Lifestyle Resolutions

Happy New Year Birdies! It may sound cliche, but I always spend some time over the holidays thinking long and hard about what my resolutions will be for the upcoming year. While of course I have some personal resolutions, I was inspired by Brenda's New Year's Post to share a few of my "lifestyle" resolutions for 2011:

1. When it comes to fashion, quality over quantity.

With so many fast fashion chain stores around, it's easy to get caught up in buying frilly tops for going out, party dresses, and all manner of accessories. I'll always love my fun pieces from Zara, H&M, and Joe Fresh. However, in 2011 I'm going to try to stick to buying well-chosen and timeless staples from places like J. Crew and Club Monaco and maybe one or two designer indulgences that I know will last for years - like these gorgeous patent Jimmy Choo sandals for spring.

2. Take the entertaining up a notch

I love everything about hostessing (well, except maybe the clean up)...planning a menu, decorating the table, and picking out delicious wines. I often rely on my safe staples -grilled fish and veggies, pasta, or tapas - when entertaining, but this year I'd like to expand my repertoire with some roasts and desserts, and (finally) break out my wedding china for sit-down dinner parties. The Entertaining at Home cookbook by Rachel Allen that I got as a Christmas gift will be a good source to start with...

3. DIY Decor

Several of my girlfriends are very handy and creative in the decor department. I admire their talent, but I've always been a little timid in taking on such projects myself. One of my plans for the New Year is to finally finish up our master bedroom (we've only been in our house for three years...) and I think that building a headboard (with a little help from my friends...Brenda?) might be a challenging but satisfying project. My inspiration...