Cupcakes and Cashmere

New Year Thoughts

January 3rd, 2013



I’m torn about New Year’s resolutions. They’re promising in theory, but usually turn into these unrealistic challenges we create for ourselves. Instead of embracing the upcoming year with energy and enthusiasm, I end up dreading my new pledge to hit the gym and eat more vegetables. Besides the statistics that show how few people follow through on their resolutions (it hovers around 10%), I’ve decided to take a different approach this year. I want to start the year on a positive note – one that celebrates and rejoices in the little moments instead of focusing on changes that need to be made. So here are a few of the things that I’m looking forward to doing this year:

Light candles with dinner. Climb back into bed on the weekends without feeling guilty. Plan a vacation. Wear high heels to brunch with friends. Spend more time outside. Be nicer to myself. Eat breakfast for dinner. Rearrange furniture. Visit more museums. Host monthly game nights. Take cooking classes. Hear more live music. Go to the movies, if not just for the popcorn/soda/candy. Buy our first piece of art. Declutter, constantly. Plan surprise date nights. Take day trips. Speak more Spanish. Less text messages, more calls.

And with just a slight shift in perspective, I’m much more excited about the year to come. It’s going to be a good one, I can feel it.

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  • http://whereisjune.blogspot.com Denise Thomas
  • http://twinstripe.com Katie

    Love the idea of being more positive. Your examples are so fun and inspiring. I might have to do this as well. I recently wrote a post on New Years intentions (http://twinstripe.com/blog/intention/)

    Happy New Year!

  • http://lalovesblog.com Lauren

    Love these New Year “thoughts”!!
    ~Lauren
    http://lalovesblog.com

  • http://perpetuallycaroline.blogspot.com Caroline L.

    Breaking “big-ticket” resolutions down into manageable small goals is definitely a smart move. I’m doing that this year as well! :)

    http://perpetuallycaroline.blogspot.com

  • http://www.kateathome.com/ Kate

    Fabulous approach to the New Year, Kate x

  • http://www.delicious-knowledge.com Alexandra

    Love this! I agree completely! I’m an RD and constantly see people who come into my office this time of year with huge, lofty goals. Some of them achieve success and its great, but most end up feeling worse. I think a shift in perception is key- a broader, kinder focus on health & happiness.

  • http://thelittlegraduate.blogspot.com Valerie

    My sentiments exactly, Emily! I blogged a few days ago about having an anti new year’s resolution and focusing on being more positive in 2013 instead at http://thelittlegraduate.blogspot.com
    Ps Happy new year!

  • http://rainingcakeandcookies.blogspot.co.uk Alex-Rose

    Just happened upon your blog and am so glad I did because it’s so beautiful and your pictures are amazing! Happy new year and all the best for 2013 xxxx

    http://rainingcakeandcookies.blogspot.co.uk/

  • http://denimanddaydreams.blogspot.com/ Amanda

    This is such a refreshing way to look at this! I think I will take your lead on this! Especially with surprise date nights, heels at brunch and breakfast for dinner!

    xx
    Amanda
    http://denimanddaydreams.blogspot.com/

  • http://joliejouel.blogspot.com Ashleigh @ Jolie Jouel

    This is a great list of fun things to look forward to. All the best in 2013! ~ ashleigh from Jolie Jouel

    My jewelry blog: http://joliejouel.blogspot.ca/

  • Chelsea

    I met someone at a NYE party that told me his resolution was to “have more fun” because he works too much. I loved it!

  • http://meneksh.wordpress.com Meneksh

    I’m not making any resolutions this year either, I just set myself up to feel crappy about myself and January is bad enough as it is. What is it that constantly makes us burden ourselves with unachievable expectations? What are we trying to do, when we know it will ultimately make us miserable?! It’s pretty crazy. I’m kinda looking forward to it being February purely so that everyone can go back to being normal and not talking about how successful or unsuccessful their resolve is turning out to be, lol.

  • http://goodgirlsgonebetter.wordpress.com/ Maggie

    I know you’re not calling them resolutions, but I love your list. Might have to incorporate a couple into my own lack of resolutions!

  • Joanna

    Love this list of things to do this year! Especially getting back into bed on weekends without feeling guilty and phoning more, texting less. Cheers to a wonderful 2013!! :)
    xo
    http://www.piesandpearls.com

  • http://joyacoustics.blogspot.com Aura

    I’m sure you will have a great year!
    A more positive take on setting goals for the new year is the “My 3 words for 2013″ exercise by Chris Brogan. My words are: special, gentle, remarkable. More about it here: http://joyacoustics.blogspot.ro/2013/01/lists-are-out-words-are-in.html

  • http://theslowpace.wordpress.com The slow pace

    I feel 2013 is going to be great!

  • http://www.darkbluestripes.com/ Dark Blue Stripes

    Great list. I could not agree more that it is all about the day to day little things.

    Christie x

    Dark Blue Stripes

  • http://whatyoumakeitblog.blogspot.com Jenn

    These are fantastic goals. I love a little less formality : ) These sound like goals one can stick to!

  • http://midnight-snark.blogspot.com Kim

    lovely ideas – especially heels to brunch + more phone calls. :)

    -kim
    midnight snark

  • http://www.mouthfulofstyle.blogspot.com Mouthful of Style

    These are very nice resolutions. My addition is re-merchandising my wardrobe!

    Style insights and luxury fashion business learnings: http://www.mouthfulofstyle.blogspot.com

  • http://luckylittlebird.blogspot.com Ashley

    I love these. Plan to do some of these myself.

    xo Ashley
    luckylittlebird.blogspot.com

  • http://www.provocativemanners.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-new-years-resolution-trap.html Provocative Manners

    Great post! We just wrote a similar post about the “New Year’s Resolution Trap”. GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE!

  • http://porelbulevardelossuenosrotos.blogspot.com.es/ Angie

    Emily!
    Me encanta que quieras progresar en tu español :) Te mando un beso fuerte desde Madrid, España. Siempre te sigo!
    Happy New Year.
    Angie.

  • http://none Traci Taylor

    What a fabulous perspective to take! This really inspired me to create my own list of things to “celebrate.” Although, I must admit…I might snag a few of yours. As a new follower of your blog, I’m hooked.

    Xo
    T

  • http://www.penchantforpretty.com Nora

    Love your twist on new year’s resolutions.

    Nora
    http://www.penchantforpretty.com

  • http://www.meganrosegolden.blogspot.com Megan Golden

    Emily,

    I couldn’t agree with you more about the pressure we put on ourselves as the new year approaches. What a refreshing view! And I feel the same about breakfast for dinner :)

    -Megan

    http://www.twininthecity.com

  • http://www.leslierojas.com/ Leslie Rojas

    I can practice Spanish with you :)

    I love the less texts more phonecalls.

    http://www.leslierojas.com/

  • http://theexpertdreamer.blogspot.com Gail Jimenez

    Happy new year, Emily!! :)

    xx The Expert Dreamer

  • http://thesistersinthecity.com corbynn

    Love your new goals. I might be adopting some of them!

    Corbynn
    thesistersinthecity.com

  • http://mochaandmoccasins.blogspot.ca Monica

    I love this idea, but I enjoy making resolutions as long as they’re realistic and I set smaller goals behind them – not just shooting for the big picture.
    I feel 2013 is going to be a good year, too :)
    Happy New Year!

    M.

  • http://www.simplylovelyxo.blogspot.com Sharon

    Simple goals are wonderful goals! And I love all of these. You can’t get anywhere without taking small steps to get there!!

    thanks for sharing.

    http://www.simplylovelyxo.blogspot.com

  • http://www.thepursesnatcher.net Sarah

    Love your thoughts, especially about museums! They are seriously one of my favorites!

    The Purse Snatcher 

  • Evelyn

    LOVELOVELOVE these goals! They warmed my heart, and I’m sure they will only help in making 2013 a fantastic year for you! :) Best wishes from Canada!

  • Claudia

    Funny, I did the same. I’m going to write real letters to family n friends, go on walks at dusk with my son and husband, play more, bake more. Essentially, just going to Live More! Buena suerte con el Español, escucha musica; eso te puede ayudar

  • http://sincerely-samantha.blogspot.com Samantha

    Yeah, I agree. I mean, making a new years resolution is great if you are good about keeping it, but I don’t make them. Just having goals you want to meet and being proactive in achieving them is important.

  • Casey

    I love this! It is such a refreshing way to look at the new year ahead. Thank you for offering your perspective and adding so much to my own.

    P.S. I love your blog. I never comment, but I look forward to reading it every day. You are so amazing, yet so real at the same time… if that makes sense. I guess what I mean to say is that your voice shines through your text and it is so beautiful.

  • http://Jamesandthegiantcupcake.com Eurydice Manning

    These are brilliant resolutions, very feel good and that’s what really counts, thanks for the ongoing inspiration Emily!
    Besos xoxo

  • http://www.loveleeblog.com Jessica Lee

    All of these are fantastic and such a great way to replace resolutions without feeling guilty!!

    xo Jessica

  • Andrea

    Be nicer to myself. <3

  • http://www.jenventure.blogspot.co.uk Jenny

    I’m trying to get fit this year and I really hope I’ll stick to it this time as I’ve made a clear game plan! I love your ‘little things’ though. Happy new year! xo

    http://www.jenventure.blogspot.co.uk

  • Norma

    Fabuloso! ;)

  • http://primpandpaper.blogspot.com Francesca

    Happy new year!!! :D i feel the same way about new years resolutions. anyway, i finally got hold of a copy of your book here in the Philippines! i love everything about it! :D you did an amazing job! :D

  • http://www.thelovelorn.net/ Jessica

    These are lovely resolutions!
    Good luck for 2013 :)

    The Lovelorn

  • Allison K

    I am taking a different and more positive approach to resolutions this year as well. This year I will do 31 things (I am 31 years old) I have never done before (31 in ’13). Some will be small (e.g. roast a chicken), and some will be bigger (e.g. go skydiving).

  • http://chicadvisor.blogspot.ca Jacquie

    lol new years resolutions are so hard to stick to I don’t bother anymore. :)

    Cheers, Jacquie
    http://chicadvisor.blogspot.ca/

  • http://www.isntthathcarming.blogspot.com Emily

    I love these resolutions, Emily! They’re all quality of life focused, which is the most important of them all.
    Isn’t That Charming.

  • http://thewearwithal.blogspot.com/ Stephanie

    I have good feelings about this year too. Great post.

    x

    http://thewearwithal.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.somethingaboutpatry.com Patrizia Chiarenza

    I’m on the same page Emily, and many of the things you mentioned are on my list as well. Let this be a year when we all enjoy each moment, and feel thankful for every blessing we have. Happy New Year!

  • http://www.coisasecaramelo.com Vania Hasegawa

    Happy New Year, Emily!!

    http://www.coisasecaramelo.com

  • Holly

    What lovely aims for the year! It’s the little things that make the most difference! I think I may have to steal a few for my own 2013 list x