Though I hoped sweet '16 would indeed be sweet, it felt more tart for me personally. However, looking back at year through my Instagram feed I realized that of course there were some lovely moments indeed.
In February I traveled south of the border to Oaxaca, Mexico for a dear friends wedding. Literally one of the favorite trips I've taken of late. The people and culture are so incredible and the mezcal and mole, which the city is known for, is to die for. I saw Dita Von Teese perform her burlesque show in April. She was brilliant beyond belief. For my Birthday in May I flew to the east coast (NYC, Brooklyn, NJ and CT) for a week spent with a friend of 20 years. The whirlwind trip highlights include: a luxurious stay at the Mayflower Grace Hotel in Washington, CT (which was the inspiration for Gilmore Girls), a Gilmore Girls road trip through CT, the Brooklyn flea market, front row seats at Nico Tortorella's play Crude, baubles from Catbird, and a custom lipstick from Bite Beauty. Upon my arrival back home to Washington I saw Beyoncé perform, which was sensational, naturally. At the end of May I hit up the newly opened Laduree in Vancouver. Finally access to my favorite sweet treat and less than an hour away. Over the summer I attended my first beach wedding. How is it that I live on an island and this was my first beach wedding? To say it was spectacular would be an understatement. Also over the summer I took a staycation to Bainbridge Island. As well, the summer was filled with a visit to the fair, outdoor movies, brunches, day drinking, and my sisters vow renewal. Summer came to a close with a sunset sail on a catamaran with some girlfriends. In the fall a close relative passed away. But as one person left my life another entered. I became an Aunt for the third time. My darling niece Layla was born in October. At the end of October I chopped a whopping 12" off my locks. There's just something transformative about a haircut. In November I was lucky enough to get comped tickets to see The Beach Boys. Then I got up close and personal with YSL designs at his retrospective at the Seattle Art Museum. Total inspo. In December I saw the epic Justin Townes Earle perform at a tiny venue. Talk about up close and personal. Then Christmas brought lots of usual excitement and anxiety. Oh the pressure to have the perfect holiday.
Looking ahead there's a couple of exciting plans already on the books for 2017. An early early Birthday girls trip will be taking place in Palm Springs come March. We've rented an entire epic house for this adventure. However, before my big Birthday in May, a super exciting surprise will be happening in April. I can't wait to share the news with you soon.