If you recognize us in any respect, you recognize we LOVE objectives! This week, we’re chatting about our objectives and plans for 2023, sharing our first guide membership picks of the yr, and we’ve some enjoyable podcast information to share!

Yow will discover the podcast posts archive right here.
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Present Notes:
Hearken to Episode #130: New 12 months, Identical Me to listen to our 2022 objectives.
An replace on our 2022 objectives:
Elsie:
- Take pleasure in residence extra (archived)
- Get up early (did for 3 months)
- Reside guilt-free (nonetheless engaged on)

Emma:
- Work on her novel (archived)
- Work on dry eyes (have gotten higher)
- Purchase much less junk meals (archived)
-We point out The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran
Our objectives for 2023:
Elsie:
- Work on a giant artwork mission (and share on the podcast) by the tip of the yr
- Learn 52 books (and cease studying if not hooked three chapters in)
- Bounce round to completely different genres of books
- Journey to at least one new place
- Prioritizing inventive time day by day
Emma:
- Work extra on her psychological well being
- Getting again into health
- Be extra according to going to remedy
- Submit her novel to brokers
Podcast adjustments in 2023:
- Now not taking summers off
- New forms of episodes: consolation rewatch episodes + “how you can” deep dive episodes
Q1 guide membership choices (January-March):
-To get bodily copies of older books, go to thriftbooks.com
Probably the most enjoyable listener electronic mail EVER from Michelle: Do you’ve any concepts for displaying a classic hanging crystal assortment?
- Grasp them from a chandelier
- Show them in an ornamental bowl
- Grasp them in home windows
- Put them in a shadowbox
- Show them in your entrance yard
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Episode 165 Transcript:
Emma: You’re listening to The Stunning Mess Podcast, your cozy consolation hear. If you recognize us in any respect, then you recognize that we love objectives. So this week we’re chatting about our objectives and plans for the brand new yr, sharing. Our first guide Membership picks for 2023 and we’ve some enjoyable podcast information to share.
Elsie: So excited. It’s good to be again.
Emma: It’s good to be again. I miss our podcast pals. Though we don’t truly get to speak to them throughout recording or something, however I prefer to envision them round us, hanging out.
Elsie: Properly we learn the emails each week and we get dms and issues like that from our listeners, so we undoubtedly can really feel it if you guys are within the temper to care. Like I at all times really feel like after we come again from a break is at all times like an excellent day within the podcast world. I’m joyful. So earlier than we bounce into it, do you wanna speak slightly bit about Christmas, Christmas break, and New 12 months’s? Something thrilling?
Emma: Yeah, I don’t know. Like everyone else I’ve had these two weeks the place I used to be like, what day is it? Who is aware of? And really, even this morning I went to the fitness center considering it was Monday or Wednesday when my group health class was, and as quickly as I obtained there, I used to be prefer it’s Tuesday, what was I considering? What was my plan? So then I simply did one thing else, however I used to be like, all proper, I don’t, I nonetheless don’t know what day it’s, I assume. However anyway, Christmas was superior. Our son obtained a motorcycle and plenty of toys and all kinds of little issues, however the large current from us anyway was his bike, and that was actually cute. At first, he was type of like, I don’t learn about this, as a result of it’s like an open-air, like he simply sits in, it doesn’t have straps. Nevertheless it does have a deal with that I push it round or his dad, whoever. At first, he was slightly like, I don’t learn about this, however then he obtained into it. So we’ve been pushing him round the home. It’s been type of good this week. So I’ve pushed him outdoors slightly bit, however I really feel like if we go away it for a couple of days after which get on it, he’s like apprehensive once more. So it’s most likely gonna be higher within the spring. However anyway, it was cute and it was a enjoyable Christmas.
Elsie: Cute. Yeah, we had a magical Christmas. I really feel like we’ve actually Marathoned the Christmas magic this yr. Due to sure conditions in our life. I didn’t begin adorning till slightly after December 1st, which may be very, very late for me. So I felt like we lived an actual folks Christmas as a result of that’s what regular folks do. That’s the way it was after we had been rising up. And yeah, like blogger Christmas is like, for instance, this yr we had been sporting Christmas pajamas and after we shot the movies for that little cheese ball snowman and all the things, it was August. Goldie was totally dressed up with us too and he or she was with us and we like, I feel that’s how it’s to have a mother, a blogger mother. After which I’ve been attempting to have, not less than simulations of regular life, like regular mother life, and which I really like, I at all times take into consideration our mother elevating us with no cellular phone in any respect the entire time. So I simply love placing my telephone away and being slightly extra old style about it. However we had a magical time. We made plenty of cookies, so many cookies. We did the paper chain. We did a ton of mannequin magic. The little dough decoration kind of issues. Every kind of stuff like that. So it was a really great Christmas and I do should admit I’ve a tiny little bit of a Christmas hangover. Like I’m nonetheless proper slightly bit obsessed about it. I nonetheless can’t cease eager about it, however I feel that’s simply how I used to be born. Emma mentioned that in our high episodes of the yr final yr, there was a variety of like vacation content material, so I do know it’s how a variety of you had been born as nicely.
Emma: Yeah, I’m type of buzzing Christmas songs all yr spherical. That’s simply the kind of individual I’m.
Elsie: I like it. That’s good.
Emma: Did you do something for New 12 months’s?
Elsie: No. Okay, right here’s what we did. I did purchase a stupendous floor-length sequin costume on Black Friday, and I used to be so excited to put on it. However then when actual New 12 months’s got here round, we had been like, nah, and we simply stayed in our pajamas and our children needed to remain up till midnight. I don’t know what number of extra years that is gonna final. So we went and obtained them out of their mattress at 8:00 PM after which did a faux ball drop video. Simply Googling final yr’s ball drop video and simply inform them it’s midnight and it really works each time. It’s so cute. They don’t even discover that it’s the improper yr on the display. They had been like bragging. The following day we had been at Nova’s orthodontist and he or she was bragging about staying up till midnight and I used to be like, I ponder if she believes her, however both manner. What did you do for New 12 months’s?
Emma: We hosted a celebration. Yeah, final yr Our pals, the Houghtons hosted this glorious get together at their home and so they simply had a tiny child a few month in the past, slightly lady. So I type of assumed they will not be internet hosting this yr. So I textual content her and I used to be like, in case you’re not internet hosting, I’d like to host simply this yr. As a result of, I like internet hosting but additionally, I’m joyful to let different folks host. It’s simply a variety of cleansing and stuff too. So I type of needed to be like, Hey, if that is your factor, I’m not stealing it, I simply would take it over for a yr. Trigger you simply had a child. In order that’s what we did and it was actually enjoyable. So a lot of my pals got here. Oh, this was attention-grabbing to me, perhaps not, I don’t know, however I set out like a puzzle on the eating room desk. Type of to have completely different areas in the home that folks might congregate to and chat and eat their snacks and drink and no matter as a result of if everybody’s within the kitchen, I feel it, it could begin to really feel too full and you may’t hear one another.
Elsie: Suppose it’s good in numerous zones to take a seat and speak and to not all be congregated.
Emma: So I assumed setting the puzzle out would type of be like a sign as a result of I actually solely had snacks within the kitchen. I had a cheese board and slightly dessert board and stuff. So I set out this puzzle and my puzzle lure completely labored. I had so many individuals engaged on the puzzle and so they had been nonetheless having enjoyable and chatting and ingesting, having an excellent time, and other people would type of dip out and in. I did the puzzle for some time after which I’d go speak with different folks and this and that. After which we additionally had a ball drop kind factor on our film display in our different front room and afterward, everybody was within the temper to bop, so we did a variety of dancing. We additionally we’re a kind of {couples} the place Trey has a karaoke machine, so generally events find yourself with karaoke and we had that out, however it didn’t go that route. This time it simply was extra of a dance get together, in order that was cute. After which I made pizza bagels someday round 1230. After which I went to mattress proper after one. I don’t know the way late folks stayed, however I went upstairs to take my contacts out trigger my eyes get so dry and I used to be identical to, I feel I’m simply gonna go to mattress. That’s what they did.
Elsie: Hilarious. I like it.
Emma: It was enjoyable. I had a lot confetti to scrub up the subsequent day although, price it. However I feel I’ll be discovering confetti for like months from now, within the corners and within the sofa cushions and issues.
Elsie: So cute. That seems like a really epic New 12 months’s.
Emma: Yeah, it was actually enjoyable. And likewise, I don’t thoughts giving it again to my pals subsequent yr as a result of like I mentioned, it’s type of a variety of cleansing. I really like having folks over and we’ve a brand new home this yr, so it was lots of people obtained to see it who hadn’t seen it but. In order that was enjoyable. However yeah, I don’t thoughts not internet hosting. I like to go over to somebody’s home and go away afterward, however anyway.
Elsie: Yeah, undoubtedly enjoyable. Okay, so on this episode, we’re gonna speak about our New 12 months’s objectives and plans. We’re gonna speak slightly bit about what we’re doing otherwise this yr on the podcast. Oh, and we’ve our Q1 guide membership choices to share on the finish. Cool. Okay, so earlier than we go into our 2023 objectives, I assumed it could be good to replicate on our 2022 objectives from final yr and like how we really feel like we did. Did you’ve an opportunity to verify what years had been, do you keep in mind what years had been?
Emma: Sure. I needed to verify too. Oh, proper. I did fairly good.
Elsie: Yeah. Okay, so what I had down was take pleasure in our residence extra. I feel that what I actually meant once I mentioned that, I don’t keep in mind precisely what I mentioned on the podcast, however I feel what I meant was to take a renovation break, and we undoubtedly did that this yr. We completed up our renovation that we had began earlier than final yr and over the vacations final yr. It principally crashed our holidays and was a studying expertise for me. And after that was over, it took longer than I assumed to wrap up, which is ok. It at all times does. After which we took a pleasant lengthy break and have simply loved residing in our residence this yr and finished extra stuff with the youngsters And extra give attention to residing the best way we wanna dwell as a substitute of at all times being centered on renovation, which is the way it has been. After which, my second purpose was this waking up early purpose. And so I did this final yr for, I’d say I made it, I don’t know precisely, however I’d say I made it perhaps three months, like perhaps 1 / 4 or perhaps slightly bit greater than that. I do know I undoubtedly didn’t make it to the summer season, so I’ve began doing that once more. I assume I’ll save that, however I. Really feel prefer it was identical to a factor, like a purpose that I placed on the shelf after which took it again off. I’ll defend that. There’s nothing improper with that each occasionally. Typically it’s type of like a gotta do what you gotta do scenario. After which my third factor that I used to be attempting to give attention to lesser was like residing extra guilt-free. I spend a variety of my life in my very own head, and I don’t know if it’s a part of being a seven on the Enneagram, I don’t know if it’s different issues. The pressures of balancing work and motherhood. Every kind of issues, however this yr I did really feel like I spent much less time on-line most likely than some other yr in my grownup life, which was cool. I spent much less time evaluating, and I really feel like I spent a variety of time determining for myself like, what even is the purpose. As a result of generally you simply should step again for somebody who’s finished the identical web persona work for thus lengthy, it could turn into kind of the place it looks like a lure. In sure burnout seasons, and this previous yr, I used to be in a position to take a break and assume, what am I attempting to do? What’s the significant half and what’s the half that I might let go? I undoubtedly really feel like I’m extra on observe to being an individual who’s not managed by guilt, which feels good.
Emma: That’s superior.
Elsie: Sure. Inform me yours.
Emma: Final yr’s resolutions had been, to work on my novel. Work on my dry eyes, which I’m at all times about, after which purchase much less junk meals. So yeah, in case you’re a longtime listener, then you definitely most likely know that I used to be in a position to end the primary draft of my second novel, which is my homicide novel. And I are inclined to name it handmade homicide. I don’t know what it’ll truly be titled sometime, however that’s simply the way it’s saved on my pc. Yeah, I completed the primary draft of that and that actually took the entire yr. I like barely completed, I’d say, however I did, in order that’s nice.
Elsie: Good job. Woohoo. I really feel I can communicate for everybody and say, we’re so pleased with you.
Emma: Thanks. And I feel I did work on my dry eyes. I feel it’s a kind of issues that I’ve been type of engaged on for years and years now, most likely like three years. And I can actually inform that really, the issues that I’ve been doing constantly have made a giant distinction. Like I truly really feel like my eyes are fully completely different and higher than they had been like three years in the past. Like I nearly by no means have that factor the place I’m driving and I simply begin getting actually watery eyes and I really feel like I can’t see. I used to get it like fairly typically and it could actually scare me, particularly if I needed to drive at evening. And now I like by no means get that anymore, which is nice. So I really feel prefer it’s a kind of issues that you simply do like small issues and so they add up over an extended time frame. Kinda like sporting sunscreen day by day after which if you’re in your forties you’re like, oh, that really did make a distinction. Nevertheless it like takes so lengthy to note any distinction that this little factor that you simply’re doing makes, and I truly really feel like my dry eyes are a kind of issues in my life. So yeah, I feel I did fairly good on shopping for much less junk meals. I didn’t actually have a measurement. Yeah. That was one among my objectives.
Elsie: Oh, that’s humorous. Was it like a particular junk meals or was it basic?
Emma: I feel it was basic. I feel a part of it’s this time of yr, that is a part of why I’m towards New 12 months’s resolutions. In some methods, I really feel such as you begin to make objectives primarily based on the season you had been simply in, which for me, December is a heavy vacation meals season. Like we simply obtained finished with Thanksgiving. I’m making all kinds of treats for myself, for pals, for events, internet hosting, and plenty of events. So I really feel like that’s what’s on my thoughts. Whereas like in April, I’m not feeling the identical manner. So anyway, so generally I really feel like in January you make objectives primarily based on what This fall was like and it’s like, nicely there’s an entire yr anyway. However I’m not towards new’s resolutions. I simply assume you need to make objectives all yr spherical. And that’s kinda like the way you had been saying you took that purpose, you set it again on the shelf and also you’re taking it again down. I feel that type of factor’s completely fantastic as a result of I feel you ought to be continually reevaluating and setting new objectives and checking in, ensuring one thing’s nonetheless serving you nicely, like on a regular basis. I don’t assume January is the one time of yr to do it.
Elsie: I agree and I assume for transparency’s sake. Once I say New 12 months’s objectives, I’m truly simply doing my objectives for Q1, cuz I do nonetheless consider within the 12-week yr. And that’s a guide that we’ve talked about on the podcast earlier than. In the event you haven’t learn it, we’ll put it within the present notes. It’s glorious and I feel it helped my productiveness fairly a bit. And I feel that for somebody like me, with my persona, if I feel I’ve the entire yr to do one thing, I’ll do much less within the first quarter. In order that’s the explanation why. All the things that’s a purpose of mine and now it’s actually only for the subsequent few months after which no matter occurs after that, I’m not nervous about it proper now.
Emma: Yeah. I’m type of the identical.
Elsie: It doesn’t matter the way you construction it. I really feel our listeners are most likely all nodding alongside and on the identical web page, like we’re not too nervous about whether or not or not like objectives are good or not. No matter. You know the way lots of people have like sizzling takes about that stuff? It’s like simply make it give you the results you want. That’s actually all that issues, so do what works for you. If one thing looks like, oh, this can be a waste of my vitality, or it’s simply not productive, or it makes me really feel unhealthy, then don’t do it.
Emma: Yeah, undoubtedly.
Elsie: So have you ever set any objectives for 2023, Emma?
Emma: Sure, these are private objectives solely as a result of I didn’t put all my work-related objectives on the listing cuz frankly it’s type of boring and our listeners will see a variety of it. If I accomplish them, then you definitely’ll see it cuz it’ll come out. So anyway, in order that’s not very attention-grabbing to me. So these are my two important 2023 objectives. One is sort of a long-term, gonna be doing all of it yr factor as a result of it’s type of just like the dry eyes the place it’s type of small issues that add up over time. You gotta preserve doing it. After which one among ’em is extra of a Q1 purpose. So the long run all yr round one is, I’m gonna work slightly extra on my psychological well being this yr. Final yr was a fairly powerful yr for me. We’ve talked about this on the podcast earlier than. It’s only a powerful yr. I feel lots of people are in the identical boat, a variety of completely different causes, blah, blah, blah. Nevertheless it was a tricky psychological well being yr. So I’m doing numerous issues. Mainly attempting to be extra constant about it. So the three important issues that I’m engaged on proper now, and I’ll replace these all year long, however all of them type of ladder up for me in the direction of psychological well being, is I’m getting again into my health routine, which I feel that like cardio for me, I feel is simply an endorphin factor. And I don’t know, man, I’m not a scientist, however I feel it helps, so getting again into that. And I love to do group health, so then I can type of simply zone out and do regardless of the teacher says. And that’s good, so doing. After which, I strive to do this twice per week after which two different instances per week, twice per week, I attempt to go on a stroll outdoors. So for me, that’s about contemporary air and sunshine this time of yr.
Typically it’s not that a lot sunshine as a result of it’s a darkish time of yr, however that’s okay. You continue to get the contemporary air, and for me, it’s simply one thing about being outdoors is good. I like the outside. I’m not notably like tenting outdoorsy individual, however I do actually prefer to be outdoors. So anyway, after which the opposite factor is extra constantly go to remedy. So I’m simply going to guide an appointment each single month. Trigger final yr I’d generally go each month after which I’d miss like two or three months. Mainly cuz I’d get busy and I’d really feel like I couldn’t take the time without work of labor. And I’m simply not gonna try this this yr. I’m simply gonna say, you recognize what, if I’ve to reschedule a gathering or if one thing doesn’t get finished too unhealthy, everybody will be mad at me. I don’t care. I want to do that. So I’m simply gonna.
Elsie: Oh yeah, I feel it’s simply as vital as nicely, or perhaps extra vital than some other type of appointment. Yeah, I feel identical to staying on the books is like the important thing, as a result of I’ve additionally had it the place I took a brief break and it was an extended break at one level, after which, it’s a must to Restart once more. And I personally want it to only keep on the books on a regular basis and even on the weeks that I really feel like I don’t have a lot to say it’s nonetheless good that it’s there. You recognize what I imply? Yeah. It’s just like the worst factor that occurs is you perhaps speak about your childhood or one thing that you simply usually wouldn’t speak about as a lot. That’s the worst factor that may occur. So I feel it’s nice.
Emma: I feel generally I might really feel like these instances I’m like, oh, nicely I most likely would’ve been higher off spending my time engaged on our enterprise, or blah, blah blah. Nevertheless it’s like, you recognize what, I’m simply gonna make an appointment for 3 to 4 weeks later, each time I’m there this yr, and simply see how I really feel on the finish of the yr. And it’s not gonna be a waste of time. That’s 12 instances. It’s not that large of a deal. So I’m simply gonna try this. In order that’s kind of my all yr lengthy good job small steps factor. And I mentioned right here in like three months, six months, I’ll reevaluate. I’ll add some extra issues for my psychological well being. I’ll change one thing. No matter I’m needing, I’ll proceed to judge that. However that is what I’m doing proper now. After which my Q1 purpose is to submit my novel to brokers. So I’m gonna attempt to polish it slightly bit right into a second draft. It nonetheless most likely gained’t be like closing, closing, not less than to me. However I additionally really feel like I don’t actually need it to really feel closing. Ultimate. Cuz if I ever do get to attach with an awesome agent and or editor in some unspecified time in the future, which hopefully I do, they may most likely have strategies and issues that I ought to change anyway. So I type of wanna polish it up in a spot the place I’m prepared to point out it, however not so polished that I really feel cagey about altering it, perhaps even altering it in main methods as a result of I wanna keep type of open to it. So, I’m gonna attempt to polish it up this quarter. In order that’s three months. Someday within the subsequent three months, I’m gonna be sending it off to a couple brokers who I’ve talked to up to now, literary brokers, and see what they assume and go from there. So right here it goes.
Elsie: Adore it. These are nice objectives. So I’ve your objectives, three or 4 objectives. Yeah, so my first purpose is only a private purpose. I’ve been engaged on this large artwork, we’ll name it an artwork mission. It’s a mission. I’ve been engaged on a private mission. It’s now my second yr, and I’ve been at all times type of like, Not able to share it but since I began, however it’s my purpose to have the ability to share it on the podcast by the tip of this yr, which signifies that I’ll should be just about finished to be ok with that.
So I feel that I do want, I profit from a timeline. I simply did a kind of persona strengths checks. Did you get that? I emailed it to you.
Emma: I did. I took it.
Elsie: Oh, you probably did it. Oh, okay. Properly, let’s speak about that in a future episode cuz that’ll be enjoyable. That was one among our requests. In any case, so I did the strengths take a look at and one among my high 5 strengths that I found is that I thrive on deadlines, which I had no concept about, however it does make sense that it’s like if there’s no deadline, then it’s two completely different sorts of initiatives. And so I simply should assume. I needed to recategorize this mission right into a deadline kind of scenario. So yeah, that’s my first purpose. Share it by the tip of the yr. If I don’t share it, you guys can ship me hate mail and you may unsubscribe, you possibly can go away a nasty evaluate that’s one star. You are able to do something. Please don’t try this. I’m attempting to be accountable, I’m attempting to place myself on the market and actually, that is one thing I’ve talked about it endlessly in my shut pal circle, however I really feel I want to only end it at this level, and get it going. So yeah, that’s my first purpose after which on Good Reads, I do know there are completely different websites you should use to trace your studying. They’re all most likely superb. I simply use Good Reads as a result of it’s widespread. So I’m doing the 52 books Objective once more. I did it final yr. I undoubtedly assume I can learn greater than 52 books simply, however I made a decision simply to maintain with that purpose as a result of isn’t {that a} guide each week? Yeah, that’s a guide each week. It’s nonetheless like loads of books and I simply didn’t really feel like I wanted a much bigger purpose. I truly assume so final yr I obtained to 79 and that’s what I ended with. I used to be so pleased with myself to be completely trustworthy. The one factor that I’ll change for this yr, Is that I really feel like I pressured myself to complete books that I wasn’t having fun with, fairly typically, most likely two out of each 10. So 20% of the time I really feel prefer it, it’s aggravating if you really feel you’ve already invested time getting like a fourth of the best way by way of or no matter. That’s often fourth of the best way or half of the best way is the place I really feel prefer it’s like I do know for certain, that it’s not gonna get higher for me. Which is fairly far in, and in order that’s why I at all times drive myself to complete it. After which it’s tougher additionally with fashionable books since you’ve heard different folks speak about how superb it was for them, and also you’re like, I wanna see what they noticed in it that I’m not seeing but. And generally it does come round, however I haven’t heard, or not less than for me, there haven’t been that many instances when I didn’t like a guide within the first half, and I did prefer it within the second half. So I feel for this yr I’ve discovered my lesson and I’m gonna simply don’t have any guilt about quitting slightly bit extra.
Emma: Yeah. I do really feel like that’s one thing that folks will ask me once in a while, I really feel such as you’ve requested me earlier than too. Anybody who’s a reader, I feel we speak with one another. I by no means know what to say when individuals are like, do you end books that you simply’re not having fun with or not? As a result of I’m type of Within the center on it seems like the identical as you. As a result of I really feel like when folks ask, what I actually wanna say is are you a brand new reader, or do you actually know what you want? As a result of in case you’re type of new and also you solely have learn one style earlier than, then I’d say perhaps give it a go. As a result of there are books that midway by way of they do completely change and might shock you. However I additionally assume in case you’ve been studying for a very long time or in case you’re somebody loopy like Elsie who learn a billion books final yr, then you definitely most likely know what you want and also you most likely have already uncovered your self to a variety of completely different genres.
Elsie: I truly nonetheless take into account myself a brand new reader as a result of the primary fiction guide I ever learn was like a yr and a half in the past since like highschool. So I do nonetheless take into account myself a brand new reader, and I do assume that I nonetheless need to strive issues I wouldn’t have tried. I by no means would’ve tried it, like horny fairy guide if it wasn’t for such as you and the podcast listeners.
Emma: Sherry, I feel it was Sherry.
Elsie: By no means. Yeah, and Sherry, and actually type of a lot of the web. I by no means would’ve been keen on that matter. It wasn’t like one among my primary favourite books, however it was loads higher than I assumed it could be. I’m nonetheless glad I learn it. Anyway, I do nonetheless wanna strive bizarre issues, however generally it doesn’t repay. And I feel identical to accepting that.
Emma: I additionally assume it could possibly be an excellent factor. There have been instances I picked up a guide at that time and I used to be like, I’m not into this. After which a yr later it’s nonetheless on my shelf and I’m like, why didn’t I like that? I can’t keep in mind. After which I begin studying it once more. I’m like, that is superior. So I feel it will also be the stage in life you’re in. Typically you’re not within the temper for one thing darkish or one thing mental. You recognize what I imply? Typically it’s an excellent factor, I feel too.
Elsie: Yeah, 100%. Okay, after which the opposite factor about it, oh, I wanna attempt to bounce round to completely different genres slightly bit higher. I did fairly a bit final yr, however I’d say I stayed fairly constantly on the, I dunno what you name ’em, just like the romantic comedy kind of books. The romantic books. Then the fantasy books and fashionable books. That was like Carnival All I learn. After which a few different issues. And I learn an excellent outdated guide and I beloved it, which I didn’t assume I might or would. So yeah, I simply wanna strive extra issues that I’m undecided about. I feel that may be a good purpose. After which the opposite factor I simply needed to notice and say, that is like I get this query loads and I hate it, is individuals are like, do you assume audiobooks depend as studying? Which, to start with, my kids are largely blind. Audiobooks depend as studying. It’s prefer it’s offensive and ableist to ever even counsel that they don’t for that purpose. It is determined by your life-style. For me, a variety of the studying I do is once I’m driving or sitting within the automobile line or what’s the opposite time. Oh, engaged on establishing or tearing down or a variety of our weblog work is issues like that and we make these little rooms and posts and all of that’s like an hour or two of prep and all of these are instances once I’m quote unquote studying, however I wouldn’t be capable of if I had been like committing myself to solely learn from a paper guide. So I simply assume it’s so snobby and I’m completely towards anybody who says that it doesn’t depend. I imply, it doesn’t matter to me as a result of I depend it. , however I simply, what’s the purpose?
Emma: I feel it’s, yeah, okay. In the event you’re of the opinion, cuz I’d put myself on this camp the place I benefit from the expertise of studying a guide and in reality I’d go as far as to say I benefit from the expertise of studying paper books. I prefer to flip the pages. I used to have a Kindle, however I didn’t benefit from the expertise of that as a lot. That’s identical to for me, that’s a part of it. However I do assume it’s fairly snobby and kind of narrow-minded to assume that different methods of experiencing books and literature will not be, I don’t know. I feel anytime you’re asking a query and also you’re type of placing anyone else down, perhaps take a second and take into consideration what you’re about to say, and assume why? Why do I want to do this? Am I attempting to make myself really feel higher? Like I’m extra superior? Simply take a second, all of us try this. We wanna assume we’re superior.
Elsie: I do like paper books and particularly like on an airplane day or there are specific forms of days after we went on our journey to Palm Springs final yr and we principally learn the entire time in pool chairs. That kind of factor is the most effective. Like final evening I used to be studying earlier than mattress as a result of my husband needed to observe an annoying TV present and people are all nice. However yeah, I feel that it’s simply the entire, does it depend? It’s like depend for Why? Ew.
Emma: A Lot of individuals are completely different. Studying will be completely different for various folks. So like get on off your excessive horse people.
Elsie: Yeah. One other time I wanna speak concerning the children, their expertise with their Yodas and stuff. Trigger like their audiobook, it’s like they’re going up to now above their age ranges although, and I feel it’s actually good. Even when it’s not technically the identical factor. It’s nonetheless one thing. Anyway, okay, so I set a household purpose. So my purpose for the yr for my household is to journey to at least one new place. And that is one thing that we simply arrange as a purpose for the primary time, however we’re going to, we’re gonna do it yearly. We simply type of have began to appreciate the variety of years that we’ve with our children and for our life-style. One journey a yr to go to a brand new place is essentially the most that we wanna decide to. And we nonetheless wanna go to outdated locations. We nonetheless wanna go to our similar pals in numerous states and we wanna go to Disney again and again. And the annoying issues that we love to do, we prefer to go to Palm Springs each couple of years. I feel that this purpose, We’ll be actually important as a result of we’ll simply be capable of make extra reminiscences. Going someplace one time and having one set of photographs there’s a lot completely different than going to Disney as soon as each two years to your children’ whole childhood. So yeah, I’m enthusiastic about that. I’ll let you understand how it goes after it’s finished. After which aside from that, I simply have down, I’ve this little quote, it’s probably not a quote, however it’s written in a variety of my journals and my, like my imaginative and prescient board and stuff. It says inventive work isn’t wasted. And it’s type of like one of many mottos of my life that I dwell by. So this yr I simply wanna prioritize inventive time day by day. So I’ve been engaged on my ceramic journey. I’ve been portray once more. I’ve been writing, and there are different issues that I simply wanna strive that I haven’t tried but. So yeah, I actually consider in my core that any kind of inventive work that you simply ever do, Whether or not it’s for an hour or a month or a yr isn’t wasted as a result of it would at all times circle again to your life and enable you on a future mission, and it’s generally it’s if you least anticipate it. It’s one thing that we’ve discovered from being DIY bloggers, like the abilities that we predict are random, find yourself being truly very helpful. Anyway, that’s all my objectives. I’m so enthusiastic about this yr. I really feel like an excellent vitality for 2023.
Emma: Yeah, I do too. I’m very hopeful about this subsequent yr. I feel it’s gonna be an excellent one. All proper. So we additionally needed to inform you all about some podcast adjustments for the brand new yr, for 2023. So, primary, which we predict everyone seems to be gonna be enthusiastic about, we hope we is not going to be taking summer season off. We tried that final yr and it was nice to have the time without work, but additionally, I don’t know, it glided by actually quick and it simply felt like.
Elsie: It was type of unhappy. We obtained a variety of unhappy emails.
Emma: Yeah. We obtained a variety of unhappy mail and simply to be clear, simply because if we felt like that was the most effective factor for us, we might nonetheless do it. However after attempting it for a yr, we simply really feel like, you recognize what? We’re good. We’re not gonna take the summer season off. In order that’s what we’re gonna do that yr.
Elsie: We’re including a few new forms of episodes, which we’re gonna speak about in a second that can assist us file extra episodes in every recording sitting. And I’ve heard once in a while suggestions from our listeners that you simply don’t prefer to know that we batch file. And to that, I’d say we actually wouldn’t podcast anymore if we couldn’t batch file. So it’s not an choice for us to do like a diary of our week and speak about simply what occurred this week. And hopefully, it would make extra sense when we’ve our summer season going up and we’ve a brand new episode each week and it’ll really feel price it. I feel that there are simply several types of podcasts and podcasts that do like information or present occasions or issues like that ought to perhaps file each week or of the second. However that’s actually not what we’re attempting to do in any respect. Thanks and I additionally wanna say we had an awesome quantity of assist for taking the summer season off. However the purpose we determined to not do it once more is that we really feel like the easiest way for us to develop our podcast and the easiest way for it to kind of serve all of our objectives is for it to be actually constant. So we’re giving extra consistency and we undoubtedly respect your assist. It’s been, and I really feel like our podcast listeners are essentially the most supportive.
Emma: Oh yeah, undoubtedly essentially the most supportive and essentially the most engaged, I’d say, a part of our viewers. We simply hear from you guys loads, so it’s actually enjoyable. So we’re excited for that and we’ll be right here this summer season. It’s simply right here’s the brand new episode sorts we’re gonna strive partially as a result of we’re gonna file extra episodes this yr than we did final yr.
Elsie: Okay. Let me announce. So the primary new kind of episode, and we’re gonna have the primary one up in two weeks. So it’ll be on the finish of this month, referred to as the Consolation Rewatch sequence. So we’re going to do a rewatch sequence. We are going to attempt to inform you upfront what they’re going to be. However no guarantees, like with the guide membership. However what we’re gonna do is we’re gonna do complete episodes about consolation films, as a result of a few of our hottest subjects that we come again to again and again are films and particularly like speaking about just like the interiors and films and the texture and like the way it can encourage our on a regular basis lives and issues like that. We’ve got been asking to your consolation request on Instagram and please electronic mail us anytime. [email protected]. And particularly after you hear the primary one and also you type of know the format, ship us your request cuz that may be a large a part of how we’re gonna fill the summer season. And likewise we’re gonna take slightly bit much less breaks like we’re not gonna take off like Labor Day and Memorial Day. Simply in a position to have slightly bit extra consistency by having extra of those Consolation Rewatch episodes. After which the opposite kind that we need to do is known as the Deep Dive episodes. So the place that is coming from is that there are a variety of subjects that we’ve talked about again and again and over on the podcast, perhaps 30 instances, however there’s not an episode for it. So it turns into actually arduous to search out for our listeners. So we’re gonna do an entire episode on cash, An entire episode on adoption. An entire episode. What are among the ones we had? Oh, the curated closet. We’re gonna do an entire episode.
Emma: On making a five-year plan?
Elsie: Sure. Making a five-year plan is definitely our first one which we’ve developing. We expect that simply having, extra titles shall be cleaner. It truly jogs my memory a variety of early running a blog in early running a blog I’d simply be like, listed here are 10 issues that I did this week and so they’re all fully random. Three of ’em are vital and 7 of ’em are silly. That’s how we’ve been podcasting. However then it’s such as you’re probably not constructing an archive that folks can use and discover worth in later aside from binging. And so I feel that’ll be good for us. And we type of like geeking out on topics. You guys most likely know. We’ve got our issues that we like to actually get into. So yeah, that’ll be enjoyable and we will certainly do listener request for that as nicely.
Emma: We hear loads from you that you simply prefer to re-listened to episodes, and so we really feel like these deep dive or how you can kind episodes is perhaps one thing the place if the episode comes out and also you’re like, oh, you recognize what, like five-year plan, I’m not within the temper, or I’m not in an area in my life proper now the place I wanna try this. For no matter purpose, however six months later you may really feel like, oh, I’m within the temper or I’m in a spot in my life the place I’m prepared for that content material. I wanna re-listen to it. Wait a second. What episode was it? I feel they had been additionally speaking about their grandma in that episode. Let me see. So now it’ll be extra clear so that you can discover, like that one episode, that factor that you simply is perhaps desirous to re-listen to. That’s a part of the concept too, behind it. Most likely simply one other manner of claiming what else you mentioned, which is like an archive of helpful content material.
Elsie: Yeah, 110%. We wish you to have the ability to discover the episodes. Oh, Emma, do you wanna share the Q1 guide membership choices?
Emma: Sure, completely. Sure. So these are for January by way of March. There are 4 of ’em, two fiction and two nonfiction, and as normal, we don’t completely know which of them we’re gonna do first or final. So simply no matter sounds attention-grabbing to you, in case you’re gonna be part of us. Go on in, as a result of we gained’t do them in one of many subsequent episodes by any means, however most likely like three or 4 episodes, we’ll begin with one. So, the 2 fiction books are this Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub, and I’ve learn two of her different novels earlier than and beloved them. I really like this writer. I additionally observe her on Instagram. I’m type of a fan lady and this one I haven’t learn it but, however I’ve heard has slightly little bit of time journey. So I feel it’s gonna be enjoyable and completely different and I’m actually excited for it. The opposite one I don’t actually know very a lot about it. It’s one which Elsie placed on the listing, so I’m actually excited. It’s referred to as Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Cocoa Millers.
Elsie: Okay, right here’s what I learn about it. I purchased it as a result of it has an irresistibly lovely cowl. Once you see the duvet, you’ll perceive the irresistibly lovely espresso desk for the novel cowl. I’ve additionally seen it on lots of people’s high books listing just lately as a result of it’s like the brand new yr simply occurred and other people had been doing their high books. I do know it’s by a British writer and I do know that it’s a love story about two folks I feel named Cleo and Frank, who I feel they’ve an age hole and I feel it’s type of a interval, like an early century factor. That’s most likely not the most effective synopsis, however I’m excited to learn it and it’s been on my listing for thus lengthy, that’s why I put it on there. I used to be like, I actually wanna learn this guide that’s been on my present shelf all of final yr.
Emma: I really like a love story, so I’m intrigued. After which our two non-fiction picks for this quarter are Suppose Once more by Adam Grant. In the event you’ve by no means heard of Adam Grant, you need to begin following him on Instagram or Twitter, no matter you prefer to be on. He’s so cool and I’m very enthusiastic about this guide.
Elsie: I really like Adam Grant. I’m so, I don’t know why I haven’t learn this guide but. It doesn’t make sense cuz that is precisely the kind of guide I’m into. He’s the individual in case you observe him on Instagram, he posts the tweets, prefer it’s identical to his tweets. However then they’re at all times slightly little bit of a barely completely different pastel shade because the background. And other people repost them an insane quantity as a result of I really feel like his complete factor is like thoughtfulness. And kind of not shopping for into cliche or… what’s the phrase? Like tribal habits. And anyway, he’s been interviewed on Sharon’s podcast and he looks as if a really attention-grabbing individual I’m excited to learn this guide.
Emma: Sure, me too. After which the final nonfiction you’d choose for this quarter is an oldie however a goodie. So in case you’ve by no means learn it or if it’s been some time, you need to be part of us. It’s Huge Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Elsie: We picked this one particularly as a result of we needed to place a reread on. It was between two books and I gained’t say what the opposite one was cuz we’re most likely gonna do it in a while within the coming quarter. I really like this guide. I do not forget that I learn it at, I feel the very starting of the quarantine, which is a really unusual time to learn a guide. I simply downloaded it once more and noticed that it’s solely a five-hour audiobook, which in case you learn audiobooks may be very brief. It’s one thing you possibly can undoubtedly learn in a few days, if not perhaps in the future relying on what you’re doing. So, very brief, and I beloved it the primary time I keep in mind we talked about it in a really, very early podcast episode.
Emma: So I’m excited to reread it. I learn it a very long time in the past, perhaps like, I don’t keep in mind when it got here out, however I wanna say it was like 2018. So it’s been some time. I’m very excited.
Elsie: There’s nobody who doesn’t like this guide. Oh. Additionally identical to slightly tip if you need a bodily copy. I type of needed one simply trigger like why isn’t this on my shelf? Go to thrift books as a result of older books like this are the kind of books that you could get on there for very, very low cost. So anytime there’s like a guide that was actually, actually fashionable like 5 to 10 years in the past, that’s the factor to purchase on thrift books.
Emma: That’s an excellent tip.
Elsie: The guide membership goes your individual tempo, learn no matter you need. Once we come to an episode the place we’re speaking about it, we are going to let you recognize in the event that they’re spoilers. And a variety of instances there’s not. Quite a lot of instances, we attempt to do it the place it’ll make, you continue to wanna learn the guide much more. It’s simply type of like essentially the most low-maintenance guide membership I feel that you could have. Nevertheless it makes me joyful as a result of I do really feel like we’re having like a gaggle exercise to do collectively.
Emma: Yeah. Actually, I’m in a real-life guide membership and I really feel prefer it’s the same factor the place half of us learn the guide, and half don’t. However you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the group. It’s an excellent time. Don’t fear about it.
Elsie: Okay. Earlier than we go, we’ve essentially the most enjoyable listener query ever.
Emma: I feel this was an electronic mail, and that is from listener Michelle, and he or she says, Do you’ve any concepts for displaying a classic hanging crystal assortment? I inherited my grandmother’s assortment of pink and white crystals. She beloved them dearly, however by no means displayed them. She was a conservative southern girl and was afraid that visitors would see her crystals and assume she was into the occult. It appears foolish now. I do know. It’s so cute. Michelle says it appears foolish now, however I respect her emotions on the time. I’d prefer to show the crystals in a manner that reclaims their pleasure. I feel grandma would love that. Any concepts?
Elsie: To begin with, I really like this. I despatched a clarifying electronic mail to Michelle and simply requested can I see an image of them. I simply needed to verify I knew. So what she despatched me again, actually appears like crystals that might come off of a chandelier or the little ones that you’d purchase, that you would dangle one among them like in a window. Although with heaps and plenty of sides. So yeah, they appeared like a spread like that, and they’re pink and clear.
Emma: Great. Great. Yeah, it seems like an awesome assortment. And truthfully, I’ll begin as a result of these had been two issues. I didn’t get the clarifying image. So sensible. Elsie, good factor you emailed her cuz I used to be like hanging crystals. I really feel like perhaps these are the kind of issues which might be gonna go on a chandelier. So I used to be like, I ponder if she might purchase a chandelier. That has hanging crystals, that’s like perhaps in disrepair or type of perhaps it’s cheaper cuz it’s probably not very fascinating. And she or he might take off the items which might be on it and placed on these. So then it’s type of a DIY slash reclaiming the body of it if that makes any sense. Kinda like recovering a lampshade. You’re probably not making the entire lamp, however you’re giving it new life right here. So I used to be considering one thing like that is perhaps cool if she needed to have it as a chandelier in her residence, or I additionally thought hanging them in home windows all through her home can be type of particular. In my thoughts, I’m like, meaning like slightly piece of your grandma’s in each room, like each window that you simply stroll previous and it glitters by way of the crystals.
Elsie: I really like that.
Emma: It’s not truly within the crystal, however the reminiscence of her and stuff, you recognize what I imply?
Elsie: The sure type of home windows which have the little, I don’t know what you name it, the little piece of {hardware} within the center between the 2 pans like older home windows have that loads. That might be excellent. I had written it down, so I undoubtedly have seen on eBay crystal chandeliers which might be stripped from all their crystals. That’s undoubtedly a factor that you could purchase for a small value and make one thing. I feel it sounds difficult, however very, it does enjoyable. I’d counsel perhaps a candle chandelier, simply so that you don’t have to love mess with {the electrical} one thing. Then you possibly can dangle it anyplace and you may simply get these little distant candles. I feel candle chandeliers are so fairly anyway, however yeah, I feel one in each window might be the transfer. I feel it’s so candy and particular and you would simply have one hanging there and then you definitely’ll get the little glow lights in your partitions and it’ll make you consider your grandma, which nothing could possibly be sweeter than that. Then the final concept I had was to exit, go to the flea market, purchase your self a latte and choose the prettiest classic bowl you’ll find and simply put them in your espresso desk with all of your fairly books after which this bowl together with your grandma’s crystals. And I additionally assume that might be a pleasant option to have them, as a result of for me, my children love taking part in with crystals. I’ve a giant crystal assortment from earlier than I had children and once they discovered it, oh my God, it’s like higher than toys. In order that’s enjoyable.
Emma: Crystals are fairly and anytime somebody has a bowl of crystals out on a espresso desk displayed, I have a tendency to the touch them too. Until it’s clear you’re not alleged to. However I really feel like that’s type of fairly apparent, like go forward and contact these. Transfer. I had that on my listing too. I had two others that I don’t really feel, I really feel like those we’ve listed are the methods to go, however I had two others that had been simply completely different concepts in case she had loads within the assortment and he or she needs to place them in home windows after which has extra. So it’s type of like, I would like a couple of concepts. So the opposite two had been a shadow field and so they wouldn’t essentially be hanging, however they could possibly be displayed in there. So you would have kind of an artwork show of a few of your favorites or among the extra completely different shapes. After which the final one and this one, I don’t know, as a result of it seems like these crystals are actually, actually particular to her. So I don’t know, however I simply thought I’d throw it on the market. I used to go on walks in my outdated neighborhood and there was this one home that had all these oddly formed large crystals. They’re not even actually, all of ’em had been crystals. A few of them had been identical to coloured glass items within the entrance backyard mattress. It was like a crystal backyard.
Elsie: I do know precisely which home you’re speaking about. The one which has kind of just like the little artwork gallery. Like they make it like a residing, what do you name it, like a low-key out of doors artwork gallery and there’s identical to completely different stuff in there on a regular basis. It’s very tactile, it’s like very touch-friendly, kid-friendly. I feel it’s like very, Inspiring and funky prefer it makes the entire neighborhood cooler.
Emma: It actually does, and I feel this actually is determined by your neighborhood as a result of on this specific neighborhood, there’s a variety of fairy gardens, there’s a variety of little free libraries. So I feel it is rather clear to folks when. You possibly can contact issues however not take them. And when you possibly can contact issues and so they can transfer round and that’s okay. So I feel you’d wanna make it clear by some means with the best way you displayed it, that you could contact these, however don’t take them. I feel that that may be finished fairly simply. You would additionally, relying on how your home is ready or your residence, you may wanna even do it in a planner field or one thing that simply makes it clear like this can be a show so that you can take a look at and revel in, however please don’t contact them or take them. Type of as much as you. It relies upon, on the vibe you’re desirous to go for and stuff. However yeah, identical to you say l see, it’s like a particular factor. And I additionally love the concept of, when you’ve a group or one thing that’s particular to you and let others see it and also you additionally wanna clearly care for your issues and ensure they don’t get broken, particularly in the event that they’re household heirlooms. However I don’t know, it makes it actually particular to me once I get to, ultimately share my assortment with others. I feel it’s actually enjoyable.
Elsie: Okay. Properly, you’re gonna should tell us which one you find yourself doing and ship us a follow-up image cuz now we’re all invested on this crystal assortment.
Emma: We’re Michelle.
Elsie: However yeah, I feel it’s very cool. Thanks a lot for listening. We shall be again subsequent week with our reactions to 2023 pattern predictions.