Thrive | April 2017 Goals
March was particularly great and while I feel like I killed it, I also felt more relaxed than usual. I’m wondering if I can attribute that to the severely decreased screen time and buzz of news or more time in the gym, but either way it felt like a breath of fresh air. As I began making my goals for April, I couldn’t believe how quick the year is flying. Speaking of, this month we will celebrate one whole year in our Highridge Ranch.
Here were my goals for March:
- Continue working through Psalms Day by Day. I have to admit that I fell off the band wagon on this one. I wasn’t feeling particularly creative and didn’t want to force myself to create when I wasn’t feeling it. Some entries got done, but not enough to mark this completed.
Social Media Free Lent.This was the biggest goal for me in March, so I’m glad I was able to complete it! You’ll see a post after Easter about my thoughts and feelings of staying away from online community for 40 days.Cover others in prayer.Just keep budgeting.Kevin and I have officially been budgeting strictly for a year this month. We are really killing it in the budgeting game.Celebrate two years of marriage.We had a great night hanging out, reminiscing about our wedding day, and eating dinner at a new restaurant in town.Shoot my first wedding.Kevin’s mom got married in March and they asked me to be their photographer. It was my first wedding and I had such a blast.Complete Project Life and One Little Word for March.Done and Done!Read three books.Read four this month – The Silkworm, Career of Evil, Essentialism, The Nesting Place
Goals for April:
- Complete Project Life and One Little Word for April – On my list as usual! This is the time of year when I start feeling that I’ve left my word in the dust, so I’m particularly looking forward to digging in.
- Finish Lent Strong with No Social Media – I’ve officially made it one month without social media, but I still have 16 days left until Easter, so I’m hoping to finish strong.
- Edit Wedding Photos – I snapped over 400 photos at the wedding and I’ve already started making progress on the editing process. My goal is to get these done in April.
- Workout – I’ve been getting back in the gym these past few weeks but I’m trying to make a monthly goal of getting there twelve times (or about 3x per week).
- Continue Covering Others in Prayer – I’ve chosen someone new to cover in prayer for this month. Hoping to continue being super intentional in that area of my life.
- Gardening – I’ve been waiting for a warm weekend to start planting, so hopefully I’ll find a good one this month. I still haven’t decided if I want to go with flowers or veggies, but I’m happy to let that be a last minute decision.
What are your goals for April?
Home Inspiration
I don’t know what it is about the spring, but the inspiration bug has definitely bitten me. I don’t know if it’s warm weather or the fact that I have multiple friends buying homes this year (which means I’ve been looking through other beautiful homes online), but I am dying for the weather to be nice enough to be working outside and starting some new projects around the house. Last year, we made simple updates to the paint, outlets/switches, and decor (like buying a new carpet and setting up regular maintainence checks with the guys from carpet cleaning columbia sc) so I think we’re ready to keep the momentum rolling. As usual, I’ve been keeping track of inspiration via Pinterest, but I thought I would share some of my favorites.
The Kitchen: Kevin and I have been thinking about a kitchen refresh but wanted to wait until we’d been in our house for a while before making any changes. After about a year (!!!), we have found that we like the organization of the kitchen, all of the cabinet space, and the cut out wall, but the cabinets could use a fresh coat of paint and it would be fun to add a back splash as well. I really like subway tile, so I’m considering that for the kitchen. Cabinets can be a good option to reorganize your kitchen, kitchen remodeling from Gamma Cabinetry works on it. Our baseboards, doors and windowsills throughout the upstairs are a warm white, so, unless I paint all of those I probably won’t go with a bright white option. I like the look of the glass tiles in the photo above. As far as paint goes, we’re leaning towards dark lower cabinets and warm white uppers. Kevin wanted to go dark and I wanted stark white so this seemed like a perfect compromise. I think that will be a happy medium because while I love the blue/grey color, it has the potential to make the room feel smaller and the more I think of it, white on the lower cabinets just seem like they could get dirty quick.
The Entryway: By the front door, we have a small entryway and coat closet. These adjacent areas have two different patterns of linoleum joined by a metal transition strip, so I wanted to tile the whole area to make it seamless. We found the one pictured at Lowes and both Kevin and I LOVED it. It is warm enough that it looks great with our tan walls and the grey that’s already in the room. It also looks perfect next to the color of the hardwood. Each tile piece is about 12″ by 24″ so we wouldn’t need much to cover our 18 square foot space. I originally thought I wanted to do a hexagon tile at the front door, but I’m starting to think it would just be way too dark and overpowering for this area.
The Garden: I’ve been planting veggies for years – both at my parents house and at apartments during college – so I am thrilled to have my own yard to grow all of the things. We have a large backyard but a lot of it is in the shade during the summer when the trees have leaves, so I’m not going to start any garden plots this year. I’d like to start with some kind of raised flower bed. There are lots of options on Pinterest that I could move around the backyard to find sun or there are the little flower boxes like the ones in the picture above that I could set on the front porch. Additionally, I’m also looking forward to planting some flowers and having terracotta pots full of beautiful plants. I’ve heard the rule that each big pot needs a spiller (hanging outside the pot), filler (filling the pot) and thriller (something tall) to really make the pots pop. Here’s to lots of flower and veggie seeds in my (near) future.
So there you have it!
What projects are you planning this year?
Quarterly Book Report
Book reports are always some of my favorite posts of other bloggers. It’s been a while since I took some extra time for reading, but when I started being more intentional about my screen time in January, more books happily fell into my lap. That being said, I originally set a goal for myself to read 15 books in 2017 and since I’m on track to hit that in March, I thought it might be fun to try got myself, since I have plenty of books to write about.
After having a couple friends on goodreads point out that I grade pretty tough, I thought it might be helpful to include my rating codes first, just to make sure we’re on the same page.
★★★★★ – All time favorite, there aren’t many of these in the world.
★★★★☆ – Loved this book, held my attention and made me want to keep reading.
★★★☆☆ – Good book, I liked it.
★★☆☆☆ – It was fine, definitely won’t be recommending it to my friends.
★☆☆☆☆ – I finished it, but it wasn’t that great.
☆☆☆☆☆ – Didn’t bother finishing it. There are too many books on the shelf to finish one that isn’t grabbing my attention.
The Magnolia Story
by Chip and Joanna Gaines
Nonfiction – Biography | ★★★★☆
Honestly, I think I may be a little biased on this one because I’m under the impression that this duo can do no wrong. I just LOVED their story and I appreciate that they are using their platform to share their faith. This biography is basically just their sweet life story that’s almost so sweet it’s a little puke worthy (haha, only kidding). I loved that this book is told from Joanna’s perspective and gives Chip’s two cents in a different font – their banter in this book is very similar to the show. I’m looking forward to sharing this one with other Fixer Upper fans in my life.
You might like this if: you watch Fixer Upper or uplifting life stories.
None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us
by Jen Wilkin
Nonfiction – Religion and Spirituality | ★★☆☆☆
I picked up this book for a one read my church was hosting. I unfortunately was unable to go to the event when the date was released, but I still wanted to finish the book because I figured if my church was recommending it, it would be good. I liked where she was going with the content and thought that it was a good regurgitation of some very key characteristics of God, but I was rubbed the wrong way of how the information was presented and by some of her examples, which seemed to be quite negative.
Out of the Silent Planet (Space Trilogy #1)
by C.S. Lewis
Science Fiction | ★★★★☆
This was the first novel in C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy and was recommended to me by a friend after I was gushing about Chronicles of Narnia. The main character, Dr. Ransom, is abducted and taken to another planet, Malacandra, where his captors are trying to take the planets treasures and kill Dr. Ransom as a sacrifice. Since I don’t read a lot of science fiction, this was a very interesting read for me. I don’t quite have the imagination to even think about some of these things, let alone create a story around them – so my hats off.
You might like this if: you can get on board with a classic and like to dig into themes.
Perelandra (Space Trilogy #2)
by C.S. Lewis
Science Fiction | ★★★☆☆
The second installment of the Space Trilogy the main character ends up on a different planet, Perelandra. To me, this book presented a lot of good and evil situations with the enemy of the story. My struggle with this one, was that while I didn’t want to put the book down, I almost felt as though I would never get out of the slower sections. At one point I just skimmed to get to the more fast-paced part.
That Hideous Strength (Space Trilogy #3)
by C.S. Lewis
Science Fiction | ★★★★☆
This was my favorite of the three and was definitely the most different. It took me quite some time to realize how this book was related to the last two and I think that’s what made me enjoy it. It was like a puzzle trying to clue together pieces that didn’t seem to make sense. I’ve tried to summarize this book, but it’s just too complicated without giving the whole thing away. I guess you’ll have to read to trilogy to find out.
You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity
by Francis Chan
Nonfiction – Religion and Spirituality | ★★★★☆
I just loved this book. I don’t know if it is the season I’m in or what, but I felt like this really helped bring my focus back on my purpose. Even though this book is portrayed as a book on marriage, I don’t think it’s directly about marriage at all, but more about putting first the Kingdom of God and letting everything else fall into place. I’ve read another of Francis Chan’s books and wasn’t a huge fan, so I was happy that I was able to let that go because this was truly a winner!
You might like this if: you want to grow spiritually and want to work through the purpose of marriage (and life).
Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lews
by Michael Ward
Nonfiction – History and Criticism | ★★★★☆
I don’t even know where to begin with this book. After reading the Chronicles of Narnia last summer and the Space Trilogy in January, I was encouraged by a friend to read Ward’s take on Lewis’ writings. It was so well examined and really helped bring the pieces together, although being a criticism, this is not light reading by any stretch of the imagination. While there were tough patches to get through, I think on a whole it made me appreciate C.S. Lewis even more as an author.
You might like this if: (and only if) you’re a huge C.S. Lewis fan and/or have read the Space Trilogy AND Chronicles of Narnia.
Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update & Show Your House Some Love
by Sherry and John Petersik
Nonfiction – Interior Design/DIY | ★★☆☆☆
I grabbed this book after hearing about it on Sherry and John’s podcast, Young House Love Has A Podcast. Again, these two have a FANTASTIC blog that I subscribe to, so I had really high hopes but I ended up skimming through this in just a couple nights. I really struggled with the projects because they felt more like corner cutting placeholders as opposed to long lasting DIYs. The upside is that it has some really great photos, which were visually inspiring for my next projects.
You might like this if: you are looking to do some cheap and easy DIY projects or want to be visually inspired.
The Broken Way: A Daring Path to Abundant Life
by Ann Voskamp
Nonfiction – Religion and Spirituality | ★★★★★
I knew this would be an all time favorite because I absolutely fell in love with One Thousand Gifts, Ann’s first book. When I saw this come out, I just knew that I had to purchase the hardback edition because it will be on my shelf for years to come. Ann has a way of writing that captures my heart and makes me feel every emotion. Her writing style is unlike any I’ve ever encountered – it’s more like a conversation that coaches me without making me feel like I’m alone in my brokenness.
You might like this if: you are a human. Just kidding. You’d like this if you want to experience spiritual growth (and emotions).
The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful
by Myquillyn Smith
Nonfiction – Interior Design | ★★★☆☆
I had bad feelings toward this from the get-go because when I pulled it off the shelf, it was a funky size – in between a novel and a picture book. I wanted to give if the benefit of a doubt because I love reading the author’s blog, thenester.com. This is one of those books that’s been going around the blogging community for quite some time. I’ve seen lots of people absolutely RAVE about it, so I had to see what it was all about. The author talks about the importance of making a house (even a rental) into a home and how to do that. She’s had plenty of experience since she had moved 13 times in about 18 years. There were plenty of good tips and tricks and I think the biggest take away for me was not being too afraid to start a project, especially with something you don’t like to begin with. While she provides great tips and tricks for home makeovers on a budget, my struggle with this particular book is that it could have been just as enjoyable if it were written in a blog series format.
You might like this if: you like quick, easy reads about home decor.
Have you read any books in the last couple months that I need to add to my list? Let me know in the comments.
Our Second Anniversary
I wrote this around Thanksgiving but never got around to posting it. With today being our second anniversary, I figured that there is no better time. Two whole years of marriage seems to have flown by, but has simultaneously felt like forever – I hope it always feels that way.
Kevin – I have a million reasons to be thankful for you, but for the sake of brevity and the front page of my blog, here are 50.
- I’m thankful for the way you love me.
- I am thankful for your social knowledge and the way you lead in conversations.
- I’m thankful for the ways that you invest in our marriage.
- I am thankful for your surprises.
- I am thankful for your patience with me.
- I am thankful for your silliness – making up dances, songs, and measuring the floor at Michael’s.
- I am thankful for your leadership.
- I am thankful for your love of hosting friends and making sure we always have snacks/drinks/dessert for everyone.
- I’m thankful you will try anything I cook – even vegan tacos full of beans.
- I am thankful for the way you love on and take care of Chloe.
- I am thankful that you make me feel beautiful.
- I am thankful for your hardworking attitude and the way you provides for us.
- I am thankful for the way you serve me and your friends.
- I am thankful for your pursuit of God.
- I am thankful that you hold me accountable and challenge me.
- I am thankful for your knowledge about computers, blogs, and marketing.
- I am thankful for your humor and the way you smile.
- I am thankful that you expect and allow me to take tons of photos.
- I am thankful for the way you make me laugh.
- I am thankful for your dreams.
- I am thankful for your optimistic spirit
- I am thankful that you encourage me not to let things ruin my day.
- I am thankful for the way you pray for me.
- I am thankful for your love of fountain Diet Coke (especially before a road trip).
- I am thankful for your strength and protection.
- I am thankful that you supports my dreams and will do anything to help me achieve them.
- I am thankful for weekends and sticking together.
- I am thankful for inside jokes.
- I’m thankful that you are my best friend.
- I am thankful that family is so important to you.
- I am thankful for your family and how they love on both me and my family.
- I am thankful that you are a learner and are always interested in exploring bookstores and libraries with me.
- I am thankful that you enjoy seeing movies by yourself.
- I am thankful that you are self-motivated and creative.
- I am thankful for your ability to design beautiful websites.
- I am thankful that my memory-keeping is important to you and that you are always interested in seeing my latest project.
- I am thankful that you take out the trash and do the chores I don’t care for.
- I am thankful that you choose me everyday and always show me that I’m important.
- I am thankful for your friendships.
- I am thankful that you are our financial guru and budget master.
- I am thankful that you converted me into a wrist watch person.
- I am thankful that you always see the best in people
- I am thankful that you encourage me to be a better person and wife.
- I am thankful that you set your clock five minutes fast and believe in the phrase “if you’re on time, you’re late”.
- I am thankful for your ability to plan and be prepared. One of my favorite pictures from college was your cereal and spoon on the desk that you set out the night before.
- I am thankful that God intertwined our stories and uses it to encourage others for His Glory.
- I am thankful that we’ve been friends since fifth grade.
- I’m thankful to get to do life with you.
- I’m thankful that this list could be much, much longer.
- I am thankful that you are my husband.
Our Second Year:
Restaurants we loved: CC’s City Broiler, Medici, Addisons, Flat Branch, Chick-fil-a
Meals we made: Tacos with corn tortillas, Hamburger Casserole, Blackened Tilapia Bowls, Meatloaf, Breakfast, and Salisbury Steak
Shows we watched: House of Cards, The Young Pope, This is Us, Veep, Fixer Upper
Movies We Saw: The Nice Guys, Finding Dory, Neighbors 2, Sausage Party (I can’t believe I’m admitting to this…), It Had to Be You
Places we went: Sikeston, MO, The Lake, and lots of trips to St. Louis.
Things We Did: bought a house, celebrated a promotion, hosted plenty of dinners, changed churches, made friendships and deepened others, hosted overnight guests, purchased a computer, spent lots of Saturday mornings at the dog park.
Thanks so much for reading! You can read about our first anniversary here.
Thrive | March 2017 Goals
For Christmas this past year, I asked for Lara Casey’s Powersheets, a goal setting workbook that helps to encourage purposeful goal setting. I got to work making some big goals to work toward this year – healthy living & weight loss, balanced social media usage, focus on prayer and community, and continuing to pay down our student loan debt.
For each of these large, vague goals, I created action items to help me break these down so that working toward them would be a little less daunting. I’ve made significant progress in just two months so I’m looking forward to what I can accomplish in the next ten.
Here are my goals for March:
- Continue working through Psalms Day by Day. I started this challenge at the beginning of February when Bailey announced that she was going to be working through one Psalm a day starting on February 1st. I’ve been posting some of my entries, but I won’t be posting through March. If you’re interested or want to see some other inspiration, check out the Instagram hashtag #psalmsdaybyday or take a look through my bible journaling posts.
- Social Media Free Lent. If you were wondering why I wouldn’t be posting in March, look no further – I’m going sans social media during the 40 days of Lent! I haven’t given something up for the past couple years, but lately, I’ve really noticed that social media and absent-minded phone usage is affecting my time with Jesus and it’s definitely not doing me any favors in the community department either. Since I’m positng this a couple days into March, I can already tell you that it’s not nearly as bad as I expected.
- Cover others in prayer. Part of my goal to focus on prayer from the beginning of the year included choosing a person or group of people to pray for each month in addition to the things I’m already praying for. This has turned out to be such a fun practice and has really helped me to be intentional.
- Just keep budgeting. Kevin and I have officially been budgeting strictly for a year this month. We’ve been able to knock out a decent amount of our student loans and I’m looking forward to knocking out more. As we see those numbers decreasing, it’s easier to think about getting to the finish line.
- Celebrate two years of marriage. It’s hard to believe that we’re already coming up on two years! We’re looking forward to celebrating with a restaurant we haven’t tried before.
- Shoot my first wedding. A few months back Kevin’s Mom and her fiance asked if I would photograph their wedding – of course I was more than thrilled! Excited to be a part of their big day.
- Complete Project Life and One Little Word for March. These are staples on my list because I want to make sure they get done each month. I love making these a practice and sitting down once a month to make sure they get done. If nothing else, I know these ones will get checked off.
- Read three books. Since I’ve been focusing on being more intentional about social media, I’ve been killing it in the reading department. So far in 2017, I’ve read 10 books! Three more this month shouldn’t be too hard.
That should keep me plenty busy for the next 26 days! Just writing this gets me so pumped about all of the fun things happening this month! We just got a new internet provider, so blogging more often is definitely something I’m looking forward too as well!
What big goals are on your list to knock out this year?
About
Hi, I'm Jacqueline - believer, learner, and all around hobby enthusiast. I'm married to my highschool sweetheart, Kevin, and we live in the midwest with our sweet pup.
On this blog I share all kinds of things about my life - from my faith journey to the garden in my neighbors backyard. I've been blogging for almost eight years and use this space as a way to document my daily life.
Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet.