The old tracks

Hey friends! Long time, no see! Excuse my absence in January, but it was good to start the new year with a break from the blog. As much as I do love blogging, it can be overwhelming sometimes, especially when I have a full-time career. I kept thinking I want my blog to be like this blogger, and that blogger, and then I quickly realized that most of my favorite bloggers do this as their main job. And to be honest, that's not even an interest or goal of mine. I love my career. But I also love my blog. And spending time with friends and family, cooking meals, running, cleaning, and traveling, and sometimes it makes my head spin with how busy I can let myself become. I'm going to focus on all of the things I love, but not put too much pressure on myself to be perfect at everything. Because it's just impossible. I'm just going to be "me" for a while, whatever that means. Let life stay slow, and let myself enjoy everything I can do in a day's time (which includes binge-watching Friends on Netflix). ;)

So what's new? Since the new year, I've started a "lifestyle change" with how I approach diet and fitness. This time, there is no end goal. Sure, I have a wedding this year that I want to get in shape for, but I'm not thinking of that as my end. I'm hoping by switching to a lifestyle change, rather than a diet, I can really stick with it this time. I'm not depriving myself of anything I love, and I'm not working myself to death at the gym. I'm eating healthy, cooking a lot, packing lunches (and saving money!) and going to the gym when I can. I started a 5K training, which has been pretty easy and enjoyable so far. I'm trying to work on making every area of my life healthier - when I'm dining out, at work, or at home. I'm still following WW, which I think I always will for the rest of my life. It's just the best way to learn about portion control, eating healthier, and allowing yourself to splurge a little when you want to.

Wedding planning is coming along! We have our venue, photographer, videographer, and caterer booked, so all of the big things are out of the way. I'm going to start doing a monthly recap on planning, so I'll publish that next week. Right now, I'm working on getting dessert tastings set up, have a few appointments for decor rental, and planning a mini-moon for after the wedding. We're going to wait to take a big honeymoon until next winter (when we hate our wintry lives here in Michigan). But yeah, all fun stuff! I'm taking it slow, but I can already tell it's going to be a hectic summer and early fall this year!

I'm excited it's February now though! I love Valentine's Day, as cheesy as it may be. It's such a fun excuse to get a little dressed up and go out for a fancy dinner you normally wouldn't pay for. And I love the little surprises Eric always has up his sleeve. Plus, I'm going out with girlfriends for a Galentine's Day dance party the night before, so that should be fun! Do you guys have any plans? I'll be back (hopefully lots!) more this month! Thanks for sticking around! You can always follow me over on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates too. xo

Outfit details: Abiding Beauty Dress in Black c/o ModCloth You Know Cozy Cardigan c/o ModCloth (similar) Urban Outfitters Belt (similar) H&M Ribbed Tights (best tights ever) Telescope Necklace c/o Unexpected Expectancy (similar) Old Navy Tall Faux-Leather Boots (similar)