101 in 1001 Progress Report

I couldn't have thought of a more apropos post this week if I had tried. Sharing the first of my 6 month check ins for my 101 in 1001 list is perfect timing because while I don't really do New Year Resolutions, I do like to have a measurable goal for the year. This time around I just happened to decide to overachieve during lockdown and commit to a 101 in 1001 list. The 101 in 1001 list is definitely measurable and I've already made some great progress. I wish I checked a few more things off my list, but that just means I'll have to work extra hard to catch up the next few months. Without further ado, here is my first progress report:

Completed: 

Mary Kirk Kelly: I'm thrilled that I have acquired four new pieces of hers in almost one fell swoop. I already shared why I love this artist's work so much - it's just so warm and friendly to me, but unfortunately is hard to find in New York. When you hold her work you can feel the love this artist had for each piece she created. I was lucky to see a consignment shop in Locust Valley had a few of her pieces and acquired most of them!

Philanthropy Blog Series: I started my new Philanthropy series back in September, highlighting the Augusta Training Shop. Since then I also featured the Helping Hands Rescue Mission, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, highlighted Giving Tuesday and talked about The Barstool Fund. So far I'm really enjoying sharing why different charities mean so much to me and why you should also consider donating to them as well. I've talked about 5 charities to date and have a long list to work my way through!

Fix Hayloft Mirror: I was so excited when I bought a gilt wood mirror through Hayloft, a favorite small business of mine. It was a great price and exactly what I had in mind for the entrance area to my apartment. The only problem was that it was a little unstable and needed to be tightened up and fixed. Lucky for me I have a few very handy friends who were more than willing to help!

Vote in 2020 Election: I love election year and being able to exercise my right to vote! This year was a really strange one, but I'm always happy to preform my civic duty. 

Rita Konig's Create Academy Class: This can be filed under "splurge" in my budget, but I have absolutely no regrets. When I first learned about Create Academy I was so excited! I love interior design and this course touched upon a few different elements I don't really know much about (i.e. budgeting)! While some things I already knew (#auctiongirl over here) there was a lot of learning to be done so I highly recommend. 

Create Sinking Fund List: It took some time, but I came up with three sinking funds I wanted to create for 2021 to help me reach a few goals. I'm going to be seriously adjusting my life to make this happen, but I know what I want to focus on in the next year and that is making a plan for Christmas, adopting a dog, and making some headway on this 101 in 1001 list. 

Make a 2021 Vision Board: I decided to do a digital vision board that could be printed, mainly to save my precious magazines. 

Increase 401k Contribution: I decided to slightly increase my 401k contribution this year. While it's just a small increase, I'm still happy to be able to make any contribution to my 401k this year. Once I finish saving up for a 6 month emergency fund I know I'll be able to contribute significantly more but in the meantime I'm a bit tapped out. 

Ordering and Updating Address Book: Nothing reminds you more of a need for tracking addresses than the holiday season! This year I missed the boat on mailing out addresses but I'm thrilled I was able to order a chic address book after Christmas from Smythson. I started updating the list but need to reach out to a few friends that I lost track of. 

In progress: 

Emergency Fund: As of today I'm two and a half months down and have four more to go! Coloring the first jar in it's entirety never felt so good and the second one felt even better. I'm eager to keep rolling out my progress and hope to be done sooner than my estimated 2 year timeline. This goal is probably one of my most ambitious and important goals on the list, so I'm excited to be making some serious headway!

Cook 25 New Recipes: It almost feels like cheating, but I'm almost done with my 25 new recipes already, mainly because of my Martha + Marley Spoon subscription. I truly love this meal box service (and not just because Martha Stewart is involved). I've been able to expand my cooking skills, save money on takeout, and significantly reduce my food waste. All around I would say this was a win and I liked almost every single recipe I've tried so far!

Handwritten Notes: Towards the end of the summer I spent a lot of time writing notes to friends and family. A few wrote back and while most did not that won't stop me from continuing on my handwritten note journey. I have a lot of chic stationary and good friends to write to, so stay tuned for more letters! 

Trying Out 10 New to Me Restaurants: I'm excited to have tried out a new restaurant this year, despite the pandemic! While I'm sure this goal will take some time to work through, given the time of year and the second wave we are currently experiencing, I'm eager to continue on supporting restaurants when they need it the most. 

Putting $5 in Jar for Each Goal Completed: I admittedly am always a bit delayed on this one, but it could be worse! Right now I'm current, but I think I might do a monthly "deposit" into a savings jar instead. Stay tuned. 

6 Month Progress Report: This is my first of a few, but I'm happy to report that I am actually sticking to the plan and crossing items off my list faster than I ever imagined!

Next Up:

Working on goals that are home-based and local to NY! I'm spending more time than ever at home so I really want to focus on what I can do to make it more cozy and also do my best to support my city. I also want to cross a few things off on the professional section of my list! There are a lot of updates that need to happen and this winter is the perfect time to get it done.

As you can see I'm excited for what lies down the road and already looking forward to my next check in! 

ARS xx

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