The Best of 2014

Happy Friday friends!

I am proud to report my first week back at school has gone swimmingly! 2015 sure is looking good so far!

First of all, a giant thanks and hugs to all of you! The blogging community has been a part of the support network that has been so valuable to me in the last year. Blog friends have never failed to show they care through comments, emails, texts, and even snail mail. Y'all are awesome!

While Monday's post was a bit tough, I don't want y'all to think 2014 was all hard. It certainly, like all years, had its good and bad. I wanted to take some time to share "The Best of 2014" with you today!

BEST OUTFITS

First up, I bring you my favorite outfits of the year, via none other than My Instagram!

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

BEST TRIP

Without a doubt, the best travel of the year was Bryce's and my Spring Break Charleston trip. It was at the height of some of our stress and provided a much needed getaway. We also were fortunate enough to get to meet and enjoy dinner with fellow blogger Cambron and her now fiancee! Read the full "Charleston Getaway" post here as well as my "Charleston Eats" post here. We'll also reminisce a bit right here in this post...take me back, now!

BEST RECIPES
Despite being a tough year, 2014 did involve a lot of really good food! We discovered several delicious new recipes that have become go-tos in the last year. You will find my absolute favorites below.
(you might notice I had a hard time narrowing it down)

                                      Thai Chicken                                 Natalie's Shrimp & Grits

Mac & Cheese Cups

                 Natalie's Mozz-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs             Annie's Crispy Gnocchi

                                            Tortellini Soup                    Pimiento Cheese Ham Biscuits

and for your sweet tooth...

 Top Secret Pound Cake 

                         Cookie Dough Rice Krispy Treats                    Chocolate Chess Pie

                          (or you can just eat the dough

                                   as pictured here!)

BEST HOME UPDATE
Hands down, the transformation of our sunroom into a gorgeous, girlie beautiful sitting room that is all mine.

Full post here. 

Coffee table styling updates coming next week...

BEST BOOKS

This one's for you, Jess!

The Husband's Secret

While searching for something in the attic, Celia comes across a letter written by her husband to be read upon her death. When she confronts her husband about the letter he insists it is nothing, but when she opens it a long kept secret is revealed that could alter her family's life forever. Moriarty interweaves this story along with others, that all connect with a fateful twist at the end. And a funny tidbit, the story takes place around Easter and all through the first portion of the book I was confused as to why they were describing the cooling weather...only to dawn on me that Australia, the book's setting, is in the Southern hemisphere, thus placing Easter in the fall!

The Invention of Wings

Based on a true story, this historical novel shares the journey of the Grimke sisters, two of the first female abolitionists of the early 19th century. I loved this book, because while it described the history and culture of the pre-Civil War South, it also was a true coming of age novel beginning with the story of Sarah as an 11 year old, spanning nearly 30 years and her growth into adulthood.

Me Before You

The thought of this book just makes my heart happy. Lou, a young woman with little vision beyond tomorrow, forms an unlikely friendship with Will, a wealthy ex-playboy. How did they meet, you ask? Lou, out of a job, is hired as Will's companion. A freak accident has turned the man who once was so full of life into a paraplegic. The relationship that develops is life changing for both and will tug at your heartstrings. A movie is in the works, so read this NOW, before it hits theaters!

So there you have it...my top picks for 2014!

Can't wait to see what the next year has in store.

And...on a fun note the Warby Parker Make-Your-Own Annual Report was recently shared with  me. It's a short, silly survey which will generate a personalized annual report for you. You can see mine here...apparently my spirit animal is the hedgehog! It took about 2 min and made me chuckle, so I thought I'd share!

What were the highlights of 2014 for you?

Any "best of" recommendations to share?

Have a great weekend!

2015: The Year of Doing My Thing

Happy New Year friends!

First things first, today is the start of the Lilly After Party Sale! Click here to shop ah-mazing deals!

Wow, I took quite the break from blogging these last few weeks. School has been so demanding this year, that I needed this break more than ever before. Little did I know that would mean a break from, well, everything, including the blog.

I also will admit, I've been hesitant to sit down and write this post. I knew that my next few posts would reflect on the past year and also look forward to the new year ahead. That task has been more daunting than in years past. As I've mentioned before, 2014 has been a tough year. It has been the hardest year of both my and Bryce's lives. As I've stated previously, I don't feel at liberty to share the details of our challenges from the past year, but I will share that what has made this situation unique is that most of the challenges we have faced have been largely out of our own control. Our relationship (and sanity at times, ha) was put through the ultimate test, yet it was not due to something either of us did to the other. Rather, it was a series of outside struggles and stress that put a huge strain on our relationship.

I've done a lot of thinking about the past year. There are so many sayings about the tough times in life--"What does not kill you makes you stronger," "Everything happens for a reason," "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain," "Yada, yada, yada!" I don't mean to sound cynical (and maybe I am), but while I think these words have meaning, I also think sometimes bad things just happen. I don't think there is some divine ultimate reason for everything. I wouldn't even say that I am necessarily stronger than I was a year ago; in fact, in some ways I am probably weaker. I would say the "positive" from the past year has been assurance. I now can say with complete assurance that I am strong, that my relationship with Bryce is strong, that my relationships with friends and family are strong. Does that make me better though? I'm not so sure.

All that being said, my motto for 2015 is "Do your thing." So much of my past year was spent trying to ameliorate and control the situation I was in...a situation that was largely out of my control. Throughout much of the year, I felt like I had lost a sense of myself. I developed anxiety. I was unhappy and I was a glimmer of the person I believe myself to be. The last few months have been much better, and moving forward, I am vowing to simply do my thing. To be myself, and focus on what is best for me...in some ways, regardless of others. That may be selfish, but after the past year, I think I need some time to be selfish. To expand on my motto a bit:

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And now to not sound totally cynical, and self absorbed, I'll do some reflecting on last year's resolutions and share my other goals for the year ahead. To read in detail my goals and resolutions for last year, click here.

In short, below you will find my goals for 2014 and a brief reflection:

REVAMP MYSELF AS A BLOGGER

All in all, I would say that this goal was largely successful. 2014 was a bit of a rebirth of my blog. I recreated myself as "Alexandra Bee Blog" and got a pretty new design courtesy of Laura Wyatt Designs. I also largely maintained my goal of posting 10x per month. I missed the mark in both September and December, posting only 8 times those months, however, life was busy and I posted more than 10 several months so I think it all comes out in the wash.

MAKE OUR HOUSE A HOME

This goal was largely about focusing on my relationship with Bryce and the new step we took by choosing to move in together at the beginning of last year. Because of the year we faced, I can honestly say that the exact particulars of this goal were not my focus. Much of our focus in our relationship over the last year, was really, for lack of a better word, survival. We had to fight to stand by each other's side for most of the year. It was tough, but ultimately, we prevailed and our relationship is now stronger than ever. And honestly, I'd say that has been the ultimate success. 

TAKE CHARGE OF MY OWN HAPPINESS

Well, you can probably infer from my reflections at the beginning of this post, that I didn't totally succeed in this goal. I set out with high hopes for 2014 and the first short six days were great. I was proclaiming the benefits and power of positive thinking and confident moving into the year ahead. Then on January 6, that all changed. I've learned a lot though and feel confident I can find more success with this goal in the coming year.

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KEEP TRYING NEW FOODS

I would say that goal was hugely successful. I consider myself somewhat of a reformed picky eater and will eat most anything these days. I'm still not the biggest fan of fruit, though, haha!

And now for 2015. I was tempted to make no goals and just say that my resolution for the year ahead to make it a better year than last, but that's just not in my nature.

FOCUS ON POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

If the past year has taught me anything, it's how important a support network can be. I am so lucky

to have the unwavering love, friendship, and support of Bryce, my family, and some seriously amazing friends. There is no way in hell I would have gotten through the past year without my support network, so my goal moving forward is to really focus on continuing to cultivate positive relationships and to pay it forward. I want to make sure the people that have helped me so much know just how much their appreciated and loved by me.

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SPEND MORE TIME INTERACTING WITH OTHER BLOGS

I am so proud of how far this blog has come, but over the last year, I have really struggled to find the time to read, comment, and connect with other bloggers. I have tried hard to do a better job of emailing readers in response to comments and questions, but I can most certainly do better in the new year. Additionally, I am constantly inspired by others and miss reading blogs regularly. That being said, I am hoping to be able to carve out some additional time each week to connect with all of you beyond my posts. 

GET BACK TO HEALTHY EATING

Womp, womp, womp...this is the boring goal, but it's a necessary one. In the last year, as I've become less and less picky, Bryce and I have really become foodies. Richmond's food scene has also been booming and we've had an influx of amazing new restaurants at our fingertips. All that being said, we've probably been doing a little to much eating, drinking, and being merry, haha! I am hoping that the new year will bring better meal planning and more healthy eating.

BUILD UP MY SAVINGS

Another boring, but necessary one here. This year, I really want to work hard to spend less and save more. I am very fortunate to have little educational debt which my parents are helping with and no credit card debt. I also am proud to say that I already put away for retirement each month. That being said, there is plenty of room for improvement in terms of saving. I had the habit for a while of putting a huge chunk of my paycheck into savings at the beginning of each month, however, I got out of the habit over the last few months. I plan to make it a habit again and focus less on material, more on meaningful.

So there you have it! My goals for 2015..the year of doing my thing! New year, I'm ready for ya!

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How was your past year?

How do you cope when the times get tough?

What goals or resolutions do you have for 2015?

Have a great day!

And just because I am saving, not spending, doesn't mean you have to! Shop some of my Lilly favorites that may be included in the sale below. I will also tune back in after school this evening with more!

Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas!

I've taken a bit of a blogging hiatus this week to soak up every bit of the Christmas season I could! I'll be back early next week with some end of year wrap-up posts! Until then, I hope you are enjoying the holidays surrounded by those you love.

Here's a glimpse into our Christmas season thus far:

DIY Jingle Bell Bow + Last Minute Gift Ideas

Hip Hip Hooray! The last Friday of school is here!

I apologize for a bit of a blogging absence this week. I have been running, running, running these last few weeks. Since Thanksgiving, I have been staying at school late almost every day. That combined with several different Christmas events to attend, has left little energy or time for blogging.

That being said, today I bring you a brief post! 

We always have a Jingle Bell Run the last day of school before break and my first year I made a cute jingle bell bow and have loved wearing it at Christmastime ever since!

All you do is get a craft barrette, tie a bow with some ribbon and add jingle bells. Everything was attached to the barrette with hot glue. All in all it took under 5 minutes! I've even gifted some to friends over the years to wear to Christmas parties!

And finally, I wanted to share some of my top picks for last minute Christmas gifts. Lots of places are still accepting online orders through the weekend with guaranteed Christmas delivery! 

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?

Any fun Christmas weekend plans?

Have a great day!