THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS

Yesterday, I celebrated my twentieth birthday surrounded by my beautiful family. It was one of those birthdays that to some might seem uneventful, but for me, it was a mix of fun and mellow -- and that's just how I like my birthdays. I have never enjoyed being the center of attention at a big party, so a day spent at home with a few of the people I love was wonderful. I only wish I could have seen a few of my closest friends, too, but I'm looking forward to celebrating with them this weekend.

I started the day with a trip to Starbucks and the Palladio with my mom and then relaxed at home for most of the afternoon before heading to my favorite burger restaurant for dinner. I opened gifts when we got home: a couple of pretty necklaces from my mom, a new cup and Starbucks gift cards from my brother, and some green from my dad. The day ended with delicious cupcakes from Whole Foods before burying myself under my blankets and watching a movie. It was the calm day I needed before the semester begins next week.

My birthday is always a day of reflection for me. Like New Year's Eve, I can't help thinking about the past year and wondering how the next one might play out. This past year has been nothing short of amazing. I grew so much more than I ever expected to do in the span of just one year. I met and formed close friendships with some truly wonderful people. I learned to drive (finally) and got my first car. I chose a major (also, finally). I got my first job and began working in a student leadership position. Nineteen was really good to me. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next year will bring.

PICTURE WINDOW

1. Aren't these plush seals the cutest things you've ever seen? I saw them when I went on an Ikea shopping trip with my mom earlier this week. I just love that store. // 2. A plate full of cookies and a book to read before classes begin. It isn't a book I would choose to read in my free time, but it is teaching me a lot about myself, so I'm enjoying it. // 3. Makeup (I am a Neutrogena fanatic), a new Victoria's Secret clutch (only $10!), and the January issue of Vogue. // 4. On our way home from looking for a birthday cake at Whole Foods for Tuesday. I can't believe I'm turning 20! // 5. New shoes. I can't wait to wear them with my navy dress to my aunt's baby shower next weekend.

WINTER 2013: FOUR SIMPLE GOALS

On Tuesday, I shared a list of most of my New Year's resolutions for this year and one of those resolutions is to use Four Simple Goals (first shared at A Beautiful Mess) to keep myself on track throughout the year. I want to feel accomplished and productive when next New Year's Eve arrives, so setting smaller goals seems like the perfect way to achieve the larger ones. Also, I just love making lists. Here are my four simple goals for the rest of the winter (headed by a very summery photo of my faux flowers from Ikea... clearly, I am wishing for warm weather today since our heater isn't working).

1. Make yoga a part of my daily routine. Today is day three of hobbling around in pain because of a pinched nerve in my lower back, so I have decided that making my body stronger needs to be a higher priority for me this year. Hopefully the inflammation will go down enough for me to go to a yoga class at the gym this week. I think adding it to my daily routine, even if it's just for fifteen minutes in the morning, will make a big difference for me.

2. Practice photography. I am challenging myself to take 365 photos this year, so I want to practice and spend some time learning more about photography, especially over the next few months. I think it will be fun to see how much I improve when I compare these early photos to the ones I take later in the year.

3. Approach my lessons more creatively. This semester, I am helping twenty freshman transition from high school to college through lessons in the classroom and I am co-teaching a class on leadership. Rather than just presenting the information to them, I really want to be more creative with the lessons and discussions I lead. I want the students to be interested and engaged in the topics. I want them to see how each lesson can be applied to their life now and in the future. Any advice from the lovely teachers out there for my students' attention?

4. Finalize my blog's design and title. I recently made some improvements to my blog's design and chose a title ("Sincerely, Brittany") that I felt suited me and my blog at the time, but I am still not entirely committed to those decisions. I have a few other ideas for the design that I want to experiment with and I am still exploring different blog title options that might be a better fit for my blog. I want to make those decisions and implement them here by the time spring arrives.

Will you be setting four simple goals for yourself this season?