A Brand New Start~*

Every year when the first day of the year begins, it always is a good time to reset ourselves and things in life and account it for a brand new start. As a matter of fact, I feel that we do not have to wait until Jan 1st to begin or change. Everyday is a new day and can be a fresh start but Jan 1st always seems very special.

You will not beleive what I did to give 2011 a farewell goodbye, I literally cleaned the house non-stop this weekend until midnight on Dec 31st, 2011. You know once you get into the groove and you just can't stop. That's right!!!! Not exactly the fun way to celebrate but when would be a better time, right? I have been so FAR behind the housecleaning projects along with decorations and so on every since we settled in since 2007. Then a year later I got pregnant and decided to put everything on hold, and the rest was a history. Our house is out of wack. I know I have always blamed on the challenge of not being able to keep up due to the fact that there is a tot in town but it gotta gets done somehow before my house is being featured on "Clean my house" TV show on TLC channel!! Right now everything is on the brighter side, I couldn't be happier.

My other HUGE milestone today was to be able to move my little girl who soon to be 3 years old to her OWN bedroom. Okay - okay I admit that I have a severe seperation anxiety and people/children experts proably think I am crazy and I already ruin my daugther's life by keeping her in the same room since she was born. My husband and I had this debate for almost three years and he always insisted that the little one slept in her own room so that she could develop a sense of independencey..blah..blah..blah. I don't really see the point people are talking about because I slept with my parents for quite a while and I grew up just fine. I dont' have any self-esteem issue or became entirely dependent on anyone. To me, I feel it is a "bond" and it is about a child's readiness and willingness. In a way, I admit that I wish I could keep this moment forever , soak it all it and I didn't want her to grow up too fast. It may be silly to think that way. Today, I did it - not feeling pressured by anyone. I couldn't feel any more confident when I saw the look on my daugther's face. About a month ago, I went to visit my friend's house whom her daugther goes to the same daycare (they are about the same age). We were invited to see her cute little bedroom and I could see how excited my daughter was when she saw her little friend's room. Right at that moment, I was so sure that she's ready and I should encourage her to grow and respect her wants and needs as a little person. She is no longer a baby...no longer a baby (I have to keep repeating this over and over). Hallelujah - 1/1/2012 marks a very special day in my history book. It represents a new milestone for both mother and daugther, with my husband delightfully dancing in the background. He sat in her room, soaked it in and said "I painted this room almost 3 years ago - it was a little late but so glad this happened" - bahaha

{Cardigan: Old Navy / Dress: from Bangkok / Boots: Steve Madden - Candence}

My New Year's Resolutions this year are simple - focus on home improvement projects & keep our finance in check. That doesn't mean you will not spot any eye or arm candies on this blog, folks. I still have 364 days to mess up and ruin my financial vows.

Thank you to my wonderful and loving mother in law, she must be the best cook in the world. She loves to cook and we LOVE to eat. We stick with a tradition - Black-eyed pea, Sauteed cabbage with bacon, Rosemary porkloin, Butternut squash soup and ended with some ice cream. YUMMMMMM.
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Just a reminder, I recently entered a contest hosted by Monster.com {here}. If you like the tips I shared and think it is useful, please help click the link :)