My 2019 might look quite like my 2018 but it’s largely because I copy pasted the best elements of that year into this. 2018 brought much joy so why not try and do as much of it as I could in 2019 (and may be 2020 also!).

(YOU CAN READ VER 2019, VER 2018, VER 2017, VER 2016, VER 2015 AND VER 2014 HERE).

We completed our #tenniversary celebrations in early 2019 by travelling to some amazing places in Bosnia and Croatia.

A Quick Getaway to Bosnia & Herzegovina #tenniversary Part-3

#tenniversary Part-4 Croatia and Zagreb during Advent

On that note- we discovered some new places like Kenya, the Philippines and Nashik and rediscovered old goldies like Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvCCorbAjue/?igshid=e7d0zg3742ao

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The best part about visiting a city you’ve been to a million times is not only reliving some of your favourite memories but also the joy of experiencing smallest of new things. . This trip to Jodhpur has been a revelation. From the ‘heritage’ walk into the narrow bylanes of ghantaghar to getting to feed local delicacies to the husband and family I’ve grown up eating myself via the food walk. . A special thank you to @thrillophilia for curating the fascinating walks for us and Rishi from @yotours_jaisalmer for guiding us through it and putting up with my idiosyncrasies. . We ended the day we a sweet date night on a rooftop. I am so ready for Day 3! . . . ootd #wiw #wiwt #potd #lotd #sotd #jotd #comfychic #streetstyle #cbstreetstyle #streetstyleluxe #aboutalook #fashionblogger #ahmedabad #ahmedabadblogger #travelblogger #coupletraveller #incredibleindia #jodhpur #rangeelorajasthan #padharomharedes

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Dec 29, 2019 at 7:40pm PST

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Boracay has been voted on of the best beach destinations in the world several times over. It's frequented by tourists from across the world in hordes throughout the year and is a preferred location both for honeymooners and family time. . So, what would make the government close down the island for a full 6 months resulting in loss of revenue amounting to billions of dollars and livelihood of many people? The reason was what ails most popular beach destinations- pollution and environmental issues. The President took such a tough stance because "Boracay needed to breathe". The rehabilitation was successful and we could see its effects on our visit there- crystal clear waters and powdery soft white sand- in all their glory. Several non compliant entities were closed down and the island now takes pride in keeping their beaches clean. No food or drinks are served on the beach and you wouldn't find anyone giving you disposable plastics. Sometimes visible change needs tough actions. Do you think we can implement the same in India? . . . #iyturns5 #boracay #boracayisland #philippines #manila #philippines2019 #coastboracay #whitebeach #traveltheworld #wanderlust #cbwanderlust #travel #travelbug #coupletraveller #babytraveller #mommytraveller #beachdestination #sustainability #greenworld #globalwarming

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Oct 2, 2019 at 5:01am PDT

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Planning a trip to Kenya- Hakuna Matata 😉

Weekend Getaway to Nashik

Boracay, why!? (I promise you it rhymes 🙂 )

Planning a Trip to The Philippines- When, How and Why?

2019 was my personal best in terms of the number of books I read- a whopping 56! Check out my top 7 for 2019 here. The best part about this was me trying and getting out of my comfort zone. I read books, genres and authors I had never read before. Some even took a couple of readings before I could make any sense out of them.

#100DayChalleng – @closetbuddies

See Instagram ‘#100DayChalleng’ highlights from Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies)

Iy and I went on a #mommybabytrip to Switzerland and it was the most fun we’ve ever had! You can check out some of it here.

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If I had to sum up our #mommybabytrip in a few words I would say it was an excellent bonding experience. We realized we connect with each other on many levels (and also get on each other’s nerves). She taught me more than I taught her- the most important lesson being “living in the moment”. . Check out the full article on the blog. Link in profile. . . . . switzerland #mommybabytrip # #travel #wanderlust #cbwanderlust #mommytraveller #babytraveller #zurich #seethewholeworld #traveltheworld #goldenpasspanoramique #travellingwithkids

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Jul 11, 2019 at 9:19pm PDT

#mommybabytrip – @closetbuddies

See Instagram ‘#mommybabytrip’ highlights from Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies)

Zurich with a Kid #mommybabytrip

2018 wasn’t so great in terms of workout and so was the first half of 2019. Thankfully, when I started the #100daychallenge, things changed quickly and a lot of you joined in! I managed more than 100 workouts in the last 6 months of 2019. Apart from running and yoga I got slightly better at swimming and tried my hand at Pilates.

#100DayChalleng – @closetbuddies

See Instagram ‘#100DayChalleng’ highlights from Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies)

I founded Working Moms of Ahmedabad on a whim!A big thanks to Asha for going along with my crazy ideas. We have over a thousand like minded mums in our group all joined by a common thread (they have to leave behind their kids while they go make a living). We are a support group of sorts. Hopefully 2020 will see us come together more often. We did a few offline get togethers through WMOA most notable were our Women’s Day and Mother’s Day celebrations and ofcourse the unique Kids learning expo called Kidex.

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I still cannot believe we pulled it off! I have had the idea on my mind for a while but I don't think I am a good executor. Thank heavens I met @samikshachoithani and @patelsejal84 and the rest of the team! . Each one of us has a day job and getting this off the ground during our free time drove us nearly nuts. . From planning to execution- everything happened in less than 3 weeks (out of which I spent a week in Philippines dodging work calls- yes I am ashamed in hind sight). Several times we (I) thought we should postpone it especially when Samikhsha was diagnosed with dengue. But we soldiered on and what a ride it was. I cannot thank the team enough for putting in the hours selflessly and putting up with my mood swings. All our sponsors, collaborators and partners- thank you for seeing value in our idea and going along with it. And finally thank you to all the daddies, mommies, babies, dadas, dadis and caregivers who turned up in hordes even when we clearly sucked at the marketing bit. Every second of the last 3 weeks we’ve learnt something and we hope to put this experience to good use soon 🙂 . While me and the team can finally relax we are pumped up about bringing KIDEX Season 2 to Ahmedabad. The kids and their chaperones are going to have some super fun time again! . . . . #kidex #kidexahmedabad #funevent #kidsevent #play #preschool #playschool #workingmums #ahmedabadblogger #babiesofinstagram #kidsofinstagram

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Oct 14, 2019 at 7:36am PDT

Iy turned 5! And she celebrated her birthday a record number of times all thanks to the lovely people in the Philippines.

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Starting the day right with both these cuties! . . . @bebexindia @visionwagonofficial #iyturns5 #boracay #boracayisland #philippines #manila #philippines2019 #coastboracay #whitebeach #traveltheworld #wanderlust #cbwanderlust #travel #travelbug #coupletraveller #babytraveller #mommytraveller #beachdestination

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Sep 22, 2019 at 8:01pm PDT

CB saw some extremely fun launches in Ahmedabad- Steve Madden, Starbucks being the most interesting ones.

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I have so much gratitude in my heart for the Starbucks launch event in Ahmedabad. . From the ginormous planning spree to having finally be able to pull it off to such precision- it was all thanks to the amazing @starbucksindia Marketing and on ground team, #teamCB @foodiicorn and @samikshachoithani, my co-host @radhikabhuptani and ofcourse all of you who managed to make it to the event. . I was on my feet until 1.00 AM that night (in heels no less) but surprisingly the adrenaline kept pumping. This pic is almost towards the end of the event so you see me sweating, hair’s undone and the make up is runny. However, the elation I feel by this point is indescribable. . 🙂 . . Outfit: @sagaabyvanita (I got so many compliments I ve lost count 🙂 ) . Earrings: @manisharora for @tribebyamrapali . Clutch: @snehabagrechaofficial . Espadrilles: @dorothyperkins . . . . #starbucks #starbucksinahmedabad #eventpartner #collaboration #blogger #fashionblogger #eventmanagement #coffee #freshcoffee #starbucksindia

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Aug 12, 2019 at 11:52pm PDT

Strbux Launch – @closetbuddies

See Instagram ‘Strbux Launch’ highlights from Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies)

Starbux Launch – @closetbuddies

See Instagram ‘Starbux Launch’ highlights from Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies)

Some fun collaborations included interviewing Vishwanathan Anand for ETV, Atlantis Dubai, Protinex, Asian Paints, Disney, Masaba for Nykaa.

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It was an honour to moderate the interaction with Anand and Aruna for DD Girnar @ddgirnar on the pre-launch of Sanskardham @sanskardhamsports . Such humility! I am in awe. . As a working mother, I was more keen to know about the quiet Aruna who prefers to stay away from the limelight. It took some coaxing from my side for her to share the couch with Anand. . She's an accomplished dancer and a Spanish teacher along with a mother to an 8 year old. Such an inspiring couple! . . . #vishy4sanskardham #ilovemyjob #interactionwithvishy #oncbscouch #ddgirnar #livetaping #ahmedabadinfluencers #ahmedabadblogger #sports #ootd #wiw #vishwanathananand #sanskardhamschool @vishy64theking @closetbuddies

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Sep 12, 2019 at 12:10am PDT

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While there are several moments throughtout the day Iy and I cherish, our bedtime ritual is my absolute favourite! In all these years we’ve never missed bedtime reading whichever part of the world we may be in. . Sometimes I am so tired by the end of the day that it takes all of my energy to read to her but I’d do anything for that smile :). Being mindful of nutrition and exercise helps me fight fatigue, lethargy and poor muscle health. Also, a spoonful of protinex helps so I #DontMissOut on our mommy-baby time at all. . What is your favourite moment with your child/partner or friends that you don’t want to miss out on? . . . #ad #partner #protinexindia @protinexindia #dontmissout #proteinintake #healthyliving #mommybaby #ustime #readers #babyreader #storytelling #ahmedabadblogger #momblogger #indianmomblogger

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Sep 1, 2019 at 12:46am PDT

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Iy and I love our quality time together whether it's travelling, playing board games or arm wrestling! So much fun to let her win 🙂 . Sometimes I let her win because I am extremely fatigued and I want the game to be over soon. Does that happen with all parents? Wanting to give their kids the perfect moment but tiredness and fatigue makes you miss out? . However, I've come to realize the importance of protein in my overall diet. I am very mindful of what I eat on an every day basis yet I realize our food falls short of required nutrients. Poor muscle health leads to fatigue and you sometimes miss out on these precious moments. I ve realized I need extra energy to be able to match the little monster! One spoonful of Protinex makes sure we #DontMissOut on these fun moments with the little ones. . . #ad #partner #mommyandme #motherdaugher # #Protinex #Protein #ahmedabadblogger #blogger #mommyblogger #strongbody #strongmind #DontMissOut #AdultNutrition #Nutrition #Healthy @protinexindia

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Aug 1, 2019 at 5:01am PDT

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#masababynykaa collection is not just pretty looking (although that's definitely the highlight!) it's also a bomb collection. 12 lipsticks and 12 nail paints- all lovely colours. I love how the lipsticks glide over the lip and still give a matte look. Out of the 12, my favourite 4 were Can't Deal Pataka Nimbu Pani Kale-ing Me Softly (absolute favourite). . I am also wearing the matching nail paint with each lipstick and it took me less than a minute to change the shade thanks to the "dip and twist" nail paint remover. For the price range (Lipstick: Rs. 599, Nailpaint: Rs. 199 and Remover: Rs. 275 a pop) it is definitely a must add to your vanity box. . . . Pics: @crossover_studios . #ad #MasababyNykaa #Masabaforall #NykaaBeauty #NykaaLipsNTips @masabagupta @houseofmasaba @nykaabeauty

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Jul 23, 2019 at 3:09am PDT

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Iy loves to travel. . . Just a few months ago we travelled in extreme weather conditions- from the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan to snowfall in Bosnia and from the sticky humid weather in Singapore to the summer-y winters of Mauritius. . . From dirty flights to airport loos- bacteria exists everywhere and we take extra care by washing hands several times. However, it's surprising how she only falls sick back home because we never pay enough attention to bacteria that stays with us! . After hearing about Asian Paints Royale Health Shield, which is equipped with “Silver Ion Technology" that kills 99% bacteria*, I am set to make the right choice for my family's well being, especially Iy's. . . If you are a mother too, like me, you must consider a #paintthatcaresforyou, like @asianpaints' new #RoyaleHealthShield #worldhealthday #ad . *Visit www.asianpaints.com/healthshield for more information . . . Pic: @beardedshutterbug . #asianpaints #asianpaintsroyale #littleprincess #mommyandbaby #happybaby #mommybaby #mommybabytime #babytraveller #mommyblogger #momblogger #ahmedabadblogger #ustime #coupletraveller #momtraveller

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Apr 7, 2019 at 4:08am PDT

My most heartening campaign of 2019 was hands down the #mysagaaofstrength. Vanita and I got together and showcased stories of some working women of Ahmedabad and how their struggles became their strength. We are extremely proud to have conceptualized and executed this beautiful campaign.

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#mysagaaofstrength for @sagaabyvanita EPILOGUE Being a mum is one of the greatest delights of my life. Of all the roles I play in my life, this is one of the most fulfilling. Notice how I say “one of”? It’s because (and I hate myself for admitting it because mothers are conditioned to not put anything before their kids) my favourite role is still being myself. My apologies if I sound callous or insensitive. Iy will always be my most precious even if I don’t say it enough but being “Juhi Bansal” is more gratifying for me than being someone’s daughter, mother or wife. . I have worked hard to get where I am today. I don't just "work" because I want to- I also need to. I am proud of the contribution I make to my household income. . It's not come easy- and like me there are a lot of you out there working doubly hard so that you can contribute both financially and physically to your families. #mysagaaofstrength is for each one of you! . Concept: @closetbuddies Picture: @tejaswighagada . . #mysagaaofstrength #womenofahmedabad #ahmedabad #amdavad #strongwomen #phenomenalwomen #CBxSagaabyVanita #sagaabyvanita #closetbuddies #yourstoryofsagaa #beingwomen #bemybuddy #morepowertoyou

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Aug 26, 2019 at 4:57am PDT

#mysagaaofstren – @closetbuddies

See Instagram ‘#mysagaaofstren’ highlights from Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies)

Some of my favourite shoots of 2019- yemak, surendri, sutraa.

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Look no. 2 with @love_yemak . Recreating the 70s with a touch of my personal whimsy. . . . Letting your hair down means putting your feet up and cooling off with a martini! . Also, how versatile are these sweaters from @mak_sweater! #ad . . Pic: @beardedshutterbug Hair & Makeup: @glamstoriesbymani . . . . #whatiwore #lotd #ootd #jotd #sotd #wiw #wiwt #metime #that70sstyle #ahmedabadblogger #everydayissweaterweather #sweaterweather #sweater #yemak #style #fashion #aboutalook #streetstyle #streetstyleluxe #sweaterfashion #aboutalook #vintage #oldisgold

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Mar 21, 2019 at 4:27am PDT

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Getting into the festive spirit with @mandmbymukesh.and.mohit . Love how the cowl bottom saree falls on me! . Have you shopped your festives and fusions yet? From pre-draped sarees to satin metallics I am all set to experiment this Navratri. How about you? . Get your festive fill at @sutraa_exhibitions on August 22 and 23, 2019 from 10.00 AM to 9.00 PM at @thegrandbhagwati . . Shop from over 50 brands including Aureole, M & M by Mukesh and Mohit, Blush Pink, Pop up Studio by Riddhi etc. . . . #ahmedabad #ahmedabadexhibition #festivewear #festivejewelry #designershoes #festiveshopping #navratrishopping

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Aug 20, 2019 at 5:12am PDT

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Rewore and restyled all through the year. I am so glad I didn’t give in to the temptation of buying new all the time. It was exhilarating plus the challenge of creating new ensembles from your existing wardrobe is fun!

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How do you know you're in love? . . Is it the butteflies in your stomach when you see the "one". Is it the physical chemistry you share? Or is it the fact that you cannot spend a minute apart or miss each other terribly when you're not together? . . I am no love guru but I have been lucky to experience love for longer than I can remember and continue to do so every day. A very common question we ask ourselves is that I love him/her, he/she knows I love him/her- isn't that enough? Well, that's enough most days of the week but sometimes . . SHOW that you care: whether it is dressing up for your partner or cooking their favorite meal or giving them a foot rub. Steal kisses, warm snuggles and say "I love yous" aloud. Every once in a while, express your love. . . Communicate: Face to face conversations take a beating because of messaging and other important things in our day. Converse, talk, make eye contact. Also, remember every converation doesn't have to be about the kids, work or complaints. . . Respect: I've always maintained that the secret to eternal love (if there is such a thing) is respect for each other. Respect for each others work, choices, space and views. Respect is a two way street. Give but also expect an equal amount. . . Remember, falling in love may happen by chance but staying in love is a choice you make! . . Today I am wearing: . . Black Blouse: @zara , London (8 years old) . Floral Skirt: #EllizaDonatein by @shoppers_stop (3 years old) . Nude Peeptoes: @charleskeithofficial (6 years old) . Stack of strands: @haritakapur Artisan’s Cottage (6 years old) (token red in my ensemble for V-Day 😉 ) . Pic: @yashashvisom . . . #whatiworetowork #wiwt #wiw #love #respect #valentinesday #loveofmylife #lifepartner #recycle #restyle #whatiwore #itscooltorepeat #nonewclothes #ootd #potd #sotd #jotd ##aboutalook #cbstreetstyle #streetstyle #streetstyleluxe #ahmedabadblogger

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Feb 13, 2019 at 10:29pm PST

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Alice in shoe and bag wonderland! So happy @stevemaddenindia, the hottest footwear brand for Men and Women is now available in #ahmedabad exclusively at @thewhitecrowstore. Go check them out! . . . #SteveMaddenIndia #ad #SteveMaddenAhmedabadCB #closetbuddies #shoe #designershoes #designerbags #thewhitecrowstore #exclusive #potd #sotd #botd #ahmedabadblogger

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Jan 18, 2019 at 5:10am PST

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My idea of #blackfriday #AUISP2019 . Everything I am wearing in this pic has been in my closet for years now but I especially love the neckpiece. . It’s statement, vintage-y and cost me just about a few hundred rupees. . @forever21 is as fast fashiony as it gets and I am not proud of buying it from there- especially because I know some worker was grossly underpaid and worked in deplorable conditions in a godforsaken corner of the world for this. I know that unfortunately but despite all this the necklace is amazingly sturdy and good quality! I have used and reused it over the years- barely taking care of it. It still looks like I just bought it! It’s an investment piece if ever there was one. . Outfit details: . Houndstooth boyfriend Jacket: @zara, US(6 years old) . Skirt: @stalkbuylove (6 years old) . Blouse: @hm, Singapore (atleast 7 years old) . Necklace: @forever21_in (7 years old) . Pumps: @tresmode (3 years old) . . . . #ootd #wiw #wiwt #winterfashion #workwear #winterworkwear #aboutalook #lotd #streetstyle #streetstyle #highstreetfashion #rewear #restyle #

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Dec 20, 2019 at 2:40am PST

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Brrrr….but make it fashunnnn! . . Today I am wearing: . Beige wool blouse: @hm Brussels (7 years old) . Skirt: @ajiolife (2 years old) . Silk scarf: c/o @bhusattva (4 years old) . Maroon d’orsays: @charleskeithofficial C/o @majorbrandsin (New!) . . . . #AUISP2019 #winterwear #coldweather #fallwinter #winterfashion #ootd #wiw #wiwt #aboutalook #streetstyle #streetstyleluxe #closetbuddies #redandgrey #ahmedabadblogger #fashionblogger #lotd #sotd

A post shared by Juhi Bansal (@closetbuddies) on Dec 17, 2019 at 10:30pm PST

2020 is a whole new decade and I am looking forward to not only build upon my strengths but take a few risks and experiment. You win some, you lose some and that’s the beauty of it right? Here’s to a new year, new resolutions- continuing some old traditions, travelling to new places, rediscovering old ones, reading some more, watching a whole lot of Netflix/Prime, 100 day challenges, NOT SHOPPING unnecessarily, eating right and also stopping every now and then to appreciate what I have already. Gratitude will be a big part of 2020! Thank you!