Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

Simplify in 2013 {A Rusted Chain Jewelry Giveaway!}

Simplify in 2013 at www.dineanddish.net

Happy New Year! What? I’m a week behind? The new year actually started last week?

Oh, I know, but I’m counting today as my new year. You see, the kids went back to school today and I always feel like I can’t really get started with all my new year plans until they are out of the house. So, cheers to you! Raise a glass and let’s celebrate the start of 2013!

Each year, I’ve blogged about my “word” for the year. A couple years ago it was “HAPPINESS“, last year it was “CONNECT” and I’ve decided that this year, my word is going to be “SIMPLIFY”.

What the word "simplify" in 2013 means to me www.dineanddish.net

I chose the word “SIMPLIFY” this year because getting back to basics and eliminating the physical and emotional “crap” in my life is important. I know that when I keep things simple, I’m happier and therefore my family is happier. Simplify in 2013 means:

  1. Simple routines: Getting back to basics with FlyLady… not feeling like I need to do it all, but doing enough to keep things maintained. Simplifying means returning to simple cleaning routines, exercise regimens, regular menu planning, and family routines, etc. This includes regular de-cluttering and organizing times – which I need to implement desperately.
  2. Simple recipes: As a food blogger, I often feel like I need to go all out with the recipes I create. I need things to be “blog worthy” and “pinteresting” for Dine & Dish content. Because of that, I find myself forgetting about family favorites… simple recipes that we’ve enjoyed for years now, and moving towards more elaborate recipes that will make my readers happy. Well, I’m sorry if this disappoints you, but in 2013 you are going to see more basic recipes… less pinteresting and outrageous recipes, more simple and my family friendly recipes.
  3. Simple expectations: I tend to have expectations of people and things that are fairly unrealistic. This year, I’m focusing on keeping my expectations of others in check, deepening relationships with people who are important to me, and bidding farewell to those who drain me.
  4. Simple traditions: While we were sick over the Christmas break, I discovered how my kids don’t need a lot to feel entertained. Board games, books, a shake up in meals (eating in front of a movie one night), etc….simple things like that made them really happy. Inspired by my friend, Amy Clark’s, new book, “The Good Life For Less: Giving Your Family Great Meals, Good Times and a Happy Home on a Budget“, I’ve decided that simple things done together as a family are so much more important than elaborate. I look forward to establishing more traditions, like family game nights or Friday pizza nights… simple traditions that are certain to bring about a lot of happiness.
  5. Simple schedules: For the past 5 years or so, I feel like I’ve kind of flown by the seat of my pants. Working from home, I never really established a schedule. Well, I know that a schedule will help me to simplify my life and will also make me happy, so I’m going to try implementing a simple schedule into my work day. I am also going to continue learning the fine art of saying no to things that don’t fit into my schedule or don’t fit in with simplifying my life. Choosing discomfort over resentment is a motto I love and want to live by.

I feel like time is slipping by so quickly, so I’m hoping that by simplifying my life some, I can have a better focus on the things that are most important to me… my family and friends.

So, enough about me… let’s talk about you! What is your focus for 2013? Is there any one word that you hope will guide your year? If so, would you like to have a gorgeous necklace from The Rusted Chain to commemorate and remind you of your focus? Last year I had a “Connect” bracelet… it was such a nice, subtle reminder for me of what my focus was. This year, my friend Beki offered to send me a “One Word” necklace with my word for the year. It’s so gorgeous and I’d like to give you one too!

First, can you stop by and follow The Rusted Chain on Facebook? I’m sure Beki would love to have you! She has giveaways all the time I’m sure you’d love to know about!

Rusted Chain “One Word” Necklace Giveaway Details:

Now, to enter this giveaway for (1) “One Word” necklace in gold or silver from The Rusted Chain, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know what your word or focus for 2013 is going to be.

For additional entries share a link to this post on your favorite social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest). For each share, leave an additional comment on this blog post letting me know what you’ve done.

Giveaway will end at midnight, CST on Monday, January 14th. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and notified via a valid email address.

Thanks for entering and happy new year!

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Naomi says

    Great word and great thought process behind the word. Flylady is such a great way to be simple about the housework (I’ll email you a way we use Flylady with our kids to get THEM involved too!)

    My words (yep, I couldn’t pick just one) are Expand, Hone and Revel. I’ll write about them more later, but Expand my horizons (involves going back to school) … Hone what I’m already good at instead of adding MORE goals (i.e. photography and writing) and Revel (be more outwardly grateful for my life).

  11. Lynee Starr says

    patience, two kids, full time teacher I need to be reminded of this word daily! Love your blog!

  12. Dana says

    I love this post! Last year my word was “joy”. This year I haven’t decided between “trust” and “contentment”. The second one really speaks to me right now, because I feel like I need to focus more on being happy with my life and really enjoying it, just as it is.

  13. Bree says

    I so understand the need to simplify. Last year, I felt so disconnected from my family. I felt like I was burning the candle at both ends, and for what? I hope that your word brings you a new focus and that you really do find the simple things you are craving.

  14. Alysa (InspiredRD) says

    My word (as you know) is Quiet. I love your word and the meanings behind it. One thing I KNOW I need to do this year is establish a schedule. Working from home makes it hard sometimes and I find myself doing way too much work way too much of the time.

  18. Jackie Davis says

    Kristen – my word is your word – “Simplify”. This word has been hitting me in the face for the last 3 weeks (Church, home, work ,etc.) It started when you first mentioned it a couple of weeks ago. Then everywhere I went it kept hitting me in the face – I think someone is trying to tell me something.
    Areas that I am going to look at are:
    1. House – decluttering, I am so tired of managing so much STUFF.
    2. Preparation of Meals – this will be a real leap of faith becasue my cooking is minimum. But with a little planning, I can do it.
    3. Enjoy and live in the moment. So hard to do but I am going to try and be more conscious of the people and things around me.

    It will be a start. Can’t wait to see where this takes us!
    Jackie

  23. Robin C. says

    Teach is the word for 2013 for me, I have already started by teaching friends how to bake and hope to be able to do it in my kids school.

  31. Lauren says

    Simplify is such a great choice. Last year, my word was leap, and I lived it everyday. My word for 2013 is Embrace. I’m ready to embrace all that this year will bring.

  32. Amanda says

    I am really trying to focus on authenticity. In life and blogging. I also want love to be an action and not a feeling… I want to SHOW people I love them, especially when I am not necessarily feeling like I love them. Love your post Kristen!

  33. Courtney says

    My word would be “Listen”. Everyone’s so busy, busy, busy but I would love to just slow down and really listen to my kids, husband, family and friends. To hear their sweet voices and focus on them. And be aware that they can have my full attention know matter what.

  38. Stylista says

    My word: Passion. Stick to what I’m passionate about, because that’s the only way I’ll ever succeed – by doing what I love to do!

    angelican3 at hotmail dot com

  39. Jamie says

    I love your blog! I also love your words on living simple;) Simplify is high on my list this year but first is BEING PRESENT. Being more present in my relationships with my children , husband, friends, family, and God. This year I want to make each person know how much I love them by just being there for them in every way I can.

  40. Janet Knudsen says

    My word would be LIVE. There is so much tied up in that one word. And, I’d like to live with hope and trust.

  42. Radhika @ Just Homemade says

    Gosh! Kristen, you seem to have jotted each and every nagging point I have been hoping to work on this year! (and have been trying for the past two years with no avail..)
    This year for me will be to “SIMPLIFY” and being PRESENT.
    So glad to read we have so much in common.

  44. Kat says

    My word for the New Year is one I have been using and implementing since December. RE-PURPOSE. I have been finding new uses for old things that have been just sitting around. Donating items to others that have a greater need for them, etc. It makes me feel wonderful and clears out a lot of clutter!

  45. Laurie says

    My word for 2013 is PEACE. NJ, NY and CT have been through so much over the past couple of months, I can think of no better wish as we begin the year anew.

  46. Lorene Holbrook says

    i was so happy to see your writings on simplify! thats my word for 2013! greatgive away!

  50. SMITH BITES says

    I’ve so enjoyed watching you evolve over the last couple of years Kristen; you’ve endured some hard stuff life tossed your way, but you’ve been successful in navigating all the obstacles with grace and poise. Dine & Dish was one of the very first blogs I started reading more than 3 years ago and I still find joy whenever I visit.

    I have a couple of words this year: joy, focus, peaceful but the one that is close to my heart is content. to be truly content with whatever is in front of me – good or bad, may i always be content with myself, with my circumstance.

    happy new year!

  52. Kimberly P. says

    I Tweeted about your blog and giveaway. Thank you for taking this approach of simplifying life this year…much needed!

  53. Anne says

    My word for 2013 is COPE. I have trouble dealing with everything, and I mean that in the sense that each and every single thing is hard for me (getting up, getting dressed, showering, washing my hair, talking to people, answering emails, etc.). So if I can just manage to COPE with each thing as it comes along, I’ll be okay.

  58. Leigh Card says

    I enjoy your blogs and your reading lists! My word is Blessing! I want to be a blessing to others!
    Thank you, Leigh

  59. Bev @ Bev Cooks says

    YES YES YES. Oh my gosh. I was just on the phone with my sister telling her about how my main mission this year to live a simple life. Not take too much on. Rest. Watch TV. Read. Yoga. SIMPLELELELELEELE.

    I’m so so so with you.

  60. Debbie Caraballo says

    You chose a wonderful word for this year. I think all of us would enjoy life more if it were simpler.
    My focus word this year is STRIVE. I’m striving to resume my efforts to make my health better. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!

  62. Susan Broughton says

    My word I guess will be Health. I was just diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and I need to redo my recipe log. How about doing some diabetic friendly recipes on your site. There is unfortunately a lot of diabetics now a days.

  63. Shanna@ pineapple and coconut says

    You know I love this! And I loved all the “one words” that everyone was mentioning on twitter the day we were discussing this. So many GREAT words everyone had as their own. I chose Awesome because I really feel that this year is going to be awesome. We just closed on our house here, remodeling the kitchen in its entirety on our own, my first baby will be in Kindergarten later this year, two of my best friends are getting married ( one first time, one remarried ) and so much more. So I really feel for this year to be awesome I have to be equally awesome if not more!! I love your simplify – and those memories from the simple traditions will live on forever – not the fancy meals you hoped for a gazillion pins. I have some awesome memories of simple traditions we had when I was a kid. That’s all that matters most – leaving that impression on your kids to want to pass along to their own kids when they have them!

  73. Vijay @ NoshOnIt says

    Absolutely agree with all of this. For me, my word for 2013 is FOCUS, which actually pairs nicely with everything you said about simplifying your life – compartmentalizing time so you actually get more done, cutting the excess and unnecessary stuff out, figuring out what really matters and spending more time on that!

    One tip I’m going to try out to be (or at least feel) more productive: Every day I’m going to write 3 things I want to get done today with regards to my business. No more, no less. They can be big, small, and everything in between but I won’t hit the sack unelss those 3 are done.

  74. Julie says

    Thanks for the opportunity. My word is cherish. Love your word simplify…we always seem to try to hard and often simplest is best. Happy New Year!!!

  75. Natalie @ Cooking for My Kids says

    First of all, I would read your blog no matter what kind of recipe you posted. Simple is good, and that just makes me want to read your recipe posts anymore. As a busy momma, just like you, I agree that I would rather spend time with my family than cook elaborate meals.

    Oddly enough, simplify is one of my words for 2013. I sent this email to our teachers just this weekend. “I am sorry to include all of you on updates regarding all three of my littles, but it was just easier. And, in 2013, I am trying to simplify whenever possible.”

    Simplify it is. Great minds think alike. 🙂

  76. Denise says

    Our new year, does not officially kick off until next week, as we just got back home from being away for almost a month. Between work and the holidays it was a whirlwind. I am taking this week as a time to tie up loose 2012 ends, go thru mail and get ready for a new year!! I was thinking about this on the plane, and all I kept coming back to was making life simpler for us. So, I guess, my word would be the same … simple!!

    Here’s to a simply marvelous 2013 for both of us!!

  78. Dani H says

    ‘Simplify’ sounds like an all-encompassing “word” that can be applied to pretty much all aspects of life ~ I love it! I was focusing on ‘organize’ but I think simplify is better!

    As for a word for a necklace though, I would have to say “Love” ~ as in all we need and all that matters at the end of our lives. {smile}

    Happy New Year, Kristen!

    Thanks for a chance at the giveaway!

  79. Dani H says

    I pinned a link to this post on Pinterest {my user name is dh127} and I now follow you on Pinterest and Twitter! {I already subscribe to your email updates.}

  82. Brenda says

    Still pondering after sermon along these same lines at church on Sunday but I’m thinking my word might just be surrender.

  92. patsy says

    I need to simplify more… but, after a stressful year last year between work and other craziness, I think my word for this year is focusing on thinking “positive” thoughts. Looking at things from a postive viewpoint so that I don’t get dragged down into negativity. I think I’m also more likely to make better connections with the people I care about if I’m looking at things from the sunnier side of life.

  95. Biz says

    My one word for 2013 is moderation. I don’t want to stop drinking wine, eating cheese and having chocolate, I just can’t have them all day every day!

  101. Katie says

    Oh i love your word for 2013! I’ve been struggling to come up with a word this year. I will say that after I traveled around the Mediterranean and unplugged last year for 17 days I realized that my life needs to be a lot less stress free and simple. So I think I’m going to piggy back on your word and maybe add in balance. I need to unplug more often for balance and keep things simple. Why stress myself out when I don’t have too? *Great giveaway 🙂

  111. Jaime says

    Pray – My year needs to be filled with prayers…cant go wrong with that 🙂 simplify would also be my word though….how you explained it was perfect and took the words right out of my mouth!

  116. Stephanie @ 52 Kitchen Adventures says

    Hmmm, I’m trying to decide on one word. I love the idea of simplify, especially because I will be juggling wedding planning, blogging, and 2 part time jobs this year. I also like happiness and love though…this will be a tough decision!

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