Reflection on 2016 and looking forward to 2017.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Photo: Shimona Henry, Pinup Perfection Photography

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I for one am SO excited about 2017 and all the possibilites it holds.  2016 was a year full of love, but also full of hard times.  
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To start on the positives, I GOT MARRIED THIS YEAR!!!!  I got to marry the love of my life in Las Vegas, surrornded by family and friends.  It was not only the happiest day of the year, but of my life.  Looking back on 2016, THAT is what I will think of, and that is pretty amazing!  Thank you so much to everyone for all the well wishes and love sent our way in regards to our wedding.  We are so so lucky to be surrounded by such amazing loving people.  

Two of my bestfriends also got married this year (we're all looking forward to being able to tell people 10 years from now that "we got married 10 years ago" hehe.  I was maid of honor for Sabrina and best (wo)man for Robin.  My other bestie Kristy also got engaged and is getting married in a couple weeks in Hawaii!

2016 was filled with travel to LA, Las Vegas, across Canada, and the pacific north west, and im looking forward to much more travel in 2017 including Phoenix, Miami, LA and Vegas again, and the Carribian!  Im hoping to travel at least once a month in 2017.  I worked really hard this year and hit 1 million followers on my facebook page and 100K on instagram!  My social media continues to grow daily and I am so so thankful for that.

 I got opportunities to speak publiclly about body positivity and mental health stigma, and became a columnest for FabUPlus magazine (look for my column Plus Size Modeling 101, on newstands now).   I did a lot of writing this year for publications both in print and online.  

I hosted Vancouver Alternative Fashion Week (as well as walked for 3 designers) and walked for the first time in Vancovuer Fashion Week for Leslie Hampton and Gatsbylady (whose images ended up in VOGUE!  Another acceavement unlocked!)

I also be came a home owner in 2016!  We bought a condo in downtown Vancouver and are just LOVING our new home!  

2016 also had its hardships.  I lost the remaining 3 grandparents which as really difficult.  My grandparents were always a huge part of my life and as much as I am happy they are no longer suffering, I miss them every day.  I made new friends, and lost a few. I found out some peoples true colours (which is never easy) and had to let some people go from my life for the sake of my own well being.  

My anxiety and depression snuck up on me this past year, and I realized that although im very open about  it, I wasn't taking as good care of myslef as I thought I was, so in 2017 I will be starting with a counceller again, as well as starting meditation, getting back into yoga, and doing things to take care of my body, my mind, and my spirit.  

I shot for some new brands and some of my old favourites!  I shot for Nettles Tale Swimwear, Diane Kennedy, Cherry Velvet, Ivido Brand Jeans, Heart of Haute, Lace Canada Lingerie, Playful Promises, Got Curves, BGN Workshop, Hell Bunny, and many many more!  I updated my website and created a new Members Only page to showcase my work to my loyal fans!

​ I continued to grow as both an model, an artist, and a woman.  I strive to always be evoving and changing and growing, and I think I did ALOT of that this year!   I strated "trying" not to care what people think as much (always been a very hard thing for me), and continued to strive to be a bad ass, body positive, babe! 

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Moving forward, I feel GREAT about 2017 and what it will bring for this girl!  I feel like I have a wide open door infront of me and nothing to hold me back!   This year I will be focusing more on my blogging, as well as modeling.  I have some projects I want to start in 2017 (nothing I can share QUITE yet...but trust me, you will LOVE it).   I will also be striving to take better care of myself, not only physically, but more so, mentally.  I look forward to spreading my wings and branching out.  I look forward to travel, love, and laughter.  I want to volunteer more.  I want to spend more time with those I love.  I want to live a happy and authentic life.  


I hope each and every one of you reading this has an amazing a safe time ringing in the New Year, and I wish you nothing by happiness, health and love in 2017.  Lets make this year the best one YET!!!