The last hurrah. The closing of another chapter. The grand finale of 2014. Here she is in all her glory.
I toyed with the idea of recapping what’s been happening with me over the past year, but I feel like I do that enough with my list updates and as of late, it’s been all about me, me, me.
I can’t think of a better way to wrap things up than with a list of the people who have inspired me the most throughout this past year. These are the people who make me want to be a better photographer, a better writer, my best-dressed self and simply put, a better person as a whole and I’m thrilled to be sharing them with you today.
Annie has an eye for taking the ordinary and making it into something extraordinary. The proof lies in her Insta snaps {@anniereeves}. At this point in the game, I’m convinced that she could make a cardboard box look pretty if she was given the task. Her photos are positively delightful.
Oh and it can’t go unmentioned that she has the most adorable little pup I’ve ever laid my eyes on who goes by the name of Hasell. Look at that face! Instant mood-booster, I tell ya.
I don’t just love Jess because we share the same name or because she is a print mixing god, I love her because I can relate. I remember finding her blog after the Real Blogger Beauty project launched over the summer and she said something along the lines of not being very good at style back in the day. That’s me. While she has most certainly come into her own, I still have work to do when it comes to curating a closet that reflects who I am. With inspo like her, I don’t see failure as an option.
Photo via The Golden Girl Blog – taken by Kelly and Blair
Felicia. The bold, smart, opinionated voice behind Love Life Eat. Her blog sucked me in after Hallie linked to one of her stories several months back and I’ve been hooked ever since. Her stories stir up emotions in me like I’ve never felt before (I don’t like to call them posts because I don’t think that gives them the credit they deserve). In an odd way, it feels good to read something so raw and more often than not, familiar.
Last, but not least, my sister. She reminds me to breath when I feel like the world is caving in. She reminds me to be patient with the things I don’t have control over. She reminds me that not everyone has the same beliefs as I do (and that’s okay). She reminds me of my past – all the good, bad and the humorous wrapped up in one. She reminds me that we’re in this life together. She reminds me what unconditional love feels like.
These are the women who have stirred up something inside of me, a passion to be better. Is there someone, a place or even a moment in time that was a pivotal moment for you and a constant source of inspiration over the past year?
Before I send you off to toast to a new year and the opportunity for a fresh start in 2015, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for reading my blog, leaving me comments, sending me sweet and enoucraging emails and for being a part of this journey with me – you make the late nights and early mornings all worthwhile.
When the clock strikes midnight, I hope that you’re surrounded by the ones you love most and I hope you feel the same excitement that I do about the year ahead. I should also mention that if you’re feeling a little buzzed, that’s okay too 😉 Know that you aren’t the only one. #cheers
Catch you in 2015, friends!
Awwww Jess!!! This made me tear up! I am seriously so honored, reading this really has made my last sliver of 2014 so much sweeter. This year has been an amazing one for you, you’ve accomplished so much and have so many things to be proud of! I can’t wait to see what 2015 will bring for the both of us (hopefully we actually get to meet in person this year!) Keep on kicking ass, lady.
xoxo
Jess
Aww, I’m so happy! 2014 was pretty grand, but I know 2015 will be even better. I’m planning to make my way back up to Chicago after the polar vortex makes its exit 😉 I will keep you in the loop and hopefully we can meet up!
This made my whole day!!! I have been thinking about how thankful I am for the friends I’ve made through blogging this year and what a cool community it is. I’m so glad that you are one of those!! I hope you have the happiest new year, and I’m excited to see what’s to come in 2015!
It really is the best. I hope that 2015 is off to a stellar start! I’m hoping to make my way out to Charleston this year – I’ll keep you in the loop! 🙂
This is SUCH a cool post Jess! I think it is so sweet and shows your character to talk about who inspired you this year! Happy new year darling! Cheers to 2015!
You’re the sweetest 🙂 Cheers to meeting up in 2015!
Thank you, Jess. This is insanely kind 🙂 Happy New Year! Warmly, Felicia
I’ve really enjoyed getting lost in your stories and I can’t wait to hear more about your adventures!
such a sweet idea to let others know they’ve inspired and helped you along. some i know and some are new, so thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for reading, Kate! I hope your 2015 is off to an amazing start 🙂
Love this post, Jess. Such a great way to cap off 2014! YOU inspire ME!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Likewise! Cheers to 2015 🙂
I am a new reader at your blog and this might be my favorite post of yours so far. I love how you get inspired by surrounding people and share such feeling to us. It makes me look back at people around me and see what I have learnt from them. Thanks & cheers!
Well, I’m so glad you’re here! I appreciate the kind words 🙂 It’s amazing when you take the time to really focus on who has influenced you throughout the year. Cheers to 2015!
Awesome post — love the idea! 🙂
Happy New Year!
xx
Jen
http://belledecouture.com
Thanks so much Jen!
Proud of your accomplishments! 2015 is going to be your best year yet! 🙂
Thanks for all that you share!
I agree! Thank you so much for following along, Carrie. It means the world!
I love this post! It’s such a great idea to think back on how others have influenced our lives. Thanks for sharing!
This is such an awesome post! I love that you included Annie because she is just the sweetest and her gram game is insane!
Lovely photos you have used on here and so nice to read what has inspired you! It is so nice to see that inspiration can come from so many places!! Love this !
It truly can! Thanks for reading, Victoria! Hope you’re having a great week 🙂