One of the main reasons why I started a blog was because I wanted to have a platform beyond Facebook in which I could capture memories. My blog has allowed me to take a step back and reflect on all that I have accomplished thus far. I am so appreciative of every opportunity that I have had this past year, so I wanted to take the time and look back at 2011 in retrospect.
- I rang in the new year in New York City with my boyfriend.
- I created my first blog in February, but I had no idea what it entailed.
- My brother ran his first 5k race with me (and he placed 2nd in his age group!).
- I celebrated my 20th birthday with my two younger sisters in Cancun, Mexico.
- I experienced Seacrets for the first time.
- Our Chinese exchange student and her two friends visited us.
- I enjoyed many fun trips to Ocean City, Maryland.
- I took a rock climbing course and [sort of] became a certified belayer.
- I worked as a volunteer for Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week.
- I met my lifetime goal: I saw Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in person.
- Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill made it big—I bought my domain.
- I had the opportunity to meet other bloggers, including Jamie, Katy, several Baltimore bloggers, and Jess.
- I completed a 24-mile bike race around Baltimore.
- My siblings and I had a fall photo shoot together.
- I traveled to Curacao to celebrate my mom’s birthday.
- I accepted an internship position at Girls’ Life magazine.
- I experimented more in the kitchen and created many delicious foods.
- I spent the holidays with family and friends.
St. Patrick’s Day
Easter
Needless to say, it was a great year for me and I’m so grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities that I had in 2011.
What are some of your highlights of 2011?
What a 2011! I love your glance back! It is so fun to reflect and realize how far you have come!
I feel like I appreciate everything so much more now that I have done a full recap! It’s crazy–the year flew, but I did a lot!
One of the reasons I started a blog was so that I could have a better chance to capture memories as well. Our journey through blogging seems pretty similar! Your year has been really exciting and glamorous :)
You’re right, it does! Hopefully 2012 will be comparable!
Love this post! Where did you get your Thanksgiving dress? I love it! 2011 highlights were definitely running a marathon, going to Maui/Big Island, NYC/Boston, and attending more weddings than I thought were possible in a year! (It’s doubling next year!)
Thanks! My dress is from a store in Maryland, South Moon Under. The only locations are on the east coast, but merchandise is available online!
You had a fun year, too! Going to weddings is so much fun!
I actually just found the dress online for another reader–it’s available at Revolve Clothing if you’re interested!
Here is the link: http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=TOLA-WD28&c=Tolani&referrerURL=%2Fbrandpages%2FTolani.jsp%3Fsource%3Dgoogle-tolani%26gclid%3DCPP7xOrpsq0CFQXd4Aodu30OoA&
Love looking back on the year – It was fun to go through yours.. I see some things I missed too. Congrats on the internship!!
Happy NYE!
ps: i didnt even know you have a boyfriend!
Thanks, Alyssa! Well, we are no longer dating, but I figured that would cause some confusion so I clarified in my newest post.
Great re-cap; love all of the adorable family photos! Happy New Year!
Thanks! I love family photos because it’s so funny to see how everyone matures over the years!
What an exciting year that you had! I’m sure your 2012 will be even better :)
I sure am looking forward to it!
It sounds like you had an amazing year. Happy new years!! :)
I definitely did have a great year! Thanks, happy New Year’s to you as well!