I feel like the last year of a decade and the first year of a decade hit me hard. When I turned 39 I really started to think WTF I’ll be 40 next year. Now I’m thinking OMG I’ll be 41 this week and 9 years from 50. I definitely feel blessed.
I also had a mind shift when I turned 40. It was quite positive if you ask me. You really start not caring about things, but in a good way. I find myself not second guessing myself, but the other person. Yes, it’s unreasonable to text me at 2:40am to hang out. (Hard eye roll).
I love if you’re still reading this blog post, but it’s about to turn quite personal and it’s for ME. What have I been up to from turning 40 till NOW (8/17)?
August 22 2024 (40) – August 17th 2025 (NOW)
- Last year I spent my 40th in Zanzibar, Tanzania. After leaving Africa we did a brief stay in Dubai
- I collaborated with Stella Artois and First we Feast hot ones. Got to see David Beckham and attend a private Ludacris concert front row.
- Covered Chicago Gourmet for the sixth or seventh time.
- Met Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas at the Marshall’s Good Stuff Social Club. LOVED the gift bag they gave me ($300 purse, wallet, Stanley cup…)
- Got to cover and attend the First annual Chicago Fashion week.
- Too many restaurant reviews, spa services, and events to name. BUT I enjoyed them all and so thankful this blog allows me to experience so many free things with my friends by my side.
- Quarterly Staycations. I LOVE hotels.
- Getting to be in the Festival of Lights parade and ride on the Enjoy Illinois bus.
- Emirates inviting me to meet the VP and tour the plane.
- Press trip to Bogota, Colombia
- Covering the Chicago Auto Show First look for Charity Gala for the 5th or 6th year
- Going to Florida to attend the SOBEWFF for the 3rd time and getting to hang with one of my favorite chefs, Chef Chris Valdes.
- Interviewing Celebrity Chef Alex Guarnaschelli.
- Spending my St. Patty’s day in the penthouse of a ballroom to watch the river go green
- Covering the National Restaurant Association show for probably my sixth time.
- Heading to Negril Jamaica for a little vacay.
- Being invited by Bacardi to cover Suenos festival. A two day pass is $750!!! And I got to bring a friend.
- Interviewing Chef Fabio Viviani and being one of the first to eat at his new restaurant, Alto.
- Being invited as a VIP guest for the Taste of Randolph
- Being invited as a guest to a Wyoming Tourism event and getting the most beautiful custom made cowgirl hat.
- Speaking of cowgirl I covered Windy City Smokeout for my fifth or sixth time.
- Working with Disney for the 4th time to promote Disney on Broadway. This time it was Beauty and the Beast.
- Meeting Celebrity KeKe Palmer at an event I was invited too.
- Being asked by Crown Royal to attend an event and interview reality TV star from Love Island USA season 6 and Beyond the Villa, Miguel Harichi.
- Covering the Air & Water show with all the other media outlets.
I feel soooooo blessed. So what am I doing to ring in 41? Well if hurricane Erin doesn’t get in the way I’m headed to the Bahamas. I plan on dining at Marcus Samuelsson restaurant on my actual bday and doing a private cruise around the island the next day. You know us Leo’s real low key. LOL LOL
My goal for my next year around the sun is acts of service. I feel so good when I’m helping other people and I want to ride that high all year. Thanks for following along and thanks for yet again another wonderful #leoseason.
