Continuing on with my “A Life in Lists” project, here is the next one…10 recipes for non-alcoholic cocktails. I love a good ol’ fashioned Shirley Temple, but I do get bored of it. Plus, I’d really like to have a fabulous sober girl’s bar in my house for when I do throw a party. I’m hoping to get around to trying all these too, and reviewing them on the blog. That’ll be a fun little project.
1. Little Pink Pearl – I’m not going to lie this name sounds a bit dirty
2. Green Apple Sparkler
3. Hibiscus Punch
4. Winter Warmer
5. Faux Kir – This sounds luxurious. I can’t wait to try!
6. Baby Bellini – simple, yet tasty
7. Down East Delight
8. Ginger Lime Fizz
9. Pink Grapefruit “Margaritas” – I’m looking forward to sipping on these with vegan tacos!
10. Non-Alcoholic Raspberry Mojito – OH MY GOODNESS!! YAY!
I mustn’t forget to mention that I did invent my own version of a sober girl’s mimosa….drum roll please…..
Ok, it’s not that exciting or innovative. It’s just sprite and orange juice. Still get the bubbly feeling of champagne without the booze. And it’s a lovely compliment to a Sunday brunch while everyone is downing those mimosas I miss oh so much. Hahah.
Some days are just perfect for opening all the windows, lighting some incense, and playing Rolling Stones on full blast…all while dancing around the apartment in underwear, a vintage kimono, and house slippers. Well, today is that day for me.
My infatuation with the Rolling Stones started at a pretty young age, my dad is a pretty big fan and passed that knowledge onto me. Whether it’s for the music or the style, the Rolling Stones have inspired my life in so many ways, and now I couldn’t imagine my life without them. (Like they’re family or something…well aren’t they?) It’s pretty surprising that I don’t have a Rolling Stones tattoo yet, I’ll be adding that to my list.
I’m obsessed with the photographs of the Stones during the Exile years at Villa Nellcôte. I’d really like to get some framed photos for my wall. . . someday.
Well folks, I’m happy to report that it’s just about to turn 9am, and I’m already sitting down at my computer to get my blogging work done. But, I’m not just sitting here in my PJs having just rolled out of my hella comfy and cozy bed. I’ve already worked out, dropped off my dry cleaning, taken Biscuitdog for a walk, and picked up my morning dosage of gingerbread latte from Starbucks. Can you believe it? Just typing all that out seemed a bit exhausting, but in that good way of course.
So, now I’m sitting here in my sweater boots ready to get my blog on. . .
I’ve never been that person who just hops out of bed ready to tackle the day. Honestly, those people scare me. (No offense to you folks. Although you kind of offend me with your wide eyed cheery morning ways.) But, I’m quickly recognizing that while I might not need to fly out of bed like a bat out of hell, I should get my morning routine down to a science in order to increase productivity.
Have you hit the next button on Google Reader yet? I probably would have. If not, well high five for you.
I’m not writing this as some sort of motivational thingamagig, I’m just writing to write. Cause well, isn’t that what us bloggers are supposed to do? It’s not all pretty photos and outfit posts over here in Betseyland. Sorry, ya’ll.
I digress.
So here I am, two weeks into 2012 and trying to get my routine on. I’ve attempted blogging in the afternoon, that just doesn’t work. Mostly because at that point I’m already involved in a million things and my brain is on the train to ADD hell. I’ve attempted working last at night — biphasic style and all — but it’s just not for me. I find that it’s suuuuuuper easy to get distracted and bored within minutes. Usually resulting in putting on some reruns and passing out. So, now I’m going to give this morning thing a go. It seems like a lot of people do it, so maybe I should as well.
Some of you are probably like, why is this bitch having so many issues with a routine? Well, to be honest, I don’t live a normal lifestyle. I don’t have a 9-5 job, and this makes regular daily scheduling a bit difficult. I know it shouldn’t be thaaaat hard, but what can I say? I just struggle with routines. Gimme a break and/or get over it. But, this time around. . . I’m going to really try. Cause whatever the hell I’m doing just isn’t working.
What is your morning routine like? Do you have one?
PS – I now understand UGGs. But only in the privacy of your own home, of course. But, let’s just say, I’ve been lusting after some fur lined boots to wear while sitting around in my non-heated apartment when I’m blogging and writing. Also, not gonna lie. I want a comfy sweatsuit. Ya know, like a Juicy or Victoria Secret one. All I’m saying is, I get it. And I’m not ashamed to hop on the cozy working at home train. Cause really, who the hell blogs in “Litas” with their makeup done and a pretty dress? Not this bitch.
I love making lists. Seriously. I will make lists of nonsense until my fingers bleed, I don’t know why. I’ve got scribbled notes all over the place of random lists of books, movies, things to do, etc etc. So, as a part of my weekly blogging, I’ll be sharing them.
Inspiration for a little bit of list making:
Hula Seventy is the ultimate list maker.
Liz’s “Adventure Guide” is absolutely amazing & such a fun idea.
Viv has a hella great list of 52 things for her 2012.
Listography is such a lovely site and app. I update mine on my phone all the time.
“32 New Things” by Yes and Yes is a great source of ideas.
My first list. . .
52 [Fun] Things I’d Like To Do/Learn/Try in 2012
1. Spend a weekend in a fancy hotel for no reason
2. Try every single flavor of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream
3. Go to Disney World (Although I live in FL, I haven’t been back in over a decade)
4. Re-connect with my girlfriends from high school
5. Invent the perfect virgin cocktail
6. Acquire a pen pal (or a few)
7. Run a marathon
8. Celebrate World Nutella Day
9. Visit the Coral Castle
10. Volunteer at an animal shelter
11. Buy a pair of Louboutins for my one year soberversary
12. Read the entire collection of Jane Austen books
13. Learn French
14. Get a new passport stamp
15. Do a photoshoot in Miami’s Executive Fantasy Hotel
16. Have a Twilight movie marathon before watching Breaking Dawn: Part II
17. Re-pierce my nostril
18. Take a trip to New York City
19. Attend a writers workshop
20. Tackle the IMDB “250 Top List”
21. Finish my right sleeve
22. Go to the drive-in movies in a convertible
23. Watch every single Alfred Hitchcock movie
24. Read the Harry Potter series
25. Ride my bicycle to work
26. Make a pizza from scratch (including sauce)
27. Practice yoga on a regular basis
28. Review books
29. Keep a journal (photograph and written)
30. Share a Hollywood style kiss (Ala Carrie & Berger after a fight in SATC)
31. Find the perfect eyeliner
32. Design and sew a dress
33. Take a pole dancing fitness class
34. Go to a laser light show at the planetarium
35. Get acupuncture
36. Visit Cassadaga
37. Take a ghost tour in St. Augustine
38. Go on a road trip out of state
39. Experience the Marfa Mystery Lights
40. Attend a music festival
41. Knit a scarf
42. Get an aura cleansing
43. Play in the snow
44. Learn tarot cards
45. Buy a pair of roller skates
46. Whiten my teeth (haha, so random, I know)
47. Acquire an outside pet cat
48. Take part in a public reading
49. Meet with a psychic
50. Bake dog treats for Biscuit
51. Buy a record player
52. Master the art of using chopsticks
Phew…that was quite the list making task. But, I’m looking forward to crossing these things off and making more fun lists throughout the year.
It’s hard to believe that in just under a week we’ll be on our way to welcoming in the New Year of 2012. I honestly look back on 2011 and it feels like one giant blur — not sure if that is a good or bad thing just yet. Regardless, it has been quite a whirlwind of a year for me, and I openly admit that I’m looking forward to closing this chapter of my life. In just the last week and a half, I’ve experienced great upheaval and changes in my life that have really tested my mental stability and sobriety. Needless to say, despite an overwhelming feeling of defeat and a bit of heartache, I’m happy to say I came out of it with a clear mind and without a drink. And in the end, I know my decisions are for the best and that things can only get better from here on out.
Over the course of the next few days, I’m going to completely purge my apartment, closet, and workspace once and for all. It’s been a task that has been put off for way too long, and I refuse to go into the New Year with a cluttered home and mind. My apartment is basically an overwhelming space for me, and I can’t seem to get settled properly while I’m being suffocated by my things. It’s not very relaxing at all. But, I’m confident that once I get everything in order, I will be able to move my year into a more positive and productive light. (Read: ‘Minimalism: How to Declutter Your Home & Your Soul’)
Some things I’d like to work on in 2012…
Live a life fueled by positivity. It’s really easy to say you’re a positive person, but at the end of the day when we rest our heads down on the pillow, is it the truth? I could probably go on for an entire post about this, but I won’t. For now, I’m just going to say I want to live every day in the most positive way possible. I won’t let myself be surrounded by negative thinking people or have my brain clouded with negative thoughts. It’s exhausting and mentally taxing. I’ve come to realize that 99% of the time, someone’s negative shit is just not about me, and there is no reason for me to take it on myself. No complaints, no gossip, no focusing on the bad.
Continue on living a sober life. It’s been a process, that’s for sure. But, I plan on continuing with it because it has done nothing but wonderful things for my life.
To stop obsessively checking Facebook and Twitter. The few days that I had no phone were quite refreshing. I love Twitter, but to be honest I’m so completely over Facebook. If I didn’t need it for work, I’d probably delete it. Lately, I even find myself just scrolling to the top of the Twitter app and not going through old tweets like I used to. It’s quite freeing.
Purchase an organizer. Throughout 2011, I bounced between a Filofax and a Moleskine notebook. Needless to say, it just left me even more un-organized than before. I need to pick up a legit planner and call it a day. I really adore the Erin Condren planners, but it’s not really in my budget at the moment. We’ll see.
Stop bullshitting and get into shape. 30 years old is just around the corner from me and I need to quit being so damn unhealthy. Since giving up alcohol, I’ve lost a lot of the difficult weight I’d been wanting to get rid of, now it’s time to get fit. It shouldn’t be that difficult considering I have a huge stack of Jillian Michaels DVDs staring at me in the face every time I plop my lazy ass onto the couch. Hahaha.
Semi-related to the paragraph above, I would like to Learn to cook. I mean don’t get the wrong idea, I’m not some fire hazard and hot mess in the kitchen, but a girl can only eat so many uncreative meals before going insane. I really want to become a better vegetarian and incorporate this into the blog as well.
Stop shopping so fucking much. (Yes, I shop so much that it warranted a curse word in there) While I’ve been going through my closets and drawers, I’ve noticed how much shit I really have. I don’t even have room for it. Then I’ll go to pick up my dry cleaning orders and have even more items piling up on my bed. And the amount of shoes that I have is offensive. I randomly find shoes that I haven’t worn in months because I forget about them. The other day, I just realized I owned a pair of those Jessica Simpson “Dany” heels. It’s really out of control. I’ve considered starting a “Shop My Closet” site, but that is just more work than I care to get into right now, I rather just donate it all to a local charity. They need the clothing and shoes more than we do anyway.
Kick my blogging ass into gear. I love writing, I love blogging, so why the fuck have I slacked so much on it this year? I can’t pinpoint one thing or another for the reasoning behind this. Perhaps I was too busy living life off the internet, or I just didn’t feel inspired by surrounding parties. I’m not sure. But, I do know that this blog is very important to me, and I want to make it so much better than it has ever been. I have so many ideas and plans that are just waiting to be executed.
Starting the day with writing. My co-worker mentioned the author Julia Cameron to me, and a few of her tips for writing. One of them was to start the day by writing 5 pages of absolute bullshit just to get the creative juices flowing. This is definitely something I want to try. I’m also going to pick up a few of her books from the library.
Giving up alcohol was one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do, and I’ve managed to beat it. So there shouldn’t be any reason that I can’t accomplish these things, right?
A few links I feel compliment this post…
‘Why I Won’t Stop Blogging’ and ‘Becoming a Better Human, Blogging’
‘How to Stop Procrastinating About Procrastinating’
‘Slay Your Time Vampires’ Part I and Part II
‘Life Only Sucks if You Do (Bring the Radness)’
‘30 Challenges for 30 Days of Growth’
‘The Secret Rule of Changing Anything’
‘Picking One Little Word to Guide Your Year’
‘50 Radical New Year’s Resolution…That You Can Do All Year’
If you’ve got any links that pertain to these topics and you think I should check out, please share!
I think I’m going to re-create this and hang it above my bed.
