Hi friend!
Well, I cannot believe I’m writing my last post of 2015. Not only that, but I cannot believe I’m writing it on a train from London to Paris, where I’ll be ringing in the new year. Like … what? Is this real life? I’ve asked myself that quite a bit over the last few years. If there’s a word to sum up this time in my life, it’d be surprising. Even as a self-proclaimed dreamer, so many things have transpired that I never expected or could have imagined up myself.
I never thought I’d work so hard for a professional nursing license to then stop working under that license after only four years.
I never thought I’d love what I do this much.
I never thought I’d lose my Mom as early as I did in life.
I never thought I’d own my own business.
I never thought I’d have the opportunity to work from home.
I never thought I’d achieve awesome, unimaginable things as a one-woman show.
I never thought I’d still be single at almost 30.
I never thought I’d have the opportunity to travel as much as I do.
I never thought I’d have a step-mom and step-siblings that I call family and dearly adore.
I never thought I’d have thousands of people care enough to follow me on Instagram, engage in what I post and refer to me inspirational.
Like … what? Is this real life?
Honestly, I don’t mind the surprises, the unexpected … those moments that keep me guessing and keep life interesting because, the truth is, everyone’s story is tragic and beautiful. No one is immune to the tragedies and everyone is likely and capable of achieving and experiencing something unimaginable. All of my tragedies and beautiful unimaginable’s over the last few years have afforded me the ability to look at life in a much different way than I have in year’s past. I’m still very flawed, but I think it all makes us better. I’m more compassionate and tend to hand out grace much quicker than I used to. I am more driven and inspired by everyday life. I see endless potential in the people I keep close, and I’ve learned to be brave enough to be very selective about who those people are. I’ve learned boundaries are healthy things to set up in your life. I’ve learned that you don’t have to wake up at 6AM and clock in by 8AM to do worthwhile things, at least for me, personally. [#nightowl] I’ve learned there are so many, genuinely sweet people out there – [and I’m so very thankful for you!] – but I still struggle with letting their voices dim the minute I hear a remark from the heartless few. I’ve learned to let people help me … although my assistant, Lyndsey, would certainly disagree. Okay, that may be one I’m still working on but, we’re all a work in progress, right?
Gosh, I am such a rambler … but, I think where I was going with this initially, and why I’m sharing all of this, is because I want you to know how mind-blowing it is to me that I’m able to do this for a living. It’s unbelievable. Seriously. I’ve never been more pumped about ‘work’ in my life, and although I am happy to put the blood, sweat and tears behind making it a reality, you are what keeps it running. So, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for allowing me in to your life in the way that you have. Thank you for making the first year as a full-time blogger [without a second job] memorable and fun! You are the reason for so many of my smiles this year, and I do not take it for granted. I hope you know that. I’m so excited for 2016. All of its surprises. All of its lessons. And another year of being able to create something new and beautiful every day. Cheers, my loves! Be safe tonight and, as always, thank you so much for stopping by!! xo. Hay
Deep and loving thank you’s to all of the brands who have partnered with S&T this year: Nordstrom, Urban Decay, Kate Spade New York, Julie Vos, Baublebar, Shoshanna, ModCloth, Jack Rogers, Goodnight Macaroon, Hush Puppies, Chicwish, Jergens, Tobi, Colleen Rothschild, Dune London, House of Belonging, Sole Society, LOFT, Shop Mint Julep, Chico’s, Trump Soho, DPM Fragrance.
Thank you to all the photographers who have contributed to S&T this year – Kaylee Labor, Ryan Mathey, Ashley Aylsworth, Kelsey of She, In the Making
To Miguel Emmanuelli of Miguel Emmanuelli Photography – Since Day 1, you have made my blog a more beautiful place with your God-given talent. We started our journey’s at the same time and yours has been an amazing one to watch, to say the least. I’m so proud of you. Thank you for always being exceptionally gracious and kind to me and level-headed in our differences. I admire those things in you, and know I’ve learned how to be better because of it. I’m so thankful I get to work with you professionally, Mig, but forever thankful I can also call you a dear friend.
To my WIN-dsey – I hope you know how much you mean to me and how I thank God for you often. It’s beautiful what He’s done by putting us together. It’s been a fun and challenging ride so far, and it will undoubtedly continue to be. May we embrace it all in the next year, the beautiful and the brutal. We will come out better through it all! I love you and am thankful for all you do for me day in and day out. You da, you da best. Love you, bug! xo.
Have loved following your blog this year! Congrats on all your accomplishments this year dear!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
Your blog is one of my first stops in the morning! Thanks for sharing a little piece of you with all of us! Happy New Year!
YOU are such an inspiration to so many … I am so very proud of you !!!
2016 holds such great promise far all of us … Love always … Dad
Amazing outfits, amazing heart, and amazing work! I’ve loved following you! You really are an inspiration! Happy New Year!
Keep smiling!
Molly |www.stylemissmolly.com
I really love your honesty here, both with the good and the bad. Plus, the fact that you took the time to thank the brands you worked with this year, your photographers, etc shows a beautiful heart and thankfulness. I’m sorry you have to deal with negativity, but as a tiny blogger, I can say that the negative comments just means you’re successful. Little blogs never get hate because no one CARES enough to do it! So I know that’s a weird way to look at it, but it’s a bit of a silver lining. 🙂
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year gorgeousness! May 2016 bring you tons of great happenings and people into your life!
http://lartoffashion.com
Beautiful outfits. Love your style
Kisses from http://poshnessary.com ❤
You’re a wonderful example to all of us- humble, grateful, willing to share your faith and, of course, tres chic. Happy 2016!
You rock! I cannot wait to see where 2016 takes you
Lots of Love // http://lifeplusbe.com/
I seriously love how real this post is! You should be so so so proud of yourself for how much you’ve accomplished..it’s quite impressive! I love your blog and can’t wait to follow along in 2016! Xo
@stylemelauren
http://www.stylemelauren.com
Im so glad I came across your blog this year! Congrats on all of your accomplishments, and for sharing so much with us! You are such a kind hearted woman. Cheers to 2016, and all it has to offer for you!
You have no idea how inspiring this post was to read! Thank YOU for giving us such a fun glimpse into your world! Absolutely love your style and love following your travels! Happy New Year!
I have loved following you this year. You are a beautiful person inside and out and are inspirational to so many. Congratulations on all of you’ve accomplished and wishing you much success in 2016!!
So many amazing outfits!!
http://www.livingpaula.com