Happy 2018 friends!
We are almost one month into the new year already. I love the start of the year. You can always make positive changes in life, but the new year is a fresh start. I appreciate the opportunity for a bit of self-reflection and a renewed sense of focus on the future. While weight loss, regular exercise, and better budgeting are on my list, I like to throw in a couple goals I’m actually excited about. In the past cooking, travel and learning calligraphy have been new year goals.This year I have a short list that I’m excited to work on in 2018.
2018 Goals
- Continue to use Cruelty-free Products. In the middle of last year, I stumbled upon a website called Cruelty-Free Kitty. At that point, I really begin reading/researching about cruelty-free vs, not cruelty-free products. The more I read, the more passionate I began to feel about the issue. There are instances in life, where things should be tested prior to being administered to humans, but my lipstick isn’t one of them. In 2017, I started testing out cruelty-free products and as items in my house ran out, I replaced them with different brands. I have an amazing variety of new MUST have items that support my cruelty-free lifestyle. In 2018, I want to continue my education and practice of a cruelty-free lifestyle. I’m so excited to share some of my favorite new items on this blog.
- Learn to Watercolor: As I mentioned, I like adding a new skill/hobby/art to my new year goals. Last year (or maybe 2016?) I learned calligraphy. Working in the digital marketing industry, I feel like I’m always looking at a screen. Watercolor seemed like a great way to be creative, not look at a screen, and possibly make some art! I was gifted a book called Everyday Watercolor. It is a great basic & step-by-step guide. I’m really loving it so far!
- Travel: D and I were married in April last year and kids are somewhere in the near future for us. Before the kids, we both would like to travel a bit more in 2018. Therefore, we are looking into taking 1 big trip and a couple smaller ones to have some adventures just us two. Some names in the hat include Scotland, South America, Hawaii, Nashville, New York, British Virgin Islands. Exciting! Stay tuned to find out where we end up this year.
Most of all, 2017 was unforgettable for both good and bad reasons. Last year my whole life changed. I’m excited for a new perspective and hopeful 2018. I’m hoping that because I’m writing these goals down, you can help keep me accountable to them. What are your new year goals? I’d love to hear what you are striving to accomplish.
Love, Rachel x
Ayana Pitterson says
I would say definitely get some travel done before the kids. TRUST me! lol. It is a whole different experience traveling with kids and I loved that hubby and I enjoyed our time before they came around. Great goals.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Rachel says
Haha I’ve heard that from a couple of my mom friends! Thanks for stopping by!
Cait says
these are awesome goals Rachel! Im not a huge painter but water colors is so fun to learn 🙂
Rachel says
I’m excited to learn more- its been so fun already!
Brooke @ Chocolate + Marrow says
I love your watercolor photo and goal! Hobbies are so important especially as we get older and get busier and busier, ya know?
My goals are mostly boat/sail related at this point. I really want to feel super confident at the helm, like I could captain by myself if I ever needed to. Which I hope I won’t, two person sailing is already hard enough, but you never know!
Rachel says
I bet you could already captain (if it came to that!) You’ve learned so much already!! I’m so excited to see where 2018 takes you <3
Willow says
This reminds me to get away from my computer more! I love to paint and crochet, but I haven’t done either in awhile.
Rachel says
Ooooh! crochet is a good one! I’ve never looked into that, but it could be a good 2019 resolution 🙂
Erika Lee Sears says
Sounds like a pretty terrific year! Watercolor is super fun and if you already under the pressure and flow- consistency of paint will be easy for you! If you get into your own color mixing thats super fun too.
Rachel says
I might be hitting you up for artist advice! You are a total pro!!
Kayla says
Great post! My goal for 2018 is to do more, talk less! Just going for it without over analyzing is hard but gotta do it!
Happy New Year! xoxo
Rachel says
Kayla, that is a great goal! It’s so true- it can be so easy to overthink things to death. It’s important to get out there and just try! I love it.
Ivan Kralj says
Oh it is really true – writing things down makes you accountable!
I guess this is why I haven’t made my list of new year’s resolutions. Always making up “too busy for that” excuses. And actually avoiding the responsibility.
But i love your list! Mine could start with – write more things down (resolutions included). Honestly! I was traveling throughout 2017, and wrote a journal only for the first half. It affected my memory and my experience a lot! There, if I don’t make it a habit in 2018, I’ll make a 2019 resolution out of it! 🙂
Rachel says
Hey Ivan, Yes I think it really does! I’ve had people ask me “so how is that watercolor going!” it reminds me to pick up and keep going. I hope you share your travel journal- that sounds like a fabulous read!!!
Kimberly says
Amazing goals!!! Water Color is something I have wanted to learn as well, maybe once my littles are in school all day I’ll have more time to try it. Good Luck, Happy New Year, and I am super excited I found your blog <3
Rachel says
Yes! you should try it. So far it hasn’t been too difficult to learn. It’s also the type of art where mistakes are still…”artistic”!
Jennifer Maune says
Watercoloring sounds like a super fun goal. I have BIG plans for my blog and Pinterest this year 🙂
Rachel says
Hi Jennifer- that sounds amazing! I’m excited to follow your blog and see where you take it. Best of luck in 2018!!!
Breona Graper says
So awesome, I love the cruelty-free goal. I am on-board too! Let me know what products you are loving! And all of your names in the hat for a vacation sound awesome…I would add ICELAND! You would love it! xoxo
Rachel says
YES! They sell that deodorant you mentioned at Target! I saw it yesterday. I’m going to pick some up once I run out.
Heather says
Good luck with your goals! I’m hoping to learn to play an instrument and definitely travel as much as possible!
Rachel says
ooo! An instrument!! that is a wonderful goal. Which one?
Christina says
Calligraphy is so my thing! I started an Etsy and personal shop this year in addition to my blog! Such a great way to unwind AND create!
Lindsay Ingalls says
I used to watercolor in high school but it has been years. These days I have a lot of “want to do” but with three kids I have to be picky. Hoping as they get older I’ll be able to make more time for art again.
Gennifer Rose says
I love visiting New York City! My best friend lives there and we always have a lot of fun. I have a few NYC travel guides on my blog with favorite spots and photo shoot locations 🙂
Gennifer Rose | http://www.GenniferRose.com
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I am excited to watch your watercolor art happen this year! So fun! And your travel list is exciting too. Definitely travel before kids — but also know that there is no stopping you from traveling after as well, it’s just different 😉 Happy 2018 Rachel!!
Erin (Platings and Pairings) says
Happy New Year to you Rachel! I love all your goals, especially to get some travelling in! Can’t wait to see where you go in 2018!