B E W E L L :: setting goals

This year has gotten off to a great start! There's been quite a bit of change and life isn't perfect by any means, but we've gotten do to some exciting things and I feel like we're progressing. I decided to write some of our goals on this board we had leftover from our wedding. As the days go by, I think of something I want to add, so I do. It's never too late to set a goal!

H E R  G O A L S  ::  

relearn portuguese - I used to be fluent when we lived in Brazil, but over time I forgot. I've been using the app DuoLingo to freshen up.

take blog to next level - this is kind of broad, but I've actually broken it down into a few more specific goals. I'd like to share them, but I don't want to give any upcoming surprises away! I'll let you know when I meet them!

preach 1st sermon - this is actually the first goal I met! you can read about my experience here.

learn 10 new recipes - I have currently learned 2 new recipes and I can't wait to learn more.

read 5 books - last year I challenged myself to read more and I ended up reading SO much - I loved it! I'm currently reading Carry On, Warrior and Jesus Calling. Do you have any suggestions??

H I S  G O A L S  ::

Ironman - Elisha already has three triathlons on the calendar and will be participating in his first Ironman in Wisconsin, in July! He'll have his first one for the year, next month and has been training ever day. His commitment to these races are so inspiring - I'm so proud of him already. 

Read more - not being much of a reader, this was a goal he knew would be something, he'd have to really work for and he's loving it! He's currently reading  Greater and Ultra Marathon Man.

Read through the bible in a year - he's actually done this before, but wanted to challenge himself to do it again.

O U R  G O A L S  ::

our big goal this year is to get a dog - I would gladly take any dog from anywhere, but there is a particular dog that we both would love to have, and that's a whippet. They're beautiful dogs and have the perfect personality of what we're looking for. We've read that they have two speeds - running at 35mph or cuddling on the couch - which is exactly Elisha and I rolled into one. We've looked at a few breeders in the area, but are still on the hunt for our dream dog. If you happen to know anyone who breeds them, or can offer any further info on the breed, let me know in the comments!

So what are your goals this year? Have you accomplished any big ones yet? I think progress is always so encouraging, even if it's just one step in the right direction. You know, even if you don't meet your goal in the allotted time frame, as long as you didn't just sit around ad do nothing about it, I'd say you're winning! Tell me about your progress!

xo. melisa

here's to a new year // goals

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In honor of the new year, I decided to choose certain areas of my life that needed refocusing, and with that, set at least one goal for each. Here's my list...

cooking // I have long wanted to become a good cook; as archaic a notion it may seem, I believe every woman should be a good cook (or at least give a valiant effort to become one). I say this mostly because my mom is such a great cook and I'd like my someday daughter to think I'm the best cook in all the land. Also the Mr enjoys eating so... I needs to learn!

>>> GOAL   learn and test out at least one new recipe a week. I'll be sure to share my adventures with you!

time management // I think we could all use a good dose of this, am I right?? When I was in school, I lived by my planner. Every hour of every day was mapped out, and as much as I sort of dreaded the idea of not being free to do as I pleased, I really miss it! Sometimes we have more freedom when we give ourselves parameters to live by.

>>> GOAL   buy a new planner and set out my week each Sunday. Actually stick to the plan!

budgeting // I'm a shopper, there, I said it! And you know what? That's okay, so long as I give myself a budget. I have a savings, but it's not nearly what it could be if I had a more strict budget. This one won't be as fun while I'm doing it, but it's one that will pay off in the end (no pun intended).

>>> GOAL   divide my paycheck each month and give myself a percentage as "play money". Put the cash in    an envelope and only allow myself to spend that much on clothes and other unnecessary things! I can    either spend it on several things, or one big thing! Also, save save save! (This one is thanks to my sweet friend Kelsey's suggestion.)

adventuring // life should be fun! I love remembering all of the fun things I've done and I can't help but think that I should be making more of those memories! This year is going to be about fun and trying new things!

>>> GOAL   do at least one thing I've never done before, each month. This could be a great way to ensure that Elisha and I get at least one quality date night a month!

maintaining a healthy lifestyle // I have been blessed with a fast metabolism, so working out and eating right was never a real concern. As I've gotten older, I've realized how I'm not as fit as I once thought I was. I've done yoga and I run on occasion, I went vegetarian over a year ago and these were all great steps toward a more healthy lifestyle, but this year I'm going all in!

>>> GOAL   Set a weekly workout routine and stick with it. Write out meals for the week and go shopping in advance - buying healthy ensures that I eat healthy, so sweets are out (womps)

reading // I recently posted about my recent reading adventures, and I fully intend on continuing! I'm also totally loving all of the suggestions I've been getting! 

>>> GOAL   Read at least ten books this year!

creativity // This is always an area I want to grow in. Having a blog and owning a shop, it's easy to kind of get in a creative rut, so growing is a must! 

>>> GOAL   buy a new notebook, decorate it, start dreaming. Fill at least three whole notebooks with ideas, dreams, & goals by the end of the year!

I think these are simple enough, but create enough of a challenge that I won't get bored with them. I love giving myself goals because it really motivates me to do and be more than I thought I could. Have any of you set out some goals for the new year? I'd love to hear some of them; leave a link below and we can check them out!

Here's to a Happy New Year!

xo. melisa

le fall list

The lovely Savannah, of Maie Dae, recently posted her Fall bucket List and we all know how I swoon for a good list, so here's mine...

to do this fall //

continue to simplify and declutter

learn to play the guitar

add five new recipes to my collection

find the perfect blanket

have more coffee/tea dates with the mr

buy an iPad

finish at least one great book

have a girl's night

make a Pie N' the Sky lookbook

go on at least one road trip

create a photography portfolio

take part in my second renegade craft fair

crochet a scarf

visit home

it's a simple list and some may argue that it is not adventurous, but to that I would scoff. My adventures these days are far less outlandish and more focused, attainable and foster growth in me. I am pleased with this list. I will be back soon with my progress. What's your list looking like?


xo. melisa

footnote: I snapped that photo the other day while doing a senior photoshoot. I'll be sharing those photos soon!