Photo c/o Kat Harris
Oh 2017, you were one crazy year!! Personally it was a crazy year, but in a good work-busy kind of way. But as far as everything else in the world, it was crazy in all sorts of sad, scary, frustrating and confusing ways – change is definitely upon us this new year, and I can only hope that this last year of turmoil was the fuel the world needed to head into the right direction. Yet, I can’t believe how fast the year went by, seriously the holidays came and went in a blink of an eye that even a week of relaxing, recharging and reflecting felt more like a single day. I definitely ended the year off with a bang, an extremely busy bang, that come December 26th, I was completely depleted and exhausted. It was perfectly timed that I was house/dog sitting a friend, because it gave me the time and forced me to truly rest {something you’ll see below is what I’m aiming to work on come 2018}. This year taught so much about myself, life and family, and before I share my vision below for this new year, here’s just a snippet of what I took away from 2017….
1. 2017 was…Empowering, a continuous growth in confidence {both personally & career wise}, Overly Busy, Eye Opening, Encouraging, and nothing short of pretty
2. What new things did I discover about myself? That it’s okay, if not encouraged, to be vulnerable, especially as a entrepreneur, female and leader. It’s taken, and is still taking, me time to realize that small issues and personal problems aren’t burdens when shared and discussed with loved ones. Remember we all go through similar hardships in one way or another at different points in our lives, so don’t steer away from that connection because you think the other person won’t understand, in turn others will understand when we need to open up because it’s almost certain they have gone through the same worries too.
Photo c/o Kat Harris
3. Which of your personal qualities turned out to be the most helpful this year? Determination {again for 2017}. Dreamery Events has grown tremendously, I can’t even believe how much I worked this past year and how busy 2018 is already looking to be! But more so that I still continue to put a lot on my plate when I already have have so much going on, especially when it comes to helping others. I just can’t say “no” and it’s something that I need work on this year, because no matter how good or compassionate I am towards others, I too often help others at the expense of my own personal needs. And although however stressful, sad and frustrating, it really did prove to myself time and time again that I CAN DO THIS!!
4. What was the most important lesson I learned in 2017? Vulnerability. It’s necessary to grow, to succeed, to become ultimately fulfilled. And fear, you need it. Acknowledge it but know when to control and face it like a boss!
Favorite Moments of 2017
1. Having a Portugal adventure on my own. I especially loved touring Portugal’s beautiful and famous wine country. I haven’t shared my stunning day trip to Douro’s yet {I know it’s been almost year}, but I can’t wait to next week. It’ll be a nice wanderlust break as temperatures and snow begin to fall daily.
2. It was the year of family for me. From births, to growing closer to sharing many many lovely moments with them.
3. Joining The Refined Woman team! It’s been so rewarding, personally more so for my career, just reading and interacting with all these amazing women from all over the country and all walks of life. It’s only been a few months, yet the inspiration, encouragement and empowerment is just so awesome to be a part of! It’s been the biggest reason I’m taking the step to be a bit more open with my life.
Photo c/o Kat Harris
4. Baking close to 1000 cookies this holiday season. I don’t know if I’d say this was a favorite moment, but looking back this was definitely a moment to remember.
5. Seeing Coldplay in concert for a 2nd time! And watching the amazing Mariza perform for a 4th time, but this time in an intimate setting, what a voice!
Favorite Travels
I didn’t travel to too many places, but I did spend one amazing month in Portugal rediscovering this beautiful country I’ve considered more like home all my life. I truly fell in love with it like no other, and guys I’m already starting to plan my trip back this June, with even more new adventures and beautiful places to experience!
1. Porto. I seriously fell in love with this city, and I can see why it’s become a favorite of not only local Portuguese but many around the world.
2. Douro. You’ll need to check back next week for my trip to this stunning place, it’s definitely worth it it’s one of the most gorgeous places I’ve seen! It’s a shame that most residents never even see this amazing region.
3. Lisbon’s Colorful Streets. I’ve always come to the capital city in passing, but this year I took advantage of the best tour guides, my uncle and aunt, to truly discover the colorful vibrance of this historical city. And boy, does this city fill me with so much joy and pride!
4. Lake George. I’ve been to Lake George plenty of times, but this was the first time I actually came as a tourist and I loved it even more. Seriously I need a summer house there, especially so I can be closer to my best friend!
5. Laurita Winery. I loved discovering this gem in NJ. I reminded me that this state, although not a place I really enjoy living in, isn’t just busy towns or New York City skylines, but this state actually has much so much natural beauty that reminds me of Portugal. Plus, I met the coolest antiquer I can’t wait to work with for upcoming weddings!
Five Business Accomplishments
1. I finally got the website redesign Dreamery desperately needed, and it was so worth the investment! It has allowed Dreamery to not only look more professional, but more importantly I now feel like I don’t have to worry about or feel embarrassed of potential clients or readers checking out the site. I’m proud of it, and am happy that it reflects my aesthetic.
2. Dreamery doubled in revenue and work!! It was a crazy busy year and the next five months are definitely not going to mean downtime, there are plenty of pretty parties and lovely weddings to work on. But what I am most proud is that no matter how busy I was this holiday season, I managed to make two fundraiser events happen to raise awareness for the foster care system and funds for the thousands affected {including my family’s lands} by the devastating forest fires.
3. I have to give a huge shout out to my amazing clients, they have been the biggest reason why my confidence in my abilities and skills have grown. It still amazes me how many people truly love my skills and want to be a part of their special event, wedding or make special sweets for them. It’s amazing how much there kind words are contagious and have in turn brought me more clients. What I took away from this was that I really need to stop doubting myself and worry that my clients wouldn’t like my work, because they all ended up loving what I created!
4. Guys, I got my 1st intern! This was definitely a “pinch me” moment, no matter how many events I had done this made me feel like a real entrepreneur. Kayla was an immense help to me, especially during my month away, she totally stepped up to take the lead on event work and taught so much about being a leader and boss to a team. And she even put together this lovely fall inspiration shoot, all on her own!!
5. I was featured on Wayfair’s blog!
Overall, 2017 showed me {and I think most} that the world is a scary place, especially in the times we live in now. But I’ve learned that in order to beat the hate and fear we need to fight injustice with openness, kindness and acceptance!!
My 2018 Vision
It’s not too late to reflect on 2017, even if you don’t set goals or intentions for a new year it’s always great to look back on the last 365 days of your life and acknowledge, all the big and little things you’ve done. If I could give my early-2017 self advice it would be to not forget about myself, seriously everyone else puts themselves first and so should I! Now that we’re a few days into 2018, {Happy New Year!} I’m so ready for a fresh new start are you? I know this year I’ve so ready for a clean slate because I’ve already begun clearing away Christmas decor, and that’s something I’ve never done before three kings day.
It’s been such a hectic few months, that I’m craving minimalism, a clutter free environment if you will, even my goals for 2018 are simple. I’m not about resolutions, but I am about setting intentions and creating a clear vision of what I want the next twelve months to look like, of what I want to grow and evolve into. There are always things I will be working on. Simply put, I want 2018 to be a more grounded year, but one that also includes plenty of fun. Fun is something I felt like I didn’t have enough of in 2017, my life was work work work, that I almost forgot what it was to enjoy things. So for 2018 I have this simple outlook : say yes to adventures, because what’s the worst the can happen! So here are a few of the goals I’ve set for myself this year….
1. Have More Fun
2. Be True. Be Expressive. Choose Joy
I’m going to work on being more open, more vulnerable and unapologetically Diana, which includes letting my guard down. I’m definitely going to work on opening my heart to a fresh a new start; to love, to friendships, to adventures, to life!
Don’t be afraid to go where you’ve never gone and do what you’ve never done, because both are necessary to have what you’ve never had and be who you’ve never been.
3. Continue to Learn as Much as Possible
Every new year is an opportunity to learn something new and to choose something unexpected.
Photo c/o Kat Harris
4. Simplify. Be Present
5. Grow Dreamery Events
This goes beyond revenue, clients and work or more consistent and innovative blog content {although these are all things I definitely plan to work on}. I want to grow Dreamery that is beyond planning and styling pretty weddings and parties or making desserts. I want Dreamery to be a place/business that inspires; to do more good, to embrace all forms of beauty in life, to do things simply with purpose. Each year this small business of mine has made tremendous strides, even at my own pace, but it makes me
6. Travel. See More of this Beautiful World
7. Spread More Good. Make a Difference
8. Get Grounded. Live Consciously
What goals or vision have you made for your 2018? I think it will be a really exciting year and I am really looking forward to this fresh start!
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Congratulations on all of your accomplishments in 2017! Wishing you all the best for 2018! You’re amazing!
Thank you so much Amanda!! It really means a lot & I’m wishing you all the best this year too xo