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2012: A Year in Review

December 31, 2012

2012

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The Loss (of.loved.ones)

Loss was a big part of 2012. As much as I would like to focus on the positive aspects of 2012, I just feel like you can’t fully reflect on a year without recognizing those events that have affected you and caused so much emotion.  I lost two grandparents this year both on my mom and dad’s side, so it has been a difficult year for my family. Although death is a part of life and we knew both were going downhill, it still wasn’t easy. My boyfriend also lost a grandparent this year, as well as an uncle and a friend. We believe they are all in a better place now and will remember them forever. Love you all.

The Truth (about.money)

Adulthood has hit me in the face with full force. Choosing between being social and saving money has been a big thing for me this year and it is hard to tell my friends no. There are times to splurge and there are times to save and it has been hard for me to find a middle ground on this. I also realized this year I have a big problem with shopping. Not saying I haven’t realized this in the past, but it is a HUGE problem and it MUST change next year. I have set myself a budget for each month January through July to help me out on this New Year’s resolution to save money.

The Joy (of.simple.things)

I feel like I’m still transitioning from college into the real world… is that possible since I graduated over 2 years ago? Perhaps, perhaps not, but I finally feel like I am coming to terms with the fact that sometimes all I want to do is be with myself or hang out with the bf without getting dolled up and going out somewhere. I LOVE going out and having a good time with friends, but I am finally comfortable with just sitting around and being content with myself. I still struggle a bit with feeling “lame” for staying in so much, but I hope I continue to grow up next year. I don’t need to hang out with large groups of people to make me feel happy and make me feel like I have friends. I just need my true friends and enjoy the simple things.

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Without further a do… My New Year’s Resolutions:

  1. Stick to a budget. I have worked out a budget for the upcoming months and I want to challenge myself to stick to it as close as possible. It is going to be tough, but I’m determined to do it!
  2. Physical activity every day. I’ve given up on working out every day, because I’ve realized it just isn’t going to happen. But I do aim to work out 3-4 times a week and do some type of physical activity on my days off… walk the dog, take her to the dog park, walk to a restaurant with the bf, walk to the mall, walk to get coffee, swim, play basketball, biking, etc. There is so much to do and I always talk about wanting to do more activities, so this year is the year to go out and do them!
  3. Research my future. If this sounds weird to you, it is okay, it sounds weird to me too! What I mean is figuring out what I want to go back to school for. I love school, going to class and learning new things… it excites me more than anything else (okay maybe amazing shoes excite me just as much) but I can’t wait to get back to class and learn some new skills! I have some ideas and would like to meet up with some professors, friends and peers to learn more about what I might want to go back to do.
  4. Network. Thanks to the blog I have been able to network with lots of people (love all you fellow MN bloggers, can’t wait to meet up again!) with similar interests and I love it! I want to continue to network, network, network and build more fun relationships over the next year! Can’t wait to see what’s in store!
  5. Dream Big. Because a dreamer just has to keep dreaming and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I recommend you do it too 🙂

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Comments

  1. Meredith says

    December 31, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    Wonderful photos! Happy New Year Rachel!
    Meredith
    createthatoutfit.com

    Reply
  2. Heather says

    December 31, 2012 at 4:04 PM

    Happy new year my new friend 🙂 I look forward to more happy hours and more fun next year! Love your resolutions 🙂

    XO
    Pearls & Paws

    Reply
  3. TJ says

    December 31, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    I love the way that you laid out this post. Happy new year my friend! And here’s to always dreaming big!! 🙂
    xo TJ

    Reply
  4. Maca says

    December 31, 2012 at 4:51 PM

    Happy New Year!!! Hope 2013 is a good one!

    Reply
  5. Demure in Diamonds says

    December 31, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    This post is so touching. Looks like you've had one heck of a year! I'm also graduating college this Spring, then on to big girl world and grad school 🙂 I also lost a Grandparent and its rough- I can relate! Here's to joy in 2013 Rachel!

    XO Jenna
    Demureindiamonds.com

    Reply
    • Rachel's Lookbook says

      January 2, 2013 at 9:32 PM

      Thank you Jenna! I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your grandparent… it certainly isn't easy. I wish you lots of joy in the new year as well!

      Reply
  6. Fierce & Fashionable says

    December 31, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Love your goals & photos! If you are ever interested in Guest Posting on F&F let me know 🙂

    Happy New Year lady!!
    xo Michelle

    Fierce & Fashionable

    Reply
  7. Grace @ Wrinkled Chiffon says

    January 1, 2013 at 12:47 PM

    Happy New Year Rachel! If you get a chance, I would love for you to stop by and check out my favorites in WORK, DAY and PLAY style from 2011…the year sure does fly by! Have a wonderful day.

    xo Grace
    http://www.wrinkledchiffon.com

    Reply
  8. thehautecookie says

    January 1, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    i love your resolutions!!! Happy New Year!!! xO!
    http://www.thehautecookie.com

    Reply
  9. Ashleigh McElfresh says

    January 2, 2013 at 3:52 AM

    I feel you on the truth about money. We live in a trendy area where lots of 20-somethings like to shop, play, bar hop, etc…but we have two kids! And I'm 25. I want to go out, but I want to sleep more, and I just plain do not want to spend $80 for drinks every weekend. It's money I could be spending on my kiddos, bills, shoes… Since I've stopped going out I feel like I have no friends!
    Stick to that budget and update us! I definitely need inspiration in that department!
    -Ash
    http://www.stylizedwannabe.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Rachel's Lookbook says

      January 2, 2013 at 9:16 PM

      Ashleigh… exactly! I don't even have kids and I don't want to spend $80 on drinks every weekend, but its either that or staying in! If I had kids, I would most certainly be staying in even more than I do .. probably 🙂 I think that's a great idea! I will try to do a monthly update on finances in general. It's something I want to be more educated on and I would love to share/help inspire if I can!

      Reply
  10. Red Tag Chic Los Angeles says

    January 2, 2013 at 12:43 AM

    Happy New Year Rachel….looking forward to more of your awesomeness in 2013!

    REBECCA
    http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    Reply
  11. Megan says

    January 2, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    Great list of goals! Happy New Year 🙂

    Reply
  12. Amy says

    January 2, 2013 at 8:56 AM

    Love your resolutions! Happy New Year! xoxxo

    Reply
  13. Bethie the Boo says

    January 2, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    Your 2012 is a lot like my 2010 was in terms of loss. I hope 2013 is better that way for you! And I love your list of goals – I hope we can all meet up again too! 🙂

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      January 2, 2013 at 12:26 PM

      I’m sorry to hear that Beth. It really makes the year rough doesn’t it? I was honestly so ready for 2012 to be over. It was too much. I’m hoping for a better, more optimistic year!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 2013 Resolutions Update | Rachel's Lookbook says:
    March 15, 2013 at 4:03 PM

    […] … I’m not sure what to call them, but back in this post reviewing 2012, I also talked about what I wanted to accomplish this year. Most of my goals are an easy YES […]

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  2. 2015: A Year in Review says:
    January 9, 2016 at 9:17 PM

    […] Read more! 2014: A Year in Review | 2013: A Year in Review | 2012: A Year in Review […]

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  3. 2013: A Year in Review - Rachel's Lookbook says:
    November 6, 2017 at 3:11 PM

    […] of the biggest things I focused on this year were my health and my finances (see my resolutions for 2013 in my 2012 year in review). I was not able to reach either of my goals yet, but I really just […]

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  4. 2019: A Year in Review says:
    January 3, 2020 at 12:27 PM

    […] I’m doing a recap of the year post, as I have for the past several years (see them here: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 – wow I guess pretty much the entire decade). I’m […]

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Hi! I'm Rachel. Welcome to Rachel's Lookbook. Here you can find everything from fashion and beauty to travel and lifestyle.

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Hello friends! It’s been awhile again (surprise, Hello friends! It’s been awhile again (surprise, surprise) I’ve been around... been creeping around here 😂 but haven’t posted in forever!

So hello hello! I know the world is still in a crazy state - and I haven’t lost sight of that. But like many people, I’m trying to take it all one day at a time and find joy in the small things. Aside from that, things have been busy!...

* I started a new job in November! I’m excited to be back at a software company and looking forward to the day I get to meet some of my co-workers in person! 💻💃🏼
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And this is one of the only pictures I’ve taken this year 😂 I actually did my hair and makeup for Thanksgiving (ya know to hang out with my husband and dog), and even though my curls only lasted two seconds, I look happy and I was happy and I am happy (as happy as I think anyone can be in the middle of a pandemic). So wanted to say hi 🙋🏼‍♀️ and hope you’re taking care! 🤗
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It’s been awhile and A LOT has happened in our w It’s been awhile and A LOT has happened in our world since I last posted to my feed. There is a lot I want to say and I will be posting a lot more soon, but first & foremost...

Black Lives Matter.

I wish I had posted about this in my feed sooner, but I honestly didn’t know what to say or how to say it. I spent way too long overthinking it versus just doing it. I know that’s not an excuse, and I know I have to do better. I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting and educating myself as well as finding ways to help and be proactive. I am committing myself to do more and do better. I know it’s not enough and I’m not sure it will ever be enough... but I will never stop trying. 

The most important thing I learned is that my silence in the past was unacceptable and a huge part of the problem. I thought not knowing what to say and worrying about saying the wrong thing meant it was ok to be silent. It WAS NOT and IS NOT ok.

I have so much more to learn and to do, but one thing is for sure... I will no longer be silent. I will continue to keep the anti-racism resources link in my bio - as it has been a great resource for me and know it has been for many others. Again, I’m not excusing myself for not posting in my feed sooner but I will continue to share and hope to keep the momentum going 🖤 Black Lives Matter 🖤
Hey friends! How are you?! We made it through anot Hey friends! How are you?! We made it through another *very unusual* & crazy/scary week. I hope you are staying safe & well!
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Yesterday we took Emma @emmaminiaussie to the vet for her annual vet check up. It was her first appointment at a new vet since our move, and we had to let her go in alone. My anxiety has been off the charts lately, as I’m sure it has been for many of you, and heightened even more by this. Emma is truly our child, our daughter, and I am always anxious wanting to ensure she’s happy and doing well.
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Sitting outside in the car waiting for the call from our new vet was difficult, but I’m so happy to report her health at almost 8 years old is wonderful! She’s thriving and it makes my heart so happy. Another great reminder during these times to be thankful for what matters most - your health and your loved ones’ health (including your fur babies 🐶). So with another long caption today just wishing health and safety to all of you right now! And another thank you to essential workers on the frontlines ❤️🙏🏻 #emmatheminiaussie #loveconquersall #stayhealthy
Hello Instagram family… it’s been awhile. I ha Hello Instagram family… it’s been awhile. I have not posted in my feed since February… and so this is going to be a long one since life as we know it has completely changed over the past month. 
I decided I needed a mental break from Instagram - not all social media - just Instagram. I have been unmotivated to post on this particular platform and was constantly posting old photos/photoshoots just to have something to post. So I took a break to refresh. 
Well, as you know, things started to escalate pretty quickly with COVID-19. I was just about ready to start posting again and BOOM. Just like that, everything in our world changed. It didn’t feel right to post my latest outfit at that moment… 
Things are still escalating, but I’m back here today because I’m longing for connection more than ever and because I want to say THANK you to so many people. 
Things are scary right now. They are uncertain and unfathomable. We are all trying to adapt to a new normal. I don’t have much to add to what others have been saying, but I do want to say I’m thinking of and praying for everyone, especially those directly affected by the pandemic. 
I also want to say thank you to everyone putting their lives at risk to help our country and our world during this time. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to healthcare workers, delivery drivers, grocery store workers, pharmacy/drugstore workers, app-based gig workers out in the field, restaurants who are feeding healthcare workers and feeding children lunches, teachers going above and beyond, to those helping get their parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors and others who are vulnerable the essentials they need to get through this. You are all HEROES and I can never express enough gratitude for what you are doing. 
I don’t have much else to say, but I hope to continue to connect with you all again on this platform. THANK YOU to everyone who is putting an effort into making a difference during this pandemic. Staying home means so much right now if you are able to! We will get through this together if we work together. Stay safe, stay well, and be kind ❤️ #stayhome #besafe #thankyou
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