inspiration to write your 2016 goals!

h a p p y   t h u r s d a y ♥

I wanted to share a little inspiration for you guys to start your 2016 off right! I will be sharing my goals later this week and these 5 people were all big inspirations for me while doing so!

1. Tiffany Pratt's Creative Morning Podcast!
So, my girl Tiff is a magical unicorn and explosion of happiness and sparkles. And since she came in to my life I've most definitely known that to the extreme. One of my 2016 goals is to listen to more podcasts and when my work bestie Amy sent me Tiffany's creative mornings podcast, I listened to it right away. I knew Tiff was an amazing soul but this podcast inspired me beyond belief! Tiff's outlook on creativity, art and the world will do nothing but inspire you in ways you couldn't imagine. She believes that we're all artists, and that we can be whatever we want to be no matter the circumstance. I laughed, I smiled and I cried during this podcast.

2. This Renegade Loves 35 before 35 List! 
Lauren is such a cool girl. Legit the definition of #GirlBoss and she just radiates good vibes. I got to meet her a few years ago at a blog conference, and since then have been following her journey online through her instagram & blog. In 2015 Lauren turned This Renegade Love from her hobby to her career, and she has inspired so many people along the way (including me of course!) One thing that she posted a while back really got me excited and ambitious and that was her 35 before 35 list - this list of goals really got me thinking! It was different than most I see and had such a variety of different  things, some HUGE goals, some adventurous, some personal but all so special. Follow Lauren on all outlets to constantly feel engaged, refreshed and inspired.

3. Two Canadian babes who started their own Coffee company! Calgary Heritage Roasting Co
One of my very wonderful, handsome and ambitious friends Mike and his pal Jamie followed their dream and opened their own Coffee Company out of Calgary, Alberta. When I first talked to Mike and learned that this was happening, I was beyond stoked! Not just because coffee is one of my one true loves, but because I loved the idea of two young people following their dream and making it a reality. When I hear of stories like this from people in my life, it inspires me even more. In just a few short months these guys spread the word around western Canada about their love of coffee roasting and creating a coffee that is described as "the home-grown, outback, rugged, mountain-fresh, clear skies sort of thing that Alberta is all about" - Check these dudes out for some serious inspiration, and follow their instagram too because the photos are simply perfect.

4. The Nectar Collective's full time blogging success!
Melyssa of Nectar Collective is my go-to girl when it comes to learning about growing my blog, instagram or getting inspired to do so. Her posts are always so well thought out, and filled with useful exciting information that leave me wanting more. I think the fact she is so candid and honest about her success really lets us trust her and want to listen to what she has to say. I find myself on her blog very often, and wanting to read every post because I am so in awe of how useful the information is. From something so simple as the best hashtags to use on instagram, to something as big as how to earn $1000 from your blog in the next 60 days what ever the subject, I am all ears!

5. Kyla Roma's advice on small business & blogging growth!
Kyla is so cool. I have followed her blog for years and recently just re-discovered her and remembered how wonderful she is. She has created a life of helping people with their small business, blogs and branding and she really rocks at it. Her posts are thoughtful, educational and inspiring. After spending some time reading them this week and bookmarking her blog, I felt even more stoked for 2016 and all it has to offer. You can always learn something new by reading Kyla's posts and she also has cool free workbooks (my weekend plans) and challenges to keep you on track. Start 2016 with a bang by getting connected with Kyla!

Drink Free January!

Hello Loves!

So Pete and I decided a little while before Christmas that we're going to do a "Drink Free January" - there wasn't a ground breaking moment or incident that made us decide this or anything, it was just something we both wanted to do.

We are now less than five months away from our wedding (oh my gosh, what?) so we are really kicking things in to high gear. Spending way more time wedding planning, organizing, and getting things ready for our big day, and with that also means getting healthy!

Now, I should mention that we aren't hardcore boozers or anything. It's not like we need a drink every single day. It's just I think we can all agree that sometimes we drink just because we can, and it becomes a habit (just like so many others) and I think it's nice to know there are things like this we can live without for any given amount of time.

Here are five reasons why I am doing a drink free January:

• save money: Drinking can be pricey! Especially when you're going out and getting drinks from a restaurant or bar. I am always trying to get better at saving money in general and I think I've come a long way! The money I save this month from not drinking I am putting towards my Vegas fund (because I will definitely be drinking there! haha)

• challenge myself: I think with anything like this whether it be eating healthy, saving money or giving something up it's always good to challenge yourself and prove you can do something as long as you set your mind to it. It builds your confidence, and helps you to set bigger and better goals for the future.

• give my body a break: Over the Christmas holidays we had so many parties and events to go to that we were going out and doing things all week and on the weekends. On top of eating so many things always, we were getting drinks, attending holiday parties and hosting as well. With a new year, comes an opportunity for a fresh start! I am already feeling really good drinking lots of water, tea and well let's face it...coffee (because I am only HUMAN you guys!)

• work on getting healthy: I never really considered how much drinking can play a part on weight loss and getting healthy (I know that sounds crazy but it's true) and since we are really crushing it and working on making some changes, this is really good timing to get the ball rolling and really feel like we are making a difference. 

• prove i'm still really fun without drinking: Because let's be honest, sometimes we forget that we can still have fun even when we're sober! When we picture ourselves getting together to celebrate, meet up with friends or make plans, these all often involve drinking. This month will be a good reminder that you don't need alcohol to spend time with friends and enjoy yourself!

Do you have any big goals for January? Have you ever done a drink free month/challenge?