New Year's Inspiration: A List of Things to Focus On

This year I mentioned that I wasn't going to add more to my plate with too many resolutions and goals, but rather improve the areas in my life that I've neglected for some time now. Here's a list of areas I'd love to focus on in my home for 2013. I'm queen of making lists and then never sticking to them, but this year I'm really going to try and change that! What are you focusing on in 2013 in your home? Have a great weekend! xoxo - Julie

 1. Buy fresh flowers more often, just because they make me happy!

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 2. Get organized and stay organized...especially with all of my son's toys that are now invading our apartment! 

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 3. Buy fresh produce more often at our local farmer's market and experiment with some new recipes. I'm so tired of cooking the same 5 things for dinner every week!

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 4. Redecorate my apartment (we may be moving in a few months, so I may wait until then). Do I want bright and colorful, or...

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 5. Do I want to keep things more soft, neutral and glamorous?

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 6. Bake more...I can't wait to try this recipe for baked French Breakfast Doughnuts.

7. Give our bedroom a serious makeover! I want to create a relaxing and beautiful retreat to unwind and rest.

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8. Entertain more - have family and friends over more often for brunch, dinner or cocktails.

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9.  Attempt more DIY projects and post the tutorial on my blog, like this DIY Linen Covered Polka Dot Pinboard!

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Craving Color

It's so nice to be back blogging again after taking some much needed time off the last few weeks! It was a busy month, first Hawaii, then Christmas and New Years, but the last week I pretty much just hung out at home with my son and husband, which was really nice. After taking a long break from work and my computer, I feel refreshed and energized! How was your holiday? Did you take time off? Get anything really fabulous from Santa?!

Now onto today's post...I was at Target the other day and spotted some fun new colorful home decor items for spring (even though we're barely into winter!), which made me want to pick up one of everything for my apartment. In the midst of the cold wintry month of January, I'm craving bright, fresh colorful decor to add a touch of warmth and cheer. Even if it's just a new throw, lamp or vase, a small pop of color can change everything. Here are some spaces that are satisfying my color craving. What color are you craving right now?

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[IMAGE SOURCE: ERIKA BRECHTEL]

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Get your color fix with some of these fun accents:

1. Annette Orange Pillow

2. Parfum Art

3. Concerto Frames in Lemon

4. Gourd Table Lamp Aqua

5. Bodega Storage Boxes

6. Sparkling Stars Trellis Aqua Rug

7. Spreading Landscape Throw

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Well, here we are looking ahead to a brand new year! Reflecting back on 2012, it was a year filled with many blessings - my son Luke, born on 5/2/12 and celebrating my 5 year wedding anniversary, to name a couple - but it was also a year of change, struggle and letting some things go. Having a baby changed my life in so many ways, forcing me to slow down and focus on what really matters most. I closed my online store (with hopes to open again one day!), my husband was (and still is) unemployed - working as a freelance artist and graphic designer when possible to help make ends meet - and we've had our fair share of financial struggles, which has been draining (as I'm sure some of you can relate). But no matter what has happened, good or bad, I give all the glory to God, who continues to unfailingly provide for me and my family - without his guidance and direction, I'd be lost!

 [Nothing makes me happier than my son Luke!]

Juggling work, a baby, my blog and personal life has been more challenging than ever, so this year I vow to simplify, simplify, simplify! I don't want to add more to my plate. I want to be more dedicated, focused and committed to the amazing things I already have going on in my life. My main priority is time management. I always catch myself saying I wish I had more time to do this or that, but the truth is, we're all given the same amount of time each day: 24 hours. It's how we choose to spend that time that makes all the difference. It won't happen overnight, but I'm going to slowly work on being more efficient and productive over the next year. I'm looking forward to see where that takes me! What are you looking forward to most in 2013? What would you like to focus on or cut out of your life?

I look forward to continuing blogging with you in the new year. Lots of exciting things to come :) xoxo - Julie

[2012 Family Christmas Photo]

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