TheWellSet's 2014 To Do List: Pickles, Abs, and Financial Literacy

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December 31, 2013!

Where-oh-where did the year go? It has been such a friggin blast. We did lotsa-stuff: Vegas-BVIs-Vegas-Vegas-Vegas-Austin-Hunt-Vegas-Maui-Dallas (#humblebrag much?)... What am I leaving out? Ah, home purchasing, puppy adopting, tree removal, friend making/bonding and fence building + our first tenant. It has been a great year although it has also been a tremendous blur, but like all people around the world rather than looking back we are supposed to be looking forward to the new year and all the promises it brings. Rather than going hyper cliche I am just going to call it a To Do List and mix in some items I hope to accomplish next year:

1. Gardening: Something that seems so simple is just so freaking hard. I have managed to kill about 40% off the plants we bought including the sod we laid down in the yard. I hope some day to have a yard man to help, but we just are not that fancy yet, SO, in the meantime I better freaking figure it out. My sister talked to me about hedges and... I've already forgotten... Other green stuff? Any who, I need to read a book stat.

2. Concert Going: I freaking love going to live music shows. However, the general malaise that sets in due to Houston traffic, commuting and crap weather keeps me home most nights (not to mention my full time j-o-b). In 2014 I want to go to more shows. No more excuses.

3. Pickle Making: I really love pickles and want to make homemade ones. This is probably the most attainable New Year's resolution. Baby steps, ya'll. 

4. Ebaying: I had a ton of success selling my gently used designer wares on eBay last month. Plus it was quite fun. Get ready for more content under that Shop button above. Here's to diversification! 

5. Exercising: No, I am not going for that stomach-abs situation (although that would be NICE). I am going for the continuation of the exercise program I put into place in preparation for my nuptials. I actually like it? Weird. 

6. Financial Literacy-ing: I have been working hard with my hubster to get our financials on lock. This has been a big spending year with all the wedding, home buying business, but I am resolved to increase our financial literacy if it kills me. I am about 50% finished with Rich Dad Poor Dad and plan to read the Incorporate and Get Rich book next. Don't laugh - this is important. Just check out the diagram from Rich Dad Poor Dad. Is your mind blown yet?

7. Blogging: 2013 was a great year for TheWellSet blog. The Reddit incident, the Warby Parker connection - it's like it just started to click. I am resolved, damnit, to post more frequently and commit to a editorial calendar and stick with it. I love when you tell me you love my blog. I want to keep this relationship going. Email me suggested topics or questions at aftonbaily(@)gmail.com. Seriously!

8. Consulting: 2013 was also a flagship year for my little consulting side gig, A Brand Strategy. With two satisfied clients and hopefully more to come I feel ready to share it with the rest of the world. Check out my company website here for a more detailed list of what I do. Essentially, I love helping small business get a handle on their PR/marketing strategy, training them, and then setting them free to do it on their own. It's a win-win for everyone.