New Year's {Resolutions}

This year, I have only three resolutions:

1. Lose 40 pounds by eating healthy and exercising 5x/week.

2. Complete at least 30 more items in my 101 in 1,001 challenge.

3. Travel to at least one new place.

I know that I can accomplish these things. I have a few things already planned, but I know that I will find a way to complete all of this. I am filled with hope for 2014, and I am confident in myself and my abilities.

I already began my weight loss journey in 2013, and while I lost only a few pounds (only to regain them over Christmas... whoops) I have been losing again since then. I have been walking at least 10,000 steps per day and plan to continue to do so. I plan on incorporating running, strength training, dance, and hopefully some yoga/pilates in order to achieve my goal and become a healthier, happier person.

I made a list of 101 in 1,001 - 101 things to complete in 1,001 days - last September and I plan to continue working on that list. I have many things that are half-way or almost complete, and many things yet to do. I hope to knock out at least 30 of my goals in the upcoming year.

Lastly, I would like to travel somewhere new. Even if it's in California. I've been itching to travel but not having the time or money, but I will find a way because there is so much that I long to see and do.

I will find my way to happiness in the upcoming year.

What are your resolutions for 2014?

xoxo

Oh, Christmas Tree! {Part One}

'Staching through the snow...

Christmas is here! (Well, basically - only 6 more days!) We're having our preschool Christmas party tomorrow, then my mom and I are off to Southern California! There's so much happening between now and December 25th, and I'm so glad to have time to spend with my family. 

None of my family gets to see my house or tree... trees (I have one large tree and four mini ones!) so I wanted to document my first Christmas in this house to share. 

This was a Pottery Barn find, last year after Christmas... my favorite time to buy ornaments!

My true dream in life is to travel, so many of my ornaments are travel-related. For instance, above a London bus is pictured ... Yes, I will be one of those cheesy tourists on the bus; also will be one of those people who take cheesy photos in a phone booth ... and pictured below, the globe!

Snagged this at Cost Plus World Market

And since my dad loved planes, and I love travel ... I have a multitude of plane ornaments, but this one is my favorite:

I have a faux-tree, which I love (even though it's hard to store) and I have been collecting ornaments for a few years now, waiting for my very own tree to put them on. I was so glad with the outcome! 

Here's my favorite ornament:

Take me to Paris!

What is your favorite ornament? 

Do you have a faux-tree or a real one?

xoxo

Boardwalk Concerts

Last Friday, 7/12/13

Every Friday night during Summer, the Boardwalk has free Friday night concerts, which is great entertainment for people on a budget (like me!). So my roommate and I headed downtown for some cheap food before going to last week's concert, Blue Oyster Cult. 

It was a pretty great show. We were a bit late so we had to sit pretty far back, but as you can see above, the view was pretty wonderful. The music rocked, and the crowd was enthusiastic, which made the show that much better. 

For those of you also on a budget, you should check out if there are free concerts or shows in your area! It certainly does something to shake up your weekend. 

xoxo

Caryn Elizabeth

Mexico 2013

So during June of this year, I went down to Puerto Vallarta with most of my family, which was pretty awesome.

I made sure to pack lots of sunscreen and a very large, floppy hat (it's from World Market) but I was still lobster-red by day three. 

We stayed at this beautiful resort, called Velas Vallarta. It has two pools (one with a bar, which was on my bucket list!), a beautiful lobby and even its own private beach. 

The "adults-only" pool, complete with bar! It was wonderful. This is where we spend most of our days, lounging and soaking up the sun. 

Seeing the peacocks around the resort was my favorite part of the trip, except for....

Swimming with the dolphins! 

My little cousin is obsessed with dolphins, and so her only request was to have a private swim with them. I was excited, too, and being around the two dolphins, Eva and Mila, was majestic. It was an experience I'm unlikely to forget. 

I feel very blessed to have had this trip with my family, and I hope to continue travelling to at least one new place every year. 

Where would you guys love to travel?

Dolphin kisses, 

Caryn Elizabeth