2016

Wow. January 1st of 2016 is in four days!  I'm so excited and sad to say goodbye to 2015.  It was a good year. 

I traveled to Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., and Trinidad & Tobago.

I made some very BIG and important  decisions about my personal life.

And I kind of started a company.

So going in to 2016 I've set myself up for a successful year by determining to keep things simple.  I have six, simple, goals that mean a lot to me.

Here they are:

PERSONAL
❤ I spend 2016 discovering my ancestry and visiting my country of origin by NOV 2016 (And I visit Los Angeles for my birthday in April.)
❤ I move to New Orleans, LA by DEC 2016

CAREER:
❤ I own & operate a small business by MAR 2016
❤ I have a Pilates certification by AUG 2016

HEALTH:
❤ I complete a century ride or half-marathon by SEPT 2016
❤ I read 12 books by JAN 2017

These goals mean that I'm up to something in life.  They show that I am trusting God and the talent he's given me.  It means that I have something big to look to when things get dark.

For me, keeping things simple means living in "the zone".  I do it with my wardrobe, so I decided, why not with my life?  These simple goals help decision making a cinch.  It's like, touch your savings for a scoop of expensive artisan ice cream?  Or move to New Orleans? #DUH.  And that really happens.  I have an allowance every week.. If I want even a scoop of ice cream, and I've spent all my " fun money" on concert tickets, I will grab $10 for a damn beer.  It's so wack!  lol

So with these six tasks in mind, the next step is making a map and getting in to action.  I'll talk about that over the next few weeks here on the blog.

I am looking forward to learning everyone's goals!  Share them in the comments.

Happy new year, folks!

Melissa T.

Follow me at MelissaBillions on every outlet that you think that I can think of. I there anything that you want to see on the blog that you didn't in 2015?  What do you want me to continue in to 2016?  Let me know!

XOXO

Vegan

So I'm going vegan this year!

I've wanted to go vegetarian/vegan since I was a teenager and this year is the year. at any moment I may go cold turkey, but so far I am planning a year long elimination process.  Here's the plan:

January: Red Meat (beef & lamb)
February: Candy/white sugar
March: Pork
April: Pop/Soda
May: Chicken
June: Ice cream
July: Turkey
August : Cheese
September: Shellfish
October: Caffeine
November: Fish
December: Eggs

Meanwhile I will be practicing veganism, but I feel like this will make things even easier.  I may even add things in place of the things I take out so it's not only about deprivation.   Like beef out, daily meditation in.  Cheese out, yoga or running in.  Stuff like that.

It's gonna be fun. !  :)

I have always heard that once you make your mind up about something then everything falls into place. Other great ideas and actions arise.  You naturally just go into autopilot toward the life you love.

I want to go vegan for a few reasons:

The environment.  Meat production can be pretty bad for the planet.

Health.  "Let food be thy medicine." -- or something. I don't like cancer or diabetes.  I'm no scientist or doctor.. but a veggie based diet has been shown to have adverse affect on bad things.

Health again.  More energy. Better rest. A nice healthy glow. Strong nails.  Things like that.

Save money.  Everybody knows that a veggie based diet is madd cheap.  Unless you get too into the pre-made and super processed "healthy" foods versus the fresh ones.

I don't plan on being all "my vegan life" and how much I had to do to make myself comfortable around a bunch of meat eaters for Thanksgiving, etc.  But I may post recipes or cool replacement ideas for meals, etc.

Just giving something, I've always wanted to do, a try. Just like sky diving or guitar lessons.

I'm so excited. Nothing better than creating the life you love. Getting your hands dirty. Being healthy. And learning new things along the way.

:)

Here goes nothin'!

Melissa

2015

Everybody keeps telling me that it's too early for 2015! 

I love the holiday season, especially the new year.  I actually don't make resolutions but, I do like to set goals and write out words or phrases to refer to and set the pace for the year.

Here's how I'm gearing up for 2015..  

2015 Mint and Gold Confetti Planner from Paper Source

My theme for 2015

The Money Clip System visit Rachel Cruze

I usually go for the Star Wars Moleskin but this year am switching up the style and approach. It's great because it has a monthly and weekly view.  The binding seems sturdy and the paper quality is pretty sweet. 

The Money Clip System is via Rachel Cruze the daughter of financial specialist Dave Ramsey.  She only uses cash and now.. so do I.  I've been using this for a month and when I use my card I'm aware and even seeing more trends in my spending and saving.   I have some big and pricey goals so I've got to truly get on top of things to see them through. 

The theme SIMPLE.BOLD.SEXY. comes from who I am and that's the focus.. to just be myself and fully self-expressed. Keep things easy and inherent.  Be sexy aesthetically and on my innards, too.  Be bold.. blog, ask questions and for what I can't get, make it myself, and do what I want.

So what are you taking on in 2015? Trying any new techniques? Looking for adventure?  Share in the comments below!

Mint & Gold confetti planner

Rachel Cruze Money Clip System

Clips

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS!

Mel