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Meet @ the Barre Life + Style blog by Amanda Elizabeth

Fashion•Lifestyle

A Year in Review of 2016 – First Half of the Year

December 14, 2016
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Where do I even begin?  I seriously cannot believe 2016 is drawing to a close.  This was a such a jam-packed year and I know that is why it flew by as fast as it did.  2016 was a tough year for a lot of people, so I want to take the time to reflect on the extreme amount of blessings in my everyday life.  Honestly, all I pray for on a daily basis is health, safety, and happiness of my family and loved ones because without those three key things…..what else is there?  You can have all the money in the world but if you don’t have your health, it is not going to matter.  I am probably a little bit Dr. Doom on the next one but I am hyper-vigilant on everyone’s everyday safeties.  “Did your flight land okay??” (which I already knew because I flight tracked it since takeoff).  Or constantly worrying when I know someone has a big drive that something could happen during it.  I know it’s not normal but I’m working on it.  Last, is happiness because that is all I strive for on a daily basis.  Choosing to surround my life with people who bring me happiness and trying to interject as much as I can into the lives of others.  I know it sounds cheesy but it’s honestly the truth.

 

Blogging is honestly such a crazy and fulfilling part of my life.  I mean, where else can you connect with so many people and have a space that is the best reflection of your life?  It is like having the best online diary right? I love being able to share my life, daily finds, wisdom, and humor with you.  These posts are some of my favorite to look back and reflect on the year and to catch everyone up with what has been going on over the past year.  So without further ado let’s get into it!

 

January 2016

Fringe Skirts

Fringe skirt BB Dakota find updated this year here (on sale!)  ||| Booties Joie current find here (on sale!) ||| My favorite sunglasses ever, Karen Walker find here |||  Oversized sweater BB Dakota find here

 

January was kind of a slow month around these parts.  I am pretty sure I was back into the grind of work and holiday spent.

My Top Ten Favorite Costco Buys

Seriously this is still one of my favorite posts!  I guarantee you that I listed things in here you had no idea Costco had to offer.  Side note, does anyone have any connections to PR/Brand Relations at Costco?  I have been stalking them on all social media outlets and they are elusive!  If you have any contacts I would be so appreciative!  You can always email me with the deets if you do.

My Top Ten Biggest Fashion Shoot Blunders and How to Avoid Them

I kicked off a photography series this year and have gotten great feedback from it!  I am taking all suggestions of what you guys want to learn about next.  If you want more photography tutorials click here.  My number one most pinned post from this series is this one.  All about achieving that pretty background blur.

 

February 2016

San Fran bridgeMark and I Golden Gate BridgeIn front of CakebreadFrogs Leap WinerySixt Rental San FranMark and I in front of Cakebread

Celebrated our one year wedding anniversary with a trip out to Napa.  Seriously, one of my favorite trips.  You can read all about it here!  My blog post even got featured on Huffington Post here.  This was the start of our frenzy of travels over the year.  I racked up some serious Delta miles.

 

How to Work With Brands For Your Blog

An in-depth tutorial about how to hustle to work with the brands that you want for your blog and social media.  I didn’t hold back on this one.

 

How to Pack In a Carry On – All my Secrets Revealed

I fancy myself an expert on this one.  Do you believe that I traveled for almost two weeks to Europe in a carry-on?!?!  Not only that but I got my husband to travel in one as well.  Don’t believe me?  Check out my full how-to tutorial.  This one was also featured on Huffington Post here.

 

March 2016

Susana Monaco Dress

Susana Monaco off the shoulder dress here |||  Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag here

 

Trending Off The Shoulder Dresses

You think I was onto something with that one?  Everything is all off the shoulder now!  Currently loving this sweater for the Winter.  How fab are the lace up details?

 

My Top Five Reasons for Switching to WordPress From Blogger

I wish I had started on WordPress from day one.  If you are still on Blogger this post is for you.  If you are part of WordPress, check out my favorite plugins that I included in this tutorial.

 

Finding Ways to Become Re-Inspired

I honestly go back to this post when I get in a rut and need inspiration.  Great real life guidance on how to get that mojo back.

 

Local Living Guide – The Best Part of Living in St. Petersburg, FL

Highlighting the fabulous area that I live in.  I mean who wants to come and visit me?!?!?  It’s still in the 70’s-80’s still in December!

 

Everyday Should be International Women’s Day

We really are superwomen and should be recognized for all that we do.  It’s not enough just to show up, we have to be the rock stars of everything and this is my post devoted to the many hats we don on a daily basis.

 

10 Things to STOP Doing Right Now to Age Well

Are you doing any of these bad habits that could be preventing you from aging well?  Make sure to check out what made my list!

 

April 2016

Friday-Favorites

 

Photography 101 – How to Shoot in Manual Mode

Putting all the photography tutorials into one master post.  I give you exact camera settings of my shots to help you achieve those perfect captures on manual mode!

 

Then We Wonder Why Time Flies

A good reminder to stop, reflect and slow down the craziness of life.

 

All the Back Details

Still to this date one of my favorite outfit posts.  Plus, we snuck into the mansion where we got married to capture these images.

 

May 2016

rachel pally maxi dress

5 Things to Do for Your Blog Right Now During the Summer Slowdown

Honestly, all these tips are helpful right now as well.  I pretty much accomplished all five goals, how about you?

 

How to Stand Out in a Crowd

I’m very proud of this post and encourage you to read it if you are seeking guidance about how to grow your blog, brand, and even just overall in life/work goals.

 

My Top Five Must Have Travel Accessories

I still live by these five must-have accessories for all of my travels.  See what made the list!

 

Why It’s Okay to Step Back 

I was all about the self-help in the month of May apparently but this is a post I go back and read often.

 

How to Make Pinnable Images for Your Blog

A great step by step tutorial on how to create images that people will want to save and visit on Pinterest.

 

5 Best Cities to Travel to For a Long Weekend

See what made the list!  This was also featured by Huffington Post!

 

June 2016

4th of July

 

A Guide to the Wynwood Walls in Miami

Just in case you wanted to know all about how to make the most of your time mural hunting in the coolest arts scene in Florida

 

Why Men Hate Rompers and Women Love Them

I feel this still rings pretty true and can I tell you how many hits I get from this post in google searching?!?!?  I feel like this is still a hot button topic.

 

My Favorite Online Shopping Sites and Why

These all still ring pretty true!  See which ones made the list and why.

 

Well, there you have it!  A highlight of some of my favorite posts for the first half of 2016.  Make sure to check back for my part two round-up of the best of 2016!  As you are going through these posts, I would love feedback about which content is your favorite and what you would like to see more of for 2017.  I have goals set for back up to 4 posts a week and trying to incorporate videos into my content as well.  I would appreciate all your feedback!

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Comments

  1. Biana says

    December 14, 2016 at 6:40 AM

    Looking back on your year and it feels like some of those posts were just yesterday!! I’m the same way about people travelling…even when I travel I’ve become a tad bit neurotic LOL!! I agree with health – that is one of the most important things in life, because you can’t enjoy the other parts without it!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston

  2. Ashley says

    December 14, 2016 at 8:15 AM

    Such a fun year you’ve had! I can’t believe 2016 is almost over. Time is flying!!

  3. Pamela says

    December 14, 2016 at 9:53 AM

    I can’t believe 2016 is almost over! Where did the time go?! Love this recap of your favorite posts this year! So many great ones and looking forward to more in 2017 <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  4. Caroline says

    December 14, 2016 at 10:29 AM

    You’ve had an awesome year my friend! Lots of adventure and your blog took off it seems! I couldn’t be more happy for you and wish you the very best and even more success in the year 2017!

  5. Karly says

    December 14, 2016 at 10:36 AM

    You’ve had an eventful year to say the least! Your photography guides and tips always are my go-to when I need a refresher. We’re still working hard on improving that over here. :)

  6. Caroline says

    December 14, 2016 at 12:14 PM

    You’ve had a pretty amazing year- and this is only half of it! I’ve loved following along and getting to know you! XO

  7. Lauren says

    December 14, 2016 at 12:25 PM

    Sounds like you’ve had a great year!

    xx
    Lauren Elizabeth
    Petite in Pearls

  8. Owen Davis says

    December 14, 2016 at 2:01 PM

    So many fun places traveled to this year for you lady! I can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for you! Xo

  9. Lindsay Latimer says

    December 14, 2016 at 9:28 PM

    This is such a great post idea! I love all of your posts, honestly. And I am just like you when it comes to worrying. I drive everyone crazy with it – definitely something I need to work on in 2017!

  10. Kelsey says

    December 15, 2016 at 5:36 AM

    My favorite outfit by far is March – I love that sweet little off the shoulder dress! And the pink tassel on the purse = perfect.

    I don’t think there’s any problem with worrying about people’s safety on travel/etc! I’m sure that’s always appreciated…it often goes unnoticed, so your friends and family probably appreciate that about you :) XO

  11. Whitney & Blaire says

    December 15, 2016 at 6:35 AM

    Love your recap, and there are so many great posts from this past year! I love your camera tutorials, they are so good!

    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  12. Lindsay says

    December 15, 2016 at 10:08 AM

    2016 was such an amazing year for you! I am so happy for you and all of your successes and that I can call you a bloggy friend :) P.S. I do the same thing whenever anyone travels, my poor husband is always so annoyed at me!

  13. Missy@My Sh!tty Kitchen says

    December 15, 2016 at 11:32 AM

    Great recap, chock full of some of my favorite posts of yours and ones I need to go back and read, particularly the blogging ones. Oh this makes me so happy that Free People shirt in your Napa pics was not in my suitcase! I am going to wear it when this freezing snap breaks! I am going to get a DSLR camera finally when my insurance money comes so I would love more camera tutorials. And I pretty much owe my revamped wardrobe to you so keep up the good work finding awesome outfits!

  14. Tiffany says

    December 15, 2016 at 5:59 PM

    2016 was a great year for you Amanda! So many great posts that I still refer back to for inspiration.

  15. nadine says

    December 16, 2016 at 12:32 AM

    2016 has been a crazy year indeed!!! You’ve gone on lots of fun trips, worn some amazing outfits, had some great brand colabs and been busy busy!! I of course love all your posts. I think videos are always fun for something different! I’m like you with the worrying. I hate that I’m that way, but I can’t help it.

  16. Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis says

    December 17, 2016 at 11:18 AM

    2016 has been treating you well and you’ve definitely been keeping busy! So many beautiful outfits too!

  17. kristen says

    December 29, 2016 at 1:15 PM

    eh, i’m a bit dr doomish like that as well. we all have our weird things, right? lol

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    December 29, 2016 at 12:02 AM

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  2. Friday Favorites - The Last One of 2016 says:
    December 30, 2016 at 12:07 AM

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  3. Friday Favorites - First of the Year says:
    January 6, 2017 at 12:02 AM

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