BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

New Year’s Resolutions

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This year, I will:

  1. Learn to make Thai food. We order Thai multiple times each month. But $30 for each meal (delivered, of course) really adds up. It can’t be that hard to make on my own, right? 
     
  2. Pad my savings account. I’ve chosen a goal that’s ambitious, yet realistic, and I’ve determined the amount to tuck away each month. There will be less impulse spending and fewer dinners out, but it’s more important to have resources for “rainy days.” (Or a down payment on a home someday!)
     
  3. Go on vacation! 
     
  4. Lose 20 pounds. The scale has slowly been creeping up over the last two years. With my 30th birthday this year, it’s time to put more emphasis on being healthy. I started P90X on Monday (ouch!) and have signed up for Weight Watchers. Losing the weight before May 30 seems doable. 
     
  5. Shop like an editor. Curb impulse purchases. Carefully consider what I’m purchasing and why I’m purchasing it. Think about how each item will work in my wardrobe. Curate a closet of quality items. Invest in classics and unique statement pieces (they keep things fun). Use a budget of $200 each month as a guideline, but allow that to rollover into the next month to save for big ticket items. Report back with what I’ve purchased each month as a way to keep myself accountable. 
     
  6. Purchase a bar cart.
Do you make annual resolutions? What would you like to accomplish this year?

{images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Instant Replay: 2012

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January: Enjoyed Madison’s Restaurant Week. Purchased a blue scarf that’s still one of my favorites. Displayed the brass pineapple Dave bought me for Christmas 2011.

February: Wore a lot of coral-colored items. Celebrated Valentine’s Day. Splurged on a weekly bouquet of tulips.

March: Went to Fort Lauderdale. Collected shells at Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter, Florida. Lounged beachside. 

April: Wore sparkly shoes for date nights. Had the most wonderful lavender cocktail in Milwaukee. Said goodbye to my childhood home.

May: Went out for cocktails after the farmers’ market. Enjoyed a bouquet of birthday flowers. Visited Louisville, Kentucky (and fell in love with the south).

June: Rode on a carousel. Loved this image on a downtown food truck. Went to the carnival in search of cotton candy.

July: Spent the afternoon on a friend’s boat. Shared a drink. Enjoyed four fireworks displays.

August: Celebrated my cousin’s marriage. Stopped in Lake Geneva for an impromptu afternoon escape. Dipped my toes in the pool.

September: Purchased a pair of glittery loafers. Admired fall color. Cheered for the Badgers. 

October: Reveled in fall decor. Watched the leaves fall. Masqueraded as Holly Golightly for Halloween.

November: Traveled to Washington, D.C. Spent a week at the nation’s capital. Sipped seasonal beverages.  

December: Picked out our Christmas tree. Decked the halls. Wished you a happy holiday.

Thanks for following along and making 2012 a year to remember! I’d love to keep in touch with you on Instagram @bedknobsandbaubles.

Cocktail Countdown

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Ring in the new year with a cocktail countdown! Five drinks in one night might be a little ambitious. I’d rather start with one today and work through the list one day at a time, ending on New Year’s Day. It’s a festive way to celebrate without the risk of detox.

5. Rosemary Gin Fizz – A sparkly drink that takes minutes to make and packs a punch

4. In the Pink – A blend of grapefruit, pomegranate and a generous splash of vodka (make this one ahead of time and keep it in a pitcher)

3. Bakewell Sour – A cherry-laden dessert drink

2. Bittersweet Negroni – A kumquat garnish adds an unexpected twist to a classic concoction

1. Cans of Sofia – If you make it this far, you’ll appreciate the ease of opening a can of bubbly

Cheers!