Instead of making resolutions each year, I always choose a focus word. This word or phrase is my guiding light throughout the year, so it has a fairly large responsibility. Every decision I make I use my focus word as a barometer… how does this decision impact the way I want my life to go this year?

I’ve gone back and forth over the past month thinking about what I want my focus word to be for 2015. 2012 was all about the word “Connect”. 2013 we went on a quest to “Simplify”. 2014 was the year I chose to “Invest”. Now 2015 is here and I have oscillated back and forth between two words. But, after much consideration I’ve finally decided. My 2015 focus is actually a phrase…and it’s a simple one. “Be Happy”….

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2014 is through. It’s so hard to believe, isn’t it? I don’t think I’ve ever remembered a year going by quicker than this one.

This past January, I  learned from my friend Pam about the importance of giving yourself a performance review at the end of each month. This is a time of reflection and enrichment… a time to give extra thanks for all the blessings and reflect on things that made us stronger.  I’m going to be sharing my monthly “performance reviews” going forward here on the blog, but I thought it would be a great way to wrap up 2014 on Dine & Dish as well. Inspired by this post on the Victoria McGinley blog, I’ve decided to share my 2014 year in review in a similar format as Victoria. I hope you’ll reflect along with me!

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Happy 2014, friends! I hope your new year is off to a very happy start!

Every year, instead of giving myself a list of resolutions I most likely won’t keep, I choose one focus word. My word for 2011 was Happiness (hence starting my Happiness Reports), 2012 I chose Connect (which launched my Connect through Reading posts) and 2013 my word was Simplify (Simplify Saturday was a result).

My focus word for 2014 is…

So what does it mean to INVEST in 2014? Well, much to my husbands dismay I’m not referring to stocks and savings accounts, necessarily. Instead I’m talking about plans to:…

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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”.

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:…

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I sat down today and wrote out some of my goals for the new year. I’ve been reflecting for quite some time on what I really wanted to focus on in 2010, and have decided that 2010 will be time for me to get back to me. I want to get back to things that make me who I am…things I truly enjoy – like writing, photography, my family and my me time. As I am sure many of you are, I am going to try to find that sweet spot of balance between work and play.

My focus for 2010 will include:

• Read at least three chapters in a book each week (I love to read, but haven’t read hardly at all since Leah was born! I miss reading and have a huge pile of books I want to get through this year)
• Menu plan weekly and stick to it (This is essential to balance for me… I MUST start doing this again!)
• Blog at least two times per week (I miss blogging so much and can’t wait to commit to it again!)
• Have a date night with my husband at least one time each month (With 4 kids it is difficult and babysitting is expensive, but we need this… I miss being a couple instead of just mommy and daddy!)
• Participate in and complete Project 365 – a year in pictures (Find my daily submissions in my Project 365 Flickr Set)
• Host a blogging retreat – as of this morning, plans are in the works!
• Make a schedule for work versus play and commit to it (Hard to do when you work from home, but again… I love my job and want to continue to love my job for a very long time – having separation is a must!)
• Create an achievable To-Do list on a daily basis with no more than 5 items per day
• Send cards and snail mail more often
• Plan something for the kids to look forward to each week
• Be more consistent

To get a great jump start on my goals, I am participating with several other bloggers in Ten in Ten: Ten Weeks to Healthy in 2010. Check it out and I hope you’ll join us!

What are some of your goals for 2010? Are you excited to start the new year or are you sad to leave 2009 behind? Either way, I hope that you enjoy health, happiness, prosperity and peace in the new year! I can’t wait to see what 2010 has in store for all of us.

Here is my first of many recipes to share with you for the year. I hope you enjoy!

In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and
seasonings. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water and cubed
butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until
moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining
flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about
4-6 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Divide dough into thirds. Shape each into a 15-in. rope. Place ropes
on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck
under. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes.
Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with
melted butter. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 1 loaf
(16 slices).

To make life easier, put all the ingredients except the final melted butter, in your bread machine and let your dough cycle do all the initial work.

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