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A look at life and blogging in 2015

December 31, 2015 By Ashley 38 Comments

Greetings, my friends! And here we are at the end of another year. I hope that 2015 has been good to you, and if it hasn’t, let’s hope that 2016 will bring you good fortune in ways you’re not even expecting.

This past year has been a big one for me — with significant changes in my life. Most of which was moving out of my beloved Nob Hill apartment in San Francisco to a more suburban area called Walnut Creek. That also meant moving into a much bigger place and beginning to enjoy a lot more creature comforts than I was used to in the City and thankfully having the space and ability to get a puppy. Following up on the move, I got a car for the first time in nearly three years and began soaking up life in the ‘burbs with some great friends nearby. I also started a new teaching job, took on new writing assignments, grew the blog, traveled and much more.

A look at life and blogging in 2015 via A Lady Goes West

And I must say that while there are a lot of reasons to start a blog, one of the big ones would be the fact that if you talk about your life online in posts, it’s really easy to go back and look at all that happened. Especially when you want to reflect at the end of the year like I do right now …

A look at everything that happened in 2015

In life …

  • Took a fun day-trip to wine country for VIP experiences with Dave
  • Moved out of the City to a townhouse in Walnut Creek
  • Finally got my own car to get around in 
  • Began exploring the East Bay with Dave on Valentine’s Day
  • Saw great concerts, like Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks and more
  • Hosted an amazing housewarming party with tons of friends
  • Celebrated three years of marriage with Dave
  • Brought home our sweet little maltipoo puppy Rudy
  • Hosted a Fourth of July and Labor Day party with friends
  • Celebrated the Golden State Warriors NBA Championship win
  • Enjoyed four holiday parties in the East Bay with friends and work

In travel …

  • Traveled to Key West for a bachelorette party
  • Traveled to Florida for a Big Greek wedding on Memorial Day
  • Traveled to L.A. for the IDEA BlogFest World Fitness Convention
  • Took a fun weekend trip to San Diego to see Dave’s family
  • Road-tripped to a beautiful wedding in Monterey 
  • Took an incredible 5-day trip to Maui with Dave
  • Made a surprise weekend trip to Columbus to visit friends
  • Spent two weeks in Florida with family and friends for Thanksgiving
  • Traveled to L.A. for fabulous birthday surprise activities
  • Spent a relaxing weekend in San Diego for Christmas

In fitness …

  • Landed a coaching role at a brand new Orangetheory Fitness 
  • Attended a fun day of group fitness classes at the Les Mills Super Q
  • Prepared, learned and debuted BODYATTACK 87, 88, 89 and 90 and BODYPUMP 92, 93, 94 and 95 in my group fitness classes
  • Was selected as a Fabletics Master and hosted a Fabletics event
  • Posted my regular weekly workout recaps and at-home workouts
  • Did yoga once a week and discovered a great local studio
  • Shared my story on how I started working in the fitness industry 

In blogging …

  • Published 258 posts, going live Monday through Friday each week
  • Wrote several healthy-living pieces for the Wine Sisterhood blog
  • Shared my story on how I turned my blog into a business
  • Spoke about writing to a group of bloggers at IDEA BlogFest in L.A.
  • Debuted a refreshed blog design and functionality 
  • Conducted a survey all of my lovely readers and gained great insight
  • Hosted the first annual Bay Area Blogger Meet and Sweat event
  • Served as a Ricola Ambassador, writing monthly posts
  • Served as a Naked Juice Ambassador, writing monthly posts
  • Worked on awesome campaigns with Blue Apron, Sunwarrior, Vitamin Shoppe, PUMA and many more great brands
  • Wrote several fitness and lifestyle posts for the MyFitnessPal blog
  • Watched some of my top posts gain major traction online
  • Continued to enjoy interacting and connecting with all of you

This has been a big year, including changes on the professional front, the growth of A Lady Goes West and my freelance writing, as well as a lot of fun times traveling and making great memories with friends and family. Perhaps the best thing about this year? One small white puppy, who has absolutely changed my world.

There have certainly been difficult things this year that haven’t always made the blog, but overall, I’d say I learned a ton in 2015 and sure hope to put it all to use in 2016.

I have nothing but good hopes for the new year and all that’s to come. I hope you do too, my friends. Here’s to you!

Looking back at all of the fun of #2015. Take a walk down memory lane ... Click To Tweet

Questions of the day

What’s the most memorable event from your 2015?

What’s something you accomplished this year?

What are you most looking forward to in 2016?

Filed Under: Blogging, Friends Tagged With: 2015, blogging, year in review

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About Ashley

I'm a mom and fitness instructor in Charlotte, North Carolina. And A Lady Goes West is where I share fitness, wellness and clean beauty tips, as well as stories from my life.
 
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Comments

  1. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    December 31, 2015 at 4:34 am

    So glad that we got to connect and meet this year, Ashley. Happy Happy New Year and I can’t wait to see what 2016 brings for you!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…2016: A Toast to the New YearMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 7:59 am

      Me too, Susie!! I SO enjoy knowing you and following your life, lady! 🙂 Happy NYE!

      Reply
  2. Hilary says

    December 31, 2015 at 5:18 am

    I am just so excited to see where life takes me next, it can definitely be crazy!
    Hilary recently posted…Thinking About 2015My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 7:58 am

      Sure can, Hilary! With your move and all!! Keep up the great work. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    December 31, 2015 at 5:26 am

    I can’t wait to meet you at IDEA this year since I couldn’t go last year! Honestly, I’m just thankful this year is over with and I no longer have to deal with crutches. Hopefully, 2016 will be an injury-free year.
    Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Top 15 of 2015, Reader FavoritesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 7:58 am

      I know, I was so sad to find out you weren’t coming! Here’s to a HEALTHY 2016, Megan! 🙂

      Reply
  4. P.Jeanne says

    December 31, 2015 at 5:46 am

    What an amazing year you’ve had and I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog a few months ago! You are such a positive light and I love following along in your journey 🙂 I hope that 2016 has even more amazing things in store for ya…Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve!!
    P.Jeanne recently posted…A day of Eats…My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 7:57 am

      I’m so glad we’ve connected too, my friend!! And I look forward to following along on your year as well. Happy NYE to you too!! 🙂

      Reply
  5. masala girl says

    December 31, 2015 at 6:53 am

    holy crap lady! 2015 has been a big year!! can you move to ohio and be my trainer please? <3 i love OTF so congrats!! but in all seriousness, you've accomplished a HECK OF A LOT and i cant wait to read more!!
    i'm definitely hoping to get a bit more serious, formal, and organized with my blog in 2016, and continue making fitness gains.. some personal goals there haha.
    masala girl recently posted…Lemon & Herb Baked Tofu BitesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 7:56 am

      Hi Lady! I’m always looking to improve too, so it’s good to have that in mind. Move to the Bay, and I’ll train you!! hehhee And thanks so much for saying hi! Happy NYE, lady! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    December 31, 2015 at 6:59 am

    I agree about having the blog as a place to look back on. Without my blog, I would have forgotten so many of the amazing things that I did this year.
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…2015 – A Year of Really Big TravelMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 7:55 am

      No kidding, Jen! heheh! Amazing how we can write about it and still forget! I enjoyed putting together this recap because of that. 🙂 Happy NYE!

      Reply
  7. Alyssa says

    December 31, 2015 at 7:42 am

    your travels from this past year look like a blast! I live on the East coast and haven’t been to the West yet except for a few travels back in college for track meets; LA looks amazing ,and I totally want to go on a studio tour of the Warner Brothers studio some day. Also, your dog is the cutest! Happy New Year! 🙂
    Alyssa recently posted…December Thoughts: Thinking Out LoudMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 7:54 am

      Hi Alyssa! The West Coast is very different from the East in many ways, so I hope you get to explore it one day! Happy NYE to you, lady! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Sarah @ The Fit Niche says

    December 31, 2015 at 7:44 am

    Oh wow have you been busy!! I don’t know how you do it all 🙂 Keep up the great work, looking forward to following along your blog and fitness journey in 2016!!
    Sarah @ The Fit Niche recently posted…Personal Trainer Answers: How long should I hold a stretch?My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 7:48 am

      Ohhh thanks so much, Sarah!! Hope you have an awesome NYE! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says

    December 31, 2015 at 10:49 am

    Looks like an awesome year for you! Blogging for just over a year means that I can look back at 2015 through the lens of blog posts and really see what’s happened and changed, and it’s just amazing to me. I feel like a completely different person than I was one year ago, even six months ago – or three! In 2016 I plan to run my first marathon, keep up with blogging and hopefully grow and expand into new partnership and community opportunities, and maintain and strengthen relationships with family, friends, and even someone who hasn’t quite made it onto my blog just yet 🙂 Happy New Year!!
    Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Reflections on 2015My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 1:21 pm

      Well, Alyssa! You’ve got some BIG plans for next year! Totally cool about the marathon and new person in your life. I look forward to learning more!! 🙂 AND YAY for looking back on all the things you’ve done via your posts. Good work!

      Reply
  10. Jen@Jpabstfitness says

    December 31, 2015 at 11:40 am

    WOW- what a year! I hope 2016 is just as exciting for you! Happy New Year 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 1:33 pm

      Hi Jen! Right back at ya, lady! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…A look at life and blogging in 2015My Profile

      Reply
  11. Miquila Alejandre says

    December 31, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    What a full year you’ve lived! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. It’s also nice to hear about how you’re thriving outside of the city when I know you love SF as much as I do. Can’t wait to hear what 2016 brings you!

    To answer one of your questions, I am most looking forward to finally starting my flower delivery service in 2016!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 1:19 pm

      Hi Miquila! Starting up a new business next year? That’s awesome! Best of luck to you! Thank you so much for reading and saying hi. 🙂 And YES, I love the city, but ‘burb life has its perks too. Happy NYE!

      Reply
  12. Beth @ Sublimely Fit says

    December 31, 2015 at 3:26 pm

    Aw, dogs are the best. Getting my dog was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Glad you had such an amazing 2015! What I’m looking forward to most in 2016: seeing how far I can grow and how far I can take my life and my blog/business. I did more than I ever thought I would in 2015, and I’m hoping I make just as big of leaps in 2016. Onward and upward!
    Beth @ Sublimely Fit recently posted…Sublimely Fit’s Best Posts of 2015My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 4:16 pm

      With how hard you work, you will have an awesome 2016, I’m sure of it, Beth! So glad we’ve met. And YAY for doggies! Happy NYE! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Farrah says

    December 31, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    Looks like you’ve had an awesome year! If you host another bay area meetup anytime before mid-April and it happens to be on a weekend…LET ME KNOWWW. I’ll actually be able to go! *-*!!!
    Farrah recently posted…2015 Goals Revisited #BehindTheBloggerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2015 at 4:15 pm

      YES!! We MUST meet up. Maybe you can come take one of my classes soon! Happy NYE!

      Reply
  14. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    December 31, 2015 at 9:15 pm

    I have loved getting to “know” you better this year. Maybe we can ross paths in 2016! Happy New Year!

    P.S. The Hawks are totally going to beat Golden State this year. Kidding… but maybe next… 😉
    Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…2015: A #StrangeButGood YearMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 1, 2016 at 10:24 am

      HA! No way! Go Warriors!!!! 🙂 Happy New Year, Laura!
      Ashley recently posted…A look at life and blogging in 2015My Profile

      Reply
  15. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    January 1, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    You had such a busy and fun year, Ashley! I hope 2016 is filled with even more wonderful memories for you!! xo
    Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Top 10 Recipes of 2015 + A GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 1, 2016 at 3:03 pm

      Thank you so much, Sarah! Right back at ya!! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Parvinraina @Genesis Spider says

    January 2, 2016 at 7:17 am

    Glad to read your 2015. Wish 2016 will bring something more amazing for you. I want to write something like this. My past year wasn’t fit for me… 🙁
    Parvinraina @Genesis Spider recently posted…Download MyHatString Genesis Child ThemeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 2, 2016 at 9:32 am

      I wish good things for your 2016 too! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    January 2, 2016 at 10:01 am

    You’ve had a fantastic year, Ashley! It was great connecting with you! Here’s to an epic 2016!
    Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Healthy Four Ingredient Breakfast BrowniesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 2, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      Me too! And you too!! Welcome to the West!!

      Reply
  18. Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says

    January 2, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    I hope over 2016 we will get to connect even more. You seem like such a lovely, kind human being. Wishing you all the best as we enter into this new year. 🙂
    Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…2016 New Year’s ResolutionsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 3, 2016 at 10:20 am

      Oh my gosh, thank you for the sweet words, Julia. Right back at you!! Looking forward to connecting more. 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…A look at life and blogging in 2015My Profile

      Reply
  19. Melissa says

    January 5, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    2015 was a great year! I love, love, love your blog! Can’t wait to hear about all the new things you’re going to be sharing for 2016! Most memorable event for 2015 has definitely got to be moving twice, one move of course being to Japan. Accomplishments for 2015, I attended AIM 1 for BODYPUMP and had an outstanding experience. Hopefully there will be an opportunity someday for an AIM 2. Not sure if it will be in Japan or in a couple years when we get back to the States. I am most looking forward to 2016 being the year we really get out and explore Japan and some other countries nearby. I love to travel and hopefully we can do some traveling! Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 5, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      Hi Melissa! I think it’s so awesome your family has the opportunity to live abroad, and I definitely hope you take advantage of it! Nice work on AIM! Pursuing advanced trainings for Les Mills is not easy, but always worth it!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Ashley. I'm a mom and fitness instructor living in Charlotte, North Carolina. I love to help you live a balanced life with no extremes, making sure you never skip a rest day. A Lady Goes West is where I share my workouts, simple meals, clean beauty tips and wellness insight with you. Find out more about me and stay awhile!

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I've got to be honest, I'm much more of a writer t I've got to be honest, I'm much more of a writer than an Instagrammer and many times I feel like what I want to share doesn't fit well into a grid. But I'm able to bring much more long-form content to my blog each week. Speaking of that, this week, I debuted a new series called "A Lady Goes West Advice Corner" which has been something I've wanted to put together for a while. In this series, I'm taking totally anonymous questions from YOU and giving you some neutral third-party advice on it all. Here are the questions I addressed in the first advice corner edition:
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-“I became a first-time mom last spring and am currently dealing with all things motherhood. How do I deal with my expectations vs. reality of being a mom?" (such a good one, and I've been there)
-“How do you deal with days when you don't love your body? I think we can all relate to looking in the mirror and being disappointed with what we see?" (this happens to us all)
-“How do you deal with comparing yourself to others on social media and not feeling like everyone is doing things better than you?" (spoiler alert: everyone has their issues that you don't see)
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The answers are long, they come from my heart, and I hope they can provide some value to you! If this is something you're interested in, head over to A Lady Goes West today to check it out, and you can submit a question for the next edition.
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Here's the direct link: https://aladygoeswest.com/ask-me-anything-a-lady-goes-west-advice-corner-first-edition/
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Have a great night, friends! And when in doubt, talk it out.
G.I.V.E.A.W.A.Y!🎉 Who doesn't love a collagen g G.I.V.E.A.W.A.Y!🎉 Who doesn't love a collagen giveaway? As a little thank-you for following, I wanted to do a giveaway of one of my favorite products. I've been using Vital Proteins collagen in my morning tea latte for years, and not only does the collagen creamer add a great taste, but it also supports healthy hair, skin, nails and joints too. Today, I'm giving away not only one canister of collagen creamer, but also a canister of collagen peptides to one lucky winner.
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Here's how to enter:
(1) Like this post.
(2) Follow @aladygoeswest and @vitalproteins.
(3) Leave a comment on this post tagging a friend who wants healthy skin and joints.
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You can leave as many comments as you want, and each one serves as an entry. You can earn an additional entry by sharing this post to your stories and tagging me. This giveaway closes on Saturday, February 27. The winner must live in the U.S. And this giveaway is not associated with Instagram. Good luck, and thanks for being here! 🙂 xoxo
HOME! We closed on and moved into our home in Char HOME! We closed on and moved into our home in Charlotte over the weekend, and we're so excited to get settled in our new neighborhood, city and state after many weeks of transition. In honor of this momentous occasion, I thought it would be fun to look back at the places Dave and I have lived together over the last 12 years. Here's what it has looked like -- and each place has been special for different reasons:
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-2009-2012 in a high-rise condo in downtown Orlando, where we lived when we got married.
-2012-2013 in a one-bedroom apartment in South of Market in San Francisco, which was always freezing no matter the time of day or year.
-2013-2014 in a tiny studio apartment in Nob Hill in San Francisco, which was only 550-square-feet, but we could hear the cable cars out of our always-open windows, so that was cool.
-2014-2017 in a two-bedroom townhouse in Walnut Creek, where we brought home both Rudy and Brady and had many sleepless nights.
-2017-2021 in a house that we owned in Pleasant Hill outside of San Francisco, which was across the street from a Starbucks so we went there way too often.
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And now we're here in Charlotte. It's good to be home! I'd love to know: Where do you call home?
Soulmates. ❤️ Whether you’re loving on other Soulmates. ❤️ Whether you’re loving on others or just yourself today, my little crew is wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Good additions! Even though I'm all about simplify Good additions! Even though I'm all about simplifying life, I also like adding more good, if there's room for it. And the last year has given me ample opportunity to make some changes and add a lot of good. Here's my super-random list of things I've added to my life in the last year that I now love:
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-Using oat milk as my milk of choice (it's literally the creamiest, and I can’t go back to others now)
-Choosing to be outside as much as possible (can't believe I stayed indoors so much before, never exploring the beautiful Bay Area and now Charlotte until the last year)
-Teaching and taking virtual fitness classes (I was a gym rat for years, and now I actually love to work out at home with my virtual fitness friends)
-Wearing my Apple watch for notifications so I don't always need to be on my phone and tracking some beneficial metrics (I've only had my watch for about 9 months, and I love to check my heart-rate and close my rings)
-Appreciating the ability to work for myself and giving myself friendlier deadlines (I've been my own boss for several years and used to be so strict with my deadlines, until I realized it was stressing me more than it needed to, so now I say no to a lot of things and only do what works well in my life, without adding too much unnecessary stress)
-Shorter workouts (full-hour workouts are a thing of the past for me)
-Wearing more colors (no more black uniforms every day)
-And more!
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I wrote a whole post about this topic on A Lady Goes West this week if this is of interest to you, and you can head on over and check it out. I'd love to know: What's something (random or not) that you've added to your life in the last year that you now love?
Over the weekend, I stepped foot into a big-box gy Over the weekend, I stepped foot into a big-box gym for the first time in more than 11 months. How did I feel about it? Mixed ... When we left California, gyms were still closed, and once we got to North Carolina, I was so used to not going to the gym, I didn't even think about going. After being here a month, I finally decided to get a guest pass at a gym near me, and I went twice. Here are my thoughts on the experience: 
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At first, I felt so excited to drive up and go in and work out in a big space with a lot of equipment and not be at home. But then reality sank in: Even though masks were required and there were signs everywhere reminding people, about half the folks in the gym had their masks off or had them down around their chin. Ummm, not cool. I get it, working out with a mask on sucks, but rules are rules, folks. I also didn't like that it was busier than I expected, and quite a bit of the equipment I wanted to use was occupied. That never happens at home.
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Overall, I'm glad that those who need to get to the gym are getting the opportunity, but right now, I think I'll go back to sweating safely at home for a little while longer. But at least I got my first locker-room selfie in almost a year. I'd love to know. Have you been back to the gym yet?
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A Lady Goes West is a personal blog meant for entertainment purposes only and does not serve as a substitute for professional advice from your own doctor, trainer or nutritionist. While I'm a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, the workouts, food and plans I post are what works for me and may not work for you. Please enjoy these stories and tips from my life, but proceed with caution. Also, know that affiliate links and sponsored posts appear from time-to-time, and I appreciate your support. For more information about how your data is stored, visit my Privacy Policy. Thanks for reading!

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