this & that, volume 1 - love always, audrey

Hellooooo, 2018! I’m starting this year off with a new series to replace Link Love called “this & that.”

The reason for this change is that I wanted to share more with you each week than just links around the web. I feel like this title change gives me more room to play around with in this weekly update, so we’ll see where it goes!

So… let’s do this!

I got back earlier this week from 2 weeks in Phoenix. Idan and I both took the time to spend with family and friends, and even squeezed in a day trip to Sedona! The warmth was wonderful, but I’m happy to be back home in Chicago (even with 5 degree temps).

This year didn’t start off the way that most of them do; I usually fly back to Chicago bright eyed and excited to tackle new challenges for the year. This time, it doesn’t feel like much has changed and I had to literally force myself to do goal setting for 2018. I don’t do resolutions because they are notoriously hard to keep, but I set some intentions and goals for the year, like getting a grip on investing, sticking to my monthly budget, maxing out my Roth IRA, sleeping without my phone next to me for the whole year, reading 25 books, and volunteering once a week.

I do want to grow the blog more and put out some great content, but I’ve realized that you just can’t force it, so I’m not going to keep myself to a schedule with it. I’m going to post as I’m inspired, and I think you’ll be happier reading that way, too! Blogging, like love, is like a fart. If you have to force it, it’s probably shi*t. ;)

I’m not sure why 2018 already feels different (or maybe it doesn’t at all), but I’m rolling with it so far because it seems like a few other people feel the same way. If you have any tips for breaking out of a rut or getting more excited about the year, please send them my way!

Either way, happy 2018! I hope this year holds everything you want and more.

Links I Love:

Julia’s 2017 year in review showcases all her beautiful photography throughout the year. I love her feminine style!

9 ways to be a better person this year.

I put this canvas sign on my Cricut craft to-do list as soon as I saw it. How creative!

This recipe looks divine: butternut squash noodles with goat cheese and sage. Drool.

This post has been going around a lot of link roundups, and for good reason. I need to read this every day!

20 resolutions to make this year (that have nothing to do with losing weight)

Did I share this already? I don’t remember. It’s worth sharing again: this author has a bone to pick with “The Holiday” and it’s hilarious.

Every single fun thing to do in Chicago this winter.

From The Blog:

Would you ever know this tile isn’t real?