FAVORITE INSTAGRAMS FROM 2013

Instagram is definitely one of my top 3 favorite social networks. I love being able to see beautiful, creative photos by so many people I admire, catch up on their life, and see mini peeks into their memories. It's such a special way to share life with others. In a lot of ways I've noticed Instagram becoming more of a "mini blog" for a lot of people. In 2013 I was able to get excited about pregnancy announcements, births, weddings, and engagements. I was able to pray for those experiencing loss, sickness, and various trials. I was able to be hyper-inspired by a single image or completely obsessed with something someone created.

Anything can be used in a negative way, but it's so awesome to see and focus on how something can be used in such a positive way. I'm looking forward to the ways we can celebrate life together in 2014!

Here are a few of my personal favorite snapshots from my account in 2013:

Follow along as I share my life in 2014, @savannahmaiedae!

A YEAR IN OUTFIT PHOTOS

I had a lot of fun experimenting and getting into the swing of shooting more outfit photos in 2013. It was a great way to keep myself accountable to taking time on myself, exploring my style, and working on being creative with locations. It was also SO helpful and wonderful to have naturally gifted people like Jenny and my husband Jon shoot most of these for me!! I'm so thankful!

To be honest, I'm currently sitting in my bed, 36 weeks pregnant and wondering if I'll be able to pull myself together for anymore outfit photos before baby comes. I'm feeling like big, cozy clothing and PJs from here on out. ;) I've also been defaulting to one "going out" outfit at this point since my tummy has been breaking loose from most of the tops I own. ;) We'll see what happens this month! In any case, I'll be sure to get back into the swing of posting outfit photos a little after Soren is born. :)

Enjoy some of my favorite outfits of 2013! 

1// Pinkblush maternity 2// Fall is in full swing. 3// My fall colors. 4// Peaches. 5// Hello Austin. 6// Minnetonka summer lookbook. 7// Maiedae Mixer. 8// Polka Dots. 9// Loft light. 10// Near the Riverwalk. 11// Favorite maxi shirt. 12// In Greenville. 

FAVORITE BLOG HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2013

One of my favorite things about blogging is being able to look back on the year and see all of the wonderful memories captured. 2013 was such a special, challenging, and emotional year. I'm so thankful for every part of it, including the valleys and difficult times. Take a look at some of the highlights!!

1// Jenny and I took a trip to California to attend Blogshop Video, visit our best friend, Anica, and stop by Disney! We had so much fun touring LA and enjoying a wonderful trip to kick off 2013.

2// The Makers Summit was one of our favorite conferences of the year. We love every chance we get to make a weekend trip to Greenville, SC.

3// Made an exciting announcement on this day and decided to quit my 9-5 job and work full-time with Maiedae! It was such a blessing when Jenny was able to join just a few months later. Maiedae grew SO  much in 2013!

4// I always enjoyed writing for my Living Well series. This was one of my favorite posts about emotions and how to express them in a healthy way.

5// One of my first YouTube videos! I loved developing my YouTube Channel in 2013 and I can't wait to see how it grows in 2014!

6// A fun post about 5 things you might not know about me.

7// Another video featuring some of my favorite products from one of my favorite companies, Lush!

8// In order to get ourselves ready for both being full-time with Maiedae, we took a retreat to Savannah, GA for some serious planning time and LOTS of photos.

9// Jon and I love taking mini vacations, check out some of our tips for vacationing on a budget!

10// Celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary with some dear friends in Tennessee. Had such a relaxing time and ate lots of yummy food!

11// 2013 was the year we hosted the first annual Maiedae Mixer! The event was so successful and such an amazing experience! We can't wait to do the second one this year!!!

12// A little video about what's in my beauty travel bag.

13// Last year was the year of conferences! We loved attending Alt Summit in NYC, despite being in my first trimester and a little woozy!

14// The most exciting announcement of 2013! Jon I and found out we were pregnant and got to share our good news. It was one of my favorite moments of the year being able to share the news with Jon, family, friends and you.

15// Loved working with Minnetonka on this summer lookbook feature!

16// Hands down our favorite conference of the year! Made so many new friends and got to connect with tons of bloggers we met through blogging. SO much fun!

17// Along with the news of getting pregnant, Jon and I also became first-time homeowners! It's been such a great adventure and we've loved our home so much.

18// Shared with all of you a big trial and the diagnoses of my mom's cancer. However, I also got to share around Thanksgiving of 2013 that she was officially cancer-free and in remission! Despite the difficultly of going through this journey, God did SO MUCH good through all of it. Currently celebrating my mom's recent LAST chemo treatment. She is now focusing on recovering in order to be a first-time grand-mommy. :)

19// A few peeks at our new home shortly after moving in.

20// A reflection on slowing down time, being thankful and choosing joy.

21// Got to reveal our babies gender and name! So much fun! We can't wait to meet Soren in a few weeks! He's bound to make our 2014 the best year yet.

22// Master bedroom decorating progress! It felt so great to make a little headway with this room.

23// Had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Jon and I loved being able to host it at our new home with our family. It was such a special time and so wonderful to celebrate my mom's remission.

24// And finally, a simple post on a last minute, get-out-of-town trip with Jon. It was very much needed and so wonderful. I love living life with this man.

Bring it on 2014!!!