Looking Back and Marching Forward


Lifestyle / Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Happy New Year! Here we are at that familiar moment in time where the clock strikes midnight and we all feel like we need to drastically change ourselves. More on that in a bit… 

Looking back on 2019 feels good (we did a lot of amazing things), but marching forward is what we have to do and I can’t wait! To be honest, it’s easy for me to feel a little down after the holidays because I look forward to them for so long. I love getting to take a break from work and the Internet, and just enjoy being with family. So when all the hoopla is over, I can feel a little down in the dumps. But we have some very cool things coming up that I’m staying focused on, and that really helps get me through the January blues. 

Looking Back & Marching Forward: Happy New Year 2020 | Cathedrals and Cafes Blog

Do I feel like 2020 means a drastic change? No, not really. A mere flip of the calendar page should not send anyone into distress. I like to think of the new year as a chance to continue to work on myself. 

I put a poll on Instagram recently asking if you make new year’s resolutions. Most of you said no, and I’m well within that camp as well. I don’t make resolutions because I honestly feel that the healthiest approach is to just be mindful year round. We are all a work in progress, and that’s ok. The definition of the word resolve means to settle or find a solution to a problem. I don’t think of myself as a problem. I’m me and I’m not perfect, but I’m certainly not some contentious issue that needs solving. Do I have things I’d like to accomplish? Of course. Do I have little day dreams that may or may not take shape? Yes. But I don’t batter myself over any of them. One foot in front of the other is the only way to go.

In the past, I’ve blogged about being in the moment and the things I’m excited about when faced with another year. This year, I want to just go for it. Whatever that “it” is, I want to say yes and dive in. I got a lot better at that in 2019. I said yes to more events and really put myself out there more. It resulted in meaningful friendships and experiences that I otherwise would never have had. I worked with more brands in 2019 than ever before, and I’m really proud of the work I created for those partnerships. So in 2020, I want to keep that ball rolling. Let’s get to it!

Before we launch into a new year of Cathedrals & Cafes, let’s take a walk down memory lane. Here’s a look at all the top posts from the year, posts from previous years that got a lot of clicks, as well as my personal favorites in lifestyle, travel, fashion, and beauty.

Lifestyle Posts

My Closet Tour – This continues to be the hottest post. I love seeing closets, too, so I totally get it. Included are tips on how I fold my jeans on hangers (there’s an even more helpful IGTV you can watch on that here).

How to Get the Most from Your Peloton – I know a lot of people hated the holiday ad, but I still love my Peloton. If you’re wanting a bike for yourself, head to this post for my code for $100 off your accessories.

What to Bring to a Dinner Party Besides Wine – A good guide if your host doesn’t drink or you just want to mix it up.

Solo Photography Tips – How to get the best shot when you’re by yourself.

Dog Mom Life 2.0 – For the cutest puppy pics ever, check out this post about how we added Lola to our family.

Travel Posts

Paris in Winter Travel Guide – Because Paris is always a good idea, no matter the weather.

Eat+Stay+Play: Dubrovnik Travel Guide – Everything you need to know to plan your trip. You can access all my E+S+P guides here. Or from the menu at the top, you can drill down to guides for North America, South America, and Europe.

Napa Valley Travel Guide – There are some great tips for first-time visitors in this post!

15 Best Instagrammable Spots in Paris – I love that you guys like Paris as much as I do. These spots are fun and easy to get the perfect selfie.

How to Eat & Drink in Paris Like a Real Parisian – A comprehensive list of restaurants, bistros, and happy hour spots!

Fashion Posts

What I Wore in Scandinavia – Outfits and accessories for a summer trip to Scandinavia.

Easy Ways to Elevate Your Wardrobe – Sharing 5 simple tips to elevate your looks and look like a million bucks in the process.

Creative Layering for Your Basic Black Jumpsuit – Transform a black jumpsuit with this easy hack.

The Perfect Wedges for Travel – Loved this collab with Vionic Shoes!

Styling Snakeskin Boots – 4 ways to style this pair of snakeskin booties. After this post, I decided I needed this knee-high version, too! Both are on MAJOR sale right now and still available in lots of sizes.

Check out my Daily Looks posts here!

Beauty Posts

My European Spa Experience – All about my experience at Le Petit Medspa here in San Antonio. It’s all about non-invasive skincare and really got me thinking about aging gracefully.

Pre-Flight Beauty Routine – Everything I do before flying and what products I bring with me on the plane.

My First Time with Lancome – A beauty review of some of the first makeup and skincare products I tried from Lancome.

Good Hair Days with R+Co – One of my favorite new (to me) dry shampoos is reviewed in this post.

Proper Order to Apply Your Skincare Products – Loved this collab with Neutrogena Hydroboost! It’s still my favorite cleanser.

And just a reminder, you can follow my daily adventures, travel tips, beauty reviews, and style advice on Instagram

You can instantly shop all my looks here or by following me on LIKEtoKNOW.it via the app!

What are some things you’re looking forward to in 2020? Do you set resolutions for yourself?

Happy New Year!

xo – Erin

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Looking Back and Marching Forward appeared first on CathedralsandCafes.com. If you see this content published anywhere else, please email cathedralsandcafes@gmail.com.

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