Looking Back & Looking Ahead v2017

By Juhi Bansal

Read v2016 here| Read v2015 here| Read v2014 here|

The entire world has seen a lot of unpleasant things happen this year but personally 2016 was when I finally got my groove back- it was a lovely year for me. I rediscovered myself (poetic but true ;)) and surprised everyone (including myself) at the amount I accomplished.

Got back to working full time. While the work is really challenging and keeps me on my toes most waking hours in the day, it is also very interesting and something very close to my heart.

Travelled a lot. Yes! We as a family took almost a trip a month ranging from a weekend getaway to a longish vacation. The little one accompanied us on every single one and has turned out to be quite the traveller.

Read 50 books in 2016! I’ve surprised even myself. Check out my favourite 5 here.

The blog has pivoted into a large fashion community. We’ve done events, blogger meets, magazine shoots, International collaborations and what not. All this but I am glad I’ve not lost sight of why I started CB. I still use it voice my opinions and muse (albeit randomly), do not do “paid reviews” (although I charge for the features- if you know the difference) and only collaborate with brands/designers that I believe in. It’s easy to get carried away in the rigmarole of freebies and sponsorships but CB started as my personal journey. I’ve grown up with it, become a better person and tried to keep my voice (and intent clean). It will continue to stay like that.

Social media detox was my biggest challenge in 2016. I stayed away (largely) from FB and channelled that time and energy into other things (like reading books).

Spent a lot of time with family. Meaning the husband and the little one. Took holidays, made it a point to have meals together (even if that meant waiting for the spouse on a grumbling tummy), car pooled to office (everyday!), even started working out together! (Iy joins us for burpees and jumping jacks!) and ofcourse Netflix brings us even closer! Here are some more ways you and the partner can keep the spark alive.

Turned natural. It feels amazing!

Finally fell off the shopaholism wagon.

Moved from my “losing weight” obsession to eating right and following the right fitness regime. I realized that I have one life so I would rather relish all the different kinds of food while I still can (without going berserk) and work harder to burn those calories.

We (the husband and I) workout (with a trainer) 3 times a week (most weeks) and I try and go for a run at least twice. I started small this year with the 5K at the bSafal Marathon after a break of almost 3 years. Here’s to getting back to running full time in 2017.

My other goals for 2017 are:

To continue the streak that I had in 2016 whether it’s with travel, reading, family time, me-time, working out or accomplishing more (and then some) at work (both AU and CB). Remember you’re your own strength!

Let me know what your New Year Resolutions for 2017 are!

Stay Gorgeous xx

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