101 Goals to Accomplish in 1001 Days

I looooove making lists and have long admired Mackenzie Horan's ability to do come up with enough things to add to her 101 in 1001 days list. Given the funk I've been in recently, it felt like a sign when I saw she had posted a new 101 in 1001 this past July. Previously the sheer number "101" just seemed a bit too daunting, but after the year we have had 101 in 1001 finally seems doable and I'm up for the challenge. For a long time I've felt like I needed to shake things up, but didn't quite know how to do it. I'm hoping that this list will help me to shift gears and inspire to me find what I feel like I've been missing. I'll be sharing updates on my progress periodically, but in the meantime I hope you feel inspired to create your own list!

Without further ado, here is my 101 in 1001 list.

Freaking out just a little bit about this,

ARS xx
S U B S C R I B E

Mid-August Goals

I'm not one for creating monthly goals, but I've been inspired to hold myself a bit more accountable and I'm hoping that by sharing my goals here will help. Nothing like a public declaration to keep you motivated! Below are five things I hope to accomplish this month, in no particular order of importance.

Update my monthly budget for September.
Get back to a regular workout routine.
Try on everything in my closet and edit accordingly.
Cook a new recipe each week.
Buy a clothing iron.

Almost time to work from home again,

ARS xx
S U B S C R I B E

My Spring Cleaning & Updates

For me, Spring is a time for cleaning up, regrowth, and beautiful blooms. This time around, I find it being more of an emotional cleansing and growing (still waiting on the blooming), rather than a physical experience. About a month ago my company had multiple layoffs, me included. This didn't come as a shock, as our company had been acquired about a year ago. Luckily, I already had my resume updated and was searching for jobs.

If I'm being honest, I felt stuck and didn't have the motivation to up and go on my own. Selling juice cleanses to brides wasn't the worst thing a girl could be doing. As my aunt said to me when this first happened "life's little pushes are good of us, better a push than a shove." She's totally right, I needed that push to finally leave and do what I want to do. While I could give in to the stress and worry that comes along with losing a job, I'm looking at this as a positive and taking the time to really think about what I truly want and where I want to be - the possibilities are endless.

Luckily, I have a few things going on to keep me distracted. I've been diligently working on the project I mentioned earlier this year. I promise I'll fill you in later this month. To give you a hint you can follow my project's instagram account (@towerhousemag). In fact, I would very much appreciate it! I've also been exploring New York and really getting to know it's ins and outs, hitting up the museums, and talking long walks  through the parks. This is all in addition to looking for a job, of course! 

Happy Monday and thank you for taking the time to read my longer than normal post. 

XX,

ARS

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Update: March Goals

As I mentioned last month, I opted not to make a New Year's Resolution but instead to reach monthly goals. First on the list was amping up my Gold Gala promotion, which I did verbally, not exactly through social media. This month I'm vowing to work out 5 out of to 7 days each week in an effort to stay in shape and to get ready for Spring!

Maybe I should put up something like this in my room as a visual reminder?

To add some variety into my week and increase flexibility I should probably add in some yoga to my routine. 

Having a fitness friend will be helpful. Anyone out there want to be the Dionne to my Cher this month? Let me know on twitter (@towerhousemag)

In case no one wants to work out with me, I'll be composing an amazing playlist (or stealing a few from pandora). 

A great outfit would be an added bonus. Sorry Lululemon, but Solow (GASP, I know) might tempt me  into cheating on you. 

1 * 2 * 3 * 4 * 5 

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DIY Valentine's Day Cards

I love myself a good craft day and making Valentines Day cards seems like the perfect excuse to put on my thinking cap and come up with some ideas. I've noticed more and more card ideas popping up on my pinterest feed and some notable ideas on Etsy to help inspire. Don't worry, I've been taking notes. I hope my friends enjoy the cards!

Sources: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 

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February Goals

What better way to kick off my return to blogging than to start with my goals - for not just February, but for the whole year? CMJR over at Kiki Papers started it off in January and, although I'm a bit late to hop on the 12 in 2014 train, I did come up with a few, starting in February:

February - Ramp up my promotion of the Gold Gala
March - Work out 5 days a week for an hour (no excuses)
April - 100% give up the metro, even if it's freezing
May - Spring Cleaning will commence
June - Launch my special (and secret) project
July - Read 5 new "non-beach read" books (list TBD)
August - Book another photoshoot
September - Sign up for a Fall class at NYU
October - Go to 4 museums I've never visited
November - Organize a weekend getaway
December - Plan my next list

Who is with me on this? Let me know if you come up with a list - bonus points if it's via twitter! I'll be posting about my progress on instagram and twitter so be sure to follow along.

pinterest * bloglovin * instagram * twitter

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Homemade Pop Tarts

Much to my Dad's dismay, I'm a regular a the local coffee shop. (He's totally against paying for a cup of coffee when you can make it at home for significantly less.) I can be spotted there first thing in the morning not because they have a good cup of coffee, but because they have Magpies. These are probably the yummiest poptarts ever and as much as I love them, I'm moving soon and definitely need to look into other options. Needless to say, I'm going to try making something similar at home using this recipe! Fingers crossed they taste half as good.

TO DO: Check Out Stanley's Pharmacy

While working on my magazine project, I spotted this amazingly cheerful (for NY) image of a pharmacy called Stanley's Pharmacy. If the bright colors hadn't already drawn me in, I totally perked up when I read about the "wellness center" aspect of it. As a person who doesn't stick to traditional medicine and avoids painkillers and antibiotics at all costs, I always am intrigued by new options. Needless to say I plan on swinging by and checking it out sometime this week! 

Note:  I still will use medicine as a last resort/when desperate. 

My Guide to Sunnyside

Working in LIC (Long Island City) for the past 2 years has been tough. I live within walking distance from our Manhattan offices, but made the 30 minute (reverse) commute every morning. Today, we finally are 100% in Manhattan and I couldn't be more excited! For anyone who ever wants to give LIC a whirl, here are a few of my fave spots to hit up. 

To Do:

1. MOMA PS1. - super fun and in the Summer, you should absolutely go to at least one PS1 warm up session.

2. While on the way to MOMA PS1 you should take the 7 train and look at the amazing 5 POINTZ graffiti. It's really amazing and cool to see, especially if you're a graffiti art fan (like me). 

Food:

1. Pink Icing - great for cupcakes

2. Williamsburger - amazing burgers (not so amazing for my waistline)

3. DeMole - best quesedilla and salsa in town

4. Souk El Shater - yummy Lebanese food 

5. Sage General Store - a great place to eat after going to MOMA PS1.

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DIY Projects for Parties and the Home

I know I'm not the only Pinterest addict here who blindly will pin a DIY project just because it looks good, not thinking about the actual execution. Every single project I try never looks as good as they do in pictures. This hasn't stopped me yet (and probably never will). These are a few fun projects I want to try next:

How fun are these paper flowers? They would be perfect for a spring party!

These paper lanterns are pretty fab and party appropriate too.

To be honest, this is probably the only craft I would able to successfully do from start to finish. All you need is so colorful spray paint and a pretty black mat.

For more ideas, check out my DIY pin board!

Bauble Bar's SOHO Pop Up Shop

I discovered Bauble Bar awhile ago, but never really ordered from it just because when it comes to costume jewelry I'd prefer to see it in person before committing. I've learned the hard way things can look fab online and in person leave a lot to be desired. Needless to say, I was super pumped when I read about the Bauble Bar pop up store opening in SOHO. To make this even more fun (and motivate me more) they host fun events in the store too. Well, last week I stopped in and had lots of fun trying on the jewelry and picking up a few presents for my little cousin and a really cute tassel necklace for myself! 

Yum Board Sampling

Cleansing the other week had me obsessing over ways I can revamp my diet to be a bit healthier. In case you don't follow my YUM board on Pinterest, you should because that's how you know I'm cleansing. Now that it's Summer I can eat all the fresh fruit and veggies I want. Here are some of my faves:

Watermelon Salad with Rum and Mint

Leave it to Martha to come up with a million amazing watermelon salads. 

Tortilla Cups Filled with Yougurt and Fruit

How amazing and yummy do these look?! They would be great for an afternoon snack/gossip sesh. 

Better Than Chipotle Bowl

A girl can't just live off fruit, so this veggie salad is perfect and looks TDF! 

June Goals

June is my birthday month (PARTY!) so I tend to reflect back on the year and end it on a positive note. I also usually set up something specific to ensure I will stick to the plan and not cheat and/or procrastinate (like I usually tend to do). Does anyone else look at this as your own personal "New Year" celebration?

Week 1: Cleanse 

Out with the old and in with the new. 

Week 2: Pamper Myself

Haircut, massage, and facial here I come - I'll def need to ease out of my cleanse.

Week 3: Treat Myself

A girl needs a good present from herself to herself for her birthday...

Inspiration: Art Ideas

Just a few things that inspired me to dust off my paint brushes and break out the canvas! 

Join Sparkles of Life on Bloglovin'

Mission: Learn Tennis

Two of my best friends and most of my cousins play tennis all the time in the Summer and I feel like it's finally time for me to bite the bullet and officially learn how to play. I can (somewhat) get by but definitely have the potential to get a lot better.

The bonus? I'm getting fitter in really cute tennis clothes. Anyone else have a Spring goal?

April Goals

So my March goals may have fallen through, but I have high expectations for April. 

1. Actually make it to the gym 

2. Update my resume

3. Have X-Benches made 

21 Drops

I've recently been getting into aromatherapy, particularly essential oils. Does this work? I haven't been trying it long enough to tell, but between LAD's rave reviews and the 21 Drops packaging I spotted at Bendels I decided I have to give it a whirl.

Stay tuned for some more feedback!

Party Planning: Movie Night

I've roped my friends into a "monthly movie night" instead of a book club. As much as we all love reading, I don't see us sitting around discussing books without getting distracted and start gossiping. Luckily, everyone is on board and we're even going to be skyping in a few remotely!

Now I get to do the fun stuff - like plan the first night! First thing on my list? Pick the movie.

Possible Movie Picks:

Clueless

When Harry Met Sally

Kate and Leopold

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Troop Beverly Hills

Sabrina (Modern Version)

Serenditpity

Just Friends

Factory Girl

March: READY, SET, GO!

My monthly goals for March are pretty much going to revolve around getting fitter and happier. Mainly:

Go to a yoga class 3x a week

Prep food for the week on Sundays

Stop Drinking Coffee - tea only please!
Crossword puzzles on Sundays