2010 is official and the New Year spirit is still with me. It’s about renewal and hope.
Anyhoo, I’m safely back in London with my own laptop after my adventures in Asia and sorta the Middle East. London is indeed colder than I left it but still home (for now).
Btw, don’t take Gulf Air. You’ll thank me from saving you from boarding an American Airlines plane from 1985 and impossibly long stopovers. The extra cost for another airline (like Singapore Airlines) is worth it.
I had writer’s block for a few weeks because 1) my brain wasn’t fully functioning due to some major congestion/medication/sleep deprivation and 2) I was wondering what I really wanted to blog about now.
This started as a wedding planning blog documenting my trials and tribulations in planning a chic NYC wedding at a (relatively) cheap price and practical/money-saving tips along the way. I’ve finished the mini-wedding/the Taiwanese wedding as well now and as my bridal blogger buddies discover/will discover – the drive for all things wedding wanes dramatically. But even before that I started blogging more and more about fashion, other deals, and unique things I saw in my travels.
So here are my musings:
1. I’m still sticking to what I think defines Chic ‘n Cheap Living – cool products, places and things I see along the way kinda like Jessica of Style-Obsession or Kristin a la Bon Bon Rose Girls
I want to make Cheap a good word (totally second guessed myself when naming this blog, but totally am for it). I also want to share the products that are worth the price. Chic ‘n Cheap Living right there!
And of course deals. I’m pretty good at finding deals and love to share.
E.g. Sobella bags are 35% off with code special09
I’m kinda digging this bag. It would be under $200 with the code and is functional and classic.
2. I still want to write about things NYC and London because that’s what I know, my home(s), and defines so much of my life, kinda like Midtown Girl
3. I will still pass along some wedding inspiration because I still want to share cool ideas or images along the way esp. if they’re from someone like Anna and the Ring. I learned a lot from wedding planning and want to share the good and important stuff with you.
4. It’s time to get personal. Well sorta. I’ve had 2 weddings, lived in a few countries, and made tons of observations, mistakes, and everything in between along the way. I will certainly add more practical wedding and relationship observations. I think Ms. Anonymous scared me off from complaining and being too personal (esp. when I may not have explained the whole situation and I was left totally gutted). But I do want to add my .02 when I think it matters. I’d love to have open honesty, vulnerability as well as strength, and a sweet and sassy attitude like Liz of It’s Unbeweavable.
I am definitely sassy and hopefully sweet.
I’ll have a little bit of that but still not a lot because while I’ve opened up some, it still takes me a bit to warm up. I also don’t want to just vent and complain, I want to be constructive and helpful while intelligently trying to come to a solution.
5. Always totally working on finding cool products, connecting with artisans, and securing more partnerships for Chic ‘n Cheap products. Drop me a line at cncliving@ gmail.com if you want to share your products!
6. I’ll redesign the blog this year. Really. I think it’s time.
7. I am working on the blogroll. It’s going to start this week. Would love to be on yours too.
At the end of it all, it’s a blog about life, design, inspiration, cool stuff, and other observations. Like a Cup of Jo with more attitude. Is that cool? Open to suggestions along the way of course.
Finally the winner of the Little Bit of Pretty earrings a la random.org was:
Have a happy, happy weekend!
xoxo
Cheap is definitely a good word; and I absolutely adore the fact that you mentioned some of my absolute favorite bloggers in this post!! 🙂
Cheap has such hideous connotations but not here with your words. You make it chic, my lovely!
Take your time, breathe and we shall be waiting.
P.S. I’m blushing from your kind words.
Welcome back!!! I totally hear you about redefining blogs, as you saw on mine last week. I’m still working on it. I guess it’s a process though, right? 🙂
Isn’t it crazy how once the wedding’s over, wedding stuff doesn’t matter much anymore? I mean i was obsessed with it for so long. It seems wrong to pass by the Martha Stewart wedding issue at the magazine store. I was tempted to buy it but I stopped myself. lol
Anyway, welcome back again. And I totally have faith that you can make CHEAP a good word 🙂
Sounds like you have some lovely things up your sleeves – I’m excited to see how your blog evolves! And “cheap” will never be a dirty word to me!
(Thank you for the sweet mention!)
long live chic ‘n cheap living! i like the goals you have for your blog. count me in! 🙂
Sounds like you have some fabulous ideas lovey! Thanks for the sweet mention. : )
Did someone say you ranted and complained?
If so ignore them, not that you do, but even if you did – its your blog you can do what you want and all your followers dont see a problem with it
I personally love your blog and this was a great post – it is cold here isn’t it but I LOVE my snow dayss!!
Thanks so much for the lovely comment – sorry for such a late reply!
Stay safe and chic darling
English Rose x
http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com
You are a darling for the shout-out. I will always think of you as a resident Midtown Girl!
And whatever you write about I will adore it – your blog is filled with fabulush ideas, thoughts & great advice.
Keep up the fantastic posts doll!
XOXO
Amy
love it!
also, i took Singapore once and it was AMAZING. best flight ever.
Yay can’t wait to see more of your blog in the future!
This is your blog so you are free to express yourself. people can say whatever but it is okay to grip a bit without revealing too much, after all it is your business to reveal as much or little. : )
i think it will be perfect whatever you choose to do!
i’m working on a redesign that will have a new blogroll…you will be on it!
i’m a sucker for a flower in your hair – that image is so sweet!
I’m really looking forward to your upcoming posts – chic and cheap just so happen to be my two favorite words, lol. Glad you like my food photos…I’m obsessed with staring at food and eating it, although I can’t cook lol
I love the new term cheap living, it’s really quite exhiliraating and freeing. Always will love your blog!
XOXOX
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com
i always wonder what happens to blogs that start out as one thing and then get lost…i think you listed some good ideas to help grow your blog.
cheap can be a nasty word at times but when you add chic to it, it’s not bad at all 🙂
i think it’d great you want to be more open and honest. but i don’t think you need to be like any other blog to do that…just be YOU.
that bag is great! and i love the title of ur blog. chic and cheap… perfect:)
natalieoffduty.blogspot.com
I love your blog….and thanks so much! YAY, I won!
I love your blog title chic n cheap! When put together with chic, cheap is a good word & I think you are giving it an even better reputation through your blog :-)You always post about the greatest items on the net. Thanks CnC!!!
Can’t wait to see all the new changes!
Nothing wrong with a good bargain. 🙂 Looking forward to all the fun changes you have in store!
P.S The Stila e/s holds up well for me. I don’t need to use a primer. Crazy, right? Hehe. Aw, well if you still want to do any Sasa shopping, they do have a pretty great website: sasa.com 😉
Can’t wait for all your new plans for the blog. Sounds great
glad that you’re back. i really love your blog and am excited to see/read more.
I had to come read this post! 🙂 I really like how you defined your blog but also gave yourself freedom to just be you.