THE SKINNY CONFIDENTIAL IN 2017

Hello 2018! GOOD-BYE 2017- WHAT A YEAR.

For New Year’s Eve Michael & I opted for a low-key night with quality friends. WHICH WAS JUST RIGHT! We went to one of our favorite restaurants, Cowboy Star, for a few skinny cocktails, bread pudding, & their insane pomegranate squash dish. Nothing crazy, but I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the new year. On New Year’s Day we worked on the podcast ( Jillian Michael’s episode is LIVE ), read, & laid around like slobs. My kind of relaxation.

ANYWAY! HERE’S A LITTLE 2017 RECAP FOR YOU. YOU KNOW in case you missed it. The top posts of 2017 in one spot. Be sure to grab a glass of wine & dig right in.

ALSO please let me know which posts you enjoyed the most so I can continue to create & document the content YOU like!

2017 was jam-packed for The Skinny Confidential. WE AS A COMMUNITY GREW. Which is just so fun. Per my latest Instagram 2017 was all about:

• The secret Facebook group launched & now it’s full of 26k amazing women.

• I started following a bunch of you guys WHICH HAS JUST BEEN SO MAJOR.

• Lots of public speaking.

• FOUR TSC meet-ups went down & collectively I had the opportunity to meet thousands of you.

• Weekly IG lives & YouTube videos happened.

• TSC community donated 200+ toys to the toy drive & a bunch of us did #holidaymakeupchallenge.

• A LOT of travel: Aspen, Cannes, Cabo, St. Tropez, Greece, Italy, NYC, Boston, Antibes, Texas, Paris, & Monte Carlo.

• TSC PODCAST hit over 10 million downloads!

• Podcasted with some of my favs like: @garyvee, @thefatjewish, @theladygang, @jackieschimmel, @allyhilfiger, @tanyazuckerbrot, @drdennisgross, @ashleytisdale, @jillianmichaels, @kimkellyfit, @ryanholiday, @markmansonnet, @createcultivate, @bewellbykelly, @thebalancedblonde, @lornajaneactive, & @thechampagnediet, & @annabelledesisto.

• we discussed topics on the blog like: women bashing women, addiction, facial shaving/massage, & boob jobs.

• My blog design company, blog-doo, got a full makeover.

• OH, & I made my family re-shoot our wedding photos– can’t forget that.

2017 HIGHLIGHTS ON THE BLOG/MY YOUTUBE:

{ BOOB JOB REALNESS }

Now when it comes to plastic surgery everyone is different & has their own opinions. This is definitely a YOU DO YOU scenario. I got my boobs done right after high school & had decided in the 9th grade I wanted them done. SO I saved all throughout school so I could afford them. It was not a decision I spontaneously made- I think that’s key. If you want to adjust your body go for it. Sultry lips, bigger boobs, reduced wrinkles, no judgement here. Just be sure to really do your research & ask questions. Sharing this post was so fun for me.

{ DOUBLE JAW SURGERY }

Undergoing corrective jaw surgery was quite the ordeal. After a gnarly infection & being swollen for YEARS, I would do it again. Yep, if I had to I would repeat the surgery. The adjustments to my jaw have greatly increased my quality of life. No more pain, no more grinding, no more snoring. If you’re considering this surgery & your doctor has recommended it- DO YOUR RESEARCH. You can find my recovery tips here.

{ SHAVE YOUR FACE }

I’ve been shaving my face since 2014 and no, it doesn’t grow back darker. Why shave? It exfoliates your face which increases cell turnover. This creates younger looking skin and prevents signs of aging. Don’t believe me? Well I have this little theory. After noticing that men seem to age more gracefully in their faces I was wondering why. They shave for most of their lives. This keeps their skin fresh. Also Kate Somerville shaves her face. Yes the queen of skincare recommends shaving your face.  You can do it at home with Tinkles or go to a professional for dermaplaning. On top of the wrinkle prevention shaving your face also provides a smooth canvas for applying makeup. Try it & let me know what you think.

{ FACIAL MASSAGE }

If you’re not on board with facial massage then 2018 is your year. IT’S TIME. Facial massage is game-changing. By stimulating lymphatic drainage it reduces signs of aging, prevents wrinkles and depuffs your face. My face CRAVES it. In fact, I won’t start my day without it. Typically I use the Clarisonic Smart Profile Uplift but you can also do facial massage easily with just your hands. IN FACT, I do it all the time. If you’re wondering how to get started check out this video for a full breakdown.

{ ADDICTION }

My younger sister, Faye, is a true inspiration. Not only did she battle & overcome an intense drug addiction, she also decided to share her story openly on the podcast. If you or anyone you know has struggled with the disease then you understand how debilitating and heart-wrenching it can be. Faye is healthy now with the cutest baby, Dax. We’re EXTREMELY proud & grateful.

{ TSC MEET UP }

When I started TSC seven years ago the goal was to create a community of women who are constantly empowered to be the best versions of themselves. Well, SHIT. You guys have blown me away. We held a San Diego meet up ( two in NYC & one in Boston! ) & I had the opportunity to meet thousands of you collectively. We enjoyed some champagne, did yoga in San Diego, & connected. If you want to hear some of the questions check out this video.

{ GG CRACKER FRENCH TOAST }

Ok so it wouldn’t be a complete 2017 round-up without mentioning GG crackers. I mean, they’re a thing now. If you don’t know what GG crackers are you have some catching up to do. Essentially they are fiber-loaded crackers that help fill you up and get things moving. We had Tanya, creator of F-Factor, on the podcast where she shared the incredible health benefits of fiber. HER PODCAST EPISODE (#90) WAS A REAL HIT. These crackers are an easy way to get your fiber in. You can use them in all sorts of ways from breakfast to dinner. We’re talking french toast, lox sandwiches, & even skinny eggplant parm. YES PLEASE.

{ WOMEN BASHING WOMEN }

2017 has been a year of honoring collaboration over competition. WHAT’S COOL IS WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN. If we work on building each other up we all become stronger together. After a conference call gone wrong & getting bashed VERY harshly by a women’s brand, I decided it was time to speak out. Let’s keep the momentum going in 2018. COLLABORATION IS IN.

{ WEDDING RESHOOT }

Wedding pictures not exactly how you envisioned them? Have a wedding re-shoot. You know I’m that kind of crazy. Nuts, really. No shame here. I had a vision & just had to make it a reality. These images are some of my favorite representing our wedding. Plus it was fun to get the whole family together for a vampy photo shoot. LOL.

{ THE BRAND GAP }

If you’re planning on launching a business this year ( launch fast, evolve as you go! ) then definitely check out The Brand Gap. This book describes the simple principles for creating a successful brand identity. If you’re saying, “I can’t create a brand because I don’t have a name” then hold up. Follow this guide for choosing a name. A name is what you make of it. Do not let branding or a name choice stop you from creating your dreams this year. THIS IS YOUR YEAR!

Taking time to think & reflect on the past year always helps me PREP for the year ahead. It helps me to appreciate the moments, embrace the lesson, & ultimately progress. If you’re feeling stuck, do me a favor & fill out this ‘Strategic Future By Design TSC’ worksheet. I filled it out today & it made all the difference. INTENTION IS KEY.

What are you looking forward to in 2018? Would love to know!

x, lauryn

+ be sure to listen to the latest podcast with Jillian Michaels- she’s a hoot!

2017 NECESSITIES