24 Things that made my year in 2024

Goodbye, 2024 – Hello, 2025!

2024 was quite the ride! While some moments felt chaotic and overwhelming, the year was filled with bright and merry highlights. Here are 24 moments that made my year unforgettable, more or less in order:

1. Winter in Italy

I had the chance to live in Italy during the winter, starting the new year with sunshine and blue skies. We stayed about 40 km from the center of Rome, and it was a real treat to spend time at Mama Shelter in Rome, thanks to Ben Er Weg Van and Time to Momo. I'm grateful for this experience.

2. A Romantic Weekend in Naples

3. Family Visits in Italy

Having family visit us in Italy made our time there even more special.

4. Solo Road Trip Around Sicily

Traveling solo (with Missy, my dog) was a dream. Sicily in winter is quiet, mysterious, and stunning—just the way I like it. The White Lotus theme song played in my head the entire time, adding to the atmosphere.

5. Countless Coffee Breaks with Tiny

Coffee and chats with my bestie and neighbor Tiny were priceless this year.

6. Photographing for 500 HS Ghent

Rediscovering beautiful Ghent, where I lived during my student years, was a joy. You can find my favorite spots in this blog post.

7. Family Time at Center Parcs

For most of 2024, my husband, son, and I lived in different countries (Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium). Our weekends together were rare but deeply cherished.

8. Sharing West-Vlaanderen Love

I’m collaborating on an epic West-Vlaanderen book with a West-Flemish writer and a West-Flemish graphic designer. We received exciting news from a publisher, so now it’s time for us to kick our own butts and get in gear. :)

9. Summer Amusement Park Trip

Celebrating my godson’s birthday with the yearly fun day at an amusement park is always summer highlight.

10. Renovating Our Tiny House in Kortrijk

Working on our tiny house was a refreshing change from photography. It’s almost finished and will soon be up for sale! (Let me know if you want more information!)

11. Family Reunion in Italy and London

August was all about family time, with memorable moments in Italy and a trip to 'London, Baby'!

12. ADHD Diagnosis

After a long process of appointments and tests, I finally received an official ADHD diagnosis in September. It’s been life-changing, explaining so much and helping me make better choices for the future.

13. Healthy Lifestyle Achievements

Six months of healthier living paid off with remarkable improvements in my cholesterol, weight, and overall health.

14. Meeting Gaston at WonderWoodLand

During Godparent Day, I met my ‘godanimal’ Gaston, a nearly blind but incredibly sweet sheep. Visiting WonderWoodLand was heartwarming, thanks to the amazing Vicky Bogaert.

15. New Laptop, New Speed

After eight years, I finally replaced my old laptop! My new setup makes editing RAW photos and handling Adobe updates a breeze.

16. Secondhand September on TikTok

I celebrated Secondhand September by experimenting with TikTok videos featuring my daily outfits.

17. Tack Family Birthday Weekend

October was birthday month for the Tack family, celebrated with a cozy weekend at the sea.

18. Photography Inspiration

My lovely colleague An Van Gijsegem and I visited the Cindy Sherman exhibition and did another “One Location – Two Photographers” session.

19. Reading Over Scrolling

Reading has officially overtaken social media for me. I started documenting my Read Around the World project this year and I'm stull overexcited about this journey. I'm currently readig Greece ('The Island' by Victoria Hislop) and Hungary ('The Door' by Magda Szabó).

20. Teaching Photography and Editing

I started offering personal coaching and private lessons in photography, Lightroom, and Photoshop. Sharing my knowledge and seeing my students’ progress is incredibly rewarding.

21. Berlin Expo

Since November, my expo Berlin Through My Lens has been on display at Travelbookstore De Reyghere. Selecting just 12 photos from my overflowing archive was a challenge, but seeing them as art prints on the wall is amazing!

22. Using BeReal as a Photo Diary

In 2024, I captured at least one photo every day using BeReal. No filters, no “perfect moments”, no followers, not thumbs up, ... just raw and real daily memories.

23. Thankful for my Clients

Looking back on all the wonderful families and the creative and inspiring business owners I worked with this year fills me with gratitude. You make my job so meaningful—thank you!

24. Ending the Year in Italy

I closed out the year where it began: in beautiful Italy. This country has stolen my heart. As Winnie the Pooh said, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

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