Simple Pleasures: New Planner

I know that we're almost 3 weeks into the new year, but I finally got around to getting my new 2013 planner.

Call me old-fashioned, but I love using a paper planner. I like being able to have a large visual representation of each month throughout the year so that I can see everything that is coming my way.

Getting a new planner is an exciting experience for me - picking out the perfect book to accompany me throughout the year. This particular planner is the perfect format - weekly and monthly - and I loved the colors used - indigo, orange, cerulean, and camel, all wrapped together in a shiny silver binding.

Then, there is the inspiration that comes from a brand new planner. A glance at the year to come while every page is blank, just waiting to be filled by all of my adventures. I wonder what the year will bring. The new, blank planner makes me hopeful, driven, inspired, and determined to make 2013 an exceptional year.

My Goal for 2013

BE MAGICAL

My one resolution/goal for the year 2013.

I first wrote this phrase on a sheet of paper last fall when I was contemplating starting my own blog. It was the beginning of my favorite time of year - autumn and the transition to winter. This time always seems to bring about whimsy and enchantment - a sense that anything can happen and that everything has just a bit more sparkle.

Well, I have come to realize that this can be true year round. With the right attitude and priorities, life on this planet is magical everyday. Being the planner that I am, I have developed a few objectives to help me achieve this goal.

Create more. Writing, painting, crafting, cooking - all ways to express myself while producing something (I love the feeling of a finished project!)

Go outside. Over the four years I spent living in Florida, I became all too familiar with indoor air. Long periods of extreme heat and humidity left me with no desire to experience the great outdoors. Despite this feeling, I cherish nature and draw pure joy from spending time immersed in it. Marvelous moments are waiting to be discovered everywhere if we will just get out and explore. The great outdoors is good for my soul.

Love me. I have certain things that are secret obsessions of mine. These obsessions are known to very few because I've always been slightly embarrassed  by them. I have finally decided to embrace my quirky/silly/odd interests because they are me. By continually hiding these fascinations, I have hid part of me. I am ready to embrace all of me and start loving me, regardless of others' opinions.

Give more. This isn't just monetarily - actually the monetary givings will likely remain about the same. I want to give more of my time to others - through volunteering, conversing with loved ones, taking my pups for long walks, cuddling on the couch with the mister, etc. Too often I waste time doing insignificant tasks when my time would be better spent giving to others.

I believe the combination of these four objectives, coupled with a sunnier outlook on life, will help me realize how truly magical my world is.

What are your resolutions this year?

xoxo,
Alli J

National Bird Day

Did you know that today, January 5th, is National Bird Day? I did not know this until I saw a post from one of my favorite wildlife refuges. However, I absolutely love birds. They are these amazing creatures exuding grace, beauty, and intellect. My fondness of birds combined with my admiration of love stories made the theme of my wedding, "If you're a bird, I'm a bird." (quote from a favorite flick - The Notebook)

In honor of National Bird Day, here are some pictures of birds that I have taken recently.

Bluebird - taken in my backyard in Florida

Baby geese - taken in Nashville

Blue jay - taken in Nashville

Chickadee - taken at my grandparents' in northern PA

Great Blue Heron - taken in Destin, FL

Hope you enjoy the pictures! Do you share my affection for birds or does another animal pull your heart strings?

It's 2013!

Happy New Year! I hope you had a fabulous new year's eve with people you hold dear to your heart - I know I did. I was back in Philadelphia - the city that continuously calls me home - with some of my best friends and my husband; what more could a girl want? 

View of the Philly skyline from the Vine St. Expressway

While our night out on the town was a blast, I have come to the conclusion that I am over the club/bar scene for NYE and would much rather spend the evening at an intimate house party with close friends/family. I think that's how I'll be spending my new year's eves from here on out.

Cheers!
Alli J