Some Pretty Great Things Happened in 2016…

Another year is coming to an end and I can’t help but reflect on what an incredible year it was for me and my family. It’s hard for me to put into words what 2016 meant to me. But I’m going to try for all of you πŸ™‚ So in today’s blog post, I am looking back on 2016…

First, I have to say that it kind of bums me out that everyone is referring to 2016 as the worst year ever. Although I have to agree that some not so great (to put it lightly) things happened in 2016. We lost many entertainment icons and we endured a very nasty election. But so many great things happened too!

Even thought it got nasty, the election inspired people all over our country to get more involved and take action. And I felt extremely honored to witness the first ever woman presidential nominee of a major party empower women all around the world. The worlds tiger population grew in 2016 for the first time in YEARS! And it was announced in April that Harriet Tubman will appear on the $20 bill! And my fiancΓ© will be extremely disappointed in me if I don’t mentioned that the Cubs won the World Series this year! Woot woot!

Those are just some of the good things that happened in our world in 2016. Now for the great things that happened in MY world. I became a mommy. Despite all the notable passings in 2016 ( we also lost Kevin’s sweet grandmother who was so very loved), there were some pretty special births in my opinion. My daughter Molly and my niece Blake were born within 10 days of each other and 3 of my closest girlfriends had sweet babies too. 2016 will go down as one of the best years of my life because of Molly. I have learned so much about myself, about sacrifice, and about selflessness.

1. MY DRESS | 2. MY EARRINGS | 3. MOLLY’S DRESS | 4. MY WHITE SCALLOPED SHOES

I put on the wedding dress that I’ll marry the love of my life in this year. Speaking of that incredible man, Kevin and I planned our wedding in 2016 and each day of planning solidified our love and made us hopeful for the future – for our future as husband and wife. My brother Mike got promoted at his job – a promotion he has been waiting on for quite some time and I am so proud of him! Kevin’s brother Ryan got engaged to Kevin’s co-host Jill on his radio show! Growing our family even more. Kevin’s parent’s became grandparents for the very first time. Both our families cried tears of joy when we announced that we were naming our daughter after her late great grandmothers – Molly Fedotowsky and Eva Sullivan (Her full name is Molly Sullivan Manno). Look at that little face in the picture below and how could anyone think 2016 was anything less than incredible!

CLICK HERE FOR MOLLY’S PERSONALIZED DRESS

So asΒ  you can see, 2016 was a beautiful year for me and my family. I will always look back on this year as one of the best of my life. Please join me in sharing all the happy things that happened in YOUR world in 2016 in the comments below! I wanna hear about all the great things in your lives!!!

Here’s to an even better 2017!

xoxo

Luv, Ali

1. MY DRESS | 2. MY EARRINGS | 3. MOLLY’S DRESS | 4. MY WHITE SCALLOPED SHOES

Oh and ifΒ  you still don’t agree that some pretty great things happened in 2016, then I leave you with David S. Pumpkins. I think we can all agree that this is one of the best things to come out of 2016 πŸ˜‰ Happy New Year Everyone!

Cheers to 2017!

SEQUIN TOP

Since this is mainly a fashion blog, I’m posting some of my favorite and MOST affordable looks from 2016 that are still available below. Shop the looks below each photo πŸ™‚

1. GREY DRESS | 2. ARMY GREEN JACKET | 3. MUSHROOM BOOTS | 4. BERRY PURSE | 5. WATCH

1. DRESS (ONLY $18!!!) | 2. BOOTS | 3. SCARF | 4. BRACELETS | 5. GOLD CUFF | 6. CROSSBODY BAG

1. RED DRESS | 2. SPARKLY CLUTCH | 3. GOLD CUFF | 4. EARRINGS | 5. HEELS | 6. NECKLACE | 7. LIP COLOR

1. WHITE LACE DRESS | 2. PINK CLUTCH | 3. BRACELET | 4. EARRINGS | 5. PALE PINK PUMPS

1) DRESS 2) OTK BOOTS 3) EARRINGS 4) RING

Fall Outfit

1) LEGGINGS 2) BLACK TOP 3) SCARF 4) BLACK KNEE-HIGH BOOTS 5) FRINGE BAG 6) TRAVEL MUG 7) RING

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88 Thoughts

88 thoughts on “Some Pretty Great Things Happened in 2016…

  1. I agree ~ so many beautiful things happened in 2016. I became a mommy to my happy, gorgeous baby girl, Blaike. She made us happier than we knew was possible. Great words ❀

  2. My daughter Kailey was born on July 21st, now I can’t imagine my life without her. I would agree 2016 was the best year for me also.

  3. 2016 was an amazing year as well! I have tried for 3 years to pass my math test to become a teacher and I did at the later part of last year passed! Then starting in August I got my dream job teaching 1st grade! In addition, me and my husband have been looking for a house and found our dream one for a steal! I have loved reading and seeing your outfits, you make me excited for motherhood! Thank you!

    1. Congrats on your amazing year! And that’s so wonderful that you are a 1st grade teacher πŸ™‚ Thank you for doing what you do!!! xoxo

  4. I agree with you that 2016 was a great year for me and my family as well! I got engaged on December 23 2015 so I spent the first part of 2016 wedding planning and then married my husband on June 24 2016. We have loved being married?

  5. Hi,
    My husband and I purchased our first home together in Lynnfield, MA. We also welcomed our second baby girl Alexis in May. It was a great year for our family as well. Congrats to you Ali!

  6. 2016 was the most incredible year of my life. My son, Lucas, was born on July 11th and he is the most incredible little human. That baby smile makes my heart melt and every worry (besides constantly worrying about him!) wash away. Being a mother is the best gift. πŸ™‚ Hope you and your family have a great new year!

  7. Best year of our lives! We welcomed our beautiful baby girl in September after struggling with fertility issues. She is the best thing that ever happened to my husband and I!

  8. Our best year as well – my husband and I welcomed our son Austin on July 9th! Here’s to another great year in 2017!

  9. 2016 will go down as the year my husband and I found out and announced we are pregnant! Baby is expected in June and we are so excited! Oh and David S. Pumpkins was a pretty awesome addition to 2016 as well! You just cracked me up as I watched it again. Keep up the great work on your blog, Ali! I’ve been following you for so long and watching you become a mommy makes me feel less nervous about doing it myself! Happy New Year!

    1. Congratulations!!! I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy! Search pregnancy on my blog (search in in right sidebar) to read some of my pregnancy blogs. Hopefully you find them helpful! And thank you for following along on my blog! xoxo

  10. I loved 2016! my husband and I took our first trip just the 2 of us since having our 3 kids… to Ireland ! My first time in europe! I also got to be his plus 1 on 2 work trips ( one to Disney World). We are in such a fun stage w our kids. I had the best celebration for my 30th. My little brother got married and it was such a fun and joy filled day. Hosted the first Thanksgiving in our home AND surprise found out we are expecting ! Go 2016!

  11. My husband and I moved back from Korea last November. Got married in March and proceeded in a marriage visa! He is from Ireland, and this year was tough in terms of family in Ireland and not in the US, and unable to work for several months. However, we pushed through and now he is working and we are FINALLY getting to plan our big wedding next April with all of our family and friends from the US and across the pond! I could not be more grateful of 2016! 2017 has some big shoes to fill!
    Ps. Molly is the cutest!

  12. As for me…the years keep getting better and better. My baby girl turned 3 years old a few days ago, and the love of my life and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. Wow time flies! Even though life has its ups and downs, it truly gets better each day. I am very blessed to be able to open my eyes each and every day to spend time with my loved ones and teach and inspire my 6th grade students. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing your sweet family grow this year. All the best for the upcoming year to you and yours!

  13. 2016 was the best year of my life!! I became a mommy to my darling Norah on June 10th. My husband and I also bought our first home. πŸ™‚ Life has never been sweeter. Can’t wait to see what is in store for 2017!

  14. My oldest daughter, Quinn started kindergarten this year and absolutely loves it and my younger daughter, Riley started preschool and loves it too! My husband and I celebrated 7 years of marriage and we welcomed our first nephew, Thomas on July 5 ?

  15. 2016 for the win! I married the love of my life?, we bought our first home ?, and welcomed our sweet baby boy into the world on July 10 ??. Doesn’t get much better than that! ❀️

  16. In 2016 I moved to Austin TX and, after just over a year of marriage, lived 1,200 miles away from my husband for 6 weeks. We both started new jobs and have made a wonderful life for ourselves in Texas. I traveled to Europe for the first time and best of all… CUBBIES!!!! 2016 has been one of the best yet and I am so excited to see what 2017 will bring.

  17. 2016 has been a crazy year for me! I got engaged, married (best day ever!!) and moved from California to Florida (ahhhh) all this year!! It’s been a whirlwind but an amazing adventure….Molly is gorgeous and I love your blog! Thank you for sharing! Happy New Year!!!

  18. I also became a mommy Sept 3rd to my beautiful son Ryan! I loved following your blog while pregnant knowing I wasn’t the only one feeling certain ways at times! Molly is beautiful, cherish every moment! Happy New Year!

    1. Congrats on your beautiful baby boy! My goal for 2017 is to post more Mommy blogs so keep checking back! Hopefully you like those too! xoxo

  19. 2016 was awesome! The Cubs won the World Series! My husband who worked for a small business that had to shut their doors, got hired by the company that bought them out! We are very grateful for my husband’s job! Harriet Tubman should be on the 20.00 bill. What an amazing woman! Hillary Clinton lost the election. Sorry, but she is corrupt and many of us who are middle class suffered under the current administration’s policies. Trump won the presidency and many of us are more hopeful then ever. Our media lies so we just don’t listen. But you’d think they would have learned their lesson after the election. It’s their loss. America has spoken and obviously we are not as ignorant as they think. I didn’t care for the trash talk with the election as I’m sure many were disgusted with. I’m thankful that part is over.

    Ali, have a Happy New Year with Kevin and Molly!

  20. Hi Ali,

    I also gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, only a week ago. One thing that I love about you/your blog is that yes you became a mom but you still seem to be able to live the life that you had before. I was wondering how do you do it?! Mainly around breastfeeding I guess. Did you ever get the feeling that feeding took over? When did you have your first drink post partum? What does your daily routine look like? I really enjoy reading your stuff and appreciate your input!

    1. I had my first drink within 1 week after I had Molly. I think it was 3 days later actually. I had a half of a dark beer. My doctor recommended it to help my milk come in and it came in THE NIGHT I drank the beer πŸ˜‰ That stuff works I tell ya! I still have one if I feel like my supply is getting low. And you are just a week in (it’s hard so far I know – but isn’t it the best too?!) so I know you will figure out what works for your life! Keep doing the things that you love and made you, you BEFORE you had a baby. It will keep you sane πŸ˜‰ xoxo

      1. Thanks so much. Like I said I have enjoyed following you. I’m also a Massachusetts girl so I have followed you since the bachelor/ette (now I sound stalkerish ?) I am so excited to see how your wedding and marriage unfolds and to see how you handle parenting through it all. It has been an amazing experience for me thus far!

  21. I love this!! I’m grateful for your blog this year for this very reason, you’re honest about the bad but always highlighting the good! Thank you for your positivity! ❀️

  22. 2016 was the best year for me as well! I welcomed my 1st baby girl Brooklyn Paige in August and it has changed my life for the better! I’ve really enjoyed following your blog as you were just slightly ahead of me during pregnancy so your blog was very relatable! I even used one of your dresses for my maternity shoot!

    1. Yes, our babies are so close in age!!! I plan to do more mommy blog posts in 2017 so I hope you like those too!!! I love sharing advice and getting advice from other moms on my blog πŸ™‚

  23. I did lots of traveling in 2016! I visited my cousin in Oklahoma City in February, Iceland in March, Hilton Head in May, family trip to Kentucky Lake in June, and Key West in October! Happy New Year to you and your family! Molly is such a cutie!

    1. That’s so great! Traveling definitely took a beak seat for us this year because of Molly, but I hope to do more in 2017!

  24. 2016 has been the best year for me too! We welcomed our first child, Holly on New Years Day (3 weeks early)! I love following your blog and your amazing little family! Thank you for being you and I hope you all have a very happy New Year!

    1. oh my gosh! So you are about to celebrate her 1 year birthday! So exciting! Will she get a cake? I’m so looking forward to giving Molly her first taste of cake on her 1 year birthday πŸ™‚

  25. Thank you for sharing such precious and intimate parts of your life with us. I appreciate your authenticity and the way you see the beauty in life. 2016 has by far been the best year. My sweet little boy, Everett, made me a mommy in July. It’s amazing how much a little one can change your entire world.

  26. I agree, 2016 was a great year! I had my first baby boy on July 23 and experienced a love that I never knew existed! My relationship with my husband has grown even more after having our child. Being a mom has taught me how to truly be selfless. Going back to work and pumping all so my baby can have the very best milk has been so hard but worth every pump! And nursing him when we are home together has brought us so close. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my son! I also turned 30 last week. It’s funny how I always thought I would be out getting drunk on my 30th but I stayed home with my baby and got extra cuddles and it was perfect! This year has changed me forever <3

    1. Britney, your comment brought happy tears to my eyes! I can relate to everything you wrote. This year has changed me too – into the best version of myself πŸ™‚

  27. I too became a mommy for the 2nd time to an adorable boy named Caden. Definitely different than his sister and has been keeping us on our toes for 10 months….but oh so worth it when he gives us the biggest smile.

  28. I loved your post Ali. I also had a baby in 2016 and for me and my family it was a wonderful year. Happy new year from Brasil. ???

  29. I too became a mom to the most beautiful little girl named Claire Lynne born August 24,2016.
    After years of trying and one miscarriage 2016 is a year I will forever be greatful for.
    Unfortunately the beginning of 2016 we lost Claire’s great grandmother and I can’t help but feel she has become our guardian angel.
    From our family to yours I wish you the best for 2017

  30. 2016 was incredible. My husband got out of the navy 4 days before our daughter was born & he dodged a 9 month deployment, PRAISE GOD! We purchased our first home, we finally live close to family again & not in Japan, however I miss Japan everyday, & my beautiful Emma was born July 6 ❀️ I don’t know how 2017 could top it!

  31. I love reading your blog! Our daughters were born exactly a month apart! Having my sweet Kate made 2016 the best year of my life too!

  32. Love your little family soo much. Molly is the sweetest little thing πŸ™‚

    I was wondering what size of the pink Nordstrom dress you are wearing. I’m normally a size 2, do you find it is true to size?

  33. 2016 hasn’t treated me very well. We were expecting and I was due end of August but ended up having an emergency c-section 12 weeks early and our little guy did not survive …. BUT with that being said 2016 has taught me to fight hard and become a stronger women and put faith in what is meant to be. I WILL get to that point and reading blogs and Instagrams like yours only inspires me more so THANK YOU!! All the best to you and your family in 2017

    1. So sorry to hear this. Your positive outlook on the future is so inspiring though! I truly wish the best for you and your family in 2017! Hugs!

  34. I couldn’t agree more! My son was born Aug 22 and we feel so blessed. The birth of our babies makes life that much more special!

    1. &please keep blogging! Loved having our due dates close together and even ordered that baby shower dress for my own! Love all your Nordstrom sale items too πŸ™‚

  35. Brayley Rose was born 7/1/2016 and me and her daddy got engaged on Christmas Day! 2016 has been a sacred and beautiful year for us and I am so blessed to enter 2017 with the best title, mommy. ❀️❀️❀️

  36. I became a dog mom to my Golden Retriever puppy, Teddy! He’s currently 9 months old and even though he makes me want to pull my hair out, I love him so much. I can’t imagine my life without a big, fluffy fur ball to take care of!

  37. I got married this year to the love of my life and moved into a beautiful home! Looking forward to what 2017 brings- maybe a baby? ? Your posts are always so fun and lighthearted- should serve to all as a reminder that life is beautiful and should be cherished the way you and your family do. Happy New Year!

  38. 2016 was the most fabulous year ever!! My husband and I got baptized together (what an experience that was)! A few months later we got married, had the most beautiful day followed by the most amazing week long honey moon in Punta Cana.. neither one of us had ever been out of the country, and now are ready to travel the world! One of my most sought after dreams came to reality by opening my own online boutique.. The Cactus Pearl :), my first nephew was born in November and he is everything! The holidays as Mr. and Mrs. Are ones to go down in books and my husband just got a promotion to his dream job and we are getting to make the move from Houston, back to all of our friends and family in DFW!! Wow.. I knew it was amazing already, but once you write it out, everything is really put into perspective! We are so incredibly blessed and I’m not sure I’m ready for 2016 to be over actually! I am however so excited to try and make every year as blissful as 2016! Bring it on life!!! So glad to hear so many others found the positive in this year, we owe it all to our Heavenly Father! Amen! I love following you and your beautiful family πŸ™‚

  39. Biggest thing that happened to my family this year was welcoming our son Emerson July 9th 2016! Congrats on becoming a mommy!!

  40. As my hubby slowly loses his vision, we are trying to make many memories for him. We took my first trip to beautiful Maine this year. We are anticipating another unforgettable destination for 2017. He also cherishes his time with our nine grandchildren. Enjoy every moment with your beautiful daughter…she will grow up so fast!?

  41. I just became a mommy a week ago and am loving it! People say it changes your life, and I knew that was true, but experiencing it yourself is totally different! I love him more than I thought possible. πŸ™‚
    One of the biggest changes is wardrobes!! Do you mind sharing where you got that cute breastfeeding friendly hoody you put on your insta story? And maybe a post about other cute and affordable nursing friendly attire? Really struggling to find cute things that still fit my style that are practical, and I go back to work in two months!!
    Thank you!

  42. Hi Ali! Congrats on welcoming your first child into the world!! It’s such an amazing experience! This last year I turned 30 with my twin brother and celebrated my beautiful baby girl’s first birthday! This last year was so fun watching my baby girl become a little lady and becoming her own person! Praying that God continues to bless you, Kevin, and beautiful Molly! Best of luck in the new year as you and Kevin get married and begin the next chapter in your life! Looking forward to seeing your wedding blog!!

  43. Hi ALI!
    Thank you for posting! Just like you, I became a mommy on July 31st! My beautiful Sofia is the most amazing gift I could ever recieve and in many ways I can realte to you and your blogs on motherhood! 2016 has been amazing! But I am so looking forward to 2017 to witness Sofia’s first crawl, walk and real word just like you with precious Molly! Bless!

  44. Ali, thanks so much for the recommendation for the Mushroom Sole Society boots! Got them for Christmas because I love the look in all your photos and wanted to tell you I love them!!

  45. Happy New Year Ali! I love your blog and I agree that 2016 has been a great year. We welcomed our daughter Gianna on July1st. I hope 2017 brings lots of happiness to you and your family!

  46. Hello Ali! Been watching/following you since the bachelor!!

    2016 was full of ups and downs for our family! I brought my 2nd and final baby into the world on June 29th. Brielle Susan is her name and her big brother Jase Edward adores her! I lost some family members this year who were special to us. It did not end so well with some cancer diagnoses with my husbands aunt who is 39 and also my brother who is also 39, but we will be there to support them. Looking forward to see what 2017 brings my little family.

  47. What camera did you end up buying in 2016 ☺️ I need to take great photos of my baby girl who was born in April – Eliza, and her big brother Adam!

  48. How are things going with mollys sleep??? I’m struggling over here with a six month old… I have no idea if it’s from teething or what… is she still in your room? Ours is still in pack n play by our bed and we feel like maybe it’s time. I have no clue what to do! We started solids too and seems like her sleep has gotten worse. I was just wondering if you have done anything different!! We even started doing a meal of veggies in daytime, rice cereal in evening and A bottle before bed instead of nursing and it seems like nothing’s helping πŸ™ XO from another tired mom

  49. 2016 has been an awesome year! I am an optimistic person and always look for the good in everyone. I am looking forward to 2017 being a fantastic year too! I admire your positive outlook, Ali! Molly is the cutest baby ever! You have a beautiful family and I’m so happy for you! I love your blogs too!

  50. Happy New Year to Ali and all her Ali Luvs fans! I became an aunt this year when my nephew Leo was born in May. He is my favorite person in the world. During a difficult year, he has been such a great reminder of the most important thing in life: love.

    I love your baby posts, Ali, and am so happy for you and your family. Here’s to a fabulous 2017, blog friends!

  51. Hi Ali!
    So I know this is an old post but I actually purchased that pink long sleeve dress after I saw you in it a few months ago. I’m wearing it to a wedding on Saturday, the front of the dress has that keyhole and every bra I wear a with it peeks through….can I ask what you did to avoid this? Thanks!
    Trying to keep it classy,
    Kate πŸ˜‰

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