30 Gifts!

For my big birthday this year, I told John I really didn't NEED any particular gift, but something thoughtful would be nice!

Like a letter, a card, flowers, you know. 

Well, he was thoughtful alright. He sat me down, said close your eyes, and entered the room holding a piece of paper....
and 30 presents!

That's my 30 face :)

Yep, he wrote the most amazing, thoughtful, hilarious story that included 30 different gifts!

From things to help me get all glammed up for my special day....

to Starbucks gift cards and special photos...

Cocktail glasses...

literally, cocktail glasses!

...my very own AMAZING peanut butter and chocolate birthday cheesecake...

favorite candies...

and best of all..

plane tickets to FLORIDA!

Even Andrew got a few gifts for his big beach trip :)

It was seriously so much fun, and a birthday I'll never forget!!

Thanks hubby for going above and beyond!

I love you!

(P.S. Just got back from our Florida trip! Will blog all about it this week!)

Birthday Fun!

Another year older today!
Thankful for this past year, and so looking forward to what this next one holds!

In honor of my special little day, I'm cuddling with my two favorites....


packing for our trip to FLORIDA!!!

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....and having cake at every meal :)

And how about sharing a few happies that made it onto my birthday list :)
Some things I've already gotten (thanks to my wonderful Mother-in-law!)

These might give you some ideas for your own wish list, or if you are in the hunt of a perfect gift for a gal in your life!

1  - Just got these with birthday money, and I LOVE them!  They are so simple, yet chic.  Very comfortable and I love the nude shades.

2  - {similar} I've just gotten into wearing watches again, and I love the all gold look - this one looks much more expensive than it is!

3  - I tried this gloss on at Sephora recently, and I fell in love. It lasted a long time, and the color is so fresh and girly!

4  - These balloons are just the best, and they are cheap here!

5  - I love this new leopard print from Tory Burch...this wallet is just gorgeous. 

6  - Another product I tried on at Sephora, and I'm saving up my pennies for this one!  A beautiful combination of illuminating powder and pink blush. 

7 - Just because.  My mouth is watering just thinking about that stack of donuts.  Will be having on my birthday :)

8  - I like a light perfume for spring and summer, and I love these "splashes" from Victoria's Secret... much less "fussier" than a perfume, and can easily be tossed in a purse or beach bag.  

9  - Picked a sample of this up recently after a big haircut, and it is amazing!  It's made my hair SO soft and silky!  And smells amazing too.

10 - These I splurged on with birthday money too, and they are my new favorite earrings.  They go with everything and are a fabulous statement piece - very comfortable! 

The bag! - Love the stripes and structure of this bag, perfect for the pool!  And similar to, but much less than this one :)

Hope you have a happy day!
Maybe even treat yourself to a cupcake - for me!  :)

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April Favorites

Happy May!!

Wanted to hop on and share some of the things I've been loving over the past month!  

There's a mix of hair, beauty, TV, food, and clothing, so take your pick!

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque 

I have heard lots of good things about this masque, so I picked up the smaller size of this at Ulta.  I am in love!  A little goes a long way, and it leaves my hair feeling SO soft, luxurious, easy to manage, and tangle free!  I tend to use cleanse my hair just 2-3 times a week, so I usually use this each time.   

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer

I have been a fan of this product for awhile now, and I love both the concealer, AND the brightener.  I've been wearing it every day (when I wear makeup), and it really helps with dark circles, and brightens the eyes so much.  This is a staple beauty product for me, that I will definitely be repurchasing over and over! (And it's cheap!)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Well this ain't cheap, but it is pretty amazing.  Over the last year, I've been actually taking care of my brows and filling them in (they're pretty light), and it makes SUCH a difference!  Who knew?

I used a MAC powder for awhile, but was introduced to this recently, and it's changed everything.  The tinted wax is soooo thin and easy to use, and provides a natural and lasting look.  It has a spoolie too, which helps shape them perfectly.  

Victoria's Secret Bralettes

I live in these babies.  They are SO beyond comfortable and cute too.  They work for nursing because you can just pull them to the side.  I used to just sleep in them, but now I wear them all the time with tshirts and tanks.  VS runs sales on them all the time - try one next time!

Target Linen Drapey Tee

Another item I've been living in the past month are these drapey tees from Target. I have them in the white and gray, but they also have them in many other colors.  They are SO comfortable and have that kind of heathered/worn look to them which I love.  They are long too, and the V is not too low - just perfect.  And they are only $12!  I wear my white one at least 3x a week :)

Tory Burch Large Logo Studs

I got these earrings last year for my birthday, and they are such an easy and classic pick for me!  I tend to pair them with everything, and they are not too fussy.  They look good with a tshirt and jeans, or even a fancy dress or outfit!  Love these!

Chambray Shirt

These are my fave, and now that I can actually button mine again, they have been my go-to shirt for casual or cute occasions.  I pair it with these  (in Lime) for running errands or a lunch date, and then at night with skinny jeans and wedges, or a feminine skirt like this or this. 

More shirts - this one, or this one :)

Y'all, this show.  So good!  I just started Season 1 on Netflix, and I am flying through!  It is a real and raw show, navigating through one families ups and downs, complex relationships, and love for each other.  The character development is so good, and I find myself laughing AND crying during EACH episode.  Highly recommend!  

Sweet and Sour Chicken

This recipe has been a favorite, and I think I made it every single week this month!  Easy and delicious and tastes just like takeout :)  I usually make brown rice and roasted broccoli to pair it with.  Yum!

Aden and Anais Bamboo Swaddle Blankets

Had to throw in a "Mommy" favorite!  These bamboo swaddle blankets are incredible!  The softest and lightest blankets ever and perfect for these warmer months ahead.  We use them for everything -covering the car seat, wrapping in swaddles, laying on the floor or crib, and I swear I'm gonna wear it as a scarf one of these days :)  They are that cute!

Those are my faves of the month!!  

Anything you've been loving??

Turning 30

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I've been thinking a lot about a certain birthday that is coming up in just a few days.  I've been looking back at my life, my childhood, and growing up.
What I've accomplished, and where I've been.

I made a little list - things I'm proud of....some things I would have never guessed I would do.
Things I'm thankful for, and what I want to remember.

I grew up in a loving and wonderful home.

With two amazing, involved, caring, and committed parents.

One protective, loyal, and outgoing big brother.

And a family dog that will never be forgotten - my best little buddy.

We had the beach - almost literally in our back yard.

I went on unforgettable family vacations to Europe, Hawaii, Central America, Key West, NYC, Disney World, and more.

Was on the volleyball team, cheer-leading squad, tennis team, and swim team.

Became very involved in Church, Children's Choir, Student Government, and Journalism.

Had amazing high school memories, most of them with my partner in crime, Ashley.

Graduated high school, and got into my dream college.

Made the greatest friends a girl could ask for.

Fell in love with my best friend and soul mate.

Lived on my own and gained independence. 

Got a post-graduate degree.

Became a working woman in a field that I love.

Was proposed to on my hometown beach, with violin players, rose petals, and a glorious sunset.

Married my college sweetheart - my perfect person to share forever with.

Gained the world's best in-laws, and new family.

Had the most incredible and beautiful honeymoon.

Bought our first home together.

Moved 727 miles away and grew so much as our own little "team."

Spent an incredible month traveling all over Europe.

Moved 440 miles away, and became real Northerners.

Were blessed with the greatest joy - a precious baby boy.

I have moved 6 different times.

I have lived in 7 different states.

I've seen a lot of the country, and a lot of the world.

I try not to take my life and experiences for granted.


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Now, it hasn't all been roses.  I've made mistakes. My heart has been broken.  

I've been hurt by others.  I've hurt others.  Friends have come and gone.  I have real-life struggles.  I've been ashamed, worried, lost, fearful, angry, troubled, stubborn, and selfish. 

I hope to learn from those experiences and grow from them.  

I hope to trust God and His plan for my next 30 years.   In 30 years, I wonder where I'll be?
Will we be grandparents?  Where will we be living?
Will I be proud of who I am and what I have done? 

I hope so.  

I'm excited for this new milestone.  I feel like I'm finally learning who I am, Whose I am, and being comfortable in my own skin.  I think I'm really evolving into a woman - and I like that.  It comes with responsibilities, but responsibilities I think I'm ready for.  A lot of that has to do with becoming a mother.  I am feeling much less selfish and that is a refreshing feeling.  

I am blessed.  I am thankful.  I am hopeful.  I am ready.

Thirty, let's do this :)