Write It Down, Make It Happen 2012 Edition

If you are a long time reader, then you will know my love of the book Write It Down, Make It Happen.  Instead of making New Year's resolutions that just get broken a few weeks later, why not outline your goals for the year. I just went back and reread my New Year, New Goals post from January 2, 2011.  Number 3 was, "I will have my book proposal picked up in 2011." It's a pretty amazing feeling to be in the middle of that process and to know it will be published in late October or early November 2012.  Proof that sometimes, writing it down can actually make it happen.  

1. I will continue to travel more in 2012. This goal was on last year's list and when I started to tell people that I wanted to write more travel stories, I was offered them.  I couldn't even image when I wrote that goal that I would be invited on an amazing trip to Morocco.  This year, I already have January trips to Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Anguilla scheduled which is starting the year off on the right foot. I also have been chatting with friends about a possible trip to Mexico City in April.  I'd also really like to turn some of my trips into opportunities for travel magazine articles. 
2. I will go on an African Safari in 2012. I am making this a goal separate from travel because it is a major goal that I have for this year.  It's always been a dream to travel on safari since seeing Out of Africa.  I originally wanted it to be where I went on my honeymoon but since that doesn't seem to be happening, I'm just going to go by myself or with friends, preferably on a press trip. Safaris are expensive you know. I already have my safari ensembles picked out at Beretta. 
3. I will sell at least 50,000 copies of my book "Creativity at Work."  This goal technically will begin in 2012 and continue into 2013.  I was already told that this goal is a bit crazy which of course will drive me to make it happen even more.  If you tell an Aries something is impossible, we'll figure out a way to make it possible. If each of my daily blog readers bought one copy, I would make this goal.  If half bought two copies, I would again reach my goal. We've already been laying out the design and I really think you're going to like it if I do say so myself so hopefully everyone will buy a copy. I'm already looking forward to my book tour and parties. 
4. I will consult on a hotel project in 2012. My various trips in 2011 had me staying in many different hotels. I feel like a lot of commercial projects in general are designed by men.  Tall men who don't take into consideration that a petite woman or shorter people might be using their spaces.  There were a few tubs I could barely climb in and out of as well as one room so dark I could barely see in it.  Men also don't think about putting a standing makeup mirror in the room so a woman can put her makeup on out in the room while her traveling companion takes a shower and gets ready in the bathroom. And what's up with just five hangers in the closet?  That doesn't even cover one day's outfits for me. 
5. I will advance my photography skills in 2012. I feel like I barely know what my Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera is capable of doing.  There are functions that remind me of math class which was never my strongest subject so I am determined to take a photography class this year.  I also don't feel like I know enough about lighting and post production.  I am actually considering spending time this summer assisting some professional photographers.  You are never too old to learn or try something new.
6. I will eat healthy and make time for exercise in 2012. One of the hardest challenges for me is working from home which deals with a few items on my list for 2012.  It's easy to spend all day working in front of the computer. I've already started to eat healthy and drink Green Love juice from Organic Avenue everyday and look and feel better .  I plan to get back on track with yoga and Physique 57 as well.  My warm weather trips in January are really helping keep me on track so far but I want to keep up with this goal for the entire year.
7. I will try to get better at returning emails in 2012. This is my goal every year and I never seem to get a handle on it.  I receive a crazy amount of junk emails everyday which doesn't help. I've been trying to unsubscribe or create delete filters but my inbox always seems to be full.  I am going to try to keep to the 24 hours rule in 2012 but sometimes I just want to enjoy my life and not always be worried about returning emails.  
8. I will get up earlier in 2012. I don't sleep in until noon but I also don't get up as early as I should.  This could help with number 6 by giving me more time to return emails.  We'll see how it goes. 
9. I will not feel guilty about seeking inspiration during the middle of the day 2012.  I paid my dues.  I worked for other people in offices where I was chained to my desk all day.  Part of me thinks I should be on a schedule but as a creative person, I find a schedule stifling. If I want to go to a museum exhibition during the middle of the day for inspiration or even just get a manicure, by golly I'm gonna do it.  This can only really happen if I get better at goal #7 and have all my work done but  not sitting at my desk all day also helps with goal #6. I just want to enjoy my life as much as possible. 
10. I will be really happy in 2012! I can already tell this is going to be a great year!

I am very lucky that so many wonderful people in the worlds of design, fashion and art read my blog.  So many have found their true passion in life and have their dream jobs which is the theme of my book.  But the person I think about most when I write my blog is that person who doesn't have their dream job.  The person who is sitting in a cubicle miserable and reading blogs as an escape.  I never ask my readers to do anything for me but if you are one of these people, please take one step toward your happy life in 2012.  Maybe you could take a class, find a mentor, volunteer, read a self-help book, anything.  Do something that can get you closer to your dream job and dream life.  

Life is short.  The world is big.  Get out there and enjoy it!

Photo by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Ring Out, Wild Bells

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,

The flying cloud, the frosty light;

The year is dying in the night;

Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,

For those that here we see no more,

Ring out the feud of rich and poor,

Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,

And ancient forms of party strife;

Ring in the nobler modes of life,

With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,

The faithless coldness of the times;

Ring out, ring out thy mournful rhymes,

But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,

The civic slander and the spite;

Ring in the love of truth and right,

Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,

Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;

Ring out the thousand wars of old,

Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,

The larger heart the kindlier hand;

Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in the Christ that is to be.

- Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

New Year, New Goals!

I usually write up my goals for the new year on New Year's Day but this year I decided to take some time to myself yesterday.  If you're a long time reader, then you know that I don't make resolutions.  Instead, I take my cue from Write It Down, Make It Happen, and write down what I want to happen in the new year.  I didn't accomplish everything I wrote down last year but I knew that 2010 was going to be a year of planting seeds that would eventually bloom in 2011.  I already have so many things planned that I'm very excited for January, usually not my favorite month due to the weather.  So instead of focusing on negative resolutions that we all inevitably break, I like to focus on the positive.  Here's to a great new year for all of us!

1. I will continue to build my business and blog in 2011.  This was first on my list last year and will always an ongoing process.  I'm so grateful to all the sponsors who have signed on and allowed me to spend time on blogging, all the clients who hired me to design their homes, all my loyal readers, and all the wonderful people I met last year.  I can't wait to see what happens this year!
2. I will travel more in 2011!  This is always on my list too but I hope to take more time to get away this year.  I already have a trip to Miami and a cruise scheduled for the beginning of February so I feel like I'm starting out on the right foot. 
3. I will have my book proposal picked up in 2011.  I already met with a publisher and have been contacted by many others.  I have decided to work with a collaborator since I realized that I have no idea what I'm doing and I'm excited to finally present my ideas. 
4. I will contribute to ELLE DECOR in 2011.  I've already been asked to write for the website and have pitched an amazing house of a friend for the magazine so I can't wait to get started on this task.  ELLE DECOR has the most similar aesthetic to my blog and I've always wanted to contribute and am beyond excited to be working with them!
5. I will design another bachelor pad in 2011.  I really enjoy designing for men and would love to pick up another male client. I interviewed for one but the owner ended up being transferred for work.  If anyone knows of anyone who needs help, please send them my way!
6. I will date more in 2011!  I used to joke that my not having a boyfriend was not for a lack of trying.  Well, I couldn't really say that last year since all I did was focus on work.  I will definitely be making time for my personal life and if anyone knows anyone for this goal, feel free to let me know! Bonus points if they have all their own hair and an accent!
7. I will take a class in 2011.  This one is always on my list and I have yet to take French lessons or learn more about antiques.  I'll see if I can finally check this off my list in 2011.
8. I will schedule more Sunday brunches in 2011.  This seems like a silly goal but sometimes it's more fun to make time to relax with friends on a Sunday than to schedule a dinner or a lunch during the work week. 
9. I will wear more color in 2011.  I used to wear more color but somehow along the way, my winter closet has become a sea of grey with a little plum thrown in as an accent.  Not very exciting.  Maybe I should buy a red dress to help with goal #6. 
10. I will be really happy in 2011! I can already tell this is going to be a great year!

Even though this is a little late, I'm going to leave you with the same quote from Edith Lovejoy Pierce that I left you with last year. "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day!" Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Another fresh new year is here . . .

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!

-William Arthur Ward

Habitually Chic Make Up

I'm very lucky that Estee Lauder sends me products to review because I often fall in love with crazy colors that I would never have tried on my own. I've been getting compliments on their red lipstick so I thought I would share it and a few of my other favorites with you.  I think New Year's Eve is the perfect time to try something new!

• Estee Lauder Extravagant Berry Long Lasting Lipstick - Great matte color by itself but even better layer with a lip gloss.  Just found out that it's Limited Edition so get it while you can!
• Estee Lauder Extravagant Plum Pure Color Lip Gloss - Also fabulous by itself but I love it layered over the Extravagant Berry Lipstick.  You might want to blot some off before you kiss someone at midnight!
• Nars Mata Hari Blush - Looks a little scary bright pink in the compact but actually very natural once it's been applied with a fluffy brush.  Makes me look alive in the winter when I'm pale as a ghost!
• Clé de Peu Concealer - Worth every penny! Stays creamy and covers without looking like you're wearing concealer.  You'll need this for New Year's Day!
• La Mer The Treatment Fluid Foundation - Also worth every penny!  It gives light coverage with SPF 15 that looks natural and feels fabulous!
• Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Custom Volumn Mascara - I love Lancôme mascara and always wear waterproof since it doesn't smudge.  If you wear the red lipstick, it's best to go lighter on the eyes but don't skimp on the mascara.
• Smythson Wash Bag - There is nothing I love more than pulling out this pretty plum colored make up bag from Smythson.  I don't think they make this exact bag any longer but they do have a fun magenta color still available. Happy New Year!

Cheers!

I'd like to raise a glass of champagne and wish you all a very Happy New Year! I hope you have a wonderful night no matter where you are or what you are doing. Just be careful and try not to fall in the bathtub at the end of the night! Cheers!

Photo by Pamela Hanson

A Low Key New Year's Eve

Every year, about a million people crowd Times Square to watch the ball drop at midnight on New Year's Eve. And yes, I said a million. I looked it up. As you can imagine, that creates a bit of chaos in the city even beyond all the street closings. That's why my friends and I usually prefer to celebrate at someone's apartment for either drinks or a dinner party. If you plan on doing the same, here are a few ideas and images to help inspire you! Happy New Year!

When you think of New Year's celebrations, usually silver comes to mind but I think gold is a lovely alternative. It has a warmer feeling and the table designed by Carolyne Roehm above and top has a beautiful mix of colors that adds to that warmness. I found a set of gold rimmed wine and champagne glasses at Housing Works last year that would be perfect for this type of table.

Martha Stewart decorated this mantle with a collection of clocks to remind everyone of the passing of time. If you don't have enough to display this year, you can always plan for next year!

I feel in love with this image last year when I saw it on Style Court. What a beautiful way to greet your guests for the evening.

And don't fret if you don't have a set of matching champagne glasses. As you can see here, a tray full of mismatched glasses can be just a beautiful as a perfectly matched set.

This chic table belongs to one of the designers who works for Sarah Richardson and was seen in Canadian House & Home. The silver setting and pale blue chairs whisper winter and couldn't be more beautiful.

For those who prefer darker colors, this table from Ralph Lauren Home mixes gold, silver and black that would be perfect for a more masculine setting.

This table also doesn't worry about matching china or flatware and as you can see, there are actually two tables. A few smaller tables sometimes with less people make for a better party than one big long table. For fun, you can have people change seats between courses.

There is a simple elegance to this table setting that I absolutely love! It would also be perfect for a New Year's Day breakfast!

I think this table was intended for Christmas but would also work for New Year's Eve. If you are hosting a celebration, you can definitely leave up your Christmas tree but I would change out some of the other decorations around the house to reflect the party theme.

This table is set for a birthday celebration but could also inspire a beautiful New Year's Eve table and especially one in a warmer climate. I also think presents at each place setting is fun and they could be filled with inexpensive gifts or fun fortunes for the New Year!

I hope no matter where you are or what you do for New Year's Eve that you have a wonderful evening and don't forget to take a taxi or appoint a designated driver!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Photo by Jessica Craig-Martin