So speaking of goals...

I'm doing horrible at writing on this blog this year clearly. I need to step it up a few notches, so I apologize to anyone following and wondering if I disappeared off the face of the planet. I surely did not, so don't you worry! 

So speaking of goals, in which is where I left behind. I was inspired to make a page using a set of  number stickers I've purchased from Hobby Lobby. Being they were a stand alone piece, I had to dig in my stash to find bits and pieces that would match them! Which is perfect because I'm trying so hard as you all know to use up my crazy stash.  

I found a polka dot paper from Pink Paislee that had some of the same colors that were in the stickers- which I thought would be perfect also for a challenge in the Paper Issues Facebook Group.  This month- which started a new term of design team ladies, they are going to be posting all their challenges for the month at once on the first then show examples through out the month. So as I was strolling through the album of challenges, the Polka Dot Party stood out for this paper idea I had in my mind. 

I used the numbers to form a list of goals I have for 2018.  From my stash, I found that a lot of my planner stickers matched the colors from the number stickers and also fit most of my goal list. I love how I found "goal" stickers in my mini fitness planner book to cover up the sayings on the stickers - made it seem fit. I found pieces in all of my different sticker books that related to each of my goals and inspiring sayings!  

So far my year is going good in relation to my goals, I could definitely hit things harder than I have been but by no means are they left behind. I hope to kick it up in high gear so I am able to accomplish them sooner than later. But I know that I still have plenty of time, so there's no need to stress myself.  I am excited to have my bills paid off, miles in my bank, and staying creative as I can be. 

This page turned out perfect I think! So glad I was able to utilize the number stickers in a fun way as well as find stuff in my stash to match!! As always, I recommend checking out the Paper Issues Facebook Group! They have my heart, and if you go check out their store- new stuff is being added all the time with the new lines coming out. I'm trying so hard to not cave in but I have a feeling I will fail and buy all the things! 

I hope you all enjoyed my latest page! I'll be back soon, I promise- I have a few more things up my sleeve!! 

xo. Renee

Stitch Fix Experience.

Some of my favorite blog post are when people share their experience with new products and especially their experiences with box subscriptions which are all the rage these days! I think there's a box subscription for almost anything you can think of anymore! I have tried a few and so I kind of wanted to give you an unbiased opinion on them as I am not affiliated with anyone - just a random 30 yr old trying something new! 

I have loved watching people showing what they get in their Stitch Fix boxes on various blogs all around the net.  So I decided to give it a go and see what kind of amazing styles they'd send my way. 

When you first join- they ask to you fill out a questionnaire to get a feel of what your style is, your sizes, and etc. I literally wear whatever is comfy - and have no idea what you'd "classify" my style as. So this was kind of an odd thing for me to do because I literally just guessed on what looked cute in the pictures. 

So they send you several pieces to try based on this questionnaire and your comments. Which I left them a note saying- I am trying to find things to wear to church or out on dates. 

*Nevermind my messy bathroom in the following photos

The first thing I tried was this gorgeous dress. I fell in love with the pattern before I put it on but when I tried it on- it fit I thought perfect! It was a definite yes. 

With the stuff in the box they also send a style card, which shows how you could pair up the things you receive as well as various information about the pieces. Which is helpful for the lack of style girl like myself. Ha!  So you'll have to see how I tried on the other pieces.

I am not going to lie I got super excited about both the pants and this jacket upon seeing them; but once I got myself in to them- I had failed myself by gaining some weight. Plus I think I have broader shoulders then I may have listed or something. This happens with every jacket so I'm not at all shocked.  But the jacket fit nice until I try to do any range of motion with my arms- then suddenly it feels it shrinks 2 sizes. Not the jackets fault, not blaming the cute clothes.  The pants- same story kind of. Cute when you wear them- sit down, not such a pretty story. I loved them both but they got sent back. 

Then there was this sweater, which I knew would be a no from the beginning. Just not at all a fit that I desire. I tried it on just to confirm to myself that it wasn't really for me and I was correct. Wasn't comfortable in it although it isn't horrible looking. Just wasn't me. So it got sent back. 

The other item I got was a set of hoop earrings which I sent back as well. They weren't really my style and I knew I wouldn't wear them. 

Overall I loved the excitement of trying the Stitch Fix box. I did keep something which I thought was a plus! The stylist picked great clothes I just wish they had fit better on me. But again, that's not a reason for me to not try the box again!  I definitely don't want to review it bad on my account and I have another fix scheduled for in March. I'm hoping I will have lost some weight and with the start of the spring season- new clothes will always make a great beginning! 

If you want to try Stitch Fix- I will be attaching a link that you can use to take off the $20 styling fee off your first box! Which is a great deal because that means you'd basically be trying it for free if you don't like any of the clothes and if you do like the clothes- there will be a discount to the prices of what you pick! Click here to take off your $20 styling fee!!

xo. Renee

A New Year, A New Beginning.

Happy New Years Everyone!  Hope everyone had a wonderful night however you celebrated!  I am excited for all the new beginnings that lie ahead in 2018.  Am I the only one who felt a ton of excitement when I found out that the year started on a Monday? My non-diagnosed inner OCD girl in me was overjoyed. 

I'm hoping in 2018 to commit to accomplishing plenty of goals/resolutions if you will.  I just wanted to dedicate a post to lay out what I'm out to tackle and interesting in hearing where everyone else is planning to do for your new year!! 

When I make my goals, I tend to categorize them and the categories I place them are either things I'm passionate about like fitness/crafts, etc. or general knowledge such as financial/health,etc. 

So my list is pretty cliche and basic but I think the easier or more general they are - the more attainable they are. 

Read the Bible Entirely

In the last few months, I've found myself really craving growth in my faith. I'm finding some peace in attending church. I really want to read the Bible to educate myself on more of what faith has to offer me. I think it'll help me on multiple levels in regards to my faith. I'm excited to learn and also to finish a book that I've been wanting to for a few years. 

Read 5 Books

Something similar clearly to the one before this one, but if you know me- I'm not a reader really at all. I enjoy a good magazine, some newspaper articles but something about reading never "excites" me. But I feel I rely too heavily on technology for entertainment and I need a break away from that. So if reading will help me- two birds, one stone right? 

Lose 30 Pounds.

This is one of those er, der kind of cliche resolutions but I really have let myself go. I know it's a high number to shoot for but it's where I think would get me back to my "happy" weight/body. Also this would hopefully be a result of me achieving other goals which is kind of a positive domino affect.

Run 500 Miles.

I'm not even sure what to say about this other than I just want to run. I wanted a number that I felt was achievable. I know that its kind of a small number? Maybe not. But that would be around 40 miles a month give and take. I'm hoping as I build my mileage back up again and run races, they'll add up quicker some months than others. 

Run 10 Races.

This past year , I ran no races. Like what?  That needs to change. So I set a goal for 10 races of some shape. I think it's pretty achievable. 

Stay Debt Free/ Pay Off Bills.

I think this isn't rocket science, probably another one of those typical goals. In my head, I think?- I'm pretty decent with my money but I could be off base. I am not too deep in any debts but I want to cut my spending down more and make sure that my bills are just paid off.   

Build Up My Savings

Kind of like above, I just want to be more realistic with my spending and my savings. I want to be able to have a nice pillow to fall upon when I move out on my own. Granted, I've should have done it a while ago but I do end up having scenarios that come in my way that have prevented it. I've had conversations with people and in my best interest, having a smarter savings would help me in a more positive direction to have a more safer savings.

Make 100 Scrap Pages.

I think its a pretty hefty goal but it's definitely something I can knock out. I am still working hard on stash busting. This is something that hopefully will end up letting me make a lot of pages as well as save money although it's so tempting to buy all these new lines that are coming out. Damn, CHA why must you do this?  

Whew, so sorry about that being drug out but I just feel if I talk about it- if I throw it out there, more people will hold me accountable. It's public information- no big secrets. I can't say - I have no idea what you're talking about - *shoves a donut in my mouth*. I'm excited to see where this journey leads me and hopefully I can keep myself going to the right destination even if I derail a little bit. 

Let me know what you guys are thinking, what are your goals? I am all about supporting others and their goals. Lets do this together!! 

xo. Renee