HAPPY HOLIDAYS & A LOOK-BACK AT 2014!

Dearest readers, happy holidays to you and yours! I wish you all a wonderful and safe holiday with friends and loved ones. I’ll be taking the next several days to share this holiday season with family and I will return to regular posting on January 5, 2015. I’d like to thank you all…the readers who visit often and those who stop by occasionally for your support! November 1, 2014 was officially the end of the first year since I launched my site. It’s been a wonderful year filled with new and exciting experiences for Design by Occasion as well as posting 249 blog posts this year…whew! I’m looking forward to 2015 with the launch of my Etsy shop and sharing new blog series. It is my hope to inspire you through what you read and see on Design by Occasion.

At the end of year 2013, I had written down 5 mantras to follow for 2014… Be Inspired, Be Original, Work with Passion, Take Chances, and Be a Dreamer and A Doer. Here’s a look-back at how those words influenced my year as well as rounding up my most popular blog posts.

‘Be Inspired’

I’ve been a long time follower of Camille Styles and she has inspired me in many ways. When she came to NYC for her book tour, I happen to be in NY during the same time and I just extended my visit there so that I could have a chance to meet a woman who is not only talented in what she does but someone I admire! By the way, if you haven’t checked out her book, you should, talk about inspiration! Side note, I should have worn heels for this pic, ha!

‘Be Original’

I have the opportunity to work on several custom orders that include invitations, custom notecards and greeting cards for customers. Each project allows me the freedom to showcase my original designs.

‘Work with Passion’

This year I had the privilege of working with Autumn Stankay of SkySight Photography on a few projects that allowed me to tap into another creative outlet. Whether I’m designing and styling inspiration shoots or real occasions, I love being able to dream up beautiful scenes by creating a curated event that is visually stimulating and sets the scene for pure inspiration. From a How to host an at home Easter tea gathering and a Weeping Willow Summer Garden Party to a Fall Styled Family Photo Shoot Sessions, this is a passion that I enjoy working on.

‘Take Chances’

Over the summer, I had an opportunity to face my fear and took a chance on doing something that I would otherwise never do (speaking in public…Eeek!) I had the honor of hosting a tablescape class in a local downtown home decor boutique. During the beginning of class, my nerves got the best of me! Oh you know the normal stuff like, hands shaking as I am trying to showcase items on the table, my voice cracking making me sound like a cartoon character! And I felt as though I was having a hot flash and wanted someone to bring a wind machine but I managed to get through it…thankfully!