, and Meg today!

run {weekly wishes}

Happy Monday, friends!  I had quite the busy weekend and every minute of it was perfect.  The husband and I went to two different shows, Tegan & Sara on Thursday and Jamestown Revival on Saturday.  Both shows were pretty fantastic with awesome openers that I plan on checking out as soon as I finish typing this post.  And yesterday, I spent the day brunching with two of my closest girlfriends from high school (+ a little dude).  Lots of laughing was had.

I have not participated in weekly wishes in a few weeks and notice how unproductive I am when I don't, so it's time to get back in the game...

I will... run.  I took a week and a half off and notice the difference in how I feel.  Need to get back out there.
I will... not overindulge.  I have been doing really well eating low carb/sugar and it was starting to show.  That is until last Tuesday when I ate a boatload of chips and had a piece of cheesecake at book club.  I am not really sure why, but I always feel bad not eating food provided for me when at another person's home, like I will offend them if I don't take it.  I need to learn to just politely turn it down when offered.
I will... start a photography blog.  I recently won a new blog design giveaway for Kotryna Bass Deslign and look forward to having a space to just post my photos.
I will... upload photos to Society6 and RedBubble.

How was your weekend?

What are your goals for the week?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Molly today!

productivity

^what my Sunday morning looked like.

The beautiful weather we had over the weekend put a damper on my productivity.  I didn't get up from my seat on our back deck but to eat and then when my phone died.  Then I just moved to the front porch swing once the Sun was in the my face out back.  And I 100% did not hate it.  Weekends like this past one are my favorite.  This week is for catching up. 

JUNE WISHES:

I will... keep up the running.  I am really loving this whole running thing.  I am starting to notice my legs are starting to look stronger.  Runner legs are a great motivator. 

I will... attend yoga with husband when he teaches.  My flexibility is absolute crap and running does not help.  I need to work on it more. 

I will... edit photos from our trip to Asheville, NC 10 at a time.  I surprised myself and only took 200 photos the entire trip so this shouldn't be too hard. 

I will... continue to work on project for my little girlfriends. 

I will... research how to complete a DIY wedding gift idea I have for a friend who got married back in Nov.  It's been something I have been meaning to do but have been putting off.  I just need to make it a priority. 

I will... continue to eat low carb and sugar.  

How was your weekend?

Do you find it hard to be productive when it's nice outside?

What are your goals for the month on June? 

(when did it get to be June?)

Linking up with Melyssa, Molly, Bre and Leann today!

to do

^ coffee, library book, and Sunday morning sunshine & warmth are just a few of my favorite things. 

How was everyone's weekend?  I spent my Saturday on the couch watching Harry Potter.  I have had this weird pain on my upper back into my arm that hasn't gone away.  The husband massaged me on Saturday after work which helped a little but it's still there.  Hoping it goes away in the next few days with a few more massages.  Otherwise I may have to actually visit the doctor.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do much in the way of running last week.  I hope this week is different. 

My goals for this week are:

I will... swap my Winter/Summer clothes.  I think Spring/Summer is finally here so it's time to make the switch.  I hate doing it though.  Such a pain.  BUT it's nice to be reminded of all the clothes you actually have.  It's like a whole new wardrobe.

I will... upload my 365 and #my_365 photos to the computer.  Due to my excessive picture taking (#photographerproblems), we had to get a new hard drive because our Mac ran out of space.  I haven't been able to upload anything in over 2 weeks so I have a lot to catch up on.  Now, I just need to bug the husband to install the hard drive. 

I will... go through 3 months worth of photos and videos of my girlfriends for the project I am working on for their families.  The computer wouldn't let me do much due to the lack of space on it. 

I will... keep eating low carb & sugar.  I binged a little toward the end of last week and felt like crap.  I just need to remember that feeling and hopefully that will keep me on my toes. 

What are your goals for the week?

Did you have a good weekend?

How did you celebrate Mother's Day?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Molly today!

until next time

may wishes

So yesterday I completed my third half marathon.  Our goal was to finish under 3 hours.  And we did.  We made three hours our bitch, coming in at 2:31:56!  Since we are both getting back into running we kept our runs slow and easy throughout our training.  Our goals for our next 13.1 is to finish faster and hopefully get to the point where we (and by we I mean me because I know Barb can run much faster) can run a 10 minute mile comfortably.  We did end up walking a little, mainly up the hills, but probably ran a total of 11 miles.  Not bad for a Sunday morning.  Pittsburgh is such a cool city and it was so fun to experience the different neighborhoods and personalities of the city on foot.  

MAY WISHES:

I will... stick to a low carb and sugar diet.  Since we are starting over again in our training, our bodies should have enough time to adjust so we can complete those long training runs when we get to that point. 

I will... keep running. I may still be on a bit of a runner's high from yesterday still but I look forward to continuing training and hope to complete a couple more 13.1s before the winter. 

I will... continue to blog on a regular basis.  

I will... get out more.  I need to spend less time watching shows on Amazon and more time reading or walking outside.  

I will... read more.  I have a lot to catch-up in regards to my 2014 reading list. 

I will... upload more photos to Society6.  I have loads to add from last year's 365 photo a day. 

What are your goals for the month of May?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Molly today!

  

short

Like I mentioned in my last Weekly Wishes post, I would like to share more photos from last year's 365 photos.  I added the one above to my Society6 shop last week.  I think my favorite way to display this specific photo is framed or on a stretched canvas.  Although, I do think it would be kinda cool as a laptop skin as well.  What do you think?

I had such a wonderful weekend.  My one goal for the weekend was to sleep in on Saturday and stay in bed to read for a little.  And I did just that.  I am currently reading A Time To Kill, and although I have seen the movie a bunch of times, I am loving the book even more.  Obviously there are parts that are hard to get through but once you do it is hard to put down.  

My goals for this week are pretty short;

I will... finish the Pittsburgh 13.1 on Sunday.  I might be crawling across the finish line, but I will cross it.  If we can finish under 3 hours, I will be happy.  What do you think Barb?

I will... organize 3 months worth of photos and videos of my girlfriends for a project I am working on for their family.  I went through June of 2013 and am blown away by how fast they have grown up.  Sometimes I wish time would just stand still for a little while. 

Are you reading anything good these days?

Something you would recommend?

What about your goals for the week?

Linking up with Melyssa, Leeann, and Molly today!

until next time

I will...

While waiting for the husband to get out of yoga yesterday, I sat in my car with the windows down, Dave Matthews blaring through the stereo, and all was right in the world.  What is it about this time of year that makes me feel so nostalgic for my younger days?  Am I alone? please tell me I am not alone. 

LAST WEEK'S GOALS:

I will... keep to my scheduled running program.  ever day but one.  

I will... upload photos to Society6.  I uploaded the one above.  Click here to check it out. 

I will... not go over 30 grams of sugar or 60 grams of carbs.  I admit I cheated twice this week but my hard work showed from the rest of my week once I got on the scale and saw I lost a little over 3lbs!

I will... use the Canon. accomplished.  beginning to feel inspired again. 

I will... take photos for littlest girlfriend's 2nd birthday present.  nada.  and i still don't have a gift for her.  any ideas for a 2 year old girl who already has pretty everything?

THIS WEEK'S GOALS: 

I will... continue to add photos to my shop.  In fact, I would like to start sharing them with you all more often.  I'll be sure to let you know when I do. 

I will... stick to my 13.1 training.  

I will... stick to eating low carb and sugar.  My goal weight is 4 more lbs and I'll be happy.  

I will... journal 3 times this week.  It is something I have been wanting to do and no longer want to make "wait until I get a polaroid" excuse to do so.  (unless you want to buy me a polaroid?)  

What are your goals for the week?

What does Spring mean to you?

What songs are you jamming to these days with your windows down?

Linking up with Melyssa, Molly, and Leann today!

until next time