This month marks the one year anniversary for West Coast Capri and I think that is cause for a little celebration. I have written other blogs before, but it wasn't until I started this lifestyle website [with the strong push from my husband] that I fully jumped into the blogging world. It's been more work than I could have imagined but it's also been an incredible year and greater than I could have anticipated things going. Even though it's so hard not to compare yourself to others and I have to remind myself all the time that everyone grows at their own pace, I have really learned a lot this past year and I am grateful for this little space I have on the internet and for all of you that have followed along. Here are a few of the things I have learned from this journey the past year.

1 | DON'T JUDGE OTHERS [one of the biggest things I feel like I've learned this past year is how harshly other people can judge you, especially on social media. I don't know why people think that being on social media can give you any excuse to speak unkindly to someone, let alone someone that you don't even know. Luckily, I have had some really sweet readers but I know how critical people can be about other peoples pictures or what blog post they put up, or what they look like on Instagram, or why they even have a blog, etc. and it is just a good reminder for me to never judge someone because you don't know what it's like to be in their shoes. I about had a panic attack the first time I ever posted a fashion post with solo pictures of me on my blog because that was very much out of my comfort zone to put up pictures of myself and I am no model by any means, so the last thing I wanted was people judging me or thinking that I'm really into myself or that I don't have any insecurities about myself. You never know how hard someone worked to get a photoshoot together or to make themself look half decent or to even have the guts to post the pictures after the fact, so always be kind to one another and mostly just follow the golden rule.]

2 | CELEBRATE OTHERS SUCCESSES [I feel so strongly about this because I think it's so easy for all of us to be jealous of each other or to be envious of someone else's success or their accomplishments, but really we just need to be genuinely happy for them and join in celebrating with them. We need each other. Especially women, we need one another as a support group and a strength to help lighten each others load and to help build one another up. There is a popular quote on Pinterest that talks about surrounding yourself with others who talk about successes rather than peoples faults and lifts other people up instead of putting them down and I love that. I want to be a doer and someone who is out their accomplishing goals and making my dreams happen and I hope to help others along the way, not criticize them for working so hard to make something happen. Be so busy working on your own imperfections that you don't have time to put others down. Celebrate the joys someone else has worked so hard for and cheer them on, no matter the circumstances.]

3 | GO WITH THE FLOW [things never turn out perfect and this I know for sure. In fact, this photoshoot was a perfect example of that. A couple of my balloons popped right when I got out of the car and then Capri dumped a bucket of sand on my face, and then we realized the SD card wasn't in the camera so Adam had to run back to the house to grab it! How's that for not going as planned? haha but it was such a beautiful day and even though I was frustrated, I just had to sit back and think you know what, this is life - things don't go as planned, I never look perfect, my little girl was just having a great time in the sand, and life will go on so just go with it. None of us are perfect and most days I'm in workout clothes with no makeup on or sometimes I try a new recipe and it doesn't quiet go as planned. So don't get stressed about the little things and just enjoy the ride. Life is short and so precious and the most important things are the moments you have with your loved ones. So find something you can smile about everyday and just go with it.]

4 | GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE THAT HUSTLE [I am constantly in awe at the amazing talent that is out there. I have had the chance to meet so many amazing people this past year who have impressed me so much with how hard they work and the things they are accomplishing with their talents. There are so many moms who are turning their passions into careers and it's so incredible in this day and age that they have the option to do that as well as be at home to raise their kids. I have learned how important networking is and how important your connections are with everyone that you meet. I know that hardwork pays off, but it usually doesn't mean that you get to rest. Keep setting goals for yourself and don't be afraid to dream big. Some things are right within your reach, you just need to reach out and grab them. And don't ever think that someone got to where they are without a lot of hardwork because things are just handed to those that have it all, the truth is they work their booty off to get there and to stay there.]

So as you can see, there is a lot I can learn from each of you and I'm so grateful for the wonderful opportunities I have had this past year and for all the amazing companies that I have had the privilege to work with and the fabulous ladies who have guest posted here. But most of all, thank you so much to you, my readers for keep on checking back here to see what's new and for following along. I'm excited for this new year ahead and for our growing family, so I hope you'll stay on board for the rest of this journey.

dress - free people | earrings - j.crew | lips - bobbie brown c/o