best of 2017

Best of 2017 as it pertains to me and only me. 😉

BEST GAIN: The house! We bought the lot in January of this year. Broke ground in June. Insulation wraps up on January 3rd and then we start sheetrock. This dream has been slow coming and the building will continue to be that way, too. But I love that this is OUR baby. Each day Russ builds it, and I get to watch (and work, too, more on MY projects later!) Such an amazing experience.

BEST PERSONAL GAIN: This time last year, I committed myself to working out every morning at 6 am. I went to whatever class was available and was hitting 4-5 times a week then, now it’s more like 3, but I am so glad I did this for myself. It is everything for my mental health and how I feel about myself each day. High Fitness (a cardio work out class) was my best gain for my physical health, by a landslide. It fills me with so much happiness and such a feeling of accomplishment every time. I get an actual high. Sometimes I cry (ha!) because I’m so overwhelmed by the good energy. After the founder @highfitnessemily told me to get these Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 shoes it made it even better. I have super narrow feet and they along with my shins would kill afterward. Get these shoes if you do high impact work outs! They’ve saved my legs.

LOSING in 2018: I am 100% committed to stop yelling. I grew up in a yelling household and I hated it. Yelling begets yelling in my experience so I just have to take it off the table. I know I will probably slip up at times, but zero is the only acceptable goal. Wish me luck and also give me your tips. 😉

BEST BEAUTY PRODUCT FINDS: Urban Decay Setting Spray, Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, Stila Glitter shadow, and my new favorite red lip Beso. This La Roche Posay mascara for a heavy duty all waterproof day hold that doesn’t fall, This Skylar Body perfume in Arrow is my new signature. This Diptyque shower foam is incredible and leaves your skin so soft and smelling amazing.

BEST ALBUM: The Japanese House. Came out in 2016 but I don’t care. I listened to this album all. year. long. I love it. If you liked Frou Frou / Imogen Heap you’ll love this. Close second with Big Thief.

BEST MOVIE: The Greatest Showman. LadyBird was a joy to watch too.

BEST SERIES: Manhunt: Unabomber. The Crown. Peaky Blinders. Anne With An E.

BEST BOOK: When Breath Becomes Air. So so beautiful.

BEST PODCAST: I do not make time for these like I would like to and I feel like there are about 1 million I could or should be listening to. I just don’t ever get to them. But I love SuperSoul Sessions, and if you’re LDS there’s a Podcast that goes through the Book of Mormon chapter by chapter and explains it in the most digestible way: Help Me Understand the Book of Mormon.

BEST LESSONS: I feel like I learned and re-learned so much this year. #1. Things always work out for the best. This is no longer a theory I have, this is law. It has been tested so many times and the quicker I become fluid and acknowledge that no matter what it is — it is for the best, the happier and more peaceful my life has become. I can say it with so much surety, I truly don’t doubt it for a second anymore. #2. I am not a robot. Feel whatever feelings may come, let them move through you, but kick them out the door if they don’t serve you. Hearing this particular lesson at Alison’s workshop was perfect timing for me in my work life, but it has become huge in my personal life, too. It’s strange how taking Small Fry over solo has made me feel infinitely more vulnerable about it. It’s higher highs and lower lows. It’s okay to feel the sting of losing followers, or to be bummed when a post bombs.` I am not a robot, but if I dwell on it it paralyzes me and my creativity, too. So let it sting for a second and then move.on. Luckily the hard days always seem to end with the nicest DM or positive feedback from a reader or brand!@smallfryblog

#3 Numbers do not and cannot define my success. Connection sustains me far longer than any stat on paper ever will and so numbers can no longer matter. I know they matter to my sponsors and I will always do my best to perform. But, my goal is connection. A party of people who want the things I want: To express themselves fearlessly. To parent with awareness and courage. To create a life they love from top to bottom. Who unapologetically love books and music and fashion and art and movies or politics or travel or knitting their cat pajamas. Who love to learn and create, AND love their family.  Who are mothers and fathers and also so much more. Who know that they are the only people who can give their children a happy mother who loves life. I try to show up on Small Fry as this person everyday. Sometimes I do better than others, but that it my intention for 2018. Let’s do this!

So happy to have you here!  Happy New Year. It’s going to be amazing!!

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6 Comments

  • Natalie S.
    December 31, 2017 at 9:29 am

    The no yelling is a goal I’ve also been working toward. I highly recommend the peaceful parenting approach by Dr. Laura Markham. She has an online parenting course that I just completed (ahaparenting.com) and it has seriously changed our lives. We connect so much more effectively with our kids. We are not perfect but it has drastically reduced the yelling and I would recommend it to everyone! Good luck!

    Reply
  • Hilary de Lisle
    December 31, 2017 at 11:25 am

    “Feel whatever feelings may come, let them move through you, but kick them out the door if they don’t serve you.“ This! Everything I needed to hear. Loved this post! And I adored Lady Bird!

    Reply
  • Ellen
    December 31, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    Thank you. This was beautiful. I appreciate your vulnerability — it’s what I, as a reader, connect to. ❤️

    Reply
  • Bre
    December 31, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    I’m so with you on the No Yelling goal. You should follow Simply on Purpose on IG. She has changed my parenting for the better!!

    Reply
  • Danielle Iorg
    January 2, 2018 at 9:31 pm

    Great post, I appreciate you always sharing the good, bad and good again. It’s refreshing.

    I love the new house series you’ve introduced, being a local interior designer I appreciate seeing what’s current locally.

    Among the many many post- I’m always curious to see what your reading and gain your insight. As well as your music recommendations.

    Thanks for sharing, and 2018 is going to be a great year for us both. 😉

    Reply
  • Diane
    January 3, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    I had also made a goal to stop yelling this year! I’m pretty sure I’ve already failed but I’m going to keep trying again each day. When I saw your post with the happy Mom quote I started crying because I knew that’s what I needed to give my kids. They need a happy mom!! Please share all your tips and advice!!! We can do it!

    Reply

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