February is for Goal Setting

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Why Emily waited until February to set her 2017 goals. 

It still blows my mind that we're in 2017. I feel a little stuck in all of the grief and endings of 2016. Losing my grandfather and then later my secret keeper and dear friend, transitioning out of my family home, and figuring out what I really needed in 2017 has been an emotional weight that hasn't lightened. I've been struggling to set intentions, because the magic of setting them seemed to have disappeared.

I didn't start 2017 with the same inspiration I'm normally struck by in the first few days of the year. January made me want to curl away from the sad news of our world becoming separated and seeing so many losing their faith in our country. Taking the month off of anything strenuous seemed like the best plan of all. The past 31 days have been less rejuvenating than I hoped, but as I wrote about in this post, sometimes you just have to plow forward, and kick your own butt into a higher gear.

Since it feels like so much was taken from my life last year, this year is all about adding the good stuff back in - in the form of badass friendships, self-care in abundance, varied workouts, juice cleanses (because I love them so much), and more. I'll be back at the end of the week with my goal list and my new inspiration board. But what are some of your goals? More importantly, how are you staying charged?

XxEmily 

Weekend Snapshot 1.30.17

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I swear it was Friday five minutes ago...

RECAP:
Every day this past week, it felt like the news became more and more grim. Donald Trump closed the nation to refugees and predominately Muslim countries. In fact, he did a lot last week - here's a snapshot. People are continuing to protest, and a resist banner popped up near the White House.

In happier news, The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons are going to SuperBowl LI on Sunday. 'Happier' is clearly relative, since I'm still salty over the Steelers' loss. Activated charcoal worked its way into my diet last week in an incredible lemonade -- didn't see that coming! I snagged this cute dress for my niece and am going gaga over all of Dellie's puppy pictures and wanting another one (should I do it?!).

THREE FAVORITE WEEKEND THINGS:
1. The best water tracking app: Waterlogged. 
2. Hawaiian themed parties. 
3. Rewatching my favorite episodes of You're the Worst.

THIS WEEK:
This week we're getting back into yoga with YogaGlo; setting resolutions and intentions (and writing about why I waited until February); and experimenting with fun cocktail recipes for Valentine's Day. 

+ How was your weekend? What are you up to this week? 

Welcoming 2017

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To be honest, I don't know how I made it to 2017.

Last year was filled with so much grief, wounds thought healed cut open again, and an abundance of sleepless night. The holidays were infused with some joy but mostly heartache and confusion, and to be honest, the invitation to 2017 didn't seem too promising. That isn't to say there wasn't happiness and joy in 2016, but there was a definitive sadness and finality to it all.

Thankfully, some wonderful things did happened. The blog got a facelift, we grew to be a team, and wonderful connections were made with artisans and entrepreneurs and savvy business women alike. The idea of The Guide expanded from a singular focus to a mission of sorts, and the reach we now have is lovely and continuously growing.

The past few weeks were spent in hopeful recharge, but as we'll talk about through the next couple months, sometimes pushing forward is the best that can be done given the current circumstance. I am eternally grateful to our loyal readers and supporters, and am so thankful to have this little home to share ideas, inspiration, and the pieces that make life worth celebrating.

I look forward to sharing, for my team to share, and to hopefully hear some of your voices on how you make the bad parts good again and the low spirits elevated.

All my love to you.
It's great to be back. XxEmily.