Typically, at the end of the year, I do a full review that, believe it or not, takes a LONG time to curate and write up (see 2017 here and 2016 here as examples!). But when I took a look back through 2018, I realized that with less blog posts, I needed to update the format a bit. And so, this go around, I thought I would share my top 6 favourite moments of 2018, keeping it simple and straightforward…and a touch more sentimental! Here we go…
Family travels…to Mexico…to the Cherry orchard…to Portland
Travelling has slowed down for us in recent years but we still managed to get away with Jack a few times. Ryan and I aren’t the biggest fans of Mexico but after selling the Lady Laurier, we felt like some sunshine and relaxation was needed (I mean as much as you can get with a toddler). And the trip was fantastic! Jack was such a trooper and we both agreed we actually enjoyed Mexico more as a family.
We also continued our summer tradition of visiting my family’s cherry orchard in Penticton. I actually drove out to BC with some amazing friends and had a weekend kid free first before Jack and Ryan met me. It was a perfect summer week with friends and family – probably my favourite time of the whole year. There’s just something so perfect about this place…and getting to be with loved ones here means a lot to me.
And finally, we escaped reno life and took a quick trip to Portland – a place I had been excited to travel to – and it did NOT disappoint. I loved getting to visit some of my favourite design stores, see the sites and eat all the delicious food! Our favourite was hanging out in the food truck areas because Jack could run about (the only challenge on the trip was restaurant dining with a toddler who doesn’t want to sit anymore!). I will definitely be back!
The Girl Gang hangs
In 2018, my friend Nicole decided to start a little monthly hang out with some ladies where we could listen, set goals, and support each other in our business ventures (or personally too). After the first get together, I knew that it was going to be a good thing for me because I left feeling super inspired and uplifted. And every meeting thereafter followed suit. It’s amazing the impact a support system can have – a place where judgement does not exist and you have people truly in your corner. Having their ears and hearing their words has been so fulfilling and I’m so thankful I get to call them friends.
Finishing the first Kresswell Project
After launching my joint design company with Diana, we’ve had some incredible clients and overall a really successful first full year. But the first major local renovation was incredibly special and by far my favourite. We dubbed it The Oliver Escape and it truly was a labour of love. We loved the client and her style, we loved the concept and we loved that we got to work with Revive! After the renos were complete, we hauled in dozens of baskets and bins of our own decor and using a lot of the clients things, styled every room! As soon as we saw the photos, we knew that we had created a stellar space for our client. It was a pretty incredible moment! Stay tuned to see this space is a pretty big publication!!! 😉
Breaking ground on the kitchen
I know you’re probably expecting me to include the reveal of the Ravine House kitchen, which we completed for the fall One Room Challenge, and you aren’t wrong! Seeing our finished kitchen was pretty frickin great (I mean look at it right,?!) But I actually loved the first demo day the most. There’s nothing more thrilling than starting a big project, with all the anticipation and possibilities laid out in front of you! Plus, we had been patiently waiting for nearly 3 years to tackle this space, so that was a big moment for us!
The Lady gets listed
We’ve renovated quite a few houses now, but this particular project was definitely my favourite…ever. It was our biggest undertaking, yes, but that wasn’t what made it special to me. I felt the most proud of it personally…it allowed me to stretch my design muscles more than ever before and seeing it all come together was absolutely incredible. Then the cherry on top…the couple we sold to were the loveliest people who invited me back to help them with decor! It’s not lost on me how rare that is in this crazy house flipping world and I am so grateful I got to revisit the Lady and see it become someones forever home.
Jack takes his first steps…and so many more firsts continued
This year has been incredible with my son. I loved seeing how much he changed over the past 12 months (which is SO much!!!)…taking his first steps, celebrating his first birthday, saying new words (calling out Mommy when I came home the first time literally killed me!!) and becoming his own little person with the biggest and best personality (I know I’m biased but seriously!). He has done so many new things that have blown me away and I now understand why parents gush over what seem like the silliest things. But he makes me so damn proud! Even with the terrible two’s on the horizon, he is still the best part of my day and my year…hands down.
(These images taken by Ashley – Little Icons!! Who is absolutely amazing at what she does!)
It’s been a great year with many ups and downs. I’m fortunate for both because we’re continuing to grow because of it. I know 2019 will have more bad with the good, but I am looking forward to all of it! Here’s to a great new year!