Another Year Over...

As 2014 comes to a close, many of us take stock of the year that's passed and make plans for the year ahead. Resolutions or not, most of us have something we want to change in our lives - more of one thing, less of another.

In the past, I've made one resolution each year that I felt was attainable and reasonable. Clearly, I'm not going to become a world-famous...anything...in one calendar year (at least not for anything I'd be proud of, I'm guessing). I'm not competing in the Olympics this year (or any year) and I'm not going to build a house with my bare hands. It's not reasonable to make these goals for myself.

One year, my resolution was to have better posture. It totally worked. I'm far more aware of how I stand and sit. One year, it was to drink more water. Although I know I still don't drink as much as I should as often as I should, I have a much better idea of how hydrated I am.

They're small things that could make a big enough difference in my life that I wanted to work on them.

For you, it might be to read 15 minutes before bed each night; to turn the TV and phone off while you eat dinner; to spend more time doing something you love with someone you love. In my experience, these are things you can do, as long as you're willing to try.

What isn't likely to take is something like, "I'm going to keep every room so organized it looks like a magazine, and redecorate for the seasons and have magnificent holiday decorations for each holiday." That's not going to happen. Unless, you're willing to hire a household staff. In which case, have at it! But, most of us aren't in that position.

What is reasonable is something like, "Every Wednesday night, I'm going to spend a half hour putting things away around the house." That's taking about a day out of your entire year to keep your home from becoming a headache. That seems reasonable in the amount of time you're committing and the results you're looking for. And, if you happen to surpass it, all the better!

Most importantly, I suggest making a resolution that will move you closer to the life you imagine in an ideal world. How does that world look? How does it feel? What's one thing you can do this year to get you one step closer to that?

Have a wonderful, healthy New Year!

Organized Baking is Better Baking!

I love baking. If I was more confident that I wouldn't eat it all myself, I'd bake something a few times a week. Alas, I am not that confident. I like to think that I'm pretty good at baking, too. I tend to bring goodies to most parties and events, and about this time of year I bake up a storm for holiday gifts. I may not be the tidiest baker, but I am an organized baker (I better be, right?!)


How to Go About Organizing Your Baking Experience

1. Decide what you're going to make before you start making it. Preferably, at least a day ahead of time.

2. Check to see if you have all the ingredients - and the amount needed of each. It's a bummer when you're half way through making dough, only to realize the chocolate chip cookies you're making will only have three tablespoons of chips in the whole recipe, because you thought you had more on hand.

3. Read the recipe. I've learned this the hard way. More than once I've gone to make a recipe for the first time, and not read through it yet, only to realize it will take far longer than I anticipated. Look for things like time to proof, chill, set and so on. Set aside the right amount of time in your schedule.

4. Make sure you have the equipment you'll need: mixers, icing bags, cupcake liners, etc. This year, as part of my holiday baking, I'm borrowing a friend's food processor. My heavy-duty blender will work as a substitute for most things I make, but to make a large enough batch, I'm bringing out the big guns!

5. Do prep before you start mixing. Measure things out if you find it helpful to just dump little bowls into a larger one. If anything needs chopping, peeling or shelling, do that first. If you have a recipe that calls for a preheated oven, turn it on before you start to mix.

6. Bake. And, have fun! 


7. Enjoy your delicious, delicious goodies!

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