Today’s post has nothing to do with freelancing, business or anything finance related. Mostly because I’ve switched off working mode and am now in holiday mode – as I’m sure most of you are too!
Of course, if you still want to read my most recent and popular posts, such as reducing your stress during the holidays or getting back into the groove after time off, please do so!
But I’m going to have a bit of fun and share a few random things I’ve been up to over the past month, as viewed as my life in pictures.
My new blog design is live
After many weeks and months of working on a new design and layout for my blog, it’s finally all done! Aside from the visual stuff, you’ll probably noticed it’s faster, cleaner and easier to navigate.
My previous theme was riddled with problems, back-end issues and extremely slow loading. All of which made me want to avoid writing blog posts, instead of inspiring me to write.
The old Careful Cents design
But I’m glad to be back and better than ever! If you’re reading this post in your RSS reader or email, take a minute to click over to Careful Cents and check it out.
A massive thanks to my web designer Andrea, for sticking with me these past few months and being patient with my lack of WordPress knowledge.
Meeting team Payoff and my trip to LA
As you know, I’ve been working for Payoff since the early part of 2012. I started out as a contractor working as the Editor for the blog and Social Media Coordinator. But in August they asked me to sign on as an official team member and work as a part-time employee.
Of course I gladly accepted! Even though I interacted with everyone via email and conference calls, the only person I met was Dan at the Financial Blogger Conference in 2011. So I was eager to meet the rest of the team.
At the beginning of December I got the awesome opportunity to fly out to Las Angeles for the weekend and attend the Payoff Christmas party.
Needless to say, these people are crazy, fun, inspiring and passionate about their work. It’s actually very contagious to be around them and hear how excited they are about their mission at Payoff.com.
Yes, I am the only girl!
After spending the afternoon at one of the most gorgeous places on the West Coast, I spent the next day doing the touristy thing. I caught a cab down to Manhattan Beach and found a local favorite restaurant, called Uncle Bill’s Pancake House (duh! cause I’m obsessed with breakfast food).
It was cloudy but still beautiful!
Then I walked up down the narrow streets, browsing the little shops and stopping to get a coffee. Afterwards I headed down to the beach and snapped some pictures.
It felt weird to be on the beach in December, especially since I was wearing jeans and boots. But it was still an awesome experience! I’m so glad I could meet everyone and spend some time in LA. I can’t wait to go back!
At Manhattan Beach
My favorite Christmas tradition
If you take away the obligation to buy, the materialism and shopping madness, this time of year is actually pretty great. I especially love seeing all the Christmas lights, smelling the holiday scented candles and the crisp, cool weather.
Among that is my all-time favorite holiday tradition – going to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra live in concert. This is my fourth year I’ve seen them, and this show was new, bigger and better than ever.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert
If you haven’t had the chance to see them, it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s like Christmas music on crack, but in a totally awesome and epic way!
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? What do you look forward to most about this time of year?
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I'm an ex-small business accountant who aims to help freelancers get out of debt and organize their life. And through the recently launched 
