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Looking Back, Forward and Within…My Favorite New Year’s tradition!

by on ‎12-30-2013 02:57 PM

Happy almost 2014, Nistas! We did it! I can’t believe all the pictures you’ve shared over the past week…Amazing photos of your families, your holiday tables, your yummy Christmas morning traditions. I feel so lucky. Like I was right there celebrating with you!


Now that the Christmas presents and parties are all done, I’m finally taking a moment to cozy up in front of my Christmas tree (in the glow of my magical Bliss lights…still obsessed!) to look back at what made 2013 so special. Because the only resolution I’m making for 2014 is to spend more time on the things that make me smile!


My Mom


Tara and her Mom


My mom, Gail, definitely makes me smile. And sigh, and laugh, and roll my eyes…like all great mothers do. And I’m lucky enough to spend lots of time with her in the kitchen, doing what we love best.


This year, we took an incredible trip to Paris together in August. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and I feel so blessed to have been able to share it with her.


Of course, we ate some ah-MAZING food there. But when I think back on it, no matter how great the food was, nothing compares to the simple and delish meals my mom and I put together in the kitchen. Great food starts in the heart. So I’ll definitely be making more time for that in 2014.


Laughing at Work


Tara and Nista


Seriously, I can’t count how many times during the day I lose it at work – in the best possible way! At QVC and in my office, I am surrounded by some of the funniest, hardest-working people I know. So whether I’m smiling at a great Facebook story you just shared, or belly laughing at David’s “happy dance,” those grins keep me going.


This summer, I had the chance to do a live show from Ypsilanti, MI. I don’t think I stopped smiling for weeks after that. Meeting my temp-tationistas in person, hearing your stories, road tripping with my QVC family…smiles all around!


And in April, we celebrated Temp-tations’ 10-year anniversary! When I think back to my mom and me pulling all those dishes out of the cabinet and dreaming about a way to do it better, it’s hard not to laugh. Who knew a pile of dirty dishes in the sink could inspire 10 years of work that I love


Tara and QVC family


Exercise


Tara on horseback


I don’t mean the kind of exercise you resolve to do on January 1st and then spend all year avoiding. (Ugh, have you ever done a burpee? Also known as a squat thrust? They’re evil!) I mean the kind of exercise that gets you charged up and makes you happy, even when you push yourself.


My friend Jennifer and I went horseback riding on the beach this year. I was a little nervous to start, but as soon as I got over that, I loved it! A good lesson for everything in life…


For me, yoga and running are like sweat therapy. Even when I’m not in the mood, I always end up smiling when I’m done. And sometimes, just because I’m done!


Making Memories


Tara and Sake


One of my toughest times in 2013 was losing my beloved dog, Sake.


Just look at that face. She’ll always have a special place in my heart. And even though losing her was so hard, when I look at pictures like this, it reminds me that making memories is one of the most important things we can do with those we love.


It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but in 2014, I’ll be making more time for memories like this one; whether it’s meeting a friend for coffee, or spending 5 minutes wrestling with my puppy, Fozzie, in front of the fireplace…which it looks like he’d like to do right this very moment!    


So how about you, Nistas? Before you ring in the New Year, take a minute to look inside and tell me what makes you smile most. And how you’re going to do more of that in 2014!


My best wishes for a Happy and Heartwarming New Year to you all!


XO


Tara