Happy New Years Eve! I look forward to this day every single year. I love entering into a new year and starting fresh. To me it’s not just another day, it’s a new year and a new opportunity – a time to reflect, reset and refocus. If you follow me on Instagram (follow me here), you know that this year has been one of the most challenging years of my entire life. For as many ups, there were downs. The year of 2019 brought loss, accomplishment, adventure, emotions, new friendships and so many new opportunities. Here is a look at some of the big events that happened in 2019.

A Year In Review – 2019

I spent my third New Years in a row with my boyfriend, Eddie and this is the only photo we took that night.

Welcomed Nico

Shortly after I came home, we got our little addition, Nico! He’s actually my sister’s dog but since she lives at home, he became part of the fam. He’s a Great Dane – you should see the size of him now.

My Blog Grew Exponentially

I got some of my highest paid campaigns to date – and increased my blogging income from 2018 grew 13x which is still so crazy to me.

Became a Health Coach

I became a certified health coach through the Institute of Integrated Nutrition. Even though I haven’t figured out what I want to do with it yet, I learned so much and I’m really glad I did it.

Spontaneous Dates

I spent another year doing long distance with Eddie. One of my favorite simple memories with him was making banana pancakes on a Sunday morning before his flight. I love those special moments with him.

We woke up one day and decided to catch the next train to NYC. We went that morning and returned that night but we had the most magical day in the city. I loved those spontaneous trips!

Reached Goals

Made huge progress with Welly through fourth level. We got some of our lowest and highest scores together but we learned so so much. I also got to see Welly and my trainer, Carmen compete in the Nation’s Cup, representing Colombia. It was an experience I never thought I would have. I was a proud horse mama.

Found Community

I became a part of a wonderful group of girl bosses from South Florida. We got to learn from each other and all met through an event at one of the best boutiques in Palm Beach County, Vagabond Apparel Boutique.

Sponsored Collaboration With Reebok

I got a sponsored collaboration with Reebok! I never ever imagined this opportunity. I’m so thankful for every brand partnership – what a dream!

Practiced Self Care

I read more books and took yoga classes. This made a huge difference in my mental health. This is something I am definitely taking into the new year.

We Moved!

My family moved! We only moved about 40 minutes from our other house but this opened up so much more opportunity for us. We are now closer to everything and we spending way less time in the car.

My Brother Graduated

I got to see my brother graduate from Seton Hall University! This is one of my favorite pictures of my family. We are all siblings.

Summer Love

I spent time with Eddie and we had so much fun in the summer months at the river. I loved this day!

Winter Made Progress

Winter moved into a double bridle and he was starting to prove me wrong after doubting him over many years. He’s always been a very tough horse but with the help of my trainer, we found a routine that helped him grow and develop and he was the strongest he had ever been. He even got to be a model for a new line of bridles! These are some of my favorite pictures of him.

Landed My First Sponsored Trip

I pitched to a dream brand and got my first sponsored trip! I was so proud of this and it was such a fun weekend for Eddie and I. You can read the blog post from our trip here.

Redesigned My Blog Website

I redesigned my website and it made such a difference in my productivity. I never wanted to write blog posts because I was always discouraged when I logged into my website. If you are looking to update your site, don’t wait – just do it. It will make a big difference.

Watched Our Friends Say I Do

I went to Wisconsin with Eddie and we attended the most beautiful wedding and reconnected with friends we haven’t seen in a few years.

Said Goodbye to My Heart Horse

While I was away at the wedding I got a call that would change my life forever. Winter needed to go into an emergency surgery and it was a very risky procedure. The likelihood of recovering was slim. We moved forward with surgery and it killed me that I couldn’t be there with him.

A large part of his intestine was removed and he had a long road of recovery ahead. For the next month, I spent every morning before work and every evening after work with him. He beat the odds, made progress and we saw light at the end of the tunnel. He slowly started eating, walking and gaining some of his silly personality back. We had good days and we had bad – but I knew he was going to pull through.

It was almost time for Winter to come home and he took a turn for the worse. He got laminitis, which in non-horse terms took away his ability to walk. It was so hard to see him in pain but we took the right measures to provide comfort and we fought to get him healed. He was so strong. I never imagined my timid, insecure baby having so much strength.

A month after he was admitted, he was discharged and we got to bring Winter home! The team at the clinic was absolutely amazing and I am so glad he was in their care.

We spent our days recovering at home, taking it slow and enjoying some grass. Again, the best part of the day!

I am going to share our story in a blog post, but I just haven’t found the right words yet. I did do a memorial video for Winter and you can watch it here. Two weeks after we came home, Winter became very sick. We took him back into the clinic and we had to let him go. It was the worst day of my entire life. I will never forget it.

This was by far, the hardest part of the year. I am thankful for family and friends that never left my side throughout this time.

Went Apple Picking

Even though I still think about him every day, life moves on and I had to as well. I went to visit Eddie in the fall and we went apple picking. It was a beautiful fall day.

Became Self-Reliant

I taught myself how to take my own photos with my tripod. If you are a blogger, you’ve got to do this. It has made me less reliant on others and I love love love it.

Found Beauty In Simple Things

I saw some beautiful skies – my favorite. They always make me think of Winter now.

Went to Italy!

Eddie and I went to Italy for a few days to meet some of my family that I haven’t met yet. It was the trip of a lifetime.

Got Engaged!

As if the trip could get any better, I got engaged. Eddie proposed to me in front of the church where my grandparents were married. It was such a special moment and I still get emotional when I think about it. He captured the proposal and the months leading up to it in a video. You can watch it here.

Started Preparing for the Wedding

We have a date set, my bridesmaids are on board and I said yes to the dress! So much is happening so fast and I could not be more excited. You can read about how I asked them here.

Took Engagement Photos

Eddie and I took some engagement photos with a friend of ours and they turned out so amazing. I will be sharing lots more so be sure to check back for that!

What I’m Looking Forward To In 2020

I am very ready to close the doors on 2019 and start a new year. I have a feeling this year is going to be one of the best. After everything that has happened, I am looking forward to a fresh start. In 2020, here’s what I’m looking forward to:

• Planning a wedding and marrying my best friend!
• Saying goodbye to long distance
• Buying a house
• Starting the next chapter
• Getting back into yoga and taking care of my physical health
• Reading more books and strengthening my mental health
• Providing more value-added content
• Growing my blog
• Traveling with my soon-to-be husband
• Living in a new city
• Hopefully getting a dog 🙂
• Finding a skincare routine that works for me
• Meeting new people
• Trying new restaurants
• Spending more time outside and less time on my phone

There are so many things to look forward to and I could not be more excited. What’s something you’re looking forward to this year?