2019 was one of the most incredible years. It was a freeing year, mentally. I felt incredible, physically. I grew closer to the person I’ve wanted to become. 2020 will be the last year I spend in my twenties, and I want to focus on more growth as a human being. I don’t have a bucket list of all the things I’d like to accomplish before turning 30, but instead, I have a list of all the things I want to continue working on. I want to be in the moment more, give more, eat more delicious foods (not less like most resolutions entail), travel less, love myself, love others, continue practicing self-care, read more, and worry less.
This will be year ten as a blogger, and the person I was then is very different than who I am today. My main purpose in life was focussed on vanity and things that didn’t matter. I always felt as if I had to be someone that I wasn’t, and that kind of lifestyle is exhausting. I think all of us go through similar stages in our early twenties. It’s a weird time, and this unexpected wave of confidence hits us as we get older (or maybe it’s the therapy I finally signed up for.) I’ve been able to grow on this blog, but also off the screen. Some of you have been here since I was writing upstairs in my bedroom at my parent’s house. That’s where it all started ten years ago.
I hope to bring more of the improved me to the blog in this decade. Even though I write a lifestyle blog, I don’t think I show half the person I am through my writing, and I really want to be more ME this year. Sometimes we get in the habit of the same robotic blogs or don’t feel as if people will care about the things we care about. It’s time to be more unapologetically myself. I’m excited to share all of the new things going on in my life, my home, the wedding, and some more personal things I’ve gone through. I appreciate all of you for following along, guiding me, giving me advice, and being there through everything. I wouldn’t be here without you. I can’t wait to take you along the 2020 journey with me.
2019 was filled with so much joy. I traveled to places on my bucket list, made new friends, strengthened relationships, watched the important people in my life hit milestones, and it was a year to celebrate so much love! I put together a blog timeline to highlight some of my favorite parts.
January
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas (gluten-free & vegan)
Vegan Mac & Cheese w/ Broccoli (gluten-free)
No-Spend January Challenge (link)
Skiing in Colorado With My Brother (travel guide)
I turned 28!
February
I tried cauliflower gnocchi (made it extra crispy)
I went to Disney World, again (the ultimate guide!)
I took my best friend’s engagement photos (link!)
I filmed my first cleaning video for youtube (link)
March
I hit three-miles after a year hiatus (link)
Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (gluten-free & vegan)
Tennis Started back up again!
April
I visited the cherry blossoms in D.C.! (travel guide here)
I joined a volleyball league (link)
I traveled to the Brunswick Islands (the ultimate travel guide)
I shared my running 5k plan (link here)
My favorite go-to dairy-free chicken salad recipe (recipe)
Double chocolate banana almond butter muffins (gluten & dairy-free)
May
I hit five miles & six miles! (five & six)
I traveled to Savannah (travel guide)
I made delicious dragon fruit & chia protein balls (recipe here)
Vegan & gluten-free white chocolate macadamia nut cookies (recipe)
Tahini & fig broccoli slaw salad (recipe)
June
I traveled the coast of California (travel guides)
I made so much homemade ice cream (link)
I went for a run with my brother in L.A. (link)
July
Kyle’s mom visited us & we did a candle class (link)
I added color to my living room & regretted it a week later (link)
I floated down the river again! (link here)
Gluten-free white chocolate raspberry lemon muffins (vegan recipe)
3-ingredient fudgy brownies (gluten-free & vegan)
S’mores Ice Cream (gluten & dairy-free)
August
I started using my new air fryer (salmon & brussels sprouts)
I completed my first round of whole30 (q&a)
I visited wedding venues with Becca (link)
Pumpkin spice paleo pancakes (recipe)
Chicken nacho taco night (grain & dairy-free)
Chocolate chip cookies (gluten & dairy-free)
September
Pumpkin spice rice Krispie treats (no-bake, vegan, gluten-free)
I refurbished a coffee table that I bought on Facebook Marketplace (link)
I traveled to Miami with my best friend (travel guide)
I GOT ENGAGED (the blog post)
We decided to build a home (the blog post)
no-bake pumpkin energy bites (link)
October
I traveled to NYC to see Mean Girls on Broadway! (link)
My best friend got married! (link)
I went glamping at a ranch in Florida (link)
November
I spent most of November in Hawaii (link)
I made the ultimate granola (link)
I filmed my vlogmas intro! (vlogmas)
Celebrated Thanksgiving & I got a new car! (link)
They started building our home! (link)
December
I completed another round of Vlogmas (link)
I said Yes to the dress! (link)
I flew to Jersey to celebrate a friend’s wedding (link)
My brother and his GF came to town to celebrate Christmas (link)
I headed to Savannah again! (link)
Questions for you!
- What is ONE thing you’d like to improve on this year? (nothing fitness or food-related)
- What do you want to see more of from me this year?
- How was your 2019?
Paige Cassandra Flamm says
What an amazing year for you! SO many huge life changes! Wishing you all the best and more in 2020!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Paige!
Jenn says
Can’t believe you got engaged in September as in I can’t believe it was that long ago! This year flew by. 2019 was a good. Found by far the best job I’ve ever had and can see myself staying here a long time
Taralynn McNitt says
So happy for you, Jenn!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
2019 really served you well, Taralynn! I’m so happy for you. Enjoy 2020 – it’s gonna be even better! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks for always following along, Charmaine! xo
Jennifer says
SO MUCH YES to be unapologetically you! Share the stuff you think people don’t care about – chances are, it will help someone, or you may find that everyone loves it!
I want to be more Intentional this year (that’s a word I picked). But, not about any one specific thing, really just about my life. Be more Intentional with money, reading, health/wellness, spending, etc. My goal is to read 10 books this year! I read 6 this past year and I’m pretty sure that’s more than I have read since 2011 when I started college.
I want to see more of what makes you happy! Share what makes you happy, sad, and 3everything inbetween. Real is good! Don’t quit the recap posts, though 😉
2019 was good. I left a job that was horrible for me/to me at the end of 2018, so this was my first year in a role that I really enjoy! It was super jam packed with travel, activites, and weddings which was good, but I have goals for 2020 and I think that it will be even better than last year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank so much, Jennifer! You are so right.
I love that! I’ve found so much love with reading lately and I can’t wait to continue! 10 books is great. I make sure to read every night and morning before opening up technology.
I won’t quit the recaps!! 🙂
I love that you’re chasing more of what makes you happy! you go, girl!
Jessie says
1 . I want to focus on more self care and getting healthy .
2. I love your blogs and vlogs , I want to learn more about you and enjoy your new journey. I have followed you for so many years and I just enjoy everything you put out (especially that granola recipe I am making another batch today yum) .
3. 2019 was not bad I started focusing on my new healthy way of living and lost 91 pounds and found a love for yoga.. your recipes have helped me a lot through my journey .
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jessie!
I love your focus for 2020.
Thank you for your kindness, and that granola is one thing I’ll definitely be taking over to 2020 with me!
You are incredible. Such an amazing journey you’re on! So proud of you.
Taryn says
I want to be a week or two ahead on work/posting etc. Doing it all in a rush is the worst!
One reason that I’ve followed along since the undressed skeleton days is that you’re always evolving. I’d love to see you keep doing things you’ve never done on the blog. I get 80% of my life advice from you (😂) so it’s very cool to be introduced to new things.
2019 was really good…I think I’m finalllyyyy okay saying no to things and not just doing everything thrown my way 😀
Taralynn McNitt says
I feel ya on that! i’m the same way!
& thank so much for that!! Saying NO to things is THE BEST!!!
Mackenzie says
Oh how I love this post. I resonated with so much of what you said, especially about being in your early twenties. Being able to witness the growth and evolution of this blog and you personally since the early days is such an honor. I am just so darn happy for your happiness! You have inspired and impacted more people than you probably even know in this past decade. I cannot wait to continue to follow along in 2020 <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Mackenzie! ♥️ I’ve loved having you here during all these moments.
xo
Claire says
My biggest goal for this year is to reduce my environmental footprint and overall waste. Specifically, no more single use items of any kind! There is no reason for me to keep using any disposable to-go containers, plastic bags, etc. when there are so many sustainable options out there. Even things like razors and cotton rounds have reusable versions now, so I have to stop making excuses for myself and just commit!
Taralynn McNitt says
I definitely can be better at that as well. I hope you come back and share all the tips this year! Would love to know how it goes and ways i can also be better.
Ashton Jury says
My 2019 was good! I think I’d like to improve my spending, making sure I meal prep more and spending less on eating out when I have food at home. I want to be better at saving money. I’d love to see more recipes, I’m obsessed with your granola! I can’t believe I forgot about some of the other recipes you shared at the beginning of this year like the banana bread and enchiladas.
Taralynn McNitt says
I love those goals, Ashton! We are going to be eating at home so much more, so recipes it is!!! A new recipe is coming to the blog tomorrow!
Monica Werkin says
1) I really want to work on being more present in the moment. I find myself always rushing around, or constantly thinking about “next” instead of enjoying the places I am and the people I’m with
2) I am so excited to see some of the wedding planning process!! I know everything is going to be absolutely beautiful
3) My 2019 was actually pretty amazing (which I am so happy I can honestly say that) Ive headed into my final year of graduate school, went on a couple cool trips, started dating my current BF and so much more.
I hope your year has gotten off to a great start so far, wishing you only good things in 2020 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
That is exactly how I am. I totally feel ya! & it’s my goal as well.
& Thank you! Not sure how much I’ll be able to help because I’m so had at it! 😂
Sounds like you’ve had an amazing year! Congrats on heading into your final year! xo xo xo
Debbie in Alaska says
I want to be more patient and kind in 2020.
I’d love to see more on the house and wedding.
2019 was a good year and I’m super excited for this new decade.
Taralynn McNitt says
I love that. I think we can all be a little more patient and kind in 2020!
Danielle says
One thing I want to continue to improve on this year is my mental health, more specifically my anxiety. I can’t wait to see more about your house and your wedding on the blog this year, as well as your usual awesome recipes and things of that sort!! My 2019 was hard yet wonderful. I met an amazing guy, started student teaching at an elementary school and rescued a dog but family difficulties and panic attacks made things harder. Thank you for doing what you do, I have loved your blog since I started reading 10 years ago when I was 12 lol.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Danielle!
Mental health is so important and I’m glad to hear you’re putting on the front burner.
It sounds like you have so many exciting things to look forward to, and I know panic attacks can be so scary. I started randomly getting them (didn’t know they were panic attacks at the time) but have found that therapy has really helped me control them. I’m not sure if you’re in therapy, but just wanted to let you know that it’s helped me xo
Chandler says
What is ONE thing you’d like to improve on this year? (nothing fitness or food-related)
*I want to spend more time growing my faith so more time spent reading the Bible, in prayer, and reading books to encourage my faith.
What do you want to see more of from me this year?
*I love your authenticity and originality. You show your true colors on your blog, but I’d love to see even more of you. I know you can’t share every detail and we need to respect your privacy, but when you share the more difficult parts of life, it’s beautiful, relatable, and encouraging because you’ve built a community and we’d like to gather around you and share in those difficulties.
How was your 2019?
*This was a really hard year for me health wise. I was diagnosed in June with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), but I refuse to accept that. I’ve been working with a wellness chiropractor to heal myself and I’m slowly, but surely improving. I believe IBS is caused by something, not a lifelong condition that someone has to just deal with. Through testing my chiropractor discovered I have obscenely high homocysteine levels which is the cause of my IBS. The medical doctors didn’t even investigate that. We’re now working to lower my homocysteine levels and figure out why the levels got out of whack in the first place. Other than health, 2019 was great! My husband and I bought a house and went to Europe!
Love you girl and happy new year!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love that! ♥️
& thank you for those kind words. I am definitely going to keep sharing more of “me” as much as I can.
Sorry to hear the health struggles you’ve been going through. I love your optimistic attitude though & have no doubt that you’ll be able to power through it all.
congrats on everything! xo
Harriet says
Happy New Year!! Awesome end of year recap, you have had such an incredible year, and I bet 2020 is going to be an even bigger year for you!
My mental health – I need to take more time for me to become the person I want to be and I know it starts with my mental health.
Just be you, post about things that you think other people don’t care about, I bet they may find your openness helpful and inspiring.
My 2019 was a whirlwind lots of ups and a few downs but I made it through the year and finished it off with a big bang and my father handing shears of his company to me EEK! So I am walking into 2020 knowing there is going to be some big work and life challenges, more travel and hopefully happiness!
Have a fantastic week