The New Year, 2014

New Year's resolutions have never quite stuck with me. I have done them all- resolve to exercise more, lose weight, be more patient, so on and so forth. I even made resolutions when I was teaching- grade and return assignments faster, keep my classroom organized, blah, blah, blah.

And you know how long those resolutions lasted? About 4 days. I am probably not the sole deserter of the Resolution Revolution. 

There is ONE resolution that I am proud that I have kept. Honest- like 75% of the time, which I think is pretty good statistically. A few years ago, I made the resolution to make my bed every day.  I know, sounds a little childish, but I was totally guilty of not making the bed (one of those college habits that just kinda stuck around). And Mike certainly wasn't going to do it, considering his mom always made his bed when he was growing up. So one year, I just decided to do it. And I did it the next day. And the next. In fact, I made it yesterday too.   

2013 has been a fantastic year for me and my family, and I hope that 2014 will be just a great. Since 2013 was a year was full of change, I am going to take another stab at this Resolution concept. But I am going to make them really vague, to increase my odds of success. I really don't like that guilty failure feeling. 

MY VAGUE RESOLUTIONS FOR 2014

1.  Stay more organized: This could be as simple as placing dirty socks in the hamper and not beside it (Clough offspring take note). Maybe it's tackling the mail immediately, and not letting it sit on the counter. Maybe it's putting away cookie cutters and sketches so that they are more easily found when you're in a hurry. . . um. . . yeah. . . need to work on that one. 

2.  Waste not, want not:  Repurposing items is so trendy now, which is great for the ol' bank account. An oversized computer cabinet repurposed as a linen closet? Did it! Using a cookie cutter for some other design? Did it! Creating cookies with all the cutters that I bought in 2013?  
<insert cricket chirp> 
But look! I am already making strides! The winged heart for a cute pig-tailed girl. Haven't used that cutter before! Don't have a cookie order for her yet, but I am ready for when the occasion comes!

3.  Use time wisely: I am really good at procrastinating. I fondly think about one of Ellen DeGeneres' stand-up routines when she said "Procrastinate now, don't put it off". I can totally relate. So I am going to *try* to make better use of time. Just the other day, I had a few extra minutes and some extra white icing. So I made some plain ovals for future paint-the-cookie sets.

And wouldn't you know it? I used them right away! I guess I'll have to make more now. I'll do it tomorrow, you know, when I have time. Maybe.

By the way, this completely awesome paint-the-cookie technique is from Montreal Confections.  Click here to see her video!

This completes my Vague Resolutions for 2014.
I'd love to hear about your resolutions, so drop me a comment! 
Thank you for following and supporting me on this crazy journey.
Here's to a Sweet 2014!