"Oh, when I look back now / That summer seemed to last forever / And if I had the choice / Yeah, I'd always wanna be there / Those were the best days of my life." ~ Summer of 69, Bryan Adams

In February, I also launched my second lookbook sponsored by Igigi, featuring bloggers and influencers spanning sizes 14 to 32, including two big and tall males as well as petite and tall women. The Lookbook Project will continue in 2018 because I think it's a great visual way to show diversity in not only bodies but race, gender and style.

My hair became mermaid green in time for my travels to Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose in late April/early May, where I did some amazing things like a closet sale at The Plus Bus, a tour of Making It Big's headquarters, attending a book signing for Jessamyn Stanley, attending the Torrid Pool Party, getting fitted for bras at Curvy Couture, speaking for the first time at Curvy Girl Lingerie about fashion above a size 24 and shooting a body diverse fashion campaign for SWAK Designs where I got to channel my inner Super Heroine. 

I also visited designers Melissa Masse and Jill Alexander, who have become dear friends of mine over the years. I finally got to meet celebrity stylist Malia Anderson! And let's not forget, I wore a two-piece bathing suit on the beach for the first time in decades.

At this point, the mermaid hair and I were gearing up for summer, which was all about events and my first Facebook Live with Dia & Co! I was nervous but their followers really loved me and it has motivated me to do more Live sessions in 2018. Full Figured Fashion Week was amazing as usual and in July, I headed to Atlanta to attend the TCF Style Expo for the first time. 

At FFF Week, I met a woman who will forever change my life. Melina Alarcon, the Mexican designer behind Generose, is one of the best people I have ever met. She showed her collection at FFF Week and we connected shortly thereafter where she invited me to go to the TCF Style Expo with her. Since then, that relationship has not only blossomed into a partnership where she is using me as her size 28 fit model but also a friendship. I would not have gone to Altanta if it weren't for her. Everything happens for a reason. Stay tuned to the blog for more on this new partnership of mine and how it is going to evolve in 2018.

After TCF, I celebrated my 47th birthday with an all girls staycation that involved my first trip to a spa and an awesome feminist-geared tour at the MET. At this point, my hair was pink and it mirrored my mood... happy, fun and girly. 

The pink hair and I then had a blast during New York Fashion Week and Curvy Con the following month. My dream of attending the Project Runway finale runway show came true and I loved how I got to see so many of my blogger sisters at Curvy Con.

I went to Torrid's after party, Additionelle's store event where I met Jordyn Woods and I also co-hosted an event with All67 at the Gregory Hotel. NYFW and Curvy Con was a whirlwind that left me so empowered and happy.

During this time, I also shot my first non-fashion campaign with Big Fig Mattress. This was major for me! I also loved that I got to shoot with my blogger brother Kavah King of Gentlemen's Curb, which helped me feel more at ease on set.

The latter part of the year had me visiting Chicago where I spoke in my first breakout session at the Dream Big Curvy Girl Beauty and Fashion Conference. It was the first time I spoke about my mental health and how I built my confidence which enables me to live my best life. Mental health is such a taboo topic to speak about and I feel like it should be talked about more. That's one of my goals moving forward into 2018.

I met so many incredible women in Chicago and I just love that city where I now consider it my second home. I cried A LOT during my time there but it was tears of joy and empathy. Women came up to me, telling me how I inspire them to live their best lives and the crowd's reaction after my session was something I will never forget. As I looked at the line of women waiting to meet me after and seeing all of them in tears and just embracing me in tight hugs, my spirit was so full. I've been asked to speak in 2018 so hope to see you in Chicago!

After Chicago, things started to wind down a little. I did a great collab with 4 other bloggers and influencers over a size 24 where we all wore the same size 28 jeans from Avenue and shared our experiences as the same size but different body shapes and measurements.

I also celebrated along with my blogger sister and dear friend Darlene of Suits, Heels and Curves at her baby shower in early November.  Work at Gwynnie Bee was gearing up for holiday and was keeping me busy. I attended the The Business of Curves event at FIT where I got the courage to ask the panel about fashion over a size 24. 

I also got to hang out with singer/songwriter Mary Lambert where we shopped at the #PlusPop pop-up shop at the Gregory Hotel in early December. Connecting with Alexis of plus BKLYN this year and visiting her store is one of the major highlights of my year. I ended the year with a trip to Mexico City to do some fitting for Generose's Spring 2018 line and finding out that I am a 2018 Lifestyled Honors recipient. So I will see you Atlanta in April!

I'm ending the year with blue/pink ombre hair and a full heart. My spirit is overflowing with humility, gratefulness and love. 2017 was simply amazing and I can't wait to see what 2018 has in store for me, including what hair colors I will do next. Stay tuned and thanks for rocking with me this year!!! Love y'all!

What were the highlights of 2017 for you? What are your goals in 2018? What are you looking forward to? Comment below and let's chat!

"A star does not compete with other stars around it; it just shines." ~ Matshona Dhliwayo

I am going to give myself credit for my greatness.

"If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door." -Milton Berle