The end of one year and promise of a new one always bring about a certain sense of nostalgia. It’s a moment to look back on how far you’ve come and some of the amazing things you’ve accomplished, while also still holding in your heart where you hope to go and crushing your future goals. I do enjoy looking back on the year and remembering some of the highlights.

One of my favorite things to do is scroll through all my pictures on my smartphone and on my Instagram account as I’m always astonished at what I did in one years time. I’ll find a random picture of something I did that I’ve completely forgotten about by the years end, and I’m always so grateful to have that memory residing on my phone!

As I reflect on what a fantastic year 2018 was, I’m sharing some of my top memories. Trust me, it was tough to narrow this list down as I did A LOT. But, I hope you are following me throughout the year so you may continue to enjoy the journey as it unfolds.

In no particular order, here are some of my top moments from 2018:

Yoga Retreat in Havana, Cuba: As I set out into the new year of 2018, I had set an intention to go on an international trip through my blog. Low and behold, a few weeks later I was packing my bags for the beaches of of Havana, Cuba for a one week yoga retreat at Mhai Yoga. To say I fell in love with Cuba and the experience would be an understatement. I met some of the most wonderful people and truly felt blessed to travel to a place that was definitely on my list of must-visit destinations. Read more about my trip and experience here.

Lunch with Roger Federer– A collaboration with Barilla afforded me the opportunity to not only enjoy a 3-course lunch at Spiaggia prepared by Top Chef winner Chef Joe Flamm, but also had me dining with international superstar Roger Federer. I joke that I’m not sure how any lunch will ever top this one, but really, how will a lunch top this one? I’m not sure it can, but I’m ready to find out! Read my recap of the lunch here!

Mother-Daughter Day at The Peninsula Chicago– My Mom spent Mother’s Day in New Jersey to help take care of my newly born nephew. I was so bummed we didn’t get to spend the day together, so I planned the most epic bonding day at The Peninsula with facials at the spa followed by vegetarian Afternoon Tea. I haven’t ever seen my Mom so relaxed and happy. Her smile was worth a million bucks that day.

Appearing in the April Issue of Shape Magazine– One of my favorite fitness studios of all-time is Studio Three here in Chicago. I’m hooked on their awesome cycling and strength classes which are taught by the best instructors in the fitness industry that I’ve ever come across. I had the honor of participating in a photo shoot for Shape Magazine in the fall of 2017 through Studio Three and was thrilled to see my photo appear in the April 2018 issue. My first appearance in print! Woo hoo!

Hosting my first all-vegetarian dinner– It was Monday, October 1st. It also happened to be World Vegetarian Day, the kick-off to Vegetarian Awareness Month AND Meatless Monday. I mean, I think this particular day was designed just for me! It was fitting then that I hosted my first ever all-vegetarian dinner at the steakhouse Prime & Provisions. We enjoyed a great meal and showcased that you can eat a great, all-veggie meal even at a steakhouse!

Outdoor Adventure with Clif Bar– It was a no-brainer when I was invited by Clif Bar for an all-day outdoor adventure to explore Chicago by water, land and air. We spent a gorgeous, August day kayaking Lake Michigan, riding Divvy bikes down Lakeshore path, strolling on the Riverwalk and so much more. I met some amazing folks from all over the US and truly will never forget what an unbelievably fun day this was out in the sun.

An evening with Sarah Jessica Parker at Tao Chicago– When American Express Business invites you to an event at Tao Chicago, you say YES! Not only that, the guest of the evening was Carrie Bradshaw, er I mean, Sarah Jessica Parker. She spoke about entrepreneurship and I was sitting about five feet away from her with a HUGE, cheesy grin on my face the entire time. I don’t think I was the only one!

Helicopter Tour with Chicago Helicopter Experience– One of my bucket list items has been to go on a helicopter ride and I’m so happy that 2018 finally delivered that dream to me. A sunset tour over my beautiful city of Chicago with Chicago Helicopter Experience is something I will never forget. What an intimate way to experience the city and feel so close to all the skyscrapers. I also got some killer photographs that I’ll probably be sharing for years to come!

Hosting my first Insta-meetup at Colectivo Coffee– I’ve been so fortunate to have such an awesome, engaged audience and I thought it would be fun to finally meet some of my most loyal fans. I hosted a vegetarian meetup at Colectivo Coffee and it was such a blast to finally put a face to the Instagram handle, ha ha. But, in all seriousness, I had so much fun and really hope to have and host more events into 2019 and beyond.

I have so much more to share, but will stop here. This was just the tip of the iceberg of all the awesomeness that was 2018. I continue to be so incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that come my way and do not take one moment of it for granted.

As always, thanks for your continued support and following along on this vegetarian traveling journey of mine. Let’s see where 2019 takes me… can’t wait!