My 2021 Highlights

Here we are. The end of another year. 2021 has had some downs (we’re still very much in a pandemic), but honestly, I was still able to have a lot of incredible experiences. Looking back at the year, I actually feel pretty emotional about all of the amazing places I’ve seen, friendships I’ve strengthened, and things I’ve accomplished. I unexpectedly traveled to about seven places this year! I feel like my content has drastically improved. And I even got a promotion at work (more on that later). Here are some of my 2021 highlights!

Turning 27 at the Shinola Hotel in Downtown Detroit

In January, I turned 27 and celebrated with a fancy suit at the Shinola Hotel. It was beautiful and luxurious. I shopped, hung out with friends, and ate delicious cupcakes. And my friend Julia took some bomb photos of me! It was fabulous.

Redecorating my room at my parent’s house

Because of the pandemic, I spent the first few weeks of the year in Michigan with my family. So, I decided to redecorate my basement room at my parents’ house so I could have somewhere to work and create content while I was home. Since one of my little sisters took over my room when I moved to New York, I had a few things in our spare room in the basement, but I never did anything with it. It was super fun working with a blank canvas!

Hosting parties at our Queens apartment

I love hosting! In 2021, I had a few get-togethers at mine and Kailena’s apartment. We had a Galentine’s day brunch party and a Y2k-themed party for Kailena’s birthday! In 2020, I did a Halloween girls’ night too, so I’ve def been perfecting my party-throwing skills.

Visiting Washington, D.C. in the spring

Seeing the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. is something I really wanted to do in 2021. So a few of my friends and I took a road trip! We saw all the major monuments, ate some good food, and had a great time. We sadly missed most of the cherry blossoms, but we were able to find some still in bloom.

My first trip to Las Vegas & my first helicopter ride

During the summer, I finally went to Vegas with two of my friends. It was the most iconic three-day trip ever! We stayed in a beautiful suit, took tons of photos, saw some cool attractions, went swimming, and even went on a helicopter ride.

Hiking the Hollywood sign & jumping off a yacht in LA

For my friend Rachel’s 30th birthday, we went to Los Angeles. This was only my second time going to Cali and it had been years, so I was super excited. We stayed in a huge Airbnb, partied on a yacht, ate a chef prepared dinner, and hiked up to the Hollywood sign. It was amazing!

ATV riding & night kayaking in Puerto Rico

For my friend Julia’s birthday, we went to Puerto Rico! This was my second time in PR as well. We rode ATVs through the rainforest, went night kayaking, and visited Old San Juan.

Spending time with family in Texas and Massachusetts

I also took a couple short trips to visit family. I went to Houston and stayed with my aunt, cousin, and grandma. We went to some really cool bars and restaurants while I was there. And a few months later, my family had a get-together in Salem, MA at my cousin’s house. We went on a boat ride, had a cookout, and explored some of the local museums.

Hot Tub Boat Tour

For my friend Nichole’s birthday, we went on a hot tub boat tour between New Jersey and NYC. You could bring drinks and play your own music, so it was pretty lit. There were great views of the Statue of Liberty and other NYC landmarks.

Attended my childhood friend’s wedding

My good friend Lucious got married in Michigan over the summer. The venue was gorgeous and I got to catch up with a lot of my high school friends.

Lots (!!!) of NYC Adventures

There’s always so much happening in the city. Here’s a quick list of some of the cool things I did in NYC this year:

Kusama exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden
Top of the Empire State Building
Carriage ride in Central Park
Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk
Coney Island Aquarium
Ferris wheel ride in Times Square
NYFW spring/summer 2022
Kaws exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
Dior exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
Happy Go Lucky pop-up exhibit
Immersive Van Gogh exhibit
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Pixar Putt
Showstoppers! costume exhibit
The Floral Escape
The Alice immersive cocktail experience
Halloween party at OS NYC
The Summit
The Nature of Color exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History
Premier party for The Sex Lives of College Girls
SeaGlass Carousel at Battery Park
Museum of Illusions

Took my content to another level

This year I really pushed myself to improve in my content creation, specifically for Instagram. I took a step back from making videos on YouTube and TikTok so I could focus on my blog and IG. Although I have been blogging a little less, I think my posts are SO much stronger now and more helpful for my audience. And on IG, my photos, concepts, and consistency are better than ever! Although the growth is slow, I am super proud of how my feed has evolved.

In 2021, I did photo shoots in Dumbo, on the Brooklyn Bridge, at a beautiful Peerspace in New Jersey, and much more. My friend and fellow content creator Leah V has been a tremendous help in pushing me to create more conceptual looks. And I was shot by so many other fellow creatives as well: one of my frequent NYC photographers Karya, as well as my best friend Kailena, of course.

Upstate New York road trip to an alpaca farm

For my other friend Rachel’s birthday (lol) in November, we went on an Upstate New York road trip to the Beacon area. We visited an alpaca farm, saw gorgeous fall foliage, and explored the small towns. It was very cute.

Staycation at The Standard Hotel

Another random thing I wanted to do in 2021 was stay at a fancy hotel for no reason. So I booked a room at The Standard Hotel in Manhattan. Leah also had a room there on the same night. We shot content together, went out to dinner with another friend, and then slept in. I also ordered room service for breakfast, because why not?!

Getting into a consistent gym routine

This year was the first time in years I got back into the gym consistently. I started in February and have been going about twice a week all year. There were some times I fell off a little due to traveling, but I’m really happy I’ve been sticking with it. And it’s not because I’m chasing a certain weight or look, but because I want to feel good, energetic, and healthy.

Got promoted to senior editor at BuzzFeed

At the end of December, I got news that I was being promoted to Senior Market Editor! It still feels weird to say that. I can’t even believe how much I’ve grown in my career. I love my company and my coworkers so much and feel incredibly blessed to have my dream job.

& countless more good times with my friends and family

And of course, there were plenty of other dinners, movie nights, and adventures that filled my year with love and happiness. I’m so thankful for all of my family, day ones, and new friends. I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish in the new year!