My Resolutions for 2015 {#TuesdayTen}

Since it's the beginning of a new year, it seemed only fitting that we list our New Year's Resolutions for our first Tuesday Ten of 2015. To get myself started, I looked back at the resolutions I made the past two years. For some, I made pretty good progress. For others, not so much. I decided that, this year, my goals need to be more specific and targeted. So, here's what I hope to achieve in 2015.

1. It may surprise some people to know that, even though I am a writer and lover of words, I rarely read novels. For the past two years, I have resolved to "read more" and for two years I have failed. So, this year, I am taking a cue from my blog friend Dana. I know I won't get anywhere near her 60+ books in twelve months, but I am resolving to read 6 novels in 2015. I figure that's one every two months - should be doable, right?? (If you have any suggestions, let me know in the comments!)
2. If you have read this blog for any amount of time, you will know that I have "issues" with my body image. On top of that, I have been dealing with some minor but puzzling health symptoms over the past several months. My husband recently confessed that he is pretty tired of hearing my complaints about "being fat" and generally discontent with how I look. Truthfully, I'm pretty tired of it, too. I'm not, however, resolving to lose weight. Instead, I am resolving to get content with my body. I am working on getting answers about the health stuff and, then, I am going to find a way to be happy with the body I have. It might be through reading, through affirmations, or even through therapy, but I am done berating myself and I need to find a way a get over it.
3. I joined a gym in August 2014 and I have been pretty good about working out regularly even though it is not my favorite thing to do and is sometimes a struggle to fit it into my schedule. For 2015, I resolve to continue going to the gym at least twice a week!
4. In all my years as a mom, I have yet to find a system that works to get my kids to do chores. I try to implement something, they push back, we argue, and, then, I give up and just do most of it myself or try to overlook the mess. Not anymore! In 2015, I will implement a chore system and stick with it until it becomes a habit!
5. For my 5th resolution, I'm cheating!! I've got nothing else and I think the first four are pretty big, so my 5th one is just to keep the first four!! 

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These last five resolutions are specific to blogging.

1. After many fluctuations, I have gotten into a pretty good rhythm of posting 2-3 times a week. For 2015, I want to continue that pattern and post consistently 2-3 times a week.
2. I plan to take 4 blogging breaks in 2015 - one during my kids' Spring Break (April), One while we are on summer vacation (June), one during the holidays (December), and one that is yet to be determined (most likely during the October). I would love to host some guests post during a couple of those breaks - just need to figure out a theme and send some invitations.
3. In recent months, My Sunday Super series has lost its luster. Posting a recipe every week (or even every other week) was just too much. However, I do love the series and want to continue it. So, in 2015, I will post a Sunday Supper once a month on the second Sunday. 
4. I was honored to be featured on some other websites in 2014 including What The Flicka, Mamapedia, and Scary Mommy. My goal for 2015 is to have at least 6 posts featured on other sites. (I will keep trying to break through with Huffington post, but haven't had any luck there so far.)
5. Another goal for 2015 is to be featured in at least two more anthologies! Crystal, the awesome coordinating editor for The Mother Of All Meltdowns, is currently accepting submissions for two additional anthologies. I plan to submit to both as well as one other that I know of at the moment. I'm sure others will arise throughout the year as well. 

How about you? Do you make resolutions? What are your this year?

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Woohoo!!! Tuesday Ten is ONE year old!!!

In 2013, Rabia and I were both doing our own Tuesday Ten posts. Late that year, we decided to collaborate and turn it into a weekly link up! The first Tuesday Ten we co-hosted was published on January 7, 2014.

In the past year, we have had some super fun linkups and we have created a small, but dedicated community of readers and linkers! To celebrate and to thank everyone who has been a part of our first year, we are hosting a great giveaway! One lucky winner will receive TEN $10 gift cards - one to each of the following:

Starbucks, Amazon, Target, Visa, PayPal, iTunes, Dunkin Donuts, Chipotle, Panera, and Chick FilA

To enter, see the Rafflecopter below. The contest will be open through January 17th, 2015 and the winner will be announced on January 20th. 

Special thanks to our giveaway sponsors:

Kiss My List

Tamara (Like) Camera

Epic Mommy Adventures

Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

The Not So Supermom

Happily Ever Laughter Blog

Finding Ninee

Dancing In The Rain

JVKom Chronicles

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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An InLinkz Link-up