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.