My Insta-Year 2012 & 20 Things I'm Thankful For

I cannot believe how quickly 2012 has come & gone. I feel like I was doing this year-end Project 365 review post just yesterday and suddenly we're approaching the dawn of a completely new year, and here I am again. My 20's are flying by! Sheesh.

I have so many incredible things to be thankful for this year. 2012 was truly a year of growth and constant change for me. I think I experienced the most changes in my adult life during this year. From career changes to lifestyle changes to personal life changes and self-renewal, this was a pivotal year for me. I've learned so much about myself from all the trials & tests I've had to endure. My faith is way stronger and I have clarity of mind about where I see myself and what I truly want out of life. The Quarter-Life Crisis is real, y'all. But necessary. Most important lesson learned? Count your blessings.

Here's a list of My 2012 Top 20 Things I'm Thankful For:

1. My first trip to San Francisco

San Francisco is a city after mine own heart. From the incredible sight-seeing, the beautiful rolling hills, the coastal views and the amazing green lifestyle there, to the tech vibes and the diversity of the city, I fell head over heels.  I love it and I can't wait to go back!

2. The birth of my newest nephew

There's nothing more beautiful to me than the birth of a new soul. We added a happy addition to my family this year - my nephew Ezekiel. My other nephew Justice has made cameos on the blog from time to time (particularly this time I dressed him up in my Russian fur hat Ralph). I love these two boys with all my heart.

My 3 year old nephew, and my new 8 month old nephew

3. Taking Risks With My Look

Before this year, I hadn't colored my hair at all since 2006. Big step for me! I mean, yes it was colored extensions so not actually "my" hair, but it was still major for me to embrace the color and the change. Dana Gibbs of Dana's Loft did an excellent job on my BET Awards look. I think it was my best hair ever. Ombre ends might make a reappearance on this head in 2013.

4. My First Published Travel Story

I have always been addicted to travel. Any major trips I take, I document them right here on the blog and it's always been something I was really passionate about. So it was a MAJOR deal for me to have my first travel story published in a print magazine. I had the opportunity to do so in the April 2012 issue of UPTOWN Magazine. I'll never forget it!

5. My first "Home" away from home

So this year I started my new Home Improvement series. I moved into a new apartment in the city that just has so much character and, for once, really feels like "my" home. I've been really enjoying making it my own and giving it a personal touch.

6. Discovering LiSi Cosmetics 

By far one of the best moments of 2012 was my first time walking into the flagship LiSi Cosmetics store in downtown NYC. From that day on, I have been hooked and the brand has been so incredibly supportive of me and my endeavors. I've had so much fun spreading the word about them. From the Digital Launch Party to the creation of my nail polish color. I'm beyind grateful for having stepped foot into that store.

7. My Trip to the BET Awards

The fact that this blog all started with a runway recap of the BET Awards in 2009, it really brought things full circle for me when I was invited by Ford to be a special guest in their Ford Hotspot in LA. Not only was it my first time in LA, but my Road To BET Awards series really hit home for me because it truly has been a journey since starting my site.  The opportunities I've been given go beyond my wildest dreams.

8. My Trip to New Orleans

I almost didn't make it to the Essence Music Festival this year. But I had always wanted to go and so instead of being rational, I threw caution to the wind and booked a last minute flight out to New Orleans. Best decision I made all year. I had an absolute blast hanging with my blogger besties in one of the most beautiful and culture-rich cities in this country.

9. My Successful Whole 30 Challenge

So towards the end of the summer, you guys who follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook probably recall me jumping head first into a full 30-day detox called The Whole 30. This was life-changing for me. It's incredible to see firsthand how your body reacts to cutting out toxic foods. I never felt better. I'm already planning my next Whole 30 journey for 2013. It may be happening sometime in February, stay tuned.

10. Being Valued as a Voice

This year I had the pleasure of doing a number of speaking engagements and panel discussions =- something I've never done before! This year, I spoke at the Blogworld & New Media Expo, the Rising Affluent Conference, the BlogHer Conference, a Fashion Blogger panel for a Youth Women's group as well as a PENN Alumni panel. You guys already know I love to talk, so being able to share some of my experience in this industry with other folks who really care? Priceless. I can't wait to do more of it in 2013.

11. My First Runway Fashion Show

BlogHer blessed me with the opportunity to strut my stuff in their very first runway fashion show. I had SUCH a blast being in the company of other awesome bloggers and walking down a runway for the first time. I even landed a beauty feature on Elle.com because of it. So much fun!

12. Hosting Social Women Brunches

This year, myself and Yoli of Yoli's Green Living co-hosted a series of brunches entitled "Social Women". We had esteemed guests like comedienne actress Kim Coles and even socialite/entrepreneur Angela Simmons. I've always love hosting events so this was a true accomplishment for me.

13. My First ATL Weekend (Turned Week)

There's nothing like a plate of Southern food to make you feel at home, even when you're away from home. I visited Atlanta for the first time this year and what was supposed to be a quick weekend getaway turned into an extended stay due to Hurricane Sandy. I didn't complain. I connected with ATL friends, ate tons of Southern cuisine and counted my blessings, considering the tragedy that was taking place in my hometown.

14. My Successful 2 Year Natural Hair Journey

Two years natural guys! Can you believe it? I didn't think I would make it without the creamy crack but I did! And the journey is still going strong.

15. My Daytime TV Debut (Katie Couric Show)

I had the pleasure of being Katie Couric's behind-the-scenes live blogger on her daytime talk show this year. I got to meet Katie, I wrote a post for her website and I was treated to a front row seat at the show (with laptop in tow). It was a great experience. 

16. Taking Part in Political History...Again

I voted back in 2008 for what I believed would never actually happen. Having a First Family of color for the past 4 years has been nothing short of amazing for me. Our ancestors fought so incredibly hard to make dreams like this come true. I was happy this year to participate in his re-election. Not because of his skin color, but because I believe in his values and what he plans to do for this country. I'm not really big into politics, but I was proud to do my civic duty this year.

17. Meeting Iyanla Vanzant

Guys, I am ONE degree of separation from Oprah! That's right, your girl met Iyanla Vanzant at a launch dinner for her new show "Iyanla Fix My Life" not too long ago. I was honored, to say the least. She has such a warm presence, and her show on OWN network is really touching lives. This night was monumental for me.

18. My BlogHer Style Squad Appointment

I am a super proud member of BlogHer Publishing Network's very first Style Squad. I contribute posts to their site and they now service ads right here on LoveBrownSugar.com (as you guys probably have noticed on the right sidebar and top header). It's beyond my wildest dreams that I'm able to make a little chump change from doing what I love. I'm thankful to BlogHer for believing in me and supporting my dream.

19. LoveBrownSugar Nail Lacquer

What can I really say? This is something I can now check off my bucket list. I have a beauty product in my name! Even now, over a month after the announcement, I'm still in awe. My Limited Edition "LoveBrownSugar" nail polish is still available for sale HERE. I love & appreciate you guys who have supported me by purchasing bottles of your own!

20. Surviving 2012

From bad breakups to bouts of unhappiness and depression, nearly losing loved ones in my immediate family and feeling like all hope was lost. I even stopped blogging for nearly a month! God's grace is really the only reason I can say I'm still here. So I'll go forward counting my blessings and remembering how important it is to give thanks for the positive things in your life. One of which, for me, is your readership and your continuous support. I'm beyond blessed to have readers (and friends, really) like you all. I wish you guys continous success, prosperity and true happiness for the upcoming year!

What's one major thing you accomplished in 2012? What are you most proud of?

How To Create A Vision Board: Part I

Note: This is not my 2011 vision board, just a digital representation

So this entire year I've been raving about how much creating a vision board at the beginning of 2011 has helped me go above and beyond. It's truly miraculous all I've been able to accomplish this past year as a result of staying focused on attainable goals and literally staring at them everyday. So I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Vision boards work. Seriously. If you don't believe me, keep reading. In this 3-Part series "How To Create A Vision Board", I'm going to walk you through what I did to make mine, how mine helped me achieve success and then finally how others have achieved success using these methods. Happy December - get ready to take 2012 by storm!

Step 1. Decide on your goals for 2012 and write them down.

They should be concrete, attainable, and well thought-out. Don't just throw "Win a Million Dollars" on there. Take a few days to truly reflect on the things that you lacked, the things you really craved for but couldn't have and the things you regretted not pursuing this year. This should drive your goals for next year. Feel free to steal inspiration from people you look up to and admire. There's nothing wrong with that, and they don't have to know. Warning: Positive goals only. If your motivation is to see your ex-boyfriend's new girl fall off of a cliff in 2012, this is not the right exercise for you. You're better off seeing a hit man. Better yet, you might need Jesus. Just saying.

Step 2. Shop for Materials.

Ok, once you've taken some time to reflect on the goals you'd like to accomplish, it's time to go shopping! Head to your local pharmacy, bookstore, and/or craft store to pick up your favorite magazines and other inspiring materials. Search for publications that truly represent your personal goals. Some of my faves for personal/career motivations are Essence, Ebony, Uptown, and Black Enterprise (these publications normally contain images of people I personally wanna be like one day). For fashion, I love Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Nylon, and Lucky. Whatever your goal is, choose mags that center around that theme.

Step 3. Research.

It's time to research the images you'll be looking at all year long and set them aside for Step 4. This is another activity you'll want to set aside at least 2-3 hours for. Remember, your vision board is a year-long image that you'll look at daily. It's a work of art. You want to clip images that really represent your goals and tug at your emotions and motivations when you look at them.

Step 4. Put it together.

Source

So here's the tricky part - you'll want to arrange your vision board so that everything flows together well, and so that it looks pretty. Again, you're going to look at this e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y. It should look as fly as you!

My personal recommendation is to separate different parts of your board based on your goals. In Part II, I'll show you how I did mine but basically you can arrange the images in different sections of your board to correspond with each goal. So for example, have health in the upper right corner, career at the bottom left and spirituality in the middle. Whatever you prefer!

Step 5. Hang It In A Visible Place.

The point of the vision board is just that, vision! You must be able to see your board easily. Hang it in your bedroom, or living room. Wherever you spend the most time, that's where your board should be. If you're a workaholic, keep it at your desk at work! You can even take a picture of it and make it the background wallpaper for your cell phone. Whichever way you choose, just make sure it's easily visible and always in your face. It pays off, trust me.

Stay tuned for Part II (update: see it here) - I'll show you how I put my Vision Board together for 2011 and how each of the goals on my board were achieved this year. In the mean time, have any of you created a vision board? If so, I want to chat with you!

Email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com with either a) a picture of your vision board or b) a story highlighting how it helped you in 2012.