2019 Conclusion

12.20.19

At the start of the year I set a reminder for today that was entitled ‘Last Post of 2019’ and it honestly feels like I JUST finished doing that. But here we are, the final post of the year (and the decade)!

If you’re short on time, I’ll simply say thank you, so very much, for your readership and support. Your time spent on Style Bee means more than I can express and I genuinely couldn’t do it without you! Cheers to the holidays and Happy New Year!

If you’ve got a moment, please join me for a quick personal review of the highs and the lows of 2019 and 5 words I’m carrying into 2020 and beyond.



THE HIGHS


PERSONAL


Our second year of marriage was our best year yet! Dave and I have been together for almost 11 years but I feel as though we both really leaned into our partnership this year and reached an even deeper level of trust and understanding. Iโ€™m so proud of how he’s built his business and have no doubt it’s only just getting started. I’m so lucky to have him to challenge, encourage and make me laugh A LOT every day.ย 


Another highlight was our time spent in Algonquin Park, which was wonderful and more needed than I even realized. So grateful that we live close enough to a resource like Algonquin Park to reset the soul.


Traveling with my Dad around the South of France also tops the list. We had such a blast zipping around the rolling countryside and coastal roads, eating amazing meals, taking in stunning sights and witnessing historic works of art.


Meeting up with close friends & family whether it was over seas, lakeside at the cottage, on FaceTime or just at home was definitely a highlight too. I feel so lucky to have such kind, hardworking, hilarious and beautiful gems in my life.

We’re usually having so much fun I forget to take any photos!


On a daily basis the best part was always waking up to Dave and our little fur friends. They are an endless source of hilarity, cuteness, snuggles and love (oh and attitude of course!).



PROFESSIONAL


I’m so glad I chose to invest in this space and make it my top priority. I believe wholeheartedly that blogging is here to stay and if you create something useful and beautiful people will visit. Sure there are always going to be new spaces to share work but having a place under your control is vital in this ever-evolving world of content creation.


Taking the leap to IGTV has been oddly liberating. I don’t stress as much about how something looks or if itโ€™s โ€˜flatteringโ€™ or whether or not my hair falls just right or if a pesky breakout is visible. I just roll with what I’ve captured and it’s been immensely helpful in curbing my perfectionist tendencies. The response to my styling videos has been incredible and a huge motivator, so thank you for all the views (480k and counting!), kind words and support!


Establishing a more steady income was a goal I set as I embarked on my second year of blogging full-time. I managed to achieve this and though it comes with trades offs, I do my very best to work with brands that genuinely believe in my creative vision and give me complete control over how I share their product. Having partners that value my creative abilities and trust me to tell their story is an absolute dream come true.

That said, this space is for Style Bee readers and I always try to maintain a balance (sometimes more successfully than others) and create content that is helpful whether you’re shopping or not.


Here are a few of my favourite collaborations:


THE LOWS


I began 2019 with major creative burnout and a bout of depression. In the darkest moments I wasnโ€™t sure Iโ€™d ever feel like creating again. I remember sitting on the stairs, Dobby by my side, on the phone to my Mum with tears streaming down my face. Soon after that I started going to therapy, which has helped immensely throughout the year.

If you’re feeling unusually low, don’t ignore it. Here’s a resource for mental health support in Canada that can help to point you in the right direction.

We lost my Grandmother, Sylvia (my Dad’s Mum), this spring and I think about her every day. She was a true class act. Independent, kind, beautiful, stylish and welcoming to all. I’ll never forget her deep laugh and ability to see the humour in anything.

This fall we said a proper goodbye to my Grandpa, John (my Mum’s Dad), after his passing a few years ago. It was so nice to gather together and share some of our family memories of times with him. He also had a great sense of humour, a beaming smile and a quiet strength. My Mum inherited those traits and I hope they’ve passed on to me too.


Through all the low moments I found solace in the details of nature. Maybe that’s clichรฉ but it’s true. I’m so grateful that we live near green spaces and I love sharing the small scenes that quite literally stop me in my tracks.



LOOKING FORWARD


Among the many things I’m looking forward to in 2020, I’m most excited to take my love of interior design to the next level and have decided to go back to school! I can’t wait to really dig into some foundational knowledge and see where it all leads.

Not to worry though, the interior design program will be part-time and Style Bee will be business as usual. I’ll be trying some new things out on here too!


WORDS FOR 2020 & BEYOND


Making resolutions and setting intentions used to be my typical practice but this year I’m loosening my grip on those. Instead, I’m keeping some simple words in mind as I step into a new year and a new decade. Those are:

GRATITUDE

FOCUS

NATURE

TRUST

CREATE


Do you have any words on your mind for the new year? I’d love to know!


Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here. You (yes you!) are the reason I’m able to keep pouring myself into this creative space and your support means the world.


Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and all the best for 2020!

See you in January!

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Ophelia says:

    Lee-I want to thank you for all your style inspiration–of all the bloggers out there that I enjoy reading, your style is the one I truly find “timeless” and unique and your tips HAVE helped me START the (albeit) messy process of redefining my style and streamlining my wardrobe. Heck, YOUR style has REALLY helped me transition this year from…well, I guess my “trendy 30s” (where my style felt all over the place and skinny pants plagued me because I couldn’t figure out how to style anything else) to something a little more grounded, natural, professional, grown-up….and…well, me. Keep up the beautiful work in 2020.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Happy New Year Ophelia! Thank you for the very kind words and wonderful note about how you’ve been transitioning your own style. I couldn’t hope for a better outcome and so appreciate your support and readership. Here’s to a great year ahead! xo

  2. Martine says:

    Thank you Lee for this beautiful post!
    I always love reading your posts and enjoy your stylish blog a lot.
    Your honesty always makes me come back here.
    I wish you and your loved ones a wonderfull 2020 with lots of love and happiness!

  3. MonicA says:

    Happy holidays and thank you for the wonderful content! The styling videos have helped me find new ways to use things I already own and encouraged me to be a more conscious consumer. I have a tri color corgi too so here’s to more Dobby content in 2020 ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Ellen Taylor says:

    Hi Lee,

    Going back to school is such a brave and admirable decision! I have to say, I am really looking forward to more interior design posts. I’ll be decorating my new house in the next year or so and can’t wait to see what you do!

    Best wishes,

    Ellen

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for the kind words and encouragement Ellen! So glad you’re excited for more interiors content. I just began classes ๐Ÿ™‚ Congrats on the new house and all the best for 2020. xo

  5. mary says:

    thanks for a wonderful 2019 and a happy 2020 to you, lee! xo

  6. Marisa says:

    Youโ€™re simply awesome, Lee ๐Ÿ˜‰

  7. laurel says:

    Looking forward to 2020 with you and your interior design journey. Closing in on a nearly 40 year career in design and always great to see others embark!-Laurel
    https://littleblackdomicile.com

  8. Lee,
    I really enjoyed this post. I’ve followed you for a while. It’s hard to slow down and reflect. And be kind to oneself. I’m always glad when I do.
    Leigh

  9. Katy says:

    Do you think Dobby is considering his 5 words for 2020 while resting his cute chin at the top of the stairs in that photo? What a doll.

    Thank you for this lovely wrap up!

    Katy

  10. Kirra says:

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Lee! I always love reading your blog, you write so well in a thoughtful way about a variety of topics.

    One of my favourite things this last year was studying in Europe for a year of postgraduate study, it was brilliant. I was also in the same season as you which was fun and I absolutely loved the study. Now I’m back in Australia it’s been a bit tricky to adjust going back to work, and I’m feeling a bit burnt out after having lots of time while studying for creativity and philosophical thinking.

    I hope you really enjoy going back to study and look forward to more nature/furry friends/fashion posts in 2020!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Kirra! Gosh, I can imagine how wonderful it would be to spend time in Europe as a student. Wishing you a great 2020 and hopefully some time to focus on creativity and philosophical thinking. xo

  11. Chloe says:

    Congratulations on another awesome year on the blog ! Your articles always mean I am going to spend a good moment enjoying the read. Whoo, I feel like I wrote my comment for the 2018 closing post yesterday !!
    I am looking forward to the interior design posts !! (I will be doing some renovations in my flat this year). I am also a big fan of Dobby, keep the stories coming : D. And of course, all the GREAT style inspiration, which is why I came first. I always go to your blog first, when in doubt.
    Business related question, have you considered launching a patreon account as an other way your readers could support you ?
    All the best for this new decade !!
    (PS : therapy is probably the best way I spent my money ever! It’s hard to make the first step, but so helpfull)

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you for the kind words and support Chloe. So glad you’re up for some interior design posts and renovating your flat sounds so exciting! I need to look into Patreon a bit more as I’ve noticed more content creators moving towards that type of model.

      Great to hear that therapy has been helpful for you. You’re right it’s tough to get started but well worth it. Cheers to the new year! xo

  12. Shelly Peleg says:

    Happy holidays and new year Lee! As I read your thank you – yes you – at the end, I really felt you were talking to me ๐Ÿ™‚ so I wanted to say it back to you – thank you!! for this post and for all you create.
    xx

  13. Marta says:

    Lee, thank you for a wonderful end of the year post and hereโ€™s to an amazing new year! Good luck with school and anything else you may take on! P.S. I absolutely share your love for all the beauty in nature!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Marta! So nice to know we share a love for nature. Even in the dead of winter, there is still so much beauty. Hope 2020 is going well so far! xo

  14. jANET says:

    Thank you, Lee for your beautiful blog. You have been an inspiration to me. I wish you all the best!

    Janet

  15. Daniela says:

    Thank you for your canadian vibes in my portion of Internet! I’m really eager to read and watch all your content, they make me feel at ease and good and they ispire me to be a better person, starting from little things. Have a wonderful 2020 with all of us on the net! I’ll continue to follow you from Rome!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Can’t tell you how much that means Daniela, thank you! I hope your 2020 is off to a good start in beautiful Rome. Excited to visit again one day soon! xo

  16. Elizabeth says:

    Hi Lee,
    I think that Minju (above) really said it best about you and your blog. Your website looks so fresh and appealing. Your clothing I think is architectural in style and always looks perfect on you. I would also wear many of these outfits because they are uncluttered, classic and so timeless.
    You are so brave to share your personal trials from this year. Few people can do that.
    I follow 4 fashion blogs and you are the only Canadian one from this group!
    Follow your dreams and wishing you only the best! From snowy K-W.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Your thoughtful note and kind words mean so much Elizabeth. Thank you for the encouragement and readership! Wishing you a wonderful 2020 as well and hope you’re staying cozy this season. xo

  17. sarah winton says:

    Your dog is absolutely adorable! Congratulations on a (mostly) wonderful year and best of luck with everything in the next!

  18. Courtney says:

    Congratulations on a wonderful year, mโ€™dear! You are an inspiration to many, especially me, not just for your incredible fashion sense and wonderful blog content but also for your fierce work ethic, and generous spirit. This is my favorite corner of the whole internet:) I love choosing words for the year instead of making resolutions! My words for 2020 are observe, engage and play. All the love! xoxo

    • Lee the Bee says:

      You’re the best Court and the feeling is entirely mutual! I have so much admiration for how you’re raising your beautiful boys and how your kind and nurturing spirit translates into all you do. Love the words you chose too! See you soon love. xo

  19. Jo says:

    Thanks for the reminder about nature… itโ€™s usually left out of words that take us into the new year!

  20. Clare Day says:

    My word going into the new year is rejuvenation. Love your posts, as always.

  21. Abby says:

    Thank you for your honesty. I also started therapy this year and it has been so helpful. So glad you started creating again – your blog is an inspiration and your style musings have been very useful to me on my own style journey. I will be eternally grateful to you for introducing me to Elizabeth Suzann and many other wonderful slow fashion brands. Best wishes to you for a wonderful start to 2020.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      I’m so glad you’ve found therapy to be helpful for you Abby. Thanks for sharing that and for your readership and encouragement! Means so much. Hope you’re 2020 is going well so far. xo

  22. Judith says:

    Dear Ms. Bee,

    Your Blog is 1st class all the way, so clean and fresh. When I look at your pics I always feel uplifted.
    Love your clothing and decorating style, not to mention your furry friends too. You all always look relaxed and so free and unencumbered.

    Happy Holidays!

  23. Robert v says:

    Love everything youโ€™ve accomplished and constantly amazed at the level of creativity. Very good navigator in France too. Where do we go next. 2020 wohoo! Love Dad

  24. Minju says:

    happy holidays, lee! i adore your blog not just for your classic and impeccable style, but for your candor and willingness to be open. i look forward to continuing to read through 2020 and beyond. good luck with school (so exciting!) and hope you have a wonderful holiday break with loved ones.

  25. Love your blog and your work! Thank you!