FRESH START

I'm supposed to be taking a little time off today, but I couldn't resist a quick post to welcome in the new year with some images that feel like a breath of fresh air and serve as a reminder for a few goals I have for 2011...
Etta and the city-3.skona hem
*1. Create a new, beautiful, relaxing space for myself... After a pre-holiday breakup and move-out with the (ex) boy, I'm ready to find a lovely little apartment just for me and a space that I can call my own again... and decorate any way I like!
nickey kehoe
*2. Simplify my surroundings and my life...  So many of my boxes are packed with trinkets and treasures... it's time to purge the trinkets and hold on to the treasures so that I can refine my home and surroundings.
viapintrest.glamsofa
*3. Be happy with what I have... As a decorator, it's so easy to want to constantly be changing things up, investing in new pieces, trying new color schemes, but this year I want to create a space I love and keep it that way. For a whole year. (Ok, maybe switching out some pillows and minor decor). It's also a roundabout way of curbing some spending!
Modernt statarliv
*4. Complete my closet... While going through the options for new year's attire I realize I've finally hit that point where I actually have a dress for every occasion (barring an invite to the royal wedding, of course). I want the rest of my closet to feel that way too - and it practically is. Making a list of a few more investment pieces and necessities to purchase will help keep me focused on what to spend on, and what to let go.

There are plenty of other resolutions and goals for 2011 on my plate this year, but I like these because they serve a greater purpose for me - a fresh start and living a more focused, simplified life. Here's to the new year!

*images via: skona hem, nickey kehoe, pintrest, and unknown.

45 comments:

  1. Happy New Year! And I agree I love fresh starts & wishing you the best for 2011. Can't wait to see how your little apartment turns out.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful post Cassandra! Wishing you a gentle breeze to nudge along this fresh start. So excited to see what you do =)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, Cassandra, I am sorry about the breakup. Even when they are the best thing, they still hurt like heck.
    At least you have a great outlook on the new year. Sometimes a fresh start can be just what the doctor ordered.
    Much love and luck to you in 2011.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous2.1.11

    Good luck to you in this new year. Sometimes a break up is the best way to see things clearly. I am sure your fresh start will be fabulous and I ,along with your readers, would love to see it when you are done. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. love these! so fresh and crisp. happy new year! xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the post... it is nice to know I'm not the only one who's resolutions involve investing in oneself. Your resolutions and your inspirations are gorgeous... and achievable! God bless you in the new year, Cassandra!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love your comment about your closet. My goal is to get halfway to where yours is at. I want something I can wear for every occasion (and I have lots to go to and am always stressed because I hate getting dressed). Good vibes being sent your way so that you continue to see the new year with a positive outlook. Please post how your space comes along.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love a fresh start to the new year!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just LOVE this! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  10. such a sweet post, Cassandra! i love it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Loving this candid post and so excited for our paths to cross in 2011!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous2.1.11

    I find there's nothing like a New Year to help promote a fresh start! All the best for 2011!

    ReplyDelete
  13. fresh starts smell fresh.

    my house at the moment smells like stale farts.

    no really, i am trying to figure out where it's coming from bc i swear it's not me.
    thankfully i can open the windows today cuz it's kinda nice out.
    word.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a lovely summary, I feel like this is the first paragraph that sets the tone for a lovely story that is 2011. Cheers to a wonderful, joyful new year ahead!
    Would also love a little peek into your closet perhaps?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Though I am married and love my husband dearly, I confess to frequent fantasies of decorating a place of my very own- no sporting equipment, muddy shoes, or need for navy blue. You are so wise to embrace the joy of setting up house for yourself! Happy decorating and cheers to you in the New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Happy New Year!

    Love love love your new years resolution and the pictures...

    You are fabulous!

    Best wishes
    Homan Rajai

    muhmamashop.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. These are great resolutions and goals! I love the idea of simplifying and being happy with what you have...I'm definitely going to have to work on those as well.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great post for the New Year! I also posted my goals/resolutions (to me they are one in the same). I look forwarding to checking back to see how you are doing. "Cheers" to a fabulous 2011! And the closet looks absolutely wondeful.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I wish I could hop over to Seattle & give you a big hug! Thanks for inspiring me with your resolutions...I think I mentally adopted each one as my own, as I'm sure just about every reader did. Beautiful post!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love new beginnings and your post is beautiful! I love your attitude going into the new year and this makes me realize I need a few more investment/foundation pieces as well (: Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Happy New Year, Cassandra! Hope that you accomplish all of your goals.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  22. Those are fabulous goals - I hope you are able to achieve each and every one of them!

    Happy 2011!

    Much love,
    Hannie - Tea and Biscuits
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  23. Happy New Year! Sounds like you are off to a well-thought-out and grounded start. I am very much looking forward to another year of gorgeous and inspiring posts!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Best wishes to you in 2011, your outlook is positive and I love your honesty in this post. Keep it up Cassandra, this year will be great! Hugs to you.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Yes, I agree with Camille -big hugs are in order when life just sometimes gets topsy turvy - and big hugs {in spirit} coming your way from Melbourne, Australia too! Fresh year, fresh start - kinda scary and kinda exciting to start off on a new adventure in relationships and not know what the future holds - and, always, always, one door can only open when an old ones closes. I think you have picked up on a real trend with your wardrobe comments - a mood for less stuff, but better stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Cheers to new beginnings!!! xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a great (and candid) post. Onward! Here's to 2011! Suck it 2010!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Absolutely lovely post. Been feeling a bit lost on exactly what I should set for the new year and you anchor me to what I need to do too.

    ReplyDelete
  29. So refreshing and beautiful!x

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love your resolutions, I hope to see some pics of your new place soon! My recommendation for post break up is a brunch at Le Pichet with your girlfriends, followed by shopping downtown at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Nancy Meyer. -K

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oooooh, love a good fresh start. :)

    I have been never been more excited for an upcoming year than I have for 2011! Blessings to you, C!

    XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  32. ok, seriously. you all are AM.A.ZING. big huge hugs all around! thank you for such support and love!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Nice things to do you have in there:)

    Enjoy the year ahead and look out for great possibilities in every aspect of your life.

    I heart the sofa:)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hey Cassandra- I had no idea you and the beau broke up...I'm so sorry! Even if it was a good thing in the end, it always hurts. luckily you are surrounded by friends- virtual and non-virtual!! Happy new year to you my dear! May you find the most amazing man this year- or better yet, multiples of amazing men!! xx

    ReplyDelete
  35. Happy New Year! Cheers to a fresh start and I hope you have a habulous 2011!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Make this your year. Why not! Have afresh and fab start !!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Great goals for 2011! I feel the same way, time to simplify. These images are gorgous, too... I love the wallpaper used inside the cabinet.

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is what I love about the blogosphere. You always make such lovely posts that I adore, but with a tiny touch of candid thought, I feel like I know you. What a wonderful year you'll have ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  39. happy hew year!
    i want this closet!

    http://anmarkdesign.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  40. well hello, miss supposed-to-be-on holiday-until-wednesday :) lovely to hear from you & so sorry to hear about the pre-holiday break-up -- sending along the best thoughts & hoping you had a wonderful holiday as well xo

    ReplyDelete
  41. sorry abt your break-up cass. . totally down with purging, organizing, and simplifying. i am dreaming of a tiny studio space of my own so i dont mess up the entire house with props and fabric everywhere. cant wait to see how (fabulously) you decorate you new home.
    im inviting myself to your new digs if i ever make it to seattle. hugs from DC hun

    ReplyDelete
  42. Ahhh simplicity sure does sound like a great way to start off the new year. Pare it down and surprise yourself with how much you really don't need. Excellent point Cassandra- Happy New Year doll!

    xo-Julie

    Haute Khuuture Blog

    ReplyDelete
  43. I wish you much happiness in 2011. Finding happiness within ourselves is sometimes difficult, but always worth it. For me, it is a constant work in process, but I suppose that is the way it should be. Simplifying is how I always start.

    Lori

    I so enjoyed meeting and talking with you at Lavish.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oh I love white. Add in a little rustic wood, and I'm in heaven.

    ReplyDelete
  45. your optimism is inspiring - sorry to hear about the breakup. here's to creating a space and life you love in 2011! i would love to live in any one of these pictures - i love the crisp white.

    ReplyDelete

commenting is not a place for: pitching products and giveaways, promoting your business, or being mean. commenting is for words like: eeeeek! aaaahhh! oooooh! thank you for your thoughtful comments and conversation!