Friday, December 29, 2017

Flashback Friday: Looking Back on 2017

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Palm Springs
As is customary at the end of any year, I'm in the midst of some deep reflection. By all accounts, 2017 was an incredible year. I don't know about you, but the previous couple years were definitely filled with some pretty big struggles for me (hello, Pittsburgh crash of 2015 and broken ankle saga of 2016). But I had one main goal for 2017 -- call it a resolution if you will -- and that was to be HAPPY. (See proof above: this was me in Palm Springs over Labor Day. The elation was totally, completely, 100 percent real.)

We only have one life. And, the fact is, we never know how much time we're really going to have. This past year, I took it upon myself to make my life everything it could possibly be. Am I exactly where I want to be now that 2018 is approaching? No. But am I pretty darn close? A resounding yes. LA has been and continues to be the place that makes me feel like my true, best self.

My hope for all of you is that, as 2017 ends and 2018 begins, you feel like you're on the path toward being happy, healthy and both who and where you want to be.

Please indulge me as I take a (not so) quick walk down the memory lane of 2017. (Spoiler alert: there are a LOT of photos!) Here's to everything 2018 has to offer!

JANUARY

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, New Year's Eve, Good Times at Davey Wayne's, Alice + Olivia
I started the year with one of my closest friends, Claire -- we celebrated New Year's at one of my favorite bars, Good Times at Davey Wayne's. I bought that Alice + Olivia dress the night before!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Los Angeles, sunset
LA is the place of incredible sunsets. I kicked off the year with this fiery stunner, seen one night as I was leaving work.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Disneyland, Minnie Mouse
In case you weren't aware, I love Disneyland! I got an annual pass 4 days after I moved to LA. And in all my times going, I'd never met Minnie -- until this fateful day in January when I finally visited her house! (Side note: I love her shoes.)

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, Love Wall, street art
The "LOVE" wall on Abbot Kinney is always worth a stop. It was just a happy coincidence that we were color coordinated!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, birthday, photo booth
I threw a party for my birthday and got to celebrate with some of my very favorite people. And no party is complete without a photo booth -- I put this one together with a curtain from Party City, a tripod, a photo booth app on my iPhone and about 300 props from Amazon (no, I'm not exaggerating).
2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, birthday, J Balloon, birthday cake
I got to work with the absolute best team at JustFab this year. And they totally surprised me for my birthday -- they decorated my desk, took me to lunch, bought me that lifesized J balloon and got me that delicious chocolate cake!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Los Angeles
To continue the birthday celebration, my mom flew in from Cleveland. We had dinner with two of my very best friends, Todd and Claire.

FEBRUARY

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, High Rooftop Bar, Venice, Los Angeles
Bri has been one of my closest friends since my very first work trip to Pittsburgh in 2010. She came to visit me in LA and I simply had to take her to High Rooftop Lounge in Venice -- the view of the ocean and the sunset can't be beat! It was FREEZING up there, though, and they refused to turn on the heat lamps!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, The Broad, Roy Lichtenstein
No matter how many times I go to the Broad, it's never enough. Roy Lichtenstein has always been one of my favorite artists, and his "Goldfish Bowl" easel just always strikes me when I visit this museum.

MARCH

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, butter LONDON Dodgy Barnett, nails, nail polish, manicure
It wouldn't be a year in the life of the Beauty Chick without some nails photos! butter LONDON Dodgy Barnett has been one of my favorite colors for years, and I revisited it this year for a Throwback Thursday post, which you can check out here.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, heels, broken ankle recovery
March 7 marked a little over a year since my ankle surgery -- and the first time I was able to get back into heels!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, The Broad, art museum, Under The Table Robert Therrien
Another day, another visit to the Broad ... this time with my best friend, Katie, and her son, Walter, in tow! "Under The Table" by Robert Therrien is always worth a photo op.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Disneyland, Donald Duck
Katie and I had been talking about taking Walter to Disney for quite some time, and it finally happened! We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, had breakfast with all the characters, and I even got totally dazzled by Donald Duck.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, pink hair, haircolor
I'd been thinking about going pink for YEARS ... and, with the help of my amazing stylist, Erin Sanders (yes, we're cousins), it finally happened! You can read all about the hair transformation here.

APRIL

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Boston
My mom and I visited my brother, Evan, in Boston at the beginning of April. This was taken on a gorgeous day in the North End (before we stuffed ourselves with delicious Italian food)!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Evan Sanders, Las Vegas, The Wynn
A couple weeks after visiting Evan in Boston, we met up for a brother/sister weekend in Vegas! He got invited to speak at a conference and asked me to accompany him -- and, since I got a free stay at the Wynn and a fun weekend with my brother out of the deal, who was I to say no?

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, photo booth, JustFab
I'm incredibly grateful for my JustFab family -- I've met so many amazing people and had wonderful experiences (like our VIP event in San Diego) during my time with this company. And this gal right here, the fabulous Bri, is one I truly can't live without!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, sunset, San Diego
Oh look, another stunning sunset. This one was taken in San Diego.

MAY

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Museum of Ice Cream, sprinkle pool, Los Angeles
2017 was the year of the Museum of Ice Cream! I went twice -- and to say I was obsessed may be a little bit of an understatement. I mean, come on -- a SPRINKLE POOL?!? I was in ice cream heaven!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Museum of Ice Cream, Los Angeles
The banana swing room at the Museum of Ice Cream was SO. MUCH. FUN. It was the scene of many boomerangs, and also where I took one of my favorite pictures of 2018. (Also, the bananas on the walls were scented! Total Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vibes!)

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Aaron Tveit, concert, Belasco Theater, Los Angeles
I'd been dying to see Aaron Tveit for years. I finally got the chance when he performed at the Belasco Theater. Let's just say it was worth the wait.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Paul Smith Pink Wall
My mom came to visit again in May, but this time, I was sick with the flu! And it continued for two miserable weeks. However, I was feeling well one of the days she was in town, so we ventured to the pink wall at Paul Smith to snap some pics along with the hordes!

JUNE

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, National Nail Polish Day, nails, rainbow manicure
June 1 marked National Nail Polish Day -- and, since I couldn't decide on just one favorite color, I went for a rainbow mani with five! Check out all the details here.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, JustFab banana tote bag, #OOTD
I believe in buying what makes you happy -- and this JustFab banana bag most DEFINITELY made me happy.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout, Disneyland
Disneyland turned Tower of Terror into the Guardians of the Galaxy ride this summer. My friend Todd and I woke up EARLY (we got there at 6am!) to wait in line -- and it was SO MUCH FUN! I miss ToT, but I really love the thrilling new ride.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland
I will never, ever tire of Disneyland.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Arroyo Seco music festival, Tom Petty, concert
My friend Jenny and I went to the Arroyo Seco music festival on a blisteringly hot June weekend (the temperature on this day was 98). While you can't see him, this was during Tom Petty's headlining set. I'm so grateful I got the chance to see him live before he passed away.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, twinsies, Free People Tree Swing Tunic
Erin and I are soul sisters! We work together at JustFab -- and, if you can't tell, we're basically the same person. And, yes, we own the same Free People Tree Swing Tunic!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Ansel Elgort, Twitter follow
Ansel Elgort followed me on Twitter. ENOUGH SAID.

JULY

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, ice cream, Little Damage, Los Angeles
Little Damage is an ice cream hot spot (cold spot?) in downtown LA. I trekked there on a 102-degree day because -- well, come on, why wouldn't I?

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Hollywood Bowl, Tony Bennett, Los Angeles, concert
After two years in LA, I finally made it to the Hollywood Bowl! My friend Claire and I got to see the marvelous Tony Bennett in concert.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Riviera Sun jumpsuit, #OOTD
2017 was the year of the jumpsuit -- more specifically, the Riviera Sun jumpsuit! I found this on Amazon for $19 and quickly bought it in seven different colors. I. Am. Obsessed.

AUGUST: AKA MY TRIP TO NYC

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, family, New York City
I went back to New York City for the first time in three years this summer. And on my first day there, I met up with my cousin Sarah, her husband, Bangaly, and their ADORABLE son, Sundiata. Are they the most beautiful family or what?

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, New York City
This guy right here! Nick was my roommate senior year of college (go Hoosiers!) and we've stayed friends ever since. He's working as an RN at one of the major hospitals in NYC, but he still made time to have breakfast one morning -- even though he'd just gotten off a 12-hour shift! I love him to pieces.

2017, 2018, reflection, Shawn Mendes, Illuminate World Tour
I saw Shawn Mendes at Barclays. From row 2. THIS WAS LIFE CHANGING.

2017, 2018, reflection, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, Illuminate World Tour
Oh yeah, and then Ed Sheeran came out to sing "Mercy" with Shawn Mendes. NBD.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Groundhog Day, Broadway, Andy Karl
The main reason for my trip to NYC was to visit my good friend, Felicia. She surprised me to tickets for Groundhog Day because we both love Andy Karl so much!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Riviera Sun Jumpsuit, Times Square, New York City
A reflective moment amidst the hustle and bustle of Times Square.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Orange County
Right after I got back from NYC, my childhood bestie, Danny, was in Orange County for the weekend. I was so grateful for the chance to spend time with him!

2017, 2018, reflection, solar eclipse
Witnessing the solar eclipse! What an incredible moment.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Zuma Beach, Malibu, Riviera Sun jumpsuit
I will never, ever tire of the beach. Right at the end of August, I went to Zuma Beach in Malibu -- and it was the perfect end to the perfect summer.

SEPTEMBER

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Palm Springs, Riviera Palm Springs, ban.do sunglasses
I kicked off September with my first trip to Palm Springs! I spent Labor Day weekend chilling by the pool at the Riviera in these fabulous ban.do sunnies. If you can't tell, I'm pretty sure Palm Springs agreed with me.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, unicorn float
As soon as I got back from Palm Springs, I immediately drove to my friends' house in Corona! Mel and Kyle went to IU with me and we've been friends ever since we worked on the paper together. The fact that they had this huge unicorn float for me to play on just made my Labor Day weekend that much better!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Ouai Wave Spray, Warby Parker sunglasses
This was finally the year that I learned how to let my hair air dry and walk out the door! And it's all thanks to the magic contained inside Ouai Wave Spray. These waves are all natural ... and my life is changed for good!

OCTOBER

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Hamilton, Los Angeles
My mom and brother came to visit for Evan's birthday -- and we finally saw HAMILTON! My friend, Rory O'Malley, plays King George, and we were beyond lucky to have the chance to see him in this role. We were finally in the room where it happens!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Museum of Ice Cream, Los Angeles
Well, of COURSE I had to take my family to the Museum of Ice Cream!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Disneyland
Obviously, we spent a day at Disneyland. Like we would go anywhere else!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Disneyland, Matterhorn
The fires in the Anaheim area turned the sky orange. This was above the Matterhorn around 11:30am -- no filter.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, cousins, Chicago, The Violet Hour
I took a little trip to Chicago to visit my cousin Rachel! This is one truly fantastic person and I'm very grateful she's in my life. We went to drinks at my favorite bar in Chicago, The Violet Hour!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, besties, best friends
My bestie, David, and I got to attend our friend Michael's beautiful wedding in Michigan. This is before we both cried during the vows.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, besties, best friends
The entire wedding weekend was filled with joy and laughter. I'm surrounded here by David, Matty and Michael -- three friends I've had since college and can't even begin to imagine my life without.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Cold Rolled Ice Cream Co., Los Angeles
Trying out yet another ice cream fad -- rolled ice cream! And come on, doesn't this s'Mores ice cream from Cold Rolled Ice Cream Co. make your mouth water?

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, The Ordinary, skincare, skin care, Deciem
It's not every day that you discover the skincare brand to change your life. The moment The Ordinary stepped into mine, I knew nothing would ever be the same. Read all about my reaction to this immediate cult favorite here.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, sunset, Santa Barbara
I did a small photo shoot in Santa Barbara right around sunset, and the photographer and I were both struck by the beauty of the sand catching the light.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Barbie and the Rockers, Halloween costume
Come on Barbie, let's go party! The JustFab creative team went as Barbies for Halloween, complete with this fabulous Barbie box. I was Barbie and the Rockers -- complete with my own stonewashed denim jacket from the 80s! (And this incredible Let's Get Physical wig.)

NOVEMBER

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, On Wednesdays We Wear Pink, Free People sweater dress, #OOTD
I look forward to Wednesdays every week mainly because I get to pull out the old "On Wednesdays we wear pink" quote from Mean Girls. And on this fateful Wednesday in November, the gods certainly smiled upon me as I was caught in my hot pink Free People sweater dress!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Riviera Sun jumpsuit, beach, Santa Barbara, #OOTD, Jake Douglas
As soon as I got the proofs back from my photographer, Jake Douglas, I knew this was a match made in heaven. Jake has a unique way of making you feel comfortable in front of the camera even when you've just met -- and his shots are all beyond beautiful. Check out his Instagram here (and look forward to more collaborations with him in 2018)!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Harry Potter World, Universal Studios
I solemnly swear I am up to no good. (AKA a day spent at Harry Potter World!)

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, LA Original, wall art, street art, Westfield Century City, Los Angeles
The heart wants what it wants ... and my heart wants LA. (And I'm in love with this LA Original wall art at Westfield Century City!)

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Riley Rose, selfie wall
Claire told me I had to visit Riley Rose ... and she was right. This. Store. Is. Everything. And, come on, a selfie wall?!? Who wouldn't love shopping here?

DECEMBER

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, The Happy Place, rubber duck room, Daisy Street
A visit to the Happy Place was the perfect way to start December (and look toward the end of 2017). The rubber duck room just begged for me to get in that tub in my Daisy Street dress!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Katie Masters, Nail Thoughts, nail art, manicure, gel nails, nail polish
When you find an amazing nail artist, you basically bow down and let her work her magic. In the case of my ornament-inspired nails by Katie Masters, this was definitely the case! Check out the full experience here.

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Cabazon Dinosaurs
I finally got to visit the Cabazon dinosaurs! I've been wanting to see these since I first saw the movie The Wizard back in the early 90s. CALIFORNIA!

2017, 2018, reflection, Jamie Allison Sanders, Polished Vino Santa Hats stencils, Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette, Smashbox Full Exposure Eye Shadow Palette, M.A.C Trolls Atlantic Blue eyeshadow, Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Smoldering Satin, Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette
I finished up 2017 with some Polished Vino stencil fun! Every stencil by this brand is so fun and adorable -- and you'd better believe I'll be doing a ton of swatches with them in 2018! (Seen from top: Too Faced Black Currant from the Chocolate Bon Bons Palette, Smashbox M7 from the Full Exposure Eye Shadow Palette, M.A.C Trolls Atlantic Blue eyeshadow, Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Smoldering Satin, Urban Decay Scorched from the Naked Heat Palette)

10 comments:

  1. I think you hit your goal for 2017, you truly look happy in all your photos - you are beaming! <3

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  2. Glad it was a good one for you! Making the move to LA sure was the right thing for you.

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  3. It looks like you had a pretty great year!

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  4. It does look like you have had a fantastic and eventful year. I hope 2018 is just as fab!

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  5. What a fun post. I love seeing all of these pictures. You always look like you have so much fun. I am still shaking my head at 7 of the same jumper though. LOL

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  6. Great photos, looks like you had a fun year!

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  7. Your photos truly depict your authentic happiness. More power in 2018

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  8. What great pictures of all of your most memorable events from 2017! Happy New Year!

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  9. This post makes me so happy to read and relish❤️

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