Now that 2009 is a thing of the past and we are winding down on January, I see 2010 as an unpaved journey.

With every New Year, there is a sense of freedom and a clean slate that can empower exciting new choices.
This year, I am starting things off with a true sense of independence.
One of my goals this year is to let my loved ones know how much I care.
A cool way to do this is by mailing notes to friends and family, letting them know you're thinking about them. In this age of Twitter, Facebook, email, text, BBM (I could go on and on...), mailing letters and notes is a lost form of communication. It's a lost art.

No special occasions. Do this out of the blue. Instead of sending a text, why not send a handwritten note? So much more special.
A line of stationary that I'm currently obsessed with is Mr. Boddington - the Peniston collection in particular.
I am a sucker for a great stripe, and the inside of the envelopes are printed with an amazing deep navy and red stripe. Add this to the dainty sophistication of the navy monogram and I'm in love.
On a similar note - please excuse the bad pun - a friend of mine recently told me about http://www.cardboardlove.com, a website where a guy posts the little cardboard love notes he leaves for his girlfriend.
In his words, "Some people like these, some think they are lame, to each his or her own. I'm just glad to have someone in my life that makes me not afraid to be lame."


I just can't get over how sweet this is - so genuine and so not lame.
Next goal for the New Year is "cleaning house." Literally. There's such a feeling of accomplishment in getting organized.
I am a fan of the FX show Nip/Tuck, and think that Kimber put it best on the recent season finale when she said that she is "getting rid of everything from her house that isn't beautiful or useful."

I recently cleaned out and organized my shoe closet - take a look below for an inside peek into my shoe sanctuary.

When going through your closet, what do you ACTUALLY wear?
.
Find your passion in 2010. Learn something new. Expand your social circle. It's really true what they say - knowledge is power.
Another goal this year is to achieve mental clarity.
Stress is unavoidable but the way we deal with it can be controlled. Take 5 minutes a day to achieve a sense of calm through meditation or creative visualization. A sense of inner stability really helps put a perspective on your life.




The brilliant Kate Moss is an avid fan of meditation, she's said that she finds it "calming."
My last goal for 2010 is to go crazy!!!
Do something completely out of character. Take risks.
Try a new eyeshadow - I recently gave Monsoon a whirl and am so into it.
FUN TASK:
What has been the wildest thing you've done so far this year?
p.s. Just got the news! I get to have a really cool SURPRISE GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK!
Can't wait to let you in on it.
The year is young - let's make it great. 'Til next time-
Love, Taylor
My favorites! I am sending you Carina's new Baby Flat Top Brushes.
ArtLvr
DiamondsRmyBFF
Renee M

written by experimental, January 26, 2010
written by Skyravin, January 26, 2010
written by Kennedy Byers-O'Brien, January 26, 2010
2010 is a big year for me too, I've just finished high school, venturing into the world and I've moved away from most of my old friends and making a career for myself.
So much to think about. I have a little unofficial styling business among friends and family but I need to get my stuff together and expand. Any advice?
written by lambsareme, January 26, 2010
written by andea, January 26, 2010
really cold but so fun
written by sandydoo2u, January 26, 2010
written by Minute, January 26, 2010
written by organically, January 26, 2010
written by jjiyunlee, January 26, 2010
It absolutely blew my mind!!
written by whoosthemoo, January 26, 2010
written by nightlysorrows, January 26, 2010
written by TootsieFoot, January 26, 2010
written by tututuyou, January 26, 2010
written by janya45, January 26, 2010
written by 3Morgan3, January 26, 2010
written by Poohbear213, January 26, 2010
written by lstacey, January 26, 2010
So I woke up 1/1/2010 and realized I was frumpy and not taking care of myself . . .
So of course I have been getting more exercise and watching what I eat . . .
Cleaned out my closetsA
and then when I saw Christina Aguilera the night of the golden globes I knew that I had found my 'do for the New Year - showed my picture to my boyfriend (the one that likes long hair) and his eyes lit up and he said go for it . . .
Now while I did not go quite as blonde since my fine hair is easily damaged - I have gorgeous highlights and have to give a shout out to Ana at Liquid the Salon in Henderson who made it vavoom . . .
I am no Christina but I feel so fresh and feminine and more like myself . . .
So great way to start the New Year and it feels great that at 41 I can still want to change and rock a fresh look - oh and yes all my makeup except for my lips is EDM - that is one thing that will not change this year!
written by caymanali, January 26, 2010
but let me tell you once I was on the raft and paddled all my fear dissapeared. I even sat at the very front of the boat, right next to my hubby. We were in total unison, paddling like demons - it was such a great bonding moment. I love having adventures together and I hope 2010 we will have many more to share.
written by Muddybunz, January 26, 2010
written by ArtLvr, January 26, 2010
written by AngieN, January 26, 2010
written by Wadyado, January 26, 2010
written by spidey, January 26, 2010
written by CowgirlUp, January 26, 2010
I decided to just let him run! I was so clear and ahhhhh. That is my place
written by hillaryD, January 26, 2010
I love to sing but have the worst stage fright, My girlfriends and I went to a karaoke bar 2 weeks ago. I have been before but never had the courage to sing, well after a couple of margarita's I finally had the courage to sing in front of people, and it was the greatest feeling ever!
written by DiamondsRmyBFF, January 26, 2010
written by Makeup4life, January 26, 2010
I am soo excited! I have not really done anything excited but I want to learn to Scuba Dive this summer
My husband loves Scuba Diving and has wanted me to learn so that we can go together. I have decided that I am going to stop being a chicken and do it!
written by nessilock2059, January 26, 2010
The wildest thing I have done this year is I volunteered wear a giant chicken costume for a faire at my daugher's school next month.....
.... I will let you know how it goes....
....dreading this.....
...sigh...
written by SwatchFiend, January 26, 2010
written by KatyMUA, January 26, 2010
I got dressed in this really cute silver sparkly dress with silver platform shoes. I did my makeup and hair and If I do say so my self I looked smoking hot
Anyways, my friends got to my house and we went clubbing. We started off just dancing with ourselves and then the guys started wanting to come in and dance with us and we were just dancing and drinking with everyone. That night we went to two clubs and an after hours club and then we went to Dennys for breakfast. I have never gone out all night clubbing before. So much fun!
written by snickerdoo, January 26, 2010
The wildest thing I have done I actually did sign up for last year. School just started and I am taking 24 units and working full time. I hope I can keep up!
written by bverma, January 26, 2010
written by mo86, January 26, 2010
SHOOOOOEEEEES!!!!!
I am a sucker for shoes, I love shoes, there is always a perfect shoe for every outfit!
So my wildest thing I have done this year actually falls right in line with shoes. My husband told me that I had to get rid of HALF my shoes....... (so not cool)
Anyhow it was excruciating and I actually need to show him your shoe closet now so he understands that girls need a lot of shoes. It is a necessity of life.
written by mesoma97, January 26, 2010
written by LauraMc, January 26, 2010
written by Mary Kathryn, January 26, 2010
First off, let me tell you how much I adore you! Your style, attitude, outlook on life, I just love it! BUT, don't worry, I'm not a stalker. Haha. Anywhoo, I love love love the blog! Your goal "to clean house-literally" is a great goal! I too, feel so much better when I have cleaned around the house, organized my room, etc. As for the fun task-- the craziest thing I have ever done this year.. Geez, that's a toughie.. I'm not really sure.. Can I get back to you and give you an answer next Tuesday? Keep up the great work!
XO
PS, if you have any time, which I know you don't but just in case, check out my blog! www.pinkfingers-thatgirl.blogspot.com
written by eskae, January 26, 2010
The wildest thing I've done so far is.. trying to cook out of a cook book for every meal --sort of like the movie Julie and Julia! I've always been afraid of cooking but I'm slowly getting better at it!!
written by CHaak9603, January 26, 2010
Last Saturday, I had the honor of meeting a Blackhawk Hockey Legend, Denis Savard! My SO, Kyle, is a huge fan. A local grocery store was doing a signing and we waiting in line for and hour and a half to see him! That has been the wildest thing that has happened so far this year. Kyle has a Savard jersey that he had signed. Now that it’s signed, he is going to have it framed. On Savard’s retirement game in 1998, Kyle’s cousin was able to get him a hockey stick signed by Savard. Savard was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. He was set to open a hockey themed restaurant near our home, but it fell through. Kyle’s cousin was also a huge fan of the Blackhawks. He passed away a few years ago, so for Kyle it was bittersweet to meet Savard. He was of course thrilled for the opportunity, but he told me that it still reminds him of his cousin. I know he misses his cousin a lot, so having the hockey stick and jersey displayed in our home will hopefully help him remember all the good times he had with his cousin. I loved how excited Kyle was to meet someone he has looked up to since a young child. Savard was so nice, even after he had been there signing for an hour and a half! Even though I am no where near the fan that Kyle is, I was still someone speechless to meet Savard. I guess it’s not everyday that you get to talk to someone famous!
Here is Kyle meeting Denis Savard!
I’ve already had some challenges this year, but I’m going to make the best of all situations! It’s time to live life to the fullest!! It’s easy to worry and think about things that are negative. I can sometimes get lost in the question of, “what if?” I hope to remind myself of all the good things in my life. For example, I have a wonderful man in my life that supports me in all I do or that even though the economy is rough, I still have a job. I always try to see the brighter side of things, so I just have to make sure to continue to do that…no matter what! You never know what can happen…life is unexpected that way. I want to look back and have no regrets. I truly love the saying,
“Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like its heaven on earth.” - Mark Twain
written by Socaligurl, January 26, 2010
written by wishbone, January 26, 2010
The wildest thing I have done is I went on a shopping spree (without telling my husband) but it was SOO worth it! I got a new wardrobe of course some dreamy new shoes!
(dont tell him I have no remorse for it though, I would do it again in an instant if he didnt take my cards away)
written by jojo2739, January 26, 2010
I just start aromatherapy few months ago, and I realize that I don't sufficient essential oils to mix and match. Thus, I've invested in diffusion machine & tons of essential oils. So far I only tried diffusion, massage and bath.
But I won't regret, because these little babies really works!
written by bbdoll, January 27, 2010
written by TaylorJacobson, January 27, 2010
Love, Taylor
written by 14thstreet, January 27, 2010
Monsoon looks like such a fun color! I need to try all of the purples that EDM has, probably I should add that to my wild things for the new year, haha! You should put up pictures of you in some of the new (and old) makeup shades here! It's so hard to tell how they will look in person or on a real face, sometimes!
So far this year the wildest thing I can think of is meeting two of my best friends at the airport! I guess it is wilder that they were both in separate countries studying abroad all semester (France and Spain ahh I'm so jealous!) I missed them like crazy but I know they had so much fun. They both came in really late at night so it was like being in a movie, waiting around with all the other family people. I know it doesn't sound that wild but seeing them for the first time in over 6 months was a wild (and wonderful) experience!!! I've never done it before and I highly recommend it if you're ever away from your loved ones for a while. We even made signs, haha!
So glad to have them all back for the new year...
written by lilys775, January 28, 2010
written by philogene, January 28, 2010
I must say that no one was hurt 
written by jspanfili, January 28, 2010
I spend so much time worrying about others, it's nice to feel glamorous with fresh makeup, killer boots, and a new handbag.
PS- Love your style Taylor, it's exciting to see you're moving on to bigger things with the opportunity to express yourself!
written by elle_71125, January 28, 2010
As to the craziest thing i've done this year...I ran out and played in the rain...while it was only 38 degrees (I live in the North East). I just love to splash around in puddles and enjoy nature. On the other hand, I should have saved that spontanious moment for a summer rain shower, since I got a nasty cold after that.
written by CHaak9603, January 28, 2010
written by Eimear R, January 29, 2010
written by beaniegirl1, January 29, 2010
written by jbroni100, January 29, 2010
I have been going on about getting in someone to fix my ceiling in the bedroom because it looked like there were spider webs everywhere i.e. loads of little cracks.
You know when you sometimes get a sudden impulse to do something there and then well i decided to get things started as the room was mostly empty i covered the bed and started banging on the ceiling and you should seen the amount of mess and dust that came down (in hindsight, lol), it was well scary because i thought the whole roof was coming down due to the amount of noise, so that has been my wildest and extremly craziest thing i have done.
At least it gave me the opprtunity to get someone in to sort the rest out
oh and going in my pyjamas to my local supermarket very late just to get some milk for my hot chocolate as i runned out was another thing which i wouldnt dare usually dream of doing, luckily there were only a couple other crazy people wondering around.
written by supermom44, January 29, 2010
written by embem, January 29, 2010
Also, I have overcome a fear of volleyball (after getting hit in the face by a vball in high school) by joining an recreational volleyball team. I have played 4 game so far and ahave progressively gotten better!
-E
written by nuheila, January 29, 2010
I m glad you started your own blog,you totally rock.
Haven t done anything crazy yet but i might do something which will change my life totally,
i m so excaited about that.
Have a fab weekend!
Nuheila
written by *sweetpea*, January 29, 2010
The wildest thing that I have done so far this year is getting my ears pierced. I have been totally ink and hole free until now! It was a blast and i got these totally cute earings that I can wear soon! I was so scared but it did not hurt nearly as much as i thought it would.
written by aharvey, January 29, 2010
written by lazydaisy, January 29, 2010
written by willowdew, January 29, 2010
written by haileecomet, January 29, 2010
So fun!
I love when he takes me on spontaneous trips.
written by nervosa, January 29, 2010
written by bamboozle, January 29, 2010
written by Renee M, January 29, 2010
I also put on a baby shower and wore Depends out to the bar after (everyone was suppose to wear it but apparently it's not too fashionable?). Outta the blue someone had a nasty blond wig but I put it on anyway and danced to Lady Gaga- Bad Romance. Plenty of strangers now hav that performance on their videophones.
Like the blog! A. Holy Louboutins! B. I spot the J's row!
written by nevermore, January 29, 2010
i had such a bad panic attack that i couldn't do it even with the instructor strapped to me.... i didn't do it
maybe next year.....
or maybe i should bring my therapist hahaha
written by ksmom, January 29, 2010
written by vealcalf2000, January 29, 2010
written by sheandhim, January 30, 2010
The craziest thing that I've done so far this year was to go ziplining and surfing in Hawaii with my nephew and my sister. I never was a "sporty" type but I am not really afraid of trying daredevil stuff so I decided to go for it. As you get older you start to realize just how short life is and how fast it really goes by and how much you should try to do! Will be trying to do more things like this and take more risks in the future. Life is for the living as they say.
I know what you mean about getting rid of things that are not beautiful or useful though! For motivation on this just watch that show on A&E Hoarders! Watching that show makes me want to clean and throw things away like a madwoman.
I haven't tried everyday minerals before but you have inspired me to give it a go so I ordered the new colors that you mentioned last week Little Black Dress and Wish You Were Here. Can't wait to try them
written by Schyler, January 30, 2010
overall am AMAZING start to the 2010 year.
"good friends, food, books and experiences" what more could a girl want
written by charisse.m, January 31, 2010
After much research and hem-hawing, I settled on bangs like Nicole Richie's - incidentally, she's pregnant too and so am I, and I love her more as a brunette:
I've gotten GREAT feedback on my new style from everyone - even weeks after they first saw it! Probably the best reaction I've gotten is from someone from work, who kept staring at me until she finally approached me and said: "I just know you did something different, but I can't exactly place what it is..."
written by Armeen, January 31, 2010
But my wildest thing was to call in sick at work, skip all my classes for the day (not the smartest move since I had 2 bio classes and a lab) and just went to downtown chicago. I met a friend up and we just shopped and dined, it was such a blast. I'm def. going to be making this a ritual sometimes missing class is just necessary.
written by laurajean, February 01, 2010
written by rachbutterfly =), February 01, 2010
Ever since I started wearing makeup, I haven't been able to let myself out of the house without makeup cos I feel so ugly without it. But this year having started on my internship, I have to dress up to go to work (I'm writing for a local women's magazine) and on weekends, I'm just too tired to do that.
So, I went out with my boyfriend on a Saturday night sans makeup and it actually felt good. My bf is the sweetest too..he told me I look even better without any makeup on.
written by Cindy, February 01, 2010
written by Laura1, February 01, 2010
written by nkujala, February 01, 2010
My "crazy" thing is funny, really. This past weekend my hubby & I went with my sis-in-law & her fiance and a bunch of other people on a party bus. I hate drinking, and have never been a party animal, but for this occasion I had a little bit to drink, and even gave the "pole" on the bus a spin! Hardy har... no dirty dancing, y'all! That was crazy enough for me!
written by lydiaf, February 01, 2010
written by Faye De Lanty, February 18, 2010
Great blog..wonderful to hear you talk about meditation. I am a HUGE fan- saved my life, not even kidding! I do an ancient Indian form called Transcendental Meditation. It was bought to the western world by a cool cat by the name of Maherishi Mahesh Yoga - he taught the beatles. You should check it out
Have a killer day xx













I LUV your blog. Its great to see you step out there in such a big way and I LOVE this outfit you have on in the pic! Fabulous.
Check out my blog where I give fashionistas advice on relationships and life. http://dashondondiva.com
xoxo
DashonDonDiva