July Resolutions
Happy July! I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by already. I am inspired by Kim to do a list of monthly resolutions. I know I’m a tad late, but I am making up my own rules. Regardless of what your calendar tells you, today is actually the first day of July.
Resolution #1: Drink less alcohol.
I actually am a very moderate drinker. It is known never to assume that I will have wine with dinner (which is saying something considering both sides of family I typically dine with). However, when I do indulge I often have more than one glass, and every now and then I do love a good happy hour.
Case in point, last night. It is hot here. Hubby and I went to Las Iguanas for Happy Hour. Two-for-one sangria is why I was happy:
This is why Matthew was happy:
Hehe. Just kidding. I just thought that was a funny photo op.
Resolution #2: More salads.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned it on the blog but in the past two months I have had a very odd aversion to raw vegetables, particularly salads. I’ve really let myself off the hook and made all sorts of excuses as to why this could be. At one point I even pondered if I was pregnant. I am not. I just got sick of salads.
Resolution #3: Get back into running.
Ever since my 10K in May, I have barely run more than two miles. Actually, I ran two miles once and have since been doing one-mile stints in between ellipticizing and incline walking. After nearly two months, I believe my swollen knee is better. I know I will struggle to get back into it, but I have to start somewhere. Today I will go to the gym and run two miles, even if I have to go really slow. Next weekend I will shoot for a 5K.
Resolution #4: Keep my nails painted and pretty.
This might seem random, but I recently painted my nails a Barbie-pink to cheer me up, and I’m amazed at how effective it is. It definitely brightens my mood and makes me feel special. Back when I was an OC girl, I had regular mani-pedis. They are just too pricey here so I have cut the habit, but who says I can’t do it myself?
Resolution #5: Stop comparing myself.
It has not served me well to be concerned about how my body/blog/diet/house/job/etc. compares to other people. This has been especially noticeable in the last month or so. I get discouraged very easily when I feel inadequate, whereas some people seem to get a fire lit under them when they have someone to pass up. I thrive much better when I tunnel-focus on what I want and what I think are good goals. It concerns me a little that I haven’t been able to come up with a genuine message to post for Caitlin’s Operation Beautiful. I just haven’t been feeling the self-love. The madness stops today!
Well, that’s it! I think these are very achievable goals. I will be reporting on my progress and struggles as the month continues. Please feel free to tell me some of your July resolutions, I’d love to get more ideas for next month!
No related posts.
For some reason by emails to you keep bouncing back, I have no idea why!
I got the marshmellows from tesco, but you’ll probably find them anywhere. You should definitely make the Rocky Road, it’s so easy and so delicious! And feel free to ask questions about Devon, I know the place (well, some of it) really well.
I love the idea of monthly resolutions and I can definitely relate to number 5. I’m always comparing myself to others (including other bloggers) and it’s not healthy. I’m trying so hard to start being more positive, but it’s not always easy. That’s why I love your blog so much, you’re always so honest and open.
Good luck with the resolutions!
I really like your goals. The last one is something I need to work on as well. I think many women do that, and it’s really too bad, isn’t it? We should all work on that, and learn to appreciate our bodies for what they are, and appreciate ourselves for who we are!
Have a great weekend, good luck sticking with the goal (especially #1 over the weekend!).
i LOVE all of the goals..especially the last one
were all unique and thats what makes us all interesting and beauitful in our own way..so no more comparing 
its something im working on too!
and i always do my own nails..saves money AND ive gotten good at it!
have a great day hun!
Seriously, keeping my nails done and pretty is one of the little things that really keeps me feeling good. I don’t think its silly at ALL! If I ever get really “down”, I go get a pedicure!
Haha!! That photo of Matthew at the bar is priceless
Good luck with all your goals!!
Those sound like GREAT resolutions for July and I wish you lots of luck with them! I’ve tried to always have my nails painted but I’m terrible about it – if only I had a personal manicurist
In case you’re all wondering….I’m the one in the jeans!
Those are great goals Lara and totally acheivable! I love that they are changes rather than specific targets… I’ve had aversions to raw vegetables recently too- think I just burned out. Most of my salads now consist of cold steamed/roasted veggies mixed with raw but I definitely need to bring more raw produce back for health reasons.
The bar pic is hilarious
Great goals! Although I think if you fell out of love with salads for a while, you can still get your veggies in in other ways. But if salads make you feel fresh and healthy, then go for it!
And I totally get the nails one. I hate when my nails look bad. I keep hiding them, and I don’t like trying to hide any parts of my body, even if it’s just nails. I think my hair makes a huge difference in my mood. If I take the time to straighten it, then I feel pretty and that reflects on how I feel about everything else.
Haha, Matthew – thanks for that tip.
Getting a manicure makes me feel so pretty and happy. Im not sure why it is since its just my nails, but there is something about it that just brightens my mood.
I like your goals!
I love all of your resolutions!! I am with you on the drinks, its so easy just to pour another glass of wine!
great goals! i love them
i think i can apply most of them to myself, especially the first one after the fun i had last weekend. i haven’t been feeling salads either…i keep buying greens but never want to eat them when meal time comes around…so odd!
Las Iguanas! It’s exciting to see somewhere I know and like on a food blog. I also had the sangria last time I was there and it was surprisingly strong! I ordered the tuna and quinoa entree and it was delicious but a HUGE portion. have you ever been to giraffe? love it!
D: I haven’t had that entree at Las Iguanas but I have had the tuna salad, and that was really good! That and the tuna quinoa sound like two of the healthiest options there
Yes, I love Giraffe as well! They do great breakfasts but recently I tried the shrimp/chicken salad and that was really nice, too!
Great resolutions!! I might try a monthly list! Love the painted nails ones too! I notice that when I do things like that, I feel so much better in general (case in point: treated myself to two MAC lipsticks yesterday
) Drinking used to be a pitfall for me pre-kids so I totally get that one!
You have very pretty hands!! what a random thing to say but it’s true!
and you should feel very good with yourself for setting realistic, achievable goals!
Best of luck and keep us posted!
x
OMG love Matthew’s comment – just read that!
Michelle: So British, right?!
I really like the idea of monthly goals. And pretty pink nails do make you happy. I have neglected my nails for a while now, but I think I’ll go paint them right now!
Have a great weekend!
Great goals. I should make a nail goal too. I’d love to get into the habit of painting my nails.
What a great list! I should do the same. I haven’t been setting new goals for myself lately, and I can definitely tell!
Your salad situation has happened to me from time to time too. I go through those phases where I just really do not want to see another salad on my placemat. It’s always temporary, but still kind of weird.
Your nails are beautiful. Mine are tiny and look odd with color on them. Boo. I like to focus on my toes instead. Speaking of which, I may try to squeeze in a pedicure today. Sigh. Lovely!
wonderful resolutions! back in jan i decided i would do monthly re-evals and new goals…yeah, that lasted til april. so maybe ill start it up again…today is still the 1st right?
Ha! That picture of Matthew at the bar is too funny!
I think these are all great and reasonable resolutions. I especially like the nail one
I only recently started painting my nails since I’m not playing guitar in a band anymore. Amazing how cheery it makes me feel! I look down and think “whose lovely girly hands are these?” 
Check out the stud at the bar
Great list of goals!! You can definitely achieve them! For #5, I heard something once that has always stuck with me, “You do you.” Whatever is best for you is what YOU have to do – no one else!
Good luck with your goals. I really hope you start feeling more like yourself soon. I think I’m starting to get there. I’m so happy to see you blog again. I missed you!
Love the list. I too, suck at getting my salads in. (Insert green smoothies here.)
Some of my resolutions are to eat less processed foods, especially carbs (tortillas, pitas, bread, etc.) and to follow Kath and Caitlin’s 10 minute strength training challenge. I also think I need to cut down a bit on the drinking, it’s the hot weather and social situations that do me in!
Love the goals. I find that simply writing things down really motivates me and keeps me focused. That said, I’ve been meaning to write some goals myself! I’ve just been very scattered and disorganized lately. I’m so much better at life when I feel organized and in control
Hub and I are doing a happy hour tonight, I think. Goal: eat before I go! Not sure where we’ll go, but I’m assuming vegan menu options will be limited, and that plus cheap drinks is not a good combo.
Have a great weekend!!
Your goals are great ones… I should think up some of my own!
I love the pic of your husband surrounded by ladies at the bar – a good photo op indeed
I love your goals! Maybe I should make a set of monthly goals for myself too. The picture of you with Sangria will be me tomorrow…I am making a batch right now
excellent goals! i love how you picked things that you already KNOW will make you feel better.
such a perfect shot of matthew at the bar with all the ladies
I especially LOVE the last two
keep those hands and feet manicured girl! pamper yourself and no comparing!! love it!
Best of luck with all of your goals. I know that you can do it! You’re fantastic pretty girl
i love the resolutions – especially the one about more salads, I am trying to eat more raw veggies and salads this month as well =) gluck!
Your resolutions all seem reasonable, which I like! Except maybe the less alcohol thang…
GL lady!
i love these resolutions!!! and im with you on number 4 especially!!! at least i have time now to paint!!
LOVE YOU LARA!!!!!!!!!!
I love this post!! I was planning on doing something very similar!!And that barbie pink paint is so cute!
I love the resolutions! I’m thinking of trying the nails one myself…as a reward to my readers on those closeup food shots.
I think you are just so awesome for always trying to better yourself!!! Very thinspiring.
I love your resolutions.
I’m trying to be more spontaneous and eat more fats. Trying to cut back on kabocha, but I’m not trying too hard, lol.
Yes, so, so British! Whenever I am w/ my hubby and his friends, it’s like a one-up-you humor-fest. I know you know what I mean
Sweety, honey daaaaahling! I am back and ready to support you
) Great reslutions – I am the same with comparing but am learning to stop myself. I’ve found that either listening to awesome podcasts (cough*runningwiththepack*cough) or stopping myelf each time I find myself comparing and having a couple of good sentences ready in my head, really is starting to help. Don’t underestimate the power of inner dialogue!
As for the running, try walking & running – Steve Galloway has a whole theory where you run 9 minutes and walk 1 (or you can change it up a little) and some people use it to run marathons and they run faster than if they just ran the whole way. So there’s no shame and it will give you a chance to go further without hurting yourself.
I love this post! What a positive way to start the month.
I think they are all great resolutions – though I have to giggle at the ‘drink less’ given that you don’t drink much to start with! It sounds like you drink on special occasions (and you know, sometimes a Wednesday is allowed to be special!) I guess my point is, the occasional treat is ok right?
The salad one is a good idea – I should take that on board. I haven’t had enough salad’s this week.
I really need to take care of my nails… they are embarassingly yucky!
Also, thanks for your London tips. I appreciate it!!
I love your resolutions, Lara! I am actually in complete agreement with you on all of them. When I drink, I always end up having more than I should, and I would much rather be the girl who has one drink on occasion. I’m sure my body would thank me! I also have an aversion to raw vegetables that could use some work, could always use an extra kick to paint my nails (you’re right, it does brighten the mood!) and, of course, could definitely benefit if I stopped comparing myself to others. I wish you the best of luck with these resolutions – I know you can do it!
Also, if you’re still up for an exchange, I would love to do one when I get back to Chicago! I will be back on July 12…let me know what works for you!!
I almost said Happy 4th of July
LOL.
That picture of you with the Sangrias is ridiculously cute! Good luck with the July resolutions girl, I know you can achieve it. Eating more salads? CHECK…..make some green monsters!
And painted nails? I painted mine yesterday too, and I just feel so cute and girly….haaha I totally agree, it has a positive affect on you!
What a great idea to have monthly resolutions! I agree that the picture of you with the sangrias is so cute…and so is the one afterwards! I think you’ll find that you have no problems getting back into running. It’s not like you’re starting out brand new to it..just take your time and don’t rush things. I love your nails – they’re so cute! I am definitely guilty of not taking care of mine, though oddly enough they seem to stay pretty strong. I just keep ‘em short because they drive me nuts.
I’ve come to love salads after hating them for so long primarily after getting so many great ideas from Sarah (lovinmytummy). Now I can’t get away from the hummus/salsa combo.
I know how hard it is to stop comparing yourself to others, especially when there are so many fun blogs out there to read. Just remember that we are all individuals and what may work great for someone else might not be the answer for you. Do what makes YOU happy and try to follow your own path.
good luck with your july resolutions!! I totally believe that you can do them. In fact, I should really stop comparing myself too! It would probably be better for my mental health.
I have to agree with you on #5. So many blogs out there are just too perfect and I find myself comparing and dwelling on the fact that I’m not good enough. Sometimes I get very frustrated because I’m working on a new site, but I have no idea how to do it and there are so many out there that are sickingly perfect that I should know how. I think I’m a perfectionist at heart, but sometimes I think about it too much. We are good enough! *hugs*
hey sweet girl! i love your resolutions! i need some monthly ones to keep me going! yours are so good. how about i make them mine too
hope everything is well with yyouuu <3