Recently Good As Gold Living turned two years old. I had mentioned a little something about it on Facebook and on Instagram, but I figured I should maybe write about what this past year has taught me. It’s definitely been a year of learning.

First off, I would like to thank all of the readers and followers that have stuck around to see where my mind takes me. Writing isn’t easy. There are a lot of misses for the one hit that you might get. So to everyone who keeps reading after those misses, thank you for believing that I would eventually write something that you enjoy. It’s hard to be “on” all the time. Sometimes your mood and mind just won’t let you get there. So when I do get feedback from you (good or bad), it’s great because you’re steering me into a direction I should be going in. I try to keep it as “authentically Stephanie” as I can. With that being said, not everyone is going to enjoy what I do. So a big thank you to those of you that find something that you like about it.

This past year you all have been there for me more than you’ll know. After writing about my operation and how kids were no longer an option for my husband and I, so many of you left such kind words of encouragement and understanding. It’s funny, some of the people you think will always be there disappear while people you thought would never understand are offering to be there to talk if you ever feel down. It left me speechless. The consideration that was shown to my family and I was absolutely astounding. We thank you very much for being there through such a dark time. It isn’t until you’re at the bottom that you have no choice to look up. This website and knowing that there were so many women identifying with my problem were two of the things I could see from the bottom. Lately I’ve really slunk back down into feeling sorry for myself but that’s hard to do for very long when you have to suck it up and write something that won’t make your readers turn their computers off lol. So, thank you again. You’ve all helped me more than you’ll ever know and I appreciate it more than I can ever put into words.

I would also like to thank everyone that has taken a chance on me work wise. I know that styling and makeup can seem scary, but I hope that I’ve made you feel comfortable and answered any questions you’ve had for me. Whether it’s been at home styling visits and closet refining, styled photo shoots with Thera’s Photography, or just consultations, it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve been lucky to have some great clients take a chance on me. Thank you. I hope you’ve had as much fun as I did. I find that so many women live by the mantra “I can’t wear that because….” And there’s always something that follows after. Body type, hair length, coloring, and it’s all madness. I hope that I’ve helped you feel as beautiful as you deserve to feel. You deserve to be excited to go out and to feel great when you do. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to make more of you wonderful ladies get out of the “I can’t” mindset into a “why the hell cant I” vibe. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is a hard thing for a lot of us to accomplish, so thank you for those of you who have given me the opportunity to help them along that path. It’s been inspiring and such a gift to watch them go from not sure to excited about something they weren’t one hundred percent comfortable embracing. I hope that they’ve gotten the same joy out of it that I have.

Lastly, I’ve learned that, like most things in life, this takes a village. I’m lucky to have the people that I do to help me along the way. Thank you Thera for all of your photo magic and for always being accepting when I want to “tweak” an idea. Who would have ever thought that we would be working together. If you would have told me that five years ago I wouldn’t have believed you lol. Also, I’ve found that I generally need a push to get around to trying something. My brand manager has been that push. Thank you Janelle for not giving up on me when I’ve wanted to give up on myself (Note: I want to quit doing this at least once a month because I start feeling self conscious and think that I’m not good enough for people to want to stay engaged). As much as I may want to lurk away and hide, I know that I can’t because I would have to answer to her. If I ever said that I didn’t feel “good enough” for everyone I would have to sit through her list of five thousand reasons why that’s bullshit. Since I don’t have time for that, I don’t even bother quitting. I just keep chugging along and I’m always thankful that I do. I should also mention all of the models that have made a lot of my styling ideas come true and have gotten Thera and I considered for Vogue not once, but three separate times. How unreal is that? This is going to be the year Thera. I can feel it. I’ll hang in there as long as you do lol. Also, thank you for all of the people that have allowed me to interview them. You probably took one look at me and thought “What is this Stevie Nicks stalker going to even ask? What my favorite color is?” And them BOOM actual questions lol. I really enjoyed getting to know you and your products/work on a different level. I know that a lot of readers did too because numbers don’t lie. So thank you for taking time out of your day to sit down with me. I really do appreciate it.

This past year I’ve gotten to work with a lot of great companies, people, and products. Let me tell you, I’m a lucky person for it. I’ve gone days where I’m so depressed in the morning that I don’t want to get out of bed, to having no choice but to pull it together because a shoe company in Australia wants to interview me about style. It’s hard to have a glum face on after that. Obviously my family has stood behind me every step of the way and I have the opportunity to thank them for it all the time. So, thank you to all of you, my extended family. I feel as though in this past two years you’ve gotten to know me pretty well. If we were dating we would have gone all the way by now…… a lot. So extended family you shall be. You’ve officially been there through good and bad. Thank you to all of you. Onward and upward for year three. I can’t wait to share the journey with you.

xo Stephanie