Here’s the update on where I am with all of my challenges. I plan to post every Sunday for these from now on.

 

• Start on your 401(k) – WW

After doing additional research on how crucial it is to save for retirement, plus realizing I was throwing away money if I didn’t do the full match with my company, I started doing the 3% deduction for my 401(k). Since my company will match, that will be 6% every month headed into my retirement fund. I kind of hate losing out on that money since I would love to use it to pay off credit card debt or go on a trip, but I am trying to think long-term here.

• Create a capsule wardrobe – Me

This one is partially completed, in the sense that I realized I was trying to fit into a box that wasn’t made for me. Instead of a regular capsule wardrobe, I’ve created a wardrobe that makes sense for my lifestyle. I’ve bought a ton of basic tees (from tanks to long sleeved, mostly from Pact, Everlane (though their quality was meh), and Target.

Minus the Target tops, I have also worked hard to keep last year’s New Years Resolution, which was to only buy clothing that met one (or more) of the following criteria:

(1) Sustainably made (fair trade, etc.)

(2) Eco-friendly (organic cotton, etc.)

(3) From a small business (and locally created – not ordered from overseas)

(4) Gives back in some way (think Toms, or my new favorite, Francis & Benedict)

My favorite buy has been the Nau long coat I bought when it was marked down (briefly) to $160. It’s already come in handy on cold New England mornings!

• Make a dream board – MB
  

The amazing Sarah Robinson came to visit and we both cerated Mind Maps for the year. Not quite a dream board, but it worked well enough that I feel like I have my head on straight to focus on what I want to do this year.

 

Many of these challenges will look familiar, as they are ones that I have been working on basically since we began. With the deadline of my 30th birthday coming quickly, I am getting serious and buckling down to get these accomplished.

• My challenge for you is to do 5 minutes of planks a day in some combination of straight arm, forearm, all fours and side planks. – KQ [Started on 7-24-16; Restarted 1-16-17]
• Attend yoga classes for a month. Being consistent with your practice. Feel the difference. Post postures in your FB feed – PL [Started on 7-24-16; Restarted 1-16-17]
• Be physically active – AM [Started on 7-24-16; Restarted 1-16-17]

It seems super #basic to take on these challenges right at the turn of the new year, but they are all ones that I know I need in my life. I know that I feel SO MUCH better when I do yoga and take care of myself, and I need to make time and force myself into making this a habit.

• Do one nice thing for yourself every week 🙂self care, yo! – AK
• Relax and spend some quality time with yourself at least one hour every week – JCT 

I often try to do this, but my problem is not enjoying it as fully as I should. I start to feel guilty about all of the things that AREN’T getting done. What I need to do is truly focus on enjoying moments for myself.

• Learning to meditate (even if you decide not to keep it as a practice) might be an interesting one. – KI-S [Working on it as of 6-1-16]

In this new year, my goal is to meditate every morning before I do anything. I am attempting to do that now, but will share more as I go.

• Get up earlier and use that time to focus on something you love – DBQ [Working on it as of 6-1-16]

See above lol

• Strengthen relationships formed throughout your life. – KBH
• Send a card to someone (as many different someones) every day. – MA [Working on it as of 6-25-16]

I am combining these two and working to send out (very belated) Year in Review cards to all of my friends and family. I am also making it a point to reach out more just to say hi.

• Get story published by a major magazine under your own name – Me

I submitted my article to Real Simple at the end of last year. They were supposed to let us know if we won this past week, so seeing as how I haven’t heard from them, I am going to assume I didn’t win. However, I plan on submitting my piece to other magazines soon.

• Read all of the books I own – Me 

As per usual, this one you can always catch up on over under the Bitchin Books section. You can see my ratings and which books I loved or hated, and why. I need to update this and will do so this week, I promise!