Looking back on 2012, I can’t help but be a little proud of myself. I started my own branding agency in January. I had a beer named after me in February. In March, I quit my job in corporate America, sold my car, and moved across the country with my business partner, Brian.

When we moved, we had no place to live. We had never visited San Francisco. We also didn’t know if we were going to be successful or fall flat on our faces. You think I would have been scared shitless, but I wasn’t. I finally felt free.

When B and I arrived in San Francisco, we did Airbnb for three months. It was pretty easy moving around so often since I only moved with one large suitcase and a laptop. We explored, and then explored some more. And when I say we ate and drank our way through this city, I mean it.

It wasn’t rainbows and butterflies all the time though. There were some wake up calls. A monthly parking spot cost $300, a one-bedroom apartment can easily cost $3K a month, washing our clothes in a laundromat became the norm, and dishwashers were practically extinct. We definitely weren’t in Tampa anymore.

The best part, however, was falling in love. Since I was a little girl, I’ve craved a love so deep, it’d make the ocean jealous. And in 2012, I found everything I ever wanted. His name is Brian, or “B.” He is my best friend, my partner in crime, and my confidant. The best part about falling in love is learning about who that person is, what makes them smile (and tick), and learning about yourself in the process. There are hundreds of things about Brian that only I know – little things that I’ll never want to share for the sake of keeping them special.

When August came around, I decided to start this blog as a way to chronicle our adventures and share some of my favorite things in the fashion and beauty world. This is my 103rd post. Thank you for reading Vanilla Extract, sharing it, and returning regularly. Your support means everything and I love hearing from you.

The last four months have been busy, but in a great way. I had the opportunity to fly back to Tampa a couple times to celebrate some big occasions in my friends’ lives. Seeing those faces reminded me how good it feels to be able to pick up right where we left off. B and I launched five new websites, crossed some things off of our bucket list when his parents visited, and we even worked on multiple solo projects. 2012, you were a rewarding year!

In 2012, I learned that…

…I’m spontaneous. I quit my job, sold my car, and moved across the country in the matter of seven days!

…being a perfectionist is a double-edged sword.

…your family members (and serious boyfriend) are the only people who you can trust!

…I’m just like my mother, and that’s not a bad thing! (Love you, Mom!)

…treasuring the moment is more important than getting the perfect Instagram shot (3 takes or I’m done!)

…living a life free of the three 3′c (criticize, condemn, and complain) will make you a better person.

…I can’t go a day without talking to Chrisi.

…Brian knows everything about anything. Like honestly… he even knows why the sky is blue.

…anything can happen. When you have your heart set on something, it’s better to strive for it and take opportunities and risks that will help get you there.

Happy New Year.

Lots of love,
Nichole