Goodbye 2015 and Happy New Year 2016!

I don’t know anyone who is more excited for the new year than me. Talking amongst my co-workers this morning, we best described 2015 as  a ‘dumpster fire’, instead of our plans of setting the world on fire as we had hoped for. Not to get super sappy, but last year straight up kicked my ass. I don’t think I have been through more in the beginning of the year mentally and emotionally than what I endured in the beginning of 2015. 

I lost a job, got sold a dream, getting photoshopped multiple times and finding out my mother had cancer (Don’t worry, she’s cancer free now). These things certainly have a way of putting you in the darkest place possible, making you wake up everyday struggling to find a little bit of self worth. Strangely enough, hitting rock bottom in 2015 allowed getting up to be the best part. It may have been my hardest year of life, but I have never been stronger, more driven, and appreciative of life as I am today. I masked the pain and anxiety blogging everyday, keeping me busy and motivated, but I attribute Eleventh & Sixteenth to giving me more than self worth, but teaching me to be better. My blog and everyone who visited and left comments helped me stay positive and pushed me to learn more to get a much better job, meet new friends, and propel me to surpass my goals in the current year. To end this reflection on 2015, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for reading, thank you for allowing me to express my passion through styling, writing, and meeting like-minded individuals. Giving me drive that is not only my side project, but another reason to make myself better.

For 2016, I will continue to be the best me. I plan to stay extremely active and work on brand new fitness goals for the new year. Jumping right into it I am starting Whole 30. Hitting a major refresh on my health and wellness, and giving myself a good flush on the inside. (If you want to learn more about Whole 30, this is a good informational guide!)

I also plan on practicing minimalism, getting rid of the unnecessary items in life that don’t bring value, but clutter. I ordered this book and plan on sectioning off my house and slowly getting rid of the things I do not need, and donating them to people who could use them instead. (You can also pick up this book as a follow up, which I also ordered.)

I had goals of starting a savings plan in 2015 to beef up my bank account and allow me to have cushion in case of emergency. Due to events that happened early in the year, I didn’t get to practice it as I had hoped. I plan on completing the 52 week savings plan and work on being much better about putting money away. (If you would also like to participate, use the chart HERE on my Pinterest board!)

I have a huge desire to travel in the new year. Not just to some of my favorite regular locations, but new places to explore. I don’t want to take any vacation time for anything that isn’t a brand new discovery. Being 27, single, and having nothing to tie me down, it’s time to explore the world a bit before I dedicate my time to someone else.

Lastly, Eleventh & Sixteenth is going to grow in the new year. I plan on making my content the best it can be! So stay tuned for different collaborations, how-to’s, videos, and feel free to even e-mail me to let me know what you would like to see on my blog. All of this wouldn’t be possible without all of you, and I am excited to take 2016 by storm. I hope you join me.

Be sure to check out my sister’s New Years Eve party DIY’s live on her blog! (She was gracious enough to let me use the photos, since me and my friends got to eat all her food and drink all of her champagne!)

Shirt / Pants / Heels

Photos: Haley Nord