HELLO 2025!

Happy New Year!! We made it to the other side and it’s time for a fresh start. I love the possibilities of a new year- I definitely have a list of goals I want to work towards in 2025! I spent most of today just relaxing at home and enjoying time off from work.

I’m really looking to January 2nd as my first official start day when it comes to goals, however I did jump on a few little things today. Over the last year, I’ve shifted my mindset about the new year in a few ways. I still think it’s a great time to begin something new and prioritize goals, however it doesn’t have to start off super intense in my book. The Kristen from a few years back would have been adamant about doing all of X, Y and Z right this second at lighting speed. 

Now I keep more of a slow and steady wins the race approach. I saw this week that you’re much more likely to accomplish goals if you write them down, however most people give up on their resolutions by January 15th. On the radio they said it’s now called “National Quitters Day” which is crazy, lol. The key is to be consistent- you’re capable of more than you think if you just stick with it long enough. 

I also fully embrace the idea of a soft winter now. Just like in nature, the colder months are a good time to “hibernate” and rest. For me this means resting, taking care of myself and focusing on what feels good. I will still work on goals, just in a way that aligns with this mentality. 

I’ll do a separate post with my goals- right now I’m focused more on what I want to take care of in January but I always have a few yearly resolutions in mind too. 

I hope you had a fun, safe NYE and enjoyed ringing in the new year. I spent mine enjoying Japanese food and staying in with family at home. I did try my hand at bartending this year and whipped up some S’mores martinis! I need to buy some actual cocktail glasses but they were yum! 

Here is to what I hope will be our best year yet. Regardless of how your 2024 may have gone, it’s a blessing to have lived through it, see it close out and to be present for the start of a new one. I feel a new sense of excitement for 2025- here we go! 

MY 2024 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Happy New Year, friends! One of my favorite parts about the start of a new year are all of the endless possibilities for growth, change + new experiences. I'm very much a goal-oriented list maker so I love creating new resolutions for the year. I do always say there's no time like the present and often times waiting to start something can be counterintuitive, however sometimes we can all use a little extra push to get going. Although research according to Google says only 9% of people accomplish their yearly resolutions, I think creating resolutions is a great way to hone in on the areas of your life where you want to see change and to kickstart the year off with positive habits. 

Every year my resolutions tend to fall along the lines of eating healthier, exercising more, de-cluttering and saving/investing more money. I'll link my actual 2023 resolutions here if you're interested, but I would be lying if I said that I've truly mastered those. They always seem to be a work in progress which makes sense if you really think about it. To have a healthier lifestyle, you have to maintain healthy habits. It's more of an ongoing lifestyle than a concrete goal that you can start and finish. While I plan to still work towards those and take a much needed detox from all of the holiday snacking I've been doing, this year I've created my resolutions around more specific goals + tasks I can check off. 

I'm also taking a new approach and looking at my resolutions as a fun way to better my life. Sometimes I put too much weight and pressure on accomplishing everything all at once. I'm looking to approach 2024 with a more lighthearted approach- I want to have fun and enjoy the journey. 

MY 2024 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

+SWEAR LESS - When I think about the best, most ideal version of myself, she doesn't drop quite as many f bombs as the current day version. Sometimes I'll even reflect after using curse words that perhaps that sentence would have sounded better without one. Don't get me wrong, some situations just call for a good ole that's some bullsh*t. I also can appreciate the comedic edge that a good curse word can add, however sometimes I think it can diminish your polish a little too. I definitely want to work on being more a little more selective and mindful with my vocabulary this year. 

+UNDIE DRAWER MAKEOVER - Alright, this is a goal I've had for awhile that I need to just bite the bullet + jump on. I'm at a point where I think a little underwear drawer clean out + makeover would greatly improve my life. My goal is to purge out all the old and re-purchase new, high quality undies that I love. I've also been really curious to try out some cleaner, organic cotton brands too.

+EMAIL DE-CLUTTER - I am one of those, you guys. I'm not proud of it and I'm fully aware of how much of an issue it is. Between my 4-5 different email accounts, I have an asinine amount of emails in my inboxes. Asinine as in over 60,000 emails. I know what you're thinking. I KNOW. It's absurd, really. I'm convinced there are two people- the ones with 60,000+ emails like me and the ones with less than ten. I want to be in the latter group, I really do. I have a game plan to make it happen too that involves a serial deleting spree + a massive amount of unsubscribing. 

+CLEAN FOODS - Now that I've made it through the holidays + all of the yummy "junk" food, I want to switch back to cleaner foods. Side note on yummy snacks-- on NYE I tried this recipe for baked Boursin cheese + it was SO good. Definitely an indulgence but amazing appetizer that everyone loved! For me healthier eating is both watching what you eat + choosing higher quality, cleaner options when possible. That doesn't mean I won't still indulge here and there, just in moderation. During the holidays I pretty much just let everything slide but goal now is to eat leaner and cleaner. I'm looking to up my protein, minimize sugar + processed foods and to pick higher quality when I can (organic/grass-fed/less additives, etc.). 

+SPEND MORE TIME GETTING READY - This one may sound silly but I would like to start spending a little extra time in the morning on getting ready for the day. I've been in a bad habit of just throwing on my clothes and rushing out the door most days. What I've noticed is that on the days I do spend a little extra time doing my hair or putting on a nicer outfit, I not only look better but I also feel better. 

What are your New Year's resolutions?

MY 2023 RESOLUTIONS

2022 brought me a new love for brussels + squash in one of my fave salads! 

We all know the start of a new year means new goals, intentions + resolutions. I am all for it. I've always had an ambitious attitude when it comes to the future and achieving certain things in life. That can sometimes become overwhelming, especially if you constantly find yourself wanting to work on everything at once. My approach to goals over the last several years has evolved into starting small and staying consistent. It ultimately doesn't matter if you don't know where to begin or how to get where you want to go, you just need to put one foot forward.

I think that's an important sentiment not only to succeed in achieving your goals, but to remember when you start them. It's inevitable that at some point we'll all be faced with adversities, setbacks and failures. You can always keep going, start again or pivot where you need to. When it comes to resolutions, you may also find yourself having the same ones that you did last year, maybe the year before that and so on. Maybe you didn't know where to start, maybe you stumbled and gave up. I have been there, done that. Still do that. The secret is it's OK. When you accept that you may struggle or mess up, it takes the pressure off. Don't get me wrong- it's of course important to take your goals seriously. I'm not a fan of half-assing things. You should be all in but most importantly, disciplined and consistent. Disciplined enough that when you do slip up and skip working out, you still show up at the gym tomorrow. It's so easy to let minor setbacks feel like failures and keep you from moving forward. In a weird way, when you give into that you end up creating the failure instead. 

In order to stay consistent and work towards your goals, you have to know what they are. I always like to keep a list of my goals, weekly tasks, etc. in my phone. It's a great reminder that helps keep you focused both on a macro and micro level. Right now I'm writing out my overall goals for 2023 (macro level) to help focus + guide the year. Here are my resolutions + the thing I want to work on! 

+ CLEAN LIVING - I'm not proud to admit that I often feel like I live in chaos. I'm constantly go-go-go with my job to the point where keeping things super clean and organized is never my main priority. That usually means I find myself disorganized and a little untidy at home, in my car, at the office, etc. To say I HATE it would be an understatement, lol. I typically get to the point where I can't take any more mess and will do a big cleaning/purge every few months, however I need to be better about it day to day. I fully believe in "a clean space is a clean mind." Out with the old + in with new things I love. 

+ PRIORITIZE HEALTH - Covering all of your typical NY resolutions with this one. Like you, I too need and want to eat healthier, exercise more and sleep better. I wouldn't be mad about dropping a few pounds either, hehe. My main goals are to cut back on my sugar intake and just eat cleaner, less processed foods. More fruits and veggies and as much as it pains me, *maybe* less Diet Coke. The addiction is real, ya'll. I also plan to keep up with my OTF workouts each month and maybe bump my plan up to more classes. I want to keep things manageable where I'll stick to it (consistency!!!) but also push myself to keep getting better.

+ ELEVATE STYLE - Alongside of decluttering, I'd love to purge old clothes and completely revamp my style/wardrobe. I'm at the point where I just want good basics and pieces I love. A la capsule wardrobe. I want my closet to be full of things I love and that will upgrade my look. 

+ EARN & INVEST - Something I've also been thinking over for the past year or two is new ways to generate additional income. In my mind I'd love to find something more passive like an investment property but I haven't figured out if that's feasible or where/how I would accomplish that. I don't know too much about real estate but I'm putting it on my map for consideration. Every year I also prioritize investing which I always work to at least match or beat.

That's the general gist of my resolutions. I keep saying it's going to be "2023 the year of me," lol. I've really tried to start focusing more on myself over the last couple of years and the way that I can continue to grow and evolve for the better. Change can be hard but is essential to becoming the best version of yourself. Crossing my fingers I'll also make some time for new experiences too. It's hard for me to travel with my job but I need to start exploring the world a little bit more.

What are your 2023 resolutions? 

GOODBYE 2022, HELLO 2023!

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Tomorrow is New Year's Eve which means 2022 is officially coming to a close. Normally the end of the holidays and the start of the New Year is always a little bittersweet. I was sad to see Christmas go by so quickly, however I'm feeling optimistic and ready to kick off the new year. I love a new season for setting new goals and resolutions. If you're like me, you're probably finding yourself with some of the same resolutions you have every year (to eat healthier, lose weight, etc.). We are all just a work in progress, ya'll. Kicking the bad habits and getting into positive ones is tough stuff. Just keep on trekking!

Keeping that in mind always helps me. Ya'll know I've shared my struggles with being consistent and a perfectionist one the years. I've been in that cycle of trying to improve and be better until you slip up. That's why most resolutions usually don't last. We all start off strong for a week or two and then as soon as you mess up, you just stop all together. I've found slowing building up your consistency and habits works a lot better. Making the small changes. You don't have to go all in on day one, you just have to start. Start with being 5% better and just keep building from there. If you can do something once, you can do it again and then again, again, etc. 

That's my little pep talk and unofficial-I'm-still-figuring-it-all-out two cents, lol. Wishing you all a healthy, happy, productive and fun New Year. As always, I appreciate you being here with me. I'm so grateful for you for reading this post or just taking the time to visit TKD at all. It's my little outlet to connect with you + I'm excited to see what 2023 has in store for all of us!! I hope you set and achieve all of your goals for the New Year and amazing things. I'm still writing out my list but I want to balance both being productive and enjoying life. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day without stopping to really enjoy the little moments. I'm hoping to do more of that, take care of me and just start enjoying the ride. 

On a lighter, more fun note!! What do you have planned for this weekend? I'm still trying to recover from working that retail life through the holidays, lol. I survived the season which I always consider a W! IYKYK, LOL. It is something else, haha. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a verrrryyyy low-key NY weekend with lots of rest. 

Whatever your plans are, I hope you have an amazing time with friends and family! Party like it's 1999 with some positive energy for a healthy, happy + prosperous 2023!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS + GOALS FOR 2022

H A P P Y  N E W  Y E A R! For the first TKD post of the year, I wanted to jump on board with a few of my personal (non-work related) 2022 resolutions and goals. In Friday's post, I shared that my intention for the new year was to take care of me. That's a pretty broad intention because it can be exercised in so many different ways. Whether that's emotionally or physically, my main priority for 2022 is ME! On top of that, I also have a lot of goals and "tangible" resolutions that I hope to accomplish. When I'm thinking of those, I like to build off of my ideal self. Who and what type of person do I want to be and become? What does that look like? What actions or steps would someone like that take? For me, all of these things are usually a mixture of and built off of my personal growth + progress, health and financial position. 

Also a quick PSA-- today is also the *official* start of the year for any resolutions in my book... having New Year's Day on a Saturday is a no-go for me! 

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NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS + GOALS FOR 2022

HEALTH/FITNESS

+ EAT CLEANER - This is one area I constantly challenge myself on and struggle with. At the end of 2021, I completely took my foot of the gas when it came to making smarter food choices + eating clean. The holidays have a way of doing that to you, huh? Because I've been in a "I'll eat whatever I want, pass me another Reese's" phase for these last several months, my body is ready to cut back. I'm always a believer in moderation, however I'm at a point where I'm actually tired of eating so much junk. My goal is to start cutting back by limiting the sugar/junk and transitioning to cleaner, healthier options.

+ BODY - Of course we all would love to shed a few pounds after the holidays, however my overall goal for this year is to maintain a body weight that I feel comfortable and confident in. I don't get too wrapped up in the numbers on the scale, I just want to trim up to a point where I look and feel my best. If you are interested in trimming back, here's How I Lost 30 Pounds with some tips that worked for me!

+ 10K PER DAY - Something I picked up in 2021 was walking 10,000+ steps per day. I've been doing it every day for the last five months and plan to keep it up this year. It feels amazing to actually start and stick with a positive daily habit. While it's definitely been challenging at times, now it's become an automated part of my day and routine. If you want some tips + more info on why walking 10K a day is beneficial, check out this post. 

+ VITAMINS - Creating a daily vitamin regimen was another positive habit I started in mid-2021. I always use to struggle with taking vitamins everyday but I nailed down a pretty good routine last year. I do occasionally miss + take them randomly so I'm hoping to get back to taking them at the same time everyday. It helps with the staying consistent! 

PERSONAL GROWTH + PROGRESS

+ BLOG POSTS - Post every Monday, Wednesday & Friday here on TheKristenDiary.com. 

+ SOCIAL MEDIA - Be more active on IG + stories. Let me know what you like seeing on there?

+ BOOKS - Read at least one book per month. 

+ BEAUTY - Be consistent with my skincare + makeup routines. 

+ DE-CLUTTER - Purging at home + keeping things clean and clutter-free. 

FINANCIAL

I'm going to do a separate post going more in depth on financial goals + my 2021 progress, however here are a few broad highlights: 

+ SAVE MORE, SPEND LESS

+ TREAT MYSELF 

+ BOOST INCOME AND NET WORTH 

That's the gist of my most of my goals + resolutions for the year. I'm probably forgetting a few but also trying to keep things manageable + realistic. If you've followed the blog for awhile now, you probably know of the revelations I made on this last year! It's easy to get overwhelmed + overambitious with all of your goals and to-do lists. For me, starting with a few things and doing them one at a time allows me to feel less stressed + be more productive. 

What are some of your goals + resolutions for the year? I would love to hear them!

I love sharing my thoughts with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Also read: What I've Learned in 2021

GOODBYE 2021, HELLO 2022

Happy New Year's Eve, friends! I am actually excited that 2021 is coming to a close. Every year, life always feels a little depressing after the holidays. While I hate seeing all of the sparkle, joy and magic that is Christmas go, the start of a new year is refreshing. I fully support the idea of starting today and not waiting for "a new year, a new you," however sometimes the promise of a clean slate and new possibilities is the push you need. It also makes the transition and post-holiday depression a little bit easier!

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In typical KP fashion, I'm planning on ringing in the new year at home. Easy + low key does it. Good food, company and watching the ball drop is my kinda party. I have been spending the past week reflecting on this year and my intentions for 2022. I always have resolutions and tangible goals, however an intention can really set the tone for your year. It goes beyond the to-do lists and what we want to do to who we want to be. With a little soul-searching and looking in the mirror, we can usually pin point the parts of our lives that need a little extra love, care, attention or improvement. Thinking through what I want to do and be in the new year, I keep coming back to taking care of me. 

Whether it's mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally or financially, I want to put me first in 2022. I often meet and excel at that in these different areas at different times, however never usually all at once. It's also all too easy for us to prioritize other things or people in our lives before ourselves. I often find myself unbalanced at times, feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained. I'm hoping in 2022, I can learn to even these areas out a bit and keep a checks and balances on everything. PS -- if you're also curious about what my resolutions are, check back next week!

Sending you the best vibes for an amazing and abundant New Year! 

WHAT I'VE LEARNED IN 2021

As the chapter of 2021 is coming to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the highs and lows of the year, the progress and the setbacks. Like every year, this one has brought me my fair share of life lessons, experiences and personal growth. We’re all faced with encounters and circumstances that challenge and hopefully make us better. Over the years, I've learned to pay attention and look a little more closely at these adversities. They're where the real magic happens- regardless of whether we like the outcome or not, growth happens. 

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+ Opportunity is everywhere. You have to seek it out and put in the work, but it’s there. Often in the most unexpected places.

+ Never burn bridges. Take the high road— even when you’re right. Some days, I HATE this rule. When you feel taken advantage of or disrespected by someone, all you want to do is tell them to stick it. To put them in their place. At the end of the day, you end losing more than you gain. When it comes to relationships (especially in business), you never know who you’ll encounter again down the line or who knows who. It’s better to stay on good terms with people and at the end of the day, is a reflection of you. You don’t have to kiss their ass, but it’s good to keep things cordial.

+ Maintain your self respect. I’m all for keeping those bridges, however it should never be at the expense of your self respect or mental well being. Some people don’t deserve all of your time and attention. If they can’t respect you for who you are or what’s important to you, they don’t deserve to have full access to you. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to burn a bridge or be ugly, but you owe it to yourself to take care of you first.

+ Prioritize your health.

+ When one door closes, another one opens. Cliche, but so true. I think we’re often hesitant for change. The unknown is scary, less comfortable. Sometimes you’re thrown a curveball or roadblock that you have to dodge. It makes you feel uneasy and nervous. What’s going to happen? How do I deal with this? In my experience, it always works out in the end. You’ll agonize or worry over it, and then it will work itself out. Even better, these setbacks often lead you to a better destination you wouldn’t have ever considered or dreamed of. I’m a big believer in divine intervention and silver linings.

+ Expecting others to do as you do or be as you are usually leads to disappointment. I’ve learned to accept this, but I still have a hard time dealing with it from time to time. There are no perfect people, including myself. Despite that, I think most of us have our own moral compass of what we consider to be “acceptable” or “unacceptable” behavior from others. A lot of the times we expect people to behave in a particular way or do something that we would. When they don’t, it often leaves you feeling hurt or disappointed. Like you care or respect them more than they do you. It leaves you feeling less than. It can also be a shock, because most of the things you consider to be “obvious” are engrained in who you are. They’re a given. When someone doesn’t align with that, it feels disarming. The kicker is you have no control or say over them— you can only control yourself. No one else is obligated to do anything for you either, just as you aren't for them. That doesn't always make it easier, but learning to accept things at face value for what they are saves you from constantly feeling disappointed. 

+ Consistency builds confidence. If you're afraid to start something because it isn't the right time, you don't know where to begin or you're afraid it won't be "good enough," do it anyways. Everyone feels this way at some point. You'll figure it out as you go- it's part of the process. It also feels way better to try imperfectly than not try at all. 

Through these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about people-- including myself. Here is to closing the books on this year and starting an even better 2022 full of health, wealth and happiness! Happy New Year! 

I love sharing my thoughts with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)