We are seven days into the new year, but I’m still not over 2018. I feel like I still have so much to say about those 365 days. This is (probably) my last post about 2018, and moving forward I am all about 2019, the new year, new goals, and everything in between. Check back on Wednesday for a look into my goals for the next 12 months.
Before officially moving on, I wanted to do a little wrap up of all the products, habits, books, and random things I was loving in 2018, so let’s get started!
Products
1. Candles
I spend a lot of time in my room because it’s my happy place, so I love to make it cozy by lighting a few candles. It’s the perfect way for me to create a peaceful atmosphere, even if I’m cleaning or working. In 2019, I want to start investing in quality, soy or coconut wax candles so I don’t destroy my lungs.
2. Moisturizer
2018 was the year of routines for me, including developing a skincare routine. I finally started using moisturizer regularly, and my skin has never looked better. I truly thought people were kidding when they moisturizing and drinking enough water would change my skin — now I know their not. I use a drugstore moisturizer from CeraVe, and I absolutely love it. It doesn’t break the bank, and it hydrates my skin perfectly. It’s light, but still packs a punch. In 2019, I’m planning to add a toner to my nightly routine.
3. Cruelty Free Beauty Products
One of my goals of 2018 was to go completely cruelty free with my makeup routine, and I’m so happy to say that I accomplished that goal! Some of my favorite cruelty free brands are: Burt’s Bees, Tarte Cosmetics, Milani, Wet ‘n’ Wild, bareMinerals, and NYX. I always check Logical Harmony’s list of cruelty free beauty brands before dipping my toes into any new brand. In 2019, I will be switching to cruelty free hair, skin, nail, and body products as well.
Media
4. “Riverdale”
Let’s be honest, this show is complete trash, but I am here for it. I do so many things in my life that are mentally stimulating and engaging, that sometimes I need to relax and watch some trash TV. I indulge in “Riverdale” and “The Bachelor” because I deserve to, not because it’s doing anything good for my mind or body. The show is based on the Archie comics, but it’s a little more dark and twisted. I highly recommend if you’re into trash, teen dramas like “Gossip Girl” or “One Tree Hill.”
5. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
I think it’s safe to say that this was my favorite book of 2018 — I know, I can’t believe I’m saying it either. It was such a beautifully written book, and I recommend it to anyone that’s looking for a good read. Ng’s book features single-mother Mia and her daughter Pearl, the Richardson family (whom Pearl befriends), and the McCullough’s, who are hoping to adopt a baby. These three families lives intertwine in unexpected ways, and the true mystery of the story — how Pearl and Mia became such a dynamic duo — is revealed.
6. “thank u, next” by Ariana Grande
Even though this came out toward the end of 2018, I still think it was my favorite song of the year. First of all, it’s a true bop, and secondly, it really hits home for me. It preaches positivity in learning lessons from people who might have hurt us, and I think nothing is more important than that. I’ve never been a huge Ariana fan, so I’m excited to see what else she comes out.
Habits
7. Reading Other Bloggers
2018 was the year of the bloggers for me. I’m constantly reading Carly the Prepster and The Stripe, and I take a lot of inspiration from both of the bloggers. I’m all about supporting other female entrepreneurs, and in 2019, I’m hoping to add some more blogs to my weekly reading list.
8. Listening To What I Needed
In 2018, I stood up for myself more than I ever had before, changed habits to better fit my needs, cut out toxic friends, and rested when my body told me that’s what I should do. I’m really proud of how I listened to my own needs in 2018, and I hope to continue that trend in 2019.
9. Bullet Journaling
This is the most life changing habit I cultivated in 2018 by far. I’ve always been a huge planner girl, but after bullet journaling for a year, I am not looking back. I get to make my own planner that fits my needs exactly and nothing is better. I’ve never been as productive or goal oriented as I have been with my bullet journal. I track my habits and moods and set new goals and intentions every month based on my yearly goals. It truly has been life changing, and I’m excited for what I accomplish in 2019 with this continued system.
10. Reflecting
In the same vein as bullet journaling, I reflected a lot in 2018. At the end of every month, I did a series of reflections focusing on what I was thankful for that month, who I was thankful for, how well I accomplished my goals, and the top three lessons of the month. It only took about 20 minutes, but it really helped me set my intentions for the next 30 days. Additionally, I would journal on my own whenever I was feeling overwhelmed, which really helped me handle some of the tough stuff life threw at me in 2018. In 2019, I’m planning to continue my monthly reflections, as well as journaling every night. (I’ve already journaled every night of 2019 so far, so I hope I can keep it up!)
11. Blogging
This blog has been HUGE for me in 2018. It’s where I go when I need to express myself, chronicle life events, or reflect on things I’m experiencing. I’m incredibly proud of myself for keeping up the consistent blogging in 2018, and I’m hoping to continue that with three posts a week in 2019.
12. Meal Prepping
Meal prepping is a game changer, let me tell you. I am one of the laziest people when it comes to eating. I would eat pasta or cereal for every meal of the day if it were socially acceptable. I just don’t like dedicating my precious time to cooking. That’s where meal prepping comes in. I dedicated about 90 minutes a week to making my lunch for the week, and it ensures I’m eating something healthy, and I get at least one solid meal a day. Typically, I work late or am out for dinner, so I found that if I meal prepped that, a lot of meals where going to waste. Now, I either eat on the go, or make something quick when I get home. In 2019, I’m planning to make more vegetarian meal preps in hopes of cutting 90 percent of meat out of my diet.
13. Budgeting
Before I switched jobs, I needed to have a really strict budget to make ends meet. Therefore, I got really into checking my expenses, adjusting my budget, and growing my savings. This is such a fantastic habit to have, and I’m so glad I cultivated it in my early twenties. In 2019, I’m planning to continue my understanding of personal finance and investing, and taking some actions to set myself up for a better future.
Random
14. Lavender/Essential Oils
I diffuse lavender in my room every single night while I sleep. I’m not sure if it does anything, but I love the routine, and it makes me feel like I’m taking one extra step to take care of myself. In 2019, I’m going to branch out and incorporate lavender in other ways into my life, like roller balls and candles.
15. Iced Vanilla Almond Milk Lattes
In 2018, I found out I was lactose-intolerant. I’m still figuring out my exact boundaries, but I eat as little dairy as possible to make sure I don’t make myself sick. Therefore, iced almond milk lattes have been saving my life. I love going to coffee shops on the weekends to work on A Spoonful of Honi, and I don’t like plain coffee, so this substitution has been a life changer. I don’t feel bloated or sick, and I still get to indulge in a little treat once a week. In 2019, I think I’m going to try cold brew coffee since I’ve heard so many people raving about it lately.
16. Nashville
My home! After a year and three months, Nashville is officially home. I am SO happy to say that. I absolutely love it here. It’s the perfect sized city for me, I have favorite restaurants and coffee shops, and friends that are more supportive than I could have ever imagined. I can’t wait to see what else I learn about this city in the coming years. In 2019, I’m dedicated to getting outside more, enjoying the free events this city has to offer, and meeting more incredible people.
17. Traveling
2018 was the year of traveling for me. I was mostly going to visit friends and family, but in 2019, I’m planning to do more solo trips or trips with friends from Nashville to new locations. I’m just a short drive away from some major cities (Atlanta, Louisville, and Knoxville to name a few) and I want to explore everything this country has to offer while I can.
18. Investing In Myself
I made myself my number one priority in 2018, and I’m planning to do the same in 2019. At the end of the day, I know I am the only thing I will have left when this world comes crumbling down, so I’m planning to make me the best me through an investment of time and money. That means treating myself with a workout class or culturally enriching experience whenever I can. It means spending a night in reading a book rather than drinking downtown because I want to get up early for a run the next day. It means setting boundaries and expectations with friends and family about what I can and cannot give them. 2019 is truly the year of me — I can feel it in my bones.
What a list! What were you loving in 2018, and what are you hoping to take with you into 2019? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy adventuring,
Kimberly
