The Best of 2019
Just like that, another year has come to an end. Not only is it the end o a year, it’s the end of a decade. As crazy of a roller coaster ride as 2019 was, it truly was such a dynamic and empowering year.
Aside from any life changes and growth, it was an absolute tremendous year for The Life She Wanders! From the bottom of my heart I want to thank each and every single one of you for your outpouring support of all things TLSW, especially with the blog. This blog is my baby and I truly love putting together each and every single post. I love coming up with content ideas that are relevant and important to help you successfully live your life with style + grace.
Y’all continued your unending support with your purchase of items through my affiliate links. As I’ve said before, I am not in this for the money in any way shape or form, and I certainly am not racking in the big affiliate influencer bucks…but any commission I do make gets poured directly back into the blog to help it grow and be the best it can for you!
Because I’m a numbers person, here’s some data points on The Life She Wanders that I found equally exciting and fascinating! These stats help me see the success and growth, along with areas for improvement for the upcoming year. There was a ton of growth and progress which makes me one happy blogger! Especially since my posting was not consistent to any extent this year. There are also areas I want to focus more on in 2020, like SEO, posting consistency and creativity of imagery to name a few. Here’s a breakdown of some of the data points I look at…
Visits to thelifeshewanders.com are up 91.2% year-over-year
Unique visits to thelifeshewanders.com are up 125.4% year-over-year
Page views on thelifeshewanders.com are up 93.3% year-over-year
74% of visits to thelifeshewanders.com are done on mobile
Top 5 countries where blog visitors are from: US, China, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia
Top 5 states where blog visitors are from: Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, California, Colorado
Traffic sources to thelifeshewanders.com: 43% from social, 42% direct, 15% from search [Google]
Google search keyword clicks are up 3,047% year-over-year
Google search keyword impressions are up 5,641.7% year-over-year
Average Google search position is #39 [up 38.7% year-over-year]
Clicks on affiliate links were up 99.26% year-over-year
Some pretty cool stats, huh?! Now it’s time to take a look at some of the best blog posts, best sellers and Instagram posts from this past year. So without further ado, the best of 2019 for The Life She Wanders!
BLOG POSTS
Below are the top 20 blog posts from 2019. I always love seeing what content y’all gravitate towards most and the top blog posts this year included a little bit of everything - style, beauty, money tips, keys to motivation and beyond. I’ve included links to all of the top posts along with the brief description of each in case you missed any of them throughout the year.
A Quick Life Update - I took a step back in the month of March and didn’t share any new content here on the blog and kept Instagram content to a bare minimum. Sharing a brief recap and update on life and TLSW.
I Paid Off $40,000 in College Loans…Here’s How - My first ever college loan payments were due on Christmas Day in 2012. I most certainly was not so holly jolly about that! Fast forward to October 2018 and I was as jolly as can be as I made my last payments on those loans! I truly cannot describe the feeling of paying off such a HUGE chunk of money, it’s like a outer-body experience. The world of college loans can be a dark, depressing thing but if you work smarter instead of harder at paying them off, the reward is that much sweeter in the end.
How I’m Staying Organized in 2019 - If there is one thing I’ve always loved and cannot get enough of it is planners and notebooks and office supplies. Even with the rise of technology, I still resort back to physically writing things down a vast majority of the time. There is just something so rewarding when you physically cross something off your to do list. Organization is going to be key for me this year so I’ve rounded up the different ways in which I’m doing so plus some of my favorite items I’m using to do so. No shame in my organization game!
Target Haul: Fall Fashion Finds - If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know my love for Target. The other day I went in to get toothpaste and quickly got sucked in to the “Target effect.” You know, going to Target for one thing and leaving with 9823492384923 things you didn’t intend to get. I stumbled into the clothing section aka fall fashion land…and didn’t hate it one bit! They have so many great quality pieces right now that are incredibly versatile to take you from the office to date night to weekend errands and beyond.
Checking In - After a much needed social media detox, I am back with a clear mind full of joy, hope and fresh ideas. When life seems to be unfolding in ways you never planned, it’s important to take a step back and focus on yourself...and that’s what I did.
Must-Have Affordable Swimsuits - It’s hard to think of swimsuits with the cold weather and snow still around but warm weather is coming in just a few short months! It is also prime vacation or spring break time and who doesn’t want a new swimsuit for that?! With that, I’ve rounded up tons of cute and affordable swimsuits, both two piece and one piece.
Thirty, Flirty and Thriving: Saying Goodbye to My Twenties - I AM THIRTY. I repeat: I AM THIRTY. I never thought I would have a single ounce of excitement or happiness when I turned thirty but y’all, I’m ready to say goodbye to my twenties. I always thought I would have life figured out by the time I turned thirty but that most certainly is not the case. I’ve learned that we are always figuring life out, wandering through each day. There is no prize for figuring out life fast and having all your ducks in a row the best; it’s about enjoying the journey and learning from each and every up and down life brings.
Target Haul: Fall Fashion Finds Vol. 2 - Target lovers unite! Ya’ll loved the first Target Haul post I did and after asking on stories, it was unanimous that a round 2 was needed. They recently released some new fall fashion so I was excited to take a peak in store to see all of the great items in person. There are some great staple pieces - like an oversized white button-up - that will not only get you through the fall season, but winter and beyond. As I’ve said many times before, I’m all about maximizing your wardrobe and finding pieces that you can wear though multiple seasons in multiple ways is key.
How To: Style a Throw Blanket - If there is one thing I have too many of but can’t get enough of, it is throw blankets. But what about styling them? We all see those Pinterest-worthy images where the blanket looks so effortlessly tossed but styled to perfection. How do they do it?! Thanks to my plethora of throw blankets, I’ve found 5 chic and effortless ways to style a throw blanket.
My Go-To Hair Products - Earlier this month in a caption on one of my Instagram posts, I mentioned that I was on day 4 hair, still with volume and curl and just needed to do some touch-ups. I got SO many comments and DM’s asking what products I use or what dry shampoo I use to get my hair to last that long. It’s nothing scientific, no crazy-priced products, no magical woo-woo pills. Overtime I’ve learned what works and doesn’t work for my hair. So I figured it would be helpful for y’all if I put all that info together in one blog post!
Sephora’s Beauty Inside Spring Bonus Event - Never did I think I would enjoy and be so passionate about skincare and beauty as I am now. Just a few years ago my skincare regimen - or lack there of - consisted of “washing” my face in the shower. Fast-forward to today where I have a morning and night routine, wear sunscreen daily and am a big believer in clean products. So yes, I fully understand that skincare and beauty products can be a bit pricey but that’s why this time of year is like Christmas…it’s the Sephora Spring Beauty Insider Sale!
Target Haul: Vol. 3 - With the cold weather blasting most of the country, this Target Haul is all about cozy sweaters and tops. From basic tees to oversized sweaters, there is a little something for everyone in this Target Haul.
The Single Girl’s Guide to Pampering Yourself for Valentine’s Day - In the world of social media, Valentine’s Day can make you feel overly loved and like a princess...or like shit that you’re single. But when it comes down to it, Valentine’s Day is just like any other day on the calendar and whether you are in a relationship, single or somewhere in between, know that Valentine’s Day [a day represented by an angel baby in a diaper shooting arrows] that you are enough and you are loved. So this year I’m taking a new approach to this cheesy holiday to make it one for the books. This year it is all about pampering yourself. So keep on reading to see my single girl’s guide to Valentine’s Day with more than 10 ways to pamper yourself!
The Basics of Starting a Monthly Budget - Money and finances can be a bit of a taboo conversation topic, but I’m here to break down those barriers with a new weekly series, Money Mondays. From the basics of budgeting, to starting a savings, to paying off loans, to buying a car, to the value of a dollar and beyond, I’ll be sharing tips and tricks from my own personal experience to help you improve your finances in an easy, realistic way. So as the first post in this Money Mondays series, we’re starting with the very basics of starting a monthly budget.
20 of the Best Neutral Nail Colors - If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know that at-home manis/pedis are one of my favorite things and such a simple form of self-care. I’m not one for colorful nails and I most certainly am not a fan of hot pink. I typically stick to the basics throughout the year when it comes to nail colors. With that, I’ve rounded up 20 of the best neutral colors for any style, season, event or just a regular day in the life! I broke them down by shade - white, nude, pink and grey - so you can easily find shades that suit your style best.
Evaluating Your Monthly Budget: 5 Things to Cut to Save Money - Last week in our Money Monday series opener, we talked about the basics of starting a monthly budget. One of the points discussed was evaluating your budget to figure out where you stand from an income and expenses standpoint. So lets dive into this in a little bit more detail and figure out the most efficient ways for you to evaluate your monthly budget, with 5 things you can cut to save money.
The Most Versatile White Blouse Styled 5 Ways - Last week I shared a post showing a floral midi dress styled 4 ways and y’all seemed to love it! So I’m bringing this style of post back showing this Elbow Sleeve V-Neck White Blouse from Target styled 5 ways. It is such a versatile piece - from the office to brunch to weekend errands - and has continually been a go-to piece in my wardrobe. I love the sleeve detail with the slight pouf and the textured pattern on the blouse gives it a bit more style.
My Go-To Products from Sephora - I’m a Sephora girl through and through and have always loved all things beauty. I grew up in the competitive dance world so makeup was normal to me from a very young age…although performance makeup is much different than everyday looks! I don’t look at makeup as a means to cover things up, I look at it as tools to enhance and bring added life. I’ve also become a big proponent of clean beauty products over the past couple of years and love all of the options Sephora has.
Mix-and-Match Activewear to Keep You on Track - The end of one year and the starting of another means endless intentions, resolutions and goals being set. Now that we are nearly one month into 2019, it’s sadly about that time where a lot of people ignore their resolutions and intentions, or just forget about them and don’t feel they are as important. I don’t know about you but one way to jump-start [and continue] being more active is with new gear. There is nothing more motivating than new leggings or a sports bra to get me up and off the couch to be more active…or to Target, let’s be honest lol Here are some of my favorite pieces!
How to Recover After a Month of Overspending - After a few weeks hiatus and a social detox to be in the moment, we are back with another post in the Money Monday series! This week’s topic is one that all of us have dealt with at some point in our lives. Sometimes emergency situations come up, our social calendar is more full than normal, or we just unintentionally go over budget for the month. Thankfully there are a few key steps that can easily get your monthly budget back on track.
BEST SELLERS
Below I’m sharing the top 20+ best selling items based on your purchases throughout the year! There’s a fun mix of some of my ultimate, must-have, go-to, ride-or-die items included along with some gift guide items from the holiday season. As I said before, THANK YOU for your support and for shopping through my links. It means the absolute world and every ounce of commission goes back into TLSW.
Abercrombie High Rise Super Skinny Jeans - the are my favorite jeans ever! I own them in about 5 washes and honestly feel like I live in them. I wear a 24/00 short and say they run TTS. I did size up in the white wash to a 25/0 short because, white jeans…lol
Remy Backless Loafers - these loafers are a dupe of the classic high-end style at an affordable, everyday price. They are versatile all year round and definitely a staple of mine.
White V-Neck Blouse - this is one of my all-time favorite tops! I shared it a bunch on TLSW this year and even did a post on 5 different ways to style it. Sadly, it’s no longer available but I hope this post serves as inspiration for any white tops/blouses you already own!
Leopard Print Long Sleeve Dress - I’m so happy y’all loved this leopard print dress as much as I did! It’s so chic and stylish yet comfortable and classic. It runs TTS and I wear an XS.
Nude High Block Heels - these nude heels are a staple in my shoe collection! They are incredibly comfortable and excellent quality for the price. They go with everything from jeans, to dress, to workwear and everything in between. They run TTS and I wear a 6.5.
Abercrombie High Rise Mom Jeans - if you don’t have a pair of mom jeans in your closet, you are missing out! I love the relaxed style and fit, yet you can still look completely put together with your outfit. The exact pair I have are no longer available but Abercrombie as TONS of styles of mom jeans to fit all your needs! I sized up to a 25/0 short for a more relaxed fit.
Faux Leather Jacket - y’all know my love for this faux leather jacket from Target runs deep! It is incredibly quality, especially only being $35! I wear an XS and still have room for sweaters underneath it. A closet staple that’s a must-have!
Dolman Sleeve Turtleneck Tunic Sweater - I shared this dolman sleeve sweater in my Target Haul Vol. 3 post and it is so cozy! It comes in several colors but I love it most in winter white. It runs TTS and I wear an XS.
Sleeveless V-Neck Midi Dress - I just love this midi dress! I shared it in my first Target Haul and have loved it since. It’s incredibly soft fabric and is so versatile to take you from the office to brunch with the girls and everything in between. It runs TTS and I wear an XS.
Hafley One Drawer Nighstand - this nightstand made the December best sellers list and I love seeing a home decor item make the best sellers list for the entire year!
adidas Adizero Boston 8 Shoes - these are hands down my absolute favorite sneakers I have ever owned! So much so that I got them in a second colorway! These tied for the top spot in December’s best sellers and I love that so many of you got these, too! They run TTS and I wear a size 6.
Open Layering Cardigan - this cardigan has been my go-to this fall and winter. I love how cozy it is, the texture and the pockets on the front. It’s the perfect length, too, for a barely 5’3” girl like me. It comes in a few different color options and I own it in the cream/tan color. It runs TTS and I wear an XS.
Tile Mate 4pk. - I included these on my Gift Guide: For Parents and so many of you got these as gifts this season! They made the December best sellers list, too. Definitely a great gift for anyone who struggles finding their keys or wallet.
ASTR the Label Lace Midi Dress - this dress is such a classic! You’ve probably seen it on Instagram a lot and it certainly lives up to the hype. I own it in black and a light blue. It runs TTS and I wear an XS.
Long Sleeve V-Neck Tee - these long sleeve tees from Target are an absolute staple in my wardrobe every year and season. They are great quality and available in nearly every color under the sun. I own it in black, white, oatmeal, grey and striped. They run TTS and I wear an XS.
Long Sleeve Cowl Neck Tunic Sweater - I shared this cowl neck tunic sweater in my Target Haul Vol. 3 post and it is so cozy! It comes in several colors but I loved the red for the holiday season. It runs TTS and I wear an XS.
Ponte Pencil Skirt - a pencil skirt is such a classic workwear piece that will never go out of style. I shared this ponte pencil skirt in my first Target Haul and loved how versatile and comfortable it was. It runs TTS and I wear an XS.
Soft-Brushed Funnel Neck Coat - I finally took the plunge and invested in new winter coats this year and this soft-brushed funnel neck coat from Old Navy is my go-to! I own it in both black and camel and I love how comfortable, cozy and versatile they are. The coat runs TTS and I wear an XS.
Men’s 1901 Troy Sneaker - I included these on my Gift Guide: For Him and they also made the December best sellers list! I love seeing something out of what I ordinarily post about make the best sellers list. These men’s sneakers are great for the fashion-forward or everyday man.
Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo - I switched to this shampoo well over a year ago and it has become a hair care staple. I’ve talked about it before in my must-have hair care products post and it’s done wonders for my hair. I love the signature conditioner, too!
INSTAGRAM POSTS
Below I’m sharing my top 9 of 2019 based on your engagement on Instagram. I love seeing what content y’all gravitate towards most and it inspires me to get a bit more creative with my imagery in the new year which I am pumped for!
View Top IG Posts: 30th Birthday // Target is My Happy Place // 2019 Planners // Road Trip Home // Getting Organized in 2019 // Hump Day Blues // Mix-and-Match Activewear // Looking Back // Winter Whites
There you have it, a round-up of the best of 2019! I always love seeing what you interact and engage with most throughout the year. It leaves me feeling inspired and motivated for the upcoming year and the new decade! What was your favorite blog post from this year? Share below in the comments!