2017 - The Year That Was Charged - Connecticut in Style

2017 was intense. Politically, socially, sexually, environmentally and emotionally – it was charged. It’s not a year that I will ever forget. I became woke (that’s slang for political awareness). I became a political junkie and spent hours watching CNN, listening to NPR and trolling government representatives on Twitter. It’s been the worst and best thing that has happened.

It was a year of fads, like sheet masks, the Snapchat Hot Dog filter, Starbuck’s Unicorn Frappuccino, Prosecco Popsicles, Romphims (hard pass), Fidget Spinners, the Keto Diet, and Monkey Fingerlings. I experimented with sunkissed hair, eyelash extensions, and finally got my eyebrows on fleek. I wore a lot of pink and plaid and gingham. We learned about HYGGE, ate HALO TOP Ice Cream and made homemade glow-in-the-dark slime. I could relate to the global phenomenon of “Avocado Hand” and unfortunately have the stitches to prove it. You can read all about my mishap with an avocado HERE.

2017 – The Year That Was Charged

It was a very sobering year. There were far too many tragedies on a global-level that I don’t have the heart to mention. Those were the days that I avoided the news because I am incapable of getting horrific images out of my head. Despite the fact that it feels like the bad news outweighed the good, I have to be hopeful as we begin a new year. I believe that 2017 was filled with moments that we will learn and grow from – how can it not be? I know that I certainly have grown.

On January 21, 2017 I donned a homemade pussyhat and marched arm in arm with friends as we joined millions of other women around the world. I marched for my 5 year-old daughter, who I hope will not have to face the same issues that women are struggling with today. My daughter made me a paper heart that I pinned to my shirt, it was my way of bringing her with me. You can see the heart and read about my post on the Women’s March HERE.

I’ve become stronger. I’ve been emboldened by my successes and humbled by my failures. I’ve never struggled with my identity, but I have an acute awareness of who I am that I haven’t sensed previously. Maybe this is something that happens when you force yourself out of your comfort zone. I’ve done things I’ve never done before and made life altering decisions. I’ve come to realize that when you take a leap of faith – you don’t change, you actually become more potent. All the essential characteristics of who you are expand, and push out the last traces of fear and uncertainty. It’s weirdly comforting. Or it could be because of a book I read called You Are a Badass, which I highly recommend you read if you want to feel like one.

I have to follow my dreams and do what makes me happy on all fronts. I am embracing new friendships with authentic people, and slowly pushing away “friends” who attempt to diminish me. It helps to remember that the people who try to pull you down are already beneath you. I wish that more women were supportive of others #togetherwerise

I’m grateful to say that my year was filled with lots of joy. My sweet family is happy and healthy and I feel so blessed.

Jackson turned 13 and will start high school next year (you can read my very personal blog post about that milestone HERE). From the very second he was born, he continues to make my heart feel like it will burst. I’ve been a little nervous about the dreaded “teen years” but so far, it’s been fine (famous last words). I can’t write about Jackson too much, because he gets teased by his friends whose moms read my blog. I guess it’s okay to say that this month, Jackson became taller than his 5′ 9″ Mom. He smiled and I cried.

As you can tell by this photo, Catherine, is thriving on all levels. She’s filled with a lot of sass. In late August, I put a shy, but excited 5 year-old on the school bus for her first day of Kindergarten (you can read how emotionally blindsided I was about her first day HERE). Eight hours later, a notably more mature girl leaped into my arms from the top step of the bus. She promptly handed me her backpack (which I took as her dutiful hand maid) and I followed her into the house hanging on to her every word as she talked to me over her shoulder. I noticed immediately that her voice sounded more authoritative and there was far too much hair flicking going on. I don’t like Kindergarten.

My husband remains a sexy beast. That’s about all I have to say about him.

Connecticut in Style, my little blog, has had the best year ever. What started as a hobby to channel my creativity and share ideas and inspiration for stylish living, has blossomed into a legitimate platform. I attended NY Fashion Week, made multiple appearances on News 8, and continue to get a thrill from emails and gifts that flood my inbox and mailbox.

I’m trying to strike a balance between personal posts and those that are sponsored so the content remains authentic. I continue to hone my photography skills because I am happiest with a camera in my hand. I will also be expanding my blog in 2018 with more posts on where to shop, dine and play in Connecticut.

One of the things that I like to do at the end of the year is to take a look back on my blog site stats. The Top Fifteen most popular posts since I launched Connecticut in Style are: