I sit and write this as I wait for my boyfriend’s plane to come in. He is coming home after visiting his family in the Mid-West for Christmas. Thinking of him reminds me of this year. He has made 2014 such an exceptional year. I am so grateful to have had him come into my life. 2014 has (of course) had it’s ups and downs, but all-in-all, it’s been a great year for me! Personally, it’s been wonderful. Professionally, it’s been good, but a hard year. Hard decisions have had to be made, but they have been the right decisions. I’m excited about new ventures and new ones to come. This year has been a good start for even greater things to come — here’s to thinking positive for 2015!

( I probably missed some things on this list, but here are a few things from this year.)

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1. Blog Changes

Moved the blog from Blogger to WordPress (a major endeavor, but worth the work and hassle!).

2. Romantic Life Changes

Met a great guy and moved in with said guy! You can’t imagine how happy this makes me. (You can also add, moved to a new city to this!)

3. Elle Enfant

Started my new shop, Elle Enfant. This shop sells children’s vintage and modern fashions. I’m having so much fun diving into a new venture and completely different market!

4. Show Room/Office Changes

In July, I made the hard decision to move The Curvy Elle office and show room out of the office space I was renting. I am happy I made this decision and am in a much better place (financially and emotionally) by this choice. No sad faces about this decision!

5. Knowledge is Power

In May, I will celebrate the 3rd anniversary of The Curvy Elle Shop, and this year, I have really felt like I know my business and customer. I have been able to make more succinct decisions in product choices for the shop. This has made a change in the finances and waste, just because I make less mistakes as a buyer and designer (don’t get me wrong, I still make ’em!).

6. Body Image

Going on almost 30, I look back at myself at 20 and my self image, and they don’t even compare. Yes, I was smaller in size, but NO, I did not see myself in as positive a view as I do now. I still fight with myself and my view of my body, but more and more it is easier to overcome a bad self view and have more confidence in myself. Time heals, as they say, and life experience gives you a different perspective.

Happy Holidays! You must be getting ready for the holidays that are rapidly approaching, as I am. (We won’t mention the fact that I’ve done ZERO Christmas shopping yet.) I may not have shopped for my loved ones, but I did get the chance to put together one of my annual Holiday Giveaways for my lovely loyal followers! Get your entries in while you can! See below for giveaway details and entry form.

** The giveaway runs now to December 16, 2014. Both international and US domestic followers may participate. Shipping cost of items is included. One winner will be picked at random. Thank you for participating!