Happy New Year! I can’t believe it’s the third week of January already. I needed a little time to decompress after a busy fourth quarter. Actually, I got so busy with campaigns in December that I neglected my writing. Writing is my first love but the creative and the visual inspiration behind creating content feeds my soul.

I hope 2019 has been good to you! I kicked off the New Year with a feature on Fohr and a fashion segment on KTLA. This definitely makes me feel like I’m off to a good year. However, I have lots of things I want to do. I feel like I’m just getting started. Personally and professionally, there are a lot of things that I want to do. Let me share.

Intentions For The New Year

Professionally

I am truly enjoying the growth that I have seen in just two short years. I have worked my tail off to create this platform and website and am in awe of what you have helped me create. Thank you so much. I really wouldn’t be here without you. I take great joy when I meet someone that tells me a friend of mine told them about my blog. Sharing is caring – in the world of blogging especially. Please continue to spread the word and follow me on Instagram. Instagram is such a big part of my business, so the more people, the better.

I don’t know if you noticed my photography, lately. There were several shoots last year that I feel like I wanted to produce, and with the help of Jules Kennedy, I was able to do that. The red dress photo shoot that I shot at Stony Island Arts Bank was a mere thought of mine for about 6 months. I couldn’t shake it so I decided to go for it. I wanted to create an editorial shoot for my blog that wasn’t sponsored because I don’t want my followers to think I don’t work just as hard for non-sponsored content. Continuing to grow and develop creatively with my photography ranks high on my list this year.

I pour my heart and soul into every post and have done it all by myself for the most part since January 2016. I started with an editor, Becker Editorial, that helps create my editorial calendar in March 2017 and edits my SEO. That was life-changing. However, everything else – the scouting of locations, the creative direction, the model, the stylist – that’s all me and I love it. I want to work with more brands with and without Clark and Stone. I love being able to share this with them and I want my boys to see me going for it. Aside from my husband, I want to be their hero. I want them to know it’s healthy and important to look up to women and for women to serve as inspiration.

Travel will have an even bigger presence on the blog for 2019. I have a big trip planned in March that I can’t wait to share with you. I can’t wait to visit and I can’t wait to create content. I’ve got images racing through my head already. I would also love to travel internationally this year to create content. I’m putting it out into the universe. I love to travel and it was such a big part of me until I had children. We even took Clark to Rio de Janeiro when he was just 6 months old. I had the amazing opportunity to visit Nicaragua and volunteer last February. I just wish I had posted more photos on Instagram. This year will be different, I promise.

New York Fashion Week is on the horizon for February. I am so excited! I also can’t wait to get back to New York to create content. It’s my happy place. I love the energy. I am already thinking of my looks for the shows in my head. Do I go completely over the top or keep it conservative with an element of surprise?

I would like to be a fashion contributor for a magazine and television. Or, I would like to be a brand ambassador. I’ve worked with some amazing brands so far. You build these relationships and I don’t want them to end. In regards to fashion, I’ve been a die-hard fashion fan for a lot of the designers I’ve worked with. My wheels are always turning with ideas to keep the relationships going. Listen, I’m having so much fun right now and I’m not ready for the party to end. If I could hit the lottery and hire two employees, I’d be on fire. Until then though, I’m coming from a place of yes for every opportunity that is aligned with my intentions for the new year.

Personally

Never in a million years would I have expected to end up here. I love what I’m doing but sometimes it feels a bit isolating. I don’t see a lot of my close friends as much as I use to. Often times, I rely on them to make plans as I tend to just do things related to my career. I live for my girlfriends and our time together but it gets tough. For 2019, I want to be more intentional in letting them know how much they mean to me. I don’t want to just be the friend that returns the calls and text messages. I have to make a conscious effort to be present with them as well.

Clark and Stone are good, but I never want to take it for granted. I actually got back late last night and fell asleep on the sofa. Stone woke up in the middle of the night and came down to me and asked me to sleep with him. The last thing I wanted to do was sleep in a twin bed but the fact that my baby missed me made my heart melt. I couldn’t say no. He woke up and kissed me on the cheek twice while he thought I was asleep. For all the worries I had when I decided to go for it and start this blog, this special moment told me they will be okay.

Part of my exhaustion involves me wanting to always be there. I didn’t have to spend 24hrs in Los Angeles but I did if I wanted to see my babies. Family time is so important and I can’t take that away from them. After all, they are my heart and soul.

I’m trying to keep my eating and my workouts in check. I’ve been trying to eat only plant-based at least once a week. Real Good Stuff and Sakara are helping to make that possible. Real Good Stuff is located in Chicago with several locations at Whole Foods. I’m obsessed with their fruity peppbowl  (made with blue magik milk), buffalo cauliflower and kabocha squash. Sakara is a plant-based, dairy free and gluten free meal delivery service that I use about 6 times a year as a reset. Everything I receive is delicious – I can’t believe eating plant-based tastes that good.

As for my workouts, I still try to lift 2 to 3 times a  week and pilates one day a week. I wrote a post awhile ago with my trainer/workout resources.

Make It a Good One

Well, I hope your 2019 has been off to a great start. I’m always a little late to the party so I know you’re not surprised that this post is two weeks late. I still love you and Happy New Year!

Love,
Ceta

Photography: Baylee Thorburn