2018: A Year in Review

2018 was a whirlwind! So many lessons learned, new people entering into my life, and life experiences like no other! From an AMAZING NYE at Beats and Bubbly in Dallas, dancing for the Dallas Mavericks, and going to Disney World…twice, this year has been interesting, crazy, and amazing, to say the least!

Favorite Hair Trend/Tips:

I experimented quite a bit on my hair in 2018. I had micro-bead extensions, which I loved, and then eventually took them out in September! I used so many different hair masks, hair products, hair tools….you get it!

1. I discovered my love for volumizing and texturizing moose! I can’t believe I went so long not using any on my hair…no wonder it always felt so limp and lifeless! Now, whenever I blow dry my hair, I like to put a little bit of mouse at the root and then throughout the entirety of my hair. This helps with building texture and holding a hair style for days.
2. Extensions are what all the #hairgoals models wear. Yup. Like that celebrities hair? Extensions. Magazine model? Extensions. Dancer (yup..), extensions. Victoria’s Secret Models: Extensions. There are clip ins, tape ins, halo, sew in, micro beads….literally so many different kinds of extensions. And they can be EXPENSIVE. But, totally worth it. People think you only need them for length, but let me tell you; most people now days use them for volume or to hold a hair style for days without retouching. They are a game changer. I am currently enjoying my hair without any in, but I miss them constantly.
3. Wash your hair as much as YOU need to. So many magazines and article are out there telling you that you are killing your hair (even though it is already dead…) if you wash your hair everyday. The whole #day6 hair trend is HUGE. It’s like a competition now to see who can wash their hair the LEAST. When it comes to your hair and how often you should be washing it, it all depends on your hair type and texture. A blonde with fine hair (me!!) should only go 2 or 3 days before washing it again, whereas a course or thick haired woman can go 4 or 5. It all just depends on your hair and how quickly it gets dirty. If you use excessive amounts of dry shampoo to try to keep your hair style lasting longer than it should, not only are you spending tons of money on dry shampoo, but you are actually clogging your hair follicle, which will cause your hair to fall out. THAT’S TERRIBLE. lol. Don’t just blinding follow trends.

Favorite Beauty Trend/Tips:

I have always loved beauty and makeup stuff, but in 2018 I think I truly stated to understand the beauty of simple.

1. A tan will make you feel like a rockstar. I am all about the self tanner/spray tans. I feel like a different person. Now, the tan I would achieve for game days were completely different than the tan I get now that I am not on the court. BUT, I still need some color. It just brings life into your skin and a natural glow is so pretty. Experiment with self-tanners to find your favorite formula.
2. Anastasia Beverley Hills has the BEST eyeshadow formulas. HANDS DOWN. I bought the Modern Renaissance palette for Christmas 2017 and have used it constantly and it is still going strong. The pigmentation is out of this world and the colors are very blendable. It is my everyday palette and my go-to palette for a night out look. I even use the dark brown for eye liner.
3. Brows: The more natural the better. There is always a new eyebrow trend that leaves you looking back in 5 years thinking, “WHY!?”. This year, I discovered the simplicity, easiness, and beauty in a natural brow. I simple enhance mine with a brow pencil (very light) and a light sweep of brow mascara to hold the hair in place. When I take my makeup off at night, my brows still look the same!
4. Pampering yourself is essential. This year, I found my love for bath bombs. Specifically, Lush bath bombs. I also tried to keep my skin hydrated. My mom has the SOFTEST hands ever. It’s actually crazy. I asked her how her hands are soooo soft and she said that she puts on sunscreen everyday and puts on hand lotion every time she washes her hands. That’s my 2019 goal. HA! I want to practice more self-love and self-care.

Favorite Fashion Trend/Tips:

We all know I love clothes. And shoes. And everything regarding fashion. But…there might be a few key rules I learned in 2018 that I need to incorporate into 2019….

1. Build the basics, then get more trendy pieces. We all fall into the trap of a good sale or a cool item we see everyone wearing so we want it too. If you say you haven’t, you’re lying to yourself. HA! This year, as I kept donating clothes every 3 months, I discovered that I have a specific style that I love 365 days a year, and then tons of clothes that I wear once and never again. Why am I trying to be like others when their style feels awkward on me? You gotta stick to what fits. Add in a few fun, out of the box pieces every now and then, but don’t go overboard and then feel like you never have anything to wear… hah!
2. Fashion is Cyclical. Flares are for the 70s? NOPE, they are back with a vengeance. Denim was a 90s thing? Well, everyone has a denim jacket now. Build your wardrobe with classic pieces that are fun to mix in with different pieces. I love wearing my flare jeans with a lace cami and chunky knit cardigan! It looks casual, but incorporate the basics, too!
3. Find your style, and stick with it. I feel like in 2018 was a year where I tried everything. I never felt like my personal style was “good enough”. But, as of lately, I have found that being true to yourself, never goes out of style (quoted Elle Woods there..).

Life Lessons I learned:

1. Family is everything. Hold your family close.
2. Some friends only want to be there for the highlights, and thats okay.
3. You can’t out run a bad diet…
4. Reading your Bible daily and in the morning really sets the tone for your day
5. A true friend holds you accountable even when it is uncomfortable
6. Some people will never like you. No matter what you do. Sometimes, people have preconceived notions of you before you even meet. Don’t try to change yourself to fit their standards. Hold your head up high and follow God through it all.
7. Working hard is part of life. God loves a hard worker.
8. God also wants you to worship HIM, not your work..
9. Everyone you meet is going through something you may not see or know about. Treat everyone with love and respect. If at first they seem cold towards you, don’t take it personally.
10. If you are angry or upset, take 3 deep breaths to recenter yourself. 9 times out of 10, after you take a step back, it doesn’t seem that upsetting anymore.

I can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store! If there is any ONE take-away I learned in 2018, it is that you can plan all you want in life, but the only thing you can REALLY plan on, is to plan to be surprised. If you take a look at my goals I wrote down on January 1, 2018, you will see that 75% of those goals never came to fruition. But the amazing thing about God is that if those goals did come to be, I don’t think I would be as happy as I am right now. 

As 2018 comes to a close, I feel so much love for my friends, my family, my FIANCE, and where I am at in life. I love my job. I love my career. I love my dance students. I look back on this year and I am SO proud of all the ups and downs. Happy 2019, everyone!