Noteworthy // 1.10.14

I'm still trying to shoo away the last remnants of holiday decor. Christmas tree... I'm talking to you. However, although it may not seem like it, I'm mentally prepared to take on the new year. While the holidays are fun and hectic, January is like a sigh of relief for me. Aside from a couple of events that I'm responsible for towards the end of the month and keeping up with the kids' sports schedule, the rest of January is time for me to restart again on my own terms. Restarting includes setting some realistic goals for 2014. I want to think these through, so that there's actually a chance that I may fulfill some of them by the end of the year.

How about you? Are you ready for a new year? And are you setting any goals?

Here are some smart ways to kick off 2014.

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READ A GOOD BOOK...

Maybe something uplifting, perhaps magical or even mythical? My favorite books as of late...

The Girl Who Chased The Moon by Sarah Addison Allen. A modern fairytale set in the South. If you like magical realism and enjoy a feel-good read with lots of food talk that will make you start craving sugar, I highly recommend this book! I also enjoyed Garden Spells and intend on reading more of her novels.

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker. This is one of those books that draws you in, takes you to another world, and you start to feel sad when you know it's coming to an end. This is ancient mythology and turn-of-the-century New York rolled into a beautifully written, magical experience.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (a steal at $1.99 if you have a Kindle). The main character is unconventional, socially awkward and quirky, yet endearing. We follow along as his predictable life is thrown into disarray as he tries to find the "woman of his dreams". This is a fun and touching read that is hard to put down.


START NEW TRADITIONS...

Record the best part of your day (or your child's day). It could be something small or something big. This is a way to get past the riff raff, or perhaps get through bad times, by capturing the best memory, best moment of each passing day.

best of my days printable via under the sycamore

Create a family yearbook. I really want to tackle this in 2014. Only thing is, if I were to do it right, I need to start in 2007, the year I stopped scrapbooking. Poor child #2 still doesn't have a baby book.  :(

family year book via cre8d design

Most people, myself included, are not good at sticking with New Year's resolutions. This simple list makes goal setting more attainable. And there's even a set for kids. 

this year | 2014 goals printable via run lucas run

TRY NEW RECIPES...

After gaining a couple of pounds over the holidays, healthy eating is on my mind. I'm always looking for new ways to prepare quinoa, so I want to give this recipe a try.

asian fried quinoa via liv life

I'm a sucker for roasted brussel sprouts. After having the most delicious roasted sprouts with caramelized balsamic vinegar and dates at a local restaurant, I want to see if I can recreate it at home. This recipe might just be it...

date and balsamic glazed brussel sprouts via diabetic foodie

But, to keep it real... drool...

butterscotch spiral coffee cake via the galley gourmet

Have a great weekend!