Happy Holidays and Looking Back 2017

2017…oh, what a year!! This year is sure one for the record books — from the personal to the political and everything in between! I’m pretty sure you’d agree with me too! There were ups and downs. Highs and lows. Happiness and heartbreak. Wonderful people came into my life while other people made an unexpected exit. Yes, 2017 wasn’t a year for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. But now that the year is almost over, I thought now would be the perfect time for a little happy holidays and looking back 2017 fun! You know I’m always up for some quality reflection, so without further ado, here’s a look back at the past year on So About What I Said…

I got deep in more Letters To My Future Husband, on second-guessing love and the man I don’t want Mr. Melissa Blake to be.

We chatted with some Love Lounge, on the games people play and any man of mine.

I got real and dropped some much-needed truth bombs in MEMO TO MEN, about such topics as how men are like the stock market, mystery vs. history and how it’s time to stop all that mansplaining.

Disability posts, including my shiny new wheelchair, a side of me you’ve never seen before, the saga of the shower chair and stigmas of mental illness.

Fashion features, like Style Guides, pretty opal rings, the allure of palm leaf purses and ’70s vintage tees.

Some beauty chat, including the blorange hair trend, summertime Chapstick collection and Christmas tree eyebrows.

Family fun posts, including Harry at the apple orchard, staycations, my birthday with the dinosaurs, Ms. Bear’s European adventure and County Fair shenanigans!

Pop culture musings, like an Ode to the Vampire Diaries, why the world still needs Buffy Summers, favorite emojis, as well as lots of TV and music talk.

***But the things I’m MOST PROUD of…?? My freelance writing career in 2017. It grew by leaps and bounds in the last 12 months, and I scored bylines in The New York Times, Glamour, Good Housekeeping (print!!), Racked, Ravishly, SheKnows, CNN and Country Living! And, I was featured in the amazing Pantsuit Nation book!! #ImStillWithHer

So, that’s where I am as we say goodbye to 2017 and get ready to usher in 2018. I’m not sure what the new year will bring, but I’m pretty confident that life can only go up from here. I am so thankful for you, dear readers, and this journey you’re on with me! The community that this blog has created has given me strength, lifted me up in my darkest hours and just generally brought a smile to my face each and every day. Thank you for being here and being so awesome!

Here’s hoping you’re all in the festive spirit and surrounded by the people you love most! We’ll be back to regular posting on January 3rd, so look for more of your favorites in 2018 — and, of course, never hesitate to let me know what you’d like to see by emailing me at mellow1422@aol.com!!! It’s going to be a fantastic year ahead, friends!!

And as always, feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bloglovin! See you there!! I love you, friends!! xoxo