New Year Wishes and Plans for 2020
Happy New Year! It’s a new decade and a lot of changes at My 100 Year Old Home. I am so excited to share my new outlook and share New Year wishes with all of you.
Wow. It’s a new decade. That seems like kind of a big deal.
For a few reasons, this new year means some big changes. And that pertains mostly to my business.
I am pleased to say the year 2020 is already off to a great start. I am getting so organized! I now use a google editorial calendar that has every blog post for January already entered. Believe it or not, that means I already know what blog posts I need to write for the entire month. (I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I was writing blog posts at midnight last year!) My goal is to work one week ahead. So far, it is working.
I also decided to publish a monthly calendar on my blog which highlights what I have planned. It’s a very tiny subset of my editorial calendar but kid of gives an overview of what I am up to. I love Martha Stewart’s calendar in her magazine. My calendar was inspired by her but please know I do not think, and will never think, that I am on the same level as Martha. She has been my hero for many years and is the person who inspired me to love to entertain. If I can just be a tiny bit like her then I am a very happy girl.
Here is a copy of my January calendar. The interactive one can be found on my blog under the heading Calendar. I am so excited that Chef Monique Chan will be here three times in January!
I also have themes for every month that are the foundation for my blog posts each month.
January’s theme is Back to Basics.
To me, Back to Basics represents the foundation of what we do in our homes. It means sharing basic recipes that can teach you to cook more creatively.
It also means learning the basic décor rules when redoing a room.
Finally, back to the basics represents crafts that will provide you with the foundation for a lot more creative craft projects!
The last two-plus years have been kind of a blur. I never imagined when I started My 100 Year Old Home it would become a full-time job. And I never thought it would be the dream of a lifetime job for me!
For the last three years, I have poured my heart and soul into my Instagram account. I tried to answer every comment and DM on Instagram and worked a lot. I also started a blog. And yet I have been working seventy to eighty hours a week. I have loved it but it’s been hard. I probably only sleep four to five hours a night. But that is going to change!
I made a promise to myself (and my husband) that I would find a way to do what I do in less time.
The best thing I did was to hire an assistant. Her name is Kelly and she also manages our Airbnb in Waco.
Hiring Kelly has been a great thing for so many reasons. First off, she is amazing. I also learned very quickly that when you go from a one-person business to a two-person company, suddenly the way you have always done things has to change. I have spent the last month moving everything I do online and I now have an amazing project management system. I have a google calendar with all of my blog and Instagram posts and if I click on an item in the Calendar it takes me to a folder that has everything that I need for my post. I have to say, I have never been so organized in my life. And I love it. (I should add I created the system myself because all of the existing programs just didn’t work with my creative thinking brain.)
It’s going to be a great year. I have help. I am more organized and I have so many exciting things planned. Oh, I also should mention that I am definitely going to sleep a lot more!
I hope you will follow along with me on what I think is going to be an amazing start of a new decade. And sending you lots of New Year wishes.
Happy New Year! I am so amazed with your creativity and love following along with you!
You are too kind. Thank you for following along!
Thank you so much Kathryn. I am so happy you are here. Thanks for following along.
Happy New Year! And thanks for inspiring me to get more organized as well. I admire your talent in decorating and writing, but most of all, I admire your “real ness.” You invite us into your homes and your blog, but you let us know that you are human and still working toward improvement each and every day. Best wishes for continued success and genuine conversations about what you’re up to!
I try to keep it as real as I can and that’s easy. Because it is pretty much what it is like 24/7.
Happy New Year!! You definitely have inspired me ! Looking forward to seeing what you do in 2020!!
Thanks so much! If I inspire just one person everyday it is my dream!
I can’t wait! You are a huge inspiration to me and I have some serious goals in 2020! Thanks for continuing to motivate me!
Oh my gosh! You are the best. Thank you!
Happy New Year Leslie! You ARE up there with Martha Stewart! I loved watching her show and her magazine. I love following you and am always so impressed with your creativity! I am so excited for you and can’t wait to see what you have for us this year.
Thanks Tricia! I aspire to be like Martha (and Joanna Gaines) every day! Thanks for your encouragement.
Happy New Year, Leslie! Just be you in 2020!
Thanks Penny! And you know I will always be me!
Happy New Year!! I’m so glad you are going to sleep more!! And sounds like you’ve found a great assistant, congratulations! I love following your account. You are a true inspiration! Thank you for all you do!
Thank you so much! I am so excited that you are following along. Happy New Year.
I enjoy all your projects and insights. I’m amazed at your energy level. I admire you greatly, especially your your warm, inviting spirit
Happy New Year to an amazing lady!!!
You are the best! Thank you so much.
I agree with what so many have already said… I am amazed with all you do and I’m excited to see what you have planned for 2020! You truly inspire…Happy New Year!
Carrie! Thank you. I am so happy that you said that.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year, sure sounds like you’re off in an amazing direction! Started following you this year as I was drawn to your beautiful Instagram posts about your Waco fixer upper, LOVED that, you really caught my eye! And then to find out you are more or less my age, enthusiastically doing things, crafts, having different homes, your fun voice when cooking, and the kicker was you live in Pasadena! I went to high school there, lived my teenage years walking and shopping Lake Avenue, loved all the established character filled beautiful homes, and you live in one!! You truly inspire me, so happy for you, and looking forward to cheering you on, happy 2020 and happy decade ahead!!
You are the best! I love living in this area and I am happy that you know what it’s like here! Thanks so much for your kind words.
Happy New Year Leslie! Sounds like you are off to an amazing start!
Thank you! I really am. I am so excited to be SO organized starting off the new year.
Happy New Year and all the best as you grow your business. I ordered Martha Stewart Entertaining ( used copy) on EBay after reading your Christmas party blog. I entertain a lot and also live in house that is over 100 years old. Thank you for sharing your ideas .
Her Entertaining book is amazing! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Thank you so much for your In the Kitchen with Monique! She is a star!!
She is the best! I am so glad she will be back three times this month!
Fabulous Leslie! You RULE! 💗
Happy New Year, looks and sounds like you have things under control. I’m trying to get more organized as well thanks for inspiring me. My daughter is also following you now 😊and loves it.
Hope your family is doing well ❣️
Hi Leslie! Please tell us more about your online files and calendar system. 🙂
Thanks! Deb E
I already look for your posts and to read this and see how excited you are to share your amazing talent makes me giddy!!
Happy New Year and can’t wait to read what ever you are willing to share!
Your friend in South Florida!