2015: A Year in Review

- Lifestyle

Instagram's Best Nine of 2015

Before writing this post, I went back and read the last few years “A Year in Review” and am excited to say… this year ROCKED! It was a crazy, busy, chaotic year – but it was awesome. Not to say I didn’t have challenges, downfalls, or hard times, but overall (especially what I read in the last two years), I’m feeling good overall.

Going back to some of my goals, here are a few updates:

{Move Out of My Comfort Zone More Often} – I did well on this goal at the beginning of 2015. From participating in a photo shoot (which I was extremely nervous about, but it was super fun – see the in the process shot here) to then hosting an event at Macy’s in May, I would say I was doing a lot more than I normally do outside of my comfort zone. But after starting my new job, I’d say I’ve gone downhill in this department. I think I’ve literally avoided every possible blogger event because I was nervous about all the new bloggers in the area. Sounds silly I know, but yeah. I could definitely improve on this in 2016. I could also improve in this area at work. It was actually a harder transition than I expected it to be, not because everyone wasn’t nice and welcoming, but when you move from a place you’ve been at for four years and literally talk to the same people every day for four years, you get extremely comfortable. So starting a new job has completely thrown me back into the uncomfortable zone when talking to and meeting new people. I’m working on it!

{Say No When Necessary} – This went well for me. It is so difficult for me to say no to people because I am an absolute people pleaser, but I’m standing up for myself and my health. I believe because I’ve been able to say no more, I’ve been able to say yes more often because I’m not spreading myself as thin. Maybe that’s why I didn’t go to as many blogger events this year, but I think I have a great balance of work, social, blogging, me time right now. Hooray!

{Work Hard – Blog Hard – Stick to an Editorial Schedule} – Well I was again rocking this in the beginning of the year, went downhill when I was interviewing and starting my new job, but have picked up after our recent move. I wouldn’t say I’ve been sticking to an editorial schedule as much as I want, but I’ve been consistently blogging three times a week! I would like to do more planning ahead, or just taking more photos of outfits so I can at least be a week ahead of schedule. I’m not too far away from this now.

{Save, Invest and Be at Peace Financially} – Sometimes I think I need to slow down my mind and realize that for my field, my age, and where I live I am doing just fine. In fact, I’m doing as well as I feel I could be! I worked hard over the past year and feel really stable where I’m at now. So it is a bit easier now to meet some of my financial goals. I’m not perfect, I still have horrible spending habits, but for example, I didn’t spend any money on clothes or accessories this month for myself. Say what?! Yes! Onto 2016. I have some hefty savings goals for 2016.

{Health over Wants} – I’ve been doing so well with this over the past year! I actually have gained a bit of weight between Thanksgiving and now, but overall I’ve done well (I give myself breaks because I like food and beer, sorry not sorry). I have been able to motivate myself multiple times a week to get to the gym, and when it wasn’t freezing and/or dark out, I would take my dog for long walks, and I have been doing much better cooking at home, not having as many cocktails during the week (those pointless calories add up), and drinking more tea vs. energy drinks. I hope to continue to lose the last bit of weight I want to in 2016 and then stay steady. It’s so great that I haven’t gone back to where I was at the end of 2012/2013. I didn’t like who I saw, and more importantly I didn’t like the way I felt. I don’t always feel great about myself, but I’ve made health a continuous focus.

{Stay Focused} – So to explain this one a little bit, it was about being focused on myself instead of focusing on other people, comparing myself to others, etc. I don’t know what it is about this year or being 27 but I feel better than I have since 22. I am so focused on the great things in life that I don’t find that I compare myself to others as often anymore, in fact, rarely ever. Sure I might be a bit jealous of people from time to time, but not an unreasonable jealously (I mean who wouldn’t rather be on the beach than at work)? I have been happier for other people and in turn have felt happier myself. There is a weird time in your 20’s where you just feel like everything sucks and everyone else is doing better and is happier than you. It isn’t true, and sometimes social media doesn’t help, but I finally feel like after a few years of those in between feelings and now knowing what’s next, at least I finally know who I am again. I know who I want to be. And no matter where my friends or family are in life, it doesn’t matter if I’m in a similar place or not because I’m not them and they aren’t me. I’m so glad to finally feel this way again. I’ve heard it only gets better as I get closer to 30. And I’m finally not scared of turning 30, so bring on 28 next month!

{More Adventures} – Can I get a YAHOO for this one?! YAHOO! This year was very successful in having more adventures – aka traveling, but not necessary big travel plans. From Miami and Las Vegas to Madison and Kansas City,I had a lot of adventures this year. I also went to visit my best friend in Dallas, and finally made it to a top-10 small towns Minnesota destination, Taylors Falls. Travel is one of the most important things to me, and I thought why not take more weekend and day trips. This is exactly what I’ve been doing and it’s been a blast. More in 2016! I can’t wait for our first trip out to California – staying with friends and traveling to San Francisco, Napa Valley and who knows where else.

Alright, now it’s time for a photo recap of 2015 -get ready for a photo overload! Here are my favorite moments, memories, and outfits from the past year:

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Destination Style Event

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Winter Casual Style

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Winter Wonderland

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So many great moments and memories from this year:

  • My best friend Robin’s wedding
  • Celebrating my boyfriend’s 30th birthday in Vegas
  • Vacationing in Miami with my family
  • Dressing up as Joy and Earl Hickey for Halloween
  • Celebrating my grandma’s 90th birthday
  • Spending time with my best girl friends at Elise’s wedding
  • A photo shoot with Twin Cities magazine at Como Zoo Conservatory
  • Celebrating 4 years with my boyfriend on a weekend trip to Taylors Falls, MN
  • Moving to a new apartment we love to call home – and exploring the wooded areas around us
  • Visiting my little sister in Kansas City
  • Visiting my older sister in Madison
  • Visiting my best friend Robin in Dallas with other girlfriends
  • Starting a new job that I love and being able to be creative
  • Co-hosting the Destination Style Event at Macy’s
  • Making our first Thanksgiving dinner
  • Spending more quality time than ever at home over Christmas

Thank you 2015, it was a wonderful year – some tears, some stress, but mostly love from the most amazing people I’m lucky to call family, friends and boyfriend. Cheers to 2016, I’m ready for you!

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

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9 Comments

  • Reply
    KizzyDoll
    December 31, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    So many beautiful memories and happiness!! Loved them all. I hope the New Year will bring you even more happiness and joy my dear!! Am finally back to blogging after my break, have posted today, now catching up 🙂 But, I just wanted to wish you well and hope you bring in the New Year with lots of fun 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    Liv
    December 31, 2015 at 11:00 AM

    Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!

    Liv

    http://www.livforstyle.net

  • Reply
    Gemma
    December 31, 2015 at 1:38 PM

    Such a great post Rachel, it looks like you have had an amazing year. Happy 2016! I’m really glad I found your blog! Gemma x
    http://www.jacquardflower.uk

  • Reply
    Rach
    December 31, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    Love reading about your year!! I always enjoyed following along 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2016!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  • Reply
    Tara
    January 2, 2016 at 7:29 AM

    Happy New Year pretty lady!

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    Sandra
    March 27, 2016 at 5:32 PM

    i hope to you happy new year and enjoy with this new year

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