14 Things to START Doing in 2014

It's the season of resolutions! Let's be honest...we've all set lofty goals in our head that seem impossible and ridiculous nearly a month later. 

Over the course of 2014, I challenge you to find 14 small resolutions to start. Not sure where to start? Below, I've shared my list of things to do start doing in 2014. 

I have so many favorites on this list and know that keeping these personal challenges in mind in 2014 will help me have a successful year. 

What would you add to this list of things to start doing in 2014? 

Today's Pickins:

1. How to walk 10,000 steps a day (for my fitbit friends!)

2.  Champagne Rice Krispie Treat

When Stroke Strikes Young: My Sister and Friend

The young woman in the video below, Barbie, is one of my dear sisters and friends. I remember Barbie from before she joined Sigma Kappa. Yes, she is a legacy and, even better, was the FIRST new member to make it to our lawn on her bid day. I remember she was wearing a pink dress and in tears saying it was "the best day of her life."

I also remember getting news of Barbie's crash and sisters going to the hospital to see her.

But it wasn't until her sophomore spring, when she moved into the house and lived with my little that I really understood just how brave and kind she is.

Watching this video brought me to full blown tears last night. Mostly because I was just so proud to call Barbie my sister. 

This isn't mean to be a sad video, but rather, a reminder to appreciate the things in life that we often take for granted. 

Today's Pickins:

1. Five things to consider on company culture

2.  OBSESSED with this Map Print Scarf

3.  Needlepoint Gator Cuff

Dream Board: Dream a Little Bigger

Today is a very nerve-wrecking day for me--but in a good way! 

I'm really trying to keep my sights set on my goals right now. Wish me luck :) 

Today's Pickins:

1. Loving this pink and gold iphone case!

2.  The PERFECT red lip! Always my go-to!

3. DIY Glitter ornaments.

Giving Thanks with a Full Belly

This time of year, we are constantly reminded to be thankful for all that we have! This is something I really appreciate about the holiday season and try to keep up through the rest of the year! 

Today's post is simply inspired by foods that remind me of things I am thankful for! 

I am thankful for a sister who is also my best friend! 

{Recipe inspired by her love of all things oriental}

Green Tea Ice Cream

I am thankful amazing parents who have been so supportive throughout all of my growing up! 

{Recipe inspired by my first ten years spent in South Florida}

Mexican Street Corn

I am thankful to live in a country where I have been able to earn a college degree. I am also thankful to be a Florida Gator and thankful for my department and friends from college.

{Recipe inspired by the cowboys of American and CALS}

Cowboy Casserole

I am thankful for my years spent in college and my sisterfriends made along the way!

{Recipe inspired by our love of....baking}

Jack Daniel's Cupcake

I am thankful for a job. I know how hard that can be in this economy.

{Recipe inspired by the green that pays my bills...and pays for trips to Key West }

Key Like Cake Recipe

I am thankful to be a Floridian. I think know I live in the best state and am thankful for this beautiful land each and every day. 

{Recipe inspired by none other than the local seafood!}

Grilled Sea Scallops with Cilantro & Black Bean Sauce

Lastly, I am thankful for my health. I see people struggle with health related issues each and every day and feel so blessed that this has never taken a toll on my own life.

{Recipe inspired by a champagne toast to good health}

Strawberry Champagne Mimosas

What are some of the things you are thankful for? Any recipes remind you of those things? I'd love to hear! 

Be Still.

After singing praise, Pastor Glenn's wife began Sunday's church service by reading Psalm 46: 10.

via

While I have heard this verse many times in my life, it really hit home for the first time on Sunday.

In this verse, "Be still" doesn't literally mean to "Be Still." It means rapha which translates to "to be weak, to let go, to release."

Let go, release yourself in God. 

Wow. If that wasn't enough to chill your bones, when the verse was first written in Hebrew, the emphasis was on the word "know" to show that you have no doubt in the Lord.

Release yourself and KNOW that God is in control. 

I've been so caught up in the hurt and uncertainty of life lately. I can't find answers and have been hurting even more because of it. Sunday's service reminded me that God's timing is perfect and that he has a bigger plan for all of us. He wants me right here, right now for some reason I may not get right now. I am tired and I am lost, but God has a plan. 

Have you ever received a message at the perfect time? What was the message? 

Monday Night Musings

Which quote is inspiring you today?

Dream Board--Destress

Life has had me on edge lately.  It seems my stress has multiplied now that I live alone. I feel as though I have so much more going on when, in reality, I don’t.

I've been working hard to find some serenity to emotionally take myself out of my anxiety driven life. The gym use to be my safe haven but, even now, it can be a stressor, too.

As I mentioned in previous posts, when I am feeling an extreme emotion, I like to create dream boards to recent myself. I think it’s funny how all of the pictures I chose seem to have calming hues in them—shows you exactly what I need right now!

What do you do to reduce the anxiety in your life?

Today’s Pickins:

1.       Today’s Chocolate Bling post from PS I Made This is both girly and sweet!  

2.       Sparkle Jack Rogers in Orange and Blue are every Gator Girl’s dream! 

3.       This is supposed to be the best replica of my favorite Starbucks drink—Passion Tea Lemonade!

4.       I agree with Lauren Conrad—everyone needs an ice facial. 

Surrounding Yourself with Positivity

This week has NOT been going my way AT ALL. On top of it, I have also been a little off my mojo thanks to my longing to be with my beautiful sisters at recruitment.

Without saying too much, there was someone in my office that used to be a huge source of negativity. It made me question my job, how well I was doing, and how much I was making and, over all, my happiness.

In light of recent events, I do not sit next to him in the office anymore. I cannot believe how much happier I am throughout the day because of it!

In times like this, I am really coming to understand the importance of surrounding myself with positivity and BEING that source of positivity to others.  Sure, it is hard when you’re just having a bad week—that’s me right now! But it doesn’t mean that you cannot embrace the positivity that you are surrounded with!

Food for thought, friends.

Today’s Pickins:

1.I LOVE this idea of spray painting dollar store animals gold to creative décor for a room! 

2. This wedding video is the sweetest! Definitely put a smile on my face today. 

3. It doesn’t have to be Christmas time for my mouth to water at these cinnamon almonds! 

4. These college campus prints are an adorable way to add some school spirit to any room! 

Current Thoughts:

Summing them up, because I have too many right now.

Today’s Pickins:

1.       This DIY Ombre Platter is the other DIY feature in this month’s LPF Mag!

2.       The Little Earring Book might be the perfect solution for my ever-growing earring collection!

3.       What your clothing colors say about you—hmm I am wearing black, olive, and gold today!

4.       Barre Workouts make me miss my 18 years of dance! L

Dream Board: Clarity

Today's dream board is inspired by my current wish that my life could be a bit more black and white. Putting this dream board together, however, reminded me that among the black and white there are always going to be a lot of grey areas. Maybe these gray areas are what make the black and white parts of life so clear...

Today’s Pickins:

1.       This SigKap Lilly tank has me missing my beautiful sisters today! It’s move-in day at the 1108 and I am heartbroken that I officially no longer live there L

2.       Southern Living’s Farmhouse Restoration is pretty much my  dream home.

3.        The Mimosa Bar at this party might have to be a permanent in my new place!

4.       Pop-up, illustrated “Save the Date” cards are my current wedding obsession! I’ve got a bit of wedding fever with the weekend drawing near!