It’s that time of year when everyone is starting to think and talk about their New Year’s Resolutions. For many people, a new year symbolizes a fresh start – a time to reapply yourself and to become reinvigorated about all the goals you want to pursue. I’m a huge fan of this process and have already started to make a list myself!
Before I jump ahead to all the amazing new possibilities that 2017 can bring, I wanted to take a moment to give 2016 the attention it deserves. After all, it’s been a remarkably wonderful year.
In honor of all the large and small moments that made up 2016, the following is a personal list of my top 10 fav moments that truly made this year memorable and significant. So without further adieu – sit back, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s get started.
The Launch Of “Headstands And Heels”
When I look at all the the amazing opportunities my blog has presented me with, I’m slightly dumbfounded that it hasn’t even been a full year since I launched H&H. The blogging journey has been truly incredible thus far – from meeting like-minded women in NYC and Los Angeles, to partnering with inspiring brands, to connecting with thousands of individuals who continue to inspire, encourage and support me daily on Instagram and my website… my heart is full of gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you for caring about what I write. It means the world to me and this would not be possible without all of you.
Going Parasailing For The First Time
In February, Bay and I decided to travel to Key West for a much needed vacay. We were able to stay with friends and took advantage of the island’s unique eateries and fun water activities for a few blissful days. One of my first travel blog posts highlighted 5 of our favorite places to eat while there (read it HERE), but my fav experience coming out of that vacation was most definitely our parasailing adventure. It’s one of those bucket list items that Bay and I both wanted to check off our lists and I’m so thrilled that we were able to capture the entire thing on our Go Pro. I highly recommend trying it yourself!
Meeting Selena Gomez In Vegas
I’m not a die hard Selena Gomez fan or anything (sorry, Selenators) however I was incredibly excited to be able to meet her and attend the Revival Tour kick-off concert in Las Vegas earlier this year. In case you didn’t know, she’s a brand ambassador for Pantene Pro-V North America, which happens to be a client of mine at the global PR firm where I work. Let’s just say I was girl-crushing pretty hard when she gave me a hug before this photo was snapped… hence why I’m looking extra cheesy. haha
Getting A Promotion
Speaking of the global PR firm where I work – I was beyond delighted when I was promoted from Community Manager to Digital Strategist in April. I’m really fond of the people I work with and love that I’ve been able to help build out the digital team at the agency. I’ve been working in social media management for nearly 5 years now and it’s been such an incredible ride filled with new challenges and triumphs. I’m definitely looking forward to what the new year brings!
Partnering With Propel Water Over The Summer
I still remember when Propel Water first reached out to me, asking if I would I like to partner with them to help promote their “Made To Move” campaign over the summer. I was incredibly humbled that such a huge company wanted to partner with me when I was so new to the blogging world.
I documented my experiences as I traveled to Los Angeles to attend the IDEA World conference, worked out with celebrity trainers Gunnar Peterson and Lacey Stone, attended a mash-up workout party led by Kira Stokes and Nicole Winhoffer, and of course, drank lots and lots of Propel. What I loved most about the partnership was the incredible women I got to meet and work out with along the way. Big shout out to my fellow Propel blog squad – Evann, Rachael, Aly, Whitney and Gwen!
Jetsetting With My Love
This year has been one of my favorites for so many reasons but I have to give major kudos to my boyfriend, Bay, for making it special every step of the way. Now that we live together, it’s easier to go on fun new adventures (we were long distance for over a year so we did a lot of jet setting back and forth between Florida and NYC). This year we vacationed in Key West, explored San Fransisco (see my recap HERE), took a road trip to Maryland and Washington DC, attended a wedding in North Carolina, traveled to Los Angeles and took plenty of family trips to Florida and New Jersey. We’re kicking off the New Year with a trip to Cancun in January and have lots of other destinations in mind to pepper through 2017.
Working With Athleta
My first gig with Athleta happened to be with my friend, Jules, of Om & The City. We were able to write a joint guest post for Athleta’s Chi Blog that showcased the connection between yoga and sisterhood. Since then, I’ve written two more guest blog posts that you can read HERE and HERE – and have had the pleasure of having this empowering company style the majority of my Instagram and blog photos. Working with the ladies at Athleta has been an absolute dream and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to partner with a brand that really encourages women to embrace their strength and fulfill their destinies. Not to mention they have some of the cutest, high quality athleisure around.
Watching My Bestie Get Engaged In NYC
My bestie and former roomie, Chrissy, and I have been friends for over 9 years. When her boyfriend (and now fiancé) reached out to me in May saying he was going to propose to her during their vacation in NYC in July, I literally cried happy tears. After helping him pick out the perfect spot to pop the question, it took everything in me to stay quiet for the next month before they arrived. I loved being apart of her special day and celebrating with her that evening in the city… and I’m overjoyed to help plan her wedding as her Maid Of Honor.
Going To NYFW
This is another one of those major bucket list items that I’ve dreamed about ever since I first watched Project Runway back in high school. So naturally, when I was invited to the KYBOE! show (which was the first watch company to ever walk the main runway in a solo show during NYFW) at the Skylight in Moynihan Station – I did a major happy dance around my apartment. The show was super vibrant and fun! Bonus, I got a free white + silver watch afterwards! I’d love to see some of the bigger shows next year so I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I receive an invite. hehe
The Day Adidas Reached Out
If you watched my Instagram story yesterday you may already know that I’m working with Adidas on a special project in the new year. When their social team reached out to me in November and asked if I’d like to join a group of 12 women to help them with a new launch that they are working on, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only is Adidas such an inspiring brand, but I also love that they use regular women (mostly fitness bloggers) to promote their campaigns instead of professional athletes. Stay tuned for the big reveal in late Spring, 2017!
Thanks so much for reading and letting me walk you through my year in a nutshell. I’d love to know – what was your favorite moment of 2016? Leave me a comment, send an email or DM me on Instagram. This year has seriously been so awesome thanks to all of you so once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Cheers to a new year!
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