Monday, January 5, 2015

2014 in Review and Looking Ahead to 2015


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Happy New Year!!  I hope you had a great holiday and enjoyed some time with friends and loved ones.

2014 had its ups and downs, but overall it was a great year.  One of the best things to come out of it was me getting more serious about this blog and getting to connect with some great bloggers.  I know that there are a lot of blogs out there, and I really appreciate all of your support and the fact that you have added my blog to your reading list.  

I know some people aren't big on resolutions, but I'm a big believer in setting goals for the new year.  I've always read that writing down goals significantly increases the chances of you reaching your goals.  This year, I'm not just writing them down and putting them away but making them public so hopefully everyone can help hold me accountable. (Yikes!)

My mantra going into 2014 was "Say yes to everything" which led to some amazing trips (Vietnam, St. Martin), fun moments with family and friends, several interesting dates (some of which were funnier after the fact...), and new experiences.  I'm definitely going to carry that mantra into this year and am adding several more goals.

1. Put myself first.  This may sound selfish, but I l know that all of us are busier than ever and pulled into a million directions.  One thing I've learned over the past year is that I'm no good to anyone, including myself if I don't take a little time to myself.  For me, this means, working out 2-3 x/week, not sacrificing sleep, and stepping away to recharge before I burnout,  not after.  I also have to get over my FOMO (fear of missing out)...

2. Build better relationships.  One of the things blogging has reinforced for me is that no one is an island.  I can't do everything alone (and sometimes it just isn't as much fun to do it alone!).  I've met several of my fellow bloggers, but I want to reach out to more and to people offline that I like/respect/want to get to know better.  I love meeting and learning from people so I think there will be a lot of coffee dates/breakfasts/lunches/drinks in my future.  I'm excited for what some of these relationships may bring!

3. Continue investing in my creative space.  You may notice some changes around here this coming year and I hope you will let me know what you think via a comment or an e-mail to nicoletothenines@gmail.com.  The first change is that I will be posting 5x/week (let me know if there is any content you want to see here!) and redesigning my blog.  I also hope plan to meet more of my fellow bloggers (see above), attend at least one blogger conference, and work with a few brands.

There are some other financial and work-related goals I have, some of which are a little bit of a stretch, but I'm excited to work towards them.  I'm also sharing these with my friends offline so that we can support each and work together in helping each other achieve our goals.  Bring it on 2015!

Do you believe in New Year's resolutions?  What are your goals for this year?

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53 comments:

  1. Love your outfits from 2014!! I love your goals for 2015 ... they are all so perfect! I can't wait to see what you have in store for this years blog posts!
    Cheers, Monique
    Casually Chic by Monique
    Find me at : bloglovin' | instagram

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  2. These are such great resolutions, and I am excited to see what the next year brings! Happy New Year Nicole!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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    1. Thanks Whitney and Blaire! Happy New Year to you guys also!

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  3. Great outfit recap and I love reading your resolutions! I'm a big resolution person too. Sure, they don't always work out but I like to make them simple and realistic and work towards them anyway so I feel like I'm getting somewhere.
    Gina - On the Daily Express

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    1. Thanks Gina! I loved your grading system for your resolutions. I might have to adopt it for next year!

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  4. Welcome back! A few of your resolutions resonate with me big time. Excited to see how you will revamp the site. Cheers to 2015!

    www.girlinahotcity.com

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  5. Preach it Nicole! I love your resolutions! We have to meet up for the new year!

    Audrey
    www.lululinden.com

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    1. Thanks Audrey! We definitely have to meet up again sometime soon!

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  6. Welcome back from your break. I have enjoyed everyone\s year in review style-wise. You had such a fantastic fashion year Nicole and I love most of these outfits. Well done, my friend. I am also recapping the year in a 3-part post.

    Happy 2015! Ada. =)

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  7. Great outfit re-cap. You definitely had a good year! Love your new goals for the new year! Cheers to 2015! Hope the New Year is treating you well so far!

    <a href="http://www.rdsobsessions.com'>www.rdsobsessions.com</a>

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    1. Thanks Rach! I hope the New Year is treating you well also!

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  8. Happy happy new year! Love all of your looks from 2014, can't wait to see 2015!!

    xx,

    La Joie de Vivre

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  9. Loving your goals for 2015!! You definitely killed in the fashion department in 2014! Can't wait to see what you have in store for this year!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  10. Love this. Keep up the good work, pretty lady - can't wait to see what 2015 has in store!!

    xx Kat
    www.withlovefromkat.com

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  11. Thank long pink dress is stunning. Putting yourself isn't selfish because when you make time for yourself, you are happier which in turn is best for everyone!
    :] // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

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    1. Thanks Carmen! It is one of my favorite dresses also. I totally agree about putting yourself first. I hope I can stick with it!

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  12. Love the outfits And love your goals! I got a fortune cookie once that said, "Your greatest investment is in yourself." :) So goal number one is def awesome.

    Emma
    www.emmacristy.com

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    1. Thanks!! I love that fortune. That is the perfect way to say my number one goal!

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  13. I love all of them!

    http://misspippisstyle.blogspot.hu/

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  14. I love your goals! I really need to write down all of mine on a list, then maybe they will happen! I love all of your looks too! I can't wait for more!
    ~~Megan~~
    http://www.poshprime.com

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  15. The hot pink dress was easily my favorite, SO AMAZING!

    I also love resolution #2, I really think thats so important in life!

    Eleventh & Sixteenth

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    1. Thanks Kimberly! That dress is one of my favorites also!

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  16. Such a nice selection of outfits! It's so nice to be able to look back and see past outfits from the year :D xx

    www.lulabelloves.com/blog

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  17. Such a stylish and wonderful year! I have loved getting to know you and follow along. Best of luck in all your goals for 2015!

    Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

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  18. I love your style!

    I am following you on bloglovin, would you like to follow me back so we can stay in touch?

    http://mypetitecorner.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Sara! I'm looking forward to checking out your blog!

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  19. I am still loving that pink dress! It has been a great year! I love your resolutions, too - I think I am going to adopt some for myself :)

    Maggie
    www.PolishedClosets.com

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    1. Thanks Maggie!! We can help each other hit our goals!

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  20. I loved reading your goals Nicole! I also sacrifice on sleep and always regret it the next day. I always love the outfits you put together. You always seem to know exactly which colours are good for you.Well done for aiming to do a post x5! Happy New Year to you Nicole!

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  21. So many great looks! And great resolutions. I always make them and then around March, I totally forget them. Maybe I'll be better this year. Here's to a fabulous 2015!

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  22. I love your style and attainable resolutions! Networking was so key for me this year and I truly believe helped grow my blog - or at least, help myself grow as a blogger! Here's to a productive 2015!
    Carylee | more pieces of me
    Enter the $225 Nordstrom Giveaway HERE!

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    1. Thanks Carylee! I'm excited to build relationships with other bloggers. I'm really excited for the new year!

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  23. Great outfit recap! Great New Year Resolutions. I agree with you that writing them down help. I was not into that until I few years ago. I am sure you can achieve all of them ~ Cheers to an amazing 2015!
    ~Tatiana
    We Shop in Heels

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  24. You had a very stylishe year, girl! Wishing you all the best for 2015! -xx

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  25. love the denim shirt mixed with the fabulous black skirt!

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  26. You're so fashionable! Love your style.

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