Tag: birthday

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Fabulous living

On Turning 26

Hello All!

Happy Wednesday! I can’t believe we are at the end of May already!? Where has the month gone…time truly needs to slow down.

Over the weekend and on Monday we celebrated Memorial Day, although I had to work, it was still nice to get family time and remember all those who served our country.

Memorial Day spread

Today is my birthday and while I will be working, I am looking forward to incorporating some celebrations throughout the day. I’ll be getting my free birthday drink from Starbucks, enjoying dinner with my family and then enjoying some of my favorite hobbies on my day off. Nothing too exciting but doing some of my favorite things that bring me JOY! Kendra Adachi aka The Lazy Genius has a podcast episode about the importance of celebrating your birthday and planning it the way you want to enjoy it. You can listen to it here.

Although I love a good surprise, I do think it’s sometimes better to plan your own activity or dinner so you know you will enjoy it. 

I truly love celebrating birthdays, holidays, and all the special occasions, whether it’s a graduation, promotion, or life event. I think it’s important that we acknowledge these milestones in our lives even if we don’t feel like making a big deal out of it. 

Celebrating 25!

As I turn 26, I definitely feel like I am more adult than young adult. When I turned 23, I felt like I made the switch from young adult to adult and since then, I feel I have only continued to grow and mature from there. Over the past few years, I have become the most comfortable in my own skin and I have been confident in myself in the decisions I have made. I really got into a comfortable pattern and routine of work, family time, spending time with friends and growing in my relationship with my boyfriend. I found new hobbies that brought me joy like growing a garden, running, reading, and learning piano.

As much as I love the life I have created and nurtured, I know that we all need to go through some change and growing pains in our lives. 26 is going to be that year for me. I have some big life changes coming in the next year or so, which is exciting but also terrifying. As someone who loves and thrives off a routine, change is not easy for me, but I know it’s necessary for growth. In the times of uncertainty, I have to remind myself to stay true to who I am. In the scary times, I try to put things in perspective and realize change is temporary and we adjust and overcome whatever adversity we are facing. 

25 was such a good year for me in regards to happiness, adventures, career growth, memories, and trying new things. It was by far one of my most memorable years. I am excited to see what 26 brings, although, change can be scary, it’s also where we learn the most about ourselves.

Here’s to another year around the sun, a year of happiness, friendship, family, love, growth, change and embracing the JOY found in every day. 

26, I’m ready for you!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #47

Hello all and Happy Friday!

I know I say this every month, but I can’t believe we are at the end of the month. June felt like it went by in the blink of an eye, but also felt slow and smooth at the same time. I’ve been having lots of fun over the past few weeks with day trips, time with family and getting outdoors as much as I can.

I’ve been finding new places to explore this summer.

It’s time for another Friday Favorites as I link up with Erika and Andrea! Today is a mix of beauty products and some fun entertainment and some sweets too. Let’s dive right in!

Hair Mousse– If you have read past posts, you know I love to use what I have, not waste, and be resourceful, when comes with food, beauty products, and household items. I came across lots of beauty and hair products and have been making my way through using them and seeing what works well for my hair. I had been using thickening spray by Kristin Ess from Target and when I finished it, I started using the Instant Lift Hair Mousse. I use it right after the shower with wet hair. I put a pump of mousse and work it through my hair and then brush it all out. The one thing I have noticed is that if you don’t really brush it through, it will harden which can make styling your hair the next day or later in the day a challenge, so make sure it’s thoroughly in your hair. Once I finish the mousse, I will let you know which product I prefer. 

Trying out this product

Air– We had a family movie night last week which was so fun! All six of us enjoyed dinner in the family room while we watched Air. You can find it on Amazon Prime. It tells the true story about Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike. This was such a great family movie if you have older kids. They do use foul language, so be warned but everyone in my family agreed that it was a great film. I loved learning about how they came up with concept with the Air Jordans and all the effort it took to get Jordan to sign with Nike. One of my favorite parts of the movie was seeing all the iconic 80’s memorabilia and seeing some great Nike quotes too. Time spent with family all watching a movie together has been a favorite summer memory for sure!

A fun, adult or teen family movie

Honey Lemon Stirrers– I’m not sure if it was the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, allergies or a cold, but I was sick for a few days a few weeks ago and nearly lost my voice. These honey lemon stirrers were a saving grace. When I’m at home, I can make a cup of tea and add lemon, or honey or sugar if needed. But, when I am on the go or at work, I don’t want to bring lots of extra items for a cup of tea. These honey lemon stirrers add sweetness and flavor and are so easy to throw in your purse or lunchbox. I found them at Marshall’s, but I have seen them or similar ones at Home Goods or T.J. Maxx, even Target or Giant Eagle. These are great to have on hand in your cabinet.

Great for sick days!

The Lazy Genius Birthday Podcast- I know my birthday was last month, but this is such a great podcast episode to listen to if your birthday is coming up. The Lazy Genius podcast episode talks all about the importance of planning your own birthday and making it a day fit just for you. It also touches on expectations of birthdays and the pressures that come with it. I think this is such a good reminder that it’s your birthday and it should go the way you want it to be, not necessarily how others think you should celebrate it. Kendra Adachi, the host, gives examples of ways to celebrate your birthday and the importance of pampering yourself or making sure you honor the day and milestone. The episode is only 18 minutes but found it so interesting. I will definitely be listening to more episodes in the future. If you have a birthday or big milestone coming up, I highly recommend checking out this episode.

Definitely worth the listen!

Outlander’s New Season– Outlander season 7 is out on Starz. After a long hiatus I was so happy to see it back. The first episode was filled with lots of drama, suspense and intrigue. I know this is going to be a good season based on the first episode. A lot of questions got answered, but it also opened up the door to more questions. Episodes come out once a week and it’s the best way to unwind at the end of the day.

Outlander is back!

That puts a bow on another edition of Friday Favorites. From hair and skin to movies and podcast, I think this post has you covered. I hope you have something fun planned on this last full weekend and week of June. Summer needs to slow down! 

Tell me: what do you have planned for the weekend? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a fantastic Friday!

Categories
Fabulous living

Twenty-Five

Twenty-five, a quarter of a century, a full blown adult.

These are a few of the things that have been running through my mind over the last few weeks. 

Let me back up, I turn 25 next week and it’s a milestone birthday filled with all the emotions. Excitement, anticipation, nostalgia, and a bit of fear too. 

Growing up, I always thought when you turned 25, you were officially an adult. No longer a child, teenager, or even young adult, but a full-fledged adult, and you had to have it all figured out.

Spoiler alert, I’m almost 25 and I don’t have it all figured out and I’m okay with that, in fact, I’m glad I don’t have it all figured out. I’ve learned you don’t have to have it all sorted out quite yet.

Your twenties are all about growing and learning and taking risks and seeing where life takes you. My first half of my twenties were filled with graduating college, moving back home, starting a career, going through a pandemic, getting promoted, making new friends and meeting my boyfriend, that’s a lot of change for five years.

But, let me let you in on a secret, I have loved every bit of it, even the stressful days or the moments filled with unknowns. I’ve learned so much about myself and from those around me and I’m so happy where I am today. I’ve learned to savor every moment spent with family, whether it’s a major holiday or a Tuesday night dinner (just ask any of my brothers, I always comment how special it is that we are all together-and it drives them nuts.) I’ve also learned to be open to new opportunities, but to trust my gut and how it’s okay to say no to things if they don’t feel right. I’ve learned friendship works both ways and some friendships aren’t meant to last forever, some are only meant for a season, while others are forever.

Most importantly, I’ve learned to savor and love the little things in life, whether it’s a morning walk, a coffee with a friend or even going through an evening routine. The little things in life are often the things you will remember the most.

Now as I embark on the second half of my twenties, I am eager to continue to see how I can grow more and what things I can learn about myself. I’m also interested to see where I will be at age 30. Will I be married? have children? Living in the same city? So much can change in five years, but I also now so many things will still be the same. I know I will have a loving family by my side, I know I will have supportive friends and a caring boyfriend. I’m excited to see where these next few years will take me and how I will grow and change. I always like reflecting as big milestones come and go to see how far I have come and what I’ve learned. 

As far as what this year brings, I don’t have any big goals for this next year, I want to keep doing what I’m doing. I want to keep working hard at my job, putting family and relationships first, making sure I’m taking care of my body and self with different hobbies and I want to make sure I’m taking every opportunity available.  Because my birthday falls in May, I’m halfway through my 2023 New Year’s Resolutions and so far they have been going well, definitely room for improvement in some areas, but I have seen progress in other realms.

My birthday falls on Memorial Day and I’ll be working so I’m not quite sure what the day will hold, but I’m excited for what year 25 will bring!

Here’s to another year! Happy Birthday to Me!

Categories
Fabulous living

2022 Year in Review

Here we are at the end of another year. At the beginning of this year, my motto or phrase of the year was “Building the Best Version of Me”. I really wanted to lean into my routines and rhythms that I established at the beginning of the year and stick to them and I was happy I did that.

It’s been said before that the older you get, the faster the years go by and that is certainly the truth.

This year has been busy with growing in my job, time with family both at home and away, building friends, enjoying hobbies.  

I’m using today’s entry as a both a recap of the past year and a favorite things of 2022 post.

So, let’s begin with a recap:

The beginning winter months of 2022 brought me out in snow and soaking up with outdoors with ice skating, winter walks and trying cross country skiing, something I haven’t tried in years.

Starting the year off with time outside, like skiing.
Time spent ice skating.
And cross country skiing…
Seeing the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit.
I also took in some local theater.

It also brought day trips to Pittsburgh for a trip to museums and time with family. As the weather got warmer, it meant more time outdoors with walks, picnics and trips to the local zoo and different parks. 

Time in Pittsburgh in the spring
I love taking in all the architecture.
First zoo trip of the year.
Celebrating Easter traditions.

Both of my brothers graduated in the Spring, one from college and one from high school, so it was fun to celebrate their milestones as a family. I also celebrated my 24th year around the sun. 

First signs of spring.
Cheers to 24!

I tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible in the summer months, from walks, to reading outdoors, picnics, and countless meals outside, our winters are long, so I tred to take advantage of the summer as much as I can.

I went to the National Comedy Center this year.
Summer picnics outdoors.
Drive-in dates.

I met up with friends through the summer months for dinners, or coffee or walks. I also did some traveling with day trips with family and my boyfriend and then some meet ups with friends too. My family and I got away for a few days with and went to the ocean which was such a fun escape.

Beach days in the summer
One of the many places I went for hikes for in the summer.
It felt so good to relax for a few days at the beach!
More zoo trips!
Fair fun!
I spent so much time reading outdoors.
I enjoyed sunrises and sunsets.

The summer was also filled with baseball games, strawberry picking, zoos, bonfires, beach days, and grilling. I tried to head outside as much as I could when the seasons changed from summer to fall.

Day trips to Pittsburgh
Lots of burgers on the grill.
Beautiful night for baseball
Strawberry picking summer fun!
Bonfire nights.
In my happy place!
I went to my first MLB game this summer.
And ice cream nights!
I fell in love with avocado toast this summer too.
I enjoyed farmer’s markets this summer too.

But as the winds changed, I had to layer up for fall walks, leaf peeping and apple picking. I tried to do as much baking as possible when I was cooped up indoors.

Fall drives.
Lots of fall baking
Enjoying Beautiful Fall Walks
Apple picking fun!
First time seeing this majestic waterfall.
Making Halloween treats too.

The last chunk of the year was filled with all things holidays. From Halloween movies to family at Thanksgiving and all the Christmas and holiday cheer. The last few months are always my favorite time of the year.

Family movie night for Halloween.
More fall baking.
Hello holiday cheer!
All the Christmas spirit, from movies to decor, to hot cocoa.
Holiday fun!

That was a bit of a recap, now here’s some of my favorite things from the past 12 months:

Favorite Show: This is Us: the Final Season

Favorite Binge Watch: Downton Abbey (both the series and the movies)

Favorite New Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid (new to me!!)

Favorite New Movie: Elvis

Favorite Artist or Song: Taylor Swift’s Midnights

Favorite Adventure: First MLB Game in Cleveland to see the Guardians

This is a snapshot of this past year, it can be easy to forgot or not recall all the little moments that make up the past 365 days. This year has been so fulfilling and fun. I don’t know what the new year will bring, but I’m ready to embrace the change, take opportunities (even the scary ones), and make every moment count.

Thank you 2022…let’s ring in the new year!

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Currently

Currently #30

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I can’t believe we are at the end of June. This month has flown by. Summer needs to slowwwwww down.

I’ve been making the most of my summer and checking things off my summer bucket list between spending time with family and work.

Here’s a looking into what I’m currently up to.

What I’m Up To: I’ve been soaking up all the summer and sunshine. From pool days to mini golf, baseball games, grilling, savoring ice cream, and seeing family. These past few weeks have been busy, throw in a few graduations and celebrations and you have a packed June. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the rest of the summer.

Crossed mini golf off my bucket list this summer.
Beautiful night for baseball

What I’m Wearing: I’ve had such good luck with finding dresses and summer outfits for work. I did a shopping spree a few weeks back  and got lots of good deals from Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, and Ann Taylor. I have a summer outfit post coming soon. This will include dresses and shoes, since I also hit the jackpot with work shoes from DSW. 

Here’s a sneak peak, a bright dress for summer!

What I’m Reading: I’ve been on a reading spree. I’ve read some thrillers, romance, chick flicks and more.

I started with One Night on this Island which tells the story of a girl who goes to a remote island off of Ireland to find herself and do a story for her job. Turns out the place she is staying is double booked with a man from the United States. Will they both stay or will one leave? Will she end up loving the island or not? You will have to read to find out. 

From Ireland to England, The Jane Austen Society takes place in the 1800’s when a group or men and women work to form a group to conserve the memory of Jane Austen in her hometown. The description and setting in this story is to die for. You feel like you are transported to Austen’s time period. This is a wonderful read for any Jane Austen fan.

My third book this past month was The Plot. Let me tell you, this book blew me away. It is an incredible thriller with a lot of mystery. It tells the story of an author who meets a young student with an incredible plot for a future story. When the student dies, the teacher decides to take the idea as his own, but will repercussions follow? You will have to read to find out.

What I’m Watching: I’ve been making my way through season 2 of The Morning Show which has been fun to catch up on. It’s been interesting to see how they tie in events from 2020 in their storylines. 

I’ve also been watching Great News on Netflix. It follows the story of a news producer and her mother who becomes her intern. Such a funny show and a bit relatable for someone who works in news.

I also saw a few movies this past month, I saw Top Gun Maverick at the drive-in which was a fun experience, plus after seeing the first movie, I couldn’t wait to see the second.

Great way to kick off summer

Speaking of sequels, I saw the second Downton Abbey movie in theaters and it was so good. Definitely worth seeing it on the big screen.

What I’m Loving: Besides enjoying the summer season, I wanted to share two things I’ve been loving every day or week. I really try to keep my subscriptions to a minimum, I’m talking about streaming, email, letters etc. But there are two email subscriptions that I look forward to reading every time they are in my inbox.

For daily news, I am subscribed to Katie Couric Media for her news briefing every day. I consume a lot of news, every day, from USA Today, to local news, and other papers, but I really love Katie’s news letters. She recaps national and world events, has some feature stories and different contributors. If you are looking for a great recap an updates on national and international news, this is a great place. You can subscribe on her website here. 

I’m a big fan of the Royal Family and Elizabeth Holmes is a former reporter from the Wall Street Journal. Now, she reports on the Royal Family, she posts about royal fashion on Instagram, has a book about royal fashion and history, and she also does a semi weekly newsletter about everything from the Royals to lifestyle and fashion. You can find her here.

These are two newsletters that bring a smile to my face whenever I read them.

What Inspires Me: I’ve been inspired by making every day count. I know the summer and warm weather is so short so I try to take every opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine whenever I can, even if it is just for a walk after work.

Sunset walk after work.

What I Accomplished:  The past few weeks have been busy with both of my brothers graduating, plus my birthday, my mom’s birthday and Father’s Day, needless to say, I’ve been busy. But it’s been so nice to celebrate these big milestones and moments.

Birthday dinner by the water.

Goals from Last Month: I’ve already checked off some items on my summer bucket list which has been fun. It’s been nice to choose from a list of activities when you are looking for something to do. I’ve done classic summer fun activities and some new ones, like going berry picking for the first time. So fun!

First time wild strawberry picking.

Goals for this Month: I’m looking forward to enjoying more summer fun, from swimming, grilling, beach days and walks. I’m also looking forward to seeing family who are visiting from out of town and celebrating the Fourth of July.

I can’t wait for more walks over the summer.

This a look into life this past month, lots of fun, family time and milestones. Overall, summer has been off to a great start! How’s your first month of summer been? Let me know in the comments below.

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Fabulous living

Looking Towards 24

Hey guys!

Happy Wednesday!

I hope you are having a good week. This weekend is Memorial Day weekend and if always feels like to official start of summer to me and I can’t wait! In good news, these past few weeks, I’ve been treated to lots of sunshine and 70 degrees days so it feels like I got a jumpstart to summer.

Nothing better than clear skies and spring walks

Every year since I started my blog in 2017, I always done a birthday/reflection post. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed looking back to see how far I’ve come and what my goals or aspirations were at different points in my life. It’s interesting to see what I wanted to accomplish at 19 compared to 23.

In case you missed any of them, you can find my past birthday posts here.

20

21

22

23

Now, it’s time for 24. I don’t know if you felt this way when you turned 24, but to me, 24 feels like “adult-adult”. For most people, they have graduated college, maybe even gone to grad school, started a job, maybe in a relationship, and have a game plan for the direction they want their life to take. I know this is not the case for everyone and everyone’s paths are different but from my experience and those close to me, we are all kind of in the same boat right now at 24. 

As I embark on 24, there’s a few things that have stood out to me that I’ve learned over the past year that have really made a difference and there’s a few things I want incorporate in my life this next year.

Things I’ve learned in year 23

-Sleep is so important. This may seem really silly and overrated, but this past year I’ve really done a good job at making sleep a priority in my life. In college and right after I graduated college, sleep wasn’t always at the top of my mind. I had clubs to be a part of, meetings to go to, papers to write etc. and in college and I would stay up late to get everything done and still wake up at my regular time to go to the gym first thing in the morning or get things done before I started my day. I loved everything I was involved in, but it was taking a toll on my body. I was still getting a decent amount if sleep but it wasn’t always consistent and I wanted to change that.

A look at the Sleep Tracker app

This past year, I’ve done a much better job at getting consistent sleep and winding down more at night and having a good evening routine, this especially helps when I work weird hours. As a result, I feel better, more alert, and more energized. Even just getting an extra hour or two of sleep a night makes a big difference. I’ve also been tracking my sleep which shows if I really got a good night sleep or not, and for that I use the sleep tracker app, I’ve used it for a few years now and I like how it tracks your sleep and functions as an alarm. I also rely on the Health app in my iPhone too. This past year I’ve learned how much sleep helps your mental health too. I know this isn’t news to many, but for me, this made a big difference this past year.

And the Health app on my iPhone.

-Another thing I’ve learned a lot over this past year is to make a point to make plans whether it’s with family or friends or even activities. Yes, being spontaneous is fun, but when you make a point to see people or do things, it shows that level of commitment to your friends and yourself. This past year, I’ve really made an effort with friends to set up monthly dinner dates, or walks, or even facetime calls, even if things come up and we have to adjust, knowing you have something set-up gives you something to look forward too. Plus, we all can get wrapped up with our lives between work and family and it’s always good to remind ourselves to carve time out for ourselves. 

A few months back, my mom and I made a point to see an immersive Van Gogh exhibit in Pittsburgh and I’m so glad we did.
Such a cool experience

Goals for 24

-Remember how I said how it’s good to have a plan? This year, I want to be open to more spontaneous trips or activities. I’m a girl who LOVES a routine and schedule, but this year I want to TRY to let go of the routine just a bit and be more open to changing the plan, if it means having fun or doing different things or creating memories. This is going to be a real challenge for me, but I have found when I do let go of the routine and step out of my comfort zone, it’s always worth it. 

Being spontaneous can be as simple as getting ice cream after work.

– Lastly, I want to pick up a new hobby or get involved more in my community. I don’t know what I want to do yet, but over the past few years, I’ve witnessed so many great things in the community that I want to become more involved. As far as hobbies go, mine are pretty limited, I LOVE reading and always have a book on me, and I really enjoy exercising whether it’s in the form of the gym or walking or yoga, and then my blog. I’m looking to see what other things I can learn or try this year, or at least attempt. 

Over the past five years, it’s been great to see how much I have grown and changed from year to year, that’s one of my favorite things about my blog, having a digital documentation of my life over some pretty crucial years. Here’s to a new year and new memories. I can’t wait to see what 24 has in store for me!

Here’s to 24!
Categories
Fabulous living

I Love Me at 23

Hey guys! 

Happy Wednesday! 

I’m starting today with a throwback…how many of you have heard or remember the song, “What’s My Age Again?” by Blink 182? There’s a line that goes “No one likes you when you are 23”, I’ve heard the song and the line many times, it’s even been used as captions on Instagram and Facebook posts for people when they turn 23. The whole concept is that people don’t like you when you get older. 

I turn 23 this weekend and it’s definitely a weird feeling, it’s not the special birthday like 18 or 21, but I’m also not turning 25 or 30 that I feel old. I definitely think this past year I have gotten more mature and wiser and I feel more like an adult, if that makes sense? I think a lot of that has to do with the fact I am working full-time in a career I love. I’m not a college kid or a young adult doing different jobs while I’m in grad school. I’m on the right path meant for me.

I’m excited to be turning 23 and for my birthday this weekend. Although, I will be working, I plan to celebrate with family and friends before and after work. I’m most excited for another trip around the sun.

This past year, I was thrown many challenges with the pandemic, but I discovered a lot about myself. From learning a lot at work and growing immensely, the importance of family, to prioritizing friends and staying connected with people in my life. I grew a lot, but I still have a long way to go, especially when it comes to the work/life balance…I still need some work on that. Some days I am killing I, other days, I have no balance at all. I’ve learned this past year that the simple things and the people in your life are more important than anything.

 I am excited for what the year ahead holds. I’m hoping for new adventures and opportunities, doors getting opened and taking on new challenges. I can’t wait to see more friends and family in person. I already have things planned for the summer and I can hardly wait. I’m also eager to learn more about myself as I grow more in my career and with my family and friends. I hope I embrace everything that comes my way.

Most importantly, I love me at 23!

Categories
Fabulous living

22 Lessons for this Past Year

Hey guys! I’m a reflective person, so it’s no surprise that whenever my birthday rolls around, I always use this time to reflect on this past year and how far I’ve come. Since I will be turning 22 on Friday, I wanted to take the time to look back on this past year. 21 has been such a big and transformative year for me. From kicking off my senior summer and senior year of college and celebrating all those lasts, to graduating, starting my dream first job, moving home, and meeting some incredible people, it has been a wonderful year with so much growth. 

Here are 22 things I’ve learned this past year:

  1. Treasure the slow and calm times and embrace the chaos.
  2. Make the most of any situation.
  3. Know the confusion and the chaos will make sense later.
  4. If you have to travel for work, see as many friends as you can.
  5. Enjoy college, it will be over fast.
  6. Make every moment a memory.
  7. Be present where you are 
  8. Take the time to thank the people who helped you get to where you are.
  9. Shoot you shot.
  10. Take time to get your Closure Before you Move on
  11. Now, that Goodbyes don’t last forever
  12. Be open to New Beginnings
  13. Jump with Two Feet in
  14. Take Every Opportunity Available
  15. Hard Work Does Pay off
  16. Look for the good in Every Day and use every day as a learning opportunity
  17. Be nice to everyone, you never know when you will meet them again
  18. A good night’s sleep does wonders 
  19. The little moments end up being the most important ones
  20. Appreciate those you have in your life
  21. Recognize how far you have come 
  22. When in doubt, keep smiling

This past year was a year of learning, growth, change and happiness. I’ve learned so much about myself, my goals, and the people in my life. 21 was a game changer of a year and I can’t wait to see what 22 brings!

Categories
Fabulous living

20 Things I’ve Learned in My 20 Years of Living

New day, new year, new beginnings. Today, a new decade begins for me. Yes, I am turning 20! I’m really excited for not only this new year but also this new decade. A whole lot can happen from 20 to 30.

I’m also excited for new adventures and beginnings with this new year ahead. Besides looking forward to this new chapter, I am reflecting a lot on these past 20 years.

After careful consideration, I have complied a list of twenty things I have learned in my twenty years of living. Some big things, others not so big and in no particular order. But, all these things have shaped me into the person I am today. Here we go!!

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED?

Always share. Whether, it’s your toys, talents, or thoughts. Share with others.

Always Smile. A smile can go a long way and even change someone’s day or life.

It can be easy to get caught up with routines and schedules in life. But don’t forget to be spontaneous and go on adventures.

You can learn something new every day. Learn about the world around you.

It doesn’t hurt to ask questions. Always ask whether you are sure or unsure.

Yes, eating healthy and working out are important but get the dessert, I promise it will be worth it.

Work smarter, not harder.

Don’t be afraid to jump into the unknown. Always be open to trying new things.

A favorite movie or good book is always the answer to having a rough day.

It’s okay to say No in life, sometimes it may even be for the better.

Doing small things in life, like doing your nails, or changing your hair or spending more time on your makeup, can make you feel like a different

When in doubt, take a long drive and put the music on high to clear your mind.

The hard work you put in now will benefit you in the future.

The tough times in life will make you a stronger person.

Self-care is so important, you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.

Tell the people in your life that you love them.

Be sure to check in and make time with your friends. Tell them how much they mean to you.

Family is the most important thing in life. Don’t take them for granted.

Live life to the fullest and make a difference along the way.

Live, Love, Laugh, Dance.

Well, I’m off to celebrate with some friends and family for my birthday. See you all on Thursday!!