A Life in Pins (Image Heavy)

I have been thinking a lot about moving forward and creating a life for myself that I love and empowers me. I have a Pinterest board for it and everything, and now I am going to share some of my pins, kind of like a vision board, only I'm not bothering to shop them all together into one image. And this is mostly for my own benefit. So here we go...

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2014 Resolutions & Goals & Stuff

So I never really make New Year's resolutions but 2013 was such a shit-show year that I figured I'd give these resolution things a chance. I feel like I'm at the bottom, or pretty close to it, so really at this point I don't have anywhere else to go but up. At least that's what I keep telling myself. So here we go...

• Obligatory Health & Fitness Resolution. Because what New Year's resolution list is complete without one? This is can probably stick with pretty easily though. I got a new pair of leggings to go walking/running in while it's cold and I have my hula hoop and some hand weights that are waiting to be used again.
• Permit/License. This was the list I made for my birthday as well. I'll probably get this done if only because I live with my family again and they bug me about it all the time.
• Finish the first draft of my novel. I need to get this done so that I can start on revisions. I already have a decent chunk finished from doing Nanowrimo, so that helps.
• Complete My Reading Challenge. I started the 2014 Reading Challenge on Goodreads: read 100 books this year. I know that sounds like a lot, but honestly, that's relatively normal for me. The past few years have been slow reading for me but I'm starting to get back into my book-groove. I used to read about 40-50 just in one summer.

And there you have it. So goals and whatnot. I have a few more but I'm keeping them private. Fingers crossed I can get this stuff done. It's not a very long list so in theory it should be easy. We'll see.

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Hello December

So it's December -the last leg of 2013, can you believe that? This year has disappeared so quickly. I know everyone always say that about ever year, but this year really did seem to go by in a blink of an eye. And it's strange because it's already the third and we still don't have snow here. It's gotten cold, and we've had a few light flurries, but nothing that has even remotely stuck. Usually we've had at least one small storm by now. Not that I'm complaining, I'm not a huge fan of snow. I like it better in pixel form falling over my blog. Did you guys notice that? :)

I do, however, like the holiday season. I don't like it before Thanksgiving, but now that we're past November I an feel myself getting into the holiday spirit. I love all the light people put up and seeing Christmas trees in people's windows. And I love decorating the house. I started on that today, just putting up some glittery snowflakes that my college roommate gave to me awhile back, as well as stockings.

Technically, all three of those stockings are mine. Two of them were from college celebrations and bought or me by friends and the bottom one is from my mother -she has a tendency to get me a new one every year and then bring it to me. I used to have another one that had my name on it but I lost it in one of my moves last year. Anyways, I put up all three because I like them all and I figure I can give the extra one to Eli and stuff it with toy and catnip for him.

I know I used to make goal posts for each month, but I'm not sure I'm up for that right now. My only real goals for December is to continue writing my novel (I "won" Nanowrimo! 50k in 30 days!) and decorate some more.

Manda x

Hello September

So here we are... September. I have always considered September to be the beginning of the last haul of the year. Maybe that's left over from years of starting school around this time. But regardless, there's still only a few months left of 2013 and that is truly jarring to think about. 

So, without further rambling, her are my goals for the month:

Finish preparing my novel outline for Nanowrimo & share writing posts on the blog.

Take more pictures of my daily life.

Try to be more social.

Update the shop with some new and interesting pieces.

Say no to ice cream.

Yes, that last one is real. I have a horrible weakness for ice cream. But now that summer is ending the heat won't be much of an excuse. I need to work on my willpower. I'll let you know how well that goes, haha.

What are your monthly goals?

Manda Rave

August in Review

So, August is over. Weird, right? This summer has been flying by, the whole year has. I mean, I know that's a really typical thing to say, but I feel like without school to attend I feel the quickness of it all the more. 

So, as far as the goals I set go...

Add more cardio to my workouts. 

Err, not so much to be honest. I stuck to my normal level. Oh well.

Continue to do some deeply personal writing. It's really helping with my mental well-being.

I did some journal writing which I think was helpful.

Set up a new system for blog sponsorship as Passionfruit is switching to a paid service in September.

I am in the process of doing this and there will be announcement about it sometime soon.

Finish up posts that have been sitting in my drafts forever.

I didn't finish up all the drafts that have been sitting around, but I did do some so I'm calling this goal accomplished.

List some new items in the shop.

Done!

My goals for next month will be up soon, so check back if you're interested. I know summer does end until late September, but it will still feel like autumn to me. I'm sure we'll have some more hot days but I can already feel the air cooling. I want to hang on to summer, but part of me can't wait for the leaves to start changing and to be able to wear boots again. I just love a good pair of boots.

Manda Rave

August Goals

August 1st -holy crap you guys, where is the year even going? I plan to make the best out of the last bit of summer warmth for the year. I wish I could just gather up the sunshine and flowers and grass and hold onto it forever. I love it so much.

Anyways, these are my goals for the next month...

Add more cardio to my workouts.

Continue to do some deeply personal writing. It's really helping with my mental well-being.

Set up a new system for blog sponsorship as Passionfruit is switching to a paid service in September.

Finish up posts that have been sitting in my drafts forever.

List some new items in the shop.

I should be able to finish all that pretty easily. What are your goals for the next month?

Manda Rave

July in Review

I can't believe July is over. I mean seriously, is August really already tomorrow? I hope next month doesn't go by as fast. Although autumn is my favourite season it never lasts long and once it's over that means winter will be here again. And I hate the winter.

Anyways, let's hope August drags on and on, haha.

My goals for July were...

Stay on track with my workout regime, no matter how hot it gets.

Get some school stuff sorted out.

Write some stuff and some things! :D

Make this blog a more active space.

Visit my family more.

I have definitely stayed on track with my workout. I alternate between circuit workouts, yoga, and hooping. Mostly I have just built up muscle, but that's a pretty good start. If I tense my abs up and poke through my belly the muscle underneath is pretty hard. I'm excited about it.

I didn't really get school stuff settled. It's a work in progress. I did write a few things. Not sure how much of it I want to share as it's very personal, but we'll see. The blog has been pretty active I would say. The week of birthday posts was definitely the main source of that. I don't plan to slow down though. I have a few good posts in the works and another giveaway on the horizon.

And I did spend a decent amount of time with my mom this month which was nice. She just adopted a dog, a pit mix who is just shy of seven and she is so adorable and sweet. She needs to put on some weight (I think the people who had her before didn't have the money to feed her and that's why they gave her up) but other than that she's healthy and seems very happy with my mom. Her name is Duchess and she loves to be pet and lay on my brother while he lounges on the couch.

Check back tomorrow for my August goals!

Manda Rave

July Goals

2013 is half over! Yikes, how did that even happen? So far it has been a roller coaster of a year, that's for sure. I feel like everyone I know is wading through their own emotional sea of change right now. It's not a bad thing at all, but a break from the inner waves would be nice. I'd prefer some beach waves right about now. Hopefully I get some!

July is going to be a pretty cool month in our apartment -we have three birthdays to celebrate! Mine, my boyfriend's, and Eli's. Yes, Eli is going to have his birthday celebrated. I'd get him cat treats but he doesn't like them. He'll probably get a new feather toy and some catnip, those are his favourites.

Goals for the month are...

Stay on track with my workout regime, no matter how hot it gets.

Get some school stuff sorted out.

Write some stuff and some things! :D

Make this blog a more active space.

Visit my family more.

Again, simple goals for me. I don't like to give myself really big goals for the month because I know that if I have a low period (my anxiety acts up) and I don't finish those goals I am just going to beat myself up over it and make myself feel worse. I don't need that kind of stress.

What are your goals for the month?

Manda Rave

June in Review

June was the first truly hot month of the year here in New England and I absolutely loved it. The humidity was a bit of a pain, but I know that part will get so much worse throughout July and August. I'd complain, but I'm used to it by now. New England is rarely a dry place.

Anyways, June has been pretty good. The blog has been sort of quiet but I am hoping to change that for July. I'm hoping to get some more magical posts up and the like. 

My goals for the past month were...

Get back into my jewelry making swing.

Finish organizing my books.

Get my work out regime back on track.

Continue to focus on eating less sugar.

Look at that, I crossed out all four! Not that four things to accomplish is a whole lot of work, but still, I'm allowed to be proud of myself! I updated the shop with some pretty new pieces as well as a whole line of zodiac necklaces. I finally tackled the project that was organizing my books. I've also been working out everyday! The difference isn't terribly visible yet but I can tell that my legs are a tiny bit smaller and I am definitely feeling some muscle in my stomach. And to go with that I have also been a lot better about my sugar intake. I still indulged in some ice cream (it was 95F out, it's justified) but all over I have consumed less of it. I even have an awesome sugarless cookie recipe which satisfies my sweet tooth but doesn't do me in.

So, while I'm mulling over some goals for next month, what would you guys like to see in this space? I'll probably share my aforementioned cookie recipes, as well as some magic posts. But what do you like to see? I'd love to know.

Manda Rave

June Goals

June is here and the summer solstice is right around the corner. Hurray! Not that is doesn't feel like summer now. t was 95 out yesterday and is only a little bit cooler today. The heat doesn't get to me too much though. I prefer summer over winter and embracing these hot days.

So... goals for the month.

Get back into my jewelry making swing.

Finish organizing my books.

Get my work out regime back on track.

Continue to focus on eating less sugar.

Not too much, so (hopefully) it will all be easily accomplished. I am feeling a bit better, I just have some buildup on my throat and chest that I am trying to cough up and get out of my system. My energy is slowly returning though, which is a good sign. I want to feel alive and motivated again, it's been too long.

What are your June goals?

Manda Rave

P.S. If you're interested in sponsoring my blog, or just swapping ads with me you can find all the how-to details here! I look forward to sharing my space with you!

May in Review

So May is over. I feel like this past month has been slow, on the blog and in my personal life. Of course, it doesn't help that I have been sick for about half the month.

I'll be honest. I didn't do so well on my goals for May.

Hoop more (outside!) and work out more.

Halve my sugar intake. (Not that it's very high anyways)

Read. And then read some more.

Develop a story idea I have swimming in my head.

Keep the shop stocked with new items regularly.

I was hooping and working out more... and then I got sick. I have almost no energy for the past two weeks. I've tried to get in some crunches and stuff on the days I feel okay but everything tires me out really quickly. It sucks.

I did kind of do the second one. I have definitely consumed less sugar this month than I did in April. Hoping to get the amount down to almost nothing in the months to come.

I did read a bit. I started Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare and I am absolutely loving it so far. I really adore her two series. Good YA lit is a weakness for me.

I have been working on that story idea. Characters are swimming in my head and I have one of my main characters now which is a good start. Now I just need the main character. I wish she'd come to me already.

I failed at shop stuff this month. With my energy, so went my motivation and inspiration. I am hoping to get back to creating soon. There are a few gifts that need to be made for lovely people (ahem, Hollie) that will hopefully get my creative juice flowing.

Let's hope I do better in June, haha. Goals will be posted tomorrow.

Happy Friday everyone!

Manda Rave

May Goals

A day late, but I did remember! I feel very scatterbrained when it comes to blogging lately. I keep only remembering my regular posts and features at the last minute. That's why the Earth element post hasn't gone up yet. I am hoping to have it written and posted within the next week though!

Anyways, this months goals are pretty similar to April's. They are:

Hoop more (outside!) and work out more.

Halve my sugar intake. (Not that it's very high anyways)

Read. And then read some more.

Develop a story idea I have swimming in my head.

Keep the shop stocked with new items regularly.

I have been updating my shop quite a bit lately and currently have over 70 items for sale! I can't believe I've made that much to be honest. And I have so many more ideas and supplies. I have been bitten by the creative bug and I am more than okay with that. I have also been thinking about a novel idea. I haven't written too much in that regards lately but within the past week or so my brain has been overflowing with ideas for something. I'm hoping to flesh out the details some more in the coming weeks.

What are your monthly goals?

Manda Rave

April In Review

April is done with, kind of weird to think about. We are quickly progressing through 2013. It's finally started to look like spring outside though. I can see leaves finally budding on the trees and no more snow as far as I have been able to tell! Hurrah!

Anyways, time for my monthly goal review!

Update the shop (hopefully quite a bit!) Done! There has been tons of new stuff in my shop in the past few weeks and I have more waiting to be photographed and listed!

Write some poetry. Fail. I didn't do this at all. Oh well.

Dye my hair (blonde, I just want to lighten it.) Done! Did this a few days ago. I love dying my hair.

Hoop a bit more. Yep yep! I have been hooping at least three times a week. My cat runs away from me when I do, haha.

Read at least two more books. Probably more. I am calling this done. I finished American Gods and am currently reading Hit List. I have also put a huge dent in Women Who Run with the Wolves.

I will be posting my May goals sometime in the next few days. I didn't even remember this until a few hours before April is done. Totally on top of things, haha.

Tomorrow is Beltane though! I'll probably make a quick post about it but nothing too detailed. I'm not even sure what I want to do tomorrow. I am the most last minute person ever, it's ridiculous.

Manda Rave 

April Goals

I went over the goals I set for March yesterday so today, on this lovely April Fool's Day, it's time to set myself some new goals for the month to come. 

Let's see...

Update the shop (hopefully quite a bit!)

Write some poetry.

Dye my hair (blonde, I just want to lighten it.)

Hoop a bit more.

Read at least two more books. Probably more.

Simple and doable, just the way I like it. I have a ton of stuff to list so I know updating the shop will get done. As will dyeing my hair as I already have the box. For the rest, we shall see!

What are your goals for the month?

Lady Unlaced

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March in Review

 

March has been a pretty great month if I do say so myself. I had great sponsors, hosted a lovely giveaway with Lottie, and got to write about some pretty great stuff. And outside the blog has been going pretty good as well. 

So let's take a look as my goals for the past month...

 Again, online job hunting. Fingers crossed! I kept my search up all month and right now I am actually working on some trial pieces for a potential job! Hurrah!

Actually journaling more. I didn't really. I mean, I journaled some, but apparently this is going to be a difficult habit to get back into.

Keeping up my yoga practice. I had a period in the middle of the month that was kind of weak but I have come back strong in the past week or so. My flexibility is improving and my body is much happier with me. Eli thinks my yoga practice is fascinating.

Finish a few good books. Did! I finished Good Omens, The Fault in Our Stars, and Sense and Sensibility. I loved all of them! Not sure what I am going to read next yet though.

Drink more water. Definitely have done this! I down quite a bit of it a day, as well as a ton of green tea. It has improved my mood significantly. 

I am pretty pleased with the work I did on my goals. I didn't accomplish them all perfectly, but I am okay with that.

Check back tomorrow for April's goal list!

Lady Unlaced

March Goals

I am so excited for this month because I know that while spring may not make an appearance in the next few weeks, it is close. Winter goes on forever here and it's hard to contain my warm weather yearnings. Even if it snows another foot before things start to thaw out, I am keeping my head up.

My goals for this month are...

Again, online job hunting. Fingers crossed!

Actually journaling more.

Keeping up my yoga practice.

Finish a few good books.

Drink more water.

I haven't been drinking enough water lately so I figured I would put it on this list as a constant reminder.

What are your goals for the month? Are you looking forward to spring as much as I am?

Lady Unlaced

P.S. Don't forget to check out my new sponsor info!

February In Review & New Sponsor Info

February is at it's end! I know it's the shortest month and all but it still feel like it went by really fast. I'm glad it has though, because that means we are all the closer to spring! Unfortunately warm weather takes awhile to creep back into New England and settle down to stay, but I am getting more and more antsy for it nonetheless.

All in all this past month was much better than January. I have had my down days, but I have been happier and more productive in the past few weeks than I was before, so that is definitely something! So let's take a look at the goals I set for myself

Continue my online job hunt.  I hunted and hunted, and almost had something, but unfortunately the place never emailed me back. I am not giving up though. This search will continue!

Finish Looking for Alaska and A Fistful of Charms (books) Actually, I'll be honest, I only finished Looking for Alaska. I got a good way into A Fistful of Charms but I'm just not feeling urban fantasy right now. I will definitely be going back to it though. I'm still calling this one a success though because I did start another book and get more into Women Who Run With The Wolves.

Journal more. Fail. I didn't. I am working on it though.

Work on updating the shop. Success! I reopened the shop, renamed it, made a new banner, and added new stock!

Work on updating this blog (I want a new look!) Also a success! I (obviously) gave my blog a complete redesign that I am thrilled with and created a bunch of new buttons. Plus I gave my Tumblr Tuesday posts a new look and have been working on adding new, more interesting content.

Restart a daily yoga practice. There is still work to be done on this one, but I have been integrating a simple yoga practice back into my life. I hope to keep it up and also add in some strength training and cardio.

I would definitely consider February to be a success! Check back tomorrow for my March goals list.

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And onto my new sponsor information! I mentioned in my style obsession post yesterday that I was using Passionfruit ads again for my blog. I offer two, completely affordable, option: Featured Ad and a smaller, Button Swap option. 

The Featured Ad gets you a large (200x200) button on my blog for an entire month, including a spot in a new sponsor post that I will do during the month. The sponsor post will feature a bit about your blog and all your links, plus you will get shout outs on my twitter, facebook, and pinterest. You also have the option of hosting a giveaway on my blog, or writing a guest post that will be featured here.

The Swap option is for a smaller button (200x100) and with the code SWAPME you can get this spot for free! The only catch is that I ask you put my button up on your site as well so that we both get exposure. These spots will also get a small shoutout in my monthly sponsors post.

Take a look and grab a spot on my Sponsor Page!

Lady Unlaced

February Goals

Happy February 1st! It's month two of 2013 already and now that the year finally feels like it's in full swing I really want to be productive and keep up. There's not much worse than letting time slip by and realizing you haven't done nearly as much as you could.

So for this month my goals are...

Continue my online job hunt. 

Finish Looking for Alaska and A Fistful of Charms (books)

Journal more.

Work on updating the shop.

Work on updating this blog (I want a new look!)

Restart a daily yoga practice.

A list of things that are productive for my inner self and my outer well-being. Fingers crossed that I can perk up and keep myself going in the coming weeks.

What are your goals for the month?

Lady Unlaced

January in Review

I'm definitely having one of those "I can't believe the month is over!" moments. A full month into 2013 already? Time is going by quickly. January has kind of been a slump month. Things have been kind of stressful. Eli was living with my mom but she is moving somewhere she can't have cats so we've had to take him to our apartment. Him and the roommates cat are alright together -still adjusting though. Mostly they are afraid of each other. And I still haven't managed to find a writing job, which is definitely more stress. Some income would be nice.

Yesterday's 365 Portrait

I know things haven't been too exciting here on the blog lately. Stress makes me unmotivated and unproductive. I am working hard to pull myself out of this slump and get a smile back on my face.

So, these were my January goals. I've crossed off what I actually accomplished.

Look for an online writing job -I have looked. A lot. And applied for a bunch of things. So far I haven't heard back from anyone I have emailed. I am sticking to it though!

Write. A lot.  -I didn't write nearly as much as I wanted to. My urban fantasy novel is stagnant in my head. I have some new books for research though, so I'm hoping to reawaken the muse.

Start a 365 portrait challenge -I did this! I already missed a few days but I am planning to stick with it. Month one has been the process of getting in the habit of doing it. I'm hoping it will get easier to remember in the months to come.

Read more. -I have been reading more! I shared my 2013 Reading List not too long ago and I am making some headway on it for sure!

Reopen the shop & update it. -I still haven't done this :( But I am hoping to do so soon. Shop work helps keep me busy and feel creative and productive.

I did alright, but I need to be more on my game for sure. 

Check back tomorrow for my Febraury goals list.

Lady Unlaced

2013 Reading List

Although I am not completely finished with my schooling, my time as a college student is reaching it's end. I couldn't be happier about this, because while I have enjoyed much of my time studying and living on campus, I am more than ready to start a new chapter in my life. And with the end of schoolwork comes more free time to devote to the things I love, like reading!

I have compiled a list of books that I am hoping to read this year with all my extra time. I made the list first on my goodreads account as a shelf. It is a rather long list that I know I will deviate from a bit, perhaps take things off of, and undoubtedly add to. But I wanted to share a few of the things on it that I am definitely cracking open this year.

1. Women Who Run With The Wolves

I'm actually already in the process of reading this one and have been for awhile. It's really good and I highly recommend it for all women.

2. The Casual Vacancy

I am a huge Harry Potter fan so J.K. Rowling's new book is a necessary read for me, even if it's not my usual type of read.

3. Hit List

Hit List is #20 in my favourite urban fantasy series and it has been out for awhile (#21 is even out now!) so the fact that I haven't read it is a bit ridiculous. I need to catch up!

4. Good Omens

I've heard nothing but great things about this book and I am excited to finally read it. I love Neil Gaiman so I'm sure it's an ace read.

5. The Fault in Our Stars

I haven't read any John Green yet and that seems like some kind of crime within the literary community so I plan to rectify this folly. Looking for Alaska is also on the list.

Those are the top at the moment. I'll keep you updated with my reads, or at least I will try to. Remind me!

Lady Unlaced