A Wet Christmas

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It’s almost Christmas!  :)  Christmas is my favorite holiday.  Although my family is not religious, my mother and father were raised Catholic so we always celebrated the secular versions of many holidays.  I just love the cheer and goodwill spirit that everyone seems to exude around Christmastime.

 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’ll have a white Christmas in England (we arrive on Christmas Day).  It’s going to rain the ENTIRE time we’re there – figures! :) 

 

A pre-holiday breakfast:

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I made egg white French Toast with a side of sliced banana (and real maple syrup for dipping, of course!):

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And a shot of wheatgrass:

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I’m freaking out about my suitcase, by the way.  I seem to want to take my entire closet with me.  I need to reduce it by at least 1/3 to make everything fit!

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I am taking some food items that I need to squeeze in.  Specifically, I’m bringing enough flax, wheatgrass, and bars for the Husband and me.  I know London is vegetarian-friendly, but hopefully the bars will help us save a little money on snacks.

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Are you excited to come to London “with” us? I’m excited to take you with us! 🙂  I’m going to be blogging once or twice a day at a minimum!  (We don’t leave until tomorrow night.)

 

New Year’s Eve Resolutions

 

It’s that time of the year again – it’s New Year Eve (NYE) Resolution time!  I personally love Resolutions.  I think NYE Resolutions earn a bad rap because people set goals that are unattainable or unrealistic.

 

Here are some tips on how to make a good NYE Resolution:

 

  • Be realistic and set achievable goals.
  • Only try to improve things you can control.
  • Break down larger goals into smaller goals.
  • If you want to change your behavior, choose alternative actions and include them as part of your resolution (i.e., I want to quit smoking, so I’m going to pick up running).
  • Above all else, pick a resolution that you truly want to achieve, not just goals that other people want you to achieve!
  • Don’t start your resolution on January 1, when you are hungover and there are Christmas cookies still sitting on your countertop.  Wait until the fake motivation surrounding the holidays goes away and start your resolution on January 10.

 

In 2008, my resolutions were to plan my wedding, run a half marathon, race in a triathlon, and write a book.  I accomplished all those goals except the book one. 

 

In 2009, I vowed to improve my 5K, 10K, 15K, and Half Marathon times; be kind to  my knees; outline my book and write it; and save money to buy a house by 2011.  I improved my 10K, 15K, and Half Marathon time; I was much nicer to my knees; and I wrote a book and sold it.  I’m working on the Responsible Spending Challenge; however, I don’t think we’re on track to buy a house anytime soon!

 

I’ll reveal my 2010 Resolutions this afternoon!  I’m sure you can guess a few of them.  🙂

 

Before we discuss 2010 Resolutions, what were your 2009 Resolutions and did you accomplish them?  Or do you hate Resolutions?

{ 62 comments }

 

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 23, 2009, 8:41 am

    I never do resolutions for the New Year. I guess occasionally they will fall in January, but when I decide I need to change something, or want to do something differently, I start right away! 🙂

    And yes, I’m so excited to come to England!!

  • amanda @ fake ginger December 23, 2009, 8:42 am

    I am so excited to “follow” you on your vacation. I’m not a big fan of traveling so it’s always nice to live through someone else’s photos.

    I’m not one for resolutions. I can’t remember the last time I actually made any but maybe this year.

  • Meghan@traveleatlove December 23, 2009, 8:43 am

    I don’t really make resolutions on New Year’s itself but rather I like to make mini resolutions throughout the year.I am involved in volunteering/charity quite a bit, but for my 30th year one of my goals is to increase the giving back in thanks for such a lucky life.
    I would also love to find a travel, food or wine related job, but I don’t really consider that a resolution.

  • Lizzy December 23, 2009, 8:43 am

    i think resolutions are great! just mini reminders of what you want to improve, even if they are small things, i think everyone can use a little boost from year to year!!!!! I hope you get packing finished!!! good luck girl!

  • Cait (Cait's Plate) December 23, 2009, 8:53 am

    Wow. Those are some amazing goals! I never make resolutions because I feel like I keep my goals in mind all year long no matter what. But apparently I should because it looks like it pays off! Congrats on some awesome years 🙂

  • Harriet December 23, 2009, 9:01 am

    i don’t knoe about london but where i am in england there are snow showerd forecast from tomorrow until new year!
    fingers crossed for snow in london!

  • megan December 23, 2009, 9:03 am

    I tend to do monthly resolutions, which works well for me. I do better with shorter time periods. I love talking about new years resolutions though – it’s so fun to hear what people’s goals are.

  • Babycakes December 23, 2009, 9:08 am

    I am definitely excited to come to England “with” you. Growing up, I used to travel there every year with my family, but now that I’m in grad school I don’t have the time. It’s such a magical place.

    I don’t really do New Years resolutions, but I always have goals I’m working towards 🙂

  • Emily December 23, 2009, 9:10 am

    I did make a few resolutions (some serious, some fun) and ended up accomplishing two and hopefully we’ll make more progress on the other two in 2010. I was able to keep my weight until 130 pounds (the number isn’t that big of a deal – but it let me focus on not having “too” much fun on the weekends. The ones I didn’t accomplish: I have a horrible habit of biting my nails – still can’t quit. Ugh. And I wanted to learn to shag….

    • caitlin December 23, 2009, 9:11 am

      wait, you wanted to learn how to shag? like, do it? for your resolution? if so, that is an awesome resolution.

      • Kath December 23, 2009, 9:19 am

        I think she means shag the DANCE!

  • Leah @ L4L December 23, 2009, 9:12 am

    I pretty much hate resolutions. Last year, my resolution was to find a job. haha. done. I had been rockin’ the unemployment wave for 6 months by the time NYE rolled around. This upcoming year, I am planning a wedding, getting married, honeymooning, and hopefully finding a better job.

  • Kailey December 23, 2009, 9:15 am

    real maple syrup is SO the way to go 🙂

    i love that you are realistic with your resolutions!! Can’t wait to hear the new ones 🙂

  • Kath December 23, 2009, 9:16 am

    But you’re supposed to buy MY house!!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) December 23, 2009, 9:18 am

    My 2009 resolution was to not be so uptight about life and just take things as they come. I can honestly say that little mini-goals brought me to the point of being much more carefree (but in a good way 😉 ) this year.

    I’m not sure what my 2010 resolution will be, but I love thinking about fresh starts and achieving new goals! 😀

  • Christie @ Honoring Health December 23, 2009, 9:21 am

    I don’t make resolutions; they don’t work for me and in fact, bring out my eating disorders all or nothing thinking. I do much better taking things day by day otherwise, I set myself up for failure.

  • Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn December 23, 2009, 9:21 am

    I don’t think I made a resolution last year, but it’s more like I make one for myself every week! I love your 4th bullet–that’s such a helpful tip. Find an alternate or complimentary action to help achieve another. Smart!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie December 23, 2009, 9:22 am

    My 2009 resolution was to start running! I started in March and have been improving and increasing ever since!

    I ran two 5K’s and next year I’ll be doing 10K’s and at the end of the summer I hope to do the half marathon!

  • Britt - Runnerbelle December 23, 2009, 9:22 am

    I never really do real resolutions, mainly I just recommit myself to healthy eating & exercise. This year though I feel like I should set a few goals to accomplish. Its been awhile since I have had a race PR, so I’d love to set a new marathon PR and a new 5K PR. I also want to finally do an ultra marathon too!

  • Stephanie December 23, 2009, 9:27 am

    Great resolutions! As far as buying the house, you should really check into the First Time Homebuyers loan which only requires a very small percentage down (like 3%) making it possible for young folks with not as much equity/savings to make the purchase – I speak from experience 🙂 I didn’t think I was ready either and once I bought I was so glad I did – that way my money is going towards something that I own and will see back eventually and the tax benefits are amazing when it comes to interest deduction! Of course make sure you want to stay in that city for a while, that’s always the hitch!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) December 23, 2009, 9:29 am

    you know what? i use to hate resolutions. for half of my life i always vowed to “lose weight” or “eat healthy”…i HATED it cause I always failed. Now my resolution is just to be the best i can be and push myself toward a positive light. CHEESY i know.

  • katherine December 23, 2009, 9:32 am

    I accomplished most of my 2009 goals and I’m refining my 2010 goals now!

  • Christy December 23, 2009, 9:33 am

    I didn’t make any resolution. I don’t really ever make resolutions but instead just make long/short term goals throughout the year. Good luck with your suitcase — packing is so hard for me, too!

  • Colleen December 23, 2009, 9:34 am

    Just a tip….roll your clothes and they will fit in your suitcase much better, and you might not have to take as many! Also, if you roll jeans and sweaters they generally unroll and don’t look wrinkled a bit!

    My resolutions always include something like cutting down on sweets, but I always fail miserably, usually within the first week! One year I vowed to use the stairs and never the elevator and I kept that resolution all year (I worked on the 2nd floor of a bank). Not sure what my resolution for next year will be. Probably something to do with sweets, haha! I’d also love to run a half marathon with my husband, but with our school and work schedules it may not be feasible (especially since he is opposed to morning exercise).

    • Colleen December 23, 2009, 9:43 am

      Oh, and I meant you might not have to *leave* as many clothes behind if you roll them.

  • Janna (Just Flourishing) December 23, 2009, 9:35 am

    I don’t hate resolutions. I totally agree with you about people setting goals that are unattainable or unrealistic.

    I think NYE resolution are an awesome time to think about REALISTIC goals that you want to achieve. It’s a great time to do it.

    I guess my biggest 2009 goal was to move to NYC and get into school here. And I did both of those things! So yay!

  • Matt December 23, 2009, 9:40 am

    I am actually really good about sticking to my new years resolutions. I gave up soda three years ago and haven’t had one since.

  • Matt December 23, 2009, 9:40 am

    And that is coming from someone who drank a sunkist with breakfast every morning. I probably drank 5 sodas a day!

  • Wendy December 23, 2009, 9:43 am

    I don’t really do true resolutions, but I wanted to run a half marathon in 2009, and I ended up running two! For 2010, I’m toying with the idea of running a FULL marathon, but I’m honestly kinda scared. I’m also injury-prone, so I’m not sure how my poor body will hold up. I’m also trying to make peace with food via Intuitive Eating. 🙂

  • Anne Marie@New Weigh of Life December 23, 2009, 9:43 am

    Have a safe trip!!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance.....After 100+ Pound Weight Loss!!! December 23, 2009, 9:49 am

    I stopped doing “resolutions” a long time ago because I feel like they are to much pressure, however I do think about the things I would like to do, achieve and accomplish over the next year and in my future!

    So I guess you could say mine are to run a 15K & a 1/2 Marathon in 2010, lose “20” pounds and get to my ideal weight!

    Also, I would like to advance at work!

    =) Laura

  • Erin December 23, 2009, 9:51 am

    I never make resolutions but try to constantly challenge myself. That way, there’s always a goal but I never feel like I’ve “failed” by not keeping a resolution.

  • Nicole, MS, RD, LD December 23, 2009, 9:53 am

    Have a great trip!

    I don’t even remember my 09 resolutions, sad! I’m writing them down this year!

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans December 23, 2009, 9:54 am

    Packing is one of my least favorite things! Good luck! I’m very jealous of your trip! I lived in London for a year when I was in high school and I loved every second of it!

  • Katie December 23, 2009, 9:56 am

    I’m not sure you’ll be able to get the flax and wheatgrass through customs. They might consider them plants or seeds rather than food. Just a thought…

  • Maura December 23, 2009, 9:57 am

    I’m usually pretty bad at keeping my resolution. So after reading your post, my new resolution is to keep a resolution (TBD). It will probably be something along the lines of uping my yoga practice from 1-2x/week to 2-4x/week. Realistic, no?

    Oh and another *big 2010 resolution* of mine is to get into medical school, NBD. HAHA

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad December 23, 2009, 10:03 am

    Usually, I’m not a fan of new year resolutions. I feel like a lot of people use them as an excuse to put off change. If I want to accomplish something, I start ASAP.

  • Faye December 23, 2009, 10:06 am

    I just randomly came across your blog and are now wishing i could make food that looks as good as yours!
    I hope you enjoy your vacation, I live in Manchester and the snow is not disappearing… never believe the weatherman!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) December 23, 2009, 10:07 am

    Sorry it’s going to rain the entire trip. In that big suitcase of yours be sure to pack good heat gear for running if you are doing it outside.

    I vowed to get to my goal weight and to start the adoption process and to run a 10K. I did get to my goal weight and start the long process of adoption (but has since been put on a slight hold). But I missed out on my 10K due to injury. Now I’m running it in April 2010.

  • Shelly December 23, 2009, 10:12 am

    I’ve really streamlined my winter packing over the past 3 years and I actually posted my tips for winter packing yesterday. Feel free to check it out.
    In brief though- you need a base layer like cuddle duds, jeans or corduroy pants tucked into boots that are cute, comfortable, and warm and a light sweater or knit shirt. Top that with a heavy sweater in a dark color underneath a good winter coat, scarf, hat, and gloves. Bring 1 pair of pants for every 4 days (since you’re cold and not sweaty, they don’t get very dirty), 1 pair of PJ’s for every three or 4 days, 1 heavy sweater and 1 coat (b/c they take up the most room), and 1 lightweight top for every day. Try to wear your bulkiest items on the plane, and if you are picky about colors that don’t go together (Like brown and black- I’m totally OCD about that), then choose a color scheme and stick to it. That way you cut down on shoes and bags. Dark colors are better than light because they don’t show stains or dirt as much (like if you spill something on yourself mid day or need to rinse you sweater out at night.) Accessories like scarves don’t take up a lot of room so it’s better to bring 3 scarves than 3 different heavy sweaters. I do always pack plenty of socks and underwear. They’re crucial and they don’t take up a lot of room. Try to get by with no more than 2 pairs of shoes (of course if you’re bringing your running shoes, you should up it to 3). Also, rolling your clothes saves a TON of space in your suitcase.
    Good luck with your packing!!

  • Nancy December 23, 2009, 10:21 am

    I fly out tomorrow night as well, but just across the country to my home province. How long will you be in England for? Have fun!!!!

  • Laura December 23, 2009, 10:26 am

    Having lived in London for 5 years, I am excited to see which places you visit and discover, and what you make of them, and Londoners. I wouldn’t base anything on the British weather forecasts, they are notoriously unreliable. Also, any middle-large supermarket now stocks Flax (usually sold as Linseed over here) and Barleygrass/Wheatgrass- especially in London. If you’re out and about and looking to pick up a healthy, cheapish snack, keep your eyes out for Holland and Barrett stores and Fresh and Wild shops… or jump on a tube to Camden. Happy packing! 😉 My New Years resolutions are to study more, start training for a charity race, and procrastinate less!

  • Elina December 23, 2009, 10:27 am

    I like resolutions as well. I went through my 2009 ones and I accomplished all of them, I think (some of them were soft). Hope 2010 is even better for all of us!! Have fun on your trip 😀

  • Lee December 23, 2009, 10:27 am

    I actually did a post last night recapping my 2009 resolutions. I did pretty well, I think.

  • Rachel December 23, 2009, 10:38 am

    You always have such cute plates/bowls! Where do you find heart shaped bowls like this?

    I didn’t have resolutions last year, but I definitely wrote out a few that I’ll be posting to my blog on Christmas Day for 2010! I think it’s important to write out goals and ways to achieve those goals rather than just say something vague about “wanting to lose weight” or whatever.

    • caitlin December 23, 2009, 11:29 am

      i got the bowl at marshalls!

  • Sammi December 23, 2009, 10:58 am

    That’s how my family is also. My mom just started going to church since my parents got divorced but she said it speaks more on personal issues rather than religious issues (I believe it’s her uncle that preaches there). My dad and I are agnostic though but we celebrate the holidays.

    I’ve never had a resolution! It’s not that I hated them in the past, I’ve just never really thought of something I thought worthy of working towards. Blogging has changed me a lot though and this year I’m going to write out resolutions AND I’m going to achieve them 🙂

  • Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen December 23, 2009, 10:59 am

    Honestly, last year I resolved to not make a resolution because I just knew I wasn’t ready to change my life yet. For 2010, I just want to be healthy and happy, but thankfully I’ve started on the road to get me there. Thanks for your encouragement, and I can’t wait to “go” with you guys to London!

  • Melissa S. December 23, 2009, 11:05 am

    i know i write down my resolutions somewhere but then always forget them and they never get accomplished. melissa fail. haha. this year will be different.

  • tracy December 23, 2009, 11:10 am

    for 2009, i met my goals for the year which were to read 12 books (one for each month) and to cook/bake a new recipe every month! i love new year’s resolutions! they make me more motivated!!

  • Ashley @ Vanityandsanity December 23, 2009, 11:18 am

    I like resolutions. I guess I like the idea of a “fresh start”. Mine are fairly generic – yoga 1x/wk, be more positive, try to curb my ‘procrastination problem’.

    I’m envious of your London trip! I’ve only been while en-route to Paris so I didn’t really get to see anything.

  • Karla December 23, 2009, 11:23 am

    I’m not really big on new years resolutions, but this year I’m going to set goals for myself. For some reason the word “resolution” doesn’t seem effective for me. So I will have goals. 🙂

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) December 23, 2009, 11:42 am

    I feel like I make resolutions every year and never actually follow through. I haven’t made any for the coming year but am interested in making it an overall healthier year. I want to have a baby in the next few years so I definitely want to be in tip top shape for that. I also want to learn to love or like yoga. I need to be realistic about things. It’s all about setting yourself up for success.
    I am totally jealous of your trip to England. Who can resist that British accent. I know you get to hear it everyday. Has it faded over time?

    • caitlin December 23, 2009, 11:46 am

      yes! but it gets stronger when we go visit.

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) December 23, 2009, 11:47 am

    Thank god for that. Gotta keep it around!

  • Rosey Rebecca December 23, 2009, 12:05 pm

    Four things: 1) I love your heart bowl. 2) I am staying with my parents for a month and packed my whole closet as well. I know the feeling. I don’t a big bag thought so I had a million little bags. 3)I love your resolutions. They are inspiring 4) I’m excited to go “with” you to London. I hope you have a fantastic time. 🙂

  • Julie December 23, 2009, 12:06 pm

    I kind of forget my goals from last year, I know I wrote them down somewhere! I do remember a couple; smile more and read more. I accomplished read more (hello – totally jumped on the twilight bandwagon after resisting for so long) but didn’t accomplish smile more. I’m just not smiley. I’m still working on goals for ’10

  • Jenny December 23, 2009, 2:00 pm

    I’m not much of a “resolution girl”, although I would like to have some sort of structure based ideas for 2010. I can’t believe it’s already that time again!!

    Good luck finishing up packing…we are having a rainy Christmas here in Mississippi too!

  • Cheryle December 23, 2009, 2:06 pm

    Caitlin,

    For your luggage space issue, go to Target (or similar store) travel accessories section and get space-savings plastic bags! They look just like big Ziploc baggies but you just put all of your folder clothes in there and then roll them up to squeeze all the excess air out. I am a pretty seasoned overseas traveller and these bags have changed my life! Better still, you can use them over and over again, I think I’ve used the same set for over 5 years now. Using these space saving bags allows me to use a smaller suitcase plus have room for goodies to bring back!

    Have fun in England – I am so jealous!

  • Sam December 23, 2009, 2:56 pm

    Unfortunately like you said it’s been all rain here today. I just listened to the forecast though and they said there might be more snow tonight. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you (although I’m personally sick of it all after it took me five hours to get home from work last night!)

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 23, 2009, 9:49 pm

    I don’t think I made a 2009 resolution … but my 2010 one is to learn to run.

    I am so excited to “join you” on your vacation 🙂

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