Looking Back // 14 in 14

So at the beginning of the year, I posted about 14 goals, wishes, hopes, and dreams that I had for 2014. I already updated you on #1, 2, 3, 8, & 9 in my Catch-Up Post wayyyy back in February, so I thought I would update you on the rest of my 2014 hopes and wishes—the good AND the bad. We're all about transparency and authenticity around here, right?!

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The Good
#4. Try a recipe outside of my comfort zone
I'm trying to wrack my brain for something that was outside my comfort zone. I know that we tried many new recipes this year, but most were pretty easy or normal. When asking Loverboy, he responded with a Garlic Parmesan Salmon that we made for a double date. Correction: he and the other male counterpart made it while I and the female counterpart went shopping. :) So I can't really take credit for this one, but it did turn out really yummy!

#5. Repurpose something
I'm sure there's a better example of this, but this year I did paint a dresser and a side-table. I guess that's not really repurposing, but more refinishing. Again, Loverboy's two cents was that using our radiator as a stand for our TV the last month while the tree's been up counts as repurposing. I'm not so sure.

#6. Get a job 
Back in March I got hired as a part-time Graphic Designer for Bethlehem Baptist Church! I was able to start right after my stint with The Navigators when I moved to the cities in May and it has been such a blessing of God's provision and care. I get to work for a great place with great people, doing something that I really enjoy. Win/win/win (as Michael Scott would say). ;)

#7. Finish reading the Divergent Series (and see the movie)
After reading the first book and then hearing about others' opinions on the 2nd and 3rd, I kind of lost steam on this one. I have however seen the movie, not once, but twice, and do find it quite enjoyable, and am definitely looking forward to seeing Insurgent.

#10. Print something from Pinterest
I just accomplished this one! I printed "Our Year in Review" printables from the Dating Divas. They have some sweet [and pretty] sheets to fill out with your spouse and/or family to remember your year. The hubs and I will be doing this on a New Year's date we have planned.

#11. Purge my closet
I accomplished this last month when I participated in a Sunday School clothing swap... so I may have come home with just as many "new" things as I purged my closet of. I'm thinking it's about time to do this one again.

#14. Keep up with the blog
I think I've done a pretty decent job keeping up with the blog and writing pretty regularly. Some months were heavier on posts than others, but overall I feel good about this one!

The Bad
#8. Make an art journal, mini-album, or scrapbook
I certainly haven't done as much crafting as I wanted to this past year, but I think a lot of that is due to the fact that life was pretty busy and transitional (engagement, moving, new job, wedding planning, marriage, etc!). Plus, I just made a little rolling cart craft station so I'm hoping the convenience will inspire me to do more crafting!

#12. Memorize the TMS
I think out of all my hopes for 2014, this one was the most lofty and also required the most thought and planning, which just didn't happen. Oops. Maybe next year? :)

#13. Knit something
Another hope that just wasn't fulfilled due to business and lack of intention. Plus, I totally don't remember how to knit so I would have needed brush-up lessons. I'm not too heart-broken over it though.

What have you accomplished in 2014 that you're proud of? What have you maybe not done that you'd like to do this next year?

Goodbye Fall Goals & Hello Winter Goals!

Remember back when I posted my fall goals that I wanted to have accomplished by Thanksgiving? Well, I'm very happy to say that with a week until Thanksgiving I completed all of them, except the verse memory. :/ Boo on that, but yay on everything else!

Our guest room still does have a few boxes in the corner, but it is actually inhabitable, The Nesting Place was an awesome read and has definitely changed my outlook on decorating and the home. [My Home Manifesto was inspired by that book.] I participated in a very successful clothing swap where I got rid of a huge bag of clothes I wasn't wearing anymore and came home with a very happy bag of cute new (to me) clothes. Our walls are covered in our wedding photos [if you hadn't noticed] and as far as fall traditions... I'd say our hide from the trick-or-treaters in a blanket fort while we watch a movie is going to be a pretty good tradition!

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So now I have a week to get cracking on that verse memorization, and then we're onto winter goals! Again, I know that winter isn't for another month, but up here in the great white north I think we can all agree that it has felt like winter for awhile now... so I'm jumping in!

And winter is long enough around here that I figured I would give myself enough to keep occupied. My end date for winter goals is my birthday—February 28. So that gives me a good 3 months to get going. 

Winter Goals

Organize.
Make a crafty spot in the office
Reorganize the bookshelf... maybe buy another smaller one?

Read.
Decide on and start reading one decorating/home book
Read Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker

Make.
Try making one new dessert and one new entree
Create a holiday journal—memories of every holiday [thanks, Aunt Rebecca!]

Soul.
Memorize 4 new verses
Read Romans

To Do.
Finish wedding thank yous by the New Year
Finalize my name change

Bonus.
Start a holiday tradition with the hubs. Any good ideas? :)

What are your winter goals? Anything specific to the colder months that you want to get done?