One of the most valuable things we can do is pause and reflect. When life gets busy, it’s so easy to forget how far we’ve come, how much we’ve learned, and even what we’ve created. Lately, I’ve been sitting with that thought—especially when it comes to this blog. Even though I sometimes feel guilty for neglecting it (hello, blogger guilt!), I can’t help but feel proud of the growth and evolution that has happened along the way.
A Year in Blogging
2018 wasn’t exactly a year filled with constant new posts for me—but the ones I did share, I truly loved. My standout favorite? Starting a Blog or Website. Why? Because I wholeheartedly believe that if someone feels the spark to create, they should absolutely go for it. The online space is wide open, and your voice deserves to be heard.
What might surprise you is that even when I’m not publishing tons of fresh posts, I’m constantly updating my most popular ones. I can spend weeks (okay, sometimes months) researching and polishing my deep-dive beauty content, especially when it comes to Real Housewives and other Bravolebrities. I live for the details—every product, every treatment, every little secret. Yes, I really did spend way too long figuring out Ramona Singer’s cosmetic history just to spill the tea for you.
This year, Southern Charm beauty secrets have been gaining traction too. Fans can’t get enough of Cameran Eubanks and Patricia Altschul’s routines, so I figured Naomi Olindo deserved her own spotlight as well. And don’t worry—Kelly Dodd from Real Housewives of Orange County is up next on my list.
Motivating Mondays & Self-Improvement
One thing I’ve been consistent with? Motivation Monday. While most of it lives over on Instagram, it’s become some of my most rewarding content. Messages from readers who tell me that my words were “exactly what they needed that day” mean more than I can say.
From practical tips like how to wake up earlier, to deeper reflections on confidence, generosity, and self-care, I’ve loved sharing bits of encouragement. If you haven’t peeked at them yet, I’ve saved them all as highlights on my IG (@blushinginhollywood).
On the blog side, I’m especially proud of a few self-help pieces:
- The Ultimate Breakup and Recovery Guide
- How I Changed My Life
- You Don’t Have to Try So Hard
I’m curious—would you like to see more self-improvement content here on the blog? Maybe even a little newsletter roundup? Let me know, because that could be a fun next step.
The Dating Dilemma
Now, onto a category that always sparks interest: dating. My stories and advice are consistently the most-shared and most-talked-about posts I’ve written. Friends pass them along, readers tell me they’ve laughed, cried, or learned something from them—it’s honestly my favorite feedback.
Still, it’s a tricky balance. With dating apps now linked to Instagram, people I go out with can easily stumble onto my posts. The last thing I want is to make someone feel exposed or embarrassed (unless, of course, their behavior deserves it).
But here’s the truth: modern dating is tough. Making real connections feels harder than ever, and while I want to keep it real for my readers, I don’t want to sacrifice trust in the process. My sister keeps reminding me to make dating more of a priority, and she’s right. Between an audition for a reality dating show and one of the craziest dates of my life, I’ve got stories that need to be written—and soon.
Beauty and Beyond
As I inch toward my 32nd birthday, skincare has become a full-on focus. Mini hauls, reviews, and (yes) dreams of more Botox have taken over my Instagram lately. I’ve also had the chance to feature some amazing guest writers who’ve delivered gems like:
- 5 Skincare Products Worth the Price Tag
- 10 Things You Should Do After Bleaching Your Hair
- Botox vs. Dysport
I’m picky about guest content—it has to be something I’d genuinely want to read myself—and these definitely passed the test.
Travel Confessions
Here’s where I have to be honest: travel blogging still makes me nervous. Thanks to Instagram, everyone’s vacation photos look like they belong in a magazine, and sometimes my more casual, practical posts feel… less-than. Perfectionism strikes again.
That said, I’ve had some amazing trips recently—Dallas, Houston, San Diego, Jupiter (Florida, my hometown), San Francisco, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina—and I still haven’t shared proper posts about any of them. Oops. For now, my 2016 LA Guide – Hollywood remains my favorite (and still super relevant). Maybe I need to let go of the pressure and just share what feels authentic, even if it’s not “picture perfect.”
Life & Lifestyle
One of my all-time most-viewed posts is my DIY IKEA ALEX Vanity, so I think it’s safe to say you guys love a good project. Recently, I shared my journey of creating a DIY pink IKEA nightstand over on Instagram, and let’s just say it took longer than expected. But it was fun, and I think it deserves a full blog post of its own.
Looking Ahead
As always, I’m endlessly grateful for the love, support, and encouragement from all of you. Whether you come here for Housewives beauty secrets, self-improvement pep talks, dating confessions, or DIY projects, you make this space what it is.
I can’t wait to keep building, experimenting, and (hopefully) inspiring in the year ahead. If you have requests for posts or ideas you’d like to see, drop them in the comments. This blog has grown because of you, and I’m excited to see where it takes us next.
