24: Spoiler Alert!

No, don't worry, this is not about the TV show.

Yesterday I turned (dun dun dun) 24 years old! I still can't believe it. Aren't I still 18?? Nope.. I'm definitely not a carefree teenager anymore. As you've probably noticed, I barely have time to post on here let alone take a breather. Well, thanks to the most amazing boyfriend ever I was able to unwind and have a terrific weekend last week.

Last Saturday, I thought I was going to see The Phantom of the Opera (my favorite show ever!) with Pat. We went into the city a little early to have lunch before the show...little did I know I was walking into a room filled with my friends & family!! I could NOT believe it! I've never been thrown a surprise party and, up until this year, I never really did anything big for my birthday since it always fell right in the middle of finals. I'm still glowing and ecstatic from the surprise!

When we got to the restaurant Pat led me straight to the back. I guess I was really out of it because all I thought was that he must have been here before. I walk into the back room, look up, and see my parents, my brother, and so many of my friends! My big, her boyfriend, my sophomore year roommate (who I haven't seen in forever!), the Crazy Fatties, and many more. I was THRILLED!

I was so, so happy I got to celebrate this day with my brother by my side!

The most amazing family!

The best girlfriends I could ever ask for. I don't know what I would do without them. Oh, and please note the GREATEST birthday sash of all time. Yes, that does say "birthday #ootd" -- thank you, Jessica.

For the next 2 hours or so, we enjoyed a delicious bottomless boozey brunch. I was so overwhelmed with joy that I didn't even try the food haha. It also had to do with the fact that no one let me have an empty glass. Once our time was up at our table, my parents and brother headed out and the rest of us continued the celebrations onto the next venue.

Yes.. I did bring these balloons everywhere we went :)

Next stop? 235 Fifth -- only the best rooftop bar EVER! We got our own table up on the roof and had the most beautiful view of the Empire State Building and the rest of the city. 

Such a great group of girls.

It wouldn't be right if we didn't take our standard picture :)

This guy. The man of my dreams!

After it got dark outside, the majority of us made one last stop before ending the night at a bar called Flat Iron Hall. It was here that I had my leather jacket (seen above) stolen :( 

But aside from that...I seriously still can't believe I got to experience such an amazing day filled with love and the most important people in my life. I couldn't ask for better friends & family, I truly am blessed. Pat really outdid himself and I am so lucky to have him in my life. Thank you to everyone who made 24 feel a little less old and a LOT more fun!

Here's to 24!!!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

It's finally starting to feel like the holiday season is really here!! Between the beautiful snow days we've been getting and mini holiday celebrations, I'm starting to feel like a little kid again waiting for Santa to come to town.

Within the past couple of weeks, I've celebrated a couple holiday festivities. As I mentioned in my last post, my girls (otherwise known as the Crazy Fatties) and I had our Secret Santa gift exchange! It was amazing and I couldn't have been happier to be surrounded by such loving and great girls. Lucy, Felice, and I also decided to surprise the other girls with a sub-celebration of the 5 year anniversary of when we all became friends! It was really special and I can't wait to continue to celebrate our friendship every year!

           

LEFT: These were the little gift bags Lucy, Felice, and I put together for our CFLJK anniversary celebration.

RIGHT: That's Felice and one of her gifts. Such a cutie!

This is just a sample of what we included in our little gift bag :)

Jess' new cat, Luna, loves getting morning scratches. She is so adorable!! I can't wait to have a kitten of my own so they can be best friends :)

Last weekend my parents had tickets to the theater in New Brunswick so Pat and I decided to make a night out of it and go out to dinner afterwards. We ate at a restaurant called Delta's which has delicious soul food! (I probably could have been rolled out of there after all the food we ate!) Another thing that made this night so awesome was that it snowed! As far as I can remember, this was the first time Pat and I were together in the same place for the start of a snow storm. So obviously I was as happy as could be!

Pat and I walking through snowy New Brunswick...before we had a snowball fight. (I totally won by the way...)

#SnowySelfie ? Couldn't resist.

This was my morning commute the next day. Even though the train ended up arriving 30 minutes late, I didn't mind watching the snow fall outside!

The city in the winter time is so magical, don't you think?!

Whenever it snows, I can't help but think of my little boy Max (rip). He used to LOVE the winter time. We would let him outside to go play and he would come back with a face full of snowballs from rubbing it all around in the snow!

Most recently, I went out for my company's holiday party to the rooftop restaurant Birreria in Eately. It was absolutely amazing and so much fun! I couldn't be happier with the people I work with! Pat joined us and even brought me flowers (what a gentleman)!

This picture originally came out super dark, so I attempted to fix it myself because it was too darn cute to go to waste. 

I never get red/devil eyes in pictures. I blame it on that big red light above!

My desk instantly looks 100% cuter!

The craziest part? My Christmas gift from my company was...

An iPad mini!!! I still can't believe it...I'm even too nervous to take it out of the box and start really using it. 1-because I don't have a case for it yet, and 2-because I'm waiting for them to come back and be like haha just kidding that's not for you! haha.

Anyway, with all of the snow and celebrations these past couple of weeks..I'm officially in the holiday spirit! My mom and I even made our own DIY ornaments with tinsel.

It sparkles AND glistens!! I'm obviously in love.

My favorite road in my town, especially during the winter.

UGH! I can't wait for Christmas and New Years!


What are you doing to celebrate the holidays?!

PS -- I was featured on Simple Easy Style's Friday link up! Go over and check it out!! She has amazing style and features some awesome bloggers! I love being able to find new blogs out there!

Welcome to the Real World

Some of you may have noticed I've been a bit MIA for the past 2 weeks. I know I was going to try harder to post more often and more consistently..but this time I have a REALLY good reason.

I GOT MY FIRST FULL TIME JOB!!!

And the best part?? It's in NYC, baby! I'm a marketing coordinator for a small company and I couldn't be more excited! I started on Tuesday, November 19 and have been busting my behind ever since. Although I must say that I started at quite a fortunate time since my first 2 weeks were short due to the holidays.

So that's a little update as to where I've been recently. I took some pictures of my first couple of "work wear" outfits. The office is totally casual, but a girl can't help but dress it up a few knotches :)

Day 1: I went for a modern twist of the business suit as well as incorporating the black and navy trend. I had on navy Zara leggings, a white Zara top (similar), a black blazer with leather detailing from Urban Outfitters (similar), and (of course) my Steve Madden cut out booties (similar). 

Day 2: I eased into a slightly more casual look. I wore the same Zara leggings except in black, a black and white sweater from Target (totally affordable and totally chic!), and, you guessed it, my Steve Madden cut out booties (similar).

It was fun and nerve wrecking picking out my outfits for the week. I'm lucky enough to work in a casual environment where pretty much anything goes, but I still wanted to impress them! I'm just glad the I'll be able express myself and experiment with my fashion while working a full time job. Not many people in the business world get the same opportunity. 

So far I'm loving my job and the people I work with. I think that's something that has always been a priority to me when looking for a job. Even if I wasn't doing exactly what I wanted to, I needed to be surrounded by people and in an environment that was open and exhilarating. I have found just that. And it is wonderful!

I'll be sure to keep you updated on how everything's going. I'm still trying to get used to the new routine (6 AM mornings and 8 PM returns? Oy.). I even asked for an iPad case with a keyboard attached to it for Christmas to be able to draft posts on the train rides so I can just upload them when I get home. You have no idea how exhausted I am by the time I get home at night. I can barely keep my eyes open. 

Speaking of which, it's getting to be that time where my eyes are shutting. But don't worry. More is sure to come! 

Love Your Life NYC Event

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to attend an event I had mentioned in a previous post called Love Your Life. It was hosted in the city by Lynette Lewis with guest speaker Jen Ramos of Made By Girl. Both of these women were so inspirational and I learned a lot about myself and being a career woman.

Going into the night, I had no idea what to expect. I was just hoping to leave with some advice and motivation, being that things right now (career wise) are a little on the stressful side. 

How do I feel post-event?

Words cannot even begin to describe what I got out of that event. From advice, to networking, to inspirational stories...the event was a really big eye opener and almost like a push to keep moving forward towards what is waiting for me.

The night started out with a little icebreaker in which Lynette would ask questions and if it related to any audience members, they would go up to the stage and receive a package of delicious mini cakes. I actually went up in regards to having made a small step towards a goal of mine: starting/working on my blog. I then shared what my blog is about and the name of it. (Nice plug for some new followers haha)

After discussing some of the upcoming events (one of which I will be attending in January, the Leading on Purpose Workshop), Lynette introduced Jen. I don't even know where to start when describing how much more of an inspiration Jen is to me now after hearing her journey throughout the years. After numerous failed business attempts, to personal struggles, to finally starting up Made By Girl in 2006, Jen is a true example of what it means to not give up on your dreams. 

Here are some takeaway tips you can use to follow your dreams as well!

Jen's 5 Steps to Starting Your Own Business

Figure out your passion: What gets you out of bed every day? What do you want the future to bring? Think about the one thing (or more) that you can't imagine your life without. Find what you have a love for and truly motivates you, then go for it!

Do your research: If you're starting something new, chances are you don't exactly know what you're doing. Take the time to reach out to people currently in the business you are beginning and ask as many questions as possible. Learn as much as you can about all of the things you don't know and even things you think you may know. All that information can't hurt!

Don't quit your day job right away: Before making any rash decisions, establish a support system. You don't need to waste your time worrying about ways to pay the bills when you're trying to establish something new. Use any free moment you have during lunch breaks, at night, and on weekends to work on your dreams. Once things come together and you are certain you can support yourself financially, then you can consider leaving your job.

Focus on your goal: As mentioned before, spend every free moment possible in the most productive way to get closer to reaching your goal. It is important to remember what your goal is; don't try to do everything, just do you.

Don't just dream, DO: You can't reach the finish line without taking steps. Don't just talk about what you want to accomplish and make lists of the things you want to do (guilty!). Actually go out and make it happen!

Something else that really struck me was the idea that there is beauty in pain. You know all of those quotes that say "you can't have a rainbow without some rain"? Well, LISTEN TO THEM! After hearing Jen's experience, it hit me that everyone goes through hard times and the negative phases. You just need to push through them and focus on what really matters to you. The more certain you are about what you want, the closer you are to achieving it.

It was great being able to relate to what Jen experienced in terms of figuring out where to start, how to move forward, and dealing with those negative voices (including your own). These are some of the things I struggle with every single day. Before this event, I thought I was the only one. I thought "well, maybe this isn't for me. I don't know what I'm doing, maybe I'm not cut out for it." But what Jen and Lynette showed me is that everyone has those doubts, everyone starts somewhere. Just take one step at a time.

Another thing that was touched on at the event was dealing with your fears. One of the bigger fears I have deals with worrying about what other people think. This tends to translate into my blogging life as well. After meeting and talking with another blogger I admire, Ashlina of The Decorista, she told me that everyone has their own perspective on things. You just need to own up to what you believe in and do you! Oddly enough, this fear also sneaks its way into my fashion. I actually had my outfit planned for about a week, but for some reason when it came time to rock it, I got nervous. Here's what I wore:

Top: J.Crew (similar) || Leather skirt: H&M || Booties: Steve Madden (similar)

I'm so glad I was able to attend such an amazing and uplifting event! My eyes, ears, heart, and mind were all opened and filled with the most inspirational and motivational of things. I can't wait until the next Love Your Life event!

I can never get enough of the city!

Jen's lovely artwork! You can find more here!

always,

Link up: Simple Easy Style

Weekend Festivities

HOW IS IT ALREADY NOVEMBER?!

My shock is also coupled with thrill. I could not be any more excited for this weekend! It's filled with a number of fun and exciting events that I can't wait to share with you!

Starting with tomorrow's activities, I'm joining one of my best friends to pick up her new kitten!!! Even though I am extremely jealous that I am not picking up one of my own, I couldn't be happier for her...and for getting to be her self-proclaimed godmother! After we take her back to Jess' apartment, we're spending the night getting to know her and hanging out. I'll be sure to post pictures of her, don't you worry.

Sunday brings even more fun, and this time in the city! My parents and I are traveling to NYC to meet up with my brother and have dinner with a cousin who has flown in from Mexico City. Beforehand, however, my mom and I have managed to convince my dad to drop us off early at Canal Street to do a little shopping :) Pictures of my purchases will surely be uploaded as well.

Finally, although it's not technically the weekend, I am most excited for Monday's festivities!! I will be returning to NYC to attend the Love Your Live with Lynette Lewis event! Originally I had just signed up to go to experience some motivational words and advice. But once I found out Jen Ramos of Made By Girl would be speaking I was even more ecstatic! I have been following Jen's blog for quite some time now and have always found inspiration through her posts. She has the perfect mix of all things fashion, beauty, decor, food, and personal bits. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures of my experience and let you all know how the event goes (maybe I'll even see some of you there)! Is it sad that I already have my outfit picked out? Haha.

Source: Love Your Life

What are your plans this weekend?!

always,

Summertime Sadness: June Highlights

First of all, I want to talk about how it was supposed to be miserable outside this weekend but turned out to be absolutely beautiful. The bright, sunny weather didn't really make me miss summer enough to want to write about it. I wanted to enjoy the here and now.

But since I still have a few months to go, I have to keep on truckin'.

 June.

I started of the month with a post-grad celebration in Hoboken. Even though it was only my second time in this wonderful city, I fell in love all over again. The second I get a job, I will be seeing you again, Hoboken. This time...as my home <3

Next up, a nice celebration for my boyfriend's 22nd birthday. I don't think I stopped singing that Taylor Swift song for a good week or so. I don't hate it.

As a belated celebration of our 2 year anniversary, Pat took me to see The Little Mermaid musical at the Paper Mill Playhouse! Not only was it amazing because it has always been my favorite Disney tale, but a fellow ZTA sister's actual sister was performing in the show! It was absolutely amazing and I would definitely go see it again.













Pat and I standing outside the theater.

Okay, so June was apparently filled with a million celebrations. This is before we went out in Belmar for Kelli's birthday. Lucy wasn't able to make it, but obviously we saved a spot for her :)

Trips to New York means....

Seeing the one and only, CHOPIN! He seriously gets cuter and cuter every single time I see him.

Such a precious little pup.

Doesn't this shot look so natural and not staged at all? This is what Felice and I do when she comes to my house for the day to work. She's doing real world work while I distract her. Sounds about right to me.

I surprisingly saw my big out in Asbury Park and could not have been more ecstatic! No matter what, she can always put a smile on my face!

My big, my cuzo, and I out at Porta! I love my fam <3

All of the girls out in Asbury! There's never a dull moment with the 4 of them :)

My outfit for a "meet & greet" at a family friend's company!

Since it was in the city and I had an interview the next day there as well, I was lucky enough to stay at my brother's apartment. Aka...hang out with this little munchkin.

My outfit for my interview the next day! I'm totally not one to do business professional, but I managed to put my own twist and style into it. Not too shabby, if I may say so myself!

June was also filled with many fire pit gatherings at Kelli's house. We even made s'mores one night! Nothing like sitting around a fire, listening to old songs, and reminiscing with your closest friends.

The next day some of the Crazy Fatties and I went crabbing in Point Pleasant! I've never done that before but it was so much fun!

Even though it wasn't what we expected...this was SO COOL! One of our cages caught an eel, a crab, and a blowfish! You can even see it all blown up in the top right corner.

I love my girls. Through thick & thin.

                            

One weekend, Pat and I spontaneously went to AC hoping we would somehow be able to get into the Hardwell show. An HQ promoter that we had met was actually able to get us in AND we were front row!

The last celebration of the month was Pat's graduation party! This is what I wore..eventually I took the headband off because I felt like Cleopatra haha.

So that was my June! A lot of things to celebrate in one month, but it was all so much fun! Keep an eye out for my July highlights...can you guess what you'll see? Probably not fireworks or anything...

always,