Here is my giant recap of 2012! I do this every year... and I always have fun looking back on the year and reflecting. I tried to cut it down to my favorite memories, but this year has been full of insanely good times and also some sad times. I'm excited for the refresh of a new year. Your feedback on my survey has really helped me realize how some of you are feeling and how I can move forward and get back to my roots in 2013. Here's to a happy new year... and to remembering the good from the past year. Note: This post is extremely photo heavy. If you have a slow connection, you've been warned.
January
Last January, we were finally hit with some winter flurries! It was a beautiful Michigan winter.
I had a super fun opportunity to collaborate with T.V. show, Jane by Design!
February
In February, Brett and I said goodbye to home in our beach town. I miss it terribly sometimes.
And we moved into a new apartment in the city, in the best neighborhood, close to work and all of our friends.
March
In March, I traveled to Austin, Texas to speak at the Texas Style Council Conference. My favorite part of the conference was seeing all of the gals I love and spending time with them. It's always so much fun and refreshing to see how amazing they all are in person.
I spoke with Turi of ModCloth on blogger/brand relationships. It was so nerve wracking being up in front of a room full of seriously stylish girls, but it was a fun challenge. I'm glad I had the opportunity to be up there sharing my experience!
After Austin, I came home to the most beautiful spring in Michigan that I could remember. Seriously. Gorgeous.
April
In April, I had the most insane opportunity to be featured on a digital billboard in the middle of Times Square for Forever 21. I still can't believe this ever happened. Haha!
May
In May, I was featured in Momentum Magazine for a stylish cycling feature!
In May, Brett and I decided to go our separate ways. We are still the best of friends (as we always were) and still talk every single day. This year has been really hard for both of us, but I know we'll always be there for each other.
I traveled to Chicago to shoot a super fun video with my friends, Nick and Andrew at Superdawg! I'm still waiting on the results, but I know as soon as I get the video back, I'll love it!
I also had the opportunity to host a Madewell Style Sessions in Chicago! It was amazing to meet Jo and so many readers!
June
I took a fun trip to Saugatuck, Michigan to check out the chain ferry and climb Mount Baldhead. It was nice to finally take a summer day trip.
I had the best opportunity ever to collaborate with Adobe on promoting Photoshop Elements. I traveled to San Francisco to meet the team and to learn all about Elements. It was my first time in California and I loved it. It was such a great, whirlwind weekend.
Eric and I went to my work summer outing at a cottage up north. We both had so much fun hanging out with my colleagues and watching Valentiger play.
July
In July, Eric surprised me with a super sweet trip up to Big Sable Point Lighthouse. We walked the two miles down the beach to see it! Running back to the car in the dark is one of my favorite summer memories with him.
My band, Circle Maybe, also released our second EP, The Place that I Called Home. It was a really fun summer with these guys recording and playing shows.
Eric and I had the best times this summer together. We became the closest of friends and fell completely in love. It was too soon, we know, we've been told a thousand times, but it happened. And we're happy.
August
In August, Eric and I got to see one of our favorite Bands, The Head and the Heart at Frederick Meijer Gardens. Such a great outdoor concert.
We took the most amazing trip to the sunrise coast in Michigan. We saw five lighthouses, waterfalls and ate at a haunted saloon. It was my favorite weekend all summer.
I ended up getting quite sick in August. Eric came with me to all of my doctor appointments and dealt with me crying and having panic attacks and everything else that came with it. I appreciated him so much for being there for me.
September
In September, Eric and I traveled to NYC for fashion week! It was Eric's first time in the city and it was so much fun to take a little time off the fashion aspect and more time exploring with him. I did get to attend FABB and the Lauren Moffatt and By Misha fashion presentations though!
(Eric's first NYC cab-ride experience!)
(We especially loved Bryant Park.)
(And spent a night on a rooftop together overlooking the city. It was perfect.)
I also celebrated my three year blogiversary in September! I can't believe it's been that long already.
October
In October, I attended our local Style Battle with Blair and Kayley!
Eric and I adopted the sweetest little pup in the world, Winny. She's made my life so much better in just the few months we've had her.
I had the opportunity to be a guest judge for the Little Black Dress party in Kalamazoo, Michigan!
I had another insane opportunity to fly to Houston to do a photo shoot with Francesca's. It was such a whirlwind trip but I loved every second. (By the way, the opportunities I've had this year make my heart so happy. Seriously. I am so blessed and I do not take it for granted, ever.)
Eric and I had so much fun with Winny, in the most perfect autumn ever.
And we ended the month and took a super fun trip to Hell, Michigan and to visit a haunted mansion. Incredibly corny? Yes. One of those memories you'll never forget? Yup.
November
In November, the standout memory was celebrating Thanksgiving with our three families. My two sides and Eric's one side. It was a busy and incredibly great day.
December
In December, Eric and I had a blast at my work holiday party. He loved his white elephant gift. ;)
And we made serious progress on our apartment we live in together! I cannot wait to see what 2013 will bring. Honestly? I hope it's not as eventful as 2012. Haha! I loved every single travel experience and opportunity I had, but I'm ready for my personal life to slow down a bit, which I know, obviously it will. It's going to be a good year. I can feel it!! Thanks for sticking around in 2012... and I hope to make 2013 a thousand times better. Love, xo, Tieka
