Announcing the 2015 12x30 Project

Here's something a little exciting coming up for 2015, a fun monthly challenge that I'm happy to be co-hosting with my good friend Kenzie of Chasing My Extraordinary.  When she contacted me about the challenge I was excited to get on board, it sounds like it'll be a lot of fun! The idea was originally started last year by Kym and Jenn, but they allowed Kenzie to carry it on this year-fun idea!

How it works:

The idea behind the 12x30 Challenge is to join in each month for fun and unique challenges. The link-up for each month will go live on the hosts' blogs the first Monday of each month.  You don't have to link up every day, or even every month, but you're welcome to and we'd love it if you did! You can also join in on Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #12x30Challenge and at the end of each month I will choose a post I love and feature it on my blog.  Kenzie will also be featuring someone each month, so multiple people may get featured! 

We'll also have great tips and tricks throughout these challenges with recommendations for you!

The monthly challenges:

January - Love Yourself Challenge

Start the year off with a positive note.  January is all about loving yourself, loving your decisions, loving your dreams, and nurturing your body and mind.  You can do something as simple as smiling at yourself each time you look in the mirror, or appreciating something about yourself each time, or make it more complex by choosing a healthy eating goal to nurture your body.  You can do anything, as long as it focuses on loving yourself.

February - Organize Challenge

They say a cluttered space is a cluttered mind, and boy do I have a problem with staying organized!  I am a very cluttered individual-though I'm always looking for ways to get a better hold on it.  This month is all about finishing up our projects and organizing your life and home one day at a time!

March - No Spend Challenge

Money is one of those things that is a necessary evil, and if you're anything like me you find yourself spending too much.  So for March, the idea is to save money by not spending on frivolous things.  Just pay your bills, buy groceries and necessities, and then see how much money you've saved at the end of the month! 

April - Reading Challenge

It's so easy to get swamped with life and miss out on the simple relaxation of reading.  So for the month of April let's challenge ourselves to read a certain number of books-even if your goal is just one book!  The point of the month is to de-stress and get back to reading.

May - Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

May is all about giving back and spreading the good around your community and/or the world. You don't have to have money to do random acts of kindness, there are so many creative and interesting ways you can help someone in need, or just show your love and respect for someone.

June - Try Something New Challenge

This month is all about getting out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to try something new.  Start by saying "yes" instead of "no", finally take your friend up on that road trip, go to a new restaurant, or try a new hobby you've never done before, Anything new goes!

July - Be Present Challenge
Technology and social media are so prevalent in our every day lives that it is almost impossible to see someone without their cell phone attached to their hand. I know that I am guilty of this! Take a day where you stay off of the Internet and go outside. When you are around friends and family turn your cell phone off and give them your full attention.  Just work on being present in situations.  Make a no-phone rule for dinners, etc.

August - Photo a Day Challenge
Take a photo every day in August using your phone, camera, or other device! Capture small or big moments throughout your day and share them with us. This challenge gives me an excuse to better acquaint myself to my DSLR and photo editing software so I am excited.

September - Exercise Challenge

Exercise is so incredibly beneficial for both your body and mind. Exercising give you more energy, makes you feel great, combats health problems, promotes sleep, and so much more. Of course any form of exercise counts for this challenge! Get out and go for a walk, practice some Zumba, take a class at the gym, or lift weights. Anything!

October - Cooking Challenge
This month the challenge will be to cook more meals at home, and eat out less (or not at all).  You'd be surprised how much healthier it is and how much money you'll save, plus it'll give you the opportunity to hone your cooking skills and try some new recipes!

November - Be Thankful Challenge
Try to write down one thing you are thankful for every day this month. With the holidays coming in full swing it is important to remember all that you have been blessed with.

December - Handwritten Letter Challenge

Hand written letters are a personal and caring way to reach out to family and friends. Create a list of people you would like to send a handwritten note or letter to. I know that I am always filled with joy when I receive a handwritten card in the mail!  I'm going to challenge myself to not only get my holiday cards out this year, but to write someone a handwritten letter every day this month!

I hope you're as excited as we are about this challenge!  It'll be fun to do, and will create some great blogging/Instagram/Twitter content throughout the year.  Plus, with the link-up you'll be able to make new friends along the way and have a great time doing so!  

Will you participate in any of these?  

Let me know what you think!