Thinking back, I remember when I was younger, even during my tomboy years (it's more of a spirit than fashion statement now ;) ) I always knew that I wanted to do something creative and always had an interest in music and fashion. I had an eye for spotting what was right, what looked good whether it be clothing, decor, you name it. My childhood dreams were to be either a singer or an apparel buyer/boutique owner (though I'm not sure I used that lingo then ;) ). I can't believe how far I have come from then, and how life has a funny way of taking you through so many chapters to get you to where you are today, what you are supposed to do. Though I don't have it all figured out, I'm happy with where I am. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would actually become part of an apparel buying operation, and am so happy I had the focus and drive to get here, and had fun while doing it. Who knows where life will take me in the future, but I am proud to say that I am proud of where I am and how I got here.
But career is only a part of your life, what I think is most important, is family and friends. For my 25th birthday, I wanted to throw a big party where all the people I love and care about could just come out and have a great night, and boy were my expectations exceeded - but not without a ton of work! I remember the initial idea coming into action, my mom, sister, boyfriend and I all swimming in the pool and the thought popped into my head - "I want to have a big birthday party". My mom and sister looked at each other, as they know when I say big, I mean big, which can only mean one thing - lots of work and money. We talked through what I was thinking, and the circus party was born. I didn't want help from anyone, as I wanted it to be an easy and enjoyable experience for all (oh, and I have a problem asking for help). I had grand expectations, like I always do, but underestimated the work it was going to take to put my ideas into motion. A few days after the party was conceptualized I started looking for a DJ, bartender, some kind of performance act, decorations, etc. This was all really fun, but soooooooo much work, while working 8am-6pm(ish) followed by going to the gym, which had me getting home at 9pm most nights. I had to do things little by little, which was hard for me, as I'm a big fan of knocking things out all at once. Once I had the DJ, bartender and what ended up being a fortune teller, stilt walker and fire show all planned out, we had a trip to Europe planned for a week, with still a ton to do for the party. Though it proved challenging, I ended up ordering a bunch of the party decorations online, including fluffy red hanging decorations, custom food labels for the 'sweets bar' (from etsy - they have a ton of cool stuff! www.etsy.com), lollipops, candy bags, red and white swirled straws and more set to arrive upon my return. I had all the elements in place by the Thursday before the party (which was on Saturday, the day before my actual birthday) by the grace of God (this was in the midst of being sick and losing my luggage for 3 days), and all that was left was to execute the day of.
That Saturday, I went to the gym in the morning, (it was killing me not going while I was sick), packed up my stuff and headed to my mom's house where the party was going to take place. Once I unloaded everything I was a little uneasy as there was a ton to do and it was already 1:30pm, with the party set to start at 9pm (which means me getting ready at 7:30pm). My mom had said that she would help with setting everything up, which I initially did not want to involve her in so she could just relax and have a good time, but I needed her, and nonetheless asked for help. The two of us moved furniture, set up the clown nose (beer pong) pong tables, assembled and hung decorations (which were not sticking to the stucco walls outside - cue the momentary freak out), started on the sweets bar and before we knew it it was 7pm and the DJ showed up to set up. My mom and I, sweaty and makeup-less, rushed to get the last few things in place and my sister and her friend Julia showed up and helped with throwing everything together last minute. I hopped in the shower, got ready really quick, and before I knew it the bartender was in place, DJ set up, decorations hung, sweets bar set, fortune teller and stilt walker ready to go and the doorbell rang. 
Everyone arrived and the night went better than I ever could have hoped for. The stilt walker greeted everyone and walked them to the backyard where the party took place, we had drinks, danced to the great music, played clown nose pong, ate some cracker jacks and animal crackers from the sweets bar, took pictures, laughed, got our tarot cards read, enjoyed the surprise fire performance, ate cake, talked, and just had a spectacular night. The stress of the day, and weeks planning was totally worth it, and completely forgotten. The best part of all was seeing that everyone was having a good time, and spending time with all my friends and family that were able to attend. I looked around the party and thought - this is what life is all about, what more could I ask for? I am so amazingly blessed to have each and every one of these people in my life, and call them my friends and family. I have never had the feeling that I had at the end of the night, when everyone was leaving, I thought, honestly - I don't want this night to end, I want to be in this moment forever. It was 100% one of the best nights of my life, and one that I will never forget. 
So when I think about turning 25, I'm filled with a sense of accomplishment, proud of where I am and what is to come, and most of all, so happy to have each and every one of you as my friends and family - you all make life worth living.
Much love!
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