Looking Back And Moving Forward

Favorite Blog Posts, Blog Rewind, Blog Review

When I went to make my personal goals for this year, I also privately made some goals for the blog. I thought about the types of posts that I like to read and decided that I wanted to offer more of those.  This meant posts on issues that are important me as well as providing more value with practical and useful information that everyone could benefit from. There's nothing more gratifying than when someone reaches out to tell me that one of my posts inspired them in some way or turned them on to something new. One of my best blog moments this year was getting an email from a reader telling me that she registered to vote and voted for the first time after reading my post on the importance of voting.  So I actually did fairly well in achieving my own goals especially when it came to self care, buying less and unplugging.  I'm pretty satisfied with how it went with the blog as well and  I'm taking a look back at some of my favorite posts.

Easy Ways To Apply Feng Shui To Your Home
Feng shui is something I personally practice in my own home. It actually isn't as mystical as it sounds and I shared 10 easy ways for anyone to implement some of the principles in their own home.

How To Avoid Getting Sick
Some tips that I swear by during cold and flu season that help keep my immune system in fighting form and be less likely to fall ill.

Sometimes It Snows In April
It snowed in April in NYC this year and the sight of cherry blossoms covered in snow was both sublime and unsettling at the same time. This was a quick photo study along with a few tips on how I photograph snow. I also spent a lovely afternoon under the cherry blossoms after they had fully bloomed.

Five Ways To Protect Your Privacy Online
Online privacy is of great personal importance to me and something everyone really should take seriously. Talking about the dangers of oversharing and measures you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Crazy Rich Asians Means To Me
The phenomenal success of Crazy Rich Asians marked a watershed moment for an entire community of Asians like me. This might've been one of the most personal posts I've ever written as I reflected on how complicated it is to be an Asian in the Western world. By the responses and emails I received, this one resonated with a lot of other people as well which meant so much to me.

A Comparison Of  Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial & The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
An in depth look at the Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial and whether The Ordinary 30% AHA and 2% BHA Peeling Solution is actually a dupe for it.

How Sugar Ages Your Skin
A topic near and dear to my heart since I quit sugar years ago and I swear it's like one of the best things that I've ever done for my skin as well as my body which has also taken years off my face.

Living Better With Less
This is a concept I'm really embracing and I talk about all the ways living with less has improved my life.

I've already started working on my editorial calendar for 2019 and my goal remains the same as this past year.  To some people, my posts may not seem all that personal because my photos aren't splashed all over the place. I explained the reason for this in my online privacy feature but I can assure you that the topics I choose to write about are quite meaningful to me which actually makes them personal. I've been asked why I cover Asian entertainment almost exclusively. Well Asian culture and values are part of my identity so the entertainment resonates the most with me. For the people who feel uncomfortable, that honestly says more about you than me. And for those who have discovered the joy of K-dramas because I won't shut up about them, good for you for having an open mind and thanks for sharing your joy with me.

This will be my last post of the year. Thank you to everyone who's stopped by! I'm ever so grateful for each and every one of you and your continuing support and friendship. And I wish you a wonderful holiday season full of love, laughter, good health, good food, friends, and family! Let's connect again on the other side of 2019!

22 comments

The Dainty Dolls House said...

This is super. Have a wonderful holiday time with your family and friends, I hope the New Year will be all that you hope it will be!!! See you in the New Year!! xx

Jackie Harrison said...

I like your culture entertainment I believe we should embrace every culture with respect and learn what they have to offer. Every culture is beautiful in their own way no one is better than the other.
Like how you broke it down and looking forward to your 2019 Calender.
Have a Merry Christmas and A Bless New Years
https://tifi11.blogspot.com/2018/12/last-minute-hostess-gift-idea-rosemary.html

Carolyna's world said...

This is awesome - I stopped to to goals for the New Year couple of years ago -but I believe that for some people new year means new changes and chances to change some things. You goals are great dear xx
Merry Christmas and happy New Year 2018 xx

Doctor Anne said...

Happy Holidays, Rowena.
And your blog posts do feel personal to me, even though you don´t share your picture all the time.

Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca

Emmylou said...

Your posts are such a joy to read, chingu:) You know how you've influenced my Kdrama obsession and KBeauty routine:P How lovely to hear that you got someone out there to vote!
Anyhoo, here's to a wonderful New Year ahead of us. Much love from my family to yours:) XOXO

ALLIE NYC said...

Yes it is the time of year when we all take stock in what we do. Lately I have not been inspired by blogging either reading them or maintaining one. It seems like it is always the same information and not even sure why we all do it. But yes you remind us that there is some positive things about blogging. I try to keep this in mind when I feel burn out.

Allie of
www.allienyc.com

Beauty said...

Great Recap; I enjoyed reading your blog this year and got lots of useful information about Beauty products, food, restaurants and entertainment. I love your personal insights on New York City and on Asian Culture. Also, thanks a lot for your support on my blog. I wish you a beautiful holiday season and a happy new year.

Ivana Split said...

The end of the year is a great time to reflect. I didn't write my NY resolutions yet but I plan to. This is a lovely selection of posts. I remember that I enjoyed reading all of them.
I wish you all the best in the NY. Happy holidays!

Jenny said...

I love how you're able to cover a broad range of topics from beauty to food to entertainment but still manage to put personal touches to each one. I'm hoping to do the same in 2019 because there are so many other things I'm passionate about beyond skincare! Wishing you and your family a very happy holidays and happy new year!

Jenny // Geeky Posh

Dressed With Soul said...

I see you really made your NY resolutions true! The kind of posts you decided to publish are indeed interesting and I'm happy and grateful that you share these kind of posts. My favourite definitely was your post about dropping sugar :)
Merry Christmas!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com

Blackswan said...

Lovely round-up, dear! Happy holidays to you & family! xoxo

Gabrielle said...

I love reflecting on the year that's just finished; it can be so inspiring and motivational too with regard to creating new goals for the year ahead! I'm so pleased you feel as though you've done fairly well with your goals Rowena :) Merry Christmas!

Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x

Paola Lauretano said...

One word: awesome!
Happy Holidays, doll!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

Corinne said...

Hope you have a lovely Christmas! :)

Corinne x
skinnedcartree.com

Kinga K. said...

Inspiring post :)

Dressed With Soul said...

Have amazing last days of 2018!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com

iamperlita said...

I love this list! I also remember your post about voting! I really enjoyed it and I thought your voice was very inspiring <3 Have a happy new year! ♥

PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com

Say hello and let’s follow each other <3 | INSTAGRAM

Mica said...

You had some great posts this year and it's awesome you are motivated and have a plan for your blog posts ahead in 2019! :)

Hope that you had a wonderful Christmas :) It was a busy but fun one here as I hosted it this year for my family. We are still eating lots of delicious leftovers, haha! I'm starting to get back to blogging after my little break for a few days. Have a happy new year!

Away From The Blue Blog

Carolyna's world said...

Happy New year 2019 dear xx

FASHION TALES said...

The beauty about having your own personal blog space is that you can write about whatever you want. I enjoyed your posts this year, and wishing you a wonderful 2019 ahead, Rowena. Happy New Year!
FASHION TALES

Bobsphotography said...

All the best in 2019!

My blog: Street Style City

Also have a look at my photography page: Photography

sonia // daring coco said...

I couldn't thank you enough for introducing me to K-Dramas! It's been such a joy discovering new storylines and actors. It can be jarring for me sometimes, with the "violence" or slapping one another about, and more recently as some shows have started to highlight the discrimination and sexual harassment of women. I can't wait to start/binge on Encounter, hurry up and finish already hahahaha!

Hope you had a lovely start to 2019 and wishing you nothing but the best for the coming months.
Sxx
daringcoco.com