Here's to a New Year...

Every January the blogosphere is always flooded with posts about New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t typically make resolutions. But, I have set two goals for myself for 2011. And I’m proud to say that I got working on these goals before January 1.

This summer I finally found out why my knees have been bothering me so much for the past two years. Possibly due to many years of playing basketball, the cushioning around my knee cap has deteriorated so that my bones are rubbing against each other causing early-onset arthritis. The condition was technically diagnosed as chondromalacia. This meant I would need to forego running and find other cardio workouts to strengthen my leg muscles specifically my quad muscles. I am thrilled to have finally tried spinning. I joined a new gym in October and I’ve been to several classes in addition to working out on my own. Spinning has proven to be a fantastic workout. I’m very excited about it.

So, that is goal number one – get in better shape, regain core fitness and improve leg strength.

Goal number two was to find a way to bring some income into our household. For some time now, I’ve been mulling selling my handmade crafts. For a couple years now, I’ve been making stenciled tee-shirts and onesies as gifts for my nieces, nephews and friends’ babies. As I was ruminating on what I might sell, my mind kept coming back to these. So, in November, I finally took the plunge and opened an online store through Etsy.

The store is called Brush & Paint. I hope you’ll take a look. Initially, I have been stocking it with my hand-stenciled t-shirts and onesies. Last week, I added some stationery for Valentine’s Day. I’m very excited to finally be underway with this idea that has been in the back of mind ever since I became a stay-at-home mom in 2006. I have had some early success selling my t-shirts and onesies to family and friends. I hope to gain some traction in the online marketplace over the next year.

A snowflake tee:

A lobster lovenote:

Who knows what 2011 will have in store for me? Come 2012, I hope to be looking back at 2011 proud of the work I put into these two goals. Sitting here, right now, I’m feeling optimistic and I’m very excited by the possibilities.

Wishing you a fulfilling and satisfying new year! xoxo, Reen