1.  Collaborate with another blogger - I would love to work with another blogger and learn all I can from them. Whether that blogger is big or small, there's always something else I can learn from another person. It would also be great to offer different content or perspective on the blog as well. If you'd like to collaborate drop me a line at trulyyoursaa@gmail.com!

2.  Increase email subscribers - In 2015 I watched all my social media follower counts go up, but my email subscriber count pretty much stayed the same. As I put more effort in my blog and (possibly) a newsletter I hope that number also rises. If you're not a subscriber make sure you sign up and get your free printables! You can do so using the subscription box on the sidebar.

3.  Use link- ups on a consistent basis - Link-ups are great for growing traffic and discovering new blogs. Most of the blogs I frequent now are ones that I've discovered from bouncing around and using different link-ups. Using these more in 2016 can only be a good thing. If you would like a list of the link-ups I use and love let me know in the comments below!

4.  Send a biweekly/monthly newsletter - I love newsletters that pop into your inbox on a consistent basis and I would love to provide that same feeling to my followers. I feel like newsletters are a good way to direct followers back to your blog just in case they've missed a post.

5.  Develop a consistent posting schedule - As I get ready to go back to work I'll need to develop a posting schedule that works around my varied hours. Now I post whenever I feel like it, but I would like to schedule content in advance so I can enjoy my free time and not worry too much about my blog.

What are your blogging goals for January? Let me know below!

Linking up with:
Breakfast At Lilly's + Southern Soul The Road to a Better Me

Currently January

It's the first Wednesday of 2016 and of the month which means it's time for the Currently link-up with Gold & Bloom and Anne in Residence! I love this link-up because it's all about self-reflection - the "feelings" about each prompt are different for each person who participates. If you're thinking about joining, please do! Continue reading to see what I'm currently resolving, reading, organizing, loving, and craving!

resolving -- to follow through with my list of 16 goals for 2016. If you haven't read that post, you can do so here. Wish me luck!

reading -- nothing yet! I desperately need to find a new book or series to read ASAP!

organizing -- my second bedroom. There's so much junk in here that needs to be thrown away. I'm ready to start spring cleaning and it's only January.

loving -- complete series on Netflix. I'm currently watching Sons of Anarchy and I can't wait to get started on The Vampire Diaries or Scandal.

craving -- hot fudge sundaes! My favorites are from McDonald's and I'm not sure why I'm so obsessed with them. I normally dislike ice cream in January because it's too cold!

What are you resolving, reading, organizing, loving, and craving? Let me know in the comments below!

Linking up with:

Gold & Bloom + Anne in Residence

December Bucket List: Christmas Town 2015

On Christmas Eve, my stepmother got the family tickets to Busch Gardens' Christmas Town. I was so excited and thankful because I've been wanting to go for the past couple of years now. It was such a fun, festive atmosphere and the only thing that could have made it better was the weather; it was almost 70 degrees during our visit! Despite the heat, I had a great time with my family and I can't wait to visit again. Keep reading to see all the (unedited) photos I took!

December Beauty Favorites

When I decided to return to natural hair it was all based on the amount of chemicals I was putting in my hair each time I relaxed or colored it. In my 16 for 2016 post I vowed to take better care of my hair and myself by using more natural products. December marked the first month where I used mainly natural ingredients in my self-care regimen!

Dr. Bronner's Lavender Castile Soap // Aztec Secret Bentonite Clay // OGX Sea Mineral Moisture Conditioner // Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Juice

Dr. Bronner's Lavender Castile Soap - I bought this product only because I wanted free shipping when ordering my bentonite clay. It was one of the best purchases I've made all year! This organic soap has multiple uses, but I like to dilute it with water and use it as a body wash. It gets me squeaky clean, but doesn't dry out my skin.

Aztec Secret Bentonite Clay - I discovered this product on YouTube after watching a couple people use it as a detoxifying mask on their natural hair. I followed their recipes, but ended up making my own (I'll it share on the blog so stay tuned!) that does exactly what I needed it to do. My hair is always so soft and shiny after using this a couple times a month.

OGX Sea Mineral Moisture Conditioner - If I'm not washing my hair with my bentonite clay mask, then I'm co-washing with this bottle of amazing-ness. It leaves my super soft and easy to manager and it has amazing slip - which is great for detangling! I'm already on my second (large) bottle and I know I'll be repurchasing it soon. OGX products are great if you want a shampoo or conditioner that has no sulfates or harsh ingredients.

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Juice - This was another purchase based on a video I saw on YouTube that has really been worth the purchase. I use aloe vera juice as a leave-in on my hair after washing and I've also tried it in my bentonite clay hair mask. It leaves my hair soft and well moisturized and a little goes a long way. It can leave my hair a little hard if I use too much so I dilute it with water in a spray bottle. I have a huge jug in my fridge that I'll be using for months to come!

What's your favorite beauty product from the past month? Let me know in the comments below!