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2014 New Year’s Resolutions

01/04/14 | New Year's Resolutions

Last year I made thirteen New Year’s Resolutions and didi a pretty good job sticking to them.  It was fun to look back on them from time to time and see how I did.  Making thirteen of them was hard and I was not planning on coming up with fourteen this year but … By now it has gone viral Elite’s list of 25 New Year’s Resolutions Every Person Should Actually Make For 2014.  I love creativity and perspective on those items and it inspired me to make my own with some shameless borrowing inspiration.

1) GROWTH

I want to introduce Lilies and Basil into my life. Hey, you have to start somewhere!  I am growing an amaryllis flower in my office and my goal is to keep it alive for at least six months. I have never tried it before but already the green sprouts brighten my day! If this works well I am thinking about fresh basil in my apartment. Bucket List.  This year I want to be able to cross something off my travel bucket list. I did not leave the country in 2013 and I would love to in 2014.  If that does not work out there are still so many things in the United States I would love to see.  Keep Learning. This year I took a photography course for the first time in five years and remembered how much I love it.  I would like to take more and start up cooking classes while I am at it.

2) PERSONAL

Be Bold.  If I think a guy is cute, I am going to make an effort to say “hi” and introduce myself. As Elite said, every relationship starts with a greeting.  Along the same lines, I am going to be a bit more liberal with giving out my phone number on the dating front and the worst-case scenario: you won’t get a call and maybe you’ll feel a tiny bit embarrassed. I also need let go and Apologize. Like the Elite said rid yourself of enemies because life is short. I am going to apologize to those I want to be friends with and cut loose ties with others.  Gym Honestly. I need to stop rationalizing with myself about going to the gym – somedays I am honestly too busy but somedays, I really have no excuse not to go – I am paying so my goal is to take advantage. As a side note- I am going to take the stars when I have the opportunity even if I do not feel like it. 

3)  COMMUNICATION

I only have 27 family members combined and I do not talk to them nearly as much as I should.  Cousin Connection is on the top of my list because my biggest relationship with a few of my cousins is a back and forth Candy Crush request.  That should not count. Next, I am going to employ a Social Media Filter.  I am going to post the things I want to post, share, tweet, or shout from the rooftops. If I think it is worth sharing I am going to post it, even if it only gets two likes, and be happy about it instead of worrying about what my friends might think – If I like the status/photo enough to post it, what else matters? Lastly, I need to embrace Radio Silence. I am actually going to turn off my iPhone off at dinner and encourage my friends to do the same.  Not vibrate, off. Not only will it save battery but it will stop me from wanting to do the “five second check”. 

4) BLOG GROWTH

My first blog goal is go on more Blates.  2013 was my year of blates – meeting Michael, Hannah Margaret, Setarra, Alyssa, and Karly was wonderful. I go on even more blates this year, especially with women whose blogs I read every day. One of my really big blog goals this upcoming year is to do Outfit Posts.  I am going to figure out how/when/where to take outfit posts. I have tried doing it with a tripod and it is pretty tricky, so hopefully I can beg some friend into taking them for me.  Not everyday, but I would like at least one a week! Make Connections is my final goal for 2014, especially on my blog. 

And to kick it off right, use the code RESOLUTIONS for 20.14%
off any add on Sparkles and Shoes!

Happy New Year!  What your resolutions for this New Year? 

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Comments

  1. Misty Carone says

    January 10, 2014 at 2:22 am

    Those are some great resolutions. LOVE the list you shared from Elite. I have yet to make mine this year, still planning on doing it. I, too, hope to gain more blog growth. That, and create a daily/weekly routine so that I have time to do the 101 things I want/need to do each day. Thanks for recently leaving comments on my blog, btw 🙂 -www.momistabeginnings.com

  2. Misty Carone says

    January 10, 2014 at 2:22 am

    Those are some great resolutions. LOVE the list you shared from Elite. I have yet to make mine this year, still planning on doing it. I, too, hope to gain more blog growth. That, and create a daily/weekly routine so that I have time to do the 101 things I want/need to do each day. Thanks for recently leaving comments on my blog, btw 🙂 -www.momistabeginnings.com

  3. Janna says

    January 7, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    These are great resolutions! For about five years, I refused to go to the gym, but now I love it. I really want to be healthy and strengthen my body, and now that I’m used to it, I feel bleh if I don’t go!

  4. Janna says

    January 7, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    These are great resolutions! For about five years, I refused to go to the gym, but now I love it. I really want to be healthy and strengthen my body, and now that I’m used to it, I feel bleh if I don’t go!

  5. Sarah says

    January 7, 2014 at 11:55 am

    Love your list! Concise but powerful and attainable. Good luck!!

  6. Sarah says

    January 7, 2014 at 11:55 am

    Love your list! Concise but powerful and attainable. Good luck!!

  7. Allison says

    January 6, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    Hope you have a great time fulfilling your goals! Communication and blog growth are on mine too!

    xoxo
    Allison

    http://www.ajustloveblog.wordpress.com

  8. Allison says

    January 6, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    Hope you have a great time fulfilling your goals! Communication and blog growth are on mine too!

    xoxo
    Allison

    http://www.ajustloveblog.wordpress.com

  9. Kari @ The Kari Diaries says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    I love the way you’ve divided your resolutions into categories. It really put everything into perspective (as opposed to my random listing which just leaves me with a mess of good intentions lol). I can relate to so many of these, specifically the learning to do something new, going on blates and keeping in touch with people. I was reminded at the end of last year about all the people I should be talking a whole lot more to but don’t & I plan to change that.

  10. Kari @ The Kari Diaries says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    I love the way you’ve divided your resolutions into categories. It really put everything into perspective (as opposed to my random listing which just leaves me with a mess of good intentions lol). I can relate to so many of these, specifically the learning to do something new, going on blates and keeping in touch with people. I was reminded at the end of last year about all the people I should be talking a whole lot more to but don’t & I plan to change that.

  11. Sophia M says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:05 am

    Happy new year Kelly!!! However great resolutions! 🙂
    xoxo Sophia

    http://styleofsophia.blogspot.it

  12. Sophia M says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:05 am

    Happy new year Kelly!!! However great resolutions! 🙂
    xoxo Sophia

    http://styleofsophia.blogspot.it

  13. Anna Sinclair says

    January 6, 2014 at 1:45 am

    Communication is on my 2014 list as well!

    Happy (late) New Year!

  14. Anna Sinclair says

    January 6, 2014 at 1:45 am

    Communication is on my 2014 list as well!

    Happy (late) New Year!

  15. Ramona says

    January 5, 2014 at 11:36 pm

    What a great resolution! Happy New Year!
    ♥
    xoxo Ra

    http://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie

  16. Ramona says

    January 5, 2014 at 11:35 pm

    What a great resolution! Happy New Year!
    ♥
    xoxo Ra

    http://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie

  17. Sooae Lee says

    January 5, 2014 at 10:11 pm

    awesome resolutions!!!! xO! http://www.thehautecookie.com

    -Facebook-
    http://www.facebook.com/TheHauteCookie
    -Twitter-
    http://www.twitter.com/thehautecookie
    -Instagram-
    http://www.statigr.am/thehautecookie

  18. Laura says

    January 5, 2014 at 9:34 pm

    Growing basil is so easy and it would make your apartment smell so good! I love your blog growth goals. I would love to go on a blate and should make that a priority for myself, too! 🙂

  19. Christina McCall says

    January 5, 2014 at 9:29 pm

    Love these resolutions — I’m narrowing down what One Little Word will be mine for 2014 (via Ali Edwards’ blog) — being bold in multiple areas of my life is on the short list 🙂 Off to read the Elite article …

  20. Bella says

    January 5, 2014 at 9:26 pm

    I love this post! You are so right about being bold! You never know unless you put yourself out there. I haven’t been on a blate! I would love to go on one 🙂

    Also, good idea about growing plants in your surrounding areas. I need to have plants in my place and in my office.

    I also want to do outfit posts on my Bellaesque blog, just gotta get the tripod ready. Cheers to a New Year love!!

  21. Sooae Lee says

    January 5, 2014 at 10:11 pm

    awesome resolutions!!!! xO! http://www.thehautecookie.com

    -Facebook-
    http://www.facebook.com/TheHauteCookie
    -Twitter-
    http://www.twitter.com/thehautecookie
    -Instagram-
    http://www.statigr.am/thehautecookie

  22. jackie jade says

    January 5, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    great goals/resolutions for this year! i hope to travel more this year and keep on learning as well. would also love to do more blates too!

    — jackie @ jade and oak

  23. Laura says

    January 5, 2014 at 9:34 pm

    Growing basil is so easy and it would make your apartment smell so good! I love your blog growth goals. I would love to go on a blate and should make that a priority for myself, too! 🙂

  24. Christina McCall says

    January 5, 2014 at 9:29 pm

    Love these resolutions — I’m narrowing down what One Little Word will be mine for 2014 (via Ali Edwards’ blog) — being bold in multiple areas of my life is on the short list 🙂 Off to read the Elite article …

  25. Bella says

    January 5, 2014 at 9:26 pm

    I love this post! You are so right about being bold! You never know unless you put yourself out there. I haven’t been on a blate! I would love to go on one 🙂

    Also, good idea about growing plants in your surrounding areas. I need to have plants in my place and in my office.

    I also want to do outfit posts on my Bellaesque blog, just gotta get the tripod ready. Cheers to a New Year love!!

  26. Dez Offril says

    January 5, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    I love this post, especially your blog growth one. I should make that a resolutions myself! And if you do plan on doing outfit posts, taking photos once a week should be perfect!

    http://www.thestylebender.com

  27. jackie jade says

    January 5, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    great goals/resolutions for this year! i hope to travel more this year and keep on learning as well. would also love to do more blates too!

    — jackie @ jade and oak

  28. Dez Offril says

    January 5, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    I love this post, especially your blog growth one. I should make that a resolutions myself! And if you do plan on doing outfit posts, taking photos once a week should be perfect!

    http://www.thestylebender.com

  29. Sabrina Kwan says

    January 5, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    Really great resolutions that are both realistic and will really help your year grow in general. Best wishes!

    Sincerely,

    Sabrina

  30. Sabrina Kwan says

    January 5, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    Really great resolutions that are both realistic and will really help your year grow in general. Best wishes!

    Sincerely,

    Sabrina

  31. Jessica Mattioli says

    January 5, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Happy new yearrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!

    The Fashion Heels
    Facebook
    Bloglovin
    Twitter

  32. Jessica Mattioli says

    January 5, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Happy new yearrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!

    The Fashion Heels
    Facebook
    Bloglovin
    Twitter

  33. Nonee Ngazimbi says

    January 5, 2014 at 4:32 am

    Great Resolutions…I too am aiming for blog growth!!! 🙂 good luck…your doing very well

    CHECK OUT MY LATEST GIVEAWAY!!!

    http://thepinnestsjournal.blogspot.com/2014/01/blogiversary-giveaway.html

  34. Nonee Ngazimbi says

    January 5, 2014 at 4:32 am

    Great Resolutions…I too am aiming for blog growth!!! 🙂 good luck…your doing very well

    CHECK OUT MY LATEST GIVEAWAY!!!

    http://thepinnestsjournal.blogspot.com/2014/01/blogiversary-giveaway.html

  35. Marlana says

    January 5, 2014 at 2:31 am

    Great Resolutions! I always try to actively stop checking my phone when I am with friends but it is hard sometimes!

  36. Marlana says

    January 5, 2014 at 2:31 am

    Great Resolutions! I always try to actively stop checking my phone when I am with friends but it is hard sometimes!

  37. Kelly says

    January 4, 2014 at 9:05 pm

    Haha, a blate is a blogger-date! When bloggers meet for brunch, dinner, movies, shopping, whatever!

  38. Kate Hall says

    January 4, 2014 at 5:16 pm

    Yes! I am keen to go on more blates which I should do as I have connected with a lot of bloggers in Germany recently!

  39. Miriam says

    January 4, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    haha, ok i just googled blates and couldn’t find anything on it.. what is it?

  40. Miriam says

    January 4, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    I’m liking your resolutions – especially the be bold one! i need to check out blates!

    http://www.simplyxclassic.com

  41. Kate Jordan says

    January 4, 2014 at 5:16 pm

    Yes! I am keen to go on more blates which I should do as I have connected with a lot of bloggers in Germany recently!

  42. Miriam says

    January 4, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    haha, ok i just googled blates and couldn’t find anything on it.. what is it?

    • Kelly says

      January 4, 2014 at 9:05 pm

      Haha, a blate is a blogger-date! When bloggers meet for brunch, dinner, movies, shopping, whatever!

  43. Miriam says

    January 4, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    I’m liking your resolutions – especially the be bold one! i need to check out blates!

    http://www.simplyxclassic.com

  44. Kimberly Ann says

    January 4, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    I love this post! Those are such simple resolutions – and honest ones!

    Kim
    http://trendkeeper.me

  45. PinkPanthress says

    January 4, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    I’m with you on #2 & cute guys this year. Being Single is awesome & almost Drama free, but meeting new people of the opposite sex is quite nice, too. 😉

    Follow the royal Peach!

  46. Kimberly Ann says

    January 4, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    I love this post! Those are such simple resolutions – and honest ones!

    Kim
    http://trendkeeper.me

  47. PinkPanthress says

    January 4, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    I’m with you on #2 & cute guys this year. Being Single is awesome & almost Drama free, but meeting new people of the opposite sex is quite nice, too. 😉

    Follow the royal Peach!

  48. Allie Mackin says

    January 4, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    These sound like great goals. Haha when I first read “Lilies and Basil” I though it was the name of a new blog of company. Yes Blates are great and a wonderful way to connect with other bloggers. The main NYC Bloggers site is not up yet but if are ever in New York let us know!

    Allie of ALLIE NYC
    allienyc.com

  49. Kailagh says

    January 4, 2014 at 11:59 am

    I want to travel this year also! There is so much to see in the world. My goal, because I love photography also, is to travel and take pictures. You should do the same! Also, I know I want to make more connections through blogging. Can’t wait to see what this year has in store for you.

    xo. Kailagh

  50. Allie Mackin says

    January 4, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    These sound like great goals. Haha when I first read “Lilies and Basil” I though it was the name of a new blog of company. Yes Blates are great and a wonderful way to connect with other bloggers. The main NYC Bloggers site is not up yet but if are ever in New York let us know!

    Allie of ALLIE NYC
    allienyc.com

  51. Kailagh says

    January 4, 2014 at 11:59 am

    I want to travel this year also! There is so much to see in the world. My goal, because I love photography also, is to travel and take pictures. You should do the same! Also, I know I want to make more connections through blogging. Can’t wait to see what this year has in store for you.

    xo. Kailagh

  52. Ann says

    January 4, 2014 at 10:58 am

    Have a great year ahead.
    Cool resolutions you got there
    especially regarding planting.
    I think its nice to always have fresh basil around.

    http://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

  53. Ann says

    January 4, 2014 at 10:58 am

    Have a great year ahead.
    Cool resolutions you got there
    especially regarding planting.
    I think its nice to always have fresh basil around.

    http://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

  54. Jeannette says

    January 4, 2014 at 8:40 am

    Happy new Year too 🙂

    FOLLOW ME:

    http://rimanerenellamemoria.blogspot.de

    https://www.facebook.com/Rimanerenellamemoria

    http://instagram.com/rimanerenellamemoria

  55. [email protected] and Soda says

    January 4, 2014 at 8:25 am

    2014 is the year of blates for me too. it’s been a while since i’ve met up with bloggers so this year is extra exciting for me.

    i cannot for the life of me, take care of plants. i went and bought a mint and basil plant and they were ok for a while but then they flat out died. i have no idea what i did wrong as i followed the instructions. turns out you have to give them fertilizer! it did not say that on the tag thingy it came with – just lots of sunshine and water.

    kathy
    Vodka and Soda

  56. Jeannette says

    January 4, 2014 at 8:40 am

    Happy new Year too 🙂

    FOLLOW ME:

    http://rimanerenellamemoria.blogspot.de

    https://www.facebook.com/Rimanerenellamemoria

    http://instagram.com/rimanerenellamemoria

  57. [email protected] and Soda says

    January 4, 2014 at 8:25 am

    2014 is the year of blates for me too. it’s been a while since i’ve met up with bloggers so this year is extra exciting for me.

    i cannot for the life of me, take care of plants. i went and bought a mint and basil plant and they were ok for a while but then they flat out died. i have no idea what i did wrong as i followed the instructions. turns out you have to give them fertilizer! it did not say that on the tag thingy it came with – just lots of sunshine and water.

    kathy
    Vodka and Soda

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog.  I am a New York City girl at heart but I moved to London in the Spring of 2018!

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