Happy New Year’s Eve eve. There is always a boost of energy that the anticipation of a new year brings. Like spring, I seem to find lots of creative ideas and an optimism that the coming year (or season) will be positive, filled with more good than bad.
I don’t make resolutions but rather set goals. I don’t always meet all of those goals, but for me, striving to be a better person, doing good deeds and making tweaks in my personal life towards improvements will keep me focused on leading a better life.
This is not to say that some of those goals can involve home, garden and making more time for friends through sharing meals.
I appreciate the connections I’ve made through my blog and Instagram, Twitter and even FB (sometimes). Thank you for your visits and comments, I think of you as friends in a new age of what that word means.
May 2016 be a good year for us all—I wish you the best a year can offer.
xo, Karen ♥
Garden, Home & Party 
Anita Rivera said:
Dearest Karen! Good morning! Me too…I am a goal setter. I learned long ago in my 20s that resolutions don’t work unless you have A PLAN. Goals are great because they at least suggest a plan and once you have that in place, working within the framework of that plan helps keep your mind focused. Before one knows it, one is walking in a totally new and better direction: upward and onward!
i wish you the best of 2016, and discover a new you! Blessings! Anita
Karen B. said:
Good morning, Anita. I hope you had a joyous Christmas and that you are enjoying your vacation from teaching. Your photography (IG) continues to amaze me, not just your skill level but the beautiful images you capture. I’m working on my list (small) of goals for the start of the new year. I hope to get them finished and maybe use some of my ideas as a post topic. Creativity has been scarce where topics for the blog is concerned. Best to you my friend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 3:15 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
jennymein said:
I agree with you Karen. I too wish to start afresh in 2016 and look forward to it with hope and optimism and plan to take time out to spend more valuable time with family and friends, do more good deeds, be kinder, nicer and be more positive.
I wish you and your family, a very Healthy, Happy & Prosperous 2016!
Karen B. said:
Hi Jenny, Goals such as those you’ve mentioned seem like a way to create a positive energy in a negative news world. Best to you and yours. I always enjoy our chats on this fluff-filled blog. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 3:32 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Taylor Greenwalt said:
Happy New Years to you too!
Karen B. said:
Thank you, Julie. I’ve missed your voice—I respect your reasons for taking a break from blogging but I hope you’ll find something that you feel you’d like to share. I wish you and your family a happy and healthy year to come. Thank you for always taking time to drop me a line. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 6:58 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Allison Watts said:
Hi Karen, Lovely thoughts! I have made a list of all the simple things I would like to do in the coming year… everything from getting a Newport Beach library card to spending a weekend traveling from farm to farm on the North Carolina cheese making tour. I actually made the list in November when we decided to stay in California for another year or two. It’s amazing what happens when you write it down – I have already checked off so many things! And, as you said, my blog has brought so many good things into my life, one of those is our friendship! Look forward to more coffee and conversations in the New Year. XO
Karen B. said:
Hi Allison, The large NB library by Bristol Farms is one of my favorite places to wile away time. The Friends of the Library bookstore, just inside the front door is really fun too. I love the idea not only goals for improvement but for little bucket list goals. 🙂 I’ll see you soon, it’s so fun visiting over coffee with you. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 7:14 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
debra @ 5th and state said:
cheers my friend! i too love to look forward, set goals, and in my case hope to reach even half those goals. one can always keep trying
blessings in 2016
xx
debra
Karen B. said:
Debra, That’s always one of the goals, to complete at least half of the goals for the year! hahaha. Best to you in 2016. I hope we continue to hear from you on 5th and State…you always inspire me. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 8:06 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
trouverlesoleil said:
Thank you Karen! Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year ahead😘⛄️
Karen B. said:
You too, Leslie. Have a lovely holiday and a great 2016. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 8:30 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Leslie Harris said:
What a lovely post Karen. Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2016 filled with the blessings of love and contentment and good health.
xo
Leslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I wish the best to you for the coming year. I look forward to your posts each time they appear in my inbox. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 9:04 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
D'Arcy H said:
Happy New Year to you, to, Karen! You are one of my cherished blog friends, and I hope 2016 is all you want it to be. I look forward to more of your inspiring posts! –D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, Ditto, my friend. I’m always entertained by your clever writing and inspired by your and Eric’s projects—even if we’re not as handy as you two. 🙂 I’m so happy for the new year to begin. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 7:44 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Sheila Elliott said:
Happy New Year to you too! I always like your pics and just found you on Instagram…my newest toy discovery. We could be style sisters! Sheila@mykentuckyliving.
Karen B. said:
Thank you, Sheila. It’s fun to find blog friends that share the same style! Happy New Year. Karen
On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 9:50 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Tone on Tone said:
No resolutions, only goals…..I really like that. Happy New Year, my friend. Cheers to you and 2016!!
Karen B. said:
Goals seem less definite, but still determination to improve. 🙂 May 2016 be a good year for us all! xo, Karen
On Fri, Jan 1, 2016 at 1:37 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Dawn said:
Happy New Year, Karen! I’m so glad that we have connected through our blogs. It’s always wonderful to find kindred spirits. May your wonderful goals fill your new year with good health, happy days, and wonderful new possibilities! ♡
Karen B. said:
Dawn, Me too. I love posts and I’m so happy you stop by to chat. xo, Karen
On Sat, Jan 2, 2016 at 6:01 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Linda Coble said:
Happy New Year, Karen!
I like the idea of goals instead of resolutions too. Somehow, when I set a goal for myself it seems more do-able. Thanks for some beautiful pics to start 2016 — especially the one of you with little Fae.
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Linda. I’m looking forward to another fun year on the blog and you have always been so supportive on that note. xo, Karen
On Tue, Jan 5, 2016 at 11:13 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Karena said:
Dear Karen It IS going to be an Amazing 2016! Thank you for your friendship and inspiration always!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
New Years Thoughts!
Karen B. said:
Karena, I am living each day as if it is awesome this year! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Tue, Jan 5, 2016 at 11:28 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Gretchen Gibson said:
Happy New Year, Karen! I’ve always been energized at the beginning of a new year with all the possibilities it offers. You are so right that setting goals is a positive way to ensure that we will make the most it. “A little better every day in every way” will be my mantra!
This is also a good time to thank you for all the work you do on your blog. It always puts a smile on my face when I see a new post. The images are consistently inspiring as well as beautiful. May 2016 be a great year for us!
Karen B. said:
Gretchen, I’m not sure I communicate as often as I should about what it means to have had your support from the beginning. When you and Linda were the only comments I received I was thrilled. Thank you so much for being such a great friend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jan 6, 2016 at 9:22 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>