Another year has come and gone, and with it, a lot of learning, growing, and changing. Every year end I like to look back and reflect on the best moments of the year because even if you have the most challenging year, it is still a blessing. Here is a recap of all of my personal favorites from 2022. I hope you find some inspiration in here for your upcoming year!
Most Viewed Article: You guys sure love love. Manhattan with a Twist’s most clicked article this year was *Sweet* Valentine’s Day Cocktails to Whip Up This Year.
Best Travels: Arizona! Obviously if you follow me on social media, you know I go to Arizona at least once every yer, and now that my family has a home there, it’s certainly going to be more frequent. Let me know if you are interested in a Scottsdale area travel guide! You can always search more Arizona Instagram content with the tag #mwatinaz.
Miami! I went to Miami for a weekend for a friend’s bachelorette party and it felt great to have some time at the beach, go out dancing, and eat great food. You can always search for more Florida Instagram content with the tag #mwatinfl.
Fort Lauderdale! I had a press trip to this Florida hub and had a surprisingly fun time. You can read my thoughts on this underrated city here.
Isle of Palms & Charleston, South Carolina! This was another press trip and so much fun. It’s always a fun time down in South Carolina and you can read all about these two charming areas here. You can always search for more South Carolina Instagram content with the tag #mwatinsc.
Aruba! My original trip to Aruba was cancelled because I got Covid, but I was able to reschedule and make it there this past spring. What a beautiful island! Read all about it, along with some other tropical hot spots, here. Here I stayed at the incomparable Amsterdam Manor Resort, the only Dutch-style hotel on the island. Their hospitality was beyond. You can always search more Aruba Instagram content with the tag #mwatinaruba.
LBI! Also known as Long Beach Island, this is a great getaway from the city, located in New Jersey. This was a friends’ getaway that was much needed this summer. You can always search for more New Jersey Instagram content with the tag #mwatinnj.
Tuscany, Italy! I finally made it back to Europe for the first time since the pandemic. Gosh, Tuscany is beautiful. I got to travel to two small towns – Barga and Lucca. Stay tuned for an upcoming feature about it in Bella Magazine. You can always search for more Italy Instagram content with the tag #mwatinitaly.
Rhode Island! I haven’t been to this cute little state since my college days and it was exciting to explore it with adult eyes. I traveled to a few different areas in the state, including an incredible one night stay at The Preserve, as well as a couple days exploring both Newport and Providence. Be on the lookout for more details on my trip on Bella Magazine. You can always search for more Rhode Island Instagram content with the tag #mwatinri.
The Caribbean! I explored a few islands in the Caribbean Sea with Celebrity Cruises. I did a week-long cruise and traveled to the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and Saint Marteen. Stay tuned for details on the ship in an upcoming Bella Magazine feature. You can always search for more Instagram cruise content with the tag #mwatcruises.
What were some of your favorite travel moments this year?
Favorite Books: This year, I surprisingly was able to read 40 books (most this past December after I finished grad school). Not including the books I read for school, here is a list of all the books I read in 2022. You can always search for more book content on Instagram with the tag #mwatbooks.
Out of all of these entertaining books, my favorites are as follows —
- The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery. This nonfiction book is a must-read. It delves into the unbelievable creatures known as octopuses. It’s truly a fascinating read and one you’ll remember for a long time.
- Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka. This was not your typical serial killer novel. I loved how the author explored the public’s fascination with serial killers but turned it on its head, showcasing how they’re just sad, pathetic people. A really well done tale.
- Madam: The Biography of Polly Adler, Icon of the Jazz Age by Debby Applegate. This is a longer read, but so interesting. It tells the story of one of the most iconic madams of all time, and takes place in New York City in the 20s-50s, mostly.
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. This was a New York Times Bestseller for good reason. This memoir is beautifully written and completely fascinating. It examines an abusive relationship amidst growing up a child star in Hollywood.
- Favorite Thrillers – I think these fall into a different category because they aren’t necessarily going to stick with you forever, but they sure are entertaining. Of all the thrillers I read this year, I really enjoyed Now You See Me, Verity, The Lost Apothecary, The Children on the Hill, And Then There Were None, and A Flicker in the Dark.
- Honorable Mentions – These books stood out in that they were super original, well-written, and books I will definitely recommend. These include The Two Lives of Sara, Shmutz, and My Sister, The Serial Killer.
Best Dishes:
- Anita Gelato, New York, NY
- Cookies to Go, Steak 954, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Bacon Cheeseburger – Charlie Beinlich’s, Northbrook, IL
- Cheeseburger – Gotham Burger Social Club
- Cinnamon Roll – Kyu, New York, NY
- Savory Cannoli – Scacciaguai, Barga, Italy
- Pistachio Crema Gelato – Caniparoli Cioccolateria, Lucca, Italy
- Le Voyage – Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Beyond
- Ching’s Table – New Canaan, CT
- Charcoal-Roasted Scallops – Hawksmoor, New York, NY
This was a reallly hard list to narrow down. I didn’t do my favorite restaurants of the year because I felt like a lot of them had hit or miss items and I just wanted to highlight my favorite bites of the year. Hopefully it inspires your culinary bucket list in the coming year!
Favorite freelance articles: This year I really tried to increase the amount of freelance work I took on. That included writing for some new publications, like Women’s Health and Beyondish. Here are my favorite freelance pieces of the year:
- St. George Spirits Offers a Story in a Glass – Beyondish
- Two Men and a Garden: Relishing Nature’s Bounty – Beyondish
- I Did Plank Variations Every Day for a Month – And More Core is Stronger Than Ever – Women’s Health
- Yoga vs. Pilates: How the Workouts and Benefits Compare, According to Fitness Experts – Women’s Health
- Picnic Perfect – Horse & Style Magazine (page 34)
Favorite Beauty Products: One thing I’ve taken serious strides in since turning 30 has been focusing on skincare. It’s more important to me than ever and here are some of the new products I’ve tried this year and loved.
- Remilia Hair The Cosmocap ($27) – Not a skincare product, but this little capsule makes your hair so shiny, smooth, and healthy.
- KIMTRUE Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm ($19.99) – Good cleanser to help remove makeup.
- Osmosis Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum ($96) – This is a wonderful serum that keeps my skin clear, smooth, and hydrated.
- Neostrata Matrix Support with SPF 30 ($74) – I will tell you right now I am obsessed with this stuff. This is my go-to for a day when I’m not wearing make-up but still want to protect my skin from the sun and look dewy and glowing. Sometimes I layer it under my makeup as well for extra hydration.
- Neostrata 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum ($55) – I love the way this Vitamin C goes onto the skin. You need only the tiniest bit and it leaves your skin glowing. Start using gradually if you have sensitive skin.
Happy New Year!!
