Happy New Year! Highlights and Recap of 2015

I can’t believe how quickly this year flew by! It has been a whirlwind of adventure, makeup...lots of makeup, new friends and fabulous memories!

Some of my 2015 highlights include amazing travel adventures and breathtaking views so here is a recap of the beautiful places I’ve explored this year and the photos I captured along the way.

The Italian Riviera- Sanremo Italy

Ville Franche Sur Mer (the South of France)
One of the most picturesque places on the planet!

Nice France
One my favorite destinations in the world...alongside Paris of course!

Monte Carlo - The French Riviera
One of the most unique & beautiful cities I've ever seen!

Marseilles France

Saint Tropez France

St. Maxime France

Istanbul Turkey

Dubrovnik Croatia
Ancient, historical and breathtaking!

Montenegro
A secluded, gorgeous oasis of mountains and sea

Munich Germany

Montreal Quebec

Chicago Illinois

I went to Chicago on a Press Trip for the Masters of Makeup cocktail party at the Crown Plaza and The Makeup Show's media event. I decided to turn it into a mini vacation and do some sightseeing as well!

Niagara Falls Ontario

Other highlights include covering World Mastercard Fashion Week, VIP lounges, many exclusive parties and the Toronto International Film Festival where I saw Kate Winslet and Liam Hemsworth while attending the premiere of The Dress Maker. I also had a great time at the Man From U.N.C.L.E red carpet premiere where the cast made a special appearance!

Kate Winslet on the red carpet

This year I indulged in a culinary spectacle of sweet treats and gourmet food trucks at the Canadian National Exhibition which is an annual tradition.

Spiral potato spuds with garlic Parmesan flavor 

Butter chicken poutine!

When I wasn't traveling or at press events I was downtown almost every day this summer enjoying the excitement of the Pan American Games which was hosted in Toronto. I attended outdoor concerts, sporting matches and had a great time exploring my city.

Royal Ontario Museum

I love spending time by the lake so I took many leisurely evening strolls on warm summer nights.

Port Credit Ontario

Being featured in Avon’s brochure and Verve Girl Magazine with Fifth Harmony on the cover were amazing opportunities!

I attended beauty and press events all over the city including spa time at the 5 star Shangri-la and a princess party at Casaloma with essence cosmetics!

There were many patio days with friends, lunches, dinners and more events than I can even recall! 

This year there was also a traumatic experience that harshly put life into perspective. A raging fire broke out just a few feet away from my home and my family and I had to flee in the middle of the night. 

Amidst the chaos there was a car fire at the end of our driveway and a nearby house began exploding sending debris fluttering down around us as we escaped through intolerable smoke. Many homes were completely destroyed so we were very fortunate. After experiencing such a frightening ordeal I was more thankful than ever to still have my home and loved ones. My heart goes out to all those effected by loss, heartache, disaster and tragedy this year.

With all the senseless violence occurring in the world the future can be very uncertain. I always make an effort to be open to new experiences and try to squeeze every last drop of happiness out of life. I have also learned to distance myself from negativity and not dwell on issues that are beyond my control. I am so fortunate to be able to explore the world, do what I love and share everything with all of you.

I know that 2016 will be brighter, better and more prosperous. I hope you all enjoyed reading my blog this year, traveling along with me and watching me try out all the cool makeup and beauty products that launched each season. Thanks for all your support and kind comments, I had a wonderful time and I wish you all a safe and happy New Year!!

~Erica

Photo credit: happynewyear2016-images.com