Last year was one of tremendous growth for me, and the blog has been a big part of that. I can never really let all of you know how much I appreciate everyone who reads the blog, leaves a comment and participates in the events. It really is a case of "I wouldn't be here without you" and I want you to know that I don't take any of it for granted. God has blessed me with some awesome readers! :)
So, now that we're entering 2010, I want to take a few moments to share with you a few plans and ideas I have coming and ask all of you for opinions. What you think has great weight in my decisions - and if you leave your thoughts in the comments on this post it would be hugely appreciated. :)
- Last year we had some fabulous guest writers on the blog and this year I would like to have even more. Did you enjoy the guest posts and different perspectives? Is anyone interested in becoming a guest writer? If you are, feel free to email me at amandabethboutique{at}gmail.com and we can talk. I am pretty particular about what goes content up on the blog, so there's no guarantee of acceptance, but if you are familiar with the content of AmandaBeth Online and think you have what it takes - drop me a line! :)
- AmandaBeth hosted two online events in 2009 and this year I am planning to do more. Did you enjoy the events? How do you think they could be improved? Did you prefer the contemporary event - Summer Fashion Week - or the "themed" one - Maid Marian's Wardrobe? (P.S. There will be a new event soon, hopefully coming in March - stay tuned for more info! :)
- More coverage of relevant fashion events - including the "Red Carpet Awards" season (which I don't watch or endorse - for the record - I just like critiquing the gowns :) and the upcoming Figure Skating Championships and 2010 Olympics (both which I do watch, and love the fashions of :). Did you enjoy reading about these events last year? What other events/happenings would you like to see covered?
- A valuable gathering of fashion resources. It has been my desire to fill the sidebars with interesting and informative links and items. If you want fun and sporadic updates throughout the week, visit me on Tumblr at Ooo... I Like It! (You can also subscribe or follow the blog using the links in right-hand sidebar - or join me on Twitter, Facebook or Polyvore.) Be sure to dig even deeper by visiting The Modest Fashion Bloggers Network.
In the same vein, you can now support AmandaBeth Online by shopping through my Amazon store. Already I have listed some of my favorite fashion reads, as well as dozens of other recommended items. It is my hope to eventually make this blog my full-time "job" and your contributions are very much appreciated. If you have been blessed by what you've read, you can also make a donation using the button in the top left corner. :)
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#1 was To be more domestic this coming year and become involved in preparing meals. I must admit this one a dismal failure. Although I started the year off pretty well, making meals ended up low on my priority list. Which also led to not eating as well as we could have. :P
#2 was Grow as a musician and entertainer.
It really is amazing how this one came about. A random guitar session totally revolutionized me musically and finally brought about the songwriting that I had been wanting to discover. I also got to play some nice gigs with my family and am becoming more comfortable with performing. My resolution for this year is pretty much the same, with the addition of more songwriting and recording an EP.
#3 was Be more diligent in my writing and try and get a children's book published .Well, the writing has been going well and it is my goal to finish my latest novel by the end of the year so that I can begin work on a middle-grade fantasy series. The children's picture book is getting much closer. Publishing is definitely a resolution for this year (or dying in the attempt ;).
#4 was Work hard at whatever jobs I'm given and save for my London trip next fall!
Ironically, the job department was rather slow last year (after leaving Jo-Ann's) and I am still rather broke. But the London part was awesome and I did have enough money for the trip. I was so blessed to be able to travel a lot - airports are beginning to look rather friendly. :)
#5 was Laugh more, worry less and give stress a good kick out the window!Not sure I did so well with this one. I need to make trusting God my priority. When I am worried and stressed, it's really showing that there's a trust issue. :P
#6 was To grow in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, learn to show His Perfect Love, and discover as much of His Will for my life as He will let me in on!
Boy! Do I still need to grow in Grace and show Perfect Love! I know this will be on my list every year. I am also starting to learn to stop worrying about figuring out God's Will for my life. Of course, it would be so comfortable to know the future - but then what would I need to rely on Him for? I think He's keeping me uncomfortable so that He can increase my faith. :)
What are your resolutions for this new year? I want to hear them!
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Lastly - since I haven't done this in so long - I wanted to acknowledge the lovely awards that some of you have given the blog. (And if I've missed your award, please let me know, so I can add you to this post. :) Thanks to Ashley & Gabrielle, LaSara, Mallory, Natasha, and Sarah!
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Well... that's all for now. Be sure to leave you thoughts and we'll be back on the usual fashion-y posting schedule on Friday. God bless! :)
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