Reflecting on 2017

UPDATE: Some of you mentioned  in the comments below that I forgot to mention that I got MARRIED in 2017! Ha! So true! Kevin and I got married in March. I just is feels like we have been married for so much longer than that so I totally didn’t even realize that happened THIS year! Wow, this really was a great year for us 🙂

I can’t believe that 2017 is almost over. It’s been an interesting year in the world to say the least. Certainly lots of hardships and tragedies, with beautiful moments sprinkled in along the way. So I thought I’d take this opportunity on the blog today to reminisce about some of my favorite moments from the past year.

One of the most special moments for us of 2017 was finding out we are pregnant with our second child! I continually have to pinch myself just to realize that this life I have is truly mine. I feel so grateful to have a husband who loves me and who is my best friend, a little girl that is just one of the happiest little babies in the whole world, the sweetest little dog on the planet and another baby on the way to complete our family. I’m feeling pretty good in my pregnancy right now. I wish I could say I feel great but this one has been a bit different than my first pregnancy. I don’t know if I would say it’s been harder, but it certainly has been different so far. The first trimester was the most difficult and I thought I’d be in the clear from the negative pregnancy side effects in my second trimester. However, I am a little over 18 weeks and unfortunately I’ve just been feeling very dizzy and faint. I felt that with my first pregnancy too, but it’s certainly more extreme this time and more frequent. So as much I’d love to say that I’m feeling great during my second trimester, that’s just not the case. However, I don’t really look at it as a huge negative since I just feel super grateful that I’m pregnant and get to bring another beautiful baby into this world. I will never lose sight of how fortunate we are for that.

Another huge thing that happened for us in 2017 was selling our home. It’s been extremely bitter sweet for us since this home has meant so much to us and had such a huge impact on our lives. This is not only our first home together, but this is the house that Kevin proposed to me in, the house we brought Molly home to, the house we came home married in and the home we found out we are pregnant with our second child in. It’s crazy to think that when we moved in here 2 1/2 years ago we were just two people dating without a care in the world! Now we’re married, have one beautiful baby and another on the way. We definitely feel like grownups now! Ha!

1. EARRINGS | 2. SWEATER | 3. CLUTCH | 4. STUDDED HEELS

5. MOLLY’S BOW | 6. MOLLY’S COAT | 7. MOLLY’S KNEE HIGH SOCKS | 8. MOLLY’S BOOTS

We also feel extremely fortunate that we found a new home and we are set to close escrow any day now! It’s been a long journey, but we’re super excited to say that it looks like we might be all moved into our new home by mid-January! I am so pumped to be teaming up with Veronica Valencia and her husband Kris to design our new home. Which means, get ready for lots of fun and pretty home content coming to my blog soon! I’m so excited to share with all of you so I hope you guys love what we create!

Speaking of my blog, I’m so proud of how far my blog has come and the community we have created. When I say “we,” I mean you guys and myself! I create all the content for my blog, write every word on every page, and respond to almost every single comment myself! And I’m pretty dang proud of that! So know that when I respond to a comment you leave on here, know that it’s actually me! Not an assistant, not a colleague, but me responding to you guys because I’m so grateful for each and everyone one of you! All that said, I have to give a shout out to the only person that works with me and that’s my friend Ashley who is my amazing photographer! I’m so lucky to work with her and excited to see the things we capture in 2018!

And if you’ve been reading my blog regularly, you know that I can’t go without sharing details on my outfit in these pictures! That is what I do after all! First, did you guys know it’s the Nordstrom half yearly sale right now? You definitely want to check out all their sale items ASAP since it only goes from now until January 2nd. I’m sharing some of my favorite items from the sale below. Starting with a $29 sweater and $37 peacoat!

And now for my outfit. How gorgeous is this embroidered knit sweater? It’s so soft and flattering and I absolutely love the sleeves! It’s an easy sweater to dress up or down depending on the occasion.

1. EARRINGS | 2. SWEATER | 3. CLUTCH | 4. STUDDED HEELS

5. MOLLY’S BOW | 6. MOLLY’S COAT | 7. MOLLY’S KNEE HIGH SOCKS | 8. MOLLY’S BOOTS

I dressed the sweater up a little bit in these photos with a pair of blush statement earrings, a gorgeous clutch and a pair of studded pumps! The clutch and heels are both from Sole Society – one of my favorite brands of 2017 which will certainly be a favorite in 2018 as well! What I love most about the shoes (besides how gorgeous they are!) is the price! They are under $70 and pretty much an exact replica of the Valentino version which are closer to $1000. I’ve had the shoes for over a year now and they keep restocking them on their website because they’re such a huge hit! The reason being, they’re absolutely stunning, can be worn with dresses and jeans, are so well-made that they last and are really comfortable. I know you guys are gonna love them! And if you’re a first-time customer on Sole Society’s website you can get 15 percent off FYI!

And of course I can’t go without giving details on Molly‘s outfit! Her bow is from a super cute small business shop on Etsy called Rose’s and Polka Dots, her coat is 40% off with code WISH and her adorable boots are only $18! She legit wears these boots almost every single day. I’m just in love with them! Her knee-high socks are also a favorite of mine!

I know so much more happened in 2017, but let’s face it I’m pregnant and can blame my lack of remembering on pregnancy brain! Ha! I’m glad that the things that stick out to me are the super happy moments. I hope the same goes for all of you. Tell me your favorite moment of 2017 in the comments below! I would love to hear about all the wonderful things in YOUR life!

1. EARRINGS | 2. SWEATER | 3. CLUTCH | 4. STUDDED HEELS

5. MOLLY’S BOW | 6. MOLLY’S COAT | 7. MOLLY’S KNEE HIGH SOCKS | 8. MOLLY’S BOOTS

42 Thoughts

42 thoughts on “Reflecting on 2017

    1. I just read your comment to Kevin and we laughed out loud! Ha! Yes, we got married in Mach! I can’t believe I didn’t write about that. To give me a little credit, I did mention it in the part about our house 😉 hehe.

  1. My husband and I just found out we were expecting baby #2 last week! I first came across your blog when you were about 26 weeks pregnant with Molly and I was around 16 weeks pregnant so I look forward to relating in that way again. Sending lots of love and prayers to you and your family!

    Ayssa

      1. Almost exactly two years apart! Our first girl was born September 23, 2016 and although we don’t have a due date for #2 yet, it’s looking like mid to late August! Thank you! 🙂

  2. Hey Ali, things have a way of working out, not to be trite, but it’s true. You’ll always have memories or your 1st home but now you’ll establish more memories in home #2 w/child #2 and Molly ‘helping’ with baby. So look ahead. I still have memories of my sons growing up and still once in awhile drive by home……I enjoy your photos of family, they make me smile and nowadays I’ll take them. Take care & Best wishes to your family

  3. Hi Ali
    I appreciate that you answer our comments yourself….I always thought you did. ☺
    Your memory is great & so is Ashley….she takes amazing shots of you & your family.
    Wishing you all many new memories in your new home & a happy year in 2018!
    Hugs

    1. Yup. It’s ALWAYS me! Both on social media and on here! Although I try to respond to EVERYONE on here since it’s such a personal space for me 😉

  4. Congratulations on all your blessings, and your pregnancy! You have always been my favorite Bachelorette, and am so happy for the joy in your life.

    My favorite moment of 2017 was my son Bennett’s first day as a senior in high school. You see, a week after his 4th birthday, he had a seizure and was diagnosed w/a stage 4 cancerous brain tumor. Surgery removed the golf ball sized tumor, but he was only given 3 months to live. A very long story short… Without radiation or chemo, Jesus healed my baby …. and Bennett is a miracle in the flesh! To have him reach milestones…. celebrating his 17th birthday, getting his driver’s license, watching him perform in high school musicals, and bowling a 279, we are incredibly humbled by the blessings we have received and we take nothing for granted. Each day we are given with our loved ones is truly a gift from God. Wishing you all the best in 2018!

    1. Wow! That is truly incredible! Such a wonderful recovery! I am sure that EVERY milestone means so much to you! Thank you for sharing luv!

  5. Great post! Sometimes the good stuff is overshadowed by the bad stuff, so it’s nice to read about the positive! We lost my brother in law to brain cancer this year. He was only 48, lead a healthy life and was a firefighter for 28 years. My 19 year old son was struggling to find direction in his life, soon after his uncle passed away he decided to become a firefighter. He wants to follow in his uncles footsteps, he’s currently training at the FF academy and will graduate in April. In the midst of tragedy, we were able to find something positive. Miss my brother in law everyday, but his legacy will live on! Happy New Year!

  6. Congratulations on a wonderful year for your little family, love hearing all the pregnancy updates as my husband and I (married in May of this year!), are planning on trying in the coming year😘

  7. Fun post!!Thanks for sharing!! My favorite memories of 2017 was moving into our new home and most notably, giving birth to our fourth child! We are so thankful!

  8. Congratulations on your new home and baby number 2!!

    We welcomed baby boy number 2 in September this year. He has made our family complete! Our older son is 2 and is an awesome big brother! It will be so fun to watch Molly become a big sister! ❤️

  9. I am dying to start seeing what you do in your new home! I know you need to maintain some privacy, but we want to see E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!! I was bummed I missed your Insta-story (I think) with a brief glimpse of your new house. I was multi-tasking and just caught the very end! All the best in the new year to you, Kevin, Molly and your new baby (and, of course, Owen)!

  10. Hi Ali! I really enjoying reading your blog and following your mom journey. I don’t read any other blogs or follow any other celebrity so that should tell you how much I enjoy your content and authenticity! I constantly submit you as a potential influencer for the brands I work for!!! Maybe someday we can work together!

    Congrats on a great year! 2018 has big shoes to fill! 😉

  11. Hello Ali,

    Love reading your blog and watching your little Molly grow, Owen, Kevin, etc. what an exciting year. Congrats on baby #2. Our year was filled with celebrating our twin daughters graduating from college, the birth of a new great-niece (giving away my age..ha ha) and being blessed to still have most our family members here with us. Cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store. Happy New Year to you and your family!!

  12. Always love your blog and your daughter is exactly a month older than ours, so it’s really fun to see what we can look forward to. Do you think you’ll have any more kids after this little babe? You say “to complete your family” so wondered if that meant you guys will be good with a fam of 4 :). Thinking the same for us and just curious!

  13. I think the second pregnancy is almost always harder as you can never catch up running after another child!!! Ha ha! The great news is after the birth it’s almost always easier as you’ve been there before with a newborn! The first you breastfeed a newborn all propped up, the second you breastfeed in one hand while playing blocks with the older one 😜😜

  14. My husband and I got married in April of this year, celebrated 14 (yes 14!) other friends getting married in 2017, moved into our first home together, celebrated a bff having her first baby girl, and both had a successful year in our careers!! Love how positive your blog posts are, such a shining light in the world!! Happy New Year!

  15. I gave birth to my first baby (girl!) in February this year and it’s been the most amazing year ever! Becoming a mom has literally been the highlight of my life. Also are these pictures taken in front of the LA LDS temple?!

  16. I could not be happier for you Ali! I loved watching you grow on the B series. I’m so glad to see you have a loving husband and a beautiful growing family. I love reading your blog’s.

    2017 was bittersweet for me. I’m truly blessed with 2 teenage boys and a wonderful partner. I lost my younger brother in 2017. Just a few months ago. I had 3 brothers and have lost them all in the course of 4 years. I believe God needed them and is still working in my life to show me the way.

    God Bless!

  17. Love your year! I’m so excited for you and your family to be expecting another baby! I have a little girl who is 15 months so I love following along in your mom journey, it’s so nice to see someone else facing some of the same things! Thanks for sharing and encouraging a first time mom! 💕💕

  18. Ali,

    I love your blog. Your family is to cute!!
    I am 14 weeks pregnant with my second child. I remembered your blog about the baby kicking. I felt it this week. I thought it was something else but it kept happening. It is a great feeling 🙂

    Everyone is right you will make new memories in your new house 🙂
    We are also moving from my house that I bought almost 4 years ago. It was the same house Jason proposed to me.

    I hope you and your family have a very Happy New Year ❤️

  19. just wanna wish you an awesome 2018…with lots of love,luck,health…stay the same..i love reading your blog..
    i m one of those ladies that struggles on getting pregnant…it took so much pressure on my husband and me that we actually broke up because of all that…
    so be grateful for what you have….
    take care..
    hugs from the other side of the globe over to you,ali..
    HI from Hamburg,germany…
    all the best….milli

  20. I will never forget July 29th, 2017 when I woke up with a nagging feeling telling me I should pee on a stick; then pee on several more just to make sure. And then freak out with my husband before texting my best friend “well I peed on the stick and it came back positive, now what?!??” On July 31st an ultrasound confirmed I was 6 weeks into a very low risk pregnancy. I’m inching my way into week 28 with baby boy due 3/27/18. He’s always moving and I love him so much already. THAT was my 2017 highlight, with 2018 to bring so many more. ,

  21. Hi Ali!

    Congrats on all the blessings of 2017! Can’t wait to see pics of your new house and to see all yhthe wonderful things 2018 has in store?

    Are you wearing maternity jeans in our pics? If so where did you get them? I just hit my second trimester with my first baby and I think it’s time to break down and buy a new pair of maternity jeans. Thanks so much!!

    Lanie

  22. Hi Ali! I sent you a message recently! I know your so busy! Your such a light and inspiration! Thank you for sharing. I seriously look forward to your blog posts! Your so down to earth and sweet. You have such a beautiful family! I hope you have a happy New Year! And start feeling better! Best of wishes to your family!
    😘

  23. Please please PLEASE share everything you feel comfortable with sharing of your new home when y’all are moving in!! I love your taste and am so excited to see what you do with a new house! I am a college student right now but have always kept up with you since you were on the bachelor. Thank you for always remaning so genuine and down to earth!

  24. I’d say you have had a great 2017. Mine has been amazing as well. I got married March 4th, 2017 and we are expecting our first baby June 3rd, 2018. I’m so excited to be pregnant at the same time as you so I can follow any maternity clothes blogs you post and pregnancy updates. Can’t wait to see thit new house!

  25. Hi, Ali!

    Congrats on an amazing year! Been rooting for you since the Bachelor days! Nice to see you found your happy ending:)

    Congrats to you on your pregnancy! I just found out this week that we are expecting baby number 2 as well! We’re excited, but trying to remember how early it still really is tho, too. My son is about to be 7 so our kids will be around 7 1/2 Years apart! Crazy I know, BUT it’s whats worked for our family. I feel like I forgot everything because it’s been so long! I don’t even know what prenatal + dha brand to use. There’s so many now. What has worked for you?

    Thanks! Take care!

  26. Congrats on the newest addition to your family – coming soon!

    I have to admit that I’ve never watched the Bachelor or Bachelorette but I just LOVE your blog and Instagram! For a few years, I’ve been toying with the idea of starting my own blog and I FINALLY did it! Instead of continuing to doubt myself or letting my fear of not being a good blogger hold me back, I went for it. While it’s still new, it’s been very rewarding for me personally and definitely the thing I’m most proud of from 2017. Thank you for being a part of a blogging community that made me feel comfortable taking the leap 🙂

    Happy New Year to you and your family!

  27. My highlight of 2017 to pick one thing was that I was certified as a children and family law public defender for children requiring assistance. These are children who run away or who are truant. I defend the child in court and assist him/her obtain whatever he/she wants for her life to move forward. 😘

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