LivingrunwaychefJanuary 08, 2018PersonalComment

2018 Plans

LivingrunwaychefJanuary 08, 2018PersonalComment

Happy January 1st. It's January 1st today, right?! I mean, I'm saying it is. That sounds so much better to me than having to say it's January 8th and this is the first time I've been a functioning human since 2017 (*insert bawling eye emojis*). But in all fairness, I did come down with a flu and sinus infection of apocalyptic proportions so that's a pretty reasonable excuse for the sudden radio silence, no?!

Anyways, I'm back from my week long staring contest with my bedroom ceiling, I've already completed a resolution I didn't know I had (watching every thing Amazon and Netflix has to offer) and I've added some Chinese herbs and oregano oil to my medicine cabinet (Who knew a bottle I can't read and oil that smells like a pizza parlor would be the key to regaining my health?), so 2018 is off to a fantastic start.

I had some really big plans to kick off 2018. I had purposely taken the last week of December mostly off (to rest up), Mr. RC and I had been brainstorming all sorts of ideas and I was so excited to get back to work that I almost didn't want to wait to January 2nd. And then I got sick. I figured it would only be for my usual day or two, but after 4 days I realized I was probably in it for the long haul. Needless to say, I had a lot of time to think and I realized a few things.

First of all, resolutions are silly. It's no secret that no one keeps them anyways, so why do we even make them? Goals and plans, yes, but resolutions, no. Secondly, what's the big deal with having to start things on January 1st? Who cares what the calendar says, if you're ready to start something, just start. Whether it's midnight or noon, December 29th or January 10th, the date doesn't matter, but the fact that you take action does. Last but not least, why do we all make plans and goals with no room for life to happen? Things come up, things happen, things change and the more we learn to adjust for those things and be flexible, instead of planning every detail of our lives as if they're going to go perfectly to plan, the better off we will be.

I get it. Maybe I'm just trying to make up for my late start to the year, or make myself feel better for not having worked all last week. But the truth is, I'm just grateful that it's only one week into the year and I've already learned my biggest lesson-letting go and going with the flow.I'm confident that will set me up far better for the year ahead than any week of planning would have ever done.

Speaking of 2018 plans, I also wanted to take some time to share with y'all a few ideas for the year ahead here at Runway Chef. Like I mentioned above, we've been brainstorming lots of big ideas (and we'll be diving back into consistent content starting next week), but please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions on what you'd love to see more or less of (more video, daily posts, posts only on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, more Instagram stories, etc). I'm always open and want to do what I can to make this the best experience for you, the reader, since, uh, ya know, you're the one reading this thing.

DWELL

Y'all seem to be big fans of home content, which is good news since we have an empty apartment in need of some serious decorating and redoing. I'll be documenting everything, especially any of our DIY projects. Are y'all interested in more interior projects or outdoor patio and garden things? Do you DIY or just seeing where to get what products? And would videos be more helpful for these decor how-to's, or just regular old posts?

CELEBRATE

Our new space provides us more room to entertain than ever before, which is good since it's something we just adore doing. Do y'all want to see more entertaining themes, with menus, decor and recipe ideas? Do you like to see table settings or party playlists? Do you want to know what to wear to a certain gathering? I'm definitely going to be bringing back Dress + Dine (like I mentioned above), but I'd love to know what you'd love to see.

WELLNESS

Last but not least, this is probably the category where I plan to expand and grow the most. Last year, I touched on some relationship issues as well as dealing with things like anxiety and seeing a therapist, all topics I plan to share more about on here.

I also ended last year with a giveaway week, the RC Get and Give week, that is along the lines of a lot of content I want to introduce here. I plan to not only do a better job of highlighting brands that give back, but also projects and actions you can take to give back, as well. I'm personally most excited for this content as it's something I'm truly passionate about, and I'm beyond grateful to have a voice where I can help make a difference.

I plan to share more of the clean beauty products I use, the supplements I take, allllll the things I'm doing to avoid wrinkles AND botox, fitness and general well-being as it pertains to health, body, mind and soul.

Another idea is a monthly book club. I share monthly reading lists, but I think it would be fun to have a community and be able to discuss the books further with y'all (Maybe in a Facebook group?). Is this something y'all would be down for?

Last but not least, I/we get asked questions constantly about photography, blogging and social media. Is this a topic you'd want to see more of? Maybe things along the lines of how to work while traveling, or ups and downs of running your own business? We're open and happy to share if it's something y'all would like to see.

So let's dive in RIGHT IN...

WEAR

I will continue sharing outfits, but I'm planning a few new changes. First, showcasing one piece a few ways. Secondly, focusing on how to wear certain things for those who, um, are, ya know all-endowed up top (because this is something I struggle with myself). Last but not least, getting back to the OG Dress + Dine series, as well finding other ways to really incorporate the food and fashion together.

Additionally, I started integrating a new post layout for outfits to make them easier to shop and to highlight styling tips for each piece. Let me know if this is something y'all like, and how you prefer to shop for items (For example, would you prefer more shoppable items on Instagram stories?).

EAT

Eating is my favorite hobby, so the recipes aren't going anywhere. However, I'd love to know if there are any things y'all would like to see more of. Videos, basics (like how to poach an egg), 5 ingredient or less, quick dinners, gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, party foods? We're going to be going refined sugar-free for the rest of January and are also thinking of going vegetarian or vegan. Would seeing those recipes and meal plans be something of interest? We're also thinking of bringing back Mr. RC's Bar cart (maybe even doing our drink and app series on Instagram). Who votes for a return of the Mr.?!

WANDER

Besides eating, traveling is my other favorite hobby. Living in a new part of the country is giving us lots to explore and I can't wait to share it all. Do y'all like seeing local guides, city guides, travel vlogs? Do you prefer weekend guides of longer trips, hotels or home rentals, fancy restaurants or coffee shops? My newer site layout allows me to present the travel guides in a much more user-friendly layout, which I plan to continue, but if there's ways I can make them even easier, you know I'm all ears.