What a year it has been! I wanted to spend today's post taking a look back at this year. I started 2017 out by spending it in Lake Tahoe with my family... this was a really special time for us because my brother (who lives in Japan) was able to spend Christmas with us, and it was the first time we had seen him in two years.
original blog post HERE
I traveled to Tulum in February...
original post HERE
original post HERE
original post HERE
I got super excited about Spring outfits, embracing palm prints, off-the-shoulder looks and ripped denim...
The biggest surprise was getting ENGAGED to Chris in April! (I wrote all about Chris's proposal in this blog post)
original blog post HERE
We started the wedding planning process and I got to try on some gorgeous wedding dresses...
original blog post HERE
And in August, we bought our first house!! (I even shared pictures of our empty house tour here)
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original blog post HERE
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original post HERE
We traveled to Portland, Oregon, in November to take our engagement photos and meet our wedding photographer...
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original blog post HERE
And speaking of traveling, I got to take the best trip of my entire life in May - to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I had been dreaming about going there since I was young... to be there in real life was a dream come true!
And in August, we bought our first house!! (I even shared pictures of our empty house tour here)
original blog post HERE
original post HERE
We traveled to Portland, Oregon, in November to take our engagement photos and meet our wedding photographer...
original blog post HERE
And speaking of traveling, I got to take the best trip of my entire life in May - to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I had been dreaming about going there since I was young... to be there in real life was a dream come true!
original blog post HERE
original blog post HERE
Later in August I got to see Banff and Lake Louise in Canada... one of the top 5 prettiest places I've ever been!
original blog post HERE
I also got to witness the fall leaves in Aspen and Vermont in October...
original blog post HERE
original blog post HERE
And finally, ended the year by celebration Christmas at home with my loved ones...
And finally, ended the year by celebration Christmas at home with my loved ones...
When I look back at 2017, it blows my mind to think of all the major life events that occurred... getting engaged, planning a wedding, and buying a house - and at the same time my work/travel schedule was busier than ever. In all honesty it was a stressful year, but I can't think of a time when I've ever been happier. There are certain times in your life when you're able to put things into perspective, and 2017 was one of those times for me. I feel like, at age 27, I'm just starting to figure some things out - about what REALLY matters in life (hint: it doesn't involve anything to do with fashion blogging, but rather the relationships with family and friends around you) - and I have found peace with myself. I know who I am, what I stand for, and the God I believe in. I've never felt more stable or secure in my relationships and I'm so thankful to be surrounded by the best fiancé, family and friends a girl could ask for.
I don't think I've ever opened up about this on my blog before, but I've had some really low points in my life. In particular, college really stands out as the worst - I didn't know who I was as a person or what I wanted to do for a career, I struggled with incredibly low self-confidence and body-image, and I woke up every day with a mixture of anxiety, depression and hopelessness. I was living an unhealthy lifestyle coupled with unhealthy relationships... in a nutshell, I was utterly, completely lost. If any of you feel that way right now, please trust that God has a plan for you and can use all of those terrible times for good. He knows EXACTLY what He's doing, even if it doesn't seem like that in the moment. I don't want this blog post to sound like I magically have everything figured out now - I still struggle every day like everyone else, but looking back on my college years I can see how far I've come in building healthy relationships and a healthy self image. As long as we're on this Earth, we will continue to learn, grow, and adapt every day. I pray that I have the ear to listen when God nudges me in a different direction or on a different path and to look outside of myself to help others. After all, we're all this together!
On another note, I want to say thank you to all of YOU who read my blog every day. You guys truly mean the world to me, and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that you continue to come back every day. I read every single one of your tweets, comments, emails, etc. and I so, so thankful for every single one of you. Wishing you all the best year yet!!!!
xoxo,
Cait