101 in 1001: November 2011

Happy November! At the beginning of every month, I write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one for my 101 in 1001 challenge. I'll also introduce you to one of my 101 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!

October 1, 2011: 12/101 goals complete, 30/101 goals in progress

Did I begin...
-- No. 34. Camp at least once a year? Yes! Post here.
-- No. 47. Increase giving/tithing by 10% every year? Yes! Commitment Sunday at our church was this past Sunday :)
-- No. 56. Photograph and post 30 separate outfits for the world to see? Yes! See flickr set here.

Did I complete...
-- No. 19. Buy or install new shelving for books? Yes! See my new rainbow bookshelf here.
-- No. 71. Get Peach & Pearl a spiffy new look? Not yet, but we are very close! P&P's new look will definitely be unveiled in November :)
-- No. 75. Switch blog platform from Blogger to Wordpress? Same as above!


Abby Jiu

November 1, 2011: 14 goals complete/34 goals in progress

I plan to begin:
No. 55: Add one piece to the Willow Tree nativity each year

I plan to complete:
No. 3: Send a care package to someone I don't know

Sweet and simple this month, because November is going to be cray-zay for our household!


Sanderson Images

November Spotlight:

Kelly of Hello Seester is our November Spotlight, and you can check out all of her goals right here! My five favorite goals of hers:

-- No. 15: Join the Junior League (Considering this myself... thought?)
-- No. 17: Start a retirement fund (YES.)
-- No. 55: Make headboard for my apartment bedroom
-- No. 73: Have a dinner by candlelight
-- No. 77: Wear only dresses for two weeks (This one cracks me up! I'd totally do this.)

In the meantime, you can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

101 in 1001: October 2011

Friends! In the hubbub of August/September, I completely forgot to do a 101 in 1001 update! Forgive me. Since I had no stated goals for September, I'm just going to pick up with October goals. Here we go!

October 1, 2011: 12/101 goals complete, 30/101 goals in progress

Plan to begin:
34. Backpack and camp at least once a year
47. Increase giving/tithing by 10% every year
56. Photograph and post 30 separate outfits for the world to see

Plan to complete:
19. Buy or install new shelving for books
71. Get Peach & Pearl a spiffy new look
75. Switch blog platform from Blogger to Wordpress

Exciting stuff!


via Me Oh My

October Spotlight: Kate

Kate is my wonderful older sister! She does not have a blog, but you can view her goal progress right here on a Google Doc. She's doing great -- 1/4 of the way there, with 25 goals complete! My five favorite goals:

-- No. 12: Go on an overnight hike
-- No. 20: Put change in someone's expired parking meter
-- No. 48: Make macarons (this seems SO hard -- anyone??)
-- No. 58: Memorize three hymns on the piano
-- No. 63: Embroider something

In the meantime, you can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

101 in 1001: August 2011

At the beginning of every month, I plan to write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one. I'll also introduce you to one of my 101 in 1001 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!

July 1, 2011: 11/101 goals complete, 24/101 goals in progress

Did I begin...
-- No. 45: Read the New Testament? YES! We're on Mark right now.
-- No. 82: Successfully dock a boat each summer at the Island? YES!
-- No. 84: Send news to The Quarterly at least once a year? YES! Engagement made that easy!
-- No. 89: Jump off the dock at the Island once a year? Um, no... totally chickened out.

Did I continue...
-- No. 98: Read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series? Yep, read "Prince Caspian."

Sadly, I was NOT able to keep up with all of my monthly commitments (nos. 5, 7, 16, and 48) -- we were again not able to make it to the animal shelter.



August 1, 2011: 12/101 goals complete, 28/101 goals in progress

Plan to begin:
No. 13: Read To Kill a Mockingbird every August (0/3)

Plan to continue:
No. 11: Cultivate five habits to make my life more green
No. 44: Try ten new foods
No. 45: Read the New Testament
No. 50: Go to church when traveling



August Spotlight: Jennifer of Just Lovely

You can catch up with Jennifer's progress on her goals here! I think she did a great job assembling her list, but my five favorites she's undertaking are:

-- Volunteer art and design services to a charitable cause
-- Visit five artist’s studios (this would be so interesting!)
-- Plan a baby shower
-- Eat at 10 different independent restaurants

-- Try all of the different kinds of fruit in my grocery store

In the meantime, you can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

Both photos by Lucia and Mapp

101 in 1001: July 2011

At the beginning of every month, I plan to write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one. I'll also introduce you to one of my 101 in 1001 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!

June 1, 2011: 7/101 goals complete, 25/101 goals in progress

Did I complete...
-- No. 20: Can or pickle some sort of vegetable? Nope, not yet.
-- No. 30: Try an unusual type of milk? YES! We tried almond milk. It was good, but because it's not as neutral a taste as regular cow milk, it's not so good with dinner. But it is fairly good with dessert and Cheerios at breakfast.
-- No. 70: Consult with a calligrapher and then buy real calligraphy supplies? YES! Although I fully admit to not knowing how to use them yet -- it is NOT as easy as you might guess!

Did I begin...
-- No. 53. Email an Adam Hamilton sermon to someone who might be interested? Nope, not yet.

Sadly, I was NOT able to keep up with all of my monthly commitments (nos. 5, 7, 16, and 48) -- I just wasn't able to make it to the animal shelter :(


Jose Villa

July 1, 2011: 11/101 goals complete, 24/101 goals in progress

Plan to begin:
-- No. 45: Read the New Testament
-- No. 82: Successfully dock a boat each summer at the Island
-- No. 84: Send news to The Quarterly at least once a year
-- No. 89: Jump off the dock at the Island once a year (Brrr!! It's going to be so coooold!)

Plan to continue:
-- No. 98: Read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series


Jose Villa

July Spotlight: Jenna of That Wife and Jenna Cole

You can catch up with Jenna's progress on her goals here! I think she did a fabulous job assembling her list, but my five favorites she's undertaking are:

-- Grow and use three varieties of herbs (YES! Everyone should have an herb garden -- so easy, and can save you a LOT of money!)
-- Join a fresh flowers CSA (This sounds like a dream!)
-- Sew a skirt
-- Build up a collection of Dr. Seuss books (May I suggest The Butter Battle Book?)
-- Buy red lipstick

In the meantime, you can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

101 in 1001: June 2011

At the beginning of every month, I plan to write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one. I'll also introduce you to one of my 101 in 1001 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!

May 2011: 6/101 goals complete, 22/101 goals in progress

Did I complete...
-- No. 57: Memorize another favorite poem? Almost there! Just a few lines left to go...

Did I begin...
-- No. 39: Explore two more states/regions I've never been to? YES! I visited Charleston for about two and a half days. It was humid!
-- No. 87: Learn a new form of dance every year? Very sadly, no. John didn't get out of work in time to make it to the shagging class :(
-- No. 96: Read my thesis? Yep!

Did I continue...
-- No. 98: Read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series? Nope, didn't get to this one, but I did read Little Bee by Chris Cleave and Catching Fire by Susan Collins, and I'm currently reading The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obrecht. All great!

I was able to keep up with all of my monthly commitments (nos. 5, 7, 16, and 48). I should also note that I completed goal no. 25, which was to buy a car! Does that mean I'm a real grownup now?!


Photo by Tim Walker via Matchbook Mag's Tumblr

June 1, 2011: 7/101 goals complete, 25/101 goals in progress

I am looking at a very busy month, so I'm going to keep it simple for June.

Plan to complete:
-- No. 20: Can or pickle some sort of vegetable
-- No. 30: Try an unusual type of milk (raw, almond, soy, or otherwise)
-- No. 70: Consult with a calligrapher and then buy real calligraphy supplies

Plan to begin:
-- No. 53. Email an Adam Hamilton sermon to someone who might be interested



June Spotlight: Ellie of Yankee Born, Southern Bred and A Wink and a Smile

You can catch up with Ellie's progress on her goals here! My five favorites she's undertaking...

-- No. 1: Say "yes" on five occasions I would otherwise say "no." (So far, she's allowed herself to be set up on a date and rode on a motorcycle!)
-- No. 2: Throw a surprise party.
-- No. 3: Sew a dress. (A recent goal of mine, too, having just come across this post.)
-- No. 4: Eliminate all clothing that hasn't been worn in six months.
-- No. 5: Find and buy the elusive navy blue prep blazer.

In the meantime, you can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

101 in 1001: May 2011

At the beginning of every month, I plan to write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one. I'll also introduce you to one of my 101 in 1001 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!

April 2011: 5/101 goals complete, 21/101 goals in progress

Did I complete...
-- No. 1 (Pay the bill for someone behind me in the drive-through line)? YES!
-- No. 56 (Photograph my outfits every day for one month)? Not exactly, but it's okay. I decided to switch this goal up a bit, and make the goal to photograph and post 30 outfits over the 1001 days instead of 30 outfits in one month. Much more manageable :) I've already photographed about five, and have plans to post them soon!

Did I begin...
-- No. 71 (Get Peach & Pearl a spiffy new look)? YES! I've spoken with two designers so far, and think I have some very exciting plans in the works...

I was able to keep up with all of my monthly commitments (nos. 5, 7, 16, and 48).


Tomo Kohsaka

May 2011: 6/101 goals complete, 22/101 goals in progress

Plan to complete:
-- No. 57: Memorize another favorite poem

Plan to begin:
-- No. 39: Explore two more states/regions I've never been to (I'm headed to Charleston this month!)
-- No. 87: Learn a new form of dance every year (Our friends are teaching a shagging class as a fundraiser, and I'm trying to use that angle to guilt John into going with me! :)
-- No. 96: Read my thesis every May (If I'm feeling brave, maybe I'll share a little bit with y'all...)

Plan to continue:
-- No. 98: Read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series (I'm on book two)


Peta Mazey

May Spotlight: Elizabeth of BE KITCHENS

I love that Elizabeth's overall goal for her 101 in 1001 list is to be a "happier, more productive person. To stop talking, and start doing." She also just wrote a lovely post about completing no. 51 on her list, and it made me tear up a little. Five of my favorite goals she's set for herself:

-- No. 45: Shoot film every day (1 roll/week) for a full 12-month period.
-- No. 60: Learn how to convert a car to run on grease -- share how.
-- No. 70: Go surfing -- at least once!
-- No. 75: Give an unexpected gift at an unexpected time.
-- No. 100: Make a budget (Yes, I am a huge nerd. But budgets are super important!)

In other news, I'm wondering if any of you might be interested in a small series of posts on personal finance. So many of my 101 in 1001 buddies have financial goals on their lists, but some might not know the best way to go about checking them off. Topics might include:

-- The difference between a 401k and an IRA
-- The difference between a traditional and a Roth IRA, and which one you should choose
-- The definition of an ETF and why it might be a great investment option for you
-- Basic stock market investing tips
-- Making a household or personal budget... and following it

John and I are pretty passionate about financial literacy, and would love to share some basic tips if y'all might be interested. If not, that's okay, too! I promise we'd keep the posts short, easy to understand, and interesting :) Let me know what you think!

In the meantime, you can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

Easter weekend!

Did you all have a nice weekend? We did! We worked at our church's community garden, picked ten pounds of strawberries at a local family farm (we've already eaten half, including homemade strawberry mint lemonade last night!), Skype chatted with my family, took a bike ride, and went to a wonderful Easter Sunday service. Some pictures:









Isn't the cross neat? Everyone was invited to bring a flower to stick on it, and by the end of the third service, it was beautiful!

We also checked off goal no. 1 on my 101 in 1001 list, paying for the car behind me in the drive-through line! If any of you are considering doing this, I would highly recommend it! I might be a huge dork, but it's kind of a rush :) And every cashier I've ever encountered is either excited about it, or, at the least, unfazed, so don't worry about that.

What did y'all do this weekend?

101 in 1001: April 2011

At the beginning of every month, I plan to write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one. I'll also introduce you to one of my 101 in 1001 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!

March 2010: 5/101 goals complete, 19/101 goals in progress

Did I complete...
-- No. 8 (Leave a lovely sticky note on a stranger's windshield)? No... I procrastinated and procrastinated, and then when I finally got up the courage to do it, it started raining! And it's been raining for three days now. No one wants a blurry note on their window, right?
-- No. 19 (Buy or install new shelving for books)? Nope. I didn't like anything in my price range that was available to buy new, and I wasn't as good at checking Craigslist as I should have been. I so admire people like Dina and Chelsey, who I consider CL masters! Anyone have any bookshelf suggestions for me? I'm all ears!
-- No. 91 (Learn to French braid my hair)? No, sadly! I was planning to have my older sister teach me when she came to visit, but we completely forgot.
-- No. 92 (Learn to French braid the hair of others)? Same as above.

That's right, I didn't complete any of my March goals... life goes on!

Did I begin...
-- No. 11 (Cultivate five habits to make my life more green)? Yes! I switched to J.R. Watkins All-Purpose Cleaner and rags instead of Clorox wipes.
-- No. 33 (Eat vegetarian or three separate weeks -- do not have to be consecutive)? Yes! We completed one week.

I was able to keep up with all of my monthly commitments (nos. 5, 7, 16, and 48).


from joettamaue

April 2010: 5/101 goals complete, 21/101 goals in progress

Plan to complete:
-- No. 1 (Pay the bill for someone behind me in the drive-through line -- my Easter weekend tradition!)
-- No. 56 (Photograph my outfits every day for one month)

Plan to begin:
-- No. 71 (Get Peach & Pearl a spiffy new look)


From Country Home

April Spotlight: Charity of Isle of View

Charity is one of my favorite readers because she's awesome in general, but also because she comments so often! I was delighted when she signed on to the 101 in 1001 challenge. Here are my five favorite goals from her list:

-- No. 4: Contemplate one verse per week
-- No. 17: Find 10 new singers/bands to follow (leave any suggestions in the comments!)
-- No. 72: Actually learn and use all of the features on my camera
-- No. 95: Submit an article to a local newspaper
-- No. 97: Sew a sweater pillow

You can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

Cherry blossom wedding ideas

As promised yesterday, a few more lovely ideas for a cherry blossom-inspired soiree...


Invitation from Bella Figura


Invitation from Mika78


Flower girls from Martha Stewart Weddings


Guest book from Martha Stewart Weddings


Tables from Martha Stewart Weddings


Centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings


Cherry blossom macarons from Cannelle et Vanille


Cherry blossom doughnuts from Cannelle et Vanille

Seeing as "host an outdoor party when fruit trees are in bloom" is one of my 101 in 1001 goals (albeit one of my more whimsical ones!), I might have to hold on to some of this inspiration for myself.

On being green

One of my 101 in 1001 goals is to "cultivate five habits to make my life more green." I'm happy to say I cultivated my first new habit this month! Instead of Clorox wipes (which are wasteful, because each cloth goes in the trash post-use, and possibly harmful to my environment or the environment in general), I now use J.R. Watkins All Purpose spray in lemon, paired with old rags, to clean all surfaces. The rags go right in the wash when they're dirty.



Besides smelling delightful and being ammonia, animal-testing, dye, phosphate, and bleach free, this spray cleans like a champ! It's safe for tile, counters, wood, appliances, sinks, and walls, so it's pretty much one-stop cleaning in this house now. Plus, the label is pretty pretty pretty.

Anyone have a suggestion for what my next new green habit could be? Here are a few things we already do:

-- Turn off as many lights as possible, as often as possible
-- Turn the heat down in the winter (approximately 61) and the AC down in the summer (approximately 72)
-- Recycle plastic, glass, metals, and paper
-- Try to ride our bikes on short errands (admittedly, we could be better at this)
-- Use cloth instead of paper napkins at meals (my favorites, usually)
-- Bring leftovers to work in reusable containers
-- Print on the reverse of a used sheet when possible
-- Use CFL bulbs instead of normal incandescents
-- Wash all clothes in cold water
-- Grow some of our own vegetables and herbs
-- Drink water purified with a Brita filter and carried in an aluminum bottle
-- Borrow books from the library or read them on John's Kindle
-- Recycle all old electronics, including cell phones and computers (Best Buy takes them for free!)
-- Carry home groceries in reusable bags
-- Donate or sell old clothes and items instead of throwing them away. We also try to buy used when possible!
-- Pay bills and receive bank statements online

A few ideas I'm interested in trying:

-- Switching from paper towels to unpaper towels (I KNOW J is going to resist this one)
-- Switching from plastic storage containers to glass (coveting these ones)
-- Switching from plastic produce bags to muslin ones (like these, these, these, or this one)

What do you think? Any suggestions? I'm all ears!

Bonus for making it this far: a pretty camellia photo from our trip to the Duke Gardens this weekend (with Meredith!).



P.S. If you're interested in this sort of stuff, I would recommend checking out this post, this post, or this NY Times article.

P&P packaging

As orders from my Etsy store have been picking up, I figured it was about time to step up my packaging (hence my 101 goal!). Nothing too fancy, just an address and return address label with consistent fonts and my little peach, so customers would know they were getting something special. Here's what I came up with:



So, if you were to order drink stirrers, cupcake flags, or moving announcements, your package might look like this! Speaking of drink stirrers, I've been making a LOT of them lately, and it's always so fun to see what colors people are looking for! Here's a sampling of the orders I've filled over the past few weeks:



Quite the rainbow! If you're interested in ordering your own drink stirrers/food picks, just send me a convo!

101 in 1001: March 2011

It's almost spring! Definitely a great time to dust off your 101 list and knock out a few goals :)

At the beginning of every month, I plan to write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one. I'll also introduce you to one of my 101 in 1001 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!

February 2010: 3/101 goals complete, 15/101 goals in progress

Did I complete...
-- No. 77 (Design and print address labels for P&P packaging)? Yes! Post coming soon!
-- No. 24 (Buy that chair I really want at the flea market and refinish it)? Still undecided about what I want to do about my chair... for now, I'm pretty happy with it as is!

Did I begin...
-- No. 50 (Go to church when traveling)? Yes! We visited First United Methodist Church Waynesville while we were in Western North Carolina. I've started a flickr set with a photo of each church we visit -- go see it here!
-- No. 60 (Put together a portfolio of projects I've worked on -- both personal and professional)? I stopped and started a few times, but never got up any steam. This one will have to wait.
-- No. 62 (Read biographies of five people I admire)? Yes! In honor of Presidents' Day, I read His Excellency by Joseph Ellis, a wonderful biography of George Washington. Highly recommended!

I was able to keep up with all of my monthly commitments (nos. 5, 7, 16, and 48).



March 2010: 5/101 goals complete, 19/101 goals in progress

Plan to complete:
-- No. 8 (Leave a lovely sticky note on a stranger's windshield)
-- No. 19 (Buy or install new shelving for books)
-- No. 91 (Learn to French braid my hair)
-- No. 92 (Learn to French braid the hair of others)

Plan to begin:
-- No. 11 (Cultivate five habits to make my life more green)
-- No. 33 (Eat vegetarian or three separate weeks -- do not have to be consecutive)



March Spotlight: Becky of Becky Blogs

Becky is doing a fabulous job of updating us all as she works on goals! (I also love that she doesn't necessarily wait until a goal is complete to talk about it!) My five favorite goals from her list:

-- No. 15: Get a National Park pass
-- No. 39: Go sailing
-- No. 46: Learn how to change a tire and actually do it (I remember feeling SO accomplished when I learned how to do this... and then I promptly got two flat tires in two weeks. At least I knew how to take care of them!)
-- No. 55: Learn to locate five constellations and the myths behind them
-- No. 77: Do awesome, creative wrapping for ten presents

You can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

First photo via Mary Ruffle, second photo from Anthropologie

101 in 1001: February 2011

Whew! How are y'all doing after this first month of goal-reaching?!

At the beginning of every month, I plan to write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one. I'll also introduce you to one of my 101 in 1001 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!

January 2010: 0/101 goals complete, 0/101 goals in progress

Did I complete...
-- No. 21? Yes! Payment plan is established and first payment is made!
-- No. 76? Yes! I tried to make one myself, but after two hours of frustration decided it would be much more time-effective to have Joy whip one up for me for $5. Yay for Joy!!
-- No. 85? Yes!
-- No. 100? No, very sadly. See here for what we did instead on our NYC trip!

Did I begin...
-- No. 5? Yes!
-- No. 7? Yes!
-- No. 16? Yes! I've started a dedicated flickr set for my arrangements, which you can peek at right here. I started easy last month -- don't judge!
-- No. 18? Yes!
-- No. 23? Yes! I bought Jamie's Food Revolution. We've already tried two recipes (this one and Chicken Vindaloo) and they were excellent.
-- No. 48? Yes!
-- No. 53? Not yet.
-- No. 64? Yes! I bought Domestic Work by Natasha Trethewey. Haven't started it yet.
-- No. 80? Yes! I bought Gregory, the Terrible Eater. Best. Book. Ever.
-- No. 98? Yes! I checked The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe out of the library (after reading up on the chronology debate!) and zipped right through it.

February 2010: 3/101 goals complete, 15/101 goals in progress

Plan to complete:
-- No. 77 (Design and print address labels for P&P packaging)
-- No. 24 (Buy that chair I really want at the flea market and refinish it -- chair is bought, now I just need to refinish it!)

Plan to begin:
-- No. 50 (Go to church when traveling)
-- No. 60 (Put together a portfolio of projects I've worked on -- both personal and professional)
-- No. 62 (Read biographies of five people I admire)

Plan to continue:
-- No. 5 (Volunteer at the animal shelter at least twice a month)
-- No. 7 (Take a walk after work at least once a week)
-- No. 16 (Make a fresh flower arrangement every month)
-- No. 48 (Kneel in prayer at least once a week)

February Spotlight: Alli of See Alli Scrap

I love so many of Alli's goals, but my top five favorites are:

-- Stay in a bed and breakfast once per year
-- Go to a drive-in movie theater
-- Go on a photo scavenger hunt with a group of friends
-- Choose a project on Donors Choose or Kiva and fund it (I did this in my last 101 -- highly recommended!)
-- Open a mutual fund (Ha! You're probably all scratching your head at the inclusion of this one, but having dated an econ major for six years, I have more than a healthy appreciation for personal saving, and I love seeing people my age thinking ahead!)

You can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

Happy Monday!

How were all of your weekends? I went to the flea market with my buddy M and finally bit the bullet on the chair I've been wanting to take home for months (see: no. 24 on my 101 list!). Yay! It's in great condition (though a bit dusty), and at just $60 stacks up well to these lovelies on the Pottery Barn site (which retail for $400!!).



Here it is after I dragged it up three flights of stairs to our apartment:



Stay tuned for my plans for it!

We also stopped into an adorable tea room filled with delightful things. I had to restrain myself. A few pieces that caught my eye:


Pineapple tea bag holder (which I would use as a spoon rest and found here online)


A white-on-white pineapple planter


Distressed trophy cups


Adorable vintage-reproduction hankies. M snatched up a few of these for her bridesmaids' bouquets. I love this idea! See how cute?


Alders Photography via Style Me Pretty


Punam Bean


A Bryan Photo with Calder Clark Designs via Southern Weddings

Happy Monday!

101 in 1001: January 2011

At the beginning of every month, I plan to write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one. I'd love it if you'd comment below with the same!


(via flickr)

January 2010: 0/101 goals complete, 0/101 goals in progress

Hope to complete:
-- No. 21
-- No. 76
-- No. 85
-- No. 100

Hope to begin:
-- No. 5
-- No. 7
-- No. 16
-- No. 18
-- No. 23
-- No. 48
-- No. 53
-- No. 64
-- No. 80
-- No. 98

You can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here's to a great month!

101 in 1001, Vol. II

The time has come! I am very, very excited about this list I've compiled, and excited about the next 2.75 years if I accomplish even half of these goals. One of my favorite parts? I chose to group my tasks around identities I hope to cultivate in the next few years, meaning even the list organization contributes to the personal growth :)

A brief recap for those of you unfamiliar with the Day Zero/101 in 1001 Project:

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks/goals/challenges in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and represent "stretching."

Why 1001 Days?
It's all about a realistic deadline. 1001 days (about 2.75 years) allows you several seasons to complete tasks, which is better for organizing and timing things like overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Start Date: January 1, 2011
End Date: September 27, 2013
Goals Complete: 14/101
Goals in Progress: 34/101
Last Updated: October 30, 2011

Bold marks a completed item
Peach marks a partially completed or in-progress item

Kind :: to myself and others
1. Pay the bill for someone behind me in the drive-through line (April 2011)
2. Make a new friend (February 2011 -- hi, Nancy!)
3. Send a care package to someone I don't know
4. Get a pedicure once every summer (1/3)
5. Volunteer at the animal shelter at least twice a month (12/66)
6. Complete the 100 Pushup Challenge
7. Take walk after work once a week (41/132)
8. Leave a lovely sticky note on a stranger's windshield
9. Start going to a fun exercise class, like Pure Barre or Irish dance
10. Visit one or both grandmas (without parents!)
11. Cultivate five habits to make my life more green (1/5 :: switched to organic cleaning spray and cloths)
12. Seek out five people I know who are getting married and offer my expertise (5/5 :: Joanne/Amanda, Caroline, Mike + Antonia, Amy's friend, Marget)
13. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (my favorite book of all time) every August (1/3)

Settled :: at home, wherever that may be
14. Reupholster a piece of furniture
15. Get at least one room to a place where I feel it's fully decorated
16. Make a fresh flower arrangement every month (10/33 :: see flickr set here)
17. Live somewhere with a window seat
18. Invest in IRA every year (2/3)
19. Buy or install new shelving for books (October 2011 - post here)
20. Can or pickle some sort of vegetable or fruit
21. Transfer car insurance from parents (January 2011)
22. Acquire a KitchenAid mixer
23. Buy a new cookbook every year (1/3 :: Jamie's Food Revolution (2011))
24. Buy that chair I really want at the flea market and refinish it (bought on January 23, 2011!!)
25. Buy a car (May 2011)
26. Successfully transport trunk from Island to apartment (July 2011)
27. Marry John! (engaged June 25, 2011!)

Daring and Adventurous
28. Visit Canada (preferably Montreal, Quebec, or Prince Edward Island)
29. Attend an opera
30. Try an unusual type of milk (tried almond milk in May 2011!)
31. Go treehouse camping or glamping
32. Cheer at a Southern football game (October 2011)
33. Eat vegetarian for three separate weeks (do not have to be consecutive) (1/3)
34. Camp at least once a year (1/3 - 2011)
35. Attend The Nutcracker every year (experiencing as many different versions as possible) (0/2)
36. Visit Chincoteague
37. Have a croissant at a French cafe
38. Stealth-plant tulips
39. Explore two more states/regions I've never been to (1/2 :: Charleston in August 2011)
40. Wear a large hat to the Kentucky Derby
41. Host an adventure dinner party like Jordan
42. Go to Europe
43. Attend the ballet (besides The Nutcracker)
44. Try ten new foods (4/10 :: hominy in 1/11, tempeh in 2/11, cod in 6/11, collard greens in 8/11)

Faithful
45. Read the New Testament (began in June 2011)
46. Go on a missions trip
47. Increase giving/tithing by 10% every year (1/2)
48. Kneel in prayer at least once a week (41/132)
49. Invite someone to come to church with John and me
50. Go to church when traveling (to experience new pastors and ways of doing things -- see flickr set here)
51. Do another service at the Island
52. Find a way to observe the Sabbath
53. Email Adam Hamilton sermons to three people who might be interested (2/3 - to Mom and Dad, in September 2011)
54. Find a Bible study that meets regularly at FUMC
55. Add one piece to the Willow Tree nativity each year (0/2)

Creative
56. Photograph and post 30 separate outfits for the world to see (1/30 -- see all here)
57. Memorize another favorite poem
58. Acquire a sewing machine and make something with its assistance
59. Get someone to publish my thesis
60. Put together a portfolio of projects I've worked on -- both personal and professional
61. Make a quilt for picnics
62. Read biographies of five people I admire (1/5 :: Washington (His Excellency by Joseph Ellis in Feb. 2011))
63. Interview, shadow, or intern with three people who do things/have jobs I'd like to learn more about (0/3)
64. Buy two new books of poetry every year (1/6 :: Domestic Work (2011))
65. Make another video commemorating a big trip or event (June 2011 -- video here!)
66. Improve product photography skills
67. Improve product styling skills
68. Develop a product to collaborate on with Aunt Nan and open a dedicated Etsy store for it
69. Learn something from someone I admire (i.e. flower arranging from the Little Flower School or Blossom and Branch, fabric crafts from Purl, Adobe programs or photography from Nicole Hill Gerulat)
70. Consult with a calligrapher and then buy real calligraphy supplies (June 2011)
71. Get Peach & Pearl a spiffy new look
72. Grow blog to over 500 subscribers in Google Reader (419/500)
73. Get to 100 sales on Etsy (68/100)
74. Monetize blog
75. Switch blog platform from Blogger to Wordpress
76. Make or acquire a favicon (January 2011)
77. Design and print return address labels for P&P packaging (February 2011 -- post here)

Warm and Welcoming
78. Start a book club like Brooke
79. Host an outdoor party when fruit trees are in bloom
80. Purchase six favorite books from my childhood -- nice, hardcover copies (5/6 :: Gregory, the Terrible Eater (2011), Time of Wonder (2011), Make Way for Ducklings (2011), Frederick (2011), Where the Wild Things Are (2011))
81. Plan another backpacking adventure with as many friends as will come
82. Successfully dock a boat each summer at the Island (1/3)
83. Host a series of collaborative dinners a la Sunday Suppers
84. Send news to The Quarterly at least once a year (1/3)
85. Transfer Christmas card recipient list/log to Google Docs like Kate (January 2011)

Joyful
86. Buy cowboy boots
87. Learn a new form of dance every year (0/3)
88. Find a signature drink and learn how to mix it
89. Jump off the dock at the Island once a year (0/3)
90. Adopt a beagle
91. Learn how to French braid my hair
92. Learn how to French braid the hair of others
93. Buy a classic Christmas book every year (0/2)
94. Meet Eddie Ross
95. Buy new (vision) glasses
96. Read my thesis every May (1/3)
97. Practice yoga three times a week for three months (0/36)
98. Read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series (2/7)
99. Develop a classical playlist on Spottify
100. Hear Martha Stewart speak or watch a taping of The Martha Stewart Show
101. Begin a new 101 in 1001 list!

As promised, if any of you are also starting a 101 list, or have one in progress, I would love to link to it in a new category on my sidebar! Just leave a comment with the link and I'll get things set up.

Here's to a fabulous new year! Tell me: which goal do you like the best? Any you have a question about? Any you find intriguing? Let me know!

Nutcracker tonight + 101 reminder!

Hi, friends! TGIF! I am particularly excited that it's Friday because I am going to see the Nutcracker tonight!! I think I might be the only person who danced in the Nutcracker for ten years and still LOVES everything about it, including the music. LOVE it.


(New York Times)

Also, just a reminder to any of you who are thinking about joining me in the 101 in 1001 challenge on January 1: be thinking about your list! I've got 87 challenges so far on mine. If you need some inspiration, consider checking out these lists:

Brooke from Claremont Road
John from John Takes a Hike (partial)
Ashley at Our Little Apartment
Melissa Jill
Danni from Oh, Hello Friend
Kerri from Your Wishcake

Happy weekend!

101 in 1001: Favorites!

You've got the full recap, now it's time to share a few of my favorites!

3. Read the entire Bible. Though I didn't get through the whole thing, I've really enjoyed what I've read so far. I feel like I have a more complete understanding of my faith -- and, as a bonus, I'm able to answer more questions on Jeopardy!

8. Pay the toll/bill/tip for someone behind me. J and I did this this past April, and it was so awesome! I was really nervous ahead of time, because I thought the Dunkin' Donuts clerk was going to think I was crazy, but she was just almost as excited about it as we were, and didn't bat an eyelash when we made the request! This is one you can (and should!) try at home, folks.

10. Send one handwritten letter a month for 6 months. What can I say? Now I have a new penpal, and a use for all my accumulated pretty paper things. Hi, Molly!

27. Read 12 classics I've never read before. I will admit, sometimes this one felt a bit like drudgery, but I'm so glad I persevered. Here are the books I read (and yes, I'm aware not all of them are "classics" as some would definite it!):



32. Read all of Emily Post's Etiquette. Yes, I am a nerd. Yes, I am thrilled I can now say I've literally read the book on etiquette.



35. Take a cooking or cake decorating course. I learned to frost and decorate a cake at Sugarland for a photo shoot, and it was so fun! Here I am in action:


Nancy Ray Photography

72. Graduate in May 2009. Scary at the time, but I was definitely ready.



74. Eat ten dishes/foods I've never tried before. J likes to yap about how I have a very narrow palette (I beg to disagree), but it's always good to, as my Dad would say, "broaden your horizons."

82. Go riding at the farm with family. We used to ride all the time when I was younger, and I loved taking a trail ride again with my Dad, sister, and aunt. My legs did hurt the next day, though...



88. See the Martha Stewart Show live. Ahhhh!!! Martha geek freak-out! Anyone who knows me knows this is about the most exciting think that could have happened to me. A-list movie stars? No, thank you, I'll take Martha any day. Here I am outside the studio (do I look excited?!):



89. Be a bridesmaid or maid of honor. Lucky me -- I was a bridesmaid not once but twice! I have to say, this might have been my happiest goal to complete. I was thrilled to help both Katharine and Kate plan their weddings, and to stand beside each of them on their big day. Couldn't have been more different; couldn't have been more awesome. Here are my two lovely ladies and their studly men:


Jenna Cole


A Bryan Photo

92. Go to a hot air balloon festival or on a hot air balloon ride. Another photo shoot lead to an up close and personal encounter with a hot air balloon! It was amazing to watch it inflate and then float off the ground. Just beautiful.


Jose Villa

93. Adopt either a cat or dog. We were lucky enough to adopt two tuxedo kitties last November. They are adorable and we love love love them. Jack and Oliver, meet the blog:



Oops, looks like they're sleeping! (Per usual.)

Which leads me to goal no. 101: begin another 101 in 1001 list. I couldn't have been more happy with this experience, and I'm so excited to take what I've learned from this first go-round and apply it to my next adventures! I'll be starting another 101 list on January 1, 2011. Here are a few of the goals I've dreamt up so far:

--Learn how to French braid my hair
--Reupholster a piece of furniture
--Read biographies of 5 people I admire
--Go tree house camping or glamping
--Buy a sewing machine
--Cheer at a Southern football game (I hear it's big down here...)
--Wear a large hat to the Kentucky Derby

My older sister Kate has already decided she'll be joining me on the first with her own list. Is anyone else interested in starting with us? If there are a few of you out there who are, I'd love to organize some way to encourage each other -- for example, I'd be happy to post a link to everyone's lists in my sidebar!

Let me know what you think in the comment section, and thank you so much for all of your encouragement throughout the last 1001 days! :)