new year!

I think I'm becoming an expert on vacationing. Seriously, it is so hard to get back to a routine after having no routine for two weeks! Today Jed and I finally went to the real grocery store (usually when we come home from being away, we live off of the corner health food store and Walgreens). But I'm slowly getting back into the old routine.

I've been thinking a lot about blogging and my online presence, or whatever you call it! I really want to liven things up a bit around here. I'm also thinking of maybe starting a YouTube channel. I'm not totally sure about that yet. I'm a little nervous about being in front of a camera. I had a mild freak-out over the last few days while thinking this over. Looking at all these other YouTubers and style bloggers and starting to realize how little I have thought of my own wardrobe in the last few years. I feel like I've spent a lot of time creating clothing for that imaginary me, the person who lives in the clothing I create for Anna Allen Clothing, that I have forgotten about my own personal style. I have always wanted to be like the cool girl who wears effortless, lovely frocks and ensembles. And who knows exactly how to wear makeup so she looks fresh and flawless. But I haven't been able to figure out how to be effortless. To be truthful, most days I will just find a top, a pair of pants, some warm socks, warm sweater and call it good. Doesn't matter if it goes well together and forget about accessories, unless you count my wedding rings! Other days I wear grey leggings with a grey v-neck t-shirt that I wear as my pajamas and a grey wool sweater plus wool socks and call it good. Forget about makeup! I know it's not horrible, but I wouldn't want to be seen in this getup. But I love style and fashion and I just love dressing up. So why don't I dress up every day? I don't know! I think it's pure laziness. But I'd like to change that. I'm really thinking a lot about what sorts of things I like and I am going to work on slowly building up a wardrobe that I love. I'm not sure where to begin. I'd like to dress maybe half like I have a job outside my home and half more casual. But I'd definitely like to dress a little more like I would if I were going out every day. Hey, maybe I will start to wear skirts and dresses again, though it's a little hard to think of that right now during the winter.

As you can see, I have a lot going on in my brain. As for the YouTube channel, I think it would just be fun to make videos. I don't know exactly the focus I would have. Maybe a little bit of everything?? I might do some reviews or talk about products that work for me. Lately I have been on a hunt for the perfect foundation, and so far most foundations are too dark for me (even the lightest shades!) or they break me out or my skin is too dry during the winter. Hair videos might be fun as well, like the braid tutorial I did awhile back. Any thoughts? If I started a YouTube channel, what videos would you most be interested in seeing?

On shop news, I am hoping to open the shop up again soon, but I will also be working on a few big historical dress projects coming up as well. So I am toying with the idea of making some Henriette dresses ready-made in various sizes in a different fabric than pictured (sadly, I am out of the green cotton plaid and I can't find more of it). Making garments ahead of time instead of made-to-order might help me manage my time a little better while I am working on other projects.

So I guess all of that is a lot to swallow, but it's a new year! And I am excited to dive right in and start making goals and working on keeping those goals! I started a few goals several months ago which I've been pretty good at keeping and I feel better than ever! Doing yoga (Esther is the best!) every day has helped me a TON and taking pro-biotics and multi-vitamins are making me feel pretty darn awesome! Especially those pro-biotics, man are those good. And I'm also trying to drink 8 glasses of water a day because every time I am faithful with keeping hydrated, I look and feel a whole lot better. Seriously, it's no joke. Try it sometime! You may be taking a billion trips to the bathroom to pee, but it is worth it in my book! And I think if you start to keep hydrated on a regular bases, those trips to the bathroom will lessen. At least I hope they will! Anyway, on that note (ehem) I will end! I hope you all had a fabulous holiday! I have lots more Christmas photos to share, but will show you those in another post, hopefully before winter is over! xo