Best of 2016

Dec 29

Okay, I have to admit that I've been a bit too harsh on 2016.

I keep talking on and on about wanting a new year and moving forward to 2017, but I do have to admit that there were many great things about 2016 that I've overlooked. For today's post, I wanted to recap all the good aspects of this year to help me transition into the next of what's to come.
I think we spend too much time focusing on the bad, that we disregard the good parts of our lives. If there's one thing that has stuck with me this entire year, it's that we need to let go of things we cannot change.
2016 felt like a rollercoaster. There were many highs and way too many lows. Many times, I wanted to get off the ride and quit. But piece by piece, I had to pick myself up and get back on because everything that happens teaches us to become a better version of ourselves.
I wouldn't change what I've been through because it's taught me so much about myself.
Scroll through to see my recap of my favorite 2016 memories...

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Last year's NYE outfit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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I started 2016 with a mountain getaway trip with my best friend Natalie that was sponsored by Glamping Hub.

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One of my dream come trues was getting to work with Henri Bendel.

Henri Bendel was a brand that I always wanted to work with when I started my blog, and I felt like I had reached that AHA moment when they asked to collaborate.

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I celebrated my 21st birthday. #finally

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I teamed up with Swoozie's for a GALentine's Day photoshoot with my best gal pals.

I went to LA for Spring Break to visit my blogger bestie Ashley of Blonde Collective in real life.

One of the friendships that I still cherish. We still talk every now and then, and I wouldn't have traded this trip for the world.

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I checked off the Paul Smith Pink Wall off my LA bucket list.

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I flew to NYC to attend magazine meetings and interviews for a summer internship.

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I checked off the Rainbow Wall in Brooklyn, NYC off my NYC bucket list.

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I had the pleasure of partnering up with Toyota to travel to Charleston with my girl McKenzie.

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I had the pleasure of attending the Her Conference in New York City.

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I compiled a NYC travel guide here.

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I spent the summer interning in New York City for not just one internship, but two.

The living situation, the experience, and the people were all a part of God's blessing.

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My best friend Natalie came to visit me in NYC and we spent the majority of the day tackling all the blogger hot spots / must-see places. Typical.

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I witnessed the Manhattanhenge over the summer, which is also known as the Manhattan Solstice. It's when the sunset aligns with the east-west streets of the main street grid of Manhattan, NYC. This only happens twice a year and on dates that are evenly spaced around the summer solstice. I took this photo myself, and to witness it in person was simply incredible.

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I finally got to shoot at a pumpkin patch. This was definitely the year of firsts.

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I spent most of Fall with my sister, who just happens to be my best friend and the best photographer out there. This blog would not be possible without her. I owe her the world.

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My sister / best friend and I took a fun road trip to Asheville. We visited the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Omni Grove Park Inn, and enjoyed a spa weekend at the Rumbling Bald Head Resort.

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I had the pleasure of collaborating with Banana Republic. This was one of my favorite campaigns, and the experience was worthwhile.

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I went to my last first home football game as an undergrad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with my housemates.

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I went to my last N.C. State Fair with my housemates.

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I went horseback riding on the beach for the very first time. It was a one-of-a-kind experience that I would highly recommend.

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I went on an Outer Banks road trip with old (and new!) blogger friends and it was quite the memorable weekend.

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My housemates and I threw our first Friendsgiving dinner at our house and the decor was all hosted by Swoozie's.

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I went on my first Mountain Weekend fraternity function, and not only made memories, but also met tons of new friends.

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My partnership with Coach was another AHA moment where I was simply reminded of how much hard work pays off and to always, always stay humble. I cannot wait to share this shoot with you all soon.

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My partnership with Minted was one of my first Christmas collaborations. My housemates and I loved having the house decorated this year, and we owe it all to Minted for making that possible.