Happy 2015, friends! I can’t believe how quickly this past year went by. So I thought I’d give you a little state of the union so to speak, today as I actually have quite a few things and updates I wanted to share with you.
First of all… I’m sorry for the lack of posts this week. I got home from Cape Cod and found myself unable to do much of anything, and so I didn’t do all that much aside from spending time with my friends from Ireland who are in town for the week. At the risk of sounding overly dramatic and whiny (sorry – I hate whiny bloggers so feel free to skip this paragraph), I think I’m pretty seriously burnt out from work/blog/personal matters. Life has been non-stop since early October and I needed to slow down and breathe a bit. So I’ve been spending quite a bit of time with the Florricks (still watching The Good Wife) and Tyrion, which has been very nice. I honestly can’t believe how much TV I’ve watched and if we’re being honest, I’m a little bit horrified by it. As a steady maker of lists, and a constant “do-er,” even when I’m having a quiet night in I’m usually at least working for an hour or two. I had a few days this week where I literally did nothing. I’m starting to feel a bit more like myself, but even after that, I’m still really tired. I’m going to take the rest of the week off from the blog, but I promise to be back with lots of fresh new content for you next week. (Please remind me of how I felt this time next year, when I am saying yes to all of the things and doing, doing, doing!) In reality, I’m probably flattering myself, thinking you are missing all of my posts but I know most of you (like me!) read 1,000 other blogs, so you probably haven’t even noticed. (But if I owe you an email, know that I’m very sorry. The overflowing inbox is killing me and I’m slowly working through it.)
Next up… remember this post? I’m excited to report back that we donated $1,000 to Megan’s medical bills. Hooray! (I say “we” because you helped to raise the money by shopping via the links in the post… I wouldn’t have been able to make such a large donation without you.) If you are able to and want to donate, you can do so here. And Megan will be back with another guest post next week. Hoorays all around.
Third: a kinda big announcement, which is a little bit bittersweet. Effective the middle of this month (when the site turns five!), Stripes & Sequins will be no more. Alright, alright, I’m being dramatic again. If you type in stripesandsequins.com, it will redirect you to the new site; and all of my previous posts will transfer over, but the site is getting a pretty major face lift (which I think you will really love) and a new name… The Stripe! The new name is for a few reasons, but mostly… when I started this blog, I never thought anyone would read it. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, I just liked cataloging the things I liked, and posting DIY projects for you. I didn’t read very many blogs but I did read Cupcakes & Cashmere, and naming the site after two of my favorite things felt like a good idea. On a whim, I picked the name Stripes & Sequins, not really realizing that my little blog could and would someday turn into an actual business. Years later, I don’t even really wear sequins very often and I’m thirty three years old… it was time for a change and a more “grown up” name. It was a huge decision for me, and I honestly can’t wait for the launch. I hope that you’ll love the new site as much as I do. More updates to come on that front! (Also, you can follow The Stripe on Instagram here if you’d like… I’ll be keeping my regular account too though.)
Lastly, I thought I’d share a few resolutions. I don’t usually make resolutions but thought I’d change that this year. I have five.
- Be more responsible with my finances. This is a continuation from last year, I guess. And saying “be more responsible” sounds so vague and hard to measure, but whatever. This past year I paid off all of my credit card debt, most of which I had been carrying around from my twenties (Credit cards are gross you guys.. don’t be like I was when I was younger – live within your means!!) It felt really, really good to do that. And then I started saving more. There is a number in my head that I want to see in my savings account, and I’m determined to get there. I’ll always be tempted by pretty shoes, and sometimes I’ll let myself splurge… but lately saving has felt a lot more exciting than spending.
- Take a big trip. So I’ll need to get permission from work for this one as I don’t have very much time off… but I want to go somewhere for at least ten, twelve day that I haven’t been to yet. Croatia + Istanbul are high on the list, but I’d also really love to go to Asia. I have a ridiculous amount of frequent flyer miles… it’s time to use ’em!
- Designate one night a week where I don’t do anything. Yes, you read that correctly. Nothing. Except maybe a yoga or meditation class. I find that most nights I am either out, or in but working on the blog… I need a little me-time. Blogging is not me-time. I love working on this site, but it is still work. I want to have one night a week where I just read a book with a mug of tea, watch a movie, or lay on the floor playing with the cat.
- Invest in my personal life. I know that I should be dating but dating in your thirties sort of sucks. It’s a whole lot easier to just hang out with my girlfriends or even by myself. (I can spend an entire weekend by myself doing things and not feel even a little bit sad about it… a fact that both excites and terrifies me.) I’ve met all of my previous boyfriends through friends… but now all of my friends (and most of their friends) are married. So yeah.. Tinder? Hinge? I don’t really know. I do know that I would really love to meet someone great this year, but I also know that I have to put myself out there a little more if I want that to happen. Deep breaths. My blood pressure rose just writing that. Don’t expect to hear much more on that… I’ve learned the hard way to keep my personal life to myself… the next guy you hear about in these parts will have to be THE guy. #terrified.
- Anddd… one silly one. Take better care of my eyebrows. I feel a little bit ridiculous writing it, but it’s an actual goal that I have. I grew my brows out this year but they are a little out of control. I need to be better about tweezing them and filling them in every day. It makes such a difference.
Whew. If you made it to the end, thanks for reading this long post! See you next week!
I have definitely missed your posts, but was thinking you were just needing some time to yourself. Your blog is the first one I read, and my favorite. I’m looking forward to your updated site. I think your resolutions are great. Mine are career and health goals for the year.
happy new year! these are some great goals. best wishes for a happy and healthy 2015!
-kim
midnight snark
Ew, credit cards. I never ever had one until the beginning of last year and I only got one so I could get my frequent flyer points. I have never and will never spend beyond my means; a good habit! Although, I do have two mortgages for two houses, but hey, they’re worthwhile investments!
Say what? Blogging is not me-time? Hahaha. Oh boy, this is a big one for me this year. I’m actually going to take a whole day off every week this year (hopefully), except for Instagram of course. Fingers crossed!
All the best for 2015!
http://www.lioninthewild.com
Can’t wait to see the new site Grace!! And I love your resolutions…there’s something really special about me-time 🙂
Kris | http://www.love-loft-life.com
I’ve always been amazing at the amount of content you produce on a daily basis. While I love reading (and did miss your posts), it’s perfectly acceptable to take a break. You so deserve it. And it seems a lot of people have been taking these two weeks off.
I love the new name you’ve chosen and am excited to see the redesign in a few weeks!
Cheers to accomplishing your resolutions in 2015!
Read to the end, largely because I felt like you’re writing exactly where I am. I’m tired, I’ve been sick — and not to sound whiny about it either — it’s just the truth. We’ve been doing a scandal marathon and it’s been so nice. Hardly any blogging but I’m still just tired. We have a three-day just us trip planned for January which is so overdue, and I’m taking a tough look at my site, too. I know now exactly the type of content I want — so need to make sure the name reflects that (and hell, I’ll be 35 this year!). Anyway, enough about me… So excited for the launch of The Stripe, and yay for managing finances. We’re so anti credit card, too… not worth it! Happy 2015, Grace!
alyson // http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
You continue to impress and amaze me with all you take on so I am so glad to hear you took time to unwind! I cannot WAIT for the launch of The Stripe- we will toast everything you’ve accomplished these past 5 years. So lucky to know you! xo
I am so excited for The Stripe! I think you should write more about being a single woman! Encourage and share your experiences with other girls 🙂 I wish you nothing but fun for 2015!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
I feel like most bloggers take a week off sometime throughout the year. You deserve to too, and we’ll all be here when you’re back. It’s better to not hear from you then read half-assed posts just for the sake of posting, ya know?
Enjoy your you-time!
Happy New Year! I can’t wait to see the new site 🙂
We love #3! Definitely need to work on that! Great motivating list!
I did check your site every day and missed your posts but mostly I was relieved because I was taking a break from my own blog too. I was actually comforted to see that you, who is so far advanced over me in terms of blogging, were taking a break too. Can’t wait to see what’s next! Take it from someone who is a lot older than you, it’s ok to rest!
Happy New Year, Grace! I really connect with the personal posts on your blog. I’m turning 32 this month and I’m also ready to start dating again. I read Love at First Click by Laurie Davis to ease myself into what to do.
I’ve also been watching an excessive amount of The Good Wife.
I’m SO excited to see your new site. Also, I’ve been growing out my eyebrows for the last 6 months and it’s HARD. They look awful, but after over tweezing and waxing for years, my sister said it’s a must to let them fill in on their own and then shape them up once their done. If only I knew then what I know now. Sigh. Cheers to 2015!
HA, your resolutions totally rang true with me! I have been growing out my eyebrows for months and they are still the bane of my existence.
also, with dating…I am determined to put myself out there more as well. I will be 32 in april and it is SO hard to meet people. and I definitely haven’t gotten into the whole online dating thing. I know you want to keep your personal life personal, and I respect that…but I’d love to know what is working for you! 🙂
I’ve missed your posts this week, but figured you were taking time to yourself–looking forward to the re-launch in a few weeks!
Great list of resolutions. #3 is a personal one of mine as well. Also digging the new site name. The Stripe! How cute 🙂
All the best in New Year! Take good care of you, because you deserve it! And if your travel plan includes Croatia,, welcome…..
Many greetings from your reader from Croatia,
Silvana
Hi Grace! Looking forward to your new site – congratulations on making the change. About that last resolution: mine too… if I made them. Would love to soon say my eyebrows are on #fleek. 🙂
I saw this hashtag (#thestripe) last week and wondered if a name change was imminent. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s almost always for the better. Congrats!
P.S. You’re not alone in resolving to up your eyebrow game. Mine will be the best o’ the best come December. 🙂
Love this! Congrats on the name change – bold step, but the pay off will be worth it. Also, good on you for taking some time off. Nothing wrong with a slow down of pace when you feel you need it. I’m excited to see what’s to come with The Stripe in 2015! x
I love your resolution to take one night a week off – this is something that I could benefit from too! Also, congratulations on your new site, I’m excited to follow along!
Wonderful resolutions! Happy New Year 🙂
Congrats on the big changes coming your way! I’ve been following along for a while now (as a close friend of Caitlin Moran, who adores you). I can’t help but have fallen in love with your blog and Instagram posts.
As a fellow NYC girl, ex-blogger and social media supervisor at an agency, I can relate so much to your writing and everyday lifestyle. Keep on keepin’ on, girl! And best of luck finding love with the right guy this year too 😉
xx
Sarah
Congrats Grace on all fronts! You go girl! xoxoxo
Congratulations on the re-launch and re-brand! I’m so excited to continue reading. I have to say, it is nice to read that I’m not the only one with these feelings. I may not blog but boy does life feel pretty busy all of the time. From my standpoint, it’s nice to hear how you’re feeling (even if you feel you’re being whiny). Life can be hard so it’s lovely to have reassurance I’m not the only one (even though I do logically know that). Anyway, may 2015 be your best year yet and here’s to challenging ourselves to be the most wonderful humans we can!
I am with you on the financial goal—but I am still in the “paying off debt” phase, ha! I’ve been irresponsible but always said I’d get my sh*t together before I’m 30. Well, 30 is fast approaching, so it’s time to stop blowing hot air and start doing. I’ve actually been slowly working on this for several months, getting better with budgeting and tracking, but lately have been really pushing myself to stop SPENDING. That’s the biggest problem (like when I went into Organic Avenue today….but at least I only bought one juice because I wanted their Matcha Chia, instead of four or five I don’t even usually end up finishing!). The Financial Diet has become my new favorite blog to read, and it kind of keeps me in check while also reminding me I’m not the only idiot about my finances out there, ha!
as one of your very first readers 5 years ago, i will just say that i am so impressed and proud of what you continue to bring to the blogging world. i am so excited for the stripe! happy new year grace! xo
A huge congratulations on the relaunch and the rebrand!!! I am actually getting ready to undergo something similar and am terrified 😉
Best of luck in your 2015 goals, Grace!
Grace, I remember when you first started writing your blog and loved every minute of reading it! Huge congratulations on the new branding and I know it’s going to be just great. You deserve it all!
So excited to see the new blog layout! I can imagine it is nerve racking and yet exciting to change the name of a blog that is as big as yours has become, but I think it will be a refreshing moment for you and for us readers.
I like the resolution about having “me-time” and even dating. As an avid follower of your blog I, of course, like reading all of your content, but that is such an important piece of your life and you definitely need to take time to work on yourself.
Rachel
http://rachelinflight.com
I’m watching the Good Wife too! I’ve started at Season 1 (probably about two months ago) and am just wrapping up Season 5. It’s so addicting!
So proud of you Grace. The site is amazing. Am so excited to see what things are in store for you! xoxo Jean
Somehow I missed this post (just heard about the move to The Stripe through the blog grapevine and followed along!), but I need this embroidered on a pillow or something:
“I can spend an entire weekend by myself doing things and not feel even a little bit sad about it… a fact that both excites and terrifies me.”
I always say I’m holding out for that right person who I like spending time with more than I like spending time alone…maybe an impossible feat, but better than settling?
Love the new blog, and good luck with everything — I hope 2015 is everything you want it to be 🙂