How was the start of your year?
Did you make a resolution or two?
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Have you managed to keep them?
Like many of you, we struggle with setting resolutions/goals and keeping them.
If you’ve ever looked at our organized and decorated spaces and thought we have it all together, let us assure you—we don’t!
Although we had a good start to the new year, we’ve already faced some setbacks!
For instance, my exercise goals hit a roadblock when I strained the intercostal muscles in my right rib just two weeks into a new Pilates class.
The pain has kept me from exercising, and the chilly temps haven’t exactly motivated me to stick with our usual morning walks.
Needless to say, I’ve got some catching up to do!
And let’s not even talk about organization.
The year just started, and I already feel behind!
Our primary closet still needs a good purge, and I haven’t figured out a storage solution for decor items that aren’t currently in use.
To make matters worse, boxes of items meant for donation are sitting untouched, and winter decor boxes are scattered around the house instead of being neatly stored away.
So, the next time you see a picture of our mantel decorated for the season, remember—just out of view, there’s a pile of tools from our pantry pegboard project and a box of grilling tools waiting to be organized!
I’m sharing all this because I want you to know that you’re not alone in the struggle to get everything done.
And while giving yourself grace when life happens is important, I encourage you not to give up on your goals completely.
Sometimes, you just have to hit the reset button and start again.
Whether it’s your exercise routine, organization plans, or any other resolution/goal, progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to keep moving forward.
Before we forge into February, let’s take a few minutes and look back at January.
Here’s what we’ve been up to, with a few highlights from the start of our year!
What we did behind the scenes in January
Theme Park Day
We don’t get to the theme parks much between Thanksgiving and Christmas because we’re preparing for the holidays and spending time with our out-of-town family.
So we were pleasantly surprised when we visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios a couple of weeks ago and discovered they still had all their holiday decorations up!
I never tire of seeing Christmas and palm trees next to each other!
We enjoyed seeing the whimsical decor, hitting our favorite attractions, and having a yummy lunch!
Rich splurged and got one of his favorite desserts, the Wookie Cookie!
Antiquing
January brings the Antique and Collector’s Extravaganza to Renninger’s, and we couldn’t wait to get there!
From beautifully curated booths,
To areas that need to be sifted through,
And spotting items that are quite unique,
It’s always a fabulous time!
Here are the thrifted treasures we came home with!
On the shelf from left to right are the cutest little milk glass bottle, two floral candle holders, a cabbage-shaped finial, an interesting vase, antique keys, three rusted finials, a wooden bunny, and a flower frog! Under the shelf are three vintage frames.
We bought this to hang above our bed, but when we got home, we discovered it was too tall! That’s what happens when you don’t measure the spaces where you need artwork, lol!
Now, I plan to paint it and hang it in our foyer.
Festival of the Arts
The International Festival of the Arts returned to Epcot on January 17 and lasts through February 24, 2025.
We love to stroll through the chalk art section and watch artists create beautiful pictures on the walkways. (Try to ignore the shadows from the fence!)
Seeing how they create a 3-D image like this on the ground is amazing!
This guitarist blew us away; he is so talented!
And our favorite thing to do at the festival is to try new foods!
This day, our number one food booth was the Pastoral Palate, located near the Germany pavilion!
We are not big drinkers, but we thoroughly enjoyed the cider flight! My favorite was the frozen rose!
Rich’s favorite was the red wine-braised beef short rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and balsamic glaze.
Hopefully, we’ll be able to back a few more times before the festival ends in February!
What we did on the blog in January
If you missed any of our posts in January, here’s your chance to catch up!
DIY
- This year, we’re participating in a new blog hop on the first Thursday of the month called “Celebrate the Holiday.” We shared a post showing how to make Valentine’s Standing Hearts!
- Then, we shared how to create super easy DIY Cinnamon Stick Candles to help warm up your home this winter!
- We finished the month with a beautiful Valentine’s Heart Wreath made from yarn flowers!
Decor
- We shared these Easy Winter Decorating Ideas to help you transition from Christmas into the cozy season!
- And we added a little love to our home with Valentine Mantel Decor!
Organize
- We kicked off the new year with our Winter Home Organization Challenge!
- I started in the kitchen, sharing How to Organize Kitchen Appliances!
Inspiration from around the web
Today, we’re sharing five of our favorite posts we discovered online this month to inspire you!
- Are you looking for an easy Valentine’s gift for a coffee lover? I would have never thought to make a coffee and flower gift box like this!
- You have to see my favorite Valentine’s DIY I’ve seen this year: Sweet Handmade Hearts Crafted From Old Frames!
- Are you having people over for the big game? You will want to recreate this DIY Super Bowl Table at your house!
- You all know how much I adore a great Dollar Tree upcycle project, so I had to share this with you! Learn how to make a wire cloche from a garbage can!
- If you want more veggies in your meal plans, try this salad with homemade maple cider dressing. It looks amazing!
Favorite Seasonal Finds
I know it seems too early to shop for spring, but we’re sharing the Studio McGee Line at Target, and if you find something you like, buy it now because many of these items will sell out (adorable bunny bowl)!
Click the blue links for more information on the items in the picture!
Tabletop Planter | Decorative Tray | Throw Blanket
Decorative Vase | Woven Fruit Basket | Rabbit Bowl
Faux Ficus Tree | Natural Area Rug | Wreath with Ribbon
Throw Pillow | Olive Leaf Arrangement | Crochet Egg Pillow
Home Organization Challenge Weekly Task
Many people start the year excited to organize their homes and then lose steam a few weeks in.
We want to help you organize your entire house this year, so we will suggest a space for you to work on each week!
During February, we focus on the office and paperwork:
- Week 6- Office
- Week 7- Paper Clutter
- Week 8- Craft/hobby supplies
- Week 9- Tax Prep
Posts You Might Like From Our Archives
If you’re new here or would like a refresher, check out these older posts relevant to this season!
DIY
Looking for a last-minute DIY Valentine’s decor project that’s quick and easy? Make these cute Valentine’s hearts and discover different ways to use them in your decor!
Decor
We’ll blink, and a new season will be here! Want to see what our house looked like the first time I decorated it for Spring? I’d like to think my photography and decorating skills have improved, but I’ll let you judge that. lol!
Organize
Need help organizing your laundry room? We shared our best tips in the post, and our laundry room looks exactly the same today!
Conclusion
As we step into February, let’s embrace the fresh start it brings.
Whether you’re making progress on your goals or need to hit the reset button, remember that every small step counts.
Life isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance.
So, let’s give ourselves grace, stay motivated, and keep moving forward.
We’re so grateful to have you on this journey with us, and we can’t wait to see what the next month holds.
Until then, stay inspired, stay organized, and most importantly, enjoy the season you’re in!
We look forward to seeing you on February 28th for our next Seasonal Sentiments Monthly Rewind Newsletter!
Blessings, Donna and Rich
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**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Such a fun month, Donna. I always love these posts because it’s like a behind the scenes look of what’s going on in your life. Plus, I love to see how things are going in other parts of Florida too. My friends and I have been talking almost non stop about wild this year began. I seriously can’t get over it. We are on Team Reset too! Thanks for all your fabulous tips, tricks and ideas. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for February too! Hugs, CoCo
Thank you my friend! Not the start I was hoping for, but that’s ok! We’re making the best of it! February is going to be great!
Hi there! I just read this post & wanted to thank you for the shout out. I appreciate the love. You had some fun outings in a January. Love that you’re so close to the parks and can enjoy them whenever. Love all you vintage finds too. XO- MaryJo
Hi MaryJo, you are welcome! We are so fortunate to live near the parks! They are great fun! Thanks for stopping by!