A new year holds tremendous promise and we’re planning and plotting the best year ever at the 1-7. Our dance card is full with one or two stupendous events each month. We have an extensive to-do list, a bunch of big ideas, and a book to finish. None of this would be possible without the friendship and support from so many people from all over the world. So thank you for joining us on this crazy barbecue journey!

Here are some things I found interesting and inspiring in the past few weeks:

I love examining photographs and seeing what books people have in their homes. So revealing, don’t you think? This story shows some beautiful books and includes suggestions for fashion, design, and gardening titles.

Guidelines for when it’s okay to use other people’s words in your designs. Especially applicable to barbecuers who print t-shirts and other materials. Not being credited for quotations is a pet peeve of mine.

If you’re leading others, this advice from Suzy and Jack Welch will help you soar.

What are your predictions for 2014 restaurant trends? Do any of these resonate with you?

If organization is one of your New Year’s resolutions, here are good ideas for decluttering your life.

Running toward goals requires blinders; playing in fields doesn’t. Best takeaway from this post on Design for Mankind.

Understanding WHY companies support various events may help you land a sponsor. Via Seth Godin.

Best way to achieve all of your goals is to outlearn and outthink who you were last year. Lots of good motivation in this article by Robin Sharma.

Do you have any big plans for 2014? We’d love to hear about them! 

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