January 1, 2016

Think big, dream big for 2016


Today, at the stroke of 12 am, a new year was born. Was it a struggled labour, a tedious birth? Or did it bound into sight with the playful enthusiasm of a six week old puppy? Chances are, it was a bit of both. Now it sits before us in all its ripe and regal splendor - 365 days to make our own, to celebrate or cry over, dress up or downplay. Life is rarely black and white and newborn year even less so.

It is at once fragile and strong, laden with more lofty promises than a presidential candidate and prone to never quite pan out how we'd hoped or imagine. Sometimes that's great, others not so much, but ultimately, so long as we're here to greet the next one, it's all good.

In fact, life itself is good and great, grand and amazing and the rebirth of the year helps us to remember that, even in the middle of the bleakest season (on this side of the equator). I've talked here before about how I don't generally make new year's goals and that hasn't changed. I set goals anytime I want to and don't wait for a specific date to do so on. I find my success rate much higher this way and also love that it continually gives me the ability to grow and better myself throughout the year.



{Festive 1940s vintage New Year's illustration image source.}


I fully understand the desire to make goals now though and have no qualms with the general doing of such. It's important, no matter our age or where we're at in our lives right now, to take a while and access them periodically. To ask what, in our heart of hearts, we truly want and how we might go about achieving such. The same ring trues for our blogs as well and as such, heading into 2016, I'm going to be making a few changes here and there to mine.

I don't (presently at least) mean a layout revamping, instead I'm speaking in terms of retiring certain ongoing post series that are no longer, by and large, big hits with my readers (and which, in some cases, don't fuel my own writing fires too much these days either), continuing to blog more and more "in the moment", and to share an even greater degree of what transpires in my daily life with all of you (in part through my YouTube videos). And as always, please don't hesitate to let me know anytime if there's more of certain topics you'd like to see covered here.

I may cut back my post frequency a touch as well, especially as my Etsy shop continues to grow and flourish all the more, as well as due to the fact that I simply do not take enough time away from my work and I don't want to risk burning out, if I can avoid it! In general though, you can expect a similar posting pace to that of recent years (or so I hope!).

One of the worst things that can happen to a person, or a blog, is for it them/it to become stagnant or overly predictable and I never want that to be the case for Chronically Vintage. So as we leap with both feet into 2016 - a year that I have a really good feeling about, I should mention - I plan to bring you scores of exciting new posts, while always staying true to myself and my blogging roots as well.

Change is not only good, it's great! But one certainly doesn't have to throw out the New Year's Eve baby with the proverbial bath water in order to grow, reach their goals, and succeed on front both lofty and little alike.

Here's to the hopes and dreams, each beautiful day, and every marvelous moment we'll share in 2016, my treasured friends. Let's think big, think vintage, and think fabulous every step of the way!

54 comments:

  1. Looking forward to what you have in store for us. I, for one, would be interested in hearing more about you and your life! :) Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you very much, that's lovely to know. Having been blogging actively for over 6.5 years now, I've covered quite a lot of topics, so if there's something in particular about my life that you might like to know more about, please don't hesitate to let me know, there's always a chance I might have covered such before and/or your question(s) might prompt a future post. You never know! :)

      Wishing you a stellar New Year and whole of 2016!
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. I like your attitude. Then again, I like you so that shouldn't be a surprise. Changes are opportunities for improvement so bloggers like you and me look for ways to do better. Good luck!

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    1. You nailed it, Ally. We both love to grow, broaden our perspectives and continually improve, where we can, and I think that blogging, as you said, is a great way for us to do that in so many areas of our lives, both online and off.

      With all my heart, I wish you and your loved ones an incredible, joy filled, and very fun 2016!

      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Happy New Year, Jessica! I have just recently discovered your blog and enjoy it immensely. Congratulations on the success of your Etsy store! I understand the need to balance the joys of family time, working doing what you've a passion for and definitely 'me' time. A healthy balance results in a healthy blog!
    Many blessings to you and those you love throughout the year!
    Cathy

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    1. Thank you so much for your caring, understanding words, Cathy. They mean a lot to me and I completely agree with you regarding a healthy balance equating a healthy blog. It's always a bit of a give and take, but working to the point of burning out helps no one and nothing (aka, the blog itself), so if a day or two off here and there can help prevent that, it's worth it a million times over.

      Many thanks again, tons of hugs, and the very happiest of wishes to you and yours for each day of 2016.

      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Happy new year Jessica & Tony! I love the last sentence of this post and think it should be your motto. As for 2016, I also don't make resolutions for the sake of it, but I'm looking forward to being back at the helm of my blog, as well as expanding my modelling portfolio.

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    1. Thank you so much, sweet Taylor. Aww, I just love that idea! If I ever revamp my blog and am looking for a new tagline, I might just have to take your great suggestion and use the last line of this post.

      I'm excited to see what you have in the works for us on your site in 2016 and to sharing in the wonderful act and art of blogging together throughout the coming year.

      Here's to the prospect of every good and lovely thing that this year holds in store!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. I feel the same way, I don't feel the need to make plans just because it's a new year, but deep down I can't avoid it, it's everywhere! I now that with your dedication your blog can be even better, I'm hopping to see what you'll do :)

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    1. Thank you very much for the wonderfully nice vote of confidence, sweet dear. I eagerly look forward to sharing all kinds of exciting, fun filled, vintage-tastic things with you and my other readers here in 2016. Hard to believe that my blog will turn seven years old in April. How time flies!

      Big hugs & joyful start of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Love the last sentence of this! I too in 2016 will be thinking of how to change up my blog:) I would love to see more snap shots or candid moments behind the scenes, they all sound like great ideas for the new year!

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    1. Hi lovely Daphne, thank you very much for your comment and suggestion. You've piqued my interest and I'm curious now, do you mean behind the scenes of our (outfit) photo shoots, my Etsy shop, or my day-to-day life? Do let me know and I'll certainly see what's possible. :)

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Looking forward to another year of blogging enjoyment! ;-)

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    1. You're so sweet, Grace, thank you very much (likewise I eagerly look forward to your posts this year, too). I'm really, really jazzed about another full year (I assume!!!) of blogging as well and have a plethora of ideas for my blog, outfits, and shop that I hope to bring to fruition over the course of the next 12 months.

      Many hugs & happy Sunday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Hi Jessica. Just wishing you all the best for 2016 and your blog in its new variation.
    We are opening a time capsule letter today which we wrote to ourselves last year, and writing a new one for next year. Not necessarily about resolutions but just focussing our minds on our overall goals and desires.
    Taking a moment for organising our life without being caught up in the day to day rush.
    We are embarking on homeschooling our two boys this year, so life holds a new and exciting prospect with much more family time which ai'm looking forward to. Time will tell if this allows more or less blogging time!
    But I will definitely be following on your adventures. Xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Hi lovely lady, thank you very much for your supportive comment and for sharing some of what will be keeping you on your toes in the coming year. That's really wonderful (and exciting) regarding homeschooling your two boys. I wish you nothing but the best with your efforts on that front.

      (In general) I hope I didn't give any one the wrong impression. I'm not planning to make any drastic changes here in terms of my post frequency or any other element of my blog. I just want to take the occasional day off, which I've rarely been able to do in recent years (between my blog, my shop, and helping Tony with some of the other income generating websites that we run) and hopefully - oh, how I truly hope - get in some time to craft and just relax more often. I'm a perpetual workaholic, but I also know full well that all work and no rest is a recipe for disaster in the long run and I really want to avoid running into that kind of negative situation, if at all possible.

      Many thanks again & tons of happy wishes for each day of 2016!
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Truly enjoyed this, you are a talented writer. Can't wait to work together. Will be in touch soon.

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    1. What a touchingly beautiful compliment, dear Ruby. Thank you deeply. I too am wholeheartedly looking forward to our exciting collaboration this year.

      Have a beautiful first weekend of January!
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Happy New Year! Keep evolving and please don't burn yourself out, my dear! I certainly don't have time for it all, and that is okay! Congrats on all you have accomplished! Cheers!

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    1. Joyful New Year's wishes to you as well, lovely Karen. Thank you very much for your comment and reminder that we don't have to "do it all". So true! I'm an epic workaholic and scaling back, even just a touch, rarely comes easily, but I know full well that for sake of my health and energy levels, I need to sometimes and will be aiming to actually take the occasional day off this year.

      Wishing you a stellar 2016!
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Dear Jessica,

    I wish you all the best for your blog, your shop, and your life in 2016.

    Happy New Year to you and Tony!

    Hugs,
    ♥Hope

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Hope. I wholeheartedly wish you and your family a happy, healthy, fun filled, and very lovely 2016 as well.

      Here's to enjoying and celebrating it together through our blogs. I can hardly wait to see what this year holds in store for both of us!

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. cheers...Happy and stylish 2016!

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    1. Thank you very much, Aure. I hope that 2016 is a terrific year for you as well!

      Cheers,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Hello Jessica!
    This is my first comment here in 2016 (feeling a bit nervous) :)
    This year has entered my life in my sleep, and I must say: there is some warm feeling knowing I went to sleep in one year, and woken up in another... oooh, almost makes me feel like I traveled in time. :)
    ..changes are good.
    Freshening-up, tiding up, clearing out.. in material and digital world. This is the time to do it (no time better than today, right?). I like saying this "..if you like making importance out of dates, by all means, go all out!" - meaning: burst that bubble of regret (anger, pain and every other negative emotion) and come out clean, fresh and ready to embrace the year..
    I'm looking forward to seeing changes.
    ..over here, too.

    Come on, I know it's January 2nd.. but we can still give out New Year's hugs - it's never late for that! :)

    M.

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    1. That is a very distinct and often pleasant feeling for sure. I was wide awake as 2016 came rushing into our lives like an energetic puppy dog, but, interestingly, our neighbours didn't make much of a celebratory ruckus this year, which was strange. In fact, it was one of the quietest New Year's Eves I've ever experienced from that standpoint. I noticed such immediately and mentioned it to Tony, stating as I did that I wondered if it spoke at all to the tone that the year ahead would possess. Time shall tell! I wouldn't mind a peaceful year in the slightest!

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment and for every single one you shared here with me throughout 2015. You're a treasured friends, Marija, and I am so looking forward to sharing in another fantastic year of blogging with you.

      Big hugs & joyful wishes for every single day of 2016!
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Happy new year to you, Tony, Stella and Annie! I look forward to seeing the things you have in store for your blog x

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    1. Thank you so much, darling gal! I wish you, your honey, and your precious pets a joyful, fun filled 2016 as well.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Beside your wonderful blogging topics, I adore your writing style! You are truly one of a kind and I'm looking forward to whatever you (or Chronically Vintage) bring us. Wishing you all the best in a new year my darling!

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    1. That means a tremendous amount to me, dear Josefina. Thank you deeply. I know that my often poetic, descriptive writing style is not always to everyone's taste (especially in the 21st century), so your compliment touches my heart all the more.

      Joyful wishes for every single day of this year to you as well, beautiful lady!

      ♥ Jessica

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  16. I love your writing because it describes the new year perfectly. I just checked out your Etsy store! I am very impressed, such gorgeous pieces. Wishing you the best for the new year.

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    1. Thank you deeply, sweetly dear. I really appreciate that you visited my Etsy store and your kind words about my listings. Please feel free to check back often. I add new listings very frequently throughout the year and you just never know what might land on my virtual shelves next. :)

      Big hugs & joyful New Year's wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. Applause! To both taking time off from the computer/your blog and to blogging in the moment. When you started blogging more in the moment I loved your blog even more, which I didn't think possible. I also think it will be much more fun for you. I don't have NY goals either, I don't believe in them. I do have summer goals, at that time of the year I am full of energy and much more likely in succeeding them. I did have some projects last NY which I succeeded in. I listened through ALL my records and sorted out 60 (!) for sale and for second hand shops. I sorted through all my makeup and my wardrobe. I wore items and colours I rarely wear and I found new favourites and cleared out a lot of things - and it felt GOOD! I have thougth about a new project for this year, but since I cannot come up with any I won't have any. I hope to draw, read, knit, crochet, bead, sew, etc. much more in 2016 since it makes me feel so good. Happy New Year again to you, dear. :)

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    1. Thank you sweetly, lovely Sanne. I'll try for sure. I did manage to slip in a few hours off here and there last year in no small part because of your helpful encouragement to do so, but still struggled to take full days off. That's the goal for 2016, as I truly do not want to burn out, if at all avoidable!!!

      It's awesome to know that you enjoy my "in the moment" blogging. I really do as well! In fact, the longer I blog, the more I love this approach.

      Way to go on your many great accomplishments this past summer! I really hope that you're able to fill this year will all of the things that bring you joy and contentment, my sweet friend.

      Happiest wishes for each and every day of 2016! I'm very excited to share in so much of what will transpire in our lives here with you and all my readers.

      To an amazing 2016!!!

      ♥ Jessica

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  18. HAPPY NEW YEAR - JESSICA & TONY!
    all my best wishes to your corner of canada!
    i usually don´t make resolutions - but plans! the more detailed the better. and of cause not on new years eve - on this day i live in the here&now - enjoying a dinner, a party, the dressing up.....
    tons of hugs to your my dear!!!! xxxxxx

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    1. Exactly! Goals can often feel a lot more tangible than resolutions and I generally prefer making them as well. I wish you the very best with all of yours for the coming twelve months, my wonderfully dear friend.

      Here's to an exciting, fun filled, fabulous 2016 from start to finish!

      Huge hugs coming right back at you!
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. Good for you Jessica! 2016 is a brand new year, filled with brand new experiences and blogs to come! It is nice to keep things fresh on the blog whenever possible!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Holly. I have such a great feeling about this year and am genuinely excited for each new day and what it may hold in store.

      Joyful New Year's wishes to you and your family!
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. A beautiful post! Happy new year, Jessica. I hope 2016 brings you lots of love, laughter, health and joy.

    Something tells me that 2016 is indeed going to be a good year.

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    1. Thank you sweetly, lovely Lindsay. It's terrific that you have a good feeling about this year, too. I think that, as a collective whole, the world has been through so much lately and that we're on track for a rebirthing period of sorts with lots of great new beginnings (or so we can hope).

      Tons of hugs & blissful wishes to you and your honey for 2016!
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Happy New Year, Jessica! Wishing you another successful year of blogging - so glad to have found you this year!

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    1. You're so kind, my stylish friend. Thank you very, very much! I adore your blog, too, and can't wait to see all of the fab finds, amazing outfits, and lovely daily happenings that you share with us there.

      Tons of hugs & happy New Year's wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve for 2016, Jessica! Wishing you and Tony all the very best for the new year :) xxx

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    1. Thank you very much, my darling friend. I'm so excited about this year and the potential for greatness of all sorts that each day holds in store. Tony is vibing in the same sort of way, which can only benefit our lives and my blog alike all the more.

      I really hope that every single day of 2016 rocks for you guys and that it's a fun, healthy, joyful year from start to finish.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. You really don't need to worry about your blog getting stagnant; it is far, far, far away from that. I always enjoy reading your posts and the content is terrific! It is exciting to consider what a new year will bring. I agree with you that goals can be made at any time, and I think are often more successfully met as a result.

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    1. That is endlessly kind of you to say, dear Kate. Thank you so much!!! You're such an awesome friend and blog reader.

      Huge hugs & all the best to you in 2016!
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. Great post! May we all strive to bring it while being true to ourselves this year! Best of luck for 2016!

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    1. Thank you very much. Indeed! I think that, as much as we have made strides as a whole in that regard, we (as in society) need to continue to embrace our individuality and be true to ourselves even more.

      Happiest wishes for a stellar 2016!
      ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely Kate. Joyful wishes to you, your husband and all of your darling pets for 2016!

      ♥ Jessica

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  26. Happy New Year Jessica! Looking forward to reading your posts in the coming year! :D

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    1. Thank you sweetly, lovely lady. It's wonderful to hear and I hope that you enjoy everything that I have come down the pipeline here in 2016.

      Many hugs & joyful New Year's wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. Dear Jessica it's so good to hear that your Etsy shop is thriving !!! To see that your hard work is paying off must be so fulfilling.
    While this year had quite a rough ending for me, I am looking forward to a better 2016, although it still feels like 2015. Hugs.

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    1. Hi lovely Lorena, thank you very much for your terrific comment. It truly is! I put a massive amount of time into my shop (ditto for my blog) and I really felt like I started to see some (even) more concrete results of such in the final months of 2015. I'm so excited to witness what this year holds in store (pun not really intended :)) for me there - and here on my blog, too, as it heads into its seventh year of life in April.

      I'm truly sorry that 2015 was a particularly challenging year for you. Please know that I'm always here if you need someone to talk to about anything in whole wide world.

      Gentle hugs & only positive thoughts for 2016!
      ♥ Jessica

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