We are halfway through the January learning challenge!  For those of you who are participating, how are you doing?  What things have you been learning about?  And if you’re new here, welcome!  There is still time to jump in!

This challenge has been really fun for me so far.  I’ve always been a bit of an academic and it’s been refreshing to uncover that hunger for learning again.  The simple exercise of reading everyday has fired me up, inspired me and helped me feel like my brain is still functioning on a decent level.  Making learning a priority, in whatever form, will definitely be a permanent part of my day from now on.  


As a reminder, this was my challenge:

It has been easy for me to fit in the podcasts while I’m doing chores or running on the treadmill.  The kids are usually running around or playing, so it feels like alone time, while still being productive.  I’ve also watched a lot of TED talks and I swear they are like candy; I can’t stop at just one.  I’ve watched 8 already.  


Book reading is a little harder to do during the day, but I’m trying to get in a few pages when I can.  Mark and I have started reading a chapter of our books before watching TV at night, so that helps too.  As of today, I’ve finished one book and am almost through the second.  One more to go!  

I’ll post a record of the podcasts, TED talks, and websites at the end of the month because some are just too good not to share.  
Let’s finish out the month strong, friends!

This month is all about learning at the Big White Farmhouse.  One way I’ve been getting that information in, while keeping up with the daily chores and to-do lists, is through podcasts.  Today I’m linking up with Jenna to share my top five favorites:

Brilliant Business Moms // If you are a small business owner or blogger, this podcast is for you.  Every episode is full of information and tips.  I try to listen while folding laundry, but without fail, I always have to stop to crazily jot down all the great advice.  I’m still making my way through the archives, but this one and this one have been particularly helpful.

Dave Ramsey // I guess this is technically a radio show, but I love listening to these during my treadmill runs.  We, like many, are trying to quickly pay most of our debt this year and Dave Ramsey never fails to keep me motivated.  

Serial // I know, I know.  Everyone under the sun loves this podcast.  But if you like a good detective story or you’re a fan of 20/20, this podcast is for you.  I was hooked from the beginning, am satisfied with the ending, and can’t wait for season 2!   

Do you have any favorite podcasts I should check out?  

Welcome to the first installment of A Year of Challenges!  

I am so excited to share this project with you.  I often get asked how I “do it all” and while that is SO far from the truth, I am able to accomplish a lot because of the practice of setting attainable goals.  I want to help you get things done this year too!  My hope is that you’ll come along with me every month and make a few goals of your own.   

So here is how A Year of Challenges will work:
Each month will be set around a different theme: home, food, hospitality, photography and more!  At the beginning of the month, I’ll announce the theme and post my personal goals.  Some months, my goals may be quite lofty, while others could be really simple.  I’ll also include lots of ideas for you, so you can join in too.  Around the 15th, I’ll post my reflections at the halfway point and check in on you.  And finally, at the end of the month, I’ll look back at what I’ve accomplished and the lessons I’ve learned.  

So January.

For me, January is the month where we’re coming off the high of holidays and festivities.  Life settles down and we spend a lot of time cozy inside.  If we’re being honest, I also tend to get a little lazy.  At night, I spend way too much time browsing the titles on Netflix instead of doing something productive.  With that in mind, I chose learning as the theme for January as a way to combat the sluggishness.  

My challenge:

• Read 3 books, each a different genre
• Listen to 5 podcasts
• Watch 10 Ted talks
• Find 3 new blogs that teach me something