What An Amazing Year!!!

I've spent some time reflecting on my Twelve Green Months so here you go....

In January I abstained from meat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.  It was the hardest month by far but I felt the most accomplished once I completed it.  I know I won't ever do something like this for 30 days again but I am planning on starting out 2013 with a 7 day cleanse.  I think it is a great way to start the new year.

February was spend no money month with the exception of bills, food, and other necessities.  It was very humbling to realize how many things we spend money on that we really don't need.  I continue to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and would love to do a month like this again next year.

March and April were start a garden and compost months.  We tried but they were both a bust.  I know my husband wants to give it another try so these will be his projects next year. 

In May we only ate food that was local or organic.  Thanks to this month, I am now a regular at our local farmer's market.

In August I drastically reduced the amount of paper towels I use and started recycling.  This month made the most impact on my daily routine and on the amount of our waste going to the dump.

I made my own household cleaners in September and I am still loving them!  I do want to make a few more things when I have the time including my own soap, toothpaste, and air freshener.

In November I tried to make all our Christmas gifts by hand but was overwhelmed.  I was able to make a few and they were truly appreciated.   Next year, with better planning, I do want to do this again. 

This month I have been meditating every day anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes.  I am such a busy person and this act has encouraged me to slow down in a positive way.

With regard to my resolutions for next year, I think I am going to take a break and just be.  That being said, meditating everyday might be a great resolution for 2013 :)

I hope your year has been as good as mine and thanks for following me on this adventure!!

Kristen

Everyday

I am meditating anywhere form 5 to 20 minutes daily.  It isn't too hard to fit into my schedule unless I wait until the evening.  Some days are more difficult when it comes to "turning off" my mind but I am enjoying it.

I am going to spend the next few weeks left of 2012 reflecting on this amazing year and the challenges I did each month.  I'll let you know which were my favorite, the hardest, and those in which I learned the most and plan to continue.

Wherever You Go There You Are

Wherever You Go There You Are is Jon Kabat-Zinn's book on mindfulness meditation.  I have owned this book for over 10 years but have never finished it.  Not because it is not a good book but because I get jazzed up about meditating, do it for a week and then forget to take the time everyday.  So my goal this month, along with meditating every day, is to read this book in it's entirety.

The Final Month!!!

I can't believe it is already December!  What a crazy amazing year this has been.  I plan to spend the month meditating and reflecting on my monthly adventures.
I will admit that I totally forgot to start meditating yesterday.  But I got lucky this morning because our church sermon was "Buddhist for the Holidays" which couldn't have been more appropriate for my month of meditation.  It was a great jump start to being mindful and grateful. 

Bookmarks Done

This picture makes them look like a Fourth of July theme but they look much better in person.

  We also started the wine cork trivet we are making for my parents.  Needless to say, Christmas present crafting will continue into December.  I have decided that I am not going to make presents for the kids.  I don't have the time to make something cool enough for them to like.
See you next month!

Things Are Happening

The bookmarks are taking longer than expected but will be done soon.  I will probably wait to post a picture of them until I give them out.  I've also made some wine cork coasters that turned out a lot better than expected.  They key is getting your husband to cut the corks for you :)

 Here is the link.

Getting My Craft On

Only two months left of this year.  CRAZY!!  November has started off nicely with my husband getting a new job :)  So, now that I can focus on other things, I am ready to get my craft on.

The plan this month is to make all of the Christmas presents we are giving to family and friends.  I am adding a stipulation that I can buy something from Craigslist or Goodwill if I am desperate.  I hope to share ideas and pictures of some of the gifts but will keep some a surprise.  My best friend this month will be Pinterest.  If you haven't checked it out yet, you should.

But first is my annual book club craft.  Each year I make everyone a bookmark with a list of all the books we read that year.  It is fun to look back on since this is our 5th year!  I am excited this year because I have a theme to work around...The Night Circus.  If you haven't read it, you should.