Looking Back on 2018

Happy New Year! I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to write my first post of 2019 but I'm back today with a little reflection on the year that was. I almost jumped right into discussing my intentions for 2019, but I always like to wrap up the last year here so I can get some closure and move forward.

2018 was actually a good year for me. I was able to curtail my spending, I enjoyed more time outdoors, I made my health a priority, and I took a fun trip to Mexico with my best friend. But in the interest of being completely honest and transparent with you guys, it was also very inconsistent. Meaning, I was very inconsistent. I think I made some headway in managing my anxiety and depression, but it was more of me just pasting a smile on my face and trying to will myself into contentment. In reality, I spent a lot of time ruminating and I went back and forth from being social and having a full calendar to feeling utterly alone and isolated. As usual, I did it to myself. I'd have weeks where I felt great, and then my mood would completely shift and I'd have weeks where I wouldn't even want to leave the house. I would tackle a goal, but then retreat and feel like a total failure. I did this in so many areas of my life. Exercise, school, even blogging.

 If I could sum up 2018 in one word (as is the popular thing to do right now), inconsistent would be my word...

Sometimes, positive thinking can actually do more harm than good if you're not addressing an issue. Because although my attitude in general was much more positive in 2018, there were still negative thoughts brewing underneath the happy platitudes, and really I just tried to conceal them rather than overcome them. Fake it til you make it! It sounds great and all, but after awhile I just felt like I was faking everything. It became exhausting at times, and that's when I would withdraw. There were events I missed, appointments I canceled. I blogged less and tried my best to disconnect from social media. I sometimes wondered if I should stop blogging altogether, but I've always enjoyed it and I think I'd feel a void if I quit. So I'm still here! 

Wearing // Spanx faux leather leggings, Similar cardigan, Steve Madden shoes on sale, Gorjana necklace and rings

I'll discuss my outlook on 2019 in my next post, but I don't have ANY expectations as of now. The best parts of last year came from unexpected plans, spontaneous little adventures, and spending quality time with the people (and four-legged friends) that I love and I just want to continue to do more of that. 

Charnele, Caryl, Gina, Rachelle

Seeing these beautiful ladies over the holidays was most definitely a highlight of 2018. I wish we all lived closer so we could get together more often! We all met for dinner at Rustic Root in downtown San Diego and then went to a bar across the street. How fabulous do they look?!

So tell me, if you could sum up your 2018 in a word or phrase...what would yours be?

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Shine On In Sequins

Christmas is over and the countdown to New Years has begun! I hope everyone who celebrated enjoyed some quality time with loved ones. Nate has had a few days off so I haven't really been in the mood for sitting down to blog on my computer...My friend Rachelle decided to take the entire month of December off from blogging and I think that's the way to go! Oh, and more about Rachelle and meeting up with our other blogging friends soon!

But for now, let's talk about sequins. They are ubiquitous during the holidays and for good reason. You can go all out in a sequin skirt or dress, or you can do what I've done here and dress them down a bit.

Wearing // Old Shop Tobi sweater, Old Zara sequins skirt, Ted Baker bag, Sam Edelman flats, Gorjana rings

Honestly this has been my favorite holiday outfit I've worn in years. For any of my longtime readers, do you guys remember this gold sequin skirt? I think I've had it for about 6 or 7 years! Maybe longer because it was way before I got married. I bought it during a big Zara sale and wore the heck out of it. Somehow, miraculously, it has survived countless closet clean-outs. Recently I saw Helena from Brooklyn Blonde wearing an oversized sweater with a sequin mini, and it inspired me once again to bring on the shine for a nice dinner out. It would obviously be perfect for New Years Eve, although we don't have any plans yet so you might just find me in PJ's instead! Either way, it feels great to get reacquainted with an older item of clothing. It's like visiting with an old friend.

Are you into sequins for the holidays?

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Casual Holiday Outfit

On Saturday, I co-hosted a Christmas party with my best friend at her apartment in San Diego. We wanted it to be fairly casual but also festive! When we arrived at their place, her husband surprised us by dressing up as Santa. She went all out with tons of shimmering lights, candles, a beautiful tree, and a naughty elf that kept sneaking up to her bar cart every few minutes. We exchanged white elephant gifts and laughed the night away. Honestly it was so much fun. The holidays can be pretty hard on us emotionally. We both get the holiday blues for different reasons...but celebrating together helps. I'm hoping it can become a tradition, something to really look forward to each year.

Wearing // Old Navy jacket, Leith dress, Franco Sarto ankle boots, Nordstrom scarf

Beauty // Everything from this post

In planning my outfit, I knew we were going to be inside most of the time so I just wanted to be comfortable yet also look put-together. I guess that's always my style philosophy! I love this Leith dress so much in gray that I had to have it in black as well. I threw on my burgundy jacket, a little leopard, and I was good to go. 

Have you gone to any parties yet this season? What did you wear?! 

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4 Key Beauty Products To Look Holiday Glam

With all the special events and festivities surrounding the holiday season, it's usually around this time each year that I get really excited about makeup again. If there's ever an excuse to play around with shimmer, glitter, and bold red lips, it is now! I'm fairly natural on a daily basis - I stick to the basics (a little drop of foundation, some under eye concealer) and I don't take longer than a few minutes to get ready. But when it's time to get dolled up, there are a few key products I use to get holiday glam.

Adding some subtle sparkle - I go a little crazy with highlight, but a beautiful sheen along the cheekbones, in the inner corners of the eyes, and down the nose looks just right for the season. Depending on your skin tone you may prefer champagne, gold, or a bronze highlight but this pink and gold hue is my current favorite. 

Becca Cosmetics lilac geode 

Go for a bolder lip - A dark red or berry lip color is high maintenance but SO glamorous in photos! I say go for it at least once this season! 

M.A.C. Powder Kiss Lipstick in Burning Love

Get glowing skin - Now that the weather has turned cold, I'm doing everything I can to avoid dry, dull skin. Mixing in some luminous foundation with my regular matte foundation instantly creates a lit-from-within glow without going overboard.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

Lots of lashes - This has been my go-to mascara for quite some time and I love the fullness it gives my stubby lashes. Actually, I should mention here that I'm getting lash extensions right before Christmas! Until then, a couple coats of lash paradise it is.

L'Oreal Lash Paradise 

Are you going to any parties this weekend? I'm heading to San Diego to co-host one with Katie so I'll be putting these products to use! Getting glam beforehand is the best part!

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