Happy New Year to all my readers!!! I hope 2015 brings all good things to your lives! Last year will not be easy to top for me, but this time last January, I had no idea what the future held and what an amazing year was ahead of me.
When I began my blog, it was a way to fill the gaps in my schedule left by no longer having any children at home. Little did I know that a thriving travel advisory business would emanate from my “hobby” of a blog. I have worked hard to keep to a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule – often by working all weekend or late into the night just to meet my self-imposed “deadline”. In an effort to keep the blog fresh with interesting content, I have decided to no longer keep to a regular schedule, but instead I will post whenever I feel that I have something interesting to share. I hope to continue to post two to three times a week, but the schedule will be a bit more spontaneous.
Having said that, I am starting 2015 with so many things that I truly can’t wait to share with you! Several readers have indicated that they really love when I share tips that make your travel easier, so that is an area I hope to expand into a regular feature (feel free to send any tips my way). You all know I love luxury hotels, so I plan to keep featuring the latest openings, along with the showcasing the greatest ones in the world in a new feature called “New and Noteworthy”. I would love to write more about “must see” sights or “don’t miss” restaurants in various popular destinations – often this is as much as a learning experience for me, as it is for you when you read it. Please feel free to pass along any favorite places, ideas for posts or travel tips and I would love to incorporate them into the blog!
Cheers to a year filled with many adventures – both virtual and real…I hope you will join me along the way!
xoxo
It's it amazing to think back on how ALL of this started? One interest led to another, and another, then you find yourself living in a more observant way to capture your findings and share them on your blog. It has been indeed a great seven years for me, and I am also looking forward to this new year.
I think it's a great idea to start off with a set schedule for writing; it keeps you focused and before you know it, you've learned so much about the HABIT of writing. But then the perfect time comes when you realize (like you and I both have done) that writing can also be a joyful and SPONTANEOUS practice. I went from sharing every Friday night to 3 times a month, and now? Twice a month. It suits my lifestyle now as an almost full-time teacher AND a poetry student. Oh the lovely discoveries we make!
I forget to mention it, but my husband and I finally made our flight and hotel arrangements for CARMEL!!!! I am so excited. And though we were there for our honeymoon (33 years ago), I don't really know where to begin.
ANY SUGGESTIONS MY FRIEND?
Cheers to you, Sandy! I'm so happy that your blog has brought so many rewards into your life – and that it also introduced us. Getting the chance to travel east and meet you and so many of my East Coast blog friends was a 2014 highlight. I appreciate all your travel wisdom and passion for faraway places and luxury hotels (a woman after my own heart). Can't wait to see what you do in 2015!
Here's to a wonderful year ahead! XOXO
I love your travel tips! Of course I love all of your posts and the travel dreams they inspire. I'm looking forward to working with you as we plan our trip to Spain and really, really hope we can meet in person this spring!
Sandy,
Here's to a brand new year and many more adventures! (more blog meet-ups too)
I love when you share certain values or customs of other cultures and I am a firm believer in spontaneity!
I often give little notes to staff when I travel and they always smile. Maybe a post on tipping or giving to staff – even in luxury hotels, kindness can go a long way.
I told my dear friend about flytographer – they went to Vienna for the Holidays. Love all you share!
pve
Hi Sandy tried leaving a comment from DR but reception there was iffy. So here I am back and refreshed!! I agree its important to stay open to change and think your idea of posting when you feel the need is perfect…I used to try to adhere to a schedule of some sort and feel it can inhibit the creative process….so i know you are going to do great things in 2015 and I look forward to following along. Keep those fabulous travel posts coming…….
Sandy, I love to travel and love your blog! It is always a treat to see the beautiful properties, and to read your tips! I personally love when you showcase your local adventures too, as in your adventure to Eatily, and the chocolate tour, or your finds in D. C.
I am happy that your blog has led you to your passion! Looking forward to all of your new adventures in 2015.
I love your blog Sandy! Although you know my passion is home decorating, I have a strong penchant for travel too, and your blog has opened my eyes to a world of more possibilities!!!!! CHEERS to the NEW YEAR!
Sandy, it has truly been a pleasure to watch you go from avid travel blogger to successful travel advisor! I am honored that our family was part of your early foray and will always be excited to see whatever you have to share, whenever you can share it!!
xoxo Elizabeth