Jerrica's Fool Proof Plan to a New (Better) Year

It's that time of year where almost everyone is thinking of a new year, new beginning, and new resolutions. I'm not fond of the word resolutions because that means there was a problem to begin with, and the areas I am choosing to focus on were not necessarily a problem in 2017... just an area I want to focus more on. So, I'm calling them New Year's Goals. 

I took the time to dig up the "resolutions" I made in 2016, and I laughed. I failed at them all... horribly. This past semester in my Personality Psych class, we learned a lot about goals. I realized where my 2017 plans went wrong. They weren't tangible goals. I didn't have a methodical plan. I just went willy nilly tackling these areas. Nope. Not doing that again. So here's to making the most of 2018 and having a plan of attack. 

1. Finish my Bachelors in December 2018 with at least a 3.4 GPA. I desperately wanted to graduate with honors, but my counselor did the math, and there is no physically possible way to reach above a 3.5. (Dumb choices in my early education like College Algebra in a 335+ member class and an 8:05 AM nutrition class.) I'm already hitting stumbling blocks, financially, but I am NOT giving up. 

2. Caring more and making time for things that truly make me happy, and caring less about things that I honestly don't like to begin with or can't control. I listened to the book "The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F" (Warning- there is language- lots of language. I needed some straightforward advice, and this was recommended.) I loved this book, and quickly decided to make it my motto for 2018. I am a worrier by nature, so this will be truly challenging. My journey started by axing those overly annoying people I've been meaning to unfriend for sometime on Facebook. Joy over annoy, people. What I am making time for?! I truly love writing this blog, and when I logged in today to see almost 100 people read my 2017 favs... it solidified my love and goal to make more time.

3. Paying it forward more. I recently read my BFF's blog about her new year's goals, which she mentions "Pay for someone’s meal, coffee, snack, etc. at least once a month." Read her whole amazingly awesome post HERE :) I'm adopting this goal, and we're holding each other accountable.

4. Another thing she mentions is taking care of your mental health. During my educational journey and recently becoming a crisis counselor, I have become overly cognizant of the importance of self-care. There's such a stigma around mental health, so not only do I vow to increase mt self care, but I want to work towards breaking down the walls of this stigma. You can look forward to blogs about this topic.

5. Making a conscious effort to use products on hand. If you've followed me for some time... 2017 I bought A LOT of beauty products. Now I have mountains of products that need given a new home or used. I won't say I'm not buying new products, but I will say I am making an effort to decrease the hoard at home.

I would be lying if I didn't mention making healthier choices and exercising isn't on my radar, but I am not listing it as a goal. I've got an accountability plan with my closest friends for this area. Plus... I want to look extra good walking across that stage in December. ;)

What are some of your goals for 2018? Are there any on my list you would like to adopt?

7 Favorite Things of 2017

I know, I know. It has been... quite some time. School, work, life in general. 2017 hasn't been the kindest year, but Joe and I have done so many cool things. That topic is for another day.

I thought I would stop in with a few of my favorite things from 2017. These are all items I couldn't live without and would definitely recommend purchasing. Some beauty, some home, some fashion.

1. Boxycharm. This is a subscription that I picked up in 2017. I dropped Ipsy about half way through the year because I was NOT happy with it. Boxy offers 5 full sized items for $21 a month. It

offers high end brands- Dr. Brandt, tarte, Ofra, pur-lisse. I've encountered some of my new favorite brands through this subscription. Interested in checking it out? Use my referral link. Click me :)

2. Glade Plugins. Ahh... I've tried many of the plugin air fresheners. These have proven time and time again to be the best. One plugin fills my entire living room, kitchen, and dining room. I used to have one in my bedroom, but it was so strong we had to move it. You can adjust it to less or more, but even on the lowest setting, it was still powerful. There's variety of scents for all profiles. Pick them up at any local store.

3. Zenni Optical. I have a husband who loses everything, and who is also probably legally blind. Glasses are expensive. The last time we actually bought glasses from the eye doctor we walked out spending almost $900. Eek! A friend recommended Zenni, and it is a godsend.  Their cheapest glasses start at $6.95, and the most expensive pair I've ever seen is roughly $35. Now, if you require special lenses, different coatings, or the extras... it will cost you more. When Joe dropped a 5 pound Napoleon book on his glasses during vacation- no fear. We got home and ordered a $6.95 pair that arrived less than two weeks. I scored these glittery, cat eye glasses for $12.95 https://www.zennioptical.com/ 

4. Atkins Mocha Latte Shake. I hit the low carb train pretty hard for a tad bit. I lived on Atkins shakes during this time. The mocha lattes were by far my favorite. Everyone recommended the caramel ones, but they left an awful after taste. I could drink these by themselves or partially poured into my coffee. It made for a great breakfast. The prices vary on these. I often found better deals on Amazon versus in store.


5. Wet Brush. My hair out of the shower is a tangled mess. I dread washing my hair because of the knots and tangles- even after using condition. Coupled with stress... my hair was falling out by the handfuls each time I brushed it. My aunt recommended the wet brush while we were on vacation. My little cousin has hair to her waist, so I knew this was a good product based on her recommendation. I bought one, and I LOVE IT!!!! I can brush my hair without ripping it out. Go buy it now. Check them out here.

6. Audible. This is a newer addition to my electronic devices. I love to read, and I was always against books on tape/cd. I felt like I was cheating on a real book, and I was convinced I would miss physically turning pages. I literally had no time to sit down and read after work and school full time. (Let's face it... I did enough reading for me and you both to complete assignments.) Audible allowed me to indulge in books, but still be free to do other things. I didn't feel bad about not having a book either. Audible is worth it. You get 1 credit a month towards a book for $14.95 (most audio books run $20-25.) Your first 30 days and first book are free. Prime member? You get free access to Audible channels, specific content, and extras FOR FREE! Download the Audible app today.

7. Farsali Unicorn Essence. This is also a recent Christmas gift from the world's best friend, but I SWEAR BY IT! In just a few days my excessive dryness and facial redness has disappeared. It smells delicious and packed with tons of antioxidants. The actual essence is pink and shimmery. And the packaging? Deep purple with gold accents. It has a ton of uses. For me, I just slather all over my face. Pure luxury. Also... you automatically feel like a youtube makeup guru while applying. I'm ready to add the Gold Elixir to my arsenal too! Unicorn Goodness!!!

There you have it. My 7 favorite things of 2017. I could have listed all beauty items, but I was fair to the other areas in my life. What are some of your favorites from 2017?