Best Of – Page 14

Categories: Best Of

Best of 2014 | Moments

Hello, hello!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas. I sure did. I celebrated the holiday with my extended family on Christmas Eve, which was fun and enjoyable. Then, Christmas Day was spent with my nuclear family. My mom and I opened presents in the morning (I was totally spoiled with a new pair of TOMs, a set of essential oils, a new Vera Bradley purse, a pair of flats, and Google Chromecast), and then my brother and his family came over in the afternoon to open more presents and have dinner together. I ended my day with Chinese takeout and watching a movie with my boyfriend so, all in all, pretty splendid day.

This week, I’m going to be looking back on 2014 with a few “best of…” posts. I do this every year, and it’s one of my favorite things to do. Today, I wanted to talk about the ten best moments from 2014.

One. Taking my sixth cruise.

In May, I went on my sixth cruise (and my fifth one with my mom!) We sailed on the Carnival Liberty, stopping in Key West and two islands in the Bahamas. It was a much more low-key cruise for us than normal. We did a pub crawl in Key West (highly recommend!) and then just relaxed by the beach while in the Bahamas. It was a fun vacation and I think it’s time I start thinking about where I’ll be cruising for my seventh cruise. 🙂

Two. Meeting some of my favorite bloggers.

This year, I was able to meet three bloggers-turned-friends: Lisa, Jessica, and Nora. Lisa and I met up for a quick coffee date as she passed through Tampa on her way to a work conference, Jessica and I met up for drinks while she was in Tampa for her work conference, and then I traveled to Orlando to spend an afternoon with Nora (and her husband!) while she was in the area for a vacation. It was so nice to see all three of them, especially after reading their blogs for such a long time! They are gems, and I wish I lived closer to each of them.

Three. Traveling to Savannah

At the end of November, my mom and I took a road trip to Savannah for my birthday weekend. And it was such an amazing trip. I loved everything about Savannah: the history, the beauty, the food, the people. I would go back in a heartbeat. It’s such a gorgeous city and there is so much to do and see. I highly recommend visiting!

Four. Developing stronger relationships with my coworkers.

This year saw an explosion of growth for my company, so much so that we had to increase our office space. When I started the job in August of 2013, I was the only girl in my part of the office. Thankfully, the boys I was seated near were awesome and fun to be around, but I wanted some girl coworkers! And my wish was granted, as I’m now seated in a new part of the office and I am surrounded by females. We chit-chat throughout the day, and one of my coworkers has even become a super close friend to me (and she pushes me to get out more and do things, which I so need!) I loved my job before, but I love it even more now that I consider many of my coworkers’ good friends.

Five. Going to my first Miami Dolphins game.

In August, my mom and I were graciously gifted free tickets to one of the Bucs’ preseason home games, and they played none other than my beloved Miami Dolphins. I’ve never been to a Dolphins game before, so it was special and fun and exciting. We had amazing seats (near the 50-yard line!), the Dolphins won, and it was so neat to see my boys in person. Now to get myself to a Dolphins home game!

Six. Participating in Run or Dye 5K

My mom corralled me into this race, even though I didn’t really want to do it. This race happened in March, and I hadn’t been running much (or at all), so I wasn’t looking forward to it. I was hoping it would be fun, but I put way too much pressure on myself so I spent the entire days leading up to the race worrying about my performance. Thankfully, it was super fun! The race was filled with people of all ages, and I loved getting dye thrown on me as I ran through the different stations. I’d gladly do this race again!

Seven. Finding out I’m going to be an aunt again!

In July, my brother and sister-in-law revealed that she was pregnant, which was the most pleasant of surprises to find out! I honestly did not think she would have another child because they seemed so satisfied with their family of three. Then, in October, we found out she was having another boy! A second nephew! I can’t wait to welcome this little bundle of joy in early 2015.

Eight. Taking a photo every day.

On January 1, I started Project 365, taking a photo every day in 2014. It’s been a long journey and is not as easy as it may seem. Probably because, sometimes, my life is just boring. I wake up, go to work, come home, make dinner, watch TV, and go to bed. And there’s nothing very interesting to document. (Which is when I resort to pictures of Dutch. Because why not?) But I’m happy I saw this project through to the end. And I’ll be very happy to just take a photo when I feel like it in 2015.

Nine. Paying off my credit cards.

In early 2014, I paid off my credit cards and it was such an intensely awesome experience. It feels so good to not have those credit card bills looming over my head. I ended up using my credit cards throughout the year, but would always pay off the balance in full the next month. Next up: tackling those darn school loans.

Ten. Meeting Alex.

Meeting Alex has been the most wonderful way to end this year. It’s been a whirlwind, and he just makes me so ridiculously happy. I feel comfortable with him, and it’s not easy for me to feel comfortable with people. It takes me a long time to warm up to people, but it’s been so different with him. It’s just easy. He makes me feel good, and I’m just so excited for the future with him.

What were some of the best moments of your 2014?

Categories: Best Of

2013 in Review | Top 10 Blog Posts

Happy New Year, friends! I can’t even believe 2014 is upon us already. I have so many dreams, goals, and plans for this year and I am really excited to get them going. I’ve spent the last few weeks laying the groundwork, and now it’s time to execute and get serious about crushing some seriously big goals.

In any event, that’s not what today’s post is about! I’m still looking back at 2013 and I saw a fun post on Caroline’s blog the other day, where she reviewed some of her favorite blog posts from the past year. I thought I would do something similar, using some of her prompts and a few of my own. So, without further ado, my top ten blog posts of 2013!

1. My favorite post was Fatherless Father’s Day.

2. My most popular post was Goodbyes and Hellos.

3. My most helpful post was When Intentions Fail.

4. A post whose success surprised me was Writing Is Work.

5. A post I feel didn’t get the attention it deserved was We Are Strong.

6. My most beautiful post was On a Special Bible.

7. My favorite post I wrote, spawned from a post another blogger wrote, was Changing My Story.

8. The post I was most scared to push publish on was Guarding My Heart.

9. The post I am most proud of was This is Good Enough.

10. My favorite guest post I wrote was On Learning to Say Yes.

When I think about this blog, I never really have any specific goals for it. I’m not looking to increase readership, though I love when new readers happen upon my blog and connections form. I’m not looking to make money from blogging or get tons of sponsors or anything like that. I just want to write my story down. I want to be honest and truthful about what I’m dealing with and going through and triumphing with and losing at… the good, the bad, and the ugly. The happy moments and the sad moments. The times when I’m proud and the times when I’m defeated. All of it. It’s for me, because it’s a cathartic healing process for me to get it out of my brain, but it’s also for you. For the I’ve been there’s. And the I thought I was the only one’s.

So when I think about where I want my blog to go in 2014, the truth is, I don’t have a clue. I’d like to continue blogging consistently, which is something I don’t struggle with too much. When it’s something you love doing, you make the time. No matter what. I’d like to launch a new design because this one is starting to feel a little dated. And I’d like to be a better blog friend. Send cards for birthdays, email more, strengthen connections, reach out. I hold back a lot because I fear rejection and I get too caught up in my own head. They already have close blog friends, what do they need from me? The truth is, we all want to strengthen our blog friendships and I’ve never received an email or text or tweet from a blog friend checking in on me, or asking me about something, and felt annoyed. It always feels good. I want to make others feel good, too.

This blog may get more health- and financial-focused in the coming year, as these are two huge goals of mine and I know there will be many thoughts tumbling through my head that I want to get out. Above all, though, it will remain pure Stephany Writes. Snippets of my life, essays on what I’m going through, and plenty of pictures of Dutch to soften even the hardest heart. 🙂 Bring it on, 2014! I am so, so ready for you.

Categories: Best Of, Books

2013 in Review | Top 10 Books Read

Happy New Year’s Eve! I am working today, but crossing my fingers my work will let us out early. I don’t have any crazy party plans (I know – shocker!), but plan on ringing in the New Year with my family at home. We’ll watch the ball drop on TV, play some games, and just enjoy one another’s company. I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful New Year’s Eve!

For today’s post, I have another top ten list for you – the best books I read this year! I read 102 books this year, which is pure insanity, but there’s nothing I love more than getting completely wrapped up in a book. It was hard to narrow my favorite books down to a top ten list, but I did it! I put these in order, from books I really, really loved to books that changed my life. Here we go!

10. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple – 4 stars

This book is so quirky and so fun and I completely enjoyed my experience reading it. I laughed out loud a few times while reading (something I never do!) and I couldn’t help falling completely, hopelessly in love with these characters.

9. The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay – 5 stars

This was one of the best YA novels I’ve read in a long time. It was part mystery, where you know something bad has happened to the main character but aren’t sure exactly what it is. It’s part love story, as this broken girl finds healing and hope in the love and strength of a boy. It’s part coming of age, as the character begins to come to terms with what has happened to her and grow from it. It’s a phenomenal read, the writing is exquisite, and it’s one that will make you feel good when you finish it.

8. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – 5 stars

I’m always behind when it comes to reading what is popular. (I mean, I just read the Harry Potter series in 2010!) So it’s no surprise it took me a while to get into The Hunger Games series, but I’m so glad I finally did. I think the first book was easily the best, with the second and third books falling a little flat for me. (They were still good – just didn’t grip me the way the first one did.) I think it’s worth reading these books and deciding for yourself what the hoopla is about. It’s action-packed, well-written, and you just can’t help but love Katniss.

7. The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner – 4 stars

I’m not a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner and her writing, but I really, really enjoyed this novel, which surprised me. It was also the first book I ever “read” via audiobook and the reader was wonderful which made the experience so much sweeter. This story was just very sweet and heartfelt, and I found myself really intrigued by the main character. She was smart and funny and sensible, and I could really connect with her and her self-esteem issues. I’ve yet to find a Weiner novel I love as much as I loved this one!

6. The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton – 4.5 stars

This book reminded me why I loved reading so much. I was engaged from the get-go and fell completely into this story and the lives of these five women. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking, as you follow these women through love and loss and triumph and sadness. The writing was fantastic, the characters were easy to root for, and I liked the natural pace of the story. It made me happy, made me teary, and reminded me of the power of friendship.

5. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert – 4 stars

I stayed away from this memoir, mainly because I heard a lot of negativity surrounding the book. So I went into reading it with trepidation, thinking I wouldn’t enjoy it, but I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found Gilbert to be refreshingly honest and real and I really connected with her. This book taught me a lot about love, about life, about taking chances and surrendering. I really, really enjoyed her writing style, and I finished the book a bit confused why it gets so much bad press. To each their own, I suppose!

4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – 5 stars

I remember enjoying this novel when it was required reading in high school, so it was a neat experience to read it again, simply because I wanted to. (Well, it was a book club book, but I wasn’t complaining!) When I read it in high school, I read it academically. This time around, I read it for the pure enjoyment of reading. It’s such a good book, easily in my top five of all time, and it gripped me from beginning to end. I could barely put it down! (Also, confession, but when I was in ninth grade, I had a total crush on Atticus and I can report that I still have a “literary crush” on him today.)

3. Wild by Cheryl Strayed – 5 stars

I didn’t expect to like this book, but I actually ended up loving it. I love the way this author writes. I love the bluntness and honesty and straightforward way she connects to readers. I couldn’t put this book down and all I wanted to do was read it, but at the same time, I didn’t want it to end. At times, it was a hard book to read, but this is a story of personal triumph and knowing that, no matter what you are going through, no matter how shitty and awful life seems right now, you will find your way out of it and it will be beautiful.

2. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini – 5 stars

It’s hard to express how deeply this book touched my life. Not only was it a well-written story with powerful characters and an engaging plot, but it made me take a good, long, hard look at my life and all the freedom I have, as a single woman living in America. I’m not immune to complaining and feeling woeful about my life, but I have so much freedom to do whatever I want, be whomever I want, marry the man I want to marry, travel where I want, etc etc. This book changed the way I viewed freedom. I felt dumbfounded while reading this book and seeing how women are still so oppressed today. This book broke my heart and pieced it back together again. It was heartwrenching to read at times, but still hopeful. This is such an important book for everyone to read.

1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes – 5 stars

I struggled a lot between A Thousand Splendid Suns or Me Before You as my favorite book this year and I finally settled on Me Before You. I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did, because I knew it dealt with some heavy topics that I thought would leave me feeling depressed and sad. Instead, this book left me feeling happy and hopeful and with a changed view. First of all, the characters were wonderful. Lou and Will were two characters that I absolutely adored and it just makes me sad that these people are not real. I was expecting a dark and depressing book, but I got one that was funny and engaging and light-hearted, all the while dealing with heavy subject matter. I had a hard time putting this one down, and it’s one I recommend to just about anyone.

What’s the best book you read this year?

Categories: Best Of

2013 in Review | Top 10 Moments

This week, I’m going to spend time looking back on 2013 with a few top ten lists. Usually, I simply recap the year month by month, but I thought writing a top ten list was more appropriate. A lot of great things happened this year. A lot of growth, a lot of change. These are listed chronologically, so in no real particular order. Here we go!

One – Experiencing butterflies

It’s no secret that my dating life – and dating history – is sad. I’m 26 years old and have never been in a serious relationship. Oy. But earlier this year, I met someone over OK Cupid and we dated for a short period of time. And for that short period of time, he made me really, really happy. I got this tiny glimpse of life in a relationship and it was wonderful. Really, really wonderful. I was excited about where this relationship was heading and was the happiest I had been in a really long time. And then things went sour and it really hurt. But it’s life. It happens. He wasn’t the right one for me. But those butterflies? They were so worth it.

Two – Going 30 days without drinking soda

At the beginning of this year, I did something I never thought I could do: I went 30 days without drinking soda. This is a major accomplishment for me because I have been addicted to soda for so long. It really wasn’t all too difficult, even fighting through the caffeine withdrawals. I think I just set my mind to doing it and I did it. It reminded me how capable I am and how I can do anything I set my mind to.

Three – Buying a car

I bought my first car this year! It was a long, long time coming, especially since I don’t live in a walkable city so anytime I need to go anywhere, I have to drive. I put this off for a while, mainly because my mom let me use her car whenever I needed it (and we’re together so much, it wasn’t often I was without wheels!) and also because of money issues. But the time came when I just needed my own car so I set aside money for a down payment and found a wonderful, reliable car in my price range. Definitely a huge bright spot this year.

Four – Parasailing in Grand Cayman

My mom and I went to Grand Cayman for the third time in three years, during our cruise in May. I like to do crazy things while on cruises, and parasailing is definitely pretty crazy! It was such an amazing experience, even if it was slightly scary to be so high above the water! We had fantastic tour guides and five whole minutes to ourselves high in the sky. I thought it wouldn’t feel long enough, but it felt like the perfect length of time. I would definitely do it again!

Five – Participating in The Amazing Cozumel Race

My mom and I finally did this excursion while we were in Cozumel in May, after passing over it the other times we had been in Cozumel. It wasn’t perfect. We were paired with a girl who was a bit overbearing and annoying and all over the place. On the one hand, she was very helpful and had no problem asking locals for help (something my mom and I would never do unless it was a life-or-death situation!). But on the other, she kind of spoiled the race for us a bit. All in all, though, it was still fun and we got to explore an entirely different side to Cozumel.

Six – Writing 30+ guest posts

I didn’t make my goal of writing 50 guest posts this year, but I did wind up writing over 30 posts, which is still an impressive number (in my eyes, at least). It was a bit crazy and nuts, but I enjoyed writing these posts. I wrote about everything from my faith to reading to cruising. You can find the whole slew of posts right here.

Seven – Accepting a new job

There were many changes I wanted to happen to my life this year and one of those was finding a new job. I didn’t talk much about it, because who knows who is reading your blog, but I threw myself into job searching this year. While I loved the coworkers at my job, the position was evolving into one I didn’t much care for, and I knew I wasn’t making what I deserved. A large part of me finding a new job was to find something that paid better, simply because I was barely making it on my salary at my old job. So I went out there and searched. I put together a gorgeous resume, fiddled with my cover letter, and started applying to my little heart’s content. I set up a ton of job alerts and would spend many weekends and weekday mornings going through those emails and finding jobs to apply for. And, in August, it all paid off when I accepted a job doing SEO content creation for an online marketing firm.

I’ve been with my new job for four months now and things are going swimmingly! I love the work. I love my coworkers. I love my bosses. I love the environment. I was terrified of everything in the beginning because change and transitions are really hard on me. I felt more anxiety than excitement about starting a new job, and the first few months were definitely difficult. But I’m opening up, building friendships, and I know I am exactly where I’m meant to be. Hands down, the best decision I’ve made and the best part of my year.

Eight – Going brunette

I went back to brunette! After over 3 years of being blonde, I decided to go brunette. Being blonde was a lot of fun, but it was also a lot of work. (And expense.) So I spent the majority of the year growing out the blonde and then made the plunge in early October! I love being brunette and I’m so happy I made the change!

Nine – A vacation with new girlfriends

Mid-November saw me boarding a cruise ship for a fun weekend getaway with girls I met through my local book club. The leader of the book club is as obsessed with cruising as I am, and she found a great deal for a two-day cruise out of Tampa on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Of course, I was so in, as were three other members and we had a blast! The food was delicious, the entertainment was fun, and the company was amazing. I loved cruising with these girls and only hope we can vacation again together very soon!

Ten – My mom getting engaged!

This past weekend, my mom’s boyfriend officially proposed to her and she’s got a dazzling ring to prove it! They’ve been talking about getting married for a few months now and had been shopping around for rings all week, so this wasn’t anything crazy shocking, but still very fun and awesome. My mom actually met her fiance, Robert, on OK Cupid and while there were a lot of growing pains in the beginning, we’ve all gotten used to one another and I am so, so, so happy for my mom. She deserves this. She deserves to know what true, good, honest love is like. And he has been so good to her. Of course, she asked me to be her maid of honor, so I guess we’ll be planning a wedding in 2014! Eee!

What are some of your top moments of this past year?

Categories: Best Of, Goals

2012 Resolutions: A Review

I honestly cannot believe it is time to recap my 2012 Resolutions! Didn’t I just make these goals? How are we three days away from the end of this year? I gave myself lots of goals for 2012. Let’s see how I did!

Health and Fitness

1. Get to my happy weight (ideally 115 lbs). Nope. Ugh.

2. Run an entire 5K in under 35 minutes. The only 5K I ran was in April and I definitely didn’t make this goal. And then I took a break from running because I was hating it so much. And then I broke my ankle and was sidelined for 3 months. And then I started running but now I’m sidelined again until I can have a proper sports massage because my muscles are cramping, they are so tight. And then. And then. And then.

3. Exercise 4-5 times a week. About 70% accomplished. I was so much better at exercising when I belonged to a gym but cannot afford a gym bill anymore, so I just need to have the motivation within me. Excuses, excuses.

4. End my addiction to soda. Not completely, but I’m getting better. I want 2013 to be the year I stop drinking soda altogether!

5. Get up-to-date on all doctor’s visits. A goal accomplished, finally!

6. Give blood at least three times. Yes! I started taking daily iron pills after I went twice to give blood at the beginning of the year but my iron count was just below the cutoff. Now that I take them regularly, I never have an issue and give blood as often as I can!

7. Run the Turkey Trot 10K in November. Nope, thanks to that stupid broken ankle.

Money

1. Pay off all credit card debt. About 2/3 completed. I paid off my largest credit card bill earlier this year and just paid off my Target credit card. My last credit card is halfway to the balance, which I am hoping to get paid off sometime in January. I haven’t done well with this goal, but I want 2013 to be a much smarter year for me financially, so I’m working on it!

2. Try as best I can never to keep a balance from month-to-month on my two credit cards. FAIL.

3. Pay off my ER visit bill. I didn’t even get started on this! I want to focus on getting this paid off (or the majority of it) in 2013.

4. Set aside 5% of every paycheck into my savings account. FAIL.

Blog/Social Media

1. Switch Stephany Writes to self-hosted WordPress, with a brand-new design. I checked this one off in early March and I worked with Doniree on the switch. She took care of everything and made the process so easy and stress-free. I am so happy with the switch and completely recommend using Doniree if you want to make the switch. (I also use her hosting service, Whiskey Cloud, which I never, ever have issues with. Wholly recommend!)

2. Take one break from social media a month. I think the only month I missed doing this was September, but as I was coming back from a month-long social media hiatus, I think it’s okay. I really love stepping away and I want to continue stepping away regularly in the new year. (I’m thinking about one weekend a month.)

3. Have a weekend away with special blogging friends. This didn’t happen. Sob.

Writing/Reading

1. Write and edit a novel. When I did my resolutions recap post in October, I was 100% positive I was not going to make this goal. And then I went and wrote a novel in November. See what happens when we stop making excuses and just start doing? Pay attention, Steph. I haven’t gotten around to editing my novel, but I am super proud of writing it! Yay, me!

2. Read one nonfiction book a month. Completed! I really like reading nonfiction but I generally do not read a lot of it so I made this a goal so it could become more natural for me. This year, I’ve read: Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling, Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff, MWF Seeking BFF by Rachel Bertsche, What Women Fear: Walking in a Faith That Transforms by Angie Smith, Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside by Kelly Cutrone, Twenty-Something, Twenty-Everything by Christine Hassler, The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe, Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman, The Joy of Less by Francine Jay, and Quiet by Susan Cain. Whew!

3. Read 75 books. I’ve read 89. BOOM.

Other

1. Fly on an airplane. Yup! Accomplished this goal back in September when my mom and I flew to Atlanta to visit family. It was a short ride (less than an hour) but I was still silly excited about it. I am totally an eight-year-old at heart.

2. Fully immerse myself in the online dating world. I feel like I did accomplish this. I’m not sure what I was aiming to get out of this goal, but I think I just wanted to put more effort into dating and finding that special someone. I connected with a few guys, went on some dates, and tried to open my heart more to love. I’m hopeful for what 2013 will bring me.

3. Find my faith again. I don’t think I ever lost my faith but I do think I was searching for something when I started this year. I was struggling with my faith and I was stuck on this idea of perfection when it came to being a Christian. While I still feel like the crappiest Christian there ever is, I’m starting to realize God cares more about my intentions, less about my perfections. I know I can do better and I want to do better, but at the end of the day, it’s about loving Jesus and trusting in Him.

4. Join a book club, Bible study, or some type of social group. Yes! I started attending a woman’s Bible study at my church in the earlier part of 2012 but wasn’t able to make it to their Fall or Winter sessions, due to scheduling difficulties. But I also joined a local book club that I’m totally loving. Yay!

***

In total, I accomplished 12 of the 21 goals I set, or about 57% total. I failed miserably at the health & fitness and money goals and surprise, surprise – they are a major focus for me in 2013. But there were a lot of goals on here – like writing a novel and joining a social group – that I really hoped I could accomplish but didn’t have a lot of faith that I could. So it’s pretty neat to be able to cross them off as complete!

I really love making New Year’s Resolutions. I love sitting down at the end of the year and evaluating what goals I want to make a priority in the new year. It’s no secret that I love, love, love goal setting and creating New Year’s Resolutions gives me a focus for the upcoming year. I know I’m not going to achieve every single goal I set, but I was able to achieve 12 major goals this year. I am thrilled about that!

Stayed tuned – next week, I am bringing you lots of 2013 goodness. I will reveal my theme for the year (including the vision board I worked on this past week!), as well as my intentions for 2013. I have some lofty goals for this upcoming year, but I know I have all the power within me to achieve them.

What are some goals you set this year that you accomplished?