2022 Recap
Looking back on 2022
First off, CHEERS! And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! I hope everyone has a great New Years Eve and an amazing 2023.
Now, I have a lot to say about 2022. And it’s all good things! Some years you feel like you’re waiting for something to start.. even if time is going by, you believe something exciting or bigger is coming. Most of us spent 2020 and some of 2021 waiting…. and I think a lot of us spent 2022 living.
Looking back, 2022 was the best year of my life… I started a great new job, I married my long time love, and I traveled a bit of the world to new places. It sure was busy, and a lot happened in 12 short months.
In all my new challenges, new friends, and new experiences I’ve found that in some ways I’ve grown and changed this year. I grew a deeper sense of confidence, and self efficacy. I trust my gut. I follow my heart. And I’m finding my voice a little more with each passing year, and the ability to speak my mind.
One of the best parts of the year was that things in my own personal life were at peace. As crazy as our world became this year - war, illness, politics, inflation - my family and friends were safe and healthy. Best of all, everyone was happy. There was so much to celebrate. So many reasons to gather together.
I feel like I saw everyone around me go for the things they wanted. Take steps to creating the life they dream of. It warmed my heart to watch, and filled me with pride.
Nothing is ever perfect of course, and some days were hard, challenging, or stressful - but the hard things are worth doing. I learned to cheer myself on, push through, and get to the other side - its always worth it.
For so many reasons, this year was truly special. Here are some!
Travel
It’s clear that traveling is something I’m passionate about. Seeing the world, having new adventures, and bonding with the ones I love over a shared experience somewhere together. This year I traveled on 10 different trips across the Western Hemisphere, mostly around the states.
Los Angeles, California for Superbowl weekend
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for Kristen’s Bachelorette Party
Austin, Texas for my Bachelorette Party
French Polynesia including Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahiti for my Honeymoon
Delray, Florida for Fourth of July with our besties
Las Vegas, Nevada for Veronica’s Bachelorette Party
Boston, Massachusetts for Lizzie’s Wedding
Tempe, Arizona for a work trip
Santa Monica, California again to visit Hannah’s new LA Dig for her Bday
Charleston, South Carolina to visit our friend Jamie
We also did some roadtrips…
St. Lawrence River, New York
Montauk, New York
The Catskills, New York
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Newport, Rhode Island
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Greenport, Long Island
And I’m confident I’m missing a bunch in between, but these were some of my favorite!
Fun!
This last trip around the sun was incredibly fun and memorable. I checked some big bucket list items off the list!
Sailed through the Sea of Cortez in Cabo and Lake Travis in Austin
Rode a jetski around Tahiti
Hiked the Hole In the Rock in Arizona
Swam with stingrays and sharks in Bora Bora
Ran through the entire city of Charleston
Dined at one of the best restaurants in the world, Eleven Madison Park
Celebrated 10 weddings across the Northeast
Concerts
I have always loved concerts and live music. The past few years I’ve gone to a bunch of country concerts, but in 2022 I really saw it all. Country, Dj’s, a legend in his farewell tour, and Punk Rock - LOL. It was so fun!
Kacey Musgraves at MSG
Diplo, Wiz Khalifa, Ludacris, T-Pain in LA Superbowl weekend
Eric Church at MSG
Elton John for his Farewell tour at Metlife
Sam Feldt and Diplo in Las Vegas
Sum 41 and Simple Plan at Pier 17
Zach Bryan at Pier 17
Lainey Wilson and Jon Pardi at Pier 17
Professional & Personal Development
It was a big year for me! After getting engaged in 2020, Ryan and I finally got married in June after almost 10 years of dating. My mom threw me the sweetest and most special bridal shower in early April, and later in the month my sister threw me the most amazing bachelorette party in Austin! Then after our wedding day we immediately flew across the world for a our Honeymoon! It was the most special time between my husband and I, and our first ever luxury vacation. All of these celebrations for us made the year so memorable, and fun.
Fitness
In preparation for my wedding I started a serious commitment to indoor cycling classes in addition to running, doing a few 45 minute sessions per week through Swerve at Crunch. I also threw in some bootcamp classes for toning. I wanted to get in the best shape possible by June. I focused on keeping up with routine workouts, replacing some meals with juice, and cutting carbs from my usual diet. It was healthy, sustainable, and ultimately helped me drop 15 pounds between the holiday season to my wedding day. I felt so good, super strong, and energetic! In October I found out I won a lottery for entry to the Tokyo Marathon in March 2023, and have been training since!
Work
In February I started a new job with J.P. Morgan. It was a big career change, but one of the best things to happen this year. After 8.5 years working in the fashion industry, I left the crazy fun world I knew so well behind… to move into something unknown: finance.
I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I was ready for a new challenge. I began my career in advertising at Tommy Hilfiger, often on set or location working with stylists, models or photographers. I was so comfortable and happy in the job I had for over 7 years, and the amazing team that surrounded me. In 2020 I started grad school to get a degree in strategic marketing communications so that I could advance at Tommy.
In 2021, the fashion world was still reeling post Covid. But I needed to keep growing. I started a new brand marketing role at Coach focused more on strategy, but I found myself feeling like I was missing so many elements of my previous job - working hands on with the product, traveling for shoots, and seeing the productions come to life. Combined with everything going on at the time I was feeling stressed, tired, and I needed to make a change.
When this job at Chase came up it felt like the right career move towards stability, growth, and an opportunity to expand my resume by working in a new discipline. I have a great team, work life balance, good benefits, and a quick 20 minute walk to the office.
I never would have imagined this shift for me, especially not 5 months before my wedding. It was a big risk, but it was worth taking.
Blogging
While there wasn’t much free time to devote to this little hobby of mine this year, I managed to squeak out 12 new posts on travel and our wedding events from this year. I updated a few posts from places I revisited as well! This blog remained a creative outlet I really enjoy, and one of my favorite ways to spend time.
My favorite things of 2023!
I like to try new things. New food, new products, new activities, new services! But 2023 was the year that I devoted more loyalty to the brands that I LOVE.
I grew a deeper love for the companies that have treated me well with great service, rewards, and high satisfaction. Here are a few of my faves from 2023:
Favorite skincare bar and facial treatments: Alchemy 43
I opened a membership at the beginning of 2023 to prep my skin for my wedding and I’ve been really happy with the results and value!
Favorite to-go food: Pressed Juicery & Just Salad
I joined a membership at Pressed so that I could reap the benefits of buying so much juice. Whenever I go out to eat I try to juice during the day to create some balance! Now, I’ll get a free juice or ginger shot pretty regularly with my purchases!
Favorite clothing brand: Madewell
I get $10 rewards all the time from regularly shopping at Madewell. They have great basics, and are always doing 40-50% off sales, or additional discounts on already marked down items
Favorite airline: Delta
I’ve always flown Delta. I racked up the points as a Skymiles member, but I had never reached status with the airline until 2023. After booking a few big trips (including our honeymoon) with Delta, I redeemed several free flights throughout the year. I decided it was worth it to upgrade my credit card from the Delta Gold to a Delta Reserve and I’ve received some complimentary seat upgrades and so many miles for future trips. It’s the best!!
Favorite hotel chain: IHG Resorts
We got a ton of points from our honeymoon for staying at the Intercontinental hotels for 8 nights, which can be put towards future stays at any IHG properties.
Favorite clothing rental: Fashionpass
Favorite gym: Crunch
Favorite book: One True Loves
Favorite Laser Clinic: Byou
Favorite coffee: Starbucks
Favorite spa for massages and facials: Posh Beauty Boutique
Bring it on, 2023
2022 was a great year. It gave me a deeper sense of peace, fulfillment, and pride.
In 2023, my goals aren’t getting smaller. Before starting a family I plan on fully enjoying the freedom and security I feel in this moment. Living life to the fullest so I have no regrets.
I signed up for another marathon. I booked more trips. I have big hopes for an amazing year full of new adventures, time with family and friends, making memories with Ryan and continuing to grow into the best version of myself.
Cheers to 2023! I can’t wait for all that is in store next year.
Xx Gab
How I navigated a stress fracture diagnosis training for, and right before, a marathon.