As I’m sitting here typing this, it’s hard for me to believe that someone will actually read it, or care to for that matter. It’s all so surreal to me. I’m so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and started thethriftyblondeblog. I can’t believe how quickly 2018 flew by but it was one for the books. Starting a blog and an Instagram account that people actually read and follow is mind blowing! From creating a blog, transferring to a clinic where I work for the very best doctors and have the best coworkers ever,  to having an almost perfect performance evaluation and getting a raise, the Lord has blessed my family and me tremendously this past year and I have so much to be thankful for!

A New Year is always refreshing to me because it’s new and vibrant and sort of a fresh start. I never make resolutions that I don’t think I can stick with. Like going to the gym…you will not find me in gym, so I’m not going to pretend like that’s something I will start doing. Make resolutions that won’t make you feel like a failure early on. Even though, overall I had a wonderful year, there were parts that were not so glamorous. I was stressed out A LOT and my health was/is not that great. My plan and resolutions for this year is to put practices in place to prevent many of the not-so-great moments from happening so often.

Resolutions

Improving My Diet: I don’t think I’ve ever talked about this on social media, but I have a connective tissue disease and recently had surgery where it was found that I have granulomas (masses of tissue) in all of my fingers and parts of my hands. There are several types of connective tissue diseases and hundreds of things that could cause me to have granulomas, so I go back to the doctor in a few weeks for more testing. The connective tissue problem causes joint pain, swelling, body pain and just plain feeling like poo when I have a flare up. I also have autoimmune thyroiditis along with hypothyroidism which basically means that my body sees my thyroid as a foreign body and I will take thyroid replacement medicine forever.  I say all of this because I feel like if I ate more healthy and took the time to do more research on how my diet affects my condition, I would feel better. Because now, I eat whatever I want, skip dinner sometimes because I’m too tired to eat, drink way too many sodas and use way too much salt. I’m not sure, but I’m going to give it a go and see if it works.

More Time in Scripture Prayer: This is a major improvement and something that is very important to me. Also, something that seems to get put on the back burner. Yes, I go to church but I also need my own quiet time at home with Jesus, with just Him and me. There’s just something about quiet prayer time and “being still” that we need that I never do. This is a huge problem for me because I have a hard time sitting still. I am constantly going, going, going…and it leaves me exhausted, moody and stressed to the max. This will be a good way to de-stress whether it be in the morning before work because honestly when I get up at 4:15, I sit on my phone and respond to Instagram comments and DM’s for at least 15 minutes. I received a prayer work book for Christmas so that will be a great tool.

Unplug More Often: I hardly ever do this, but I think it would be beneficial for me to do it more often and a good way to manage stress. I am constantly on my phone, whether it be on Instagram, texting, banking, whatever it may be, I think taking several days out of the year with no phone or electronics, and go on a road trip, take a hike, hang by the pool… It’s good to recharge with no distractions whether you be alone or with the people you love.

Bring you the best outfit inspo!: Blogging goals for 2019 you may ask? My goal when starting this blog was to show women how to dress on a budget and that to look cute and trendy, you don’t have to spend a fortune. I believe that I have accomplished that thus far based on the positive feedback you sweet gals have given me! (thank you from the bottom of my heart!) My plan was mainly for outfit ideas, so you can incorporate what I put together and make it your own. I just want to keep bringing you the best affordable outfit inspiration that I can. And, if I hit 1K followers by the end of 2019, I’ll be in shock, HAHA!! I also, need a good planner and need to be more organized about what and when I’m going to post! I would also like to come up with something weekly to showcase shoes or a certain item or outfit (i.e. “Tuesday Shoesday” “Workwear Wednesday”)…not exactly this but you get my drift 🙂

MONEY HONEY: Okay, so last but not least comes the dreaded subject of finances. Right now, my closet is bursting at the seems and its shameful how many clothes I have that I’ve only worn for IG photos. I actually have laundry now that needs to be hung up that can’t be because I don’t have anymore clothes hangers.  Lord knows I don’t need all of those clothes and I’m sure they were super cheap when I bought them but I am putting myself on a budget. Like every week I will have “X” amount to spend on clothes or shoes and when that runs out, I’m done. Keep in mind, I am not rich, I just buy clothes for cheap and find really good deals and have the sweetest hubby that doesn’t care. And, as much as I love clothes, I love the beach more and would love to go on more vacations this year! And, I am horrible at saving money so I really want to improve on that this year as well!

I’m not a huge fan of reading and that goes back to me not being able to sit still, but there are some books that I would like to read this year that I want to share:

The Simplified Life by Emily Ley | Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis (I actually started reading this but haven’t got past the 2nd chapter) | Prayer, It’s Not About You by Harriet E Michael along with the study guide | Grace, Not Perfection by Emily Ley

Like I said in the beginning, I believe if I put these practices in action, especially the first three, I will be way less stressed and healthy. BUT, 2019, you have some big shoes to fill! Thank you for all of your love and support over the last few months! Happy New Year!

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers 6:25-26

XOXO

Lauren