2018 was a good year! My family stayed safe and healthy, which is the best thing I could have asked for. A few years ago I didn't think much about overall health, but it's been two years since I lost my Dad and health/safety is NOT something I take for granted.
I'm sharing some of my favorite moments and experiences from 2018 plus a few lows, because I want to remember I made it through the tough times too! Here's a fun recap of 2017 which I loved reading to see how things have changed.
- Participated in three 10x10 wardrobe challenges (Winter, Spring & Summer). I hope to continue to do these in 2019.
- Got a promotion but discovered my new boss was the worst.
- Job searched, applied and interviewed for 5 months. Many tears, long nights, stress and worry. Applying and interviewing for the right job (location, salary, work) is like a full-time job in itself. I was offered two jobs in the same week, and ultimately went with my instinct. I've now been in my current role for a little over 4 months! Read more about my career path here.
- Celebrated Walt and Whitney's 2nd Birthday at Catch Air with friends and family. Filmed an adorable video of their second birthday photoshoot with Mckenzie Coronado.
- Made over $39,000 in blog collaborations and affiliate marketing, not including trade, free meals, and vacation comps. Half of that amount is from one affiliate marketing campaign I'll share with you later. What a blessing this blog has been to my family. I NEVER imagined it being where it is today. I was simply bored at a desk in Abilene, TX and loved fashion. Here we are almost 8 years later.
- Vacationed in the TX Hill Country a few times. Wimberley with my neighbors, Frio River for the 4th of July with my family, and our last trip of the summer to Mo-Ranch with our neighbors.
- Pitched a ton of brands and was rejected over and over again. You may see me getting free stuff, free vacations, but you don't see all the hard work and dozens of brands I pitch that give me a big fat no. Well, most just ignore my emails ; ).
- Took a girls trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona with my mom and sis. Honestly one of my favorite places I've been in the U.S., and I would go back in a heartbeat.
- Turner started Kindergarten and turned 6 years old! He loves his teacher and classmates, hates art and lives for P.E. He also competed in his first Spartan Race, and after running nonstop for a mile filled with obstacles he asked if he could do it again! He lost his two bottom front teeth, and had two cavities.
- Didn't do a great job of budgeting, and while we didn't go in to any more debt we could have saved more. Excited for my 6 month budget challenge in 2019! Going to cut my shopping and eating out budget way down.
- Collaborated with some amazing companies including Tiff's Treats, James Avery, Mohawk Flooring, HomeAway, Hanna Andersson, JuiceLand, Lipton Tea, Dove, HEB, Fossil, SoulCycle and more.
- Celebrated 8 years of marriage with a staycation in Georgetown! I absolutely love getting quality time with Alex sans kids.
- Led a panel at the Thrive Blogger Conference on authenticity. I'm beyond excited to be speaking at Mom 2.0 Summit in Austin this coming April!
- Turned 32 years old, but I incorporated a new skin care routine and my skin feels amazing and looks so much better than in prior years. I used to never wash my face, and now it's an absolute must. I've started incorporating sheet masks a couple of times a week as well, and they've hydrated and firmed my skin. If I had to pick only one item to use daily it would be this oil.
- Survived another year raising twin toddlers, but not without many tears and heated conversations with Alex.
- Took a couple's trip to Nashville, TN to celebrate my sister's 40th birthday! Stayed at the gorgeous HOTELette in East Nashville.
- Hosted my 10th ATX Blogger Mixer at the Erin Condren flagship store because I missed socializing with my blogger gals! Full recap here. Will I host another? Possibly, but just depends on life at the moment.
Photos by Madeline Harper
I'm thankful for a wonderful year, and I look forward to 2019 adventures! I'll continue to write out my small monthly goals which helps me to stay focused. I hope 2018 year was a good year for you, and if not let's look ahead to 2019 in hopes for better things to come!
No comments:
Post a Comment