Ringing in the New Year!

Today I decided to take the 2014 Inspire Me Blog Challenge hosted by (Showered With Design) and (Happiness Blog). Each day I will try to post their suggested topics in an effort to provide my readers with more content and so they can get to know me a bit more.

Today's prompt is: What did you do for New Years?

We actually kept it pretty simple for New Year's. We had about 10 friends over for food, poker and movies. I made some chili and we had everyone bring a snack; there was absolutely no shortage of food. The guys then played poker and the remaining three ladies watched Pitch Perfect (which is one of my favourite movies). Seriously, if you haven't seen it yet I would highly recommend it.

The one thing we all did though was watch the ball drop in New York City during the live broadcast. Everyone then gave kisses and hugs before going back to playing poker or watching the movie. However, I did attempt to get a 'selfie' of my husband and I right after midnight and as you may have seen in my 2013 recap post, we were hilariously photobombed by our friend Chris.

On New Year's day, our family went over to my parents house for some Chinese Food. My sister and her family were there, as well as my grandparents. We had a really nice time and the kids had a great time playing with each other. There is really nothing like ringing in the New Year with your friends and family.

How did you celebrate?

2013 Year in Review and Looking Ahead

With the new year comes new beginnings, and it's often a time of reflection. 2013 started a bit rough for me and my family with the passing of my Nana. She died in February 2013 from Lymphoma Cancer and it was devastating to the entire family. She was a wonderful woman and her and I were very close. My sister and I would visit her often and bring her meals because she didn't have the energy to cook on her own. We would have tea, cookies and just chat about anything and everything. She would often refer to us as the 'Golden Girls'. It's an inside joke between the three of us that I will cherish and remember forever. I am very for fortunate that I was able to say goodbye to her when it was her time though. I thanked her for everything she has ever done for me and told her how much I loved her and how much she meant to me. Not many people have that chance and I am so grateful that I did. 

I really miss you Nana, everyday and always. I love you so much.

My Nana and I on my wedding day in August 2009.

2013 had very good moments though. My nephew Riley was born in June. He is such a little cutie. He's my sister's second boy; her oldest son Logan is the same age as Eric. Riley is starting to sit up on his own now and has the cutest laugh. He really melts my heart.

Riley, born June 8th, 2013

2013 also brought on a stronger relationship for my husband Doug and I. We are working on our relationship constantly because there have been some trying times in the past (as with most relationships), but things are getting better and going really well.

Aside from that, we spent a lot of time with our family and friends which is always a goal for us.

As I look into what 2014 with bring, I see a lot of growth, opportunity and good times. I hope to finish my wedding and event planning course and hopefully start on that path soon. Event Planning is my dream job and I am working hard to make it happen.

A few other highlights include:

• My sister Shannon and I have booked a night away in Niagara Falls this month, complete with a spa treatment. It has been a while since we did an overnight trip together so I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be posting about this one.
• My good friends are getting married in February, in which I am the Best Man. I'm super excited about this one!
• I turn 30 this year. I am hoping to have a big celebration or go on vacation. However, this will be bitter sweet for me because I'll no longer be in my twenties. This kind of makes me sad! 
• My husband booked us a weekend away in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake for the Spring. This was a pretty awesome Christmas present.
• Last but not least - Doug and I will be celebrating our 5th Wedding Anniversary in August! No plans yet but I'm sure I'll blog about it!

There is just so much to look forward to and I'm so thankful we have the opportunity to do all of these wonderful things!

Having said that, I want to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year. May 2014 bring new blessings and wishes come true. I look forward to your visits on my blog!

And with that, I leave you with the first official 'Photobomb Selfie' of 2014 (taken just after midnight), courtesy of my friend Chris!

Doug and I, with Chris!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

I hope yours wishes come true and that you are filled with happiness on this day and throughout the year.