Champagne Dreams for 2017

2016 was an odd year for me. It was filled with ups and downs, successes and set-backs, but mostly- realizations. Today I'm reflecting on things I have realized in 2016.

For me, I'm labeling 2016 "The Year of the Blog." This year I spent most focused on my blog- thirsty to move forward and build this as a sustainable career. I have learned a lot this year and have made successes that have moved me in the right direction. I established the Bubbles & Bloggers meet up, a monthly event for local DC area bloggers where everyone is accepted (as long as you have an established blog or creative/fashion/beauty focused Instagram). I created this inclusive group to build a supportive network for bloggers, as I felt like the blogger community was lacking this. I'm so pleased with how far its come and I have plans for it to grow in 2017. I worked with and built amazing relationships with local area brands, as well as larger brand, Modcloth- which was amazing. I walked in my first ever fashion show thanks to the iConiq Style App and met some amazing, amazing people as a result. I co-hosted/planned a charity event for My Sisters Place DC, which was very successful and raised monetary and item donations and awareness to domestic abuse. While this all is great, I still get down on myself at times that I'm not doing more. I need to realize I've done all these meaningful things and appreciate it, rather than be hard on myself. This is going to be a goal of mine for 2017- to give myself a break. I still am going to hustle like no other to move forward with my blog, but I'm going to lighten up on myself a bit. If theres anyone else reading this who feels the same way, I hope you let up on yourself in 2017 too.

This year I had the opportunity to travel to Peru. I had never been to South America, so this was a entirely new experience for me.

I realized people appreciate what they have there, void of materialistic items. It is so different here in the US, and it made me realize I need to appreciate everything I have in life, rather than long for more.

I realized there are people who legitimately support me in my goals (shout out to all my blog baes, husband, friends, and family!), and people who don't. But, such is life. Not everyone is going to support your successes as a result of their own internal insecurities or burdens.

I realized the importance of shopping local and supporting small businesses. As my husband embarked on a new business venture of purchasing The UPS Store in Old Town Alexandria this year, I saw first hand the inner workings of running a small business and how important it is to support your local community businesses. Shout out to all you business owners out there, because....its is freaking hard work.

And lastly, a big thing I realized, is that no matter where you are in life, if you have a goal or dream, do everything in your power to achieve it. Whether its taking a huge leap of faith, or working late hours, or traveling somewhere- do it, and do it today rather than tomorrow. Our own fears hold us back far too often and we have to stop second guessing ourselves.

May 2017 be the year of achieving dreams for all of us.

And, in the wise words of Mr. West, "Reach for the stars so if you fall you land on a cloud."

And with this, I bid farewell to 2016 and welcome 2017 with open arms. I’ll be celebrating the new year with my husband and some of my closest girlfriends and their SO’s over a nice Italian dinner at Filomena in Georgetown, followed by champs at a dive bar of choice. Because there is nothing better than getting glam and going to a dive bar. Grit & Glam, I tell you- its my thing. This Saturday I’ll be rocking my brand new Zophia CEO wrap "Champagne Dreams” skirt, because that seems like the best way to welcome the new year- with sequins, champagne, and dreams.

Photography by Lauren Joseph.

XOXO

Blonde in the District

#DCStyle