2018 was a weird year for me and on one hand, I'm kind of glad it's over. Last year I just felt like I was in a constant funk. It was a roller coast of emotions all year and I found myself being anxious, sad/depressed and uninspired... a lot. My friend, Huong, reminded me that even though last year might not have been the greatest, it was just one chapter of my life and not the whole book.

So I'm not gonna dwell on it. The New Year marks a clean slate, a fresh start and I can't wait to see where 2019 takes me because I don't really want a repeat of 2018. I have a few things on my to-do list (both big and small) and these are just a few goals I'm hoping to accomplish this year:


TAKE BETTER CARE OF MYSELF
I completely let myself go last year. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.... basically in all ways, so I'm making myself a priority. I didn't like the physical or mental state I was in last year, so I'm determined to have a happier and healthier 2019. I'm not gonna dwell on things or people that are unimportant and toxic and I'm going to appreciate the life and blessings I do have.  I'm going to make better eating choices and workout more. I'm finally going to go to the doctors to try and figure some things out. I'm going to put the phone down and meditate/read more. And lastly, I'm going to get better at going to church. I may have lost my way for a little bit, but I'm finding my way back.


HAVE MORE DATE NIGHTS
When you've been married for almost 10 years (together for 15! eeeek!) pretty normal to settle into a routine. And while we don’t have kids, we are a basically a one income family with an expensive dog (health issues), so finances can be tight sometimes. My plan is to try and have one date night a week. Most will be at home, probably cooking dinner together & a movie WITHOUT looking at our cell phones! And than maybe once a month try a new restaurant or something a little more fun. I’d also like to plan a weekend trip or two because it’s just nice to explore different places! I also want to work on being a little more affectionate and a little less critical.


EXPAND THE SHOP & BLOG MORE
This year I am committing to growing my shop and blog. When I rebranded in late 2017, I thought 2018 was gonna be my year! Well, it's safe to say that it wasn't. I didn't reach the goal I set for myself (for many different reasons) but the biggest was that I just lost the motivation. I want to help support our family and also give back to charities I believe in.  After I pay my monthly expenses (web hosting, Adobe creative suite, Etsy fees, donate, etc. etc.) my "profit" is still low and inconsistent month to month. So I've been working on a clearer vision and direction I want to go in with the products and designs I'm selling. So that means getting back into a routine, working from my "office" (or a coffee shop), putting in the hard work and actually treating Union Shore like the legitimate business it is! (I do pay taxes for it after all! lol)  


SPEND LESS / SAVE MORE
This is a tough one since we basically live paycheck to paycheck. Like I mentioned above, Brandon brings home the bacon in our house. ;) Sometimes things can get tight if I spend to much at Target, or we eat out a few too many times, not to mention Sonny's medications alone can cost a pretty penny! My goal is to really cut back on unnecessary purchases (I'm looking at you Target/TJMaxx). I don't need another sweater or vase, especially if it's full-price. I plan of being more frugal and intentional with purchases and putting any extra money towards date nights... and more importantly our savings account!


Even with the best of intentions, you can't be successful if you aren't motivated. That was one of my biggest problems in 2018 so sharing these "goals" with you will hopefully hold me accountable,  keep me productive and on track!


Hoping 2019 brings us all a successful & fulfilling year!
What are some of your goals for the new year?


photo via she sweats diamonds

I can't even believe it's already New Years Eve and another year is almost behind us! What happened to December? Or the whole year for that matter?? Even though I've been listening to Christmas music since Halloween, I feel like the whole Holiday season flew by WAY too fast. Faster than usual even. And for me, it was probably because I wasn't in the most festive mood until just a few days before Christmas....

Well, we just passed the 4 month mark with Sonny boy. On one hand, it feels like yesterday and then on the other hand it feels like much longer. I'm not gonna lie, there have been some very stressful days. I may even have a few more gray hairs because of him (lol) but I'm so glad he's part of our family.

It has been almost 2 weeks since Hurricane Florence hit the North Carolina coast.

Even though I am extremely thankful that our tiny corner of the state was fortunate enough not experience the furry of Florence, my heart is still vert heavy. The people in New Bern, Wilmington and all the towns in-between (most are only a 2-3 hour drive away) are dealing with so much loss. Homes destroyed, pets abandoned, lives lost… I can't even imagine what they are going through. It's going to take time to rebuild and get back to normal, so please keep them in your continued prayers, and if you feel like donating I'll leave a few links below: 


Mercy Chefs - provides professionally prepared meals for victims, volunteers and first responders in national emergencies and natural disasters

Operation BBQ Relief - another great group feeding victims and first responders

Convoy Of Hope - helping affected people & neighborhoods by distributing supplies, helping with debris removal and so much more

Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC - provides essential food and supplies to those impacted

Diaper Bank of NC - distributes personal care & hygiene items

Good Shepherd Center - feeding the hungry & sheltering the homeless

New Hanover County Sheriff's Office - several officers/personnel had significant damage or total losses

OBAH Search and Rescue - non-profit comprised of certified first responders, deploying into Natural Disasters since Hurricane Katrina to rescue the animals left behind or displaced

Frank's Way Foundation - after losing his dog during Hurricane Harvey, Frank's Way was started to care for the animals that are often left during natural disasters

Paws Place Rescue - a no-kill shelter dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation & adoption of dogs that was severely damaged


+ Or shop for a cause! Profits from these shirts (here // here // here) and these art prints (here) are being donated to relief efforts.

+ For even more causes, check out this list of highly-rated charities on Charity Navigator. I'm sure there are even more if you search! Just make sure to double check and do some research to make sure it's legit!

+ Local OBX friends, Barrier Island Bagels (one of my favorite places!) is collecting food & supplies at their shop! They've already delivered 2 trailers and want to deliver more! Check out their insta for more info!

We live pretty boring lives around here, especially with Brandon's schedule lately. But I wanted to pop in, say hello, do some catching up and share some photos from my camera roll.... some instagrammed, some not. ;)

There's a new furry face around here!

We have been going back and forth about having another pup in our lives for a few weeks now. I'd been looking at different cocker spainel rescues and local shelters and when we saw this guy at the SPCA, we decided to go meet him!

Since I totally fell off the blogging train, I thought we should probably catch up a bit.

One month without our sweet Bosco. :(

On one hand it still feels like yesterday... and the other feels like so much longer.  It's a harsh reminder that the world doesn't stop and life will keep going on. And I'm no stranger to loss because my dad passed away when I was 15. Talk about heartbreaking and turning your world upside down! Now with Bosco passing, the band-aid that was holding my heart together, was ripped off and broke open my heart after years of healing...

I was just a pup when we first met, I loved you from the start,
you picked me up and took me home and placed me in your heart.

Good times we had together, we shared all life could throw,
but years passed all too quickly, my time has come to go.

I know how much you miss me, I know your heart is sore,
I see the tears that fall when I’m not waiting at the door.

You always did your best for me your love was plain to see,
for even though it broke your heart you set my spirit free.

So please be brave without me, one day we’ll meet once more,
for when you’re called to Heaven I’ll be waiting at the door.
- author unknown