2010 was an incredible year for me and my family. It really, really was. I learned a lot this year. I grew a lot as a mom, as a wife and as a friend. I dreamed big this past year, dreamed very big. For me, dreaming big is the only thing to do. I dreamed big as a mom, wife, business woman and friend. It’s the way I’ve been my whole entire life. I couldn’t have planned or predicted 2010, and all of its happenings, at all. That’s the way life is meant to be, and… truth be told, I love it that way. I love not knowing what the future holds… it’s the ride and the adventure that makes life so worth living.
This was the first time in 6 years I put 100% of myself into my work. Working is one of my passions, and nothing fuels me more or excites me more than the digital mom space and social media. I love that every single day is completely a new day. And I love that I just LOVE what I do. Not many people can say that in a lifetime, and I really feel lucky to have found my place.
This was also the first time in 6 years that I didn’t have a little baby in the house. Having Henry turn 2 years old this year was bittersweet for me. He’s my baby, but not a baby. It was crazy being able to head out without a diaper bag, stroller, toys, books, baby food and everything else BABY this past year.
As I look back at 2010, I can’t quite grasp that a WHOLE YEAR has already gone by. 365 days. I feel like someone fast-forwarded this past year. It seems like yesterday I was sitting on my couch dreaming of 2010 and what may be… when I reflect on 2010 from a business and personal view, I know I lived it, but my goodness… how does a year fly by in a flash?
Last January I had the opportunity to kick off the New Year in Los Angeles as the People’s Choice Awards for Tide. I got to walk the red carpet, interview celebs and be on a celebrity panel with Tim Gunn and Gretta Monahan talking People’s Choice fashion. This was the coolest way for me to kick off 2010… !
In February I met Vera Sweeney at the Disney Social Media Mom Conference. Sitting together at one of the events, we decided right then and there that we needed to partner together for the Getting Gorgeous Event. As I like to think, that trip was kismet.
In March my husband found out that he would most likely be laid off in the summer. We rallied together and decided that we weren’t going to let it get us down. I knew Matt believed in me and what I was building, but in that moment… I really knew he believed in me. It’s amazing how resourceful you can become as a partnership when you really need to be.
In April, Colleen Padilla and I sold our book proposal to Harper Collins! The Digital Mom Handbook was in the works… and it was going to be published. This summer I will see that very creation come to life.
In May I was invited by my friend Meredith Sinclair to head with her to NYC and see Oprah Winfrey’s Anniversary Show in NYC! That was a true bucket list moment for me.
In June I watched my sons Alexander and Benjamin jump off the diving board at our pool club by themselves (lifeguard in the water to catch them!). The smiles of their faces were priceless… they still talk about it! And William joined his very first swim team!
In July I was asked to be a member of the Advisory Board for Style Week Providence. I was beyond honored.
In August our first Getting Gorgeous event went off without a hitch and we were even mentioned in the Wall Street Journal! AMAZING!
In September I got to watch my oldest son walk into Kindergarten… that was a WOW moment that left me speechless.
In October I started “Audrey’s Fashion Sense” on The Pulse Network. It was the first time I had ever had 60 minutes of air time to myself… and it was the first time people actually got to see me, as me.
In November The Gift Girls Guide launched with 3 of my friends – Colleen Padilla, Vera Sweeney and Whitney Wingerd. 4 Moms Media was created.
In December I became an auntie for the 6th time! And with all that I do online every single day with moms… it was amazing to see my sister in law become a mom for the very first time.
2010 has been good to me. And I continue to dream big for 2011… I have many goals for myself, I don’t believe in resolutions. I would rather have goals to strive for in 2011 than anything else.
2010… I will miss you, but I open my arms wide to 2011!
I must say Sweetheart… you are a GOAL GIRL. You always have been.
I’m very proud of the way that you have kept the essence of family as your first priority as you continue to go after your career goals. For many people, that’s not an easy thing to do. You seem to do it as if it’s just part of your being. I love you and I’m proud of you. Dad
You amaze me daily friend, and I’m wishing you so many more good things in 2011. xoxo
I remember right before the start of 2009, when you told me you were going to do a 365-day-of-fashion-for-mom project. I thought it was a great idea. And look how far it took you that year… and then just multiplied in 2010! You have worked for and earned everything you have. Here’s to even more success and happiness in 2011!!
Audrey, wow! Yes what a year you have had and congratulations overall. I honestly don’t see how you do it with 4 little ones but you seem to know how to balance it all really well. And yes, it definitely makes a difference that you love what you do – you are blessed in that regard. I don’t make resolutions either and think goals make more sense. Happy New Year to you and your family Audrey – I have no doubt it will be everything you hope it to be. Hug!
Amazing Audrey. By January most would have sat on their laurels thinking that they had reached new heights, but you pushed that further each time. As much as so much seems glitzy and fun I KNOW that it took a lot of hard work and sacrifices. The fact that you remain so connected to your family throughout is simply impressive. Best of everything to you in 2011 and beyond!