2017 was a year I was glad to see come to an end. Don’t get me wrong, there were a few wonderful things that took place in 2017, (our family vacation to Europe, the start of my blog, another trip to New York Fashion Week) but it was also a year that had a lot of downs for our family. Let’s hope those stay in the past and that there is nothing but a bright and happy 2018 in store for us.
With the start of a new year, I, like many of you, not only like to reflect on the past, but also set some goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. I’ll be honest, I never write down my goals/resolutions, probably because I know when I see my list, it will be a reminder of what I have yet to accomplish, or have already given up on. However, discouraging that can be, I’ve decided I need to be more accountable, and so I am going to write a list of goals that I’m hoping to either implement in my life, strive to accomplish, or try to perfect this year.
Artichoke Crate Dress c/o || Heels (similar) || Bracelet c/o || Ring c/o ||
If you’re reading this, and have not made a list of resolutions/goals, I encourage you to do so. We can work towards achieving them together. Okay, so no more putting it off, here is what I’m working in for 2018.
- Laundry! I am the absolute worst at the laundry. I will buy more socks, underwear, etc. because the pile is just too big, and I don’t want to do it. This needs to change. My goal is to stay on top of the laundry, so it doesn’t overwhelm me.
- Meal plan, Every Single Week!
- Two-three blog posts per week. This is harder than you’d think. I always have ideas running through my head for posts, but I usually don’t end up getting them on the blog. This is about to change!
- Spend less time on my phone/computer when the kids are home. They are growing up so quickly, I want to spend as much time with them as I can.
- Lose those 20 pounds I’ve been talking about for years. UGH! This means eating less and exercising more. I really wish it was the other way around.
- Read 24 books in 2018. That equals out to 2 books a month.
- Work on my spiritual growth. Scripture study and prayer every day!
My list isn’t overly long or overly difficult, but I think it will be tough to stick to these 7 goals/resolutions. The key is starting today! I’ve put it off for as long as I can, and nothing will get done if I don’t get to work. Wish me luck!
Leave a comment letting me know what goals you’re working on this year. I’d love to hear! Here’s to a fun, organized, and successful 2018!
Duck Brand sponsored this post. All opinions are mine alone.
I have always had a deep love for fashion and with that comes buying clothing. Clothes for myself, for my husband, and clothing for my three children. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a bit of a shopping addict and at times buy more than one can wear in any given season, yet still stand in front of my closet each and every morning proclaiming I have nothing to wear. So what do I do? I buy more sweaters, jeans, or shoes. Is it a problem? Probably, but I don’t see me changing the way I “operate” anytime soon.
My husband is constantly telling me I don’t need anymore articles of clothing and that I should take a shopping hiatus, but I tell him, that my clothes are an investment. He likes to argue that it’s actually more consumption, because clothes don’t make money. I disagree. For the last 10 or so years, I’ve been selling the clothing we no longer wear or have outgrown (as well as other odds and ends) on eBay. If you’ve ever thought about selling on eBay, I’m here to give you some pointers on what sells, how I package and mail the items I sell, including why I always use Duck Max Strength Packaging Tape. I have been using their tape for my packaging for years, long before they ever sponsored this post.
Not only do I love shopping, but I’m also a fashion blogger, so I kind of look at buying clothes as my job. It’s a loose argument, but hey, whatever works! With an overflowing closet, and the never ending need of wanting new clothes, I decided the way to afford the new clothes, is to sell the older ones.
What Sells? That is the million dollar question. There are times when I’m shocked that a non-designer item sells for triple what I was hoping for, and then there are times when a designer item sells for the price of a combo meal. However, those are not the norm. It’s usually just the opposite. If you have designer items sitting in your closet that you no longer wear, put them up on eBay and see what you can get for them. I will say that designer purses do amazingly well in the re-sale market. Other items I’d suggest listing: rare/vintage board games, designer shoes (especially for men), designer ties, and vintage clothing items.
Now that you’ve sold your items, the next thing is to package the item and send it to the buyer. My first year selling, I was using the large paper manilla mailing envelopes and securing them with thin scotch tape. It wasn’t long before I got an email from a buyer letting me know that the package arrived completely ripped open and that they were not happy about it. I knew I needed to change the quality of my supplies. I began using the Priority boxes and large envelopes provided by the post office, as well as Duck Max Strength Packaging Tape.
I love this tape not only because Duck Brand is a brand we all know and trust, but because it is actually 100 times stronger than other brands of acrylic tape. I knew this would provide a good secure seal so no more packages would arrive torn open. The tape is also extremely thick and has a professional hot melt adhesive that works great on shipping boxes as well. Because the tape has such a great adhesive, it works on all types of shipping applications; from mailing boxes to plastic mailers, and paper mailers to moving boxes, the Duck Max Strength Packaging Tape is your one-stop shop for tape. It’s also what I use to adhere my shipping label on to my package. Since I started using it, I have not had to lose any more money due to problems with the packaging.
You can find the Duck Max Strength Packaging Tape at your local Sam’s Club in the office supply aisle. It is available for a screaming deal in a value pack: 8 rolls of heavy duty, clear tape for under $20.
Have you ever sold on eBay? What do you sell? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks Duck Max for sponsoring this post.
2016 Christmas Eve
I look forward to the Christmas season all year long. There is just something so special and magical about this time of year, and I think a lot of it has to do with Christmas traditions. While our family doesn’t have a ton, we do have a few favorites.
- Opening new Christmas Pajamas on Christmas Eve
- An extended family Christmas Eve Dinner and Game night at my Grandparents.
- Chinese Takeout for Christmas Dinner.
While I love the tradition of opening Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve, I’ve always wondered why I don’t give my kids their Christmas pajamas earlier in the month, that way they can wear them throughout December.
This year, I heard of a tradition that I absolutely love, and will be starting with my own family….The December 1st Box. Each family member receives a box filled with Christmas themed goodies. While it would be fun to do a box for myself and my husband, this year I am just doing boxes for my three kids. Here is what I included in each of their boxes.
Boxes are from Ross & TJ Maxx
For my Teen Daughter:
Adorable buffalo plaid Christmas Pajamas
Christmas Socks
Christmas Scented Lotion from Bath & Body Works (Vanilla Bean Noel Scent)
Christmas Scented Soap for her bathroom (Arctic Berry Scent)
For my Teen Son:
Fun Christmas Pajama Bottoms and Tee
Christmas Socks
Christmas Tie
For my Tween Son:
Christmas themed Pajama Bottoms and Tee (he is going to love this…one of this favorite words is “Chill!”
Christmas Socks
Christmas Tie
While I didn’t do a box for myself or my husband, the kiddos weren’t the only ones to get new pajamas!
I can’t wait for the kids to open them today! I think they are going to love this idea and want this tradition to carry on for many years to come!
Here are a few more traditions I’d like to start this year:
- Dressing up and going out to a nice dinner.
- Instead of having mom fill all the stockings, Draw names in your family so each person is assigned another person. Set a price limit and shop for each other’s stockings. On Christmas morning, everyone guesses who stuffed their stocking!
- Go out to dinner or a movie wearing Ugly Christmas Sweaters.
- Write down what your gift to Christ will be this year. Put them in a box and open them next year on Christmas and evaluate how you did.
I’d love to hear your family traditions, leave me a comment letting me know your favorites!