28

Hello, 28! And so another year has passed…

It’s been a weird birthday, to say the least. But I don’t want to dwell on that, because there is so much that I am grateful for. Last year I put together a list of goals that I wanted to accomplish, so here are my updates:

1. Travel ✔️

   Since making this goal, I’ve been to Puerto Rico, Iceland, and Italy. Four more trips are planned for later this year (fingers crossed they’re not cancelled).
   Iceland was my favorite trip of the year, and I cannot WAIT to go back. You can read my blog post on why you need to visit too, here.

2. Call & text my family ✔️

   I’ve been in much more contact with my family, including bi-weekly calls with my grandparents (and they’re my favorite).

3. Unplug ✔️

   It’s especially hard to do this when your whole job (and side job) are based off the computer, but even a few minutes of being present in the moment helps unplug.

4. Explore NYC ✔️

   This will always be a work in progress, but I have explored my city more this year than I have ever before.

5. Eat healthier ✔️

   Still making healthy choices with my gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based diet.

6. Get active ✔️

   I signed up for a gym membership and have been going religiously at least 3 times a week.

7. DIY my bedroom

   Financial constraints have put this one on hold, but it’s still a huge goal of mine!

8. Be open to more opportunities ✔️

   Happy to say I’ve been branching out and trying new things, in all aspects of life.

9. Walk my girl down the aisle ✔️

   Check ! My girl, Amy, had the most beautiful wedding, and I am so honored to have been a part of it.

10. Give my everything ✔️

    No matter what it is I’m doing, I try to give everything I have to it.

11. Blog ✔️

    Still blogging (literally)! And it’s still a goal to keep going.

12. Read more

    I would love to get back to this, another goal for this year.

13. Plan a 10-day family trip to Italy ✔️

    Oh, man. Done and done! One of the hardest trips I’ve planned to date, but it was well worth it. 10 days, 6 people, 4 cities. We hit Venice, Florence, Positano, and Rome. And my sister’s boyfriend even proposed! All in all, it was an amazing trip - which is why I wrote some blog posts on must-see’s and must-do’s while visiting. You can read through a click here:

    -Part I: Venice
    -Part II: Florence
    -Part III: Positano
    -Part IV: Rome

14. Breathe ✔️

    Always reminding myself that I can’t fix everything, I need to just breathe, and trust everything will work out.

15. Just dance ✔️

    My girls and I have been out more, seeing cover bands and such. Cannot wait to get back at it, especially in the nicer weather.

16. Fall in love, love unconditionally ✔️

    I fell more in love with myself this year. And that’s more than I could have asked for.

17. Try more restaurants ✔️

    Still haven’t done the A-Z restaurants game, BUT Gio and I started implementing date night on the weekends where we try a new place. So safe to say, we’ve been to a lot more restaurants this year.

18. Make myself a priority ✔️

    Been focusing on myself and my needs this year more than ever - and I’m not stopping.

19. Save ✔️

    Added another percent into my 401K. Baby steps!

20. Get ready every day, even if I don’t feel like it ✔️

    Even now during this corona chaos, I stick to a routine in the morning to start my day off right.

21. Relax & recharge ✔️

    Sleep, massage, veg, repeat.

22. Self care and self love ✔️

    Working on this more than ever.

23. Worry less ✔️

    Still a problem of mine, but I have been trying to stop stressing over the small stuff.

24. Buy myself flowers ✔️

    Staring at daisies right now that I bought myself last week. Life is just better with flowers.

25. Nurture friendships ✔️

    Once a week I try to get out with friends, even if it’s just for a quick drink. These dates are so needed.

26. Spread kindness ✔️

    Been smiling more and getting upset less. (Unless you shoulder check me, then all bets are off.)

27. Enjoy life ✔️

    And I have been.

It’s been a good year, I’ve completed almost all the goals I put down - and still working on the ongoing ones. So here’s for one more, to make 28:

Be the best cat momma ever!

I recently adopted two stray kittens from ACC Shelter. A good friend of mine fosters kittens for them and called me up, saying I had to meet them. Well, obviously I fell in love and needed to bring them home. They are a bonded pair, brother and sister, so they could not be separated. But now that we’ve had them for a few months, I cannot imagine life without them. My heart is so full with love for Luna & Leo.

PS. If you’re wondering about my AMAZING top, it’s the Rosaline Blouse from The Vintage Bohemian. Get yours here!