We are officially in the last Quarter of the Year. 2018 is rapidly coming to an end and I know that for me, there are still quite a few things I want to accomplish and learn. I want to talk a little bit today about ending the year strong. To feel like we succeeded in making the best of another year of our lives. So, go grab your cup of something Magical and let’s talk about 2018 coming to an end.
The end of the year either brings two feelings, a “holy cow I feel like I haven’t done anything, where did the time go?” OR a “gosh I’ve done so much this year so far, how is it already coming to an end?”.
If you’re in the second category, way to go! You’ve been rocking the year and no matter what, you’ll end the year feeling accomplished. If you’re in the first category, never fear! You have almost certainly accomplished plenty this past year, and there is still time to do some more. Read on category 1, read on…
The first thing to look at is our New Year’s Resolutions (if you set them). I personally don’t set full on resolutions, rather some sort of big picture or overall intention for how I would like for this year to go. So, look at whatever goal, big picture mindset, word of the year, whatever, and see how you’ve been doing with that specific thing. Have you rocked it?
Second, in reviewing your goals for 2018, narrow down the ones that either haven’t been achieved, or that you feel like you could do better at. Did you want to eat healthier and then fell off the badwagon half way through the year? Did you want to read/write/exercise more and didn’t? There is NO SUCH THING as too late to start. You can still start one of those resolutions now and be successful. End 2018 on a strong note!
Third, and final, just start whatever it is that you want to accomplish! As I just said, it is NEVER too late to start. Start slow, maybe with an easier resolution and then build up. If you can cross one or two of those resolutions off, you can still feel like you’ve had a successful 2018. At the end of the day, you (and only you) can determine whether or not you’ve had a good year or not. What do you need to do to feel like you’ve had a good year?
For me personally, as this year is coming to an end I am trying to de clutter items that we don’t need, want, or use,, prepare myself and my family for our upcoming move (read about that excitement HERE), and knock out a couple more items on our Northern VA/Washington DC bucket list. I feel like I’ve done a lot this past year, but I know it wasn’t as much as I had hoped to do. I know that I definitely could have done more in some area’s and I am striving to work on those areas to still end this year strong.
How about you? Where do you fall on the two categories of 2018?

Ah something new. I’ve been thinking long hard about this. Do I want to do it. Can I do it. How do I do it. All thoughts that have been swirling around in my head for the last couple months. I’ve come to a decision that rather than just continue to wonder about it, that I would just take a chance. Give it a shot. If it works out and goes the way I am planning, then perfection! If not, then maybe timing just wasn’t right. Either way, I’d rather at least try then continue to sit and ponder and wonder what if. That’s not something I’m good at (although sometimes I am, and in those case I almost mull it over for too long and then the spark passes).

Before I was a mom I never thought I would be the mom who said: “Send (insert:caffeine,wine,junk food, etc) it helps” (In my case it’s tea and It totally does help).
I’ve said it before- I like a clean house. I strive for a clean house 97% of the time (the 3% being the time that my kids are awake and trashing everything 😅). A clean home makes me calm (no joke). What I really pride myself on though is my kitchen. I strive for clean counters, floor, dishes in either the washer, drying wrack or put away. Perfection in my kitchen is heaven/less stress to me. BUT (and this is THE BUT of life really), there is a time and place for that.
Monday was all about comfy/sporty as we headed out on a little shopping trip. I was surprised by this top as I am not really a horizontal stripes person and it was a shirt that just hit at the top of my jeans. I paired it with gently distressed skinnies and a pair of grey Sperry’s. All in all I really loved it!
Tuesday was a little bit more Autumnal with more rain and a little bit cooler temps. I had an early morning appointment in an even cooler office, so I decided to dress up my jeans a smidge with a sweater and wedges. This is easily one of my favorite year round styles, and a staple look in my Autumn Wardrobe.
Wednesday was what I refer to as my “office casual”. I work part time from home, and while that may mean that I don’t have to dress full office attire everyday, I do like to put myself together everyday and then dress office attire once or twice a week. I’ve gone on and on about how clothing makes a difference, so I won’t elaborate on that here, but needless to say I really like this type of office look.
Friday was, no surprise, casual Friday. You could argue that everyday for me is casual, but on Fridays I really just try to be more comfy and casual, preferring tee’s and mules to anything else. There is little thought put into these outfits, more so just what can I wear to end the work week on a high note.
Saturday’s are family days for us. They are the days that we either explore, play, hike, whatever, as a family. We try to put everything aside and focus on some time together. This particular weekend we didn’t really do much, just lounged around at home and my outfit really reflects that. This top has long been a favorite since I got it a few years back and comes out when the weather starts to cool.
Finally, Sunday’s are prep days for me. I run any errands, meal plan, get groceries, prep the weeks schedule and to do list. One of my favorite colors to bring out as Autumn starts to hit is this maroon shade. I just feel it is really Autumnal and this shade, along with the Orange just really make me feel Cosy