For the first time today, I went hiking — in mountains. Huge mountains. There were times I wondered what I was doing there, like when I had to jump from boulder to boulder over a roaring river or balance on a wobbling log, but at the very end we came to a waterfall and I couldn’t have been happier. I was even happy after I fell into the river on the way back.

I’m really glad everything turned out the way it did in 2012, or else I wouldn’t have been able to start 2013 like this.

But tomorrow I think I’ll stay grounded and work on my garden.

How was your first week of the new year?

Happy New Year!

I know what you’re thinking… Where has One Parade been the past few months? Long story short, this year has been one of the most eventful years of my life. I’ve grown tremendously as a person, my responsibilities at work have increased, I rediscovered my love for blogging, my relationship ended (yes, I am no longer getting married), I moved into a lovely new place with my dog Max, and my little sister had a beautiful baby girl named Olivia Norah.

Looking ahead at 2013, I only see more positives and opportunities for growth. This year will be all about me, exploring my interests and putting 100% of myself into everything I do.

You may see some changes here at the blog to reflect everything that has happened in my life recently. But One Parade is still here, and still kicking. I can’t wait to share my lovely new place with you all. I have many fun posts planned.

In the meantime, here are some fun new year links I’d like to share:

• Make sure you purchase your 2013 calendar.
• Or print this sugary sweet freebie.
• Store your holiday decor.
• Spruce up your finances to start the year right.
• Make sure you keep the year’s resolutions on hand.

What are your goals for 2013?

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How many new year resolutions have you made in your life time? How many have you followed through with?

Maybe this will give you an idea as to why I usually dislike hearing new year resolutions. People make a few mistakes when they decide upon theirs:

• Making too many. I’ve heard people promise themselves an entire bucket list. Not going to happen.
• Unrealistic wishes. Sometimes we tell ourselves we need to do something that just won’t happen, like a trip that takes years to save for or accomplishing something you know just isn’t your thing.
• Focusing on short-term. Sometimes we don’t realize long term effects of our promises, or forget them after January altogether.
• Negativity. I feel that instead of thinking about all the things in your life you want to change next year, realize how amazing your life is already. Some people scramble to find a resolution. If you don’t have one, is that really a problem? Sometimes bettering yourself isn’t a conscious process, but something that happens gradually.

Are resolutions evil? Of course not. But I think we often get carried away. Want to better yourself next year? So do I! Instead of resolutions, I recommend finding one thing you want to see a change in next year. Put your heart and soul into making that happen, but take it slowly. Want to run? Start walking every other day. Want to write a novel? Draft a few lines every day after breakfast. Want to put your life back together? Pick one little thing that would make a difference and fix it. One by one make your way to your goal. This will keep you from burning out and allow you to focus on one simple thing that will enhance your life.

What’s your resolution for 2012 and how will you approach it? And of course, wishing all of you lovely people a Happy New year!

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I’m going with a simple, sparkly silver polish for this year’s new year celebration. Are you doing anything festive beauty-wise this year? If your haven’t given it much thought, here are some of my favorite looks I’ve found that can easily be replicated at home!

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