As I sit here on January 3rd, 2025, writing this post, I can’t help but reflect on a conversation I had with my fiancé about our favorite moments from 2024. What started as a casual discussion turned into an hour-long trip down memory lane, each memory outshining the last. It became clear—2024 was one of our best years yet. We traveled the world, advanced our careers, and ended the year engaged! It feels fitting to finally start this blog, a long-standing New Year’s resolution, by recapping a year so full of life. So, let’s dive into my 2024 “Wrapped.”
January: Kicking Off with Tradition
We kicked off the year with our annual trip to my parents’ place in Florida, a cherished tradition that began during the pandemic. There’s something undeniably magical about ringing in the New Year with the sound of waves crashing and our toes buried in warm sand. The days were blissfully slow and sun-soaked. We played rounds of golf under clear blue skies, got lost in the pages of countless books, and took our dogs on endless beach walks, their tails wagging with joy at every step.
Each afternoon, we lounged by the pool, letting the Florida sunshine melt away the stress of the past year. It was during these moments that we pulled out notebooks and began planning our year ahead, mapping out adventures, trips, and the cities we couldn’t wait to explore. The excitement for what was to come made the days feel even more special.
But, as all good things do, the week flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to pack up and head back to New York. The transition from sandy beaches to snowy streets was stark, but we embraced it fully. Winter in New York brought its own joys: weekends spent skiing down powdery slopes, building intricate LEGO creations that brought out our inner kids, and braving the chill of our ice baths, a bold New Year’s resolution that we were determined to stick with.
The start of 2024 was a perfect blend of relaxation, reflection, and excitement for the year ahead—a reminder of how important it is to start the year with intention and joy.
February: London Adventures
Valentine’s Day took us across the Atlantic for a 10-day adventure in London, a trip that became one of the most unforgettable highlights of the year. My fiancé and I arrived a few days ahead of my siblings to make the most of our time, starting with a Noah Kahan concert at OVO Arena- Wembley. The music, the energy, and the iconic venue made it a night to remember. After leaving Wembley and heading into the city we dove headfirst into our shared passion for soccer, attending not one but two thrilling women’s matches: Chelsea vs. Manchester City and Arsenal vs. Manchester United. The latter, held at the iconic Emirates Stadium, drew a record-breaking crowd of 60,160 fans. The energy in the stadium was electric as fans cheered on two of the top teams in women’s soccer—it was a moment that gave us chills and one we’ll never forget.
When my siblings joined us later in the week, we switched gears to explore the city in depth. We marveled at the panoramic views from The Shard, strolled along the Tower Bridge, and immersed ourselves in London’s arts and culture scene by attending several plays in the West End. Each performance was a testament to the city’s vibrant theater scene, leaving us inspired and in awe.
Of course, no trip to London would be complete without indulging in its classic culinary staples. We devoured Sausage Rolls, Fish and Chips, and Sultana Scones that satisfied both our taste buds and our souls. But the most heartwarming moment of the trip came when we took the train to Ipswich to surprise my grandmother. The joy on her face when we walked in was priceless, and we spent the day reminiscing, sharing stories, and filling her in on everything happening in our lives. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of family and how special it is to create moments like these.
Our time in London was packed with excitement, exploration, and meaningful connections. It flew by far too quickly, but every moment felt like magic. As we boarded our Jetblue flight back to the States, we carried with us memories that will last a lifetime.
March: Chicago & Music Magic
Returning to the States, we headed to Chicago for a long weekend that combined music, exploration, and indulgence. The trip revolved around a Chelsea Cutler concert, a special gift from my parents, who surprised us with meet-and-greet tickets. Since we’d missed her New York show while traveling, we decided to make the most of it by turning the concert into a mini-vacation.
Chicago welcomed us with its vibrant energy and iconic skyline. We started our adventure by visiting the Willis Tower, where stepping out onto the glass-floor Skydeck gave us an exhilarating view of the city below—equal parts awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking. We strolled along Navy Pier, the chilly breeze from Lake Michigan keeping us alert as we admired the city from the ferris wheel. And, of course, no trip to Chicago would be complete without diving into its famous deep-dish pizza. Each slice was pure indulgence, and we happily ate our way through the city’s best offerings.
The month wrapped up back in New York with some family fun. We cheered for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, soaking up the electric atmosphere that only New York sports can offer. A few days later, we celebrated our niece’s fifth birthday, complete with an Encanto-themed party.
Spring Celebrations: Birthdays & Travels
April was a month of celebration and adventure, starting with my fiancé’s 28th birthday. To mark the occasion, I planned a cozy getaway to an A-frame cabin in the Hudson Valley, nestled right on the edge of a tranquil lake. The days were peaceful and slow, filled with long walks with our dogs, the stillness of the water, and the crisp spring air. In the evenings, we curled up by the fireplace and cheered on the NCAA Women’s Final Four, reveling in the excitement of the games. The weekend was a perfect balance of relaxation and celebration.
Later in April, we flew to San Diego for my fiancé’s work trip, where I got to explore the beauty of the West Coast. Each day felt like a dream—spotting playful dolphins dancing in the waves, watching seals bask in the sun, and ending every evening with breathtaking beach sunsets. One evening, my fiancé surprised me with an early birthday gift: tickets to see the San Diego Wave take on Bay FC at Snapdragon Stadium. Sitting among passionate fans and watching the thrilling match was the highlight of my trip.
May, my birthday month, was equally special. Wanting a laid-back celebration, I opted for a day of relaxation and fun. We started with rejuvenating massages and ended with an exciting evening at Dave & Buster’s, where we played games, enjoyed drinks, and embraced a carefree spirit. The rest of the month was filled with unforgettable moments—concerts that left us singing our hearts out, mouthwatering street tacos, and more soccer. A highlight was watching Gotham FC’s thrilling 90th-minute victory over the Chicago Red Stars on a sweltering day. The energy in the stadium was electric, and Ella Stephens’ game-winning goal had the crowd roaring in celebration.
Summer: Soccer, Sun, and Special Moments
June was a month bursting with excitement and celebration. It kicked off with Gotham FC’s Pride match against Angel City FC at Red Bull Arena. The stadium was awash in vibrant rainbow flags, and the energy was palpable. Fans from all walks of life came together to celebrate love, inclusivity, and the beautiful game. We cheered until our voices were hoarse as the teams battled it out on the field. The sense of community and unity was truly inspiring.
The month concluded with a heartfelt and intimate beach wedding in Rhode Island for my fiancé’s mom. The ceremony took place at sunset, with the sky painted in hues of pink and orange. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop as they exchanged vows. We danced barefoot in the sand under a canopy of stars, the ocean breeze carrying laughter and the soft strumming of acoustic guitars. It was a magical evening filled with love, joy, and the beginning of new chapters.
July was all about embracing the warmth and joy of summer. We joined my fiancé’s mom and her husband for a quick getaway to my parents’ place in Florida. Days were spent lounging on sun-drenched beaches, building sandcastles, and taking refreshing dips in the ocean. Evenings were reserved for family dinners filled with storytelling and hearty laughter. Upon returning to New York, we indulged in local delights—attending a bustling carnival, where the scent of funnel cakes filled the air and the bright lights of the Ferris wheel illuminated the night sky. The highlight of the month was attending a Hozier concert at Bethel Woods. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, the venue was breathtaking. We tailgated before the show, enjoying a picnic spread as we watched the sun set. Hozier’s soulful melodies echoed through the open air, creating an unforgettable experience that resonated with everyone present.
August brought even more unforgettable moments. We surprised my mom with tickets to watch Chelsea Women take on Gotham FC in a special Champions Tour match. Seeing her face light up at the sight of Chelsea’s Barclays WSL trophy was priceless—a heartwarming nod to her English soccer roots. The following weekend, we ventured to Washington, DC, for an epic double-header soccer weekend, where we cheered for both the Washington Spirit and two European powerhouses, Arsenal and Chelsea. The excitement of the games was matched only by the awe of exploring DC for the first time, taking in its iconic monuments and vibrant history. We ended August with a trip to Boston to visit family and attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. As a proud New Yorker, walking into enemy territory was bittersweet, but the charm of Fenway and the electric atmosphere made it a memorable experience—even if the Red Sox weren’t exactly having their best season!
Fall: Weddings, Playoffs, and Spooky Adventures
September stayed local with concerts and a Connecticut Sun basketball game. October began with a wedding in Philly, where we also explored the city’s landmarks, devoured cheesesteaks, and braved Halloween Horror Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary. Back in New York, we cheered on the Liberty in the WNBA finals—a thrilling game that ended with a 14-point win.
In mid October, we drove to Salem, MA, for our annual spooky trip. We enjoyed dinner and drinks at our favorite restaurant, Ledger, and spent time soaking in the charming, festive atmosphere of the town. Salem never fails to get us into the Halloween spirit. We returned home just in time to watch the WNBA Finals from the comfort of our couch, where the New York Liberty took home the championship! As a proud New Yorker, it was an unforgettable moment.
Before the concert, we spent a magical afternoon wandering through Bryant Park’s Winter Village, where the festive lights and bustling holiday markets created an enchanting scene. We indulged in hot chocolate and sampled treats from the vendors, letting the holiday spirit carry us into the evening. Thanksgiving followed, and we cherished the time spent with family—catching up, sharing stories, and feasting on delicious food.
Back to London: A Proposal and a Perfect Ending
Black Friday marked the beginning of one of the most memorable weeks of my life. We boarded a flight back to London, a city that holds a special place in our hearts. The week was packed with excitement: we cheered on the USWNT as they faced the Lionesses at Wembley, spent quality time with family for the holidays, and had a life-changing moment—I proposed to my partner.
On a rainy afternoon, we found ourselves strolling through the serene paths of St. James’s Park. The rain softly drizzled as we reached the pond where pelicans gathered, their graceful movements mirrored in the water. With my heart pounding, I turned to her and asked the question that had been on my mind for months. She said yes! The overwhelming joy of that moment will stay with me forever. We spent the rest of the trip celebrating, raising too many glasses of champagne, and soaking in the magic of being newly engaged in our favorite city.
When we returned to the States, our loved ones greeted us with celebrations of our engagement, their warmth making the joy of the moment even sweeter. As the year came to a close, we boarded our final flight of 2024 and returned to Florida for our traditional New Year’s getaway. Here, by the pool, I’m writing this reflection, filled with gratitude for a year that surpassed all expectations.
Here’s to 2025—may it bring even half the adventure, growth, and love that 2024 did!