Every year we set a few resolutions publicly in hopes that they’ll push us to take action. So without further ado (and yes, with a gratuitous Clara picture), here they are.
Resolution #1. Be bolder with decorating and renovation choices. This year we want to embrace color, contrast, and risk-taking. We plan to experiment more and stop defaulting to the “safest” option. Mistakes teach us the most about a project and our style, so we’ll welcome them as part of the process. We’re ready to cannonball into projects — yes, there may be a few belly flops, but that’s okay. Pushing our boundaries should lead to more interesting results and more confidence in our decisions.
Resolution #2. Find better balance. We don’t want to pour every hour, dollar, and ounce of energy into the house at the cost of family time, savings, or simple joys. With Clara in the picture, planning family trips, park visits, zoo outings, and occasional meals out feels more important than ever. The internet makes work accessible 24/7, and it’s too easy to work nights, weekends, and even on vacation. This year we’ll be more intentional about disconnecting so family life doesn’t get sacrificed to the project list.
Resolution #3. Save more money. We’ve always been fairly frugal, but we want to learn more ways to tuck money away for rainy days, retirement, or a college fund. Couponing is one of the new skills on our list. We tried it recently and saved $19 at the grocery store — not bad for first-time couponers. We’ll experiment with loading digital coupons to loyalty cards, using newspaper inserts, and printing online coupons when they match items we buy regularly. If any of these tactics stick, we’ll share what worked.
Resolution #4. Dial down people-pleasing. Over the years we’ve learned it’s impossible to please everyone all the time. If we tried to follow every piece of advice about what to post, how big projects should be, or how much family content to share, we’d end up scrapping everything and losing our voice. We like the blog we’ve built — its honest, diary-like entries about real-life projects and family moments are how this adventure began back in 2007. Some weeks will be busy, others slow, and that’s fine. We’re focused on authenticity rather than chasing perfection or trying to satisfy every opinion.
Resolution #5. Teach Clara a few key home-improvement and decorating terms. Simple terms like “Phillips head screwdriver” and “cohesive” are on the list. How adorable would a toddler be, tossing out “keep it cohesive” while pointing at a room? My dad once taught me the word “dehydrated” as a child, and I used it dramatically instead of asking for water — so this little fantasy of mine might be a bit theatrical. Still, picturing Clara saying “drywall,” “hardwoods,” or “baseboard” instead of “wall” and “floor” makes me smile.
We’ll keep sharing the ups and downs: the successes, the lessons, and the everyday moments that make this project — and our life — feel real. Some readers will like the direction we take, others won’t, and that’s part of the journey. In the meantime, we’ll try to be braver, kinder to our schedule, smarter with our money, less worried about pleasing everyone, and maybe teach Clara a little renovation vocabulary along the way.
Pssst — check out our weekly photo project featuring the beanette.
Pssssst — there’s one more kid-related resolution over on BabyCenter. Any good faux-cuss suggestions?