Ta-Da! A Look Back on 2017

A writer that I often reference and truly look up to, Gretchen Rubin (see previous posts about her here, here, and here), often talks about setting clear goals and being extremely specific about how you plan on reaching those goals.  Her writing also introduced a new version of a "To-Do" list, called a "Ta-Da!" list.  Rather than listing things to do, one makes a list of things they've already accomplished.  The thought process behind this is that if you see all you've accomplished, you're more likely to keep going and are encouraged to accomplish more.  So, before I post my 2018 Goals, I wanted present to you my 2017 Ta-Da! List.

2017 New Years Resolution #1.
To-Do: Read 25 Books

Ta-Da: 11 Books Read

As you'll read in the upcoming post about 2018 Goals, I will once again endeavor to read 25 books this year.  While I'm disappointed that I did not reach my goal of 25 books for 2017, I am still proud that I read as much as I did and plan to make 25 books happen in 2018!

2017 New Years Resolution #2.
To-Do: Publish 50 Blog posts

Ta-Da: 13 Blog posts Published

Yikes... this is nearly half of what was published in 2016.  Sometimes I wonder if this blog is something I should even be doing but the thought of never writing makes me feel considerably unhappy.  Trust me when I say I truly think of this blog and writing nearly every day.  And someone once told me when there's something you love so much that you think about it every day, you should never let that dream go.

2017 New Year's Resolution #3.
To-Do: Complete Level 3 of Rosetta Stone

Ta-Da: Nada

This is another slightly embarrassing assessment... As of matter of fact, it's been so long since I've logged in to Rosetta Stone that I don't even remember what level I'm currently on... somewhere in level 2, I'm sure.  However, I'm happy to report my daughter's French is daily improving, which only makes me wish they had language immersion schools (paid for by the state) for adults. 

2017 New Year's Resolution #4.
To-Do: Dance More

Ta-Da: 3 Months of Salsa Classes which concluded with graduating from the "Beginners Classes" to the "Intermediate Classes."

This past summer I finally decided to pony-up and signed up for Salsa lessons.  It was one of the most fun things I've ever done!  I met a great group of people and while I felt it necessary to stop lessons for a while once my daughter's school was back in session, I look forward to starting them up again next summer.

2017 New Year's Resolution #5.
 To-Do: More Yoga, and Perfect the Push-Up

Ta-Da: I haven't done yoga in about a month

Up until then, I had been going several times a week, but once school got out for the holidays, it was less convenient to go and with all of our holiday travels and activities, it became super easy to just skip it.  Once school gets back in, I have every intention of getting back into it and perfecting the crow pose, which I actually nailed once last year!

 2017 New Year's Resolution #6.
To-Do: Be Honest with Myself and Others About What is Best for My Family

Ta-Da: This is an ongoing endeavor of which it is quite difficult to gauge the progress.

However, I feel as though we've taken great strides this year in making decisions while putting our family first.  One of the biggest ones was this past Fall when I cut back on my teaching by nearly 50%.  I'm now teaching the least amount of students I've ever taught, but I daily see the benefits of having more afternoon time with my children.  Especially Fiona, who started 1st grade this year, is enjoying having someone to help her with homework and is excelling in her studies.

Additionally, I had filled in a "Bucket List" at the front of my 2016-2017 Emily Ley academic calendar, and I was pleasantly surprised to see I had accomplished those goals:

• Visit  Chris' Grandparents
• Create Memory File Boxes for Fiona and Eliot
• Play for Church
• Volunteer/Usher for ASO
• Potty Train Eliot
• Get a Puppy!

I look forward sharing my goals for 2018 with you in my next post. In the meantime, I'd love to hear of your "Ta-Da" moments from 2017!

In Pursuit of Achieving Goals

A few weeks ago, I received a new "Achievement" notification from my Nike Run App, which I use to track my running and racing.  The diamond icon surprised me as I did not think I had done anything great in my running endeavors as of late.

I clicked on it and realized it was a One Year Anniversary of my first date of using the app.  I know there's plenty of tracking apps out there (and probably a lot that this one does that I do not even know how to use...) but I do enjoy watching the miles add up and having each run's route, pace, duration, and splits in the same spot.

While each individual practice run or race may not seem huge, I felt like the following numbers were worth documenting:

77 Total Runs.

257 Total Miles.

15 Races.

12 5K's.

2 10K's.

1 Spartan Super Race.

6.48 Minutes Lost Between First 5K and Fastest 5K.

1 3rd Place Age Division Win.

1 1st Place Age Division Win.

While over a year these numbers can seem like a lot, each and every practice and race felt very "small picture"... I NEVER felt like running until at least half-way through each run.

And I also would have never had the motivation to get out there without being blessed with some serious support from my best friend (and running buddy!) Colleen, my dear husband Chris (who would come home from work and let me immediately leave him with the kids so I could run... and also spent many a Saturday morning home alone with the children during my races), my special niece Victoria (who would come spend the night on weekends when Chris was gone so I could still race on Saturday mornings) and countless other friends and family who were always so encouraging.

Finishing is better than "never started" and last place beats "didn't finish." 

In Pursuit of Favorite Beauty Items

While I do enjoy trying new beauty items, what I really LOVE is finding new favorites that quickly become staples in my beauty routine.  I wanted to share some of my favorites with you: both a few luxury beauty items and several budget-friendly beauty items as well.

Favorite Drugstore/Supermarket Beauty Finds

Method Moisturizing Boday Wash in Olive Leaf

I first saw Method products at Target right after we had been married.  I love the idea of more natural products and when I found the Olive Leaf scent, I fell in love.  It's got a clean scent with olive leaf, fresh herbs, and a tiny hint of citrus (which I normally steer clear of, but enjoy in this product).  Bonus: it also comes in a Moisturizing Hand Wash so you can continue to smell this nourishing scent all day!

Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion

As I write this, I realize just how long I've been using this lotion- probably close to 15 years!  While I will still occasionally try new lotions, I always seem to return to this one.  Its scent includes lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang.  I use it all over and it leaves my skin super soft!

Acure Moroccan Argan Oil

After reading French Women Don't Get Fat, I had always wanted to try Argan Oil, which Mireille Guiliano raves about having incredibly anti-aging properties.  However, it wasn't until I started using essential oils (and needed a base oil for the ones I was using on my face) that I finally purchased some to try.  I use it in the morning with a drop of Melaleuca (Tea-Tree Oil) and a drop of Frankincense.  I like the purifying properties of the melaleuca and love how the Frankincense helps to brighten my skin tone!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser

This is a relatively new find as a product I had used in the past was discontinued.  I love the grapefruit scent and use it in the shower after runs and at night before bed.  

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

For years I used Mary Kay's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, but after finding this one that can be purchased almost anywhere (and is half the price), I converted.  It does not irritate my eyes (which are pretty sensitive) and works great to remove my heavy black eyeliner and mascara.  Bonus: Kroger has its own version of this that I like to stock up on- it's about half the price and just as effective!

Favorite Luxury Finds

Aveda Madder Root Shampoo and Conditioner AND Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protect

I went a subtle shade of red about a year ago and my hairstylist recommended these products to help prolong the life of my color.  They work so well that nearly every time I wash and dry my hair, people ask if I've just had my hair done!  Since I love my high-quality salon but cannot afford to go as often as I would like, these products are a great investment for me as they help me stretch out the time between my salon visits.  

L'Occitane En Provence Ultra Rich Body Lotion

I mean, who doesn't like L'Occitane?  I love its Shea Butter scent and especially love how it moisturizes without leaving literally any type of residue once it's dry.  I literally feel as though my skin is more radiant when I've used it.  Since it is a bit more expensive than my trusted Aveeno, it's been a little while since I have splurged on it.  I did receive some as a birthday gift and have been savoring it since :)

Lancôme Absolue Night Premium Bx

I received a sample of this from my mother-in-law and immediately understood why people tend to invest in luxury night creams.  Within days of use, my skin seemed brighter and more youthful.  I love the scent and just as I can still remember the scent of my mother's night cream when I was a child, I hope my children will one day think of this scent on my face as I kiss them goodnight and say their prayers.      

FTC: This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  Links may be affiliate.

In Pursuit of Household Simplifying Tips

I'm a firm believer in living each day to fullest and in this season of my life, most of that living is done at home with my children.  Days are full and busy, so whenever an opportunity comes along to simplify a process (especially those used daily), I jump at the chance to do so.  The first two tips come from being able to examine a situation, step back, and determine what I could do to change the situation.  The third is simply a household product that I cannot live without... and seeing as it has so many uses, it, too, has helped to simplify a process.

1. Dealing with Junk Mail

One awful habit I have had since I was little is accumulating piles.  Piles of notes, piles of pictures, piles of mail.  In one of her "Happier" books, Gretchen Rubin tells about her process for combatting one of those piles: mail.  Many books talk about systems to help with the clutter junk mail and bills can create, but behold the one that works for us:  On most days, I wait until the end of the day to get our mail.  I try to not retrieve it while in a hurry so that I can move on to my next step: I open the mail before I even get inside.  That's right.  I stand by our recycle bin and immediately trash any junk mail, flyers, unsolicited magazines or unwanted catalogs.  For the few remaining bills that still arrive via USPS, I open those and throw the envelops away.  I enter my house with only items that will be kept and those are immediately placed in their proper locations: Bills in the Bills folder, my magazines and catalogs in the living room, greeting cards on the island, and Chris' magazines on his nightstand.   This simple practice has helped to alleviate at least one of my habit piles at home :)

2. Home Alarm System Wireless Key-Fob

As we have been on the move more, a moment that I realized was incredibly stressful nearly every day was the [seemingly] simple task of entering and leaving the house.  Since we live in a split-level house with a finished garage, we lack a true entry area.  We are left with using the front door or the downstair's piano studio entrance.  Needless to say, attempting to get two children (and all of our accoutrements) out one of these doors in the 60 beeping seconds before the alarm set itself off caused a muck of unnecessary stress.  Getting everyone inside to turn the alarm off proves just as difficult.  My anxiety started to pick up every time we left the house and every time we arrived back at home.  I decided to examine what was causing stress with the situation (the warning "BEEP-BEEP-BEEP" was a big factor) and how I could alleviate the situation.  We decided to invest (a whopping $22) on a keyless entry, and it has been worth every penny and more.  I am now able to set the alarm and deactivate it without ever hearing the beep.  Leaving the house and arriving back at home has become much more enjoyable as we no longer live in the fear of setting off the alarm.

3. Lemon Essential Oil: The Windex of Our House

No joke, y'all... this stuff is incredible.  Before I purchased it, I heard of its power to freshen a load of forgotten laundry already washed.  I tried it by running a rinse cycle with a few drops, and it worked!  Since then, I've used it for so many things around the house- mostly removing sticky things and stains.  The sticker residue left on the glass of picture frames?  It removes it.  Tar left on my car that the teenage boy at the carwash couldn't remove?  Came right off with the oil!  Below, witness two stain removing uses of this amazing oil: permanent marker on my hardwood floors and ink from nutrient facts that transferred to my countertops from a box of (cough-cough) donuts...  I will say to use your own discretion when using the oil as a stain remover- I was a bit worried that I'd take the paint off of my car or perhaps the stain off my hardwoods.  Neither happened, but I would assume that for an over-zealous cleaner, it is a possibility.

FTC: This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  Links may be affiliate.

Pachelbel's Canon: the Gateway Piece

When getting to know someone and the discussion of music arises, whether they are a fellow musician or not, the conversation is always steered (by yours truly) to classical music.  A fellow musician and I will normally completely geek out and get into debates of which Beethoven Symphony is our favorite (in case you forgot, mine's Number 7).  Non-musician friends sometimes surprise me with how much they know and enjoy classical music.  However, more often I'm met with the answer, "Classical?  Like Canon in D?  Sure!  I like classical!" which is immediately followed by a faint groan of cellist heard the world-round.

What's so wrong with liking Pachelbel's Cannon, you say?  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  I can remember hearing it for the first time: my best friend's childhood quartet was playing it... I was probably 12 and happened to be around for a rehearsal.  I immediately fell in love with the cello's melancholic bass line.

I continued listening to classical music throughout my middle school/high school years and especially loved Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet.  I noticed a trend in that anytime I found a piece that I especially loved, it would lead me to discover even more great music.  For example, while on a college music conference trip, I purchased a Tchaikovsky CD that featured pieces I knew I already loved as well as ones I did not yet know.  One of the new pieces was a piece written for solo piano, June: Barcarolle from his collection called The Seasons.  I completely fell in love with the piece and ended up learning several from the collection for various recitals.

So back to Cannon.  Pachelbel's Cannon has a recognizable melody and clean harmonies which help make it an easy-listening piece.  After once again having the conversation with a friend that they didn't really care for classical music (but still liked Canon), I thought to myself, "Well... maybe it's because they haven't been exposed to the right pieces.  Maybe they need someone to help guide them to discover more great classical music."  So, I decided I would do a blog series on beautiful classical pieces that even those who don't love classical music would enjoy.  My hope is that through this series more people will develop a deeper love and appreciation of classical music.

The first piece in this series is a piece that was originally a song, meaning it had words that were sung.  Franz Schubert's beautiful song, Serenade has a melody is so beautifully written that over the years artists have transcribed it for piano and orchestra.   Below are recordings of both the song version and the piano version, transcribed by Franz Liszt.

Ständchen by Franz Schubert (translated from German)

Through the leaves the night-winds moving,

Mumur low and sweet,

To thy chambers window roving

Love hath led my feet.

Silent pray'rs of blissful feeling,

Link us though apart,

Link us though apart, 

On the breath of music stealing,

To thy dreaming heart,

To thy dreaming heart.

Moonlight on the earth is sleeping,

Winds are rustling low,

Where the darkling streams are creeping,

Dearest let us go.

All the stars keep watch in heaven

While I sing to thee,

While I sing to thee,

And the night for love was given,

Dearest come to me,

Dearest come to me. 

Sadly in the forest mourning,

Wails the whipporwill

And the heart for thee is yearning

Bid it love be still

Bid it love be still

Bid it love be still.

Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wrap

Have you seen these yet?  I've had my eyes on them since seeing them on a Facebook add and decided to try them out once they became available on Grove Collaborative, a company that ships natural products directly to your home.

I purchased an assorted 3 pack of small, medium, and large wraps as well as a sandwich wrap.  These reusable wraps are made of beeswax, organic cotton, jojoba oil, and tree resin.  You can use them to actually wrap up food items or use them as a cover for a dish.  The heat from your hands causes the wax (and resin, I would assume) to create a seal.  Once soiled, you simply wash them in cool water with dish soap, hang to dry, and reuse.  

The first use of the medium-sized wrap was to cover a dish of chicken salad.  It is not recommended that you use these wraps for meat, but since the chicken was cooked and the wrap would not be touching the salad, I decided to live life on the wild side.  At first, it seemed like the wax did not want to seal.  The dish was a bit cool as it came from the fridge.  After a little coaxing, the wrap did create a seal that lasted until I removed it.  The chicken salad was still fresh, so that's a win!

Washing the wrap was a bit odd... I used my hands to run cool water over it and it left a bit of slightly sticky residue on my hands.  I laid it out to dry flat on the counter, smoothing it out as much as possible.  It did not smooth out completely to its original freshly packaged self.  This did not bother me much, but I imagine for some it might.

The second time I used the same wrap, I used to wrap a half cut orange.  I wanted to completely wrap an item so that the Bee's Wrap was completely touching the item.  In my mind, I thought the beeswax might make it taste a little honey flavored (which might taste yummy on an orange, but maybe not on say, a squash).  I left the orange in the fridge overnight (and then some) and the next day it was completely fresh and citrus tasting, sans honey.  This time I washed the wrap with cool water and dish soap and set it out to dry.  I was curious as to if the Bee's Wrap would now smell of oranges.  Surprisingly, it did not. I will say that it seems as though were was a bit of orange left over on the wrap from the orange skin.  I'm not sure if this will go away the more it is washed, but either way it did not bother me.

So, finally came the real test... a test, I admit, I was a bit afraid to try.  What if they weren't durable enough?  Would my medium sized wrap be ruined??  And then I realized, if I were reading a review on these wraps, I would definitely want to know... CAN THEY STAND UP TO ONIONS?!? (dun dun DUN!).  I mean, I would be perfectly content to only use the wraps on foods that do not have potent odors, but for the sake of a thorough review, I subjected my sweet, honey-smelling wrap to a half-cut purple onion.

The result was a slight purple stain on my medium sized wrap and an initial faint odor.  However, after washing the wrap and drying it, the odor did, in fact, go away!  These things are quite handy and I love how they can be reused.  The company recommended replacing them after about a year's of use.   I really like the idea of having a few on hand to supplement my disposable bag and wrap habit and having a few fewer pieces of plastic to throw away at the end of the day is an added bonus!

FTC: This is not a sponsored link.  All opinions are my own.  Links may be affiliate.  

September's Goals

We may be more than half-way through the month, but in no way does that stop me from wanting to post my September goals for the month!  After reading Emily Ley's book Grace, not Perfection last year, I've been immensely focused on simplifying my schedule and focusing more on my family.  By looking back on notes from last year, I can see the progress that has been made in these pursuits.  Not only does recording my monthly goals give me specific aims for the month, it is extremely motivating to me to be able to look back and see actual growth over a period of time.

1. Read and work through

Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives 

by Gretchen Rubin 

This is the third book of Gretchin's that I've started to read.  I really loved the first two (The Happiness Project and Happier at Home) and with my constant interest in pursuing the best version of myself, I am very intrigued by this topic.  

2. Complete The Daily Connoisseur's "10-Item Wardrobe Online Class"

If you've been around my blog at all, you know one of the writers and bloggers I love to follow is Jennifer L. Scott.  She recently released an online tutorial filled with videos and worksheets dealing with the topic of cultivating a 10-item wardrobe.  While I have used this practice for almost four years, I thought it would be fun to complete this class as we prepare to transition from the hot Georgia summer to the slightly-less-hot Georgia fall.

3. Write for 5 Minutes Everyday

In the past, I've made many commitments (and re-commitments) to write more.  Since I am attempting to once again develop a lasting habit, I want to put Ms. Rubin's suggestion into place by starting with small steps.  Writing for an hour every day can seem daunting, but I'm sure I can find 5 minutes every day in which to sit down and write.

4. Move 4 Times Each Week/ Complete 2 5K's

As much as I loved having my children home this summer, it proved difficult to always get runs in due to lack of a jogging stroller (and in all honesty, lack of wanting to run in Georgia's insane humidity).  Since both of the children are now back in school, I want to commit to running at least 2 times a week and would love to get to the gym for some yoga at least twice a week.  Additionally, I'm signed up for 2 5K's and want to continue to improve my time with those.  As I am writing this post, I just completed the first 5K the previous weekend.  While it was not my best time ever, it was good enough to earn me 1st place in my age group- something I was super stoked about.  

5. Spend Half as Much Time on My Phone

It is so easy.  You go to check one thing and fall down a rabbit hole of "just checking one more thing!"  Next thing you know it, 8 minutes have passed... which of course doesn't seem like a lot of time.  Until you do that a few times an hour.  Those minutes definitely add up.  They add up to way more than I thought was possible.  I discovered this after downloading a tracking app called "Moment."  It tracks your total time usage, when your usage occurred, and even how many times you unlocked your screen.  Additionally, once a week it calculates the apps you're actually spending time perusing.  It's eye-opening to see the minutes add up, and hopefully, with this app I'll be able to better curb my phone dependence.