With 2016 officially in my review mirror I thought it would be fun to review what memories I made in the past year. Overall 2016 had it’s ups and downs and it was a pretty tough year globally, but I thought it would be best to start 2017 with a review on how far I have come in a years time. 2016 marked 2 big life changes for me. Firstly, it was my 1st year of living in London and my 5th year of living abroad. Secondly, I launched my blog last year and posted for the first time in April 2016.

 

If you aren’t already following my Instagram, you should be. It is my number one place where I tend to post anything and everything about my life. My sister’s most recent blog post inspired me to give this idea a go. She wrote down the highlights from that month along with a photo attached to it. After reading her post I felt inspired to do the same. So hero here is my 2016 Instagram Memories.


January:

My new year started in my new city last year. I spent New Year’s eve on a boat on the Thames witnessing the amazing fireworks show at the London eye. I also spent most of the month exploring my new city. Even though I officially moved to London in November of 2015, January 2016 was my first full month in my own flat in London. I spent my weekends doing typical touristy things like taking pictures of Big Ben, exploring Portobello Market and shoppings at Harrods. 

February

This was another month where I kept myself busy exploring different parts of London. Even though the months were cold and dark, tourism can always be a fun way to get out of the house. At this point I was still very new to London and other than my work colleagues I had not made many friends yet, so going out to explore London was an easy way for me to keep myself occupied. (Pro Tip: I f you are new  I also started a new fitness routine this month. Every Tuesday, during my lunch break, I worked out with a personal trainer in the park near my office. It was a great use of my lunch hour and also kept me on track with my fitness goal.

March:

This month was filled with even more fitness as well as travel. I continued to workout with my personal trainer and what felt like impossible circuits and sprints in February had become more manageable and “doable” in March. I also tried to attend a few free pop-up yoga classes at my local Lululemon store. Aside from sticking to my fitness routine I also took a day trip down to Brighton to see the English Coast and as always I continued to explore my amazing new city.

April:

As the spring approached my travel schedule filled up. I got to visit 2 countries in April and added 2 new cities to my travel list. I went to Groningen in the Netherlands for a business trip and then I went to visit a friend in Ghent, Belgium. Needless to say, I, of course, documented all the food on my travels as well. April also marked the launch of my blog. My inspiration for starting my blog was my sister and of course the countless number of bloggers I have been following for years. I have always loved sharing parts of my life, so I thought it was only natural to share them on my blog. I think the main event that truly inspired me to write my first post was the World Wide InstaMeet 13 that took place in April in London. At this event, I met a countless number of inspirational photographers and blogger, some of which are now my good friends in London. After being surrounded by so many other people that are pursuing their passions made me want to do the same. 

May:

May marks my birthday month. Which started off with a new haircut and color for me. I am a big believer in celebrating one’s birthday because it is the day that you graced the world with your presence and there is no one else in the world that is quite like you. I made a promise to myself to celebrate each birthday of my 20s in a different city and in 2016 I celebrated in London at the Southbank. I also posted my first fashion post on my blog and got such amazing feedback on my style and looks. 

June:

In June I traveled back to California for my friend’s wedding. I got to play dress up and share my Indian wedding outfits with the world. While in California, I got to catch up with one of my best friends Pooja. I also finally got to drive down Pacific Coast Highway and see big sur. I was born and raised in California, but in my 22 years of living there, I never truly appreciated how amazing my home is until I moved away. Upon returning back to London I started to explore some of London’s diverse food scene. I had amazing 2 for 1 cocktails and sushi at the roof top terrace of Sushi Samba.

July:

Finally some warmth in London. July was filled with social events and explore London some more. The city completely changes when the sun comes out. As the months got warmer I felt more and more inspired to share my summer outfits with you. I also took my first beach holiday with my family in July. We went to Sardinia for a week and it was amazingly beautiful! I got some much-needed rest and relaxation. I also had some friends from California visit me in London and I got to visit the Shard for a cheeky cocktail at the top with a killer view of London. 

August:

Another warm month means another beach holiday! In August I got to add another city and country to my travel list. I visit the beautiful and amazing Malta. I got to see the Azure Window in Gozo and take a refreshing dip in the world famous Blue Lagoon. I continued my healthy lifestyle by discovering a cute little juicery around the corner from my flat and I am love with their Acai Bowls! I ended the month continuing to be a tourist in my own city and I took a flight over London the Emirates Airline Cable Car and saw a breathtaking view of East London. 

  

September:

The days start to get cooler so my friends and I decide to start exploring London’s bottomless brunch offerings. I also continued my food trail through London and tried Crosstown doughnuts for the first time, they were worth every calorie! After a few months of blogging about my life and food explorations in London, I was invited to the Food InstaMeet in London which focused on food that came from the Market to Michelin restaurants. On my food tour of London, I got to have tea at the luxurious Fortnum & Mason, tasted some delicious street food at Camden Food Market, and got to explore Borough Market.

 

October:

October was a month filled with food. Can you sense a trend for 2016? I clearly spent most of this month eating and drinking. I got to try out two new spots in London: Dishoom and Molly Bakes. I also went to London Cocktail Week and got to try out some delicious cocktails. 

November:

Another month filled with travel. I added country number 26 to my travel list and I got to cross off one my biggest bucket list attractions. I went to Iceland and saw glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, and got to swim in the Blue Lagoon. I also went to Taste of London and got to eat some more amazing food. I finished the month of November in New York City with my family to celebrate Thanksgiving. 

December:

The biggest food month of the year. Other than eating my way from one restaurant to another I also attended BeatyCon London. I was invited by YouTube because of my channel. This was such an amazing opportunity for me and I was able to meet some of the most amazing content creators and social influencers. Going to YouTube and Instagram meet-ups this year and month has really inspired me to continue to work on my blog and continue creating content to share with the world. 

I hope this blog post has encouraged you to look back on 2016 with a positive thought. It wasn’t an easy year, but when you look back at your year you can see how far you have come. If you enjoyed this blog post, I would love if you saved/heart it on Bloglovin’! If you want to get instant updates on my life make sure to follow me on Snapchat (@anikazzz) or check out my InstagramFacebook, and Twitter.

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