Last month, I started writing down my monthly goals and I’m so glad I did! Not only did it make me really aware of certain things I needed to accomplish but it really helped me focus and do things I might not normally do (because I knew I would have to report back to you guys!).
Before I get to July’s goals…let me recap June’s…
1. Get my hair wet more often…
…done. I told Erika, the other day, I went to the ladies room at the pool and my sunglasses were crooked, my leftover makeup was all over my face and my swimsuit wasn’t exactly covering everything God intended it to cover…but you know what, my kids were having a great time. (I put myself back together and went back out to have more fun!)
2. Not look at my computer on Sundays.
Done! I might not get to everything I need but I’ve really tried to not do any work on Sunday afternoons.
3. Read 2 books a month…
I read two great books this month! First I read…
…and I loved it! Such an easy read…perfect for beach bags, patio reading and sitting by the pool. And FYI: the main character is named Shea and lives in North Texas…just like me :). I love everything by Emily Giffin and this was no exception. Loved this book!
I also read…
…and oh my goodness, this book spoke straight to my heart. As a mama, there are many moments throughout the day when I become unglued…I really felt like Lysa was speaking directly to me several times. Loved this book!
4. Work on French with Kensington
Oui! Oui! We spent a little time daily to identify and pronounce objects around our house in French, plus, we reviewed a few conversational phrases and began learning to count. She loves all of this French stuff :).
5. Go to the library at least twice
Well, we went once. The second time I asked them if they wanted to go, we ended up going to the Perot Museum with Andrea instead (and had the best time!).
6. Smith needs to nap less
Yup. We have been napping less. Last week, Smith had two afternoon play dates instead of napping…he was happy and just went to bed a little earlier (tired and happy!).
This month is going to be crazy fun.
I’m doing something HUGE mid-month. Huge. Gigantic. You will flip out when you find out.
FLIP. OUT.
My goals for July are…
1. Read two more books.
This goal was really good for me because I forced myself to read (because I knew you would ask!), and I’m so glad I did!
2. Find the perfect hair mask.
Listen, with all of this sun, chlorine, heat and humidity, this lady needs a good hair mask. My goal is to find a fabulous one (at a great price!) and report back to you!! (If you have any suggestions, please share!)
3. Make homemade ice cream at least 3 times.
We love homemade ice cream, so I want to make it at least three times this month. I’ll share the recipes with you after we make them!
4. Host at least 2 groups of people at my house.
Summertime is great for entertaining, so I plan on hosting at least two summertime get-togethers at my house.
5. Start buying a few Christmas gifts.
I am the queen of shopping early for Christmas presents. When December rolls around, I want to be spending every minute with my kids, watching movies, drinking cocoa and listening to music…I do not want to be stressed about buying gifts. Every July, I start buying a few gifts and setting them aside at my house for Christmas. I keep a good list of everything I buy so that I don’t forget and come December, I’m always super grateful I started early.
Speaking of July…on my foodie blog today, it’s my July 4th Menu! I thought of the menu, you just bring the fireworks!
Click here to see my complete July 4th Menu.
Have a great day!!
Anonymous says
Love your handwriting! & thinking maybe I should set some July goals as well. Thanks Shay!
Elyse Swanson says
Eva NYC therapy session hair mask is awesome!
Crystal R. says
Coconut oil is perfect for hair and skin(& a million other things)! 🙂
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog says
I totally agree about the early Christmas presents! Plus when fall begins it'll be a great time to hit up those sales! I need to do better with this this year!
Elizabeth says
What a great idea to start Christmas shopping now! I just started working on the list of what to get everyone too.
And I love your idea to stay off the computer on Sundays. I need to get better about disconnecting on the weekends.
Happy July!
Tab & Erika says
I always get SO upset when I don't buy Christmas gifts early. ALWAYS regret that!! I remember the first year we hung out a bunch you were DONE shopping in September…hahahaha!
Sara P says
I always Christmas shop throughout the entire year. It is a lot easier on the household budget that way. I just grab things whenever I see something unique or at a good deal and save it. Heck, sometimes I buy things right after Christmas or in early January and hold onto them, if not for next Christmas, then for a person's birthday. Then come Black Friday–my last day of shopping for gifts–I'll go out for maybe two hours just to witness all of the holiday spirit, come home put up our Christmas tree and enjoy the rest of the season.
Anonymous says
What are y reading in July? I loved The One and Only too!!
Alaleh says
Reading one and only now and totally thought of you right away with the name and Texas!!
Anonymous says
I thought the One and Only was Emily Giffen's worst book! The storyline was weird, and it's starting to bother me how Emily Giffen always has the main character choose the man in her life isntead of her friend.
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Yay! Love the goals and love the pictures on the diving board. Hilarious!! Being in the pool with the kids is the most fun. And I loved The One and Only, too!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
This was fun! I loved your update! Pat yourself on the back. Job well done! And this HUGE thing you are doing mid-month. Um yeah, FLIPPING. OUT. WooHooooooooooooooo!
Kimm Atwood says
Last month I started writing goals, I thought if I out it on paper I would be remember to do it, and what greater satisfaction than actually crossing something off a list, so now I write my goals in my my new life planner…yay…. And look at it every day!! Thanks for sharing!!! Happy Tuesday
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
Oh my – you did so great! I've not done so great with my goals and I totally need to pull them out and get back on them ASAP! I like the idea of doing them monthly so that you can tweak them. Great job! 🙂
Narci says
Yay! This is so great! Awesome goals! I am going to make your "read two books" goal my goal also! I never make enough time to read!
Melissa H. says
Coconut oil! Do some research online. There are so many ways to use it. If you have a Trader Joe's, you can get a good size jar for less than six dollars.
Angie R says
Hey Shay! I struggle with my hair drying out also. In fact, I couldn't grow it out because it was so damaged. A few years ago, I stumbled up on Restorative Hair Treatment by Ojon. It has a weird, smoky, smell, but nothing else moisturizes my hair this well. It is a little pricey, but a jar can easily last a year or two.
Anonymous says
I need to write down some goals for myself! I'm sure you've read it but I just finished Summer Girls by Mary Alice Monroe & just started Summer Wind by Mary Alice Monroe. Summer Girls was an easy read with a great story. Happy July to you & your family!
Shanna in SC
Margie L says
I love writing down goals and revisiting them. I do this annually and make mini lists everyday to accomplish. But I like this idea of doing monthly goals too. I also had the goal at the beginning of the year to read 2 books a month and it has been so fulfilling to do so. I have been choosing fun, interesting books as opposed to self helps which I always read. It's a nice escape from the day to day life stuff.
jackie says
I swear by coconut oil in my hair. I usually put in in my hair at night, wear my hair in a bun to bed and then rinse in the morning. Works great!
Anonymous says
I agree with the person above about "The One and Only." I felt uncomfortable reading it and got annoyed with all the football stats (and I am even a sports fan!)
I LOVE that you start Christmas shopping now! I am going to have to try that this year because I am having a baby in December this year and need to be on the ball!
Slightly Askew Designs says
WAAAAAAH!!!!! How is it July 1st?!?!?! CRAZY! Love your goals – especially having people over 🙂
Kim R. says
I love your goals! Easy and achievable!
I shop for presents year round – keeping a tally in my head of who I know I buy presents for and what gifts I may have already purchased. I also purchase gifts that are more general in nature (in case I may have forgotten someone). That way, in November/December, I'm not racking up the bills trying to squeeze that last present in, and I have a better chance of getting more thoughtful gifts.
I also started publicly posting my goals – hoping the public shaming (read: accountability) would help me stay focused!
Kisha Long says
Moroccan Oil's hair mask is the BEST!!!
Kisha Long says
Moroccan Oil's hair mask is the BEST!!!
Chelsea@TableForOne says
Just bought Unglued to read for this month! I can't wait to begin reading it.
Ellen L. says
With a family of 5, I have to Christmas shop all year. My girls want Hunter Wellies this year so if you see them on sale, please let us know. THanks
Anonymous says
Sounds like a fun summer! My favorite hair mask is an easy DIY:
Whisk one egg yolk, one teaspoon of olive oil, and one teaspoon of honey together in a small bowl. Mash in 1/2 of an avocado.
Work into hair, cover head with a shower cap and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and shampoo in the shower!
Katie says
So, I have been using a combo of: a large scoop of coconut oil and 2 tbsp of local honey. Microwave this combo and apply to hair (from about halfway down to the ends), then I put on a shower cap for an hour or so (super cute look) and then shampoo twice. No conditioner! My hair stylist asked what I have been doing differently!
Sandra Litcher says
Love that you write down monthly goals, I might have to start doing this! I also start Christmas shopping really early, but never thought to write everything down. I always seem to pull stuff out to wrap and find stuff I didn't remember I bought!
RebeccaLynn17 says
Excellent goals! I'm a lover of both of those authors but haven't read Emily's latest- thanks for the recommendation! I can't wait to FLIP. OUT. Happy July!!! Hope you reach all of your goals:)
Darcy says
Love your goals and how you achieved them – good job! And thanks for the inspiration to start shopping early – I needed the reminder. 🙂
Sarah says
Just wondering, do you Christmas shop for just your immediate family? If not, how do you handle if someone wants to return something? I have never shopped before November because I am always afraid someone may want to return something. Thanks for any advice:)
Sandy P says
You should try to make ice cream in a bag. I helped my daughter's first grade class with this activity. It was quick and easy and the kids loved it. You basically put milk, sugar and vanilla in a sealed zip lock bag. You put it in another bag with ice and rock salt. The kids shake it for 5 or 10 minutes and it freezes. I think we put the sealed bag in a plastic bag with a paper lunch bag on top of it. We might have even used another plastic bag. It gets cold for little hands!
Christine says
Best hair treatment I've used EVER is the WEN Moist Intensive Hair Treatment (I used sweet almond.) Funny thing is, I don't like any other WEN products but this treatment is UNBELIEVABLE – and the longer you have it on, the better it works so it's perfect for slathering on at the pool and rinsing off when you're done. I bought my on amazon.com – it is a game changer!!!
Betsy Morris says
People make fun of me all the time for Christmas shopping early. But I am like you, I don't want to have to stress about getting it all done and I HATE to be out with all the busy crowds. I already have a hand full of people done 🙂
Carley says
This is random…but what ice cream maker do you use? My goal is to buy one soon but I can't seem to narrow down my choice with all my research! Thanks!
Tara G. says
I shop all year for Christmas- cheaper and like you, I just want to relax and enjoy the season without shopping. Jen at I Heart Organizing has some cute {free} printables for gift tracking if you're interested.
MorganizewithMe says
I love that you are doing monthly goals, such a great way to keep them more manageable. I'm just finishing Unglued – so goood! Love your pic of you jumping of the diving board. I thought of you when I decided to swim in the ocean with my kids, despite not wanting to. 🙂
Beth K says
I definitely have to second coconut oil as a hair treatment! Here is a great how-to link that I use about once every other month- http://www.howdoesshe.com/coconut-oil-moisture-treatment/. My hair dresser always complained about how dry and broken my hair was until I started using this and now she compliments how shiny it is and how well it holds color! Really affordable too!
Funny in My Mind says
I use Aveda Dry Remedy once a week
Anonymous says
Moroccan Oil restorative hair mask, hands down is the best! Was mad at myself that I didn't try it sooner.
Lauren says
You mentioned in this post the Perot museum. We are coming for a week in July and I've been thinking about taking Parker there. Did your kids like it? Is it 5 year old friendly? Do we need to get there first thing in the morning? We've never been and I'm picking your brain since you've gone! 😉 Thanks girl.
Martha Vargas says
Hi Shay! love your blog. An excellent hair mask is cocunut oil, I use it once a week and noticed that my hair has become softer.
Aubrey says
I make lists of lists, friend, so this goal setting idea makes me super happy! Love your reading goal and can't wait to see what's happening mid month! My goals for the month of July include "pack for a week in Croatia" and "go to the local Victorian Lido as often as possible." Meanwhile Ella wants to set up a lemonade stand, Kate wants to climb the largest climbing net in England, and Annie wants to ingest as many inedible objects as possible. 😉
Jeanie says
You must be the most organized person ever! I don't have little ones and am an avid reader, but I'm not sure I read two books a month much less everything else you do. Of course, if I'd get my fanny up from my computer once in a while, I guess I could get more done, huh? Right now I'm reading The Language of Flowers. It's very good. And I'm a year-round Christmas shopper. I just pick things up as I find them.
Brittany says
I am a hair dresser, ,my all time fav hair mask is its a 10 miracle mask!! Or their deep treatment with keratin. Both work amazing and smell wonderful!!
Jaren says
Love your goals and how your blog makes you more accountable! I need to do this too. I also love your new Facebook profile picture, which I'm thinking is in your new kitchen…THAT STOVE…swoon from one food blogger/lover to another!!! You must be in heaven!
amoveableme.com says
Is it mid-July yet????? EEEEEEKKKKK! I can't wait to see what it is!
I am listening to the audiobook of "The One & Only" right now when I take my 11 month old on walks, and I TOTALLY thought of you when I first found out the main character shared your name (diff spelling). 🙂
PS: I ordered 2 of your fave scarfs today after trying them on in Nordstrom over the weekend. You are right, they are perfect!
Kim Taylor says
I love your July goals and I need to do this! Thank you for the reminder! Side note: This past weekend my hubby and I spent a nice long weekend at our beach house. We were able to relax, enjoy a couple of nice dinners out, and……CHRISTMAS SHOP! I am keeping a detailed list of what I am buying and for who! I already feel like I am going to enjoy this holiday season soooo much more! Happy July!!
Jen @ Love, the Arthurs says
Way to go on your June goals! I think this is such a great idea! (especially since I just had my 3rd baby…if I don't plan things, then before I know it, half the day has gone by and we're all still in our pajamas!) July sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun – and SO smart to start buying Christmas gifts now! Come December, I always WISH I would have started Christmas shopping earlier! As fare as hair masks go, I know a lot of people LOVE using coconut oil in their hair, but for me, it actually had the opposite effect…it made my hair super dry and brittle and then it all started breaking off. My hairdresser was stumped, because it's amazing for most people, so I researched it a ton, and apparently if your hair already has enough moisture in it, it can somehow dry it out because it's overkill. My hair did a million times better with a pure argon oil. BUT again, the majority of people just love coconut oil, so maybe my hair is just crazy! 🙂
Sande Melton says
Hair treatment: Oil of Morocco. I get the small blue and yellow packets ($3 at HEB) and use weekly. One packet lasts 3-4 treatments.
Christen says
I love your June goals! So fun 🙂 And I agree with the early Christmas shopping. I've only bought one book so far, but feel so accomplished knowing that I'm already ahead of the curve! Also – Try Aveda's Sun Care line;there is a hair/body wash that removes salt & chlorine and a really great mask as well. I love them for Summer!
AmyJo says
I'm on the same hunt for a hair mask. I LOVED bed heads peppermint mask "treat me right" and they don't make it anymore. 🙁 I tried coconut oil and it made my hair so dry (like the one commenter mentioned) but I'm tented to try again after reading all these comments about it. Let me know what you find!
Aaron, Lacey, Audrey and Elle says
Coconut oil for your hair! I get mine at Sprouts. Put it on before you go to the pool, or about an hour before you wash your hair. I only put it on the bottom half of my hair bc it gets too oily up top. It's great for skin too! I use it under my eyes since it reduces inflammation and makes my under eye area less puffy! You can google it…so many great uses for (unrefined) coconut oil!
Anonymous says
Can you offer suggestions on gifts that you get for different people. This may help me with my shopping early
Cathy says
Highly recommend L'Oreal 5 Minute Total Repair Balm.
Clattie Skiles says
Arvazallia hydrating Argan oil mask is wonderful. Leaves hair soft and moisturized and smells fantastic! Good luck with your July bucket list!