WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: SUNSETS, LAURITA WINERY, ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING & MORE

All images by Liesl Ehardt via my iPhone 5s and Instagram.

LIFE: 2015 IN REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS, FAREWELL TO A TOUGH YEAR

Happy Last Day of 2015!

Truth be told, this year began on a low note, which seemed to ring throughout the year.  I hit some of the lowest points I've hit in my life thus far and am, therefore, not too sad to say farewell to 2015.

That said, I did my best to sport a smile daily, stay positive and stay aware of just how fortunate I am despite a very tough year personally.  After all, it is times like this which make you stronger and allow you to better appreciate the good times...they are necessary. 

I want to send a heartfelt thank you to my incredible family and friends who got me get through this year, as always.  Their love and support alone makes my life quite full and for that I am forever thankful!

Also, thank you to each of you in blogland for your continued support and patience over this past year, it means far more than you may every know, and I am looking forward to the year ahead with each of you right here.  

Wishing each of you a safe and very Happy and Healthy New Year 2016 filled with adventure, love and a few pleasant surprises.  Here's to a magical 365 days ahead!

Until next year, I'll leave you with a look back on some of the highlights from the past year that come with the hope of a brighter 2016! ★ 

Featured Song: "Waiting For Love" by Avicii
Video: Created and edited using Filpagram, posted on my Instagram and uploaded to share here on my blog via Vimeo.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: QUICK LIFE CATCH-UP IN PICTURES

All images by Liesl Ehardt via my Instagram and taken on my iPhone 5s.

LIFE: SWEET PINK 'SUGAR AND PLUMM' BIRTHDAY BRUNCH AND TRUE FRIENDSHIP

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Wanted to check-in and see how everyone in blogland is doing.  

I'm still sorting through life, and figuring out what my next steps will be.  Thankfully, I'm not doing this alone, but with the guidance and support of my incredible family and close friends.

I try my best to always look on the bright side, sometimes to a fault or to the annoyance of those around me, but it is a part of who I am.  That said, sometimes the clouds roll in, which makes seeing the sunshine I always look for a little harder, but yet, I know it is there.  

On Saturday, a glimmer of light came through while celebrating one of my best friend's birthdays over a glamorous brunch uptown at Sugar and Plumm with a very fitting pink and sparkle-tastic dress code.  

She and I have been friends since childhood, and she truly knows how to live life to the fullest while spreading happiness and positivity everywhere she goes.  She is a true inspiration and the world is, without a doubt, a brighter and better place because she is in it.

The best part is that she, and our circle of friends, have known each other since youth and are all still great friends today, which means we all get to see each other, catchup and celebrate together.  It is so special to have these types of bonds and relationships that last a lifetime.

Below are some of the pictures from her sweet pink birthday celebration!  I'll be back as soon as I can and hope you are all having a Wonderful Week so far!

LIFE: 2015 NEW YORK CITY BLIZZARD FUN IN TIMES SQUARE

Happy Tuesday, Bogland!

Needless to say, life has been quite hectic lately as we prepare for The Knickerbocker, a legendary New York City landmark, to be reborn at the crossroads of the world.  It will open its doors for the first time since John Jacob Astor opened it in 1906 and having closed in 1921 after his death on the Titanic. 

In other news, as some of you may have seen, a blizzard swept over the Northeast coast Monday evening well into today, which made for an early dismissal from work at noon on Monday and snow day off today.

Prior to them shutting down NYC transportation and putting the mandatory curfew into effect, Marvelous Merri, a co-worker who has quickly become a forever friend, and I took to Times Square and ran around like giddy children.  

There was no shortage of laughing, dancing, singing, goofiness and all around good times.  Above all else, it is hard to put into words how nice it was to leave life at the door, so to speak, and simply forget responsibilities, troubles, anxieties and more for a bit.

Heading to bed early tonight, as it is back to business and real life tomorrow.  Hope all of you on the east coast survived the storm.  I'd love to hear your stories and see your pictures in the comments below.

I'll try to be back here more frequently as soon as I can.  Thank you in advance for your patience and sticking with me over the years.  Big hugs!

All images and video by Liesl Ehardt and my Instagram.