Dress: Mac Duggal | Shoes: Steve Madden | Handbag: BCBG| Lip: Stila “Baci”
The other day I heard someone say “2017 was the best worst year of my life”, and I couldn’t help but completely relate. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been extremely blessed this year, but I’ve also dealt with some pretty tough things. Today I wanted to share some of my best moments and hardest struggles of 2017.
I want to start with the good, cause I think it’s important to try and focus on the positive, even when times are hard. In July, one of my biggest dreams came true and I was able to make my blog my full time job. When starting this journey two years ago, I had no idea where it would take me. I had goals, but I never knew how much support I would receive, and I can’t thank y’all enough for that. This year I was able to travel the world with my best friend, be pushed WAY outside my comfort zone, and learn more about myself than I ever knew. This blog has opened so many doors for me, and I don’t think anyone will ever understand how grateful I am for that. So from the bottom of my heart, I want to say THANK YOU for following along and supporting my dreams.
While there are so many things I have to be thankful for, I also experienced some of the some of the hardest times of my life. In July, my mom got surgery to remove excess skin on her legs (due to significant weight loss), and while we still don’t know exactly what happened, something went wrong. A nerve was damaged and my mom lost all feeling and motor in her left foot, causing her to lose her ability to walk. For the first couple months after surgery, she used a walker to get around. She now has a custom brace that gives the ability to walk without a walker or cane, but it is still isn’t easy. Having to witness the person you love more than anything in the world struggle, and not being able to do anything about it has one of the hardest things I’ve gone through. Before surgery, my mom was a labor & delivery nurse, but since nurses have to be on their feet 12 hours a day, she is no longer able to work and do what she loves. With that being said, because of y’all’s amazing support this year, I am now able to hire my mom to work for Champagne & Chanel. My mom has always given me the world, so now being able to help her out just a little means so much to me, and I have all of you to thank for that.
In 2017, I also went through two breakups. In the beginning of the year, I ended a three and a half year relationship with the man I thought I was going to marry. I don’t want to go into any details, out of respect for him, but I just knew it wasn’t God’s timing for us to be together. It was an extremely hard time for me because not only did I have to say goodbye to him, but also the dog we shared together. Later in the year, I entered another relationship way too fast, and ended up getting my heart broken. I’m now entering the new year as a single woman, and even though it’s been lonely during the holidays, I’m looking forward to working on myself and building my relationship with Christ. For the first time in my life, I’m living by myself, working for myself, and am single. I know that God is going to use this time to help me grow and teach me to lean on him before anything else. “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5”
Okay, I know that was a MUCH longer post than normal, but I just wanted to let y’all in on what has taken place in my life this past year. Again, I am so grateful for each and every one of you following along with me. I wish everyone a blessed and safe 2018!!
I’ve enjoyed following you this year, and wishing you a happy healthy 2018 for you and your family! I appreciate you sharing such a personal post?
Thank you for being so honest and real! I hope 2018 brings you and your family much success, happiness and good health. P.S. I work across the street from the building in your pic. #houstonian #houston #htown
I love following a local blogger! Best of luck In the new year with your work too.
Thanks for sharing your heart love! It’s not easy and I know it’s going to pave the way for others to share. I haven’t been able to walk since January after a hip surgery, so I know how hard it must be for your mama. Praying for healing for her and for you as you step boldly into 2018!
Love your transparency and honesty. Lean on Christ, girl! 2018 full speed ahead!
Inspiring post. Glad I stumbled upon you on Instagram. And now loving this page! I’m a huge fan. 🙂
Congratulations on being a full-time blogger! God is good. Have a wonderful new year! Xxo
Prayers for you and your mother. My mom has MS…totally different but it hurts so bad to see her unable to walk without a cane or a walker. Stay strong!
Loved your blog and posts and you are absolutely beautiful!!
Xoxo-Ashley
I have a similar dress that I am totally in love with! Stunning!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Your blog is amazing and I love it so much!! Thank you for all the inspiration and may this next year bring you many blessings ❤️?
Dear Champagne & Chanel,
Your raw candor is so appreciated by many. I look into the life of somone tohe respectfully follows enable your following to know that you are “keeping it real”. I feel like the past few years have been the best worst years of my life as well. Maybe one day I’ll create a blog and write about it. I’ve been obsessed with becoming a lifestyle blogger (fashion, glam, etc) and haven’t have the confidence, time or tech-savvy abilities to actually do it. Maybe 2018 will be my year to have new beginnings! Enjoy your new journey Beauty, especially the single life. No matter what side you’re on, the grass isn’t always greener!
Much love and success to you.
Ps…if you have any advice that you’d be willing to share on how to “get started” I would forever be grateful.
Xo,
Jenn Evans
@jenniferevansevents
Really loved the transparency and honesty in this post. Been following you all year and you inspire me as a blogger, too. I graduate from Texas A&M in May so I can relate to a lot of your posts! Thanks for sharing your life with the world. Keep on staying strong and we support you! So happy to hear that your mom can work on with blog with you. Happy new years eve and have an even more prosperous 2018!!
Thank you for sharing! You are inspiring to me as a beginning blogger with dreams of making it my full time job! God will reward you for your faithfulness to Him, keep doing what you do girl! You are awesome! The Lord gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord! ❤️❤️❤️
Babe, I can relate so much on this post. You are a beautiful soul, inside and out. It was one of my highlights this year to have met you and Dede in NYC. You are an inspiration beyond words! Love ya!
It was really nice reading something so relateable and real about you. I am sorry for your hard times but something great always comes out of them! This was a wonderful blog post & being single def gives you the chance to have a closer relationship with God & Jesus & will bless you in more ways you could ever ask or imagine. Happy New Year ? Cheers!
So sad to hear about your mum and your breakups. I am so happy you are able to help your mum back. I hope she will get better. Wishing you and your family all the best for 2018! Xoxo
You are the meaning of faith and always trusting in God! Wishing you love, health, and success for 2018! You’re gonna own it girl!
Wishing you heath and happiness in 2018 and beyond 🙂
Praying for you and your mom, thank you for sharing such intimate details about your life. Ending such a long relationship knowing it’s whats right takes a lot of guts, you are strong!
This makes my heart so happy to read! I love how personal it is and I can relate to the relationship part so much. I love what you wrote about how God is using your single time to help you grow. I literally cannot agree more! You are awesome!!
I just have to say you look bangin in that dress!
Such a personal post and praying for your mom.
Wishing you so much happiness in 2018 as you discover yourself even more, and keep growing your relationship with God.
I enjoy your blog and Insta account. My goal this year is to start my own blog that I put off last August. I want to do it too retire my mom too. Remember His timing is perfect and that it could not have been the best thing to have taken the leap 2 years ago and now when your mom needs it the most you can step in. I met my husband when I wasn’t even looking and just working on myself, so I know the right person is waiting for you in the right time. Excited to see more of you this 2018 and wish you all the best.
Thank you for sharing your life with us, Emily! Can’t wait to see where the Lord takes you next!!!
This made me cry! You are precious! Feel empowered that you are a beautiful, smart, hard-working woman (not to mention Aggie!) taking care of yourself and your sweet Mother. I’m a Sabi addict now thanks to you! : ) You have such a bright future ahead! Stay grounded, in touch with the Lord, and enjoy the ride! Wishing you nothing but happiness in 2018!
Omg loved this post Emily! You should consider doing some longer/personal posts like this in 2018. It’s nice getting to know you more (even though your outfits are always fab, including this one!) These kinds of posts are my faves 🙂 Happy New Year girly!
Kacie
http://www.theprettylittlehustler.com
Thank you for sharing your hardships! I’ve gone through something similar and reading your story has given me lots of hope for 2018!
This post made me cry. It’s so beautiful that your mom is able to be employed by you. Sending healing prayers to your mom ❤ Happy New Year to you both!
I love your IG! I’m also an Aggie from Houston (Kingwood area) and really relate to your story. My mom had a total knee replacement a few years ago and still has to walk with a cane bc it never fully healed after the dr found out she’s allergic to the implant. It’s definitely a tough thing to see. Also wanted to say that you are young and pretty and just enjoy these times and date as much as you can. I went through a couple bad breakups in my 20s and didn’t meet my husband until I was 33. 3 years later, I live overseas with him…life is truly an adventure! Embrace it 🙂 p.s. – love your ring wrap!! ? Whoop! c/o ’03
So inspiring! I’ve been following you for quite some time now, and it’s so sad to hear. You’re such an incredibly strong person with a great style. Hope your 2018 is great!?
This was such an awesome and real post! I am so sorry you have had to go through all of that this year but you are seriously amazing, strong, and one of my blogging idols. Thank you for always being real and being so positive in all your posts! Can’t wait to see what 2018 brings for you!
I hope 2018 brings you everything you’ve ever wanted! I’m happy your momma is doing better! Our moms are everything!
Xo-
Rowda
Loved this post and how real and open you are! I’m so sorry to hear about your mom…but how amazing that she can now help you and work for you on your blog. So amazing! Congratulations on that! XO
Lauren
@stylemelauren
Hello from Madison, Wisconsin! I found your blog today on the Instagram search page. We share a lot in common and I love seeing your different looks each day. Thanks for putting out great content!
~Holly Andrea
I am so happy I found your blog this year! I love how honest and vulnerable you are especially in this post. You are amazing and so strong! I can not wait to see what happens to you this year. 🙂
PRAYING for your Mom for THE LORD to bring 100% HEALING to her ♡♡
MAY GOD BLESS YOU BOTH this year and always!!! SO THANKFUL TO HAVE THE LORD’S LEADING AND GUIDING EVERY DAY.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9