Welcome to 2020!
I have high hopes for this year. I always have good years in even years. Sounds crazy and superstitious but it’s true. We have some trips planned this year and I’m super excited. We have some exciting goals set as well.
Lets do this 2020! Here are some things I have started doing for the new year, a recipe and things I’m loving…
A New Planner
Happy New Year! Have you found a planner for 2020 yet? If not have no fear, you still have time, even though the I did not have planner peace this year.
What is Planner Peace?
Planner Peace in my mind is finding a planner that fits your needs perfectly.
I hate to tell you, unless you make it yourself, you probably won’t find it, exactly.
I decided to try out the Happy Planner in 2019. A good friend of mine loved hers and I wanted to try it out. I previously had a Recollection planner and it was at that point too big. I realized half way through the year that I need to have the classic size. I like to write notes on post its so I remember to do stuff that evening after work but it just gets out of hand. A classic size happy planner works great for this. I like the lay out that has three spots for each day. I decided to purchase the wellness Happy Planner because I am making it a point to pay close attention to my well being both physically and mentally. I selected the cover that says ‘Just Breathe’. This is a great reminder.
The reason I like Happy Planner is that it is so customizable. You can take the pages in and out and reorganize it to suit your needs. There are extensions that you can add in. It is easier to add your own papers if you have the special hole punch, but I saved money by using a Michael’s coupon. However, I did find my specific planner at Hobby Lobby.
Gratitude Journal
Which leads me to my gratitude journal. I started this back in November but funny thing is, I did not keep up with it in December. December was not exactly joyous for me. I had a lot of anxiety over some things and I didn’t feel settled in December. Things are getting better now and I’m feeling more settled. More about that later.
I made it a point to started getting back to writing 3 things down that I feel grateful for each day starting in the New Year. This goes hand in hand with being joyous in the little things.
Word of the Year
I’ve chosen ‘Joy’ for my word of the year. Last year wasn’t so joyous for many reasons. I decided that I need to find joy in the everyday. Joy in all circumstances (easier said than done). Joy in the simple things. Joy in who I am. Joy in what God has already blessed me with. The word ‘Joy’ keeps popping up in all the right places in my day to day life. It is reassuring me that I picked the right word.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
I shared on instagram that I was making a homemade hot cocoa mix since my boys constantly ask for it in the winter months. I’m tired of the waste that packets make and it doesn’t have unnecessary ingredients in it.
Here’s the recipe-
2 cups of sifted powdered sugar (10x sugar or confectioner’s sugar)
1 cup cocoa (it’s best to use unsweetened or dutch processed cocoa)
2 1/2 cups powdered milk (best to use whole powdered milk)
2 tsp cornstarch (this keeps it from separating)
1/2 tsp salt
Currently Reading/Listening to
Laura Frantz, one of my favorite historical fiction authors just released her newest book on the 7th. ‘An Uncommon Woman’ takes place in the 1770s in the West Virginian wilderness. It’s so good so far and I’m sure it will continue to be. Check out my Q&A with Laura Frantz from this past summer.I’ve also covered many of her books in my books read in 2019 post and how I read/listen to so many audiobooks with two kids.
Little Women
My mom and I went and saw this movie last Saturday. I love the classic (to me and in my lifetime) 1994 Little Women movie. But let me tell you, this was brilliant! I loved it so much! I feel like some of the characters were fleshed out a bit more than the previous movie and it went more in depth. I love the fire that Saorise Ronan gave to Jo. I love her writing desk that she has in her room (if anyone has a screen shot of that, please send it to me!). I can not wait to own it on dvd. Go see it if you haven’t yet.
Outlander
This week, Outlander fans were blessed with the Season 5 Official trailer. It looks amazing! It reminded me of a movie trailer and I felt like I was watch clips of ‘Turn’ (find out why we binged that show here). I can’t not wait for Droughtlander to be over even more now! I can not wait for Valentines’ weekend. 38 days and counting (I think).
Purging, Donating, Recycling
I’ve been on the kick this week to really clean up our house. Normally, I am an organized person. But with three men (2 little) in the house, it’s a hard fought battle sometimes. Before I put any holiday decorations away, I go through my boxes and weed out anything that I didn’t use or in this year’s case- doesn’t bring me joy. I had three Christmas boxes and I was able to downsize to two! That’s a win for me. Check out my post from last January about purging. I share step by step ways to go about each room in your home. I’ve started going through my clothing and that was hard. I really need to rethink what I purchase. I need nicer items for work and a few casual pieces like long sleeve shirts. I’ve heard a lot about fast fashion and how it’s not good for the environment or your wallet. I’m trying to buy more pieces that are going to stand the test of time.
Well there you have it. A little newsletter of sorts from me. What things are you learning or loving in the new year? Let me know in the comments…
Have a great week,
