Inspiration Daily: 12. 29. 10

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Thoughts for the New Year

(Images from Apartment Therapy)

I came across this thought provoking post (What Do You Actually Use) on Apartment Therapy several months ago and have been musing on it ever since. There is no doubt that we are part of a culture that is driven by the notion that more is better, and as a blogger I play a part (though to be fair, my honest intention is not to make anyone feel as though they simply must buy something or other in order to be happy). Of course it is also not a profound conclusion that de-stuffifying our lives is really what we are all after. Just check the covers of all the magazines this month. Each one enticing us with promises of a fresh start for 2011, better organization, prosperity, etc. Every year it's the same thing...

(My favorite bowls)

So I say let's do it guys! No more hanging onto the old (literally and metaphorically). Let's really make 2011 the year that we stop saying what if and actually make our dreams a reality. There are a lot of things on my list to work on, but for me the new year has to start with acknowledging that my life is better with fewer possessions in it, and that the things I keep and purchase need to be ones that truly compliment and enrich my life. No more time and money spent on things that merely fill the space. My 2011 is going to be lived with intention and passion...what about yours?

I shared another resolution of mine over on Samantha Hahn's blog yesterday. A few more things I'd like to accomplish in this next year include (I'm writing them here to keep myself motivated):

• Continue my healthier eating/working-out progress throughout 2011 (almost 10lbs down so far - woohoo).
• Vastly improve my money budgeting skills.
• Travel to visit out-of-state family and friends regularly.
• Finally take a photography class and learn how to use my camera properly.
• Actually attend the photography group I joined (so far I've been too shy to go).
• Ride bikes with my daughter and take walks with our dogs more often.
• Find beauty in the everyday - even if I have to look really hard to see it sometimes.
• Remember that the journey is the destination and appreciate each day more fully (even the really tough ones).

What are your resolutions this year? I'd really love for you to share some of them here with us in the comment section below. xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 12. 28. 10

Untitled by Gracelina. on flickr.

Sydney Hale Co.

Hello sweets! Did you have a wonderful weekend and a merry Christmas? I sure hope so! Unfortunately I came down with a really bad cold (maybe flu) on Friday and have been feeling pretty miserable ever since. Because of that I'm a tad behind on the whole blogging side of life and only have this wee post for you while I run off to the doctor in hopes of a magical cure that will allow me to breath through my nose once again. Thanks for understanding. Have a lovely Monday and I'll see you again tomorrow for sure. xo Ez

Delectably scented soy candles from Sydney Hale Co. - 10% of proceeds are donated to a local animal rescue organization (love that). Read more about Sydney Hale Co. on their official site right here.

Inspiration Daily: 12. 27. 10

Image credits: 1. Untitled, 2. kai žiemą gimsta vaikeliai.., 3. день шестой, 4. star anise