Reflecting on 2019.
1. What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?
I became a mom, aunt, and Godmother all in a span of a couple months, which encompasses a lot of firsts. One of the coolest experiences was attending both my Goddaughter's baptism and my son's within a month of each other.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I resolved to stay positive last year, and this wasn't a hard one to keep—probably because 2019 was an especially easy year to be grateful!
For 2020, my resolutions revolve around mindfulness and intention. I would like to challenge myself to practice yoga every day, limit multitasking as much as possible, read more, and stick with a morning meditation ritual (for real this time). Basically, I want to be Baby Yoda by next Christmas. (Wish me luck.)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Two thousand nineteen was the year of the babies! My cousin, best friend, and sister-in-law all had sweet baby girls this year. I'm certain that Harper, Reese, and Mara will be Jude's favorite companions growing up.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Made it through with all my loved ones alive and kicking. Phew.
5. What countries did you visit?
Gorgeous Greece.
6. What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?
I'd like to focus on building a thriving nutrition business. I started With Candor Wellness in June, but with everything else that has happened this year, the going has been slow. Hopefully that'll change in 2020. (Pssst... Need a nutritionist? Check out my services here!)
7. What dates from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory?
The most obvious ones: March 4 (the day Scott and I found out we were pregnant) + November 12 (the day Jude was born).
8. What was your biggest achievement?
In 2019, I graduated from the Nutritional Therapy Association as a certified NTP, landed a job writing for hormone expert Nicole Jardim (The Period Girl), and launched my nutrition consulting business—but hands down my biggest achievement of 2019 was giving birth to this adorable boy.
9. What was your biggest failure?
There were too many times in 2019 that I failed to believe in myself. That counts, right?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nausea was a mainstay during my first few months of pregnancy, but otherwise, I've been lucky.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
This Nespresso machine, for $100 off during my birthday month. I use it 3+ times a day for all of my caffeine needs!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom and dad's, for their unconditional generosity. They gave us so much help before and after Jude was born, and their constant support has inspired me to be the best parent I can be.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Ain't got time for that negativity.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Probably Beautycounter. I'm addicted to skincare products, y'all. (Ask me about my faves!) Luckily, I was able to make that money back and then some by becoming a consultant (something I honestly never thought I'd do, but have actually really enjoyed).
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Finding out we were pregnant, telling our families (their reactions were priceless), and meeting Jude for the first time.
16. Did you make any new friendships?
Volunteering at Birth Choice brought several amazing gals into my life. I also reconnected with an old college friend who lives nearby.
17. Did you go on vacation?
Of course! I went to Nashville with my two best girlfriends in January, and we ate our way through the city (despite the snowstorm we happened to find ourselves in).
Then in March, the siblings surprised my mom in Pigeon Forge to celebrate my parents' 40th anniversary. (It was on this trip that we broke the news of our pregnancy.)
May was super busy, with our 10-day European "babymoon," followed by a short stint in Vero Beach for a friend's wedding.
In July, Marissa and I hosted our mamas for a little staycation, and in September, Scott and I visited the Hartsfields in Little Rock.
As for 2020, we're planning a weekend in Panama City Beach with the fam, and I'm hoping we can make it to Germany in the fall to visit my redheaded love.
18. What do you wish you had done more or less of?
I kind of wish I had gotten in some more ZZZs while I could. What was I thinking waking up at 7am on a Saturday for no reason?!
19. How did you spend the holidays?
With Jude in the mix, we decided to stay home for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Which meant numerous lazy nights spent cuddling by the fire, as well as delicious home-cooked meals with Mimi and Papa (Scott's parents).
We've also started a fun family tradition on Christmas Eve Eve of picking up Andy's peppermint concretes and driving around town to check out the lights (because Jude loves riding in the car).
For New Year's Eve, we're planning a chill night in with Chinese takeout and champagne!
20. What new food did you discover?
Pressed Juicery's Freeze. It's a blend of nuts and fruit that tastes like soft-serve ice cream.
And keto cereal (AKA, heaven in a bowl).
21. What was your favorite TV program?
Friends. Not sure why it's taken us so long to jump on this bandwagon, but we're eating up this classic '90s sitcom! Sadly, it's being booted from Netflix on the 1st, and we are only halfway through. Anyone know where else we can watch it?
We also really got into Netflix's You after I read the book.
22. What was one of your favorite experiences of the year?
Our Fourth of July themed baby shower was one of the more memorable happenings of 2019. Friends and family flocked to the Alleman farm to celebrate Baby Blasik over hamburgers and fireworks, and towards the end of the evening, we announced that we were having a boy.
Not to mention, I absolutely loved being pregnant. I truly wasn't expecting to feel this way, but even up to 40+ weeks, watching BB grow and feeling his kicks was pure bliss.
23. What was the best book you read?
Becoming by Michelle Obama.
24. What song will always bring you back to 2019?
Lover by Taylor Swift.
25. What did you want and get?
The cutest baby of all time. Aaaand a Vitamix. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
26. What did you want and not get?
Once again, a puppy and a tattoo. (Perhaps 2020 will be the year for both...)
27. What was your favorite film of this year?
I can't decide between Unplanned and Five Feet Apart. Both made me bawl my eyes out.
28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was nine months pregnant on my 28th (golden) birthday this year, so my parents came to Frisco and celebrated with us. My birthday weekend included a walk around White Rock Lake, lunch at the alehouse, planting my surprise herb garden, and a fancy dinner in Legacy West.
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Maybe if I had won Starbucks for life. I always get so close!
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?
All the maternity clothes: black leggings, long tops, oversized sweaters, and fitted dresses that showcased the bump.
31. What kept you sane?
Well, since I was pregnant for 75% of 2019, it wasn't wine. But daily exercise, sunshine, and extra rest seemed to do the trick.
Also, shout out to my sister-in-law and bestie for keeping all of my pregnancy/parenting concerns at bay. They paved the way!
32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I have to hand it to the women's health warriors out there—like Jolene Brighten, Nicole Jardim, Lara Briden, Aviva Romm, and Alisa Vitti—because they're changing the world of medicine as we know it.
Also, Will Smith. Because he's Will Smith.
33. What political issue stirred you the most?
The backlash over the abortion bills was hard to swallow. I've been called anti-women for my pro-life stance, but it's an issue that I feel very strongly about because of my love for women—especially now, after having gone through pregnancy and the beginning of motherhood myself.
34. Who did you miss?
She left for Germany less than a month ago, but I already miss my Kristonian!
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.
If you want to live a long life, stress less. If you want to live well, be kind.
Wishing you all a worry-free and love-filled 2020!