As we enter the new year I always like to take some and reflect on the past year. I know that a lot of people have been complaining about 2016 being a bad year, but personally it was a good one for me. I have been trying to focus on living in the moment and facing things that difficult head on. I feel so fortunate to live the life that I am living. I tried to pick a favorite post for each month of the year. It was difficult because some months had a few that I loved and then another month not so much. I hope you enjoy my blog trip down memory lane and I look forward to bringing you a fresh new look for my blog and brand this year. Happy 2017!
Favorite Posts of 2016:
January:
I actually got to meet Lucy Liu in 2015, but wasn’t allowed to post until January of 2016. This was in anticipation for the release of Kung Fu Panda 3. A few select blogger previewed the unfinished film and then we were shuttled over to the Ritz Carlton for the interview. As a new mom Liu spoke about being a career woman and mom. She was funny and strong. I truly admire her and her work ethic.
February:
Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton– Do I need to tell you why I loved February? This was a screening for Eddie the Eagle. If you still haven’t seen this movie you need too! While it can be a bit cheesy, this film based on a true story is inspiring. Grab your tissues because you will fall in love with Eddie. Meeting these fine actors in a small and intimate space was the highlight of my year. The personal stories they shared added a special touch to this meeting. I loved that when the interview was over and we took this photo Hugh Jackman made sure he shook each and every one of our hands and thanked us for our time. Swoon…….
March:
In March I hit Broadway and was given the opportunity to review Bright Star. Bright Star at the Cort Theatre. With music and book by Steve Martin and music and lyrics by Edie Brickell. I laughed, I cried, I loved the music, but alas this was not enough to save the show. It closed in June of 2016.
April:
My series called 10 Things I Learned…. is one of my highest read posts most of the time. I think that my friends enjoy reading these posts more than other things I write. Here you can get a feel of what is happening in my life almost weekly. I keep a piece of paper by my coffee maker and throughout the week I jot down things that happen. Then I craft a post from those thoughts and events. This month I lost my notes and wrote, “10 Things I Learned in 48 Hours.” Hey, nobody is perfect!
May:
I spent a lot of time in 2016 examining my life. In order to truly live you need to be yourself, take chances, and live in the moment. While these are all hard things to do, spending time reflecting on your life can help you gain perspective. These are “10 Things I Learned About Myself.”
June:
Okay, you must be wondering where I’m going with this one. I loved this post because I felt as if I discovered something useful and exciting! I am NOT a baker by any means or a Pinterest Perfect Mom, so I impressed myself with my cupcake wrapping skills for the bake sale! It’s the little things in life!
July:
I scored some serious mom points when my boys were able to meet and interview Neil deGrasse Tyson for Ice Age Collision Course. He took photos with everyone and even stayed for lunch. After lunch we were shuttled to the American Museum of Natural History and had a guided tour. July was also the month that I was able to interview Kevin Hart, Eric Stonestreet and Lake Bell for The Secret Life of Pets.
August:
The month of August was jam packed with fun, but my favorite was celebrating Ferragusto at ITrulli with Barone Fini wines! Amazing food paired with fine quality wine to raise funds for The Food Bank of New York City. I loved it! August also allowed my family and I to play tourist in our own city. We were able to review many sites. My boys were also able to screen Nine Lives with me and meet actress Cheryl Hines.
September:
My Stuffed Shells in a Slow Cooker still remains my post popular pin and post from the year. Every year I say that I’m going to post more recipes and then I get side-tracked or I forget to take pictures! This year I’m going to try to bring you some of my tried and true favorites! Checkout my Pinterest Board: Mom’s Tried & True for recipes that I have pinned and actually tried and want to have again!
October:
The New Victory Theater is at the top of my list for affordable family theater fun! I love having my family involved in reviewing shows with me. We LOVED Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea!
November:
In November I took on some travel blogging as we hit Mystic Connecticut. We were hosted at the Mystic Aquarium and The Mystic Seaport Museum! I’m looking forward to doing more traveling in this new year!
December:
I’m ending my year with some deep thoughts on the Illuminati, cooties, and other thoughts that my 10 year-old told me in about 10 minutes! The wisdom of children!
Wishing you a Happy New Year! Tell me some of your highlights!
Liz Mays says
You totally had a fun year! Between travel, movies and celebrities, there are a lot of memories there!
Carolyn K says
It looks like you had a great year! I love your photos and your stoires.
Tiffany says
Your year looks memorable and fantastic! Hugh Jackman would make my year for sure!!
carissa garabedian says
Wow, what a great year! I love Lucy Lui! Looks like you had a very successful year and one that created lots of great memories
Roxanne says
Looks like an amazing year filled some amazing moments!
Heather Lawrence says
Looks like you had a great year!
Personally I am grateful for all the opportunities I had in 2016 but am way more excited about 2017!
Star Traci says
What an amazing year!! I have to say that February is my favorite, however, because I have an enormous crush on Hugh Jackman. Lucky, lucky girl!
🙂
Traci
Cynthia says
Wow! You have really had a great year. I was able to go to Philadelphia this year and it was so much fun. We have been watching Lucy Lui on Hulu this year. Love her.
Laura Funk says
You won the mom award from me with the Neil Tyson meeting too! What a fantastic 2016 you had! Hope 2017 is just as amazing.
Shirley Wood says
Such a fun year to reflect back on. I’m sure 2017 will be even better. I bet your kids probably can’t wait to see what plans you have in store for them this year!
Scott says
I’m totes jelly (isn’t that how the kids say it?) that you got to meet Neil deGrasse Tyson. I’d take him over any Hollywood celeb any day!
Rebecca Bryant says
Your stuffed shell post is still a favorite here. We have made it several times since i saw the recipe. SO good.