Soooo, this weekend I am turning 29. Last year I made a goal list, as I do every year. The birthday list concept was originally inspired by Hula Seventy. I think my very first one was "24 before 25". Every year I make a list. I never finish every single thing on the list, but it always inspires me to do things that I would normally put off. It's so much fun! So here's a recap of this past year's list and all the goals that were accomplished (or at least that I got photos of)....
1. Create an inspiring studio space. Check! I spent lots of time this year creating a home studio (not photographed yet, but here's an instagram peek) as well as a much improved studio for Red Velvet. This was fun.
2. Design a clothing line. Check! I'm so glad that I put this on the list. At this time last year my clothing line was still just a sketchbook full of ideas! Over the past year I designed my first two collections, built a wonderful team of seamstresses for Red Velvet and had so much fun learning along the way. I'll never forget these memories!
6. Discover a new artist. I discovered Barbara Hulanicki this year and became a huge fan. She is the creator of the iconic brand Biba, as well as an artist and product designer. She's become one of my personal heroes!
7. Discover a new band. One "feel good" band that I listened to a lot this year was Best Coast. We play it at the store a lot.
8. Learn to take *real* days off work. This was a much needed goal last year. I had a real problem with not being able to take days off work due to guilt and stress. Over the past year I started taking off at least one full day every week (sometimes two) and it has been AMAZING. I've spent a lot of "me time" decorating my home and going on short trips with Jeremy. This goal has improved the quality of my life, big time!
9. Newlywed Nesting/Home Makeover. I really really enjoyed this. I actually have a photo shoot scheduled for a "home tour" next week... so I'll be sharing all my progress in the near future. Making our newlywed home special and warm was one of the best memories of my 28th year.
10. Visit Corina. I wish I had photos of this. We went to my grandma's cabin and she let us look through her vintage clothes and keep stuff. It was amazing and so special. I definitely consider my grandmother, Corina, one of my personal style icons.
12. Hang photos in our home. Here's a work-in-progress shot from a recent photo hanging adventure. I'm happy to report that we now have lots of memories hanging in our home!
13. Create a RV lookbook for each season. These were so much fun! I love styling photo shoots. It's one of the best parts of owning a business! Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter.
16. Makeover our website. Check! This was fun.
22. Design my dream closet. Done. I can't wait to share photos in our little home tour coming up soon...
23. Write a book. In progress! We're hard at work on this. (eeeep!)
25. Start video blogging. This goal definitely evolved over time. We spent the last season prepping to film a web series. It's been so much fun and a dream come true. Our first episode will be posted here next week!!!
27. Learn to sew. While I wouldn't say I "completed" this goal, I got a nice little start!
28. Start a new collection. I started collecting family photo albums (our first one). I want to have a whole bookself full of them someday!
What a wonderful year! I guess it's time to start making a new list for this coming year. Have you ever made one? If not, you should try it. xo. elsie
what!? web series!? yay! cant wait!
congratulations on achieving your goals! and Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Penelope Silva | November 18, 2011 at 04:53 PM
I love this. Definitly trying. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | November 18, 2011 at 04:54 PM
Thank you for sharing your goals and achievements with us. It is really inspiring to see how dedicated you are to living your life fully.
I look forward to reading the next one!
x
Posted by: Elizabeth | November 18, 2011 at 04:55 PM
I really love the way that you live your life! I know that's quite random, but I just wanted you to know how insiring you are.
Maybe I'll make a '20 before 21' list!
Posted by: Amber Rose | November 18, 2011 at 04:56 PM
That is all so exciting! I love the concept of your list... I absolutely have to do this from now on!
-meesch
http://www.aperfectkindofday.com
Posted by: meesch | November 18, 2011 at 04:59 PM
I have to say that this made me believe that I can make everything of my goal list come true =P
I make my own, when a new year begin !!
Posted by: Ornela | November 18, 2011 at 05:02 PM
I do these lists too! But I think yours are much better. :)
Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline
Posted by: Jacqueline | November 18, 2011 at 05:06 PM
You snuck a couple (great!) surprises in this post! Can't wait for the web series & book! You & all the RV girls are so inspiring, makes me want to strive to get the most out of each and every day!
Posted by: Chloe | November 18, 2011 at 05:07 PM
Oh! I'm especially excited about the web series and the book!!
♥
Talia Christine
http://taliachristine.blogspot.com
Posted by: Talia Christine | November 18, 2011 at 05:07 PM
Very inspirational! I always make a list in my mind but I guess it works better writing them down! :)
Posted by: Chaotic disastrous | November 18, 2011 at 05:08 PM
I'm, once again, so inspired by you.
Kacie
Posted by: Kacie @ A Collection of Passions | November 18, 2011 at 05:08 PM
happy early birthday!!! you are so inspiring i think you are an incredible role model for ladies of all ages! can't wait to see what your book is about! xo
Posted by: stephanie | November 18, 2011 at 05:11 PM
Amazing! It must be such a great feeling to look back on a great year where you got to do a lot of things from your list. I am very excited about the web series, I can't wait to watch the first episode!
Posted by: Leonie | November 18, 2011 at 05:11 PM
So fantastic! Always love your bright photos! Congrats on meeting so many of your goals!
xoxo
Posted by: HappyWife | November 18, 2011 at 05:16 PM
Great recap! Can't wait to see the next list.
Posted by: TJ | November 18, 2011 at 05:25 PM
I'm gonna definitely try to put together a list like this in March when I turn 24!
And can I say how much I love the colored tights your bridal party wore? I definitely want to incorporate lots of color into my wedding when I get married, and tights are a wonderful way to do that!
Posted by: Monique | November 18, 2011 at 05:29 PM
beautiful list! goals are a wonderful thing :)
http://www.fortheloveofdesignblog.com
Posted by: rachael adele // for the love of design | November 18, 2011 at 05:29 PM
Love it! You are so inspiring! I can't wait to see what's ahead! Thanks Elsie! It was just my birthday too.... I am going to make my 28 before 29 list now list. :) :)
Posted by: sistakt | November 18, 2011 at 05:31 PM
I am glad to see someone else is advocating the dying art of photo albums. I am determined to have a whole collection of them and blurb is an excellent resource. Currently shrinking over 1000 wedding photos into 100 for our album right now! The digital age can do wonderful things but nothing beats being able to hand down albums to younger generations. Awesome Elsie!
Posted by: Hanna | November 18, 2011 at 05:34 PM
I made a list like this last year, so far i've done almost everything on it. You're always so busy, it definitely inspires me to make the most of my time. Can't wait for your home tour :]
Posted by: brittanyp | November 18, 2011 at 05:34 PM