My 2013 Highlights

I really didn't think it was possible to top the absolutely unforgettable year of 2012. But as I looked at pictures of our travels and reflected on all the amazing things we did in 2013, I think it's safe to say that 2013 was right up there! We had an incredibly blessed year, which I'm so thankful for, and here are my personal highlights.

Back to the Motherland

In January I made the journey back to South Africa, and had an amazing time with my family and friends. The weather was perfect! Blue skies, sunny days, warm evenings; I couldn't ask for anything more. It was nice to just relax at home, bake with my mom, chat with my dad and lay out by the pool. I also helped my mom with all the finishing touches for my brother's wedding.

Adding to the Family

I'm so happy that The Fiancé and I were able to attend my brother's wedding. He got married in our small town's beautiful church, where we used to go growing up, and it was very special. My new sister-in-law's family came all the way from Ukraine for the occasion. Although they can't speak English, we had a blast with them! I'm ecstatic to have gained another sister.

In the Bridal Party

I also got to be one of my new sister-in-law's bridesmaids. It was my first time being a bridesmaid, and it was so nice to be a part of the wedding like that. Us girls had such a fun time getting ready together and sharing the special day with them.

Paris! 

I was over the moon when The Fiancé, then The Boyfriend, suggested that we go to Paris for a week over the summer. Hell yeah! Paris has always been one of the places that I had to visit, and my dream finally came true. When I think back on our time there, it does feel like a dream; The best dream EVER!

He put a ring on it

The Fiancé had a sneaky plan for wanting to go to Paris, and proposed to me on our first night there. He put the most beautiful ring on my finger while we were having champagne at the Champ de Mars, just as the Eiffel Tower was lighting up. It was one of the most romantic experiences of my entire life and I'll never forget it.

Photo shoot in Paris, anyone?

We thought; why not take our engagement pics in Paris!? I'm so happy we decided to have our photo shoot there, as now we have all these beautiful pictures of us around the City of Lights. I still look at those pictures and think "Who are those lucky people!? Oh yeah, that's us!".

Planning The Big Day

Some days aren't so fun, but in general wedding planning has been a blast! My mom, bridesmaids and our wedding coordinator have all been wonderful in helping me plan our special day. It's been tricky planning our South African wedding all the way from Taiwan, but it's going to be so worth it. The wedding is in less than 5 weeks, and I'm about to burst from excitement!

The Maid of Honor

Last year one of my friends here in Taiwan asked me to be her Maid of Honor at her wedding banquet. Of course I accepted! What an honor. The wedding was about a week and a half ago and it was so much fun! She looked stunningly beautiful, and we had such a good time.

Almost at 1 million views!

Pretty.Random.Things. is almost at a million views!?! That's unbelievable to me! Who reads this rambling!?! I'm so thankful for all my loyal readers and I love hearing from you, so drop me a line whenever you want to chat. Thanks for the support!

Furry Friends

I've wanted a dog for sooo long, but we aren't allowed one in our apartment right now. But, when our friends asked if we could babysit their dog for 3 weeks over the summer, I immediately said yes and decided that I'll just deal with the landlord if we were to get into trouble. (Rather ask for forgiveness than ask for permission, I always say...) It was so nice having a dog in the house and it just made me want a dog of my own even more!

Our Taiwan Family is growing

We've lived in Taiwan for a long time now and have made many lifelong friends, but it's always nice to meet new people. This year some of our friends from the States moved to Taiwan, and I couldn't be happier to have them here.

Happy Friends and Family

Another year, another batch of healthy babies, happy engagements, adventures and wedding bells. I'm so incredibly thankful that my friends and family are healthy and happy. 2013 have been a very exciting year for some of my friends and family, as they welcomed cute pink-feet into the world, got married, traveled to new places and got engaged. I wish you all the best in 2014!

Celebrating our 4-year Anniversary

The Fiancé and I celebrated our 4-year anniversary this year in April. Four happy years have flown by, and I still feel like I love him more and more every day. 

2013 surely was a fantastic year for us! I'm so grateful for our blessings and the wonderful people that I call my friends and family. I'm super excited for what 2014 has in store for us. Can it possibly top 2013? We'll see..

I wish all of you an unforgettable 2014; a year filled with good health, unbelievable happiness and unforgettable new adventures.

HAPPY 2014!