2018 In Review

How To Wear Bright Colors Year Round | Ted Baker Zaffron Skater Dress | how to wear bright colors in the fall and winter | hot pink | hot pink dress | hot pink dress party | hot pink dress formalone year blog anniversary | sequin dress | fur jacket | winter formal dress Shein Buttoned Keyhole Self Tie Checkered Dress | Gingham dress | gingham dress outfit| winery outfit spring| winery outfit spring wine tasting | wine tasting outfit | gingham dress blue necklace | OKC Winery | Clauren Ridge Winery las vegas | Shop the mint | Mint Julep boutique | las vegas things to do in | Las Vegas outfit | las vegas outfit summer | Bellagio hotel | what to do in Las Vegas | las vegas weekend | las vegas weekend outfitsKentucky Derby | Kentucky derby outfit | Kentucky derby outfit for women | Kentucky derby hats | tips for attending the Kentucky derby | kentucky derby fashion | how to attend the Kentucky derby Lucy Paris Polka Dot Ruffle Skirt | Dillards | Polka Dot Skirt | navy polka dot skirt | navy polka dot skirt outfit | spring outfit casual | spring outfit casual womenTartan Plaid: A Classic Christmas Print | tartan plaid | tartan plaid Christmas | tartan plaid fabric | tartan plaid dress | tartan plaid midi | black and tartan plaid | tartan plaid outfit street styles | tartan plaid festive | modest Christmas outfit | what to wear to Christmas church | what to wear to work Christmas partyHappy Thursday! 2018 has been an amazing year for Jake and I. We went into knowing it would be great, due to his much awaited medical school graduation in the spring. We also knew it would give us the chance to travel a lot for interviews and around graduation time. The travel bug hit us hard in 2017 and we were lucky to visit a lot of places on our travel bucket list in 2018. Although 2018 was amazing, it did have some challenges, like moving away from family, and it brought me a lot of anxiety as I waited to hear where we would be moving for Jake’s residency. 2018 was a year full of change and learning. I have rounded up some of the biggest moments of the year. Stay tuned, I will be sharing my 2019 resolutions on Monday.

A Review of 2018:

  • Rebranding my blog from “Life of a Med School Wife” to “A Byers Guide”: one year blog anniversary | sequin dress | fur jacket | winter formal dress I knew when I created my blog in 2017 that “Life of a Med School Wife” wouldn’t be my permanent name. 2018 was finally the year for Jake to finally graduate from medical school, so a name change was necessary. You can read more about why I changed my blog name/more about the story about the name here.
  • We Traveled to Denver, CO: Denver guide | what to do in Denver | 48 hours in Denver | where to eat in Denver | denver breweries Denver guide | what to do in Denver | 48 hours in Denver | where to eat in Denver | denver fashionOur first trip of 2018 was to Denver, Colorado. Jake had interviewed there for residency and it was one of our favorite trips. You can see my full guide to Denver here.
  • I turned 27: SHEIN Embroidered Mesh Overlay Skater Dress For my 27th birthday, I rounded up 27 facts about me here.
  • We Visited Birmingham, AL:birmingham alabama things to do in | birmingham Alabama | birmingham alabama restaurants | rainy day outfit | rain boots outfit | burberry rain boots | burberry rain boots outfit | burberry rain boots blush | blush and rainboots Jake and I visited Birmingham knowing he wanted to rank it number one for residency. We visited to make sure I would like it, too.  You can read about our first trip to Birmingham here.
  • Match Day Anxiety:residency match party | residency match day medical | residency match | medical school | medical school graduation | residency medical | residency medical doctors | match day | what is match day  The new year brought a lot of anxiety for me as I waited to hear where Jake matched. I am the type of person who hates surprises, and not knowing where we would be living for the next 4 (or 5) years gave me a ton of anxiety. Match taught me that I am not in control and I got really personal in this post and shared a testimony of how I found peace. I explained here what “Match Day” is/more about how medical school/residency works.
  • We Matched: To this day, my blog post about our match results is my #1 viewed one. Full post on Match Day/my feelings here.
  • We Explored Oklahoma City: Shein Buttoned Keyhole Self Tie Checkered Dress | Gingham dress | gingham dress outfit| winery outfit spring| winery outfit spring wine tasting | wine tasting outfit | gingham dress blue necklace | OKC Winery | Clauren Ridge Winery Before moving, we fully took the chance to explore the first city that Jake and I called home together. We absolutely loved our time in Oklahoma City, and I realized I still needed to do a post and share my favorite spots. You can see more about our favorite district in OKC here and about a winery visit here.
  • We Visited Las Vegas Twice: Las Vegas Guide | What to do in Las Vegas | las vegas guide | las vegas guide things to do | las vegas things to do in | las vegas outfit | las vegas outfit summeLas Vegas Guide | What to do in Las Vegas | las vegas guide | las vegas guide things to do | las vegas things to do in | las vegas outfit | las vegas outfit summe My mom had a big birthday, so we visited to celebrate her and my dad’s birthday (they have the same birthday), and we also visited Las Vegas for a second time for his aunt’s wedding. Full guide to Las Vegas here and here.
  • We Bought A Home: Home tour | home decor |christmas decor | Christmas home decor | Christmas home tour | 1950s home | home remodel ideasMudroom | DIY mudroom | mudroom bench | mudroom bench entryway | mudroom small spaces | mudroom diy | mudroom diy cheap | mudroom diy easyI announced here that we bought a home in Birmingham. We absolutely love it and you can see some posts here with our decorations. I am still not fully done decorating, so hopefully I’ll share more posts soon once we finish. You can find my Christmas Home Decor post here and my Mud Room post here.
  • We Visited NYC/ Pittsburgh for Jake’s Sister’s 21st Birthday: new york city | new york city things to do in | nyc guide | nyc guide things to do | nyc trip | new york city food | new york city travel |central park new york city | | What to do in NYC | central park new york city things to do | new york city things to do in | Flower Print Long Sleeve Peasant Dress with Ruffle Collar and Black Trim NAVY WHITE | Shein Flower Print Long Sleeve Peasant Dress with Ruffle Collar and Black Trim NAVY WHITE central park new york city | central park new york city spring SHEIN Calico Print Keyhole Back Bell Sleeve Dress | What to do in NYC | central park new york city things to do | new york city things to do in | new york city things to do in April | new york city must see | new york city must see places to visit Joules Golightly Waterproof Pack-a-Way Rain Jacket Full post on NYC here , rainy guide day to NYC here and Central Park here.
  • We Attended the Kentucky Derby: Kentucky Derby | Kentucky derby outfit | Kentucky derby outfit for women | Kentucky derby hats | tips for attending the Kentucky derby | kentucky derby fashion | how to attend the Kentucky derby Kentucky Derby | Kentucky derby outfit | Kentucky derby outfit for women | Kentucky derby hats | tips for attending the Kentucky derby | kentucky derby fashion | how to attend the Kentucky derby Full post here.
  • We visited The Napa Valley: Napa valley wine train tours | napa wine train | napa wine train trips | napa wine train outfits | napa wine train lunches | napa wine train vineyard | napa valley | napa valley outfit | things to dot in napa valley | what to wear in napa valley | Shein Surplice Wrap Flounce Dip Hem Pinstripe Dress Napa valley wine train tours | napa wine train | napa wine train trips | napa wine train outfits | napa wine train lunches | napa wine train vineyard | napa valley | napa valley outfit | things to dot in napa valley | what to wear in napa valley | Shein Surplice Wrap Flounce Dip Hem Pinstripe Dress Napa | napa valley outfit| napa valley outfit summer | Napa valley guide | napa valley outfit wine tasting | things to do in napa | Napa on a budget | napa restaurants | SHEIN  Button Split Front Flare Maxi DressFull guide to Napa here and Napa Valley Wine Train post here.
  • We Visited San Francisco, CA: Shein Frilled Waist Floral Wide Leg Pants | Frilled Waist Floral Wide Leg Pants | san francisco | san francisco guide | san francisco things to do in | san francisco things to do in golden gate bridge| san francisco style| san francisco style summer| san francisco style fall Full guide to San Francisco post here.
  • Jake Graduated From Medical School on May 18, 2018.
  • We Moved to Birmingham, AL.
  • We Celebrated 4 years of marriagewedding photo ideas | wedding photos | wedding storiesAfter Moving I Went Through A Major Rut: Lace Trim Eyelet Embroidered Dress | Shein Lace Trim Eyelet Embroidered Dress | white eyelet dress | white eyelet dress outfit | white eyelet dress summer | casual summer dress | casual summer dress modest | summer date night outfit | summer date night outfit classy | summer date night outfit casual | Miuco Womens Bamboo Handbag Handmade Large Tote Bag | how to get out of a rut | advice to get out of rut | self help for women I got personal in this post and shared more about it here.
  • We Explored Birmingham: Flower Print Tie Waist Jumpsuit | Shein Flower Print Tie Waist Jumpsuit | summer jumpsuit | summer jumpsuit casual | summer outfits | summer outfits women | orange jumpsuit outfitthe market at pepper place | the market at pepper place Birmingham, al | things to do in Birmingham, al | birmingham alabama| birmingham alabama things to do in | unique things to do in Birmingham alabama | Alabama guideBirmingham Botanical Gardens | palm leaf dress outfit | Birmingham, Alabama | what to do in Birmingham, Al | Birmingham, al botanical gardens | summer outfit ideas | summer date ideas | Birmingham, Alabama date ideasFlounce Off Shoulder Self Tie Culotte Jumpsuit | shein Flounce Off Shoulder Self Tie Culotte Jumpsuit | transition into fall | fall jumpsuit | fall outfits 2018Ruffle Trim Striped Self Tie Waist Dress | Shen Ruffle Trim Striped Self Tie Waist Dress | Fall Exploring at the Garden Shop | fall activities | fall activities for adult | burgundy ruffled dress | fall outfit ideas | fall date night outfits | fall brunch outfitWe absolutely love Birmingham and I shared several posts about our new city. Birmingham Botanical Garden post here, Market At Pepper Place post here , Garden Shop here, and Life Lately In Birmingham here .
  • I Started A New Job: Bib Pocket Front Overall Dress | Shein Bib Pocket Front Overall Dress | Overall dress| how to style an overall dress | overall dress and plaid | overall dress outfit | overall dress outfit fall | overall dress outfit corduroy After months of looking, I announced here that I started a new job in October.
  • We Visited Nashville/Franklin, TN: nashville night life | nashville honky tonks | arrington vineyard nashville | things to do in nashville | things to do in nashville for couple things to do in nashville fall | nashville fall activities | nashville fall | nashville, tn guide | Nashville, Tennessee weekend | loveless cafe | where to eat in nashville | Nashville murals nashville night life | nashville honky tonks | arrington vineyard nashville | things to do in nashville | things to do in nashville for couple things to do in nashville fall | nashville fall activities | nashville fall | nashville, tn guide | Nashville, Tennessee weekend Full Guide To Nashville post here, Cheekwood Estates post here, and Franklin, Tn. post here.
  • We Visited The Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska, OK. pioneer woman mercantile | pioneer woman mercantile guide | pioneer woman mercantile store | fall outfit | Burgundy skirt outfit | Burgundy and white outfit | red and white outfit | red skirt outfit fall | cowboy boots outfit fall | cowgirl boots outfit fall | sweater and skirt | cowboy boots outfit | Barrington st. Annes tote Full post here
  • We Visited Sea Island, GA:A Travel Guide to Sea Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia | st. simons island things to do | Sea island things to do | the cloister Sea Island | sea island outfits | St. Simons Lighthouse Museum | fall beach outfit | what to wear to the beach in the fall | fall beach trip Full Post here.
  • We Visited Atlanta, GA:A Weekend Guide To Atlanta, Georgia | things to do in atlanta | things to do in atlanta for adults | atlanta restaurants | atlanta skyline | SheIn Self Tie Snake Print Dress | snake print dress outfit | ponce city marketDouble Button Plaid Cape Coat | SheIn Double Button Plaid Cape Coat | plaid cape | plaid cape outfit | plaid cape outfit women | plaid cape winter | Tartan plaid cape | tartan cape | cape | cozy | Christmas outfits | Christmas bucket list | christmas bucket list for couples| christmas bucket list for families | christmas bucket list ideas Full Guide To Alanta post here.
  • We visited New Orleans: Faux Shearling Pocket Decoration Teddy Jacket | teddy bear jacket | teddy bear jacket outfit | red teddy bear jacket | teddy coat | teddy bear jacket and boots | teddy bear jacket and dress | teddy bear jacket dressed up | casual Christmas outfit women | Christmas outfit ideas | New Orleans guide | New Orleans fashion | New Orleans French quarterThis was our favorite of all of the trips. Full Guide To Nola post here.
  • We Visited Kansas City,KS/MO: I will share a post soon, but we visited for our annual tradition of going to a Kansas City Chiefs game around Christmas.
  • We Visited Our Families for Christmas and New Year’s: We ended the year strong and got to celebrate with both of our families.

Thank you so much for following along in 2018. I cannot express how grateful I am to have shared this year with y’all. 2018 was a huge year for me and brought me so many opportunities for the blog. I look forward to see what 2019 has in store for everyone. I hope the new year will bring you many blessings.

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17 Comments

    • abyersguide
      Author
      January 2, 2019 / 7:05 pm

      Aww love you too! It was such a fun year. It looked like y’all had a great year too. We love y’all both and we also enjoy getting to follow along your journey.

  1. January 3, 2019 / 8:49 am

    Love looking back on your year! Sounds like 2018 was full of excitement and adventure 🙂 I can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store for you! Happy New Year!

    Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com

    • abyersguide
      Author
      January 3, 2019 / 10:22 am

      Thank you so much Taylor! It’s been such a great year and I’m so excited to see what 2019 will be like. I know your 2019 is going to be amazing.

  2. January 3, 2019 / 10:50 am

    Wow, all that in one year! My goodness it’s been a busy year for you two. I wish you an even better 2019!!!

    • abyersguide
      Author
      January 3, 2019 / 11:09 am

      It really was a huge year for us. My last year in review post was wayyyyy shorter. I am so excited for 2019, but know it wouldn’t be quite as busy.

  3. January 3, 2019 / 3:46 pm

    You had such a big year! I loved following along on your travels and can’t wait to see what 2019 holds for you guys.

    • abyersguide
      Author
      January 3, 2019 / 4:06 pm

      It really was a big year. Aw thanks, Amanda. I love following your travels as well. We probably won’t get to travel much for a while due to Jakes schedule, but hopefully we will still get a lot of traveling in.

  4. January 4, 2019 / 5:30 am

    Hi Courtney, 2018 was a year of change for you! Starting in Oklahoma city and making the big move to Birmingham. I was glad to follow your adventures along the way with your visits to a lot of parts of the country. Napa was a great trip and I loved Nashville , and everywhere else in between!! The photo of you and Jake at his graduation is so awesome, your dress is gorgeous ! I really like the photo of you at your front door of your new home, and that dress also. I love so much coming to your site and following you, Best wishes for 2019

    • abyersguide
      Author
      January 6, 2019 / 8:57 pm

      Hey Terri! it really was a big year of change for us. Aww I am so thankful that you’ve enjoyed following me/we’ve connected. Happy 2019

      • January 7, 2019 / 5:12 am

        It was great following your wonderful adventures Courtney, hugs, Terri xo.

  5. Lindsey Puls
    January 6, 2019 / 5:21 am

    WOW. I’ve been following your posts, but seeing them compiled here really puts it into perspective for what an incredible, but busy, year you had! Congratulations on all that has happened this year! What an exciting year for you two.

    • abyersguide
      Author
      January 6, 2019 / 8:55 pm

      Aww thanks, friend! I so appreciate you following me this year. I have really enjoyed following you <3

    • abyersguide
      Author
      January 7, 2019 / 4:35 pm

      I really did. I hope you did too.

  6. thefashionableaccountant
    January 8, 2019 / 11:41 am

    You really have had one heck of a year!! So many great changes and the opportunity for a lot of fun travel!! Xo, Nikki

    • abyersguide
      Author
      January 8, 2019 / 9:07 pm

      Thanks, Nikki! It really was an amazing and eventful year with lots of change/opportunities. 🙂

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