I really enjoyed reading through all of the responses to my reader survey last week. I kid you not, there were HUNDREDS of write in responses requesting more of one thing, Nora, Fuji and Hunter. In my 5 years of blogging I don’t know that I’ve ever felt more proud. Clearly, all of you are my people. This year felt a bit transitional for me. I introduced a lot of new content, if I’m being honest, maybe a bit too much all at once. We launched a podcast, I filmed more YouTube videos, there was a lot more home content, we started The Cozy Ranch Instagram, we did a wellness series, and I launched my Newport Guide. This year was a turning point for me, and the beginning of a new chapter for this blog. I have a lot of changes and additions I am really excited about for 2019, and I’d love to get your thoughts and input to help inform our planning in the New Year.
Fashion & Beauty
When I looked back on this year’s fashion content I realized there actually wasn’t a lot of it, at least not compared to year’s past. One of the reasons for that is because I just felt like posting too much of it was sending the wrong message. I struggle with the mentality of the industry, that you always need to be buying/shopping. I personally have cut way back on this (and will talk more about this in my goals for 2019 in January). I’ll be making some changes to the blog in 2019 that I think will make it easier for me to create quick, easy to digest fashion content. But also, I’d like to share more outfits and inspiration that focus less on always having to buy new things and more on investing in quality pieces and maximizing their wearability.
I’m never great at sharing beauty content because I never stick to the same routine. I finally have one that I really like (see here) and only occasionally try new products here and there. I’m planning to share some more review type posts in 2019 of things I swear by (serums, skincare treatments, hair products, etc.).
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and if there’s any fashion and/or beauty content in particular you want to see from me.
Home
This was a major category for us this year. All of my most popular content was in this category, and personally, it’s my favorite too. We have a lot of plans for more of this in 2019, and will be creating a more dedicated space on the blog so it’s easier to read, navigate and explore content. I’d really love to hear what types of home/interiors content you enjoy. We have a pretty big goal in this area for 2019 as well which I’ll be sharing in January.
Travel
As I mentioned, a big project for me this year was launching the Newport Guide. I quickly realized though, that it was not nearly as user friendly as I had hoped. I am working with a new designer and developer in 2019 to launch version 2.0 which I am beyond excited about. I also have some new series in the works for 2019, leveraging people I enjoy following in other cities around the US to bring you travel content in other locations (with perspectives from locals). We have some trips planned which I’ll be sharing more about in January, but let me know if there’s other travel content you’d like to see on here.
Lifestyle
Most of you indicated in the survey last week that my more personal posts like this one and this one are some of your favorites to read. So I plan on sharing more of that in 2019. I am not going to do another wellness series this year, but I definitely want to continue exploring this space, and I am curious to know if there are certain topics of interest in this area whether it’s finances, relationships, etc. I’ve been getting a lot of requests for more recipes, which is kind of surprising. I was thinking I could share quick and easy recipes, particularly things like weeknight meals or easy breakfasts.
YouTube
Mark my words, 2019 is going to be the year of YouTube. I want to commit to doing more video in 2019 and plan to make it a big part of my business goals for the year. I plan on doing some more room reveals and we have some projects that we’d like to film start to finish to better show the process. I also have some hair/beauty tutorials planned and will be doing more regular haul/styling videos. Let me know what types of videos you like to watch if you’re a YouTube person.
Podcast
Honestly I launched the podcast at a time when I wasn’t ready to commit to doing one. We had too much on our plate and I also wasn’t managing my time well. We’ll be bringing it back in 2019 and plan to chat about a little bit of everything, and also bring in some guests from time to time.
Newsletter
I plan to continue my weekly newsletter Long Story Short because so many of you read that but I’d like to add some exclusive content only for subscribers. Still figuring out what that will be, any suggestions welcome. I was thinking about sharing things I’m loving (beauty product, home decor brand, fashion item, etc.) and asking brands for exclusive promo codes for my email subscribers. Let me know if that’s of interest!
I love all of your content! Especially because as a fellow New Englander (and Midwesterner) I feel like you actually dress for the weather here. For fashion tips, I really love seeing old pieces re-imagined, or basics that you have invested in that you wear multiple different ways. When I’m shopping, that’s what I look for the most!
Yes I love those ideas Ashley. Definitely working on doing more of that this year. Thank you.
When it comes to fashion content I’m always interested in what to pack and how to plan outfits for the trip. Your YouTube videos are great for showcasing that. I also enjoy your YouTube videos for home renovations.
Ok that’s great to know. Thanks Andrea!
I’m really great at selecting individual home decor pieces but I have a difficult time making it all fit together in a cohesive look. It would be great to understand whether you decide on a particular style for a room before starting or if it’s more of a process. And then, it would also be great to understand what to do when something doesn’t work. I definitely love your home decor content. I visited your bedroom reveal post several times and bought the Anthropologie faux fur blanket you are always posting. I also love, love your idea for fashion content next year with investing in quality pieces and maximizing their wearability. I find it frustrating when bloggers get successful and start posting insanely expensive pieces in every outfit. Thanks for being more realistic!!
I would love to see more posts on personal development as well as the wonderful and informative posts of “substance” that you’ve been including on your blog! (environmental impact, voting, etc.)
Excited to see what’s in store for you in 2019! Happy New Year, Jess!
Absolutely, I’d love to write more on those types of topics. Thanks Lisa.
I agree that the speed of fashion and the need to constantly buy new things is not really good for any of us. Classic fashions and current pieces that mix well are my go to, I like how you style the looks, so more of that please.
Thank you for having a variety of topics..little things you are doing around your house, styling and ideas for setting up for a party, appetizers, table settings.
I like that you show ideas that are achievable on a budget and done with lots of creativity and style.
happy 2019
Thanks Susannah. Love the entertaining ideas topic. Happy New Year!
I like when show pieces from your home, like the Anthro mirror, which I love. I ended up getting it because of you (thank you) and it’s beautiful. I’m a recent homeowner so enjoy those pieces. Next up for us is buying a washer and dryer. So if you have any recommendations, please let me know. Also love the segments with the furry members of the family. They are all so cute. Happy New Year!
That mirror is seriously one of my favorite purchases ever, an investment for sure, but to me a timeless piece I will have forever. As far as washer/dryer we bought a Samsung combo when we moved in and so far no complaints. Happy New Year!
I would love to see how you plan outfits and pack for trips, and also how you style pieces in different ways. A lot of bloggers focus on showcasing new outfits, but most of us can’t buy new things all the time! Would love to get inspiration on how to rewear things. Also loving all of your remodeling posts.
Absolutely love the idea of outfits and re-wearing pieces. Super excited to launch my capsule wardrobe series soon. Thanks Lindsay.
I absolutely love how your blog has transformed—it is a perfect mix. I am trying to build a capsule wardrobe so your idea for focusing on key pieces is awesome. I love the boho/minimalist/earthy vibe of your home so more of that is appreciated. Also as a fur baby mama more of your fur babies is needed! Cant wait to see what you give us in 2019.
Thank you so much Amanda. Excited for the capsule wardrobe series I think it’s going to be really fun. Happy New Year fellow fur baby Mom xx
I would love to see a post about your trip to Portugal! I’m traveling there for two weeks in June and need some recs for just about everything!
Yes, coming soon! Thanks Emily
Saw your comment about taking a break from consumerism/feeling like you’re pushing too much. I don’t think you do, but totally hear that. What about styling a certain type of item? Encouraging women to shop in their own closet more. I feel like it’s always good to get inspired with things you already have. I’ve always wished more folks would do birthday gift/experience guides — like 5 ideas for your partner’s or best friend’s birthday that aren’t things.
Hi Jess,
I’ve been following your blog since the Prosecco and Plaid days, and I hear you about trying to find a balance between consumerism and fashion. I’ve always identified with your style because you tend to feature pieces that are timeless and classic (yet casual)- things that you will have for years to come and will still look great. I don’t think there is anything I would change about your fashion posts!
My one request is for more skincare posts. I love your commitment to taking care of your skin, and I am curious to try some of the products you’ve posted about before.
Damn, thanks for hanging in there this long, haha! Definitely with you on more skincare. I have so many products I love, working on sharing more of them on here. HAppy New Year.
I love your comments about being aware of consumerism and trying not to go overboard on having to shop. Great message! And this is coming from someone who loves your clothes and style. Maybe you can do a post about what you do when you are done with clothes… do you donate and sell them? How often do you purge your wardrobe?
Absolutely, working on that right now! Thanks Mary.
You know what would be a really cool thing to see in your newsletters? Discussions or interviews with some of your subscribers. Pick one subscriber a month, say, and chat to them about why they read your blog and perhaps how they apply your posts to their everyday lives. That would be SUPER COOL and I think a lot of us would love to feel that we’re involved in your brand 🙂
Vanessa, I LOVE this idea and have been thinking of it since you wrote this. Since it’s YOUR idea, how about you be my first? Shoot me an email [email protected] and let’s get this going!