I think I’m done with holiday parties and Christmas songs but never the treats. I don’t know about you, but come the end of December, I’m ready for the new year. I promise I’m not a scrooge! December was chock-full of family and friend gatherings along with gifts I’m loving. Here’s a look:
1 . New travelin’ gear
This Christmas was a cheery one with warm family time and way too much caramel corn. It also meant some fun, new travel gear. I got Sperry’s version of duck boots. They’re durable enough for cobblestone walking and cute enough for street wear — and they’re lined with memory foam! These will accompany me to Europe in 2019, and I’m only a smidge stoked. I also found a backpack-meets-cross-body purse from Gap, and I can’t stop switching the straps around because it’s just so darn fun.
2 . Rest, rest, rest
To be honest, rest has never come easy to me. I feel a constant pressure to be productive; vacation is tough for me. But the end-of-semester rush meets a quiet break. It’s given me the opportunity to be lazy, sleep in, spend time with family and just be.
3 . Goals
New year, new me. I’m not a big one for huge resolutions just for the sake of December 31, but I have set some goals for myself, and the first regards meal planning. Let’s just say there’s a reason this isn’t a food blog. My gluten intolerance limits my options, and my tendency to become hangry means I have little patience for making an elaborate meal. This year I’d like to branch out from eating pasta three times per week; instead, I hope to improve my meal prepping.
I’ve already joined a gym and go pretty regularly, but I’m hoping to diversify with some new exercise classes and more rowing.
Most importantly, I want to work more on being instead of doing. My productive mentality makes it oh-so difficult to rest, which doesn’t seem like a big deal. That’s great, right? But in actuality, it makes it difficult to be fully present. My mind is constantly swimming with what’s next, but this year I want to work on being 110 percent in the moment.
The quote I’m focusing on is one from Jim Elliot: “Wherever you are, be all there.”
4 . What’s next for Round Trip
Sometimes you want just a little more whether that’s the bottom of the ice-cream bowl or the snooze button on a Monday morning. If you’re looking for more travel, sign up for my newsletter. And starting in 2019, I’m adding a monthly travel freebie if you sign up. It’ll be additional content you can’t find on my blog such as a printable travel planner, playlist or packing list. Click the banner to sign up:
If you want to play an important part in shaping content for Round Trip in 2019, take my survey. I’d so appreciate it!
5 . Mini trip to Chicago
Who says you have to travel for months at a time? This blitz of a trip to Chicago lasted one day, but it was still a great getaway with epic views of the city nightlife and mouth-watering Italian food. Oh, and I dished all the deets.
What are you celebrating about 2018? What are you looking forward to in 2019? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Rosie says
Chicago was a real highlight of my trip to the US in 2015 🙂 I’d love to go back one day! I also find my mind often races ahead; living in the moment doesn’t always come easily. Happy New Year!
Hi Rosie! Chicago is a great gem in the Midwest but pretty cold😬 wishing you a happy new year full of much travel!
I imagine Chicago’s pretty nippy at this time of year! Hope you have a travel-filled year, too Kristin 🙂