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Six of the Best Decisions I Made in 2017

Published on December 31, 2017 By Emily. Updated on January 2, 2018

This post includes affiliate links.

No year is perfect, but I made some really good, really beneficial changes this year.  So today, on the last day of 2017, I’m sharing 6 of the best decisions I made this year (in no particular order).

quitting my job

Until recently, I was working full time as a teacher, part-time at a local non-profit and running this blog.  You know, in addition to being a parent and a wife.  I realized this summer that my part-time job was eating away at the weekends and summer I wanted to spend with my daughter, so I announced my leave and officially concluded my time at the start of November.  The additional income was lovely, but the extra time (for mothering, blogging, teacher prep and relaxing) has been more than worth it.

using the ibotta app

Nearly a year ago, as I watched my finances shift under the addition of formula and diapers, I decided to try out ibotta.  Since then, I’ve redeemed over $373 in rebates.  I had no idea the app would save me any money, nevermind that much.  It’s simple to use: choose the rebates you’d like to redeem (some of my favorites have been for any brand of milk, eggs or bread, Enfamil and Similac formula, and various brands of cheese, beer, and pasta) and shop.  You can add loyalty cards and have rebates redeemed automatically, or scan the receipt after you shop.  When your balance reaches $20, you can instantly transfer the funds to Paypal or Venmo (and then transfer to your bank account).  If you want to try it, here’s my referral link.

taking the Enneagram

I first heard about the Enneagram on the podcast That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs.  I’ve always been into personality tests, so I took the one on this website.  My results identify me as a Type 1 and I have never had a test that told me so much about myself before.  So many of my feelings make so much more sense now and I can’t wait to explore the Enneagram more in 2018.  Bonus points for all the ways it’s helping my husband (who’s a 5) and I understand each other

buying packing cubes

I bought these packing cubes on Prime Day at the suggestion of Sarah von Bargen on her site, Yes and Yes.  They have revolutionized my travel life.  Now my clothes don’t arrive wrinkled, I can find things quickly and my stuff doesn’t get mixed up with Brian’s.  The set of six has served us pretty well, but I could definitely be convinced to buy more in the future.

ending breastfeeding

Once upon a time, before I gave birth, I planned to breastfeed for a year.  Once I delivered, the reality became clear that my body wasn’t particularly interested in making that happen.  In the first six months, I did everything I could, including pumping as many as eight times each day in addition to breastfeeding, meeting with lactation consultants multiple times a week, trying all the herbs and supplements I could find, making and eating tons of lactation cookies, and renting a hospital grade pump.  At 3 months, I decided I’d work to continue until the six-month mark.  When that point arrived, I washed my pump parts for the last time and moved on.  The decision gave me what seemed like infinite amounts of freedom in my day and the opportunity to more actively parent my daughter.  It was definitely the right choice for me.

using technology in my classroom

I’ve always used technology with my classes, but this year there was a change in what I’m teaching and an increase in access to hardware for my students.  I’ve been utilizing Plickers, Quizlet and Google Classroom, among other tools, with my students and they’re really into it.  In addition to making my job simpler, playing with technology tools has made me more excited about my work.  Following teachers on Instagram has also ignited excitement about my work.  (Let me know if you’d like to see more teaching-related content here, or on Instagram).

What good decisions did you make this year?

Related Posts

2011 Resolutions
Goals in Progress: June (+Goals I Wish I Made)
Goals In Progress: December and 2011 Overall
Goals in Progress: January (+ Accent Vlog!)
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But the images are accurate and nicely summarize the year - take out from local establishments (@aokberkshirebbq, @thebreakroomgw, @northadamsfarmersmarket), #RelishmentsBakes projects, the natural beauty of the Berkshires and our successful container garden.
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New on the blog: my 8 favorite recipes I made in 2 New on the blog: my 8 favorite recipes I made in 2020. This post has ideas for every meal and features recipes from @bonappetitmag, @kingarthurbaking, @budgetbytes, @markbittman, @smittenkitchen and @wholefully.
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Apparently, in the weirdness that is 2020, posting Apparently, in the weirdness that is 2020, posting to my Instagram feed was one of the things that didn't make the cut. There are more items than I'd prefer in that category, but recently I've felt like I'm beginning to get my feet firmly planted beneath me again. This fall was so busy with learning how to teach remotely and parent 2 children well. I don't anticipate that life will ever feel not busy, but I've been able to carve out some time lately for activities I've been missing. Making bread is one of those activities. Hopefully, more posts in the feed will be more frequent going forward. 
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Peasant bread recipe from @breadin5
For last month's #RelishmentBakes challenge I made For last month's #RelishmentBakes challenge I made apple turnovers with puff pastry from scratch. I am so pleased with how well they turned out and proud of myself for tackling puff pastry.  Get all the details at the link in my profile. Next month's challenge is coming soon!
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#sponsored All the time we've spent at home lately #sponsored All the time we've spent at home lately has definitely had me looking to expand the snack options in my pantry.  I jumped at the chance to try these @sunmaid Sour Raisins  and they immediately became one of my daughter's favorite snacks. She likes them because they're reminiscent of candy, I like them because they're technically fruit and they come prepackaged for easy snacking and taking on the go. I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty they are!
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This weekend's weather was amazing and my family e This weekend's weather was amazing and my family embarked on the only way to kick off fall: we went apple picking at Jaeschke Orchards in Adams.  The parking lot was full, but out in the orchard we hardly came across any other groups.  The trees were heavy with apples and we quickly filled our bag. Looking forward to apples for snacks, pie, crisp and turnovers in the coming weeks.
This month's #RelishmentBakes challenge may sound This month's #RelishmentBakes challenge may sound familiar because it's a repeat. Sort of. Get all the details and join me in some turnover baking this month at the link in my profile.
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