New year’s resolutions are a personal challenge that is unique to every individual and it can be a great thing in terms of trying to change your life for the better. Some people decide they want to lose weight so sign up to the gym and hire a personal trainer to try and lose weight healthier. Whereas others buy dj equipment and start gigging at bars and clubs, to live their passion for music and making others happy from their craft.

My resolutions for 2016 are a little different than they normally are. I usually try to set grand resolutions for myself – work out a certain number of times each week, finally start barre classes, write more letters, graduate from law school (at least I did that one!), etc… This year my primary goal is to do the best job growing a baby that I can – and then work to be the best mom that I can (which I realize means being ok with never being perfect).

But I also have a few smaller resolutions – things that I think will help do some good for our little family and put some positivity out into the world as well. Most importantly – I chose resolutions that are feasible and practical – I’m not resolving to start going to the gym every night – because I KNOW that’s not going to happen – I mean there’s Chipotle…..why would I want to go to the gym when there’s Chipotle.

First – I got a few canvas tote bags and put them in the trunk of my car to use for grocery shopping or any kind of shopping really. During the holidays I really noticed how many plastic grocery store bags, department store bags and boxes we went through and it was alarming. There is no reason why I can’t grab those tote bags out of the car when I have to shop. I got the one pictured above from Invoke Thy Quote – this really cool new site that puts these wonderful quotes and graphics on organic cotton totes. They are even offering 10% off any purchase from their site using code “CHAMPAGNE” which is good now through February 1, 2016. The two bags that I ordered are this one (pictured above) and this one.

Second – I want to take the time to let people know how important they are to me. If I have time to write and send real letters great – if not, then a simple phone call, text, or funny card. I have realized recently how important the gift of your time and attention is – it’s irreplaceable and priceless and I think it really can make a difference in a person’s day. With this in mind, I also want to spend some more time reaching out to our wider family. A few months ago I actually started working on a family tree! I found some brilliant genealogical resources online like these obituary archives that were recommended to me by a friend: https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/obituaries/all/usa/pennsylvania/philadelphia/philadelphia-inquirer. Although reading through the obituaries was quite emotional, learning about the history of my family has inspired me to spend more time with my relatives. That being said, I never got to finish the family tree I was working on and so I definitely want to spend some more time on it over the next few months! Watch this space.

Third – DRINK MORE WATER. I am terrible at this. It’s not that I normally drink sodas or other bad things, I just never really drink anything. My mom is the same way, so I come by it honestly, but I know it is not a healthy practice. Nick gifted me this Swell water bottle for Christmas and I have been making a point of taking it with me wherever I go. That way I can fill it up anywhere and I usually force myself to drink it so that my purse isn’t so heavy haha. P.S. I didn’t believe the hype about these bottles in regards to how long they keep things hot or cold – but it’s real. Trust.

Fourth – and most importantly – be happy with me. I feel like I am constantly trying to improve myself – which certainly isn’t a negative thing, but it is a lot of pressure to put on yourself. And my focus has changed this year – it isn’t about just me anymore. While I definitely want to make positive steps forward this year – at work, in life, with the blog – I always want to make sure that I am proud of who I am and what I have achieved without beating myself up for not being more. I want to be a good role model and a positive influence on my daughter, and I think that starts from being proud of yourself and happy with who you are as a woman.

What are some of your New Years resolutions? I would love to hear them!

UPDATE: Invoke Thy Quote is giving away a free, organic cotton tote bag of your choosing to one winner!!! Head to my Instagram feed and/or my Facebook page for entry details!

XOXO – Em