Happy New Year!

Paul and I decided to spend this New Year's Eve at home - just the three of us. We didn't want to deal with the crowds, reservations, babysitters, etc. Instead, we stayed in and made a fabulous dinner, watched some football and relaxed. 

Our meal started with grilled oysters with bacon, garlic, onion and lemon.

Followed by a salad with a white truffle dressing that was so good I ate mine standing at the kitchen counter while Paul was grilling the steaks. I didn't even pause to take a picture!

Dinner consisted of rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes,

fresh broccoli, 

and a perfectly seasoned and grilled steak.

We even managed to stay up until midnight to drink cheap champagne out of our wedding flutes.

Usually I don't make resolutions but this year I decided to make a few.

1. Increase our savings

We have several big projects planned for this year - two bathroom renovations, adding a master closet, making a playroom, etc. We have budgeted accordingly for these projects and are prepared for the necessary spending that they will require. However, I am trying to curb some of the miscellaneous spending and funnel that money to our savings. For some reason this is harder than it sounds. 

2. DECLUTTER

Flikr (Laurie)

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As I mentioned in my last post, we have already started working on this resolution and, so far, I think John Pawson would be proud. My goal is to get everything out that I don't need/want and then make a place for everything else. If I can't find a place for it, then I must not need it. This is also harder than it sounds mainly because I have a toddler and a husband and they do not feel the need to put things back in their designated homes. 

3. Be a better listener

I have the horrible habit of interrupting when people are talking. I hate that I do it but it is SO hard to change! It is in large part a nervous habit - I hate awkward silences and lulls in conversation so I just keep jumping in. But, I am really going to work on it. 

4. Be more creative

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I have so many ideas flying around in my head and it feels like I never have time to sit down and get them out. My plan is to set aside a certain amount of time each week to work on something creative. It is hard to get large chunks of time to myself when I have an 18 month old because as soon as she naps I think of 50 things I need to get done, but at least once a week I am going to let those things wait and use her nap time for creativity. Hopefully I won't run out of ideas by week 3. 

5. Get all of my photos in albums.

I have a huge pile of photos, both old and recent, that are just sitting inside a cabinet. I am determined to get them all into albums so that they can actually be enjoyed. My mom gave me the album above (in white) for Christmas. I hope to buy several more just like this one and start a photo album collection.

Now, I am off to start my day with a mimosa (can't let that cheap champagne go to waste!) and a New Year's Day lunch of ham, collard greens and black eyed peas! I hope you have a wonderful 2010! 

Comments

[Suz]

These are great, Rachel! Good luck!