Looking Back on 2018 :: Highlighting 5 of my Proudest Accomplishments
Anna Osgoodby Life + Biz :: Looking Back on 2018 :: Highlighting 5 of my Proudest Accomplishments

Before we ring in the New Year, I wanted to take a chance to look back on 2018. It was a year of hitting goals, pushing myself further than I thought I could and a whole lot of change. I may have moved back to Washington mid-2017, but in many ways, a lot of those changes rolled into this year and now that we’re inching into 2019, I finallyyyy feel a little more grounded. About dang time right?! Listen, uprooting your life and making allll of the changes can take some time to get used too though! All-in-all 2018 was a pretty dang great year and I wanted to give it a proper send-off by celebrating the progress that was made.

Crushed ALL of the Biz Goals

2018 was a game-changer for Bold & Pop. We’ve been working our booties off since we started 3+ years ago and THIS was the year where I feel like everything really started to line up. We increased our business by 38%, hit our income goals early, doubled our web traffic, and grew our community to nearly 900 biz owners, side hustlers and bloggers — just to name a few! Seriously though. It was a HUGE year for our business and every success has felt really damn good.

Another one of our big goals this year was to work on a better work/life balance and I’m so proud of the progress we made. When you start a business, it can all-encompassing and this year we learned firsthand why time off is one of the best things you can do! We still had our moments, but we were able to take more time off this year than the last 3 combined and I think it was a big reason we found so much success! We both went through a huge year of growth both personally and professionally and I cannot wait to see where we go in 2019 because the bar has been set!

Moving to a New City + Apartment

This year, I joined the adult world again and moved to a new apartment in a new city! Tacoma to be exact, which definitely deserves a blog post of its own. It’s kind of funny because if you would have told me that I would have not only moved back to Washington, but to Tacoma, I would have laughed at you a few years ago. I’ve learned that sometimes the best things in life are unexpected though and Tacoma has definitely surprised me in the best way. I still love Seattle and dream of living there one day, but Tacoma’s small city vibes have been a nice transition. Plusss, the rent prices here are kind of amazing. Having a 2-bedroom for less than I paid for my studio in NYC will never get old.

Paid off My Student Loans

BOOM baby, I paid off my student loans this year! I think this is exciting for anyone, but I wasn’t really expecting to do it this year so I’m really proud of this one. My personal financial goals were really just focused on building my savings back up to where I wanted them to be. They definitely took a hit the last few years after starting a business, moving cross-country, and buying a new car so building those back up was my top goal. With such a high increase in our business though I was able to build up my savings and pay off all of my remaining loans almost 2 yeas earlier than planned!

Made Personal Development and Self-Care a Priority

As I mentioned earlier, having a better work/life balance was a big business goal of ours this year and that really goes hand-in-hand with this one. We’ve really lived and breathed our biz the last few years and while we still do, we realized we both reallyyy needed to take some time for ourselves. Thank goodness for biz besties who are literally on the same page as you. Really though, this year I learned just how important self-care is and how bad I really needed it. So I worked on myself a lot.. I took up hiking and walks around the new neighborhood, I listened to podcasts, I read a ton of self-development books, and started scheduling “Anna days” to literally just relax by myself. Becoming a healthier, better version of myself both physically and mentally was a top priority and I am really happy with the progress I made this year.

Tried More New Things

I set a lotttt of personal goals this year (I talk a little more about in this post) to push myself! Which resulted in doing some things I never thought I’d do + finding some new hobbies I really love! Some of my fav things that came from those goals were doing my first public speaking appearance, attending 4 local business owner events in the Seattle/Tacoma area, recording our first podcast interview, running my first 5k, joining a community garden, learning how to pickle and how to make jam, going on longer (and harder) hikes, starting a regular workout routine and joining PNW online communities!

2018 is definitely one of those years I’m going to look back on and remember. It was a year of so many amazing memories, a ton of growth and one that has really set a strong foundation for what’s to come! Bring it on 2019, I’m ready for you!!

Shopping Small This Holiday Season & Beyond :: Highlighting 10 of My Favorite Small Businesses
Anna Osgoodby Life + Design :: Shopping Small This Holiday Season & Beyond :: Highlighting 10 of My Favorite Small Businesses

The holiday season is officially upon us (still can’t believe this) and this year I want to celebrate the real stars IMO, small businesses! Sure, the big guys are great and you can support them too, but don’t forget about the small businesses not only today on #SmallBusinessSaturday but year-round! 

The ones who pour their hearts into each and every product they make or curate. The ones who often started by making products in their kitchens or who stayed up late packing orders. The ones who saved up to lease a storefront and have been willing to put it all on the line to chase their dreams. These are the true rockstars in my eyes and I can tell you firsthand that when you shop small you're truly supporting someone else's dream and that's pretty dang awesome.

So today on the blog I’m highlighting some of my personal fav small businesses + a few amazing clients we’ve also gotten the chance to support over the years at Bold & Pop! And spoiler, they have some amazing gift options for everyone on your shopping list so be sure to check them out and get your shop on!

Photo Courtesy of: @PinkLoverShop Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @PinkLoverShop Instagram

Pink Lover

Kicking things off with a goodddd one, Pink Lover! If you know me, this one shouldn’t surprise you for a minute because I truly live by the motto everything is better when it’s pink! Katie, the founder truly embraces this motto too, so much so she decided to launch a shop dedicated to everything pink — tees, tanks, sweaters, mugs and much much more! And it is pink-mazing! P.S. if anyone needs a gift idea for yours truly I’ll take one of everything they offer 💖😉

Photo Courtesy of: @CompassRoseShop Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @CompassRoseShop Instagram

Compass Rose

I stumbled upon Compass Rose this summer during a street fair in the Proctor District in Tacoma and it’s been one of my go-to places for gifts ever since! They have two locations, one here in Tacoma and then their original location in downtown Olympia and guys, if you’re local you HAVE to check them out. I’d describe them as a combo of Paper Source, Anthropologie, a little Williams and Sonoma and then an amazing collection of local PNW inspired or created flair. This store literally has something for everyone on your list in just about every price point. Plus they really take being a local business to heart by giving back 10% of their earnings to organizations focused on improving the community as well as some international organizations.

Photo Courtesy of: @SurpriseGiftCo Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @SurpriseGiftCo Instagram

Surprise Gift Co.

I have lovedddd this company ever since being introduced to them when we worked together on their website design a few years ago. Lisa and Shannon, the Co-founders are the BOMB! They offer curated gift sets (plus some singles) for everyone in your life and make the whole process easy peasey. You can just feel the amount of thought and love that has been poured into all of these sets too! You pick the box, single or custom box and then they put it together and can send them directly to those on your list if you want. Which is perfectttt for clients, fam or friends that don’t live near. Of course, you can have everything sent to you too if you want but it’s awesome having options.

Photo Courtesy of: @HartsandPearls Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @HartsandPearls Instagram

Harts & Pearls

I discovered Harts & Pearls on Instagram and instantly fell in love with their account! They offer fashion forward accessories for women, children and babies and guys… they’re SO cute! I already have my eye on a few of their turban headwraps for a few people on my gift list this year. I also love that the company was founded by a single mom in the PNW too. Which on the note of being based in Washington, I should also mention they have some adorable Seahawks headbands too! Go Hawks! 💙💚

Photo Courtesy of: @KoketBoutiqueNC Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @KoketBoutiqueNC Instagram

Koket Boutique

Another one I’m SO excited about is Koket Boutique! We were lucky enough to work with Alexandra as well and I’m so excited to share that she recently expanded to her own location in addition to her online shop in Raleigh, NC! So def add this one to your list if you’re local to Raleigh too. What I love about her shop is she has suchhh a good mix of cute women’s clothing and accessories and they also won’t break the bank. Double score! Truly, I’d like my closet to just be filled with her inventory!

Photo Courtesy of: @Pacific_Knotwest Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @Pacific_Knotwest Instagram

Pacific Knotwest

Pacific Knotwest is another business I learned about on Instagram (hey, it’s a good place to explore!) and I’m totally digging their style. Macrame is making waves again in home decor trends and I’m totally obsessed with the designs Pacific Knotwest has created. Everything from large wall hangings, to macrame mirrors, hanging nightstands, and ornaments. Seriously, go check out her shop rightttt now! The craftsmanship is incredible.

Photo Courtesy of: @BeanGoods Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @BeanGoods Instagram

Beans Goods

WEENIE DOG everythingggg! Need I say more? Being a weenie dog fur mama myself, I understand how funny these little dogs are and I love what Bean Goods has done to showcase that. They offer hilarious and incredibly cleverly designed apparel for both humans and pups and if you have anyone on your gift list that is a weenie dog fan or has one, you need to pick them up something from this shop! I actually bought myself one of the “Crazy Wiener Dog Lady” shirts last year and it’s one of my favs! 🐶

Photo Courtesy of: @TaylorLeePaints Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @TaylorLeePaints Instagram

Taylor Lee Paints

If you’re looking for some beautiful artwork this holiday season then you HAVE to check out Taylor Lee. Taylor is another bold boss we had the chance to work with and not only is her work absolutely incredible, but she’s also doing her part to help us change the way we look at mental illness. Instead of shying away from the topic, Taylor has been very transparent about her bipolar disorder on her Instagram account. How it has affected her life and how she in turn uses it as her superpower when it comes to her artwork. Her bravery is truly blazing the trail for all of us which is something I totally admire, plus her talent is just beyond! I have one of her pieces in my office that she so kindly gifted us when we worked together and it’s one of my absolutely favorites.

Photo Courtesy of: @Little_Bipsy Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @Little_Bipsy Instagram

Little Bipsy Collection

Inching up to my 30’s, tis the season for babies! Personally, I’m sticking with my fur baby, but my friends are starting to pop out babies on the regular and I’ve been on the hunt for some goods to spoil them and their new boo boos with! That’s where Little Bipsy comes in because they have goodies for both! They offer suchhh a great variety of clothes for babies including baby flannels and boss babe sweatshirts for the littles which I’m obsessed with. The future is female everyone! Plus they have some really fun (and funny) apparel for all of the mamas that I also can’t get enough of.

Photo Courtesy of: @RGBSoda Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @RGBSoda Instagram

Rachel’s Ginger Beer

I went to an amazing networking event this month in Seattle where the founder Rachel spoke on a panel and I left just feeling so inspired. Rachel truly embodies the heart and soul of an entrepreneur doing everything it takes to bring their dream to life and I could not wait to actually try her products after. Spoiler, the ginger beer is a-freaking-mazing! Everything is handcrafted and you know they worked their booties off crafting each of the recipes until they were perfect. If you’re local to the PNW, they have locations around Seattle and Portland and then they also offer nationwide shipping. Perfect for those who just enjoy a solid ginger beer or for the cocktail master in your life! I love gifts like this for people who are tough to shop for too. You cannot go wrong with amazing foods or drink options IMO!

Photo Courtesy of: @WithWildHearts_Co Instagram

Photo Courtesy of: @WithWildHearts_Co Instagram

With Wild Hearts Co.

I’m rounding out the list with another PNW business, artist Amanda Meyer of With Wild Hearts Co.! It’s no secret that since I moved back to Washington, nature and all of our incredible views out here have captured me. Which is why I loveee Amanda’s work because her artwork is inspired by just that — the views in the PNW! Her paintings are not only gorgeous, but she also offers her artwork painted on wood, vinyls and even denim jackets. So gorgeous!

Well that’s a wrap for this edition. I hope you guys enjoyed my picks and cheers to shopping small this season!

Life Lately :: 10 Highlights from the Summer of 2018
Anna Osgoodby Life + Design :: Life Lately :: 10 Highlights from the Summer of 2018

Welp, summer is officially saying its farewell and I’m not going to lie I’m kind of sad to see it go! While I was in the PNW for most of last summer, let’s be real my life was kindddd of in shambles in a lot of ways so this summer definitely had a different vibe and an AWESOME one at that!

I have to say, summer usually isn’t my favorite season and I think a lot of that has to do with it was SO hot and humid in NYC, but PNW summers?! Justttt my style. I’m sorry, I know everyone likes to say our weather over here is terrible butttt IMO it’s pretty dang perfect. Moderate temps year-round.. nothing too hot, nothing too cold.. just dang perfect. So while normally I can’t wait until Fall, this year I kind of wish summer was just a little bit longer! That being said, it was a busy and memorable one so before I officially say goodbye, I’m recapping some of my fav memories of the season!

Lots of Memories with My Fam

Okay, I’m kicking things off with a big one… Time with my fam! I’m sure you’re all sick of me talking about how much living near family again means to me, but truly it is the best. Being able to go on adventures, have BBQs, go hiking, or just chill and spend time together has been so SO nice!

Hiking & Enjoying the Outdoors

Another big overall category that I loved this summer was spending so much time exploring outdoors! Don’t get me wrong, I’m still very much a city girl but it just felt so refreshing to be able to explore so many different places. Hiking in the mountains… kayaking on the sound… walking around the lakes and beaches… I just love all. of. it and so I did a lot of it!

King County Fair

I haven’t been to the King Country Fair in years, but it just so happenedd Little Duck was going to be up for her birthday so we squeezed in a trip and just had such a fun day. Learning what mutton busting is (and then hysterically laughing), eating elephant ears and scones, seeing all of the goats, and watching pig races… I’d say we did it right!

Visits from Some of my Favorite New Yorkers

I got really lucky this summer and got to have 3 of my fav New Yorkers come out west and visit. Which BTW, having a guest room is AWESOME! First up my NYC roomie and her husband visited and then later one of my other besties Lynette and we had such a blast! They definitely put my Washington tour guide skills to the test too and luckily were good sports about me trekking them all over the state! I meannnn there’s so much variety here you have to see it all right! City, country and mountains!

Sounders & Mariners Games

This summer I got my fair share of sports in too! We made it to a few Mariners games including Star Wars night (which was awesome). Which let’s be real, I’m much more about the stadium food than the sports but.. those were a blast nonetheless. Then I also went to my first Sounders game which was pretty cool too! My sister won some tickets at work and couldn’t go so we got to live that club level life too which was cool.

Fort Nisqually

Something else we did that was so much fun was a Happy Hour at Fort Nisqually which is a living history museum that was one of the first settlements in the PNW. This summer they did a happy hour series of events that you could check out the museum and enjoy some 19th century crafts and history with drinks and it was seriously so much fun! Definitely worth checking out if they do the series again!

Growing all of the Veggies at the Garden

I mentioned it before, but this summer we joined a community garden and I’m obsessed! I started mini balcony gardens when I lived in New York so I had dabbled a little bit in gardening but having a pretty decent sized plot opened so many options! It was definitely a commitment and learning experience (there will be a full blog post on that later) but we grew so many fresh veggies and fruits and it has just been so fun being part of a little community. Even if we’re like a few of the only people younger than 70.

Loon Lake Trip

Roadtripping over to eastern Washington for a trip to Loon Lake with Evan’s family was definitely another highlight! His family spends a week at their cabin every summer and we had just the best time floating the lake, watching a meteor shower, and playing some serious cards and drinking games. We even made shirts because I like to get a little DIY extra like that.

Trip to Portland and McMinneville

In case you haven’t caught on yet, there was a lot of travel this summer! Having a car again is amazinggggg. No I won’t stop talking about that yet either! On this trip I met up with my college bestie Danielle and her husband and finally got to meet their adorable nugget who is now a year and a half! Somehow we failed to get a picture together 🙈but we had such a fun time catching up and exploring Portland’s waterfront and taking a visit to the zoo! On top of meeting up with Danielle, I also headed a little bit further into Oregon’s wine country to go visit Little Duck at college. Complete with staying at their apartment (they’re way more of adults than I was then) anddd having my first official legal drink with Little Duck at McMenamins. Yes. She’s officially 21 now, say whattt?! #Forever8yearsOldinmyHead

Exploring Tacoma with Friends

Last but definitelyyyy not least, we rounded out the summer with SUCH a fun visit with my friend Bryson in Tacoma. We both moved back to WA from NYC and LA last year so it was fun to get some exploring in locally doing all of the PNW things. A farmers market, kayaking (and almost dying but we won’t talk about that), wearing plaid (yes all of us, no not on purpose), and hitting up craft beers and cocktails. It was a solid weekend to round up the summer that’s for sure.

And with that, you have my top 10 highlights of the season. I’m def sad to see summer go, but with a full calendar of things going on in Fall I know that this season will be a good one too!