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Ruthie Ridley

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One Year Anniversary

January 4, 2016 By Ruthie Ridley 42 Comments

I can’t believe it has been one year since my blog started! SO much has happened since then. It is crazy. I am celebrating so much today. More than reaching my goal of consistently blogging every week last year, but  the confidence, growth and personal strength I have gained along the way. I am so grateful for this space that I have to create. Believe it or not, something as simple as blogging gives me so much joy, keeps my mind going and my heart alive. From the emails to the outfits, the photos down to the content, I enjoy it all. Not to mention the absolutely incredible people I have met along the way.
When I started back in January of last year, in my opinion, I didn’t have the necessary tools to blog, but decided that I was going to get started anyway. For example, for the first 6-7 months my photographer and I used an iphone 5 to take my pictures. I worked on mastering the art of editing and did everything I could to make my photos look as professional as possible. We finally got a “real” camera and began to take things to the next level. I am really glad that I didn’t wait until everything was perfect before I began. I want to encourage you to pursue your dreams and goals even before you have all of your ducks in a row. Beautiful things happen when we step out in faith. Inspite of my lack, this past year I have had the ultimate privelage of working with nearly 20 different brands/boutiques/shops. Those numbers are only proof to me that God can use anyone and make something out of nothing.
I remember initially feeling very inadequate and insecure coming into such a saturated, creative sphere. Week by week, post after post I did everything I could to pushed through my insecurites and tried to find ways to indivdually create and brand myself. I am still on this journey of discovery and branding and doing the best I can to not compare my self to others. I am slowly learning (and the truth is beginning to set in), that you and I have something to offer this world that no one else does.  That truth is so powerful when realized and acted upon.
There are 3 things I learned from my first year of blogging that I am honestly still learning and areas that I continue to grow in: 1) Set high goals and strive for excellence in your work. God can and will exeed your expectations as well as equip you for any task. 2) Stay in your lane and don’t compare yourself to others. You were made uniquely and with a purpose that no one else has! Focus on the path laid in front of you and don’t let comparsion rob you of your joy. 3) Be kind to yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments big and small and try not to sweat the small things. Life is to short too major in minor issues!
Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to follow along and support me over the past year. I have had a blast and I am confident that this next year is going to be an amazing one!! Happy New Year!!! Reach for the sky with me!
Ruthie xo

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All images by: Sarah Schweyer Photography

Jumpsuit: Taylor Jay Collection

Bag: Free Style Clothing Exchange
Necklace: Target

Bracelet: Charlotte Russe

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Filed Under: Fashion Forward, Life Tagged With: blogger, California, fashion, mom, mom fashion, mom style, sacramento, style, stylist, trends, women's fashion

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anna says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:16 am

    What a great post! I am also approaching my first blogging anniversary and I can so totally relate to everything you’ve said. Love the new look!!!
    Xo, Anna
    http://www.pepperandlife.com

  2. Gunjan says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:21 am

    Ruthie, this was absolutely beautiful. Congratulations on the success over the past year. You absolutely deserve every bit and more. I’m glad we became connected this past year and I hope we can meet some day! All the best for 2016!

    Ps. The rebranding and new site design look great. I am so glad you chose to go with Pipdig 🙂

  3. Molly Clifton says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:21 am

    These photos are so gorgeous! Love that jumpsuit on you! Congratulations on completing your first year of blogging. I started last year too and have learned many of the same things! Best of luck to you on your fashion journey!

    Keep smiling!
    Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com

  4. Stefanie says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:29 am

    Ruthie you look smokin! Congrats on your 1 year anniversary! You’re amazing! Xoxo

  5. Annie says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:31 am

    GIRL – your makeup is incredible in these photos! You are just beaming and glowing! So happy for you!
    xo Annie
    http://collectivepassions.com

  6. Sarah says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:31 am

    So proud of you! You really deserve this and inspire people all over! Including me 😀 Love you so much!! XX

  7. Samantha says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:39 am

    This looks AMAZING! I love the new and fresh look for the blog!

  8. Elda says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:39 am

    Love this! I like how you said “Be kind to yourself” it’s so true sometimes doubt sets in us and cause fear and other emotions to stop us from our next level, BUT God makes it so possible! I am enjoying your positive blog keep up the awesome work.

    • ruthieridley says

      January 6, 2016 at 7:36 am

      Elda, thank you so much for reading and enocuraging me!! xo

  9. simplygailg says

    January 4, 2016 at 10:24 am

    This post made me happy. You’re so inspirational. Your words truly hit home. Thank you! You look amazing by the way. That white jumpsuit suits you so well. ?

    • ruthieridley says

      January 6, 2016 at 7:43 am

      oh my goodness, I am blushing. Thank you so much for your kind words!! xo

  10. Caroline says

    January 4, 2016 at 10:40 am

    You are so gorgeous and inspiring! Congrats on your first year! So excited to follow your journey.

    • ruthieridley says

      January 6, 2016 at 7:45 am

      Thank you so much!!! You are the best! xo

  11. thestylelynnkind says

    January 4, 2016 at 11:38 am

    Omgeeee!!! Where do I start? First off you are killing it in this fab jumpsuit dear!! Secondly, I love the new look of your page! And last but not least I seriously love your vibe and outlook on life! So glad to have met you Ruthie!! Sending you lots of love!!

    • ruthieridley says

      January 6, 2016 at 7:46 am

      You are so kind to me always!! SO thankful for you dear!! xo

  12. Eli says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    New website looks awesome! Love it!

    • ruthieridley says

      January 6, 2016 at 7:51 am

      Thank you Eli!!

  13. Jada says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    Everything about this is stunning!!! Your such an inspiration girl!!

    • ruthieridley says

      January 6, 2016 at 7:52 am

      Jada, thank you so much! You are so very kind to me!! xo

  14. Jen Frick says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    You are an inspiration, Ruthie!! Congratulations on your first year and your blogging journey thus far! I know God has such a great plan for you and I’m so excited to see what He does next! It has been a blessing getting to know you and meeting you through #stylecollective! Keep killing it and keep being you! xoxo

    Jen | http://www.lettersandpearls.com

    • ruthieridley says

      January 6, 2016 at 7:53 am

      Jen, I am so thankful for you!! You continue to be a bright light in my day!! I know this year is going to be amazing for all of us!! xo

  15. Krista Williams says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    So awesome to see the progress you’ve made in just one year! I especially loved this, “I remember initially feeling very inadequate and insecure coming into such a saturated, creative sphere. Week by week, post after post I did everything I could to pushed through my insecurites and tried to find ways to indivdually create and brand myself.” I can totally relate!

    Keep it up and can’t wait to see what you do in 2016!

    Happy New Year!
    xo
    Krista
    http://www.hundredblog.com

    • Ruthie Ridley says

      January 5, 2016 at 8:52 am

      Krista thank you so much for taking the time to read and encourage me!! It’s so good to know that I’m not alone!! Xo

  16. Kait Elizabeth says

    January 4, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    You are so inspiring Ruthie! I can’t believe you’ve come so far in a year, congratulations love. Also, you are absolutely stunning- this jumpsuit was made for you. Hugs, Kait
    http://makeminemaroon.com/

    • Ruthie Ridley says

      January 5, 2016 at 8:52 am

      Kati these words mean more than you know!! Thank you for all the love and for always cheering me on. Xo

  17. tiarasandsequins says

    January 4, 2016 at 4:02 pm

    Ruthie thank you for sharing these lovely words. I’m a fairly new blogger and your post has encouraged me to keep forging on.

    • Ruthie Ridley says

      January 5, 2016 at 8:51 am

      Thank you so much for reading!! I’m so glad you felt encouraged. Xo

  18. Kathryn says

    January 5, 2016 at 6:43 am

    Ahh…Ruther you are so beautiful and unique! I love your blog, your style and your beautiful personality! Keep it up girl; ’cause I am looking forward to another year!

    • Ruthie Ridley says

      January 5, 2016 at 8:50 am

      Thank you so much!! I’m so thankful for your constant support!! It means so much to me.

  19. Brandie Freely says

    January 5, 2016 at 9:09 am

    You’ve been amazing from the very beginning, Ruthie! Such a beautiful inspiration you are! #keepgoing XO!!

    • ruthieridley says

      January 5, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      You’re so sweet to me!!! Thank you so much!! I’m so glad our paths crossed!!

    • ruthieridley says

      January 6, 2016 at 7:29 am

      Thank you so much love!! I so appreciate all your kind words and support!!

  20. ruthieridley says

    January 6, 2016 at 7:35 am

    Thank you so much Rachel!! xo

  21. angelpatricks says

    January 7, 2016 at 2:47 am

    Hi Ruthie, came across your blog through a blogger am now following. Your words are beautiful and encouraging. Thank you, will stop by often!

    • ruthieridley says

      January 12, 2016 at 9:57 am

      Thank you so much Angel! Can’t wait to check out your blog! Much love! xo

  22. Shell says

    January 7, 2016 at 7:28 pm

    I am so blessed to have found and connected with you! You are such an inspiration to me and my favorite thing about you is that you are my sister in Christ! Keep it up!!!! You have many admirers!
    xo, Shell
    http://acourageousbeauty.com/

    • ruthieridley says

      January 12, 2016 at 9:54 am

      Sisters in Christ forever. I am so thankful for you sweet Shell. You are a gem. xo

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Ruthie Ridley Blog was established in January of 2015 out of a strong desire to have a place for creative expression both with her love for all things fashion and deep faith in Christ. Ruthie loves classic, timeless style with a side of fun, flirty flair! Faith and family is the foundation of her life where everything she does flows out from. She believes that with hard work and chasing big dreams, anything can be achieved!

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A little while back I shared a reel of our experie A little while back I shared a reel of our experience at California’s Great America Theme Park, but I don’t think it was enough 😂🎊💯!! I had to do a proper recap with photos of this extremely fun park! This was such a beautiful day! The weather in Santa Clara was no more than 75°! We went during a holiday, but still managed to get on all of the rides and eat all of the yummy food!! If you are local you have to visit! We will definitely be back! #ForTheFunOfIt #RedWhiteandBrews  #CAGreatAmerica @cagreatamerica
I am absolutely loving these hot and cold @goconti I am absolutely loving these hot and cold @gocontigo Uptown Dual Sip! I am living on iced coffee ☕️these days and this mug keeps all my beverages cold all day long #ad #contigoambassador #BYOcontigo
In my Timehop the other day it popped up that we h In my Timehop the other day it popped up that we have been in this house for a year now and I can’t believe it! We are just starting to get our backyard all situated and games out here! We got corn hole from @walmart recently and it’s been so much fun with the kids!!!! #walmartpartner Walmart literally has everything you need for backyard fun!! Head to the link in my bio to shop this corn hole set as well as a few other backyard fun ideas and items via my stories!  #walmart #walmarthome 
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#DoveAd #DoveSelfEsteemPartner Raising girls is a #DoveAd #DoveSelfEsteemPartner Raising girls is a gift and a privilege, but no easy feat! I feel like, in this day and age, there is so much toxic information coming at them. I’m not sure if you saw my previous video with @dove Self-Esteem Project encouraging young adults to #DetoxYourFeed, but I wanted this post to be a little reminder to you today!! Did you know @Dove Self-Esteem Project found 1 in 2 girls say toxic beauty advice on social media causes low self-esteem. Follow accounts that bring you JOY! If there’s someone in your feed that shakes your confidence or makes you second-guess your worth, mute or unfollow them! Make detoxing your feed a habit!
A moment for the best dad these kids could ever ha A moment for the best dad these kids could ever have! We celebrate you, Ben. Not just on Father’s Day coming up, but everyday! #blessedUp @dsw #mydsw #influencer
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@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3Hf5W
Hey fam- it’s Celebration time🎉🎉!!! If you Hey fam- it’s Celebration time🎉🎉!!! If you are a Walmart+ member there are hundreds of sales happening this weekend that you do not want to miss out on🥳😍!! The sale is happening online only from June 2nd through the 5th! If you are not a Walmart+ member you can sign up and get in on all of the fun!! It’s not too late! Go to Walmartplus.com to sign up!! You can head to my stories to see some of the amazing deals that are happening right now! (Paid W+ members only. While supplies last. Online only) #Ad @Walmart #WalmartPlusWeekend #liketkit #LTKfamily #LTKsalealert #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3GFkr
CVS haul🎉!!! I just love this store for all of CVS haul🎉!!! I just love this store for all of my health and beauty needs! Now is definitely the perfect time for a wellness refresh – and creating healthier habits just got easier with the CVS CarePass membership program! #CVSPartner
The CarePass membership program has incredible perks for $5 per month AND your first month is free! Members receive free 1-2 day shipping on eligible products, plus a $10 monthly promo reward to use on your favorite must-have products (some excl. apply)—like L’Oreal and Olay! I
just restocked my favorites!  It truly makes life so much easier and stress free, helping me to save both time and money.

Check out the link in my bio to sign up for your own #CVSCarePass membership—and get your first month for FREE.

#HealthierHappensTogether @cvspharmacy @shopstylecollective
Today we honor and remember those who have served Today we honor and remember those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf 🇺🇸. I feel incredibly blessed to live in this country. Thank you will never be enough 🙏🏾#FreedomIsntFree #Rememberandhonor
A moment with my girls in @ivycityco 🥰🥰🥰! A moment with my girls in @ivycityco 🥰🥰🥰!!! Swipe left to see them two years ago wearing @ivycityco dresses! I can’t believe how much they’ve grown!! Love these girls ❤️❤️ 📸 @etchedintime_photography
Hi friends 😌Wow… this week hit me like a ton Hi friends 😌Wow… this week hit me like a ton of bricks, as I’m sure it has for many of you. I can’t find the words truly. As a mom, a daughter, a wife and a friend - I cannot begin to fathom the pain that these families are experiencing from the most recent tragedy that took place in Texas. All I have been able to feel is grief. 

As I was processing with a friend this week I asked her a few hard questions. She had lost her best friend / husband to a devastating accident some years ago. I said “Do people ever ask you how you still follow Jesus and don’t blame him for what happened!?” She said “All the time. Jesus didn’t make this happen but He allowed my husband to come home” I was awestruck by this response. Evil truly has been rampant from the beginning of time. 

She went on to say “I could have turned my back on Jesus but then what? I would’ve ended up with nothing. God doesn’t promise us a life without pain, heartache and grief, but He does promise to walk with us through it all and will never leave us nor forsake us.” 

That was exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been a woman of faith since I was 15 years old & I’m still growing, learning, asking hard questions. I have been clinging to my only hope this week- Jesus Christ. There is no other alternative for me. I’m sure one fine day… He will explain it all to me. Swipe left to read the most beautiful/ perfectly stated prayer this week by @cleerelystated 🙏🏾. Sending so much love and prayers to the families affected and to you all as well ❤️🙏🏾❤️
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A little while back I shared a reel of our experie A little while back I shared a reel of our experience at California’s Great America Theme Park, but I don’t think it was enough 😂🎊💯!! I had to do a proper recap with photos of this extremely fun park! This was such a beautiful day! The weather in Santa Clara was no more than 75°! We went during a holiday, but still managed to get on all of the rides and eat all of the yummy food!! If you are local you have to visit! We will definitely be back! #ForTheFunOfIt #RedWhiteandBrews  #CAGreatAmerica @cagreatamerica
I am absolutely loving these hot and cold @goconti I am absolutely loving these hot and cold @gocontigo Uptown Dual Sip! I am living on iced coffee ☕️these days and this mug keeps all my beverages cold all day long #ad #contigoambassador #BYOcontigo
In my Timehop the other day it popped up that we h In my Timehop the other day it popped up that we have been in this house for a year now and I can’t believe it! We are just starting to get our backyard all situated and games out here! We got corn hole from @walmart recently and it’s been so much fun with the kids!!!! #walmartpartner Walmart literally has everything you need for backyard fun!! Head to the link in my bio to shop this corn hole set as well as a few other backyard fun ideas and items via my stories!  #walmart #walmarthome 
#liketkit #LTKfamily #LTKhome @shop.ltk #LTKunder100 https://liketk.it/3HDwA
#DoveAd #DoveSelfEsteemPartner Raising girls is a #DoveAd #DoveSelfEsteemPartner Raising girls is a gift and a privilege, but no easy feat! I feel like, in this day and age, there is so much toxic information coming at them. I’m not sure if you saw my previous video with @dove Self-Esteem Project encouraging young adults to #DetoxYourFeed, but I wanted this post to be a little reminder to you today!! Did you know @Dove Self-Esteem Project found 1 in 2 girls say toxic beauty advice on social media causes low self-esteem. Follow accounts that bring you JOY! If there’s someone in your feed that shakes your confidence or makes you second-guess your worth, mute or unfollow them! Make detoxing your feed a habit!
A moment for the best dad these kids could ever ha A moment for the best dad these kids could ever have! We celebrate you, Ben. Not just on Father’s Day coming up, but everyday! #blessedUp @dsw #mydsw #influencer
#liketkit #LTKshoecrush #LTKstyletip #LTKfamily @adidas 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3Hf5W
Hey fam- it’s Celebration time🎉🎉!!! If you Hey fam- it’s Celebration time🎉🎉!!! If you are a Walmart+ member there are hundreds of sales happening this weekend that you do not want to miss out on🥳😍!! The sale is happening online only from June 2nd through the 5th! If you are not a Walmart+ member you can sign up and get in on all of the fun!! It’s not too late! Go to Walmartplus.com to sign up!! You can head to my stories to see some of the amazing deals that are happening right now! (Paid W+ members only. While supplies last. Online only) #Ad @Walmart #WalmartPlusWeekend #liketkit #LTKfamily #LTKsalealert #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3GFkr
CVS haul🎉!!! I just love this store for all of CVS haul🎉!!! I just love this store for all of my health and beauty needs! Now is definitely the perfect time for a wellness refresh – and creating healthier habits just got easier with the CVS CarePass membership program! #CVSPartner
The CarePass membership program has incredible perks for $5 per month AND your first month is free! Members receive free 1-2 day shipping on eligible products, plus a $10 monthly promo reward to use on your favorite must-have products (some excl. apply)—like L’Oreal and Olay! I
just restocked my favorites!  It truly makes life so much easier and stress free, helping me to save both time and money.

Check out the link in my bio to sign up for your own #CVSCarePass membership—and get your first month for FREE.

#HealthierHappensTogether @cvspharmacy @shopstylecollective
Today we honor and remember those who have served Today we honor and remember those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf 🇺🇸. I feel incredibly blessed to live in this country. Thank you will never be enough 🙏🏾#FreedomIsntFree #Rememberandhonor
A moment with my girls in @ivycityco 🥰🥰🥰! A moment with my girls in @ivycityco 🥰🥰🥰!!! Swipe left to see them two years ago wearing @ivycityco dresses! I can’t believe how much they’ve grown!! Love these girls ❤️❤️ 📸 @etchedintime_photography
Hi friends 😌Wow… this week hit me like a ton Hi friends 😌Wow… this week hit me like a ton of bricks, as I’m sure it has for many of you. I can’t find the words truly. As a mom, a daughter, a wife and a friend - I cannot begin to fathom the pain that these families are experiencing from the most recent tragedy that took place in Texas. All I have been able to feel is grief. 

As I was processing with a friend this week I asked her a few hard questions. She had lost her best friend / husband to a devastating accident some years ago. I said “Do people ever ask you how you still follow Jesus and don’t blame him for what happened!?” She said “All the time. Jesus didn’t make this happen but He allowed my husband to come home” I was awestruck by this response. Evil truly has been rampant from the beginning of time. 

She went on to say “I could have turned my back on Jesus but then what? I would’ve ended up with nothing. God doesn’t promise us a life without pain, heartache and grief, but He does promise to walk with us through it all and will never leave us nor forsake us.” 

That was exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been a woman of faith since I was 15 years old & I’m still growing, learning, asking hard questions. I have been clinging to my only hope this week- Jesus Christ. There is no other alternative for me. I’m sure one fine day… He will explain it all to me. Swipe left to read the most beautiful/ perfectly stated prayer this week by @cleerelystated 🙏🏾. Sending so much love and prayers to the families affected and to you all as well ❤️🙏🏾❤️
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