Last post of 2019! Can’t belive it! I wrote this same theme at this time last year and I absolutely love going through all that went on for HOLB for the past year. I’m bringing you the best of 2019. The top 10 blog posts, your favorite retailers, top selling items along with personal triumphs for myself and some highs and lows. It’s the moments that made 2019 what it was.
SWEATER | BOOTS | HAT (similar) | SUMMER’S SWEATER | SUMMER’S BOOTS
As I go into my 3rd year of blogging I reflect back on this year with so much personal growth. It was my most successful year by a landslide. If you would have told me a year ago that I would have achieved what I did by the end of the year I never would have believed you. BUT let me tell you — I worked my tush off! And it paid off. So let’s get into the best of 2019!
TOP 10 BLOG POSTS OF 2019
#1 AMAZON HAULS – Well you all clearly LOVE Amazon because those posts to date still beat out every other post I put out. Don’t worry I’ll be keeping those monthly Amazon hauls around into 2020! You can see December’s haul here and November’s haul here.
#2 HOW TO SHOP AT SHEIN – Another monthly haul you guys still love. This post, especially, still gets monthly views. I go through all my tips on how to shop this budget friendly trending site! Another series that will continue into 2020! See my most recent SheIn haul here.
#3 OUR FURNITURE MAKEOVER WITH RAYMOUR & FLANIGAN – I had 2 goals last year and one was to try and branch out and incorporate home decor into my content. Fashion and beauty will always be at the forefront of HOLB but there are other niches that I love too. Having the opportunity to work with R&F was a dream! My 2nd campaign with them will be coming in January. Stay tuned!
#4 MY MICROBLADING EXPERIENCE AT MODERN BEAUTY STUDIO – Two things I did this year that I have zero regrets about. Microblading and getting lash extensions. Both have saved me so much time getting ready everyday but my brows. Best decision I ever made!
#5 THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN ANGELO – Hands down the hardest thing I went through all year and one of the hardest things I went through ever. Losing my beloved Benny this year was so unexpected. It’s been 2 months and I’m still heavily grieving him. It’ll be a long time before those tears turn to smiles when I think of him.
#6 THE KARTRITE RESORT REVIEW – One of my other goals last year was to break into travel content. We took 2 trips to Kartrite in 2019 and had a blast at this new, family resort in NY.
#7 2019 NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE FIRST DAY TRY ON – The NSALE posts are always big ones around here and this year was no different. Still to date one of the biggest, most anticipated sales of the year! Just think — only 6 months to go (crazy I know LOL)!
#8 THE BEST YELLOW DRESSES FOR SPRING – Whenever I get the chance to shoot with the amazing April Narby I know we will be in for a treat with the photos! Loved this location and this dress so much! PS: The dress is still in stock in some sizes! Also see this blog post for more by April Narby. Pure magic!
#9 INTRODUCING THE LEO COLLECTION – When I think about the best of 2019 this definitely comes to mind. Curating my own collection with Club Thread was so fun.
#10 2 YEAR BLOGIVERSARY: 5 TOP TIPS ON HOW TO GROW YOUR BLOG IN A COUPLE OF YEARS – Like I said earlier, cannot believe I’m going into year 3! This time 3 years ago I was doing all the back end work of building my blog. I remember it was New Year’s Day 2017. It took me 5 months to launch but to think how it’s changed my and my family’s lives is truly amazing. This post answers so many blogging questions that I get asked.
THE BEST OF 2019 FAVORITE RETAILERS ON HOLB
Not much has changed here. You all still love Evereve (see recent blog posts here and here), Red Dress Boutique, Chicwish and Tula (use code HOUSEOFLEO for 20% off at Tula). My most recent Tula blog post is here. New favorites of your’s have been Amazon and SheIn.
THE BEST OF 2019 FAVORITE ITEMS ON HOLB
Like last year a good amount of my most sold items are sold out so I’ll just round up what is still available that rank as top sellers.
TOPS: This one from Evereve (currently on sale) and this tank that everyone and their mother has LOL.
COATS: A TON of you bought this coat from Amazon. You also bought a bunch of this one that is currently marked down. And this moto and this cardi jacket were also top sellers!
SWEATERS: You all loved this one as much as me (currently on sale). Also popular was this heart one and this star one both from Amazon.
SHOES: These were super popular from the NSALE (on sale and in stock!). You also loved my new UGG booties, these sneakers, and these sale wedge sandals from Evereve.
ROMPERS & JUMPSUITS: This romper and this jumpsuit were scooped up by a ton of you. Both from Amazon.
ACCESSORIES: It was the year of the fedora hat and pearl headbands. You also loved this travel makeup carrier.
THE BEST OF 2019 PERSONAL MOMENTS
Gosh there were so many moments that contributed to the best of 2019. When I think back on the brands I got to work with. Well let’s just say there were a lot of pinch me moments. Working with Raymour & Flanigan was amazing as noted earlier. Also the travel campaigns I had with Kartrite, The Grove Orlando and my month long campaign with Hilton Hotels of NYC and Macy’s was a dream come true! And can’t forget my summer getaway with the ShopRite team to their shore house.
I also had my longest running campaign with Harmon Face Values. Having the task of creating monthly hauls along with weekly posts was a huge challenge for me, but I’m so proud of the work I did for them for the past 4 months. 4 blog posts, 16 Instagram and Facebook posts, 1 event plus weekly stories. It was a huge project that produced amazing success.
We lost our beloved Benny this year but we also added our bunny Snowball to our family back in February and he has been such a blessing. Never knew you could love a bunny so much! He has been such a comfort to our dear, sweet Emma. More about Snowball here.
Summer made the competition dance team this year, took on cheerleading in the fall and continues to thrive in all she takes on.
And my Erik. From day 1 he has been my biggest supporter and he only continues to invest more and more faith in me with each passing year. He’s forever studying to make our photos better and routing me on with every campaign I take on. I strive to make him proud with all that we pour into this blog. HOLB isn’t successful without him. Let’s do this Erik. More greatness to come in 2020!
I could go on and on but these were just some of the highlights that made 2019 an absolutely amazing year. Thank you for following me this past year friends. It means the absolute world to me! Looking forward to bringing you even more exciting content in 2020! Time to celebrate!
What a wonderful recap! Wishing you much continued success, joy and happiness In this new year! Great job!
Thank you for all the support!
Congrats my very dear niece. Tammy You deserve only good things in your life. You have a great work ethic and I know your success will only continue to grow. Can’t wait to see what creative things you come up with in 2020! Good luck, best wishes and love from Aunt Jeanie.
Thank you so much!! Happy New Year! Love to my favorite, hip auntie!