You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.
Don’t make money your goal.
Instead, pursue the things you love doing,
and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.
(Maya Angelou)

Happy February to you, my lovelies! I am so thrilled to begin a fresh month, especially since we get a bonus day on the 29th. How did your January shape up?

I completed the Whole Living Action Plan as I intended. Giving up processed foods, added sugar, dairy, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol for four weeks seemed daunting at first, but I’m so glad I went for it. I also finished reading Style Statement. I’ll share my reactions and reveal my statement soon!

REVIEW :: January Intentions.

• Drink 10 glasses of water daily. I got to 10 glasses daily by the 3rd week. One helpful trick—I keep a full glass on my nightstand & drink it up first thing in the morning.

• Get to bed by 10pm & wake up by 5am. Progress! I’ve started to wake up around 4:55 without an alarm. I love rising just before my phone starts buzzing.

• Eat clean, work out, smile. I took the first week easy to give my body time to acclimate to the cleanse, but I worked out 5 days each week for the rest of January!

• Blog to schedule – 12 posts. Nearly got it. I ended up reading Style Statement slower than planned, so I only posted 11 times. Keeping to my content map has helped immensely and I’m determined to hit my posting goal this month.

• Sign up for 1/2 marathon. I’m registered for the RunRaleigh Half Marathon on April 15. Total miles on my training schedule? 205. Time to make a new playlist!

SET :: February Intentions.

Thanks to those of you who shared your enthusiasm for the iPhone wallpaper I created with my January goals. I loved it so much that I plan to make a new one for each month. Check out my goals for February below.

CELEBRATE :: I’m Looking Forward to…

• #febphotoaday. I joined Fat Mum Slim’s #janphotoaday late in the game and never got into a good photo-taking rhythm. I’m looking forward to giving February a serious try. Come say “hi” on Instagram, I’m @kaileenelise.

• A date a week. Taking a social sabbatical in January was great, but I’m ready to see my friends again! I have something fun on the calendar for each week: a night at the theater, Valentine’s Day with my Mister, 1/2-off sushi dinner with my girlfriends … and I’m hosting Bunco Night for a group of my 12 closest Chapel Hill friends.

• Visiting Yoga G33k. When Courtney and I met last year, I knew we would see each other again soon. I’m thrilled to go see her for a weekend of fun, yoga, and girl talk.

• Getting crazy. Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Diet is next on my list of 12 Books for 2012.

What are your goals or intentions this month? My word for February is Heart (my originality is scary) so through the month, I’ll be striving to infuse love and heart in everything I do.

Image Credits:
15/365 – Hold My Heart via Helga Weber
Weekend Love via Always Bë Cool

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.
(William Feather)

It can be awkward or downright scary to break free from comfort zones, but it can also be energizing to try something new. Making sweeping changes or small alterations to our lives lifts us out of ruts. New experiences have the potential to reveal pieces of ourselves that would otherwise go unnoticed. This how I feel about my experience with Whole Living’s 2012 Action Plan.

It was disorienting and difficult at times, but what I gained in return was worth every ounce of sacrifice. Eliminating processed food and drinks, added sugar, dairy, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol from my diet for 4 weeks was eye-opening. I discovered juicing, learned a bunch of new recipes, and started working out regularly.

Week #4 Highlights:

• Making it! I proved that I can achieve an ambitious goal I set for myself.
• Five workouts strong. That’s two weeks in a row and I’m excited to keep it up.
• Spa day celebration. On Sunday I indulged in a massage + mani pedi. Bliss!

Favorite Meals:

• Spinach with Garlic and Scrambled Eggs - the recipe calls for watercress, but the store was all out. Spinach is a healthy & delicious substitute.
• Quinoa Salad with Toasted Almonds - great to make ahead for several easy workday luches. Spicy, fresh and a little crunch from the almonds.
• Stir-Fry with Flavored Tofu and Vegetables – I made this after a long run on Saturday, using quinoa instead of rice. This one is full of tasty flavors.

They say it takes 21 days to establish a new habit. Over the next three weeks I hope to incorporate what I’ve learned into sustainable, healthy habits for my everyday life. Specifically, I’m planning to maintain a diet that is 90% vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in processed foods and added sugar.

Thanks to all of you who have shared your wisdom and support through these past few weeks. It definitely helped keep me motivated!

Whole Living Action Plan Recap Posts:
Week #1 / Week #2 / Week #3

Image Credit: 316/365 – Third World Baby via Helga Weber

Think in the morning, act in the noon, read in the evening, and sleep at night.
(William Blake)

The first few days of school were always my favorite, and I especially loved when instructors introduced the course syllabus. There was magic in having knowledge at my fingertips, with a map and experienced guide to show me the way. Life has been busy since graduating from college several years ago, and I often miss the discovery and excitement that comes from studying, learning and uncovering information.

Last November, I decided to stop buying books and start reading more. Blogging about my 1-year challenge made it real, and so far I’ve stuck to my promise. I love the idea of learning and developing myself, but finding time is another story. To help myself get motivated and excited about reading on a regular basis, I created a list of 12 books I’m finishing this year.

Jan: Style Statement by Danielle LaPorte & Carrie McCarthy
Feb: Crazy Sexy Diet  by Kris Carr
Mar: Onward by Howard Schultz
Apr: The Power by Rhonda Byrne
May: The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry
June: 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong
July: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Aug: The China Study by T. Colin Campbell & Thomas M. Campbell II
Sept: Getting Things Done by David Allen
Oct: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Nov: Creative, Inc. by Joy Deangdeelert Cho & Meg Mateo Ilasco
Dec: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

The books I selected are loosely aligned with my 12 Intentions for 2012, which I think will help me stick with the plan. In addition to these books, I’ll also be listening to some great audiobooks and podcasts during my commute. I’ll be sharing my thoughts, feedback and reactions to each book throughout the year—and invite you to join me by reading along!

Image Credit: Reading and drinking (in bed) via M31

You must understand that seeing is believing, but also know that believing is seeing.
(Denis Waitley)

Hello, friends! I hope your week is getting off to a great start. Did you have a nice Thanksgiving last week? Ours was quiet, lovely and full of home-cooked deliciousness.

Awhile back I mentioned my excitement for Warby Parker’s Home Try-On program. It’s a fun and low-risk way to test out new frames. You select any five pairs of glasses, they ship them to you for free, and you get five days to try out the frames. Brilliant!

With every pair purchased, Warby Parker also provides a pair of glasses to someone in need. Who doesn’t love stylish do-gooding?

For my home try-ons, I ordered:

Carlen in Striped Evergreen
Zagg in Striped Chestnut
Nedwin in Revolver Black Crystal
Colton in Whiskey Tortoise
Finn in Amber

Then I created a video just for you. It’s my first-ever and there’s a serious glare, but I thought it would be a fun way to share my specs. What are your favorites?!

They recently announced a collaboration with SUNO, who share WP’s passion for helping others and making a difference. Check out the sunglasses with their sweet prints here. Also, for the upcoming season they’ve created a Holiday Gift Box, so you can give the gift of snazzy eye wear!

Tell me, friends, have you purchased a pair of Warby Parkers recently? Let me know which pair you think I should get & if you have some WPs of your own.

Image Credit: Warby Parker

If we look at the world with a love of life,
the world will reveal its beauty to us.
(Daisaku)

Hello lovely friends. I hope you’re having a fantastic week!

Mine has been a bit wild—and I’m looking forward to having the weekend to regroup. There’s been a lot to balance at home with getting back into a workout routine, trying to blog more often, and preparing for the holidays.

After struggling through that 5k on Sunday, I’ve managed to run 3 more times. I sometimes find myself expecting instant results after just a few days. I want to weigh less, look better in my clothes, and be able to power through a few miles with little effort. This time around I am trying to remind myself of how much better I feel when I’ve ran. If feeling better can be the motivation, the results will follow.

Work has been busy, but so good. I am officially past my 3-month introductory period and had a very positive review yesterday! I’ve barely seen my Mister all week, so I’m hoping we will have some time to catch up tonight. I might even put on something cute and take him out to a nice dinner.

I am loving Florence + the Machine’s new album Ceremonials, double tall skim cappuccinos, and the MyFitnessPal app on my iPhone.

I hope to post a Creative Weekend To-Do List tomorrow, as well as start a new series about gratitude and delicious food (two things that I find are key to a happy, healthy life). I have plans to run once or twice more, and maybe even catch up with this lady for a yoga class.

Keep a look out for a Sparkle Swap recap soon. I have tried to write the post several times, but keep getting stumped. There are some people who never received a gift and I’m just not sure how to address it. Any thoughts?

Image Credit: secretitos encartados via Andreu Robusté

The future is something which everyone reaches
at the rate of sixty minutes an hour,
whatever he does, whoever he is.
(C. S. Lewis)

I greeted the day by muttering, “Spring forward, fall back.” Time to switch the clocks and prepare for colder, darker days ahead.

Today we get a bonus hour.

Sunshine is pouring in through the window, brightly colored trees paint the forest behind our home. There’s a candle burning, new music playing in the background and a mug of delicious tea nearby. My Mister’s working intently on his homework while I type away on future blog posts. Our laundry machine hums upstairs. Cozy socks keep our feet warm.

Next week is just around the corner, but today we enjoy a little extra time.

What about you?

Image Credit: Bench via mrhayata

You may wonder, ‘How can I leave it all behind if I am just coming back to it?
How can I make a new beginning if I simply return to the old?’
The answer lies in the return. You will not come back to the ‘same old thing.’
What you return to has changed because you have changed.
Your perceptions will be altered.
You will not incorporate into the same body, status, or world you left behind.
The river has been flowing while you were gone. Now it does not look like the same river.
(Steven Foster)

In a recent conversation with my Mister, he pointed out something I’ve known to be true my entire life. I write about it often and you may find pieces of yourself in my story.

I tend to bite off more than I can chew.

Eager aspirations, best intentions, and ambition-infused plans are my weakness. Mediocrity makes me uncomfortable. Not finishing a project—or just putting forth 80% effort—is not in my nature.

This combination of perfectionism and internal drive has been a great gift. The places I’ve been, the relationships I’ve built and the things I’ve done are a result of that hunger.

“…but not at the expense of happiness. Of enjoying your life,” he reminded me.

He makes a valid point.

I am a busy lady—and while stopping to smell the roses is something I try to pencil in, it often feels ironic and contrived. I want gratitude, mindfulness and joy to become practices deeply rooted in my daily life. I know this will take time, attention and intention.

I’ve never been in the practice of saying no. I’m not one to take time for unscheduled bliss and unstructured exploration. As someone who always wants to do more, be more and share more of myself, this may prove to be a lesson for lifelong learning.

//

I’m putting the blog on pause. I will be posting less frequently, with a bigger focus on reading, connecting, tweeting and keeping a light touch on the happenings.  I’m taking time to let my tea steep. Soaking in the tiny moments that make up this life. I’m letting my red wine breathe. Spending time with friends, family, my Mister and my thoughts.

Image Credit: Chris Chavez Yoga at Spanish Banks via lululemon athletica

A capacity and taste for reading gives access
to whatever has already been discovered by others.
(Abraham Lincoln)

Hello, sweet friends. I hope all is well with you. From your comments on previous posts, it seems like some of you share my penchant for buying books and magazines. It’s one of my favorite things, truly. Maybe it’s the promise of knowledge. Perhaps it’s just another form of collecting inspiration. Either way, I love it.

Have you read any good books lately?

I recently finished The Help and Bossypants on audiobook. My commute to work is about 40 minutes each way and I’ve found that audiobooks help to pass the time. I thought The Help was brilliant and I look forward to seeing the movie sometime soon. Bossypants is read by Tina Fey herself, which takes the book’s humor and delivery of insight to a new level. I just downloaded Sarah’s Key for an upcoming book club meeting, which some might call cheating but I think it’s just an excellent case of multitasking!

As for actual hardcover, Bethenny Frankel’s most recent book is currently on my nightstand. A Place of Yes seems to be a mixture of an autobiography and a how-to for living a happier, more fulfilling life. I’ve just started reading it, but so far I really like how her voice shines through. I’ve enjoyed watching Bethenny’s story unfold on Bravo and am looking forward to gaining some tips through her version of self-help.

To check out all the books/DVDs I’m coveting, visit my Amazon wish list. I’ve promised myself that I won’t buy another book before finishing a few of the 30 unread books currently in my possession. It might be awhile before I make any big book orders!

It’s faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living.
(Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.)

Hello friends! How was your weekend? Mine was fun and productive—my favorite kind. On Friday, my Mister and I went to Chipotle to have dinner and margaritas on their outdoor patio. On Saturday I sent Jenn my last two Roots of She Summer Tribe posts, then met up with my girlfriend for coffee at a local coffee shop. That evening, my Mister and I went to dinner & bowling  with our friends who had their first baby boy a few weeks ago. Yesterday was filled with catching up on emails, doing laundry and getting ready for the week.

Thanks for all the sweet comments & tweets about my blogiversary! I’m very excited to see what the 3rd year will bring. I hope to take things to the next level and would love to know if you have any suggestions, questions or things you would like to see in the future.

Also, thanks to those of you who signed up for my Sparkle Swap. You will receive more information, a survey & the swap timeline by tomorrow morning! If you missed out or the timing wasn’t good for you this time around, don’t fret. There will be more swap opportunities soon.

There are a lot of things I’m looking forward to right now. My new laptop case should arrive today and my package of home try-on Warby Parkers will be here tomorrow. I hope to share the styles I selected in a future post. I’d love to know which you like best! On Wednesday I’m getting a fresh cut and color—a little mid-week pampering. Also, my grandparents are visiting from Napa this weekend. We have some fun things planned, which I’ll share more about on Saturday’s Creative Weekend T0-Do List.

Hope you have a delightful week, my lovelies! Take some time for yourself. Find an opportunity to make someone else smile. Be inspired. Inspire. Relax, read & enjoy the final days of summer. Keep looking forward.

Image Credit: Deb via Astragony

Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight:
always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary?
(Sir James M. Barrie)

Self-care is an interesting topic. There are many opinions out there, and we often hold varying viewpoints within ourselves. Have you ever teetered between feeling proud of yourself for having good self-care, while also wondering if what you’re doing is selfish? Should you put yourself first? What about caring for those most important to you?

Today’s guest post from Holli takes a close look at these questions. She brings up some great points — most importantly, what works for me might not work for you. We can share our tips and tricks with each other, but it’s up to each individual to discover what makes her heart sing. What provides her with solace, comfort and peace.

Lately, I’ve found joy in rising early so I can spend time blogging before heading into work. I put my headphones on, sit down, and write. It feels so good — a little space for me before diving into a busy day. I hope you find Holli’s guest post thought-provoking. I would love to hear your insights on self-care in the comments below!

Holli (or as she is known on her blog, A Wondering Spirit, the Great Askini) is a 30-something accountant, wife, and mother. Her blog focuses on life & how to improve it, which sometimes includes thoughts on parenting, creative writing, style and exercise. She also attempts to fulfill her dream of being the next Dear Abby each week with her Wondering Wednesday advice column. Follow her on Twitter at @thegreataskini.

✳✳✳

Three years ago, I found a job which requires me to only report to the office four days a week. After my daughter was born and I returned to work, I started taking her to daycare on that fifth day and using it to do the kind of household chores that would normally get done during the weekend—things like going to the grocery, running other errands, getting my hair cut, and washing dishes and clothes. I did this so that I could spend my entire weekend focusing on our little family and not rushing around feeling like I had hardly seen my daughter. (It helped, of course, that my daughter loved daycare and begged to go, even on weekends.) Is this self-care or simply selfish?

I love to ride my bicycle, do yoga, and walk. Back in April, I walked my first half-marathon, and I’ve signed up to do another one in October. Lately, though, due to some sleep issues, I’ve been too exhausted to do much exercise. I set a goal of exercise every single morning as I’m getting ready for work, but by the end of the day, that goal is almost always left unmet. I tell myself I’m taking care of myself by listening to my body and recognizing that I’m tired, but I also feel that I’m not taking care of myself by moving my body lovingly and helping to increase my life expectancy. Is taking a day off from exercise self-care? How about two days? How about two weeks?

As you can see, I have a lot of issues with self-care. I tend to be an “all or nothing” thinker, and I have a hard time with the lines between self-care, self-indulgence, and simply beating yourself up. Lately, I’ve been using an affirmation along these lines: “I’m not perfect, and neither is anyone else, and we are all okay.” Although I feel silly saying this to myself over and over again in my car during my morning commute (hopefully everyone else thinks I’m on a Bluetooth!), I have found that it helps alleviate some of my feelings of guilt about doing what I think is best for me and for my family on any given day.

Spending my day off doing errands while my daughter is taken care of by someone else might not be right for you. It might not be right for most people. But right now, it’s right for my family. Not pushing my body beyond its capabilities might not be right for you either. But right now, it’s right for me.

I’m not perfect, and neither is anyone else. But we are all okay.

Where do you draw the lines between self-care, self-indulgence, and feeling selfish?

Image Credit: 0256 via Cia de Foto