A Look Back At 2014

Blog Review

I'm not usually one to look back but sometimes it can be helpful like when I started filling out my editorial calendar and planning content for the blog this year. I have some new ideas and rewinding to see which posts resonated the most last year has given me a clearer picture of what you all like so that I could fine tune some of the concepts. I plan on continuing with a number of ongoing features including Through My Lens and Eye Candy as some of you have specifically told me that you enjoy these but I would also like to create more informational and wellness post as well as more content about NYC. Is there anything else you'd like to see?

So in case you missed it... this is some of what was popular around here in 2014

8 lucky foods for Chinese New Year as well their significance
How to get a Cronut without waiting on line for it. For the record, the flavor I tried was Peanut Butter Rum Caramel.
On celebrating our twelfth wedding anniversary
A roundup of helpful organizational and cleaning tips to help with your Spring Cleaning
One question I find really insulting and sharing some film work
The importance of Sun Safety and some facts everyone should know
About the time I bought Sprinkles cupcakes out of an ATM... and they were good!
What happened when I tried Double Cleansing and directions for how to do it
I visited the Birchbox store in NYC and built my own custom Birchbox
My backstage view at NYFW and a look at the Cynthia Rowley SS2015 presentation
A photo diary of our Turks & Caicos vacation
Dining out at ABC Kitchen which was one of my favorite meals of the year

54 comments

My Garden Diaries said...

You know that one of my favorites is "through my lens" as you capture such beautiful photos friend! It is always so fantastic to get a feel of your environment and what you experience! I need to fine tune as well though I am not sure where to start! I look forward to being inspired this year by all of your posts Rowena! Wishing you a year full of exciting creativity!! Nicole xoxo

Terri said...

I definitely enjoy your "Through My Lens" and "Eye Candy" posts, but I also found your double cleansing post helpful, so I'm rooting for more informational posts as well! Looking forward to whatever your blog brings! :)

Emmylou said...

Your blog contest rocks, Rowena. Always interesting and a lot of variety....like the city where you live:) I really like the Through My Lens series.

Lilli said...

Well, I always enjoy your food, restaurant review and travel posts as well Rowena and everytime you show NYC, so would be lovely to continue them too! "Through My Lenses" series is definitely one of my fav ever! You know, I remember all of them and especially the one about Cronut, I hope to taste it soon!:) Hugs xo

Jackie Harrison said...

Great recap and is very helpful to see what your readers like great idea I also like when you go to restaurants and introduce us to a great place to try in NYC.

Unknown said...

hey friend, those are really beautiful memory. happy 2015

http://www.fashionculturediary.blogspot.it/

Stanislava E. said...

My favourite of all posts above was the photo diary of your Turks & Caicos vacation! I also love seeing "dining out" and food posts. But whatever you decide to share with us, it's always interesting! :) Btw, you were such a beautiful bride on your wedding, Rowena!

Anonymous said...

What a nice way to look back on the previous year :-) Great selection of moments and posts!

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Wonderful wonderful.....I always love your 'Through my Lens' posts and the food ones too :) It's always great to see things how you see them, plus you got to take a pic of Matt Bomer and I love him, hahaha!! Hope you have a great day my dear Xxx

Elle Sees said...

i love the sprinkles atm...a must-do!

Blackswan said...

Thanks for sharing these wonderful posts, Rowena! So glad to be here & always enjoy reading your sharing. xoxo
Luxury Haven

asianhomie101 said...

I love seeing recaps of the year! Definitely going to be checking out some of these posts! :)

Kelsey&Kenecha said...

Love "through my lens"! Beautiful photos and excited to see your future posts! :)

http://floralsandsmiles.blogspot.ca/

Beauty Editer said...

Fantastic post! Great job on the photos. So stunning!

xoxo;
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Paola Lauretano said...

Amazing recap, I always love your food, your travels, your selections.... your blog!!!!
Hope you are enjoying the new year so far!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

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Christina @ Happy or Else said...

Of course I went to the cronut post! HA! I totally have called ahead to a couple of my favorite donut places. Donut SHAME! LOL Jk. Love it! I went to the "offensive question" post but it was not coming up on my computer. You totally piqued my interest! Looking back and reviewing the past to help to improve the future of your blog is very impressive and admirable. I am so inspired by excellence and this is such a powerful tool you are really using. Thank you for sharing these posts!! Happy New Year! PS I need to eat my lucky foods! lol

Unknown said...

Beautiful post and pictures.
Beautetude

Jane said...

i love some of your personal posts, too, like through my lens. i would love to see posts on wellness as well!

Nequéren Reis said...

Postagem maravilhosa amei,
Canal: https://www.youtube.com/user/NekitaReis
Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

Pinkoolaid said...

:) i love more personal posts from you

http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

Anonymous said...

So many good posts we missed this year. Thanks for the recap :)

xx 365hangers

Unknown said...

I remember the lucky Chinese food's post...
Happy New Year

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

Thank you for the round-up! x

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Rowena, I saved how to get a cronut and loved that sprinkles vending machine. I love your beauty picks and when you do restaurant reviews. Your wellness posts are VERY informative. That picture of you and your husband was fantastic!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Margaret Dallospedale said...

Hi Rowena
This selection is very cool
Adorable photos
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

Ivana Split said...

I love your photography so I'm wishing for more trough your lenses posts.
13 anniversary? that's so lovely!
xoxo

http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

Ivana Split said...

12 not 13....I can't type on this laptop.

Shireen L. Platt said...

Oh wow, 12th wedding anniversary is a huge thing! I hope mine will last forever. It didn't work out very well with my first marriage and it was a painful experience that I never one to go through again so I have so much respect for anyone whose marriage last a long time.

Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

Unknown said...

Oh yes, those were some of my favorite posts from you as well!! It also reminds me that I really want a cronut now :P Happy New Year, Rowena! I can't wait to see the wonderful things you have in store for us for 2015!! xoxo

ALLIE NYC said...

Great round and photos of the round up! You know I work about half a block away from that cronought place. I wonder if they only make them in shifts...hmmmm...

Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com

Corinne said...

I do love a good look back! Glad it could give you some ideas for this year.

I don't know what I'd love more, to survive 12 years or marriage or to build my own birch box ;)

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Oh to Be a Muse said...

I love these pictures, but you're always really good with image selection. Your Through My Lens series is quite nice.

www.ohtobeamuse.com

nycstylelittlecannoli said...

Looks like you have had a wonderful 2014 Hope your 2015 is even better I still have to try that birch box but I don't hear all positive so not sure I want to dive in! :))

www.nycstylelittlecannoli.com

Midnight Cowgirl said...

The Cronut looks so good :)

Jo said...

Happy New Year Rowena! I should have subscribed to you earlier, can't believe I miss some of these posts! Most excited to read about the organizing tips and take a look at your wedding anniversary pics. I'm so glad I found you. I really enjoy your blog! Happy 2015!

xo Jo

http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/

Leslie said...

You are so organized Rowena! I was just talking to my husband tonight about blogging and the incredible amount of time and effort it takes to "grow" or keep it going and on trend. It's a LOT of work and I am still trying to figure it out. I believe I have followed you since began blogging a few years ago. Your blog is an easy read and I enjoy the variety. I've noticed I prefer editorial style blogs rather than the thought provoking - overly wordy, personal blogs. Hope your 2015 is the best!! xxleslie

June said...

Super links! i had no idea that cronuts were such a rage!! And OMG that cupcake atm is a dream come true. Wish you a very happy new year too
xx
June Wants It All

miasmode said...

Happy New Year Rowena!! Amazing roundup of your most popular posts. Omg I had no idea you already had your 12th wedding anniversary. Congrats so much. I would love to get a cronut without waiting too. I was curious to see it from the inside and well it looks delicious. The 8 lucky foods for CNY is my favorite post. I'm really looking forward to the goat year. Have a wonderful day sweetheart!!

xx glamdevils.com / miradevils.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Great post and wishing you a great start to the new year! I want to terribly to have a cronut but it's not the lanes that are holding me back. Still waiting for them to come out with a vegan version! :3

rae of love from berlin

get carried away said...

a wonderful post!
happy new year sweety!
<3

little luxury list said...

I still have to try your double cleansing method but have already found a new foaming cleanser. I haven't had luck with the cronut site but vow to get it next time I visit!!!

xoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

Lenya said...

Thx for sharing some of your precious and beautiful moments with us, Rowena. Such a beautiful post.
hugs
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle

BEAUTYEDITER.COM – Beauty Blog said...

Awesome post! All your photos are so stunning. Happy Friday dear! :)

xoxo;
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Unknown said...

Your blog is one of my favorites and so far I enjoyed your posts,
so I wouldn`t change anything,
and this too is a great post :)

http://dreamland1234.blogspot.com/

Jenmarie said...

You had a great year of blogging, that is for sure! I'm curious about your new posts and am anxious to see them. I think NYC posts would be exciting. Maybe more on the shops and fashion that you can find there?

Gabrielle said...

This is a fabulous post idea and a great way of summarising the highlights of the year gone by. 2014 was certainly an adventurous and exciting year for you, and I must say that I'm really looking forward to more of your posts over this fresh new year, as well! :)

aglassofice.blogspot.co.uk

x

Vanessa N said...

YAS TO MORE THROUGH MY LENS AND EYE CANDY! And personally, I'd love to see more NYC restaurant posts? (NO PRESSURE!) Also, saw this on my subscriptions box today and thought of you--should definitely give it a watch! http://youtu.be/Bh54VmGel2I

Stella said...

Both of you look so beautiful in your wedding photo.
Thanks for sharing the organising articles need to have a look on those.
Wishing you and your family a great 2015!
x
Stella from a A Shiny Place

Effortlesslady said...

Such a lovely recap!
www.effortlesslady.com

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful year for you Rowena! This post is so sweet :)

Jo said...

I remember some of these posts but it seems like I've missed a lot of your great post, Rowena. Firstly, I didn't know you've been married for 12 years! That's a lot. You must have been one of those who marry your sweetheart really young? I love "Through My Lens" coz you have such great skills in photography and you also capture the nuances of objects really well. I would love to see more personal posts as I like learning more about my blogger friends in this way. Of coz more personal posts doesn't mean revealing more of your face or too much about yourself but it just means we get to know you better on a perosonal level. Gee, is that kinda contradicting or something?

Jo
Jo's Jumbled Jardinière

Ivana said...

Happy new year, sweetie! May it bring you lots of happiness, joy, success and especially good health! As I'm slowly easing my way back into blogging, I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for you! I, for once, am a big fan of your "Through my lens" feature: your photography never fails to blow me away! And I really loved your thoughts and words on marriage, and I couldn't agree more with what you wrote. Have a lovely weekend!

xx Ivana

j said...

I enjoy all your posts but I really like the ones about NYC, it's how I found out about Tonymoly for my last visit. :)

Saph said...

I'm a new reader but the pic of the glutinous rice balls caught my eye! LOL My favorite is with black sesame paste! Oh yum! How I miss it!