2015 Mid-Year Review

Can you believe 2015 is already half over? This year is just flying by! That being said, now seems like the perfect time for a mid-year review of the goals I made in January (see them here). Let’s take a look at what I’ve accomplished so far and hopefully get motivated to work on the goals I’m slacking on (pretty much all of them). Without further ado…


#1 Landscape the Backyard

Nothing new to report here…the backyard still looks terrible. My boyfriend weed whacked all of the weeds so it looks a tiny bit better now, but it still needs professional help. I did get a couple recommendations for landscaping companies, so that’s something, right? I’m planning on calling them after our Michigan trip this month. More to come!


#2 Finish a Room

So, I finished our dining room and I’m *this close* to finishing the pantry. Of course neither of those rooms is on my list, so I’m not sure if that counts or not…probably not. OK, I have six months left to finish the laundry room, living room, office, craft room, and/or master bathroom. Let’s do it!


#3 All the Small Things

I did a few quick Valentine’s Day projects earlier this year, but other than that, not a lot of smaller projects. Honestly, I forgot I even created this goal, so I’m glad I’m doing this recap now! I definitely have a few small projects I want to do over the summer.


#4 Master Bedroom Makeover

Right now I’m planning on working on my master bedroom for the fall One Room Challenge, so I haven’t done anything in there yet. I probably need to finish one of the other rooms listed above before I start on another room. Good thing I have a few months until the next ORC!


Personal Goals


#1 Live Healthy

(source)

Continuing on the theme of not sticking to goals, I have not done so well with this goal over the past few months. But let’s not focus on that; let’s focus on the fact that I joined a gym last week! My boyfriend goes to the same gym, so we’ll probably work out together occasionally, but I mostly signed up for the Zumba and yoga classes. I’m also doing the no sugar, no flour, no dairy diet right now too. It’s so hard, but I feel so much better while I’m doing it – plus I need to fit into my bridesmaids dress in a few weeks, so I don’t really have a choice. And this is why you never buy a dress in a smaller size and just assume you’ll lose the weight! Rookie mistake! 


#2 Go Green

(source)

Finally, a goal that I’ve actually stuck with! I’m proud to announce that I’ve almost completely given up plastic shopping bags. I started off using just random canvas/reusable bags that I’ve collected over the years, but I ended up buying this set of matching reusable bags. They’re a great size, have a sturdy bottom, and have a little loop that makes them easier to fill. I also ordered these mesh bags for my fruits and vegetables. They are sheer enough that the cashier can see what’s inside and read the codes on the labels. I can’t say enough good things about those mesh bags. Honestly, the change has been a lot easier than I thought it would be. I have enough reusable bags so there’s always at least one in my car and now it’s just part of my routine. I still forget occasionally, but I’m down to maybe 2 plastic bags a week vs. 12 or so a week.

I’ve also gone paperless on all of my bills (when available) and I’ve been better about recycling too. We finally fixed our leaky garbage disposal, so we now have room for a recycling bin under the sink. I love having it there and we’ve both been good about using it. So, overall I’d say I’ve been successful at this goal and have no problem keeping it up.


That being said, I’ve done a terrible job on my other goals, but I still have six months to step it up! I can’t wait to see where I ended up in December!