Crossroads.

As 2015 begins to unfold, my mind is filled with so many ideas, questions and emotions.  Many people love to make resolutions for the new year, because it's the perfect opportunity to start over with a clean slate.  Whether hoping to lose a few pounds, get out of debt, go back to school, or just be a better person...somehow seeing that fresh calendar on your desk makes those goals seem a little more within reach.  So many blank spaces, just waiting to be filled in with new dreams and opportunities.

I have spent the past few months contemplating which direction I want to take with this blog.  For the longest time I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It gave me an outlet to express myself, document my life, make new friends and in some ways it even helped me to learn more about myself.  I don't know exactly what happened, but somewhere along the journey that enjoyment disappeared.  I had taken on too many sponsored posts, stopped interacting with other bloggers and blogging simply lost it's appeal.  It wasn't fun anymore.  It makes me sad to say that, but it's true.

This blog started out as motivation to stop wearing old t-shirts and sweatpants all the time.  Much to my surprise, that motivation managed to prove effective and I stuck with it!  Being a mom is a hard gig.  It's absolutely the most rewarding aspect of my life, but it has also been the most difficult.  My family is my number one priority and always will be.  However, I know that setting aside a few minutes to get ready each day makes me feel better...and when I feel better, I'm a much nicer mom!  My genuine hope is that there is another busy mom out there who has read my blog and felt inspired.  I hope that I have influenced someone to take a little time out of their packed schedule to better their self-esteem.  That's what I would consider a success.

My personal style has certainly evolved over the past few years and this blog has helped me to learn so much about fashion in general.  I still love shopping and clothes and fashion magazines, but I'm just not sure I want to blog about that kind of thing.  It all feels so superficial to me.  There is always so much comparison and jealousy.  In order to be a successful "fashion blogger" you need to always be on top of the latest trends, buying the hottest (and most expensive) designer goods.  And don't get me started on the fake EVERYTHING...hair extensions, false eyelashes, fake tans...why do we all have to try and look the same?!  It's just too much.  Don't get me wrong...there is nothing bad about getting all done up every once in a while, but when you have to turn into a whole new person just to get people to notice you, something is not right.

So, I'm at a crossroads.  I want this to be a space where I can be myself and truly enjoy the blogging process again.  I want this to be a space where I can share my passions with others and a place where people can be inspired.  I want this to be a space where I can be open and honest and real.  I want to write more about my flight attendant experiences and share some travel tips I've learned along the way.  I want to visit more beautiful places and work on my photography.  I want to help other women on a budget, whether that means sharing great deals on designer pieces or showing off cute pieces from affordable brands.

The truth is, I'm extremely grateful for all of you who have stuck with me on this blogging journey of mine.  Not only do I want this to be a fun place for me...I also want it to be a fun place for you!  If no one wants to read my blog posts, there isn't much point in writing them, is there?  So, now I have a question for all of you: What would you like to see more of on Plane Pretty?  I'd really love to hear any input that could help in making this a fun, happy space to celebrate travel, fashion, motherhood and life's other little pleasures.

Here's to a happy, authentic, meaningful, positive, fulfilling, and productive new year!