Thankful
Every Thanksgiving, my family and I go around the table and each of us tells the group what they’re thankful for. I love this tradition – it’s so nice to slow down and reflect on everything that’s happened over the past year. So often we get caught up in the chaos of day to day stresses; and we easily forget about all of the good things in our lives.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and, well, give thanks! So this year, I thought I’d share something I’m thankful for with you… and it seems appropriate to talk about something blogging related here on the blog, right?!
This year, I’ve realized just how thankful I am for everyone who has helped me turn LSL into what it is today. I’m so beyond grateful for all of you – some of whom I’ve never met, some that have been following since the beginning (thanks Mom!), and some are the lovely bloggers I get to call friends 🙂 I mentioned those ladies in my post about social media and I meant what I said. 2015 has been a BIG year for Lake Shore Lady, and I owe so much of that growth and success to the people that I get to see on a regular basis.
A little backstory:
When I first moved to Chicago, I felt very alone. Most of my friends were still on the east coast, I hadn’t kept in touch with many people from High School, one of my best friends from college was living in the burbs, my sister was out in Oak Park and my brother/Ali were still in college (woah)! Moving to a new city is really hard – especially when you add a big break up and a slight career crisis! And on top of that, making girlfriends in your twenties is way harder than you might think. I mean, that’s a lot, right?!
Luckily, taking the plunge into blogging forced me to get out there and meet new people; but I never imagined that this “networking” would turn into such great friendships.
So, this Thanksgiving I’m saying a big bear hug of a Thank You.
Thank you for making me laugh.
Thank you for being so supportive.
Thank you for talking to me at awkward events.
Thank you for taking photos for me when I’m in desperate need.
Thank you for helping me figure out technical issues and tackle big projects.
Thank you for all picking really awesome husbands/BFs. (Haha seriously tho! They’re all so great!)
Thank you for weekend coffee/workout dates.
Thank you for inspiring me.
And of course, thank you for drinking a whole lot of wine with me 🙂
I should note that these shout outs go beyond the people in these photos – I was just lucky enough to have some gems from Kelly in the City and a few other events at my disposal. The community in Chicago expands far past what’s represented in these shots – and now it’s not even limited to Chicago anymore (lookin at you, Jill)!! So, cheers to you inspiring, creative, blogger chicks. I hope you all have a Happy Happy Thanksgiving!
Now it’s your turn – what are you thankful for this year?
Don’t know the ladies in these photos? You should:
Lows to Luxe, The Kittchen, The Golden Girl, Isn’t That Charming, Kelly in the City, The Fox & She, Hot Pink Style, Erin Marie Bassett, Wandeleur and many more!
November 25, 2015 @ 1:56 pm
This is so sweet! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Alyssa | Glitter and Grey
November 25, 2015 @ 2:52 pm
This is such a wonderful post! I'm so thankful for our friendship. You are so talented at all you do and you're going to have an amazing year ahead!
November 25, 2015 @ 2:55 pm
Awwwww love you and I completely share your sentiments! We're so lucky to have each other 🙂 xx
November 25, 2015 @ 2:57 pm
Aww remember when Em was pregnant?! I can't believe that was just this summer! Gracie seems like she is part of the crew now.
Love this post. xoxo
November 25, 2015 @ 6:46 pm
I LOVE YOU!! Right back at you girlfriend. I'm so thankful for you and can't wait for all the amazing things we're going to do in 2016 🙂
November 25, 2015 @ 7:39 pm
Beautiful pictures ! And those videos are great . It seems like you had a lot of fun . Happy thanksgiving !
X,Abril
The color palette
December 2, 2015 @ 12:12 am
I LOVE YOU, LAUREN! I am so incredibly lucky to have you. The line about making friends in your 20s really struck a chord with me. I was terrified when I moved to Chicago last year… Nervous I wouldn't like it, nervous I wouldn't make friends, nervous I would feel lonely. YOU are the reason I love Chicago so much. Thank you for everything… I can't even tell you how much I value your friendship!!!!
XOXO
Kelly | Kelly in the City