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My Goals for 2019

- January 4, 2019 | by April -

I rang in the New Year with a plate of carrot pasta (pasta made out of long shreds of carrots for those of you non-celiac people out there who get to devour real pasta), a couple glasses of champagne, my husband and a lovely couple we tend to always eat out with on New Year’s Eve.

I arrived home a bit buzzed because I hardly ever drink (due to my affinity for migraines and unfortunately, alcohol can induce them) and turned on Taylor Swift’s Reputation Stadium Tour on Netflix and delighted in that during some of the first moments of the New Year.

It was wonderful! I hope you had a fabulous New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!

I love the beginning of a new year.

It’s like the smell of the first snow of the season or the feel of fresh cut grass on your bare feet in the summer. Almost magical.

It’s a do-over. You get to say “see ya” to last year and decide you’re going to be the best version of yourself.

For a lot of us, this is a time to set new goals or resolutions.

And, I’m a goalsetter. Oh boy, I love to set some goals!

Goals really help me focus my time and avoid shiny object syndrome.

Before we dive into my top goals for 2019, I want to reflect for a moment on the last half of 2018 because this has been one of the toughest periods of my life.

For those of you who are new around here (hiiiiiiiiiii my darling!), I have serious autoimmune health issues. I’ve officially been diagnosed with CVID and just recently, one of my practitioners said she believes I also have fibromyalgia. This basically means that I have little to no immune system function and suffer with all over nerve pain.

I used to kinda be like bubble boy with no bubble which meant if I was in a room with anyone who was sick, I would contract it. The person could be in the very back of a movie theater that I was in the front of and I would still get sick.

After years of searching for answers, I found a specialist at UVA who had seen my set of symptoms before (no other doctor had) and suggested monthly IVIg treatments which means I spend one day a month at the hospital getting an infusion of other people’s immune cells so that I’ll have an immune system. No more contracting every sickness from any person I barely come into contact with! OH YEAH!

I’ve been getting the infusions for almost two years now and they work pretty darn well.

But, the infusions didn’t take away of all of my symptoms.

I still had severe pain everywhere…my muscles and joints and skin. And, a side effect of the infusions has been an onset of migraines that feel like a deranged rabbit is trying to rip its way out of my brain.

Due to the migraines and pain, my doctors have tried different medications and every time I take a new medication, my body freaks out.

It takes my body about two to four weeks to adjust to a new medication. You know those fun side effects that are listed for medications? “Call your doctor in case of nausea, vomiting, loss of energy, numbness, dizziness…”

Well, I always get a number of them until my body adjusts to the medication. I don’t know why…it just happens. Every. Single. Time.

My doctors changed my medications at least once per month from July to December. Sometimes, my medications changed two or three times per month.

I suffered from the usual side effects of nausea and drowsiness from some of the medications to super scary side effects like really blurry vision that I could barely see and involuntary tics.

August was one of the worst months of my life. I can’t even describe the type of pain that I was in. I laid in bed, moaning and crying around the clock, begging my doctors to figure something out.  

That’s when one of my practitioners realized it was nerve pain. In the beginning of September, I was prescribed a medication for nerve pain and the pain went away. I was so grateful.

Unfortunately, a side effect of the medication was drowsiness and I didn’t adjust to it.

When I say that I slept from September to the end of November, I mean it. I ran Sunday Society and hosted all of the live calls for that program, but that was it. Other than that, I just slept.

My doctors kept saying that I would adjust to the medication, but after three months of sleeping day and night, they switched me to a different medication for nerve pain.

With this new medication, I only have to take it at night and it doesn’t cause me to be drowsy. THANK GOODNESS!

December has been my month of “getting back to April.”

My medications are all figured out for now! I’m no longer adjusting to side effects. I’m no longer exhausted from a medication that put me in the longest nap of my life.

I’ve hit a pretty good health plateau that is allowing me to get back to normal life. It’s the best I’ve felt since June of 2018.

Thank you to everyone who has been patient with my absence on social media. If you aren’t a member of Sunday Society, I’ve missed you to bits!

After a month of building my energy back up, I can confidently say that I’m ready to get to back to things as usual.

With that said, here are my goals for 2019:

1. Learn as much as possible about my health.

If you read the intro (if you can call that crazy true life story an intro) to this blog post, you know that my health was horrendous in 2018 and I’m finally getting back into the swing of things.

My biggest goal for 2019 is to find the right family doctor for me and get a lot of stuff re-tested.

When I started getting sick about seven years ago, my doctors tested me for everything. I saw infectious disease specialists, allergists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, and rheumatologists.

But, I haven’t had my vitamin levels or thyroid or other things tested in years. Being vegan and gluten-free, I have a very limited diet and it does affect my health. If I’m low on B-12 or vitamin D, it could be affecting my energy and lots of other things.

The more I know, the better equipped I’ll be at helping myself.

I know I’ll have achieved this goal once I’ve found the right family doctor and have had testing I want done.

2. Try block scheduling for one month.

Block scheduling is basically blocking out time from your day for specific tasks. For instance, you might block out 8am to 10am to exercise, shower and get ready, block out 10am to 12pm for admin tasks, block out 12pm to 12:30 for lunch, block out 12:30 to 4:30 for writing, etc.

In the past, I’ve always worked from a to-do list with a top three (top three things that must get done), but I’d like to try block scheduling for one full month to see how it works for me.

Then, I’ll decide whether I want to continue with block scheduling or return to using a to-do list for each day.

***I would’ve started this at the beginning of January but I want to document the process and my video camera is currently getting fixed. I’m going to start once I get it back.

3. Go to pilates twice a week.

In the first half of 2018, I went to pilates pretty much every Tuesday and Friday. Because of the decline in my health, I missed a lot of my sessions in the second half of the year.

I want to pick it back up in 2019 because pilates makes a huge impact on my health.

It lowers my anxiety, in just under two months it helped me lose two dress sizes, I tend to feel creative and energized for hours after each session, and I have less overall pain when I go consistently.

This is a goal that I know I can reach because I’ve done it before.

4. Read every day I don’t have a migraine.

I wish I could list read every day in 2019 as a goal, but those of you out there who get migraines know it’s impossible to read when you’ve got one.

Reading brings me so much joy that it feels silly to list it as a goal, but I’m including it because sometimes I pick other things over reading at night that don’t make me as happy…such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

When I choose to read, I get better sleep and I enjoy my time before bed a lot more. I just need the reminder…or gentle push.

5. Publish 52 blog posts.

Other than in the last half of 2018, I’ve been known for my very consistent blog posts. In the eight years of running Blacksburg Belle, this was the first time I didn’t keep a steady blogging schedule.

That’s not happening this year. I’ve already got a TON of topics I want to cover and I’m ready to commit to publishing 52 blog posts this year.

I’m moving away from publishing them on the same day of the week every week but you’ll get a blog post every week from me. Make sure you’re signed up to receive my emails if you don’t want to miss them.

I’m going to stop at five. I have more goals. Many more things I want to accomplish in 2019. But, this is enough for now.

What’s one of your goals for 2019? I’d love to hear about it in the comments of this post!

34 Comments · Filed Under: Goals

365 Days of Blogging…Or, More Specifically 328 Days of Blogging

- January 6, 2014 | by April -

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On January 1st, 2013, I made an crazy ambitious declaration that I would blog once a day for the next 365 days.

No, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into, even though I’d been blogging for over five years. Moving from weekly to daily is BIG. Coming up with content that you’d enjoy each and every day was tough.

Many days I loved it, but there were some days in which I cursed myself for taking on such a gigantic goal. {Those days I overdosed on Skittles.}

Over the course of the last year, I published recipes, DIY projects, business-related videos and articles, photography and color palettes. I announced that I was struggling with autoimmune issues. I published book lists containing some of my favorites. I announced the re-release of Marketing for Creatives. I shared my new craft studio in four parts: part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4. I built up and practiced my Illustrator skills. I shared my favorite beauty products. And, so much more.

Through October, I kept up with my goal of publishing every day. In November, I ran a course {From Busy to Happy} with Mayi Carles and put all of my attention there. For the first time in practically forever, I was gentle with myself and allowed days to go by without posting anything. For December, I resolved to post when I could and wanted to and spend the rest of the time with friends and family. I decided that I wouldn’t spend my holiday time stressing over whether or not I had published a blog post each day. Instead, I filled the time with vegan eggnog, laughter, opening presents, traveling, knitting, thai takeout, cuddling with my dogs and planning for 2014.

Even though I didn’t publish every day for 365 days, I’m proud of my 328 days. It took a lot of energy and time, but if I had to do it all over again, I would. The best part about posting so often was that I could publish all kinds of content–not just business tips.

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In 2014, I’m going to continue to publish a vast array of content along with the regular Wednesday Wisdom posts. I won’t be posting every day, but I will publish when I have something awesome that I want to share with you.

This year, I’m taking on a new 365 project. This one is easier and in line with my goal to feel more creative each day. I’m going to work in my art journal every day for the next 365 days, even if it’s only for ten minutes. I’m really excited about this new project and I’ll definitely post pictures along the way.

Did you complete a 365-day project last year? Are you attempting one this year? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

21 Comments · Filed Under: Goals, Personal

The Future of Blacksburg Belle + One Tip to Help You Keep Your Resolutions

- January 2, 2013 | by April -

Are you living for today? Or, are you holding back for some magical moment to enjoy your life?

Do you tell yourself that everything will be amazing when you can quit your day job? Or, daydream about how happy you’ll be when you can buy your dream house? Or, tell yourself that you’ll take a vacation day after your business is a year old?

Unfortunately, many of us are waiting for something: finding love, making enough money to hire a personal trainer, moving to another city, getting featured in a popular magazine.

Be honest. Are you doing this right now? Are you waiting to be happy, inspired, motivated, healthy, calm?

If so, quit it. What can you do today to enjoy life? What goal can you strive towards in 2013 that’s realistic but will also help you feel how you crave to feel?

In today’s video, I share some insight into the future of Blacksburg Belle and one tip that will help you keep your New Year’s resolutions.

Want more info on Life is Messy Planners or Bootcamp? Check it out right here. {affiliate link}

37 Comments · Filed Under: Goals, Happiness, Success

Do you need to overhaul your messy life {and business} in 2013?

- January 1, 2013 | by April -

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I don’t know if you’ve heard yet…but here at the Blacksburg Belle headquarters we’re gearing up for 2013 with Mayi Carles’ Life is Messy Bootcamp. In her words, let me introduce you to an experience that will transform your life and business. Life is Messy Bootcamp is:

“A multimedia online extravaganza for messy revolutionaries who have a deep desire to create big tsunamis of change in the world (the good kind), but don’t want to be chained to a to-do list.”

Sounds pretty awesome, right? Well, I can tell you firsthand that it is! I’m already on the inside checking out the goodies, digging into the bonuses, and using the SUPER PRETTY planners. I begged Mayi to send me the planners early, because I wanted to get a jumpstart on 2013 planning–they make brainstorming and scheming way more fun.

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If you want more information or want to see the BEST intro video I’ve ever seen, just click here.

I love that there’s an option to buy the planners separately, but if you want a little handholding, I highly recommend the bootcamp.

If you end up falling in love with this program or these planners and purchase using my affiliate link, I will receive dolla dolla bills ya’ll.  I mean serious business when I sign up as an affiliate for a program, and I only post about TWO throughout the whole year: Life is Messy Bootcamp and B-School. I would never want you to feel like you’ve wasted your money on my recommendation. That’s why I only send you to things that I’ve actually experienced and absolutely love.

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Let me know if you join, because I’ll be in there, too!

7 Comments · Filed Under: Goals, Productivity, Success

365 Days of Blogging

- January 1, 2013 | by April -

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Last year, I thought about doing a 365-day project.

I considered taking a picture or creating something new each day, but I felt as if I was still finding my footing with Blacksburg Belle. I decided not to add anything to my to-do list that would make me feel more overwhelmed.

So, I told myself that I’d do it the next year, and here we are in the next year.

For the past month, I considered different ideas. 365 recipes. 365 DIY projects. 365 pictures of daily life.

All of those ideas excited me, but I didn’t want to limit myself. That’s why I’ve chosen to publish one blog post each day for 365 days. Some posts will be recipes. Others will be DIY projects or photos. And, of course, some will be business-related like Wednesday Wisdom videos.

I can’t wait to see what comes from posting every day throughout this year. I’m excited to share more creativity with you, and I hope you enjoy following along.

How about you? Are you doing a challenge like this? Are you starting something new for 2013? I’d love to hear about it.

18 Comments · Filed Under: Creativity, Goals

Why You Never Feel Productive + How to Fix It

- November 21, 2012 | by April -

Last week, a death in my family turned into a homicide investigation.

We felt cheated out of time we would have had with this person. Another Thanksgiving. Another Christmas. Another New Year.

One more shared laugh. One more smile. More quality time.

I’m not sharing this with you, because I want your sympathy. {Even though, I’m extremely grateful for all of the emails and messages you all have sent me.}

I’m sharing this with you to stir up some uncomfortable feelings.

You refuse to apologize to your spouse, because that would mean giving in. You don’t take that painting class and tell yourself, “I’ll do it the next time they offer it.” You put off vacation with your family. You force yourself to continue reading that boring book, because you don’t want to be a quitter.

Apologize. Take the class. Go on vacation. Put that dull book down!

Stop stumbling through life. Pay attention. Make choices that move you closer to the life you crave.

I’m just as guilty as anybody of letting the overwhelming to-do list take over every once in a while.

But, the lesson I’ve been reminded of is simple: Stop putting things off for tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come.

I recorded this week’s video before any of this happened, but I think you’ll see that it’s the perfect topic for this week.

P.S. The background for this video is pictures I’ve taken of our three dogs. Aren’t they soooooooo adorable?

7 Comments · Filed Under: Creative Business Development, Goals, Happiness, Productivity, Success

Tips for Prioritizing Your Goals and To-Do Lists

- February 29, 2012 | by April -

Do you get hung up by trying to decide what to do next? Does your to-do list overwhelm you?

I used to waste a lot of time making decisions on what to work on next on my to-do list. Running your own business means lots of tasks and lots of goals. Figuring out how to prioritize those goals and to-dos will make your life easier.

In this week’s video, I’m sharing four tips for prioritizing your many goals and to-do lists.

Sometimes, you just have to put on your big girl panties and do the work.

I’ve been wanting a day off so badly, because my husband and I worked all weekend to get our new home move-in ready {it’s still not ready–we’ve got another long weekend ahead of us}. I want a day to relax, watch movies and take naps, but I’m my own boss and I have to hold myself accountable. That’s what working from home and having your own business is all about–working even when you don’t feel like working because you know you’ve got stuff that needs to get done.

Now, it’s your turn. Put on your big girl panties and prioritize your to-do list and goals.

This week’s background is three paintings that I made to decorate our new guest room. Aren’t they fun?!? And, don’t you love the personalized stationery from Mayi Carles?

42 Comments · Filed Under: Goals, Productivity

Are You Keeping Up With Your New Year’s Resolutions?

- January 19, 2012 | by April -

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We’re nearing the end of the third week in January.

This is the point where I notice less people at the gym, because they’re starting to give up on their goals—their New Year’s resolutions.

They’re starting to realize that the goals they set weren’t realistic, they didn’t realize how tough it would be to make the change, or they don’t care enough about losing 15 pounds before bathing suit season to wake up an hour earlier.

This is also the point where I notice people not following through on their business plans. They started out the New Year strong and have tapered off.

I have a few suggestions on how you can deal with this, so you’re not one of those people who end up saying, “How did 2012 go by so fast? There was so much I wanted to do and change, and it didn’t happen.”

1. Don’t give up when you slip.

Making changes isn’t easy. That’s just the truth. So, when you decide that you’re going to work on your business for an hour after dinner at least three nights a week, you might realize that it isn’t as easy as just making that decision. Stuff comes up.

Scientists disagree on how long it takes to form a habit, but it usually takes at least 30 days. Once you’ve done something for a month, it becomes easier to keep doing it, because you start to do it more on autopilot. Before this time, most of us have slip ups. These slip ups determine whose going to make it and who won’t. The people who make big changes learn from their slip ups, they understand that making mistakes along the way is part of the process, and they keep moving forward.

2. Get to know your triggers and plan for them.

We all have triggers that keep us from our goals. I just started learning some new knitting techniques, and I’m really excited about them. I also have some episodes of Grey’s Anatomy sitting in the queue of my Tivo. I love to watch/listen to Grey’s Anatomy and knit. I don’t feel as bad about watching television when I do something else along with it—like knitting.

This is a trigger for me. I could be knitting and watching Grey’s instead of working and writing this post. I have to plan for that trigger. I have a rule about it. I’m not allowed to watch and knit until at least 5:45 pm. My husband usually doesn’t get home from work until 6:30 pm, so that gives me time to watch one episode and knit while fast forwarding through the commercials. I don’t get to do it every day, but having that rule in place keeps me from playing couch potato girl.

3. Tell other people about your goals and the changes you want to make.

Today, I spent an hour talking with Mayi Carles from heartmade. We were catching up, talking about our recent launches, and making plans for 2012. That hour inspired me, gave me new ideas, and will help me hold myself accountable. If I tell someone I’m going to do something, I’m more likely to do it. When I feel inspired because I’m around like-minded people, I’m more likely to stay motivated.

One way you can do this is by joining a community like ARTrepreneur {enrollment closes January 30th}. You’d be surrounded by people who want the same things you want, who are willing to tell you their secrets and failures, and who want to see you succeed. That’s one of the things that I love about it.

Tell me. Where you at with those New Year’s resolutions?

15 Comments · Filed Under: ARTrepreneur, Creative Business Development, Goals, Productivity

Hitting a Post-Holiday Sales Slump? How to Use This Time Wisely

- January 4, 2012 | by April -

We all want sales, but downtime can be your friend if you use it wisely.

In between big projects, I always give myself more time to do fun stuff like baking vegan chocolate chip cookies, reading a new Jodi Picoult novel, and watching girls breakdown on The Bachelor. But, I also use the time to get ahead, plan out creative marketing ideas, and stock up on blog posts.

In this week’s video, I give you five ideas on how you can use time in between sales to your advantage. Check it out:

Wanna quick recap? Here are the five ideas on how to fill your downtime:

1. Make a marketing plan to get out of your feast or famine cycle.

2. Pitch a guest post or interview.

3. Stock up on your best-selling items.

4. Stock up on blog posts.

5. Take a class related to your craft or a business class that will help you move forward in your business.

26 Comments · Filed Under: Creative Business Development, Goals, Productivity, Success

3 Must-Read Books That’ll Increase Your Success in 2012

- December 14, 2011 | by April -

I’m a book fanatic. I seriously think I have a problem, because I cannot go into a bookstore without buying at least one book–usually it’s more like eight, but who’s counting? I’ve probably read over 50 business-related books this past year. In today’s video, I picked three books that made a big impact on me and that I highly recommend.

And, here’s a quick recap of the 3 books:

1. Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

2. The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One by Margaret Lobenstine

3. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath

Before you go, I’d love for you leave a book recommendation in the comments below. Did you read a book this year that rocked your world? A book that helped you be more successful? A book that you left you in awe? Or, a book that really helped your business? Please feed my book addiction!

53 Comments · Filed Under: Creative Business Development, Goals, Productivity, Success

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