Happy last day of 2018, dear friends! I am that nerd who is totally enamored with new years. I love that there is a solid line drawn in the sand to reset and make a conscious effort to restart and be better. I love the actual evening of – getting all gussied up to be with friends – or cooking some awesome meal and watching a great flick with the one you love the most. Well, the later ain’t happening, so friends for the win(e) this year!

2018 was definitely not my favorite year. (2009 was, but who is counting). I am elated to start again in 2019, refreshed and bright eyed. Rather than dwell on the roller coaster that was 2018, I thought why not focus in on the best little bits that really tied the points of 2018 together.

Macarons and Mayhem’s Highlight Reel of 2018

Trip of 2018: Stockholm

Concert of 2018: Anderson Paak on the drums in Stockholm

Local Meal of 2018: Brewery Bhavana – reconnecting over dumplings with friends new and old.

Travel Meal of 2018: El Farallon for romantic vibes.  Giro for solo heaven.

Local Bar of 2018: North Street. My second home sweet home.

Travel Bar of 2018: Hoot the Redeemer for overall vibe and amazing cocktials. Ruby for it’s canal views and discovery of aquavit. Pharmacium for creativity.

Recipe of 2018: Short rib curry

Beach Read of 2018: The Last Mrs. Parrish – Liv Constantine

Real Literature of 2018: Remains of the Day – Kazuo Ishiguro

Cookbook of 2018: Cravings 2 – Chrissy Teigan

Nonfiction of 2018: The Effective Executive – Peter Drucker. The Last Black Unicorn – Tiffany Haddish

Did anything particularly blow your hair back in 2018 that is worth a look at in 2019? Please share! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2019! May it be the best year yet!