MY 2019 IN REVIEW: WHAT'S NEXT FOR 2020?


Hi there! 

So here we are, at the end of another year! I for one, is so grateful that I was blessed with another year to live and dream. The year went by fast, without a doubt. It seems like it was just yesterday we were ringing in the new year and in just few short days we'll be doing it all over again! I just can't believe it and you know what they say "time waits for no one", I sure hope you made the most of 2019 and you have drafted some new goals for the up coming year. I have, and I'm excited about the year 2020...I'm eagerly looking forward to it.

This is my last blog post for 2019, so I thought it'll be great to reflect on how 2019 went and what I can improve on for 2020. I believe clarity and selfawareness is absolutely crucial  to personal growth.  I hope it helps you gain some clarity and insights on your own goals so you can make the necessary changes needed, so we can win together in 2020.



Personal Goals:

As you may know, I'm a stay at home mom of 4, so life was busy as usual, it got even more busier when I went out of my comfort zone to start blogging. Through blogging I've met quite a few fantastic blogger friends.  I even went to a couple of events, which is huge for me because you'd usually find me home with my family on any given day or night. I've realized, it's important for me to be social and meet new people and experience new things. So I'll continue to attend more events in the new year.

I also closed a chapter in my life and started a new chapter and through that I have meet some amazing new family that I adore. It was difficult, because I felt I had a history where I was, over a decade worth of history to be precise, but being there was no longer serving me. I finally closed that chapter of my life and started a new chapter with amazing group of people and I'm happy I was able to do that, its been nothing short of fantastic.



My advice is to never let history or comfortability hold you back from moving on and forward. The unknown can be scary at times, but you'll never know if you don't take action. Don't be afraid to start new if you have to but don't waste your time all in the name of history. Take a leap of faith and you'll be fine. It'll  be difficult at first, but you will find your feet before you know it.

Blog Goals:

At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to get over my fear of judgement and launched my blog where I share all the things I'm passionate about. I went out of my comfort zone and embark on a whole new and nerve racking journey.  I wanted my blog to be a place where women can be inspired to take charge of their lives, through education, happiness, and motivation while doing what they love. It was challenging getting my blog up and running but I officially launched my blog in March of 2019.

My goal was to write two blog posts per month, I was able to do exactly that except in September. It was a busy month with back to school and other family commitments.  I was not able to write two blog posts but I have a plan in place to help with the months that are super busy for me.



Through my blog, I also got to work with some amazing brands.This was huge because while doing some research almost every blogger I had asked and articles I read suggested to wait until I have at least 10,000 followers on Instagram before reaching out to brands. I started reaching out to brands in June with around 3,000 followers and almost immediately I got some yeses!

Yes I contacted lots of brands and some never got back to me, or said no. That was perfectly ok with me, it did not break me or discouraged me. I kept sending out emails and reaching out to brands. My take away lesson was, follow your guts and put yourself out there even if all odds are againest you. Just because it has been so for most people, it doesn't mean it'll be the same for you.  Just do the work needed, put yourself out there, never give up, and keep trying until you eventually get someone who believes in you and is willing to give you a chance.



I started working with brands in June 2019 as of  today as I publish this blog post, I have worked with over 20 brands. I could have never imagined it, no I still don't have 10,000 followers on IG.  I'm so gratful and I'm hopeful about landing more amazing brand deal as I grow my blog in 2020. You can do it too, just have a strong conviction about what you do and be willing to go for what you want!

Fitness Goals:

To be frank, this was the worst year for me with regard to fitness. I was inconsistent with my exercise and diet routine and gained back almost all the weight, I had lost the year before. I'm still trying to balance being a full time mom, wife, a blogger and now a business owner.  I'll get a better handling on things in the new year. I have created a daily fitness and meal plan to help me get back on track and stay on track starting in january of 2020 and beyond. I know I can do it and I'll do it.



What's next?

At the latter part of 2019, I embarked on new journey. I decided to turn my life long passion of Home organization and decor into a business. I have been doing it for years and I enjoy doing it. I actually opened Ig account for it in January of 2019, but didn't start posting there until October of 2019. Again, fear of judgement held me back until I decided to just do it. I have been doing all the behind the scences work from branding, to registering the business and building the website. In 2020 EMERICH DESIGNS will officially be in business!

Final Reflection:

It's funny how life works sometimes, here I am doing things  I never thought I'd do. First blogging and now a  business owner. All because I came to the realization of what it is that I want to do. I've always been the type of person that roots for others. I've always been the type of person that shares information....If I get a good deal on something,  I want everyone to know about it. If I try out something and works for me, you better believe I'll be more than happy to share it with others.


I enjoy helping people and its my passion and purpose. It's a revelation for me and I'm running with it. I want to help people live a better version of themselves through what I post and share on my blog. With my new business, I want to help people live a simplified life by getting organized, staying organized, and be themselves while thriving with impeccable style and ease. I'm happy to finally be doing what I love just by paying attention to what comes naturally to me.

I say all that to say, study your habits, notice what you do best with less efforts and build on it. I'm still learning every day, and I'm not where I want to be, but I'm no longer unclear on my purpose. My purpose is loud and clear to me and I'm doing everything humanly possible to use it to serve others either through services, motivation or inspiration. I'm so looking forward to what 2020 has in store for me and I just can't wait!


Lastly:

I want to say a huge thank you to all of you for your support and encouragements. I wouldn't be here, without all of you. Thank you for reading my blog posts and thank you for motivating me to do better and to put my best foot forward. I appreciate all of you more than you'll ever know. I'm wishing you all a fantastic 2020 and go for whatever you have in your head, even if it might sound crazy to others.

I'll be delighted if you can do me the honor of telling me how your 2019 went and what you have planned for 2020! Were you able to accomplish some of your goals? What lessons are you taking from 2019 and what are you hopeful for in 2020?



SHOP SIMILAR LOOK:




MEDAASE (thank you) and S.M.I.L.E all through 2020 and beyond! Cheers beautiful people and Happy new year!

S - SEE
M - MIRACLES
I - IN
L - LIFE
E - EVERYDAY

XX
EMELIA

GLITTERY PARTY DRESSES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.


With the Holiday season officially in full swing, so are the search for "what to wear to a company Christmas party", what to wear to Christmas sunday church", What to wear to Christmas banquet" and the search goes on. 

We all want to look our best as we celeberate.  It's definately the season for parties and it goes without saying most of the holiday parties happening right now requires a little glamming up.  So ditch the casual everyday look, be glamorous and have  fun with some glitter this holiday season!




The holiday season is all about glitters, sparkles and bold colours, so I got to work and picked a few of my favourite budget friendly christmas party outfit that will sure help you make an entrance to any party looking like a diva on a dime! 

I hope it's inspires to look your best this holiday season while still staying on budget. All my selections are very affordable and on budget!



If you've read my blog post, Top Three Online Stores To Score Killer Deals, you definately know Shein is one of the affordable online stores I love to shop at. It's a one stop shop for all things affordable and stylish fashion.




This V-neck Tie Waist Glitter dress I'm wearing is only $13.00. Yep you heard it right! It comes in size small to extra large, I'm wearing large.  Doesn't it look fabulous for that price?! 

You really don't have to spend a fortune to look fabulous and stylish. This dress is so comfortable, can be dressed up or down, and it's not too tight--making it easier to move around without worrying about the dreadful food baby.

Shop This Dress: Tie Waist Glitter Dress



That's it guys! I wanted to make this nice, short and straight to the point! Shein has endless selections of glittery holiday dresses to choose from.  I've linked the exact dress I'm wearing and few others below, check it out and happy shopping!






SHOP HOLIDAY GLAM LOOK



Afehyia pa and S.M.I.L.E!

S - See
M - Miracles
I - In
L - Life
E - Everyday

XX
EMELIA