What a year it’s been! Each year you hope that the next will be even better and that has totally rung true for me in 2015! Here’s a look back at what happened this year:
I Got Healthy
This was one of the biggest highlights of my year. After a coworker convinced me to join her in the Fit Girls Guide challenge, I lost 15 pounds. I learned new ways to use veggies that I’d typically slather in Yum Yum sauce and that strength training is a cardio girl’s best friend. I’m not sure if you noticed, but looking back on old photos of me, I was SO uncomfortable with myself. Since I’m stubborn, I’d squeeze into old clothing of mine because I refused to buy a size I wasn’t comfortable with. FRIENDS - DO NOT DO THIS. It only made me more unhappy with myself. Take this shoot for example. The dress is too tight. Period. I was inching it down the whole day. But now? I wear it all the time because it finally fits me right. If you’re wanting to start eating healthier, I HIGHLY recommend the FGG because 1. It’s cheap ($25 for a PDF that provides work outs, recipes and grocery lists) 2. It works.
A Major Shift in Style
One of the things I’ve loved most about this past year has been my style transformation. Before, I never really had a style I could call my own…I sort of stuck to the same 5 brands. I was in a major style rut. To be honest, figuring out my style was one of the reasons I wanted to start a blog. I wanted to feel confident and figure out what I truly loved.
The Big Chop
Not to be confused with, “I got a haircut.” I’d been looking for a change for quite some time, so when I cornered Nadine Matar (over at PR @ Partners on K Street) at the wedding of a mutual friend, I told her I wanted her to transform my hair the way she had all my friends. “Okay,” she said. “But I’m chopping it off.” I agreed and am now happier than ever with my hair. If you're looking for someone to transform your LIFE, go see Nadine. Tell them Julien sent you. ;)
Being Intentional
I made a big effort this year to be intentional in the things I do. For much of the year, I really focused on reading. I have a long commute in the mornings on my bus ride into work (usually about an hour) so I try to divide my time out between reading, blogging and editing photos. I also made it my goal to set aside time in my day for building relationships. Sometimes this meant grabbing lunch with a friend or meeting someone new over coffee. I’m a people person, so focusing on growing friendships over this year has given me the greatest sense of happiness. I also was very intentional about blogging. No more, “I’ll post when I get around to it.” I wanted to share style inspiration with you consistently - and no, I’m certainly not perfect at it - but I’m working on it! ;)
Closet Cleanse
Speaking of reading…one of the most impactful books I read this year was “The Life Changing Magic of Tiding Up.” A good friend recommended it to me earlier this year and it made such a difference in my life. Because here’s the thing - I like STUFF. Sometimes a bit too much. My closet was filled to the brim with stuff I had gotten or bought…but I wasn’t happy with what I had. After reading Marie Kondo’s book, I did a big fat clothing cleanse and only kept the things I truly loved. I found it much easier to get dressed in the mornings! I did this a couple times throughout the year - have you tried a closet cleanse yet? (PS Meg Biram also has a terrific book on the topic!)
I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store!!