In hindsight: Reviewing 2015 Goals

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Some of you may not know this about me, but I have been blogging for over five years. I started creative writing on my blog to get better at it and to use it as my public journal. An escpae for creative ideas and a place for me to look back on. Every year, since I started blogging, I evaluate the goals I have set for myself. This is the first time, that I am carrying over the “In hindsight” series, as they usually live on my “Me So Pritti” blog.

Here are the goals I set for myself in 2015 (from In Hindsight 4):

  1. Finish kitchen renos on time and on budget– YES! My sexy kitchen is done and we don’t have (that much) residual debt from it. Our current debt is from other bad habits (#shopaholic #2016resolution).
  2. Lose 25 lbs (joined Weight Watchers  a few weeks ago and getting a personal trainer in January)– YES! I have lost (on a good day) 20 lbs since I started my new weightless journey. I do really need to get back into high gear though.
  3. Do more activities as a family (zoo, camping, vacations, road trips)- YES! We went to Papanack Zoo this year, we went camping in Ithaca this summer and visited friends in Thunder Bay and we are leaving for Cancun on Saturday!
  4. Get guitar lessons- Unfortunately not achieved.
  5. Perform an open Mic- Unfortunately not achieved.
  6. Buy my husband a truck of his dreams (SAVE!)- Soooooo, I bought a new car instead and he has my old SUV which is his new truck?
  7. Get myself a new car (SAVE MORE!)- yes! See #6. Look at me killing 2 birds with one stone.
  8. Travel to Italy or Armenia (SAVE EVEN MORE!)- I wish. All hope is not lost.
  9. Kick butt at Go-to Girl- Can’t wait to share what I have been working on for the new year!!!
  10. Nurture my plus-size fashion blog Mode XLusive– I am going to go ahead and say HELLZ YESSS!!
  11. 5 year plan… buy a second house, have another baby… a girl this time 😉 Sadly, nothing to report on this front.

I love this. I love seeing where my head was at. I can remember vividly what I was going through last December. I was stressed out, just like I am now, but the priorities were different. The focus has shifted. I really recommend this exercise to everyone!

Ok, now for 2016:

  1. BUDGET-Get a grip on spending, pay off small credit card debt and start mega-saving.
  2. HEALTH- Maintain weight loss and lose more if possible (no pressure). Maintain workout schedule and running. All this while protecting my lower back and shoulder.
  3. FAMILY- More of it; time and members. Register Victor for swimming and gymnastics.
  4. WORK & LIFE BALANCE- Finds ways and time to tune out and to kick butt all at the same time.
  5. ART- Start painting and drawing again.
  6. MUSIC- Get guitar lessons and perform an open mike song.
  7. VACATION- insert Italy/Armenia trip here. Also See #1.
  8. WRITING- Start my first kids book, have an article published on Huffington Post and take on more paid work.
  9. DECLUTTER- my life, my house, my friends, my stuff, my clothes.
  10. MODE XLUSIVE- keep blogging, grow my Instagram account and do more TV gigs.
  11. FIVE YEAR PLAN- Buy a second house as a rental unit.

Ok, I think that about sums it all up! Whoa, I have a LOT of work to do, and I better get started! What about you? Do you set yourself goals? Do you review your past year? What stood out for you the most? Have I possibly inspired you to do the same?

Thanks again for tuning in and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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2015 “Top 10 Reads” List

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When New Years comes around, I love looking back and evaluating everything that I have accomplished in the last year. It’s a promise that I make to myself and that I keep! 2015 has truly marked a significant milestone in my blogging career and I can’t wait to see where 2016 leads me. I have lots in store, so do stick around!

In case you only started tuning in as of late, you may be interested in my “Top 10 most read articles” on the blog this year!

  1. Plus Size Models in the Media
  2. Why can’t we accept Lena Dunham’s self-acceptance?
  3. Transformation: My 6 Month Weigh-In
  4. The Secret to a Great Full Body Shot
  5. Transformation: A Weight Loss Journey
  6. Ottawa’s Newest & Not-So Common Concept Shop
  7. Simons Gatineau- Now Open!
  8. Fashion Truck Canada
  9. Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show 2015 Recap
  10. Plus-Size Summer Style Guide in BHBB Magazine

Happy Reading and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

xoxo

 

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What to wear: Holiday Family Photos

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I wanted to take a moment to wish you all, my dear gorgeous readers, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I am so in love with these photos we did for Christmas, with Kristy Chapman. You would have already seen my holiday outfit post on “Festive Fashion“, but in these post I am sharing the family pics. But as you can see, the main focus in these pictures is my brand new kitchen, although renovated by my husband almost one year ago.

I know that figuring out the “family outfit” can be somewhat of a challenge. It’s a fine balance between not too matchy matchy, and well coordinated to get a cohesive look. This year’s theme was “Plaid”… and funny hats! Last year we went with “Canadian Tuxedo”. Awe, Victor is so much  younger in that pic (sorry, mommy moment).

Here are some great tips on organizing a family photo shoot.

 

 

 

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Wardrobe Malfunctions

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You’re at work, a little late, because you couldn’t decide what to wear. You frantically choose something and rush out the door. But, low and behold, as soon as you get to work, the regret sets in. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever suffered a wardrobe malfunction?

I’m sure everyone has experienced this sort of problem with their outfit. Maybe your…

  • Skirt is too short?
  • Blouse button is pulling at the chest?
  • Shoes are too tight?
  • Tights have a run?

Well, today I wore a blouse that was pulling at the chest, and it made me feel so uncomfortable. I hate tugging at my clothes all day long. You almost draw more attention to yourself when you’re fidgeting.

A few months back, I was contacted by a Canadian company called More Front Room. And they specialize in just that, providing clothes with more space in the chest area! They could have really come in handy today.

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