How Blogging Has Impacted My Life

1. The Community

Chances are when I'm talking about my "friends" to someone in real life, I'm talking about someone I met through blogging. The cool thing about the blogging community is that that's exactly what we are. A community. We live in different neighborhoods and towns and even countries, and have our own style or team we cheer for during football season, but we're also like-minded in that we're bloggers. We're a special breed. We have our own inside jokes, hashtags, and names for Starbucks drinks. I was in a sorority in college (and have even found sisters from across the country. ASA's, where you at?) but the sisterhood of the blogging community is unlike any other. It really is too bad we can't all live in the same neighborhood and have PLL viewing parties.

2. The Friendships

In addition to #1, the greatest part of this community has been the friendships that have developed. Not only have I "met" so many wonderful women around the world and been inspired by their stories, but the connections I've established are incredible. I've connected with some of you over our joint love for Pretty Little Liars (I mean how many times can I mention it in one blog post?), or us making our dreams happen no matter what it takes, or even over the losses of our moms. Shoot, you know blogging friendships are the real deal when you meet someone via blogging, happen to move to the same state as them like a year later, and in no time can call them one of your best friends. Not to mention the picture collages that will happen:

If you don't already know Ashley, stop by her blog and get to know her. She's one of the realest, funniest, genuine-est people I know, yo. (I threw in the "yo" for Ash because we're homies!)

And if you're in Southern California (or even Northern California!) and we haven't met up yet, boom... let's make it happen.

3. The Writing

Writing has been my passion, always. I cannot imagine life without writing, similar to how I almost cannot imagine life now without blogging (even if the posts aren't as frequent anymore.) But blogging is more than just writing. It's sharing and connecting. Blogging was there for me when I went through two of the most heart-breaking times in my life that I will ever go through. Not only was I able to express my thoughts and emotions through words, but people like you were there to read those words and to offer me your support.

4. The Realizations

Most importantly, I saw how my experiences and lessons I've learned have struck a chord with some of you, whether you're a friend, a former schoolmate, or a complete stranger. To know that reading about something that's been on my mind lately or about one of the struggles I had to get through has actually helped some of you... that has changed my life.

At the end of the day, all I want is to help make this world a better place. And if I help by giving someone the support they need when they reach out about an abusive relationship or the loss of a parent or how the heck to move across the country alone, well... what more could a girl ask for? :) Blogging helped me re-find myself, my passions, and my purpose.

Blogging. It's changed my life. For good. And for the better.

A Letter to My Readers

Dear Readers,

Whether you're new here or have been around since the beginning, I want to thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for your constant support. Thank you for your love, your encouragement, and your belief in me.

People who are not part of this blogging community have a hard time understanding what it's all about. They don't get that 90% of the time when I'm referring to a "friend" in a conversation, it's one of you. One of you whom I've never even met in person [or perhaps I have by now!] but connect with on a deeper level than I've connected with most in real life friends I met through another venue. Blogging is so amazing and bloggers are even more amazing.

This past month of May during the Blog Everyday in May Challenge has renewed my love for writing from the heart. I have received so much positivity and encouragement from so many of you to continue doing what I do here on Life is a Sunset and I can't even tell you how much that means. Writing from the heart - about my struggles, my dreams, my fears, etc. is not always an easy thing to do. For starters, half the time I find myself in tears depending on what I'm writing about at the time. Being transparent opens up the door to the unknown. And then other times, I'm crying tears of happiness over the love I receive in your comments, emails, and tweets.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Just for caring. For caring enough to read about my life. For checking in on me. For texting me to let me know something made you think of me. For the sweet cards and occasional packages I surprisingly receive in the mail. After the detours life has taken me on lately, it is the most wonderful feeling to know that I have hundreds of you "by my side" along this journey.

Honestly, blogging wouldn't be the same if it weren't for you, my readers. While writing has always been a passion of mine and something that I could never stop doing, being able to share my writing and a good portion of my life and all the lessons I've learned along the way is a pretty incredible feeling. If I've helped at least one of you in any way, that's all I could possibly ask for.

Just know that I love you guys. I read every single one of your comments and if I ever don't respond when you were really hoping that I did [I apologize!] and just shoot me an email :) Oh, and if you're in San Diego... we should probably meet up sometime!

Blog friends make the best friends.

xo,
Chelsea

Blog Posts From My Past

Yesterday's post on what I'm currently struggling with didn't make it up on the blog. I'm still struggling with it but it will be posted in the near future. Today, I am sharing five of my personal favorites from my own blog archive. I've been blogging since the Summer of 2011 but realized that most of my favorite posts are from the past year.

I hope you enjoy going back and re-reading some of my favorites, each for a different reason.

Saying Yes
A post from February of this year about saying "yes" in life and doing things you wouldn't normally do because, most of the time, you end up with a wonderful experience. This post is a wonderful reminder to always open myself up to new things and the beauty that will come from them.

New Dreams and New Places
I wrote this after my first month living in San Diego. I touched on the difficult time of year and the sacrifices I had to make to be right where I belong. It's a good post for me to go back and read on the tougher days here, far away from family and security and certainty. I'm livin' on the edge now and this is why.

I've Waited So Long To Say This
The announcement I had waited so many years to say - that I'd finally be moving to San Diego :) It's so very refreshing to read this post now that I've been here for 5 months. It re-ignites the light and hope and excitement that I always had when thinking about moving here.

Some Things I Believe
This post was written in September of 2012, just hours before I left for Virginia Beach. I love looking back on this post because it reminds me of where I was at that moment in my life, and breaks it down to the simple basics of who I am.

A Letter to Mom
The last post written on this blog before my mom passed away. The last real record I have of writing to my mom in the present as opposed to the past.

Blogging has been such an amazing experience. It has introduced me to some of the most wonderful women I've "met" and has allowed me to speak my heart and learn from my own life lessons. Thank you all for joining the journey!

Five Wonderful Bloggers

Whether you're new to the blogging community and are looking for some new blogs to read or are a family member/friend of mine who's curious which blogs I love to check up on, today I share 5 of my favorite blogs with you!

1. Jenni from Story of My Life

Jenni was one of the very first blogs I read when I started blogging almost two years ago.

Everything about Jenni and her blog have been a wonderful example to me.

Her writing, her beautiful pictures, her perspective, her honesty, and her humor.

She is a witty girl with awesome pointers to help you find your voice in blogging.

But most importantly, she is transparent and real.

Jenni, you are a real gem and I'm SO very grateful to "know" you :)

2. Katie from Katie Did What

She's one of the most beautiful people I know.

Beautiful on the inside & the outside.

Her heart, mind, and soul.

In fact, we're soul sisters.

Katie and I really connected this year after she too, lost her mother.

It's like we speak [write] each other's minds.

She brings me to tears and it's in a way that's therapeutic.

It's sad and devastating but comforting at the same time.

And her blog is the perfect mixture of life, love, fashion, reflection, and hope.

Her support and her understanding make me grateful everyday.

You are a light, Katie girl. And I just love you for that.

3. Ashley from House of Glass

How can you NOT love her?

I'm so glad I can say that hot Ash above is one of my real-life friends.

Thanks to blogging :)

She's full of this energy that is so unique and contagious!

Being around her just makes life better. Seriously.

And I feel the same way whenever I'm on her blog.

She's a strong woman who knows a TON about living a healthy lifestyle all-around.

And I finally get to venture out to the Glass Ranch soon to visit her and her awesome husband ;)

Devon from The Mermaid Chronicles

I remember finding Devon's blog from a sponsor highlight on Jenni's blog over a year ago [Oh, and that also just so happens to be how I found Ashley's blog!]

Devon is a surfer girl from Southern California and that alone drew me in right away.

And then I saw her gorgeous pictures that perfectly portrayed the beauty of the San Diego area.

And then there was her writing...

Devon is an amazing writer.

She is an amazing thinker!

Every time I leave her blog, I am deep in thought.

Her perspective and take on situations is so thought-provoking.

Especially when she writes about following your dreams.

[I wrote this post and then just-so-happened to run into Devon this weekend! More to come but I am so glad we finally met!]

5. Holly from Hey, Hollywood

And last but not least is Holly. If you've been around here for a while, you probably already know her.

Since we're bloggy besties and all.

How on earth we haven't met yet in real life, we still don't know.

But she is such a true friend and I know without a doubt that her blog is a true representation of how fun and loving and genuine she truly is.

Holly's blog is always a breath of fresh air.

If I've had a bad day and just finished yet another heavy blog post [my bad] I know I can go over to her blog and laugh hysterically.

She is SUCH a positive and uplifting woman.

And I love her so much that I've blogged about her twice this month.

Such a good bestie I am ;)

Go say hi to these five wonderful ladies.

Blog Besties

I've confessed my love for her on this blog and other forms of social media before but I think it's time to dedicate this post to my blog bestie, Holly from Hey, Hollywood.

I remember one time when we were just fellow blog commenters, I saw a post by Holly [similar to this one] about how she was a total dance diva and nailed it on the dance floor [with pictures and all!] 

I knew at that point that she was awesome. Then, I remember sitting in a parking lot while running a work errand. I was reading Holly's post that day about life and school and careers and following your dreams. It was a pretty deep post for the usually light-hearted and upbeat Holly that I had been reading. I liked it. I commented and she wrote me back and it was the beginning of our blog best friendship.

Before I knew it, we were emailing each other, texting, and sending each other care packages full of stuff we both loved [because we are soul sisters and love the same things!] We may even dress alike... Okay, I totally copped her style here.

But, beyond all of that, Holly is SUCH an amazing woman and friend to me. She is so, so kind and generous and thoughtful and giving and helpful! When I talked to her about my plans to quit my job and move to San Diego, Holly met me with THE most supportive response. She encouraged me to follow my heart and dreams and backed me up 100% when so many people just gave me the side eye.

And then she checked in on me during my drive out here. And I knew no matter how many friends didn't show up for me throughout my twenty-something years on this Earth, all it took was a friend like Holly. I look up to her so much. I look up to her positive attitude, her desire to change this world for the better, her desire to be present and loving for those she cares about. And then she's friggin' hilarious on top of all of that. Refer back to those pictures of her above :)

Holly, you're a doll. My blog bestie. I don't know when the day will finally get here but I know we will be reunited. I say "reunited" because I feel like I've known you for years. Just move to California already ;) I'm so grateful to know someone as wonderful and funny as you!

A Time Switch for the Better

Has the whole "Spring Forward" time switch been messing with anyone else? I've been finding that it's affected me... in a good way! But it is super flip-flopped.

I'm going to bed earlier.
And waking up earlier.

Isn't it supposed to work the other way around? Why I'm getting tired earlier, I have no idea. Honestly, I think I've just been jam-packing my days with more recently.

But I do enjoy soaking up the sun a little longer every evening. I've been paying more attention to the way the sun shifts throughout the day. The way my backyard fills with sunlight. The way it feels as it hits my face.

[The sunrise in Downtown SD Monday morning]

Until the first day of Spring, I'll be enjoying the end of my San Diegan Winter this weekend lounging at the beach and having a fun date night Saturday full of seafood and probably another gorgeous sunset. Live vicariously through me via Instagram if you so choose, but don't say I didn't warn ya of future jealousy ;) [@chelseasunset]

[And, also, as we all probably know by now, Google Reader is being done away with on July 1st, so, if you need a new way to read this blog, you can find me on Bloglovin' here!]

Happy last weekend of Winter, friends!

Feeling the Holiday Friend-Love

After my super successful day in Old Town San Diego that I talked about yesterday, I was almost set to get on a plane to venture back to DC. However, before I left for the East Coast, I got to experience a little West Coast Navidad as well :)

Sweet Brianna from Heart of Life is a total doll and sends me goodies JUST when I need them. Let's talk about the candle first. It's a Mara Mi candle in Woodland and smells like Winter perfection. Brianna says she got it at Target :)

She also gave me some coral and glitter e.l.f. nail polish! One of my biggest weaknesses [Coconut M&M's], recipe cards that were perfect because I wanted to write down some of my mom's recipes while visiting home, and that gorgeous hand-painted LEOPARD ornament! A girl after my own heart, yes? She is just the sweetest and it was such a nice surprise to see this package on my doorstep!

Later that week, I met up one evening for sushi with Hollie, Tammy, Cara-Mia, and Jessica! These ladies are great and I'm so glad to have a little community here already! We caught up and chowed down on a TON of sushi! [Like, a lot.] Jessica also passed my Christmas scarf order off to me because she is a scarf-designing-genius!

They are gorgeous, right? I gifted one and bought the other for myself ;)

I had one more sweet package arrive on my doorstep. Santa delivered it early before I left!

My blog bestie, Holly from Running in Stilettos, is a doll and sent me this home warming/Christmas care package. [I mean, Santa sent it!] She sent me the yummy Slatkin & Co. "Snowed In" candle to remind me of Wintery Virginia in California. She gave me a little journal, my chocolate of choice [you know you have a chocolate problem when BOTH care packages contain this same item] ;), and this beautiful, custom-made ornament from Morgann Hill Designs.

The ornament shows my heart in Virginia and how it swept all the way across the country and landed in San Diego :) Is that something or what? So meaningful and so thoughtful!!

I feel so blessed to have friends all over the country who I haven't even met yet [and some that I have!] who are giving and loving and caring enough to think of little me and send me such wonderful house warming gifts and cards! I have the cards displayed in my living room to put a smile on my face during the more lonely days :)

I love you all! Each and every one of you have a spot in my heart and I am so grateful for the friendships we've made!

Project Inspire Swap

The day is here! The big reveal :)

Ladies and gentlemen, I now introduce to you Project Inspire.

It's a cute little snail mail post hosted by me and Hollie from Hollie Takes Notes.
There's just something special about getting mail - and we wanted to create a swap that wasn't gift specific, and wouldn't put a dent in your wallet. [You can easily keep this under $5.00!]

<center> <a href="http://lifeisasunset.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Hollie Takes Notes" src="http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x372/lifeisasunset/ProjectInspireButton.png"/></a></center>

We have both witnessed first-hand how loving and inspiring this blogging community is.

So, this swap is all about sharing that inspiration through a card you send to your swap partner!
Whether you buy a pretty card at Hallmark or make one by hand, that is totally up to you. 

Write something special to motivate, encourage, inspire - whatever your little heart desires! It can be a quote, a story, a lesson learned, songs that make you smile, etc. 

Make it special, make it unique, make it you! :)

Here are the details:

Voila! Be sure to grab the button above, share it on your blog, and spread the word via social media - the more the merrier! :) We want as many people as possible to join in and receive new inspiration and share motivation!

*Please only sign up if you are serious about this and will send out a card. Otherwise, this swap won't work the way we intended it to!*

If you have any questions, feel free to email me or leave a comment below!
We are so excited :)

Happy 1st B-day Blog + Giveaway

Wow, where has the year gone? Happy first birthday to this little blog of mine! When I started this blog last June, I had absolutely no idea that it would quickly become such a big part of my life. I realized early on how kind, supportive, and loving the blogging community is and can’t imagine my life without this as such an integral part.

When I started this blog one year ago:

+I was looking for something new and fresh; a place where I could write and share little tid-bits of my life.

Now, for a trip down memory lane over the past year:

Here I am, one year later – a twenty-something back to being single on the East Coast! I had no idea one year ago that my life would be changing so drastically so soon. But you know what? So many GREAT and POSITIVE changes have also occurred. Losing my Mom in February has pushed me to work as hard as I can to make my dreams a reality. Life is far too short to settle. I’ve started my own Etsy jewelry business and recently signed myself up for classes to start training again in the Arts (my passion.) Two things that I probably would have otherwise put off.

I have gained some of the best friends I ever could have asked for through blogging. These friends were there through the loss of my Mom. So many of YOU were there for me. Helping me stay strong, helping me see the light to get through to the next day.

So, as a huge “thank you” to every one of you, my readers – I’m giving away one of my bracelets from After Sunset. The winner gets to pick any bracelet their little heart desires :) If you see one you like and want to swap out the gold chain for silver or vice versa [if there isn’t already one in the shop] just let me know!

Here are just a few of the jewels you could snatch up! For more, check out the store.

Now, let’s get started, shall we?

To enter:

[Mandatory. Leave ONE comment]

+Follow Life is a Sunset via Google Friend Connect

+Visit After Sunset on Etsy and decide which bracelet you’d most want to rock if you win! Then, let me know in your comment which one you'd choose!

[Please be sure to include your email address if it’s not already on your Blogger profile]

Extra Entries:

[Each represented by a separate comment]

+Pin up to 3 separate items from my shop onto one of your Pinterest boards [leave a separate comment for each pin]

+Follow me on Pinterest

+Tweet about this giveaway

+Follow me on Twitter [@LifeisaSunset]

That’s 7 possible entries!

You have until next Wednesday, June 13th to enter! A winner will be chosen via random.org and announced next Thursday!

Best of luck to you all and thanks again for being so wonderful! I appreciate you all more than you know :)

Also, today is an extra special day because I am guest posting over at my good friend Shayna's blog. I just love her! She has truly been such a gem for me throughout the past few difficult months and I'm so grateful to have her as a friend!

Be sure to go say "hi" to Shayna! You won't be disappointed... she is SUPER sweet!

Thanks again, everyone for making this whole blogging experience so wonderful and good luck to those who enter! :)

I Need Your Help | Blog Editing

You know what I loved? Windows Live Writer. I used it to write all of my blog posts, insert any pictures/media I wanted to use, etc. It was easy to format the font, style, and edit picture sizes. Windows Live Writer was my little genius and just made life in bloggyland easier.

Back in the day, when Life is a Sunset was first born, it was hosted on Wordpress. Wordpress is known for being super user-friendly. It was. I loved it. I switched over to Blogger because that's where the main "bloggy community" is that I wanted to join in on. So, here I am. However, now as the new, proud owner of a MacBook, using Windows Live Writer is no longer an option [as far as I know.] I have tried to write my posts using Blogger and I just can't tolerate it. I constantly have to try dragging my pictures around because they all load into the top of the window. My HTML formatting always gets all yucky. It's harder to customize fonts. And, well... I just don't trust Blogger like I trusted Windows Live Writer. I might as well use a typewriter.

[via]

So, Mac friends... what are my options?

Is there another program similar to WLW that you recommend? I tried downloading Qumana and it won't let me log into my Blogger account. I tried Scribefire as well but it won't let me upload pictures from my computer. I heard MarsEdit is a decent option but I know it costs money. Is it worth it? I need your help.

Also, while I’m writing, let’s talk for a minute about horoscopes. I don’t necessarily base my day around them but, every so often when I’m bored, I’ll read mine. Yesterday was one of those days. I just wasn’t feeling it. So, I read my horoscope and here’s what I found… Rather fitting if you ask me:

“You're not feeling very motivated today because it seems as if your dreams have overtaken the real world.
This surreal outlook challenges you to get a handle on what you need to do, and the harder you try, the worse it gets.
Happily, this is a great day to lose yourself in a fantasy or visualize an alternative future for yourself.
Don't worry about the lack of tangible results now; you will be able to make up for lost time later on.”

Do you read your horoscope for fun too?

Bloggy Care Packages

You know those certain times in life when you feel extremely humbled and grateful? This has been one of those times for me. Smiles have been brought to my face countless times within the past few weeks thanks to many of you - my readers! I am constantly amazed at the support of the blogging community. So many of you, people I have yet to "meet" in real life, are SO gracious and giving. Through emails, comments, tweets, texts, etc. you have reached out to me to offer your thoughts and prayers whether I'm having a lousy day or just to let me know you're there.

I truly can't thank you all enough.

Earlier, I wrote about the sweetest card I received all the way from Norway. Megan was so thoughtful to send me something from halfway around the world. You can read about it here :)

Then, I received a package in the mail from sweet Torie. I started off by reading the letter that was inside where she described each of the items that were included:

1. The Book of Prayers for the times when I can't find words or even the strength to find words.
2. The Cookie Mix is for my soul because nothing patches a hole like a warm chocolate chip cookie. She knows me too well :)
3. A turquoise bracelet with this tag attached to it - "For every woman who has struggled, questioned, realized, believed, accomplished and triumphed." It also says, "Give one and keep one. There is no greater comfort than sharing the journey with others." She told me that she will wear hers as long as I need her to :) Again, she knows me too well. Turquoise bracelet = perfect and I wear it everyday!

Each of these items has brought me comfort. Torie put so much thought into this cute little care package and made each item so meaningful to me :) What a SWEET girl!

Shortly after, I received another package in the mail. If you follow Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds, then you may know about her little Etsy shop she opened called Fetch & Co. when she was raising money for her dog, Bella’s surgery. Well, I had my eye on those bracelets from the moment she announced her shop’s opening months ago. Unfortunately, I was on a very strict budget at the time so I knew I’d have to wait to buy a cute bracelet of hers. I remember telling my Mom about her shop, the awesome cause, and she and I both browsed through the cute items she had listed.

Now that my budget has some “wiggle” room, I just had to get one of Ashley’s last items before she puts up her new inventory. Luckily, she STILL had the orange bracelet I had my eye on before!

If you haven’t already, head over to Ashley’s shop here and pick up one of her last bracelets! Can’t wait to see what’s to come! She has been SUCH an amazing support system for me throughout this whole experience. She has brought a huge smile to my face, as did this bracelet :)

This weekend, I received another package, this one was from Brianna, and I’m pretty sure I gasped when I opened the box! It was filled with all sorts of goodies that were wrapped in adorable paper!

I saw the Essie nail polishes and Cadbury eggs and gasped again! What a fun surprise and great way to welcome in the Spring! As I opened up the other two gifts, I just started feeling more and more emotion flow through me. I was SO blessed. Someone who’s never met me before felt inclined to send me ALL of this just to let me know they were there for me and cared.

I saw these cute little journals, each with a different motivating quote on them, and just smiled. They were perfect.

The last thing I opened was so beautiful. It was a Mother/Daughter Memory Box. I can finally have somewhere to put all my little mementos that make me think of my Mom!

Here’s everything all together!

I was at a loss for words. Not to mention, I want Brianna’s handwriting! Her card was so genuine and sweet.

I just can’t believe someone would do all of this for me! I’m so humbled and grateful. I truly, truly am. While the time has started to pass, the shock has started to wear off, and my emotions start to kick in more, it has helped more than you all know to see packages, cards, and thoughts still trickle in. They have brought countless smiles to my face and happy tears to my eyes. I am so touched by the selflessness of the blogging community. I wish I could hug every single one of you all!

So, here’s a huge hug and THANK YOU to each of you! I appreciate your love and support more than you know :)

[If you haven’t already, go check out the blogs of the ladies above!] :)

xoxo

Blogger Blitz DC

It’s finally time to do a re-cap of the fabulous blogger meet-up I went to this past weekend! Blogger Blitz DC was organized by the fabulous Alison over at Long Distance Loving! She made snazzy name tags and even a directory with everyone’s pictures, Twitter handles, and blog addresses!

Here was my OOTN, in case you didn’t already see it on Twitter!
I bought those boots months ago and finally took a picture in them. LOVE them!

We all met up that evening at a posh little spot in DC called Urbana. Whitney, Erica, and I met up and drove over together. Good thing we did because parking in DC was scarce, Metro was apparently horrendous, oh and also because I just adore the two of those girls :) Anyway, once we got to Urbana everyone mixed, mingled, and talked about all sorts of fun things like our blogs {duh}, where we grew up, and our NYE plans. {So excited to finally spill the news on what I’ll be doing… but you’ll have to keep waiting! Although some of you already know…}

I got to be reunited with some of my in-real-life friends, finally met some bloggers I’ve been wanting to meet for a long time now {shout out to Ashley!}, and met many new bloggers whose blogs I now adore!

Ashlyn. Raquel. Whitney. Me. Ashley.

Oh, and while we were at the meet-up, Alison gave away TWO beautiful Spike the Punch necklaces. Whit and Ashley were the lucky winners :) Maybe they passed a little of their luck onto me for the future?

Shannon. Me. Whitney.

The two hours flew by! I wish I had the chance to chat with every single blogger that was there, but sadly, I didn’t. Which means we’ll all just have to get together again soon, right? :)

The blogging community is truly such an amazing thing and it is a huge blessing in my life. At first it started out as a place for me to write, grew into me having conversations via email with other bloggers, then chatting through Twitter, and now I even get to meet bloggers in real life! I’ve met ladies who I KNOW are going to be life-long friends and there are still many of you who I still want to {and better!} meet one day :) Another great thing is meeting bloggers all over the country {and world} so if you’re ever in their city, you can plan something together {right, Jenna?}

So, DC bloggers – let’s start going on some blates! Seriously.
You never know… we could become new best friends :)

Again, I’m so glad to have met so many of you! It’s amazing to see how many bloggers are in the area. Thank you, Alison for putting this all together! Your creativity and extra, little touches never go unnoticed!

By the way, it’s the last weekend before Christmas! I should probably start shopping, huh?

p.s. last two pictures c/o Raquel. Can you imagine every one of us trying to take pictures? I decided I’d borrow :)

New Look and Bloggy Business

Ta-da!

What do you think of the new header? I figured since this life of mine has been going through some changes, why not spruce up the ole header too? I’m sure it’s kind of hard to tell what my favorite colors are! Ha. So, just keep that in mind for my birthday coming up in ohhhh… two months ;)

Also, you know my little blog button over on the right-hand sidebar? I just wanted to re-mention that the code used to be wrong for it and has since been corrected, however, it looks like some of you sweet ladies still have the broken code :( If you do have my button, when you get a chance, could you update it with the code below? It’d make my day :) You know… just a little necessary blogger maintenance!

<center><a href="http://lifeisasunset.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Life is a Sunset" src="http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x372/lifeisasunset/SunsetBeachButton.jpg" /></a></center>

Speaking of bloggy business, I just want to take a moment to say how grateful I am for this community. I’ll save the reason I started blogging for another post, but let me just say this:
I’ve chosen to really take my time with this blog.
When I started it, I was married and living in Utah.
Life has since changed. The roads are still rocky and the pathways unclear.

 

{via}

I have felt the same about my blog.
I wanted to gain a firm grip on my “voice,” my blogging goals, and what I wanted this blog to be and become.
That has taken some time for me and I had decided that until I knew where this blog was headed and had a solid foundation {like, really solid}, I wasn’t going to spend a dime on a blog makeover. This has also been the reason why I haven’t sponsored other blogs yet.
I knew that in an intro post, I wouldn’t be able to say, “Hi, my name is Chelsea and I blog about A, B, and C.” And, I know that’s okay. Because my life has been ever-changing lately.
Every day is different which means every week here on Life is a Sunset is different.

But, while I figured all this out, I knew one thing for sure:
I didn’t want my blog to turn into day after day of giveaways or guest posts. Even if that meant I’d get 100 followers in one day.
I don’t want that.

I want this blog to be me.

The fact that by being me and by writing or sharing my latest desires and passions brings so many of YOU to this blog to comment or to write me an email…
Now, that’s a blessing.

Another blessing is finding so many of your blogs and building relationships with you through in-depth email conversations and chit-chat on Twitter.
I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate those of you who’ve been there for me during this time of building a new life for myself. You know who you are :) Who KNEW I’d find so many amazing women who could relate?!

Aside from this blog and this blogging community, this whole life is a blessing. I’m grateful for everyday. And every new sunset.

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If you’re just now finding me through the Fall Followers Fest, welcome! Hopefully this little blogging recap has given you an idea of the things I love most about this bloggy world and where I want this blog of mine to go :) Feel free to browse around and read about the ups and downs of my life! It sure has been a rollercoaster but along the way I’ve found the sweetest animals to foster, driven cross country, had reunions with friends, and learned some huge lessons about this life. I’d love for you to join me along this journey!