January was a very productive month in the decluttering and organizing area. I am so happy that I have been able to cross some things off my household project list -- it means that I am that many steps closer to crossing that goal off this list! Overall I'm very pleased with my progress for only one month in. Here's how things went goal-wise this month...
Personal:
- Lose 20 lbs (about 1.5 lbs a month) - I have lost zero pounds so far. I'm okay with this since I am only 1 month in.
- Exercise 292 days - In January I exercised 20 out of 31 days. I'd say that I am off to an amazing start for not exercising very much in the past. I also did not start working on this goal until the 5th, so that was 4 days right there that I didn't exercise. I usually ride my exercise bike and do some stretches while Howard is napping, and then I can also grab a quick shower before he wakes up. There are days when I am very sore, but there are also days when I feel amazing. The amazing days are what keep me going and make this en-devour feel worthwhile!
- Drink at least 70 oz of water everyday - I do great with this the days that I work. The days when I am at home all day find me drinking more hot tea than usual. I am hoping that I can do better with this goal in February.
- Coupon and deal shop to stick to my $350/month budget - I shared my budget update for January here. If you click over, you can see all of the great things I was able to stock-up on while still staying under budget! We did a freezer/pantry challenge in January, so the only purchases I had to make were things to round out our meals, or make something into a meal. This left me with a LOT of leeway to stock-up on things at rock-bottom prices! Like diapers. And lotion. And vitamins. And, you get the picture.
- Earn at least 6 - $25 Amazon gift card through Swagbucks - I earned my first $25 Amazon gift card for 2016 this month. I really didn't think I be able to get another one so quickly; however, I have Joe on board now. He will ask if I've reached enough for my daily bonus when we go to bed at night, and if I haven't, he'll let the app run while we get ready for bed, and chat, and read. Little things like that really add up apparently.
- List at least 10 things per month online - In January I tested the waters of the Facebook selling groups. I listed bras, swim trunks, purses, chair cushions, and a few other things. All totaled I listed 31 items in January and sold 9 of them. Pretty good for a first go-round. In February I plan to list some sewing patterns on Ebay as well as some books on Amazon.
- Set up at 6 Flea Markets/Shows to sell our wares - We were suppose to set up at a Flea Market on the 30th, however, with all the snow the show has been postponed until February 20th. So, we will set up next month and get this goal started!
Household:
- Completely declutter the entire house - I made a LOT of progress on this goal in January. I usually start with the bedroom, move into the hall, then do the living room, bathroom, and kitchen, ending in the nursery/office. I do that room last because I know the other 5 won't be as involved, and I can get them done quickly. But then, by the time I get to the nursery/office, I have usually run out steam, or time. This year I decided to go backwards, kind of. I am putting my primary focus on the nursery/office, and working on the other areas as time allows. I can only work in the nursery/office in the mornings, because of Howard's daily afternoon nap (which I am ever so grateful for). This leaves nap-time for couponing, blogging, OR quiet decluttering. While I can't declutter my squeaky kitchen cabinets while he is sleeping, I can go through a basket or two in the living room or some dresser drawers in the bedroom. I think that this tactic is going to work well for me over the next couple months, and allow me to get this goal crossed off sooner. As for my progress, I have finished the nursery/office closet, desk area, and chest of drawers. I am also halfway through our bedroom, and the living room.
- Finish my 2016 project list - I have my project list update posted separately. However, I will share that I was able to cross off quite a few items, mostly decluttering, but I think it's best to get that out of the way before I start some of the larger projects. I also managed to do some painting during the blizzard!
Blogging:
- Post at least 3 times a week - I did amazingly well with this goal during January. I posted at least 3 times per week. All totaled I shared 17 posts in January, which averages to 4.25 a week!
- Do a 31 day series in October - Not there yet. I have been working on some ideas in my blogging journal though.
- Set up a Facebook page for my blog - Didn't happen in January, but I have this at the top of my list for February. It seems so simple, so I want it crossed off quick.
How is everyone else doing with their goals?
Anything new or different you are trying this year?
Share some of your goals in the comments...
