It's My Birthday and I Can Cry If I Want To....

Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely hate censoring myself. It's like keeping dirty socks in your gym bag for a month. It stinks and it's also really bad for your health.  This is absolutely why a core group of girlfriends is necessary in every girl's life. Sometimes even when you may be overreacting (of course I never do...)  you need some people to respond with, "OMG I'll get the wine" and "OMG you SO don't deserve that. Let's go shopping." Oh and boy did I ever. The Huffington Post reported that shopping therapy does indeed lift your spirits and help you get out of a funk. Too bad my bronze level health insurance doesn't cover that kind of holistic, healing approach.

It's my way of saying, "see look how cute you look, there is no way you can still feel like shit and look this awesome." Works every single time. This weekend is my birthday and what do I have planned? Nothing except a day of me starting the second I wake up and say, "crap I'm officially a year closer to 30." I also had to renew my driver's license for the first time and yes, it's not the greatest photo...but it'll do.
I love shopping at the local boutiques around here and I was able to score a new spring sweater and a silk top for work. I've been obsessed with venturing out and including more prints in my wardrobe.

 Later on,  I went on a larger shopping excursion with one of my lovely bridesmaids. We made out like bandits at Victoria's Secret (mainly because the person at the cash register didn't know how to do the math). All of the sale items and 5 for $25 and 2 for $42 deals was apparently too much and I somehow landed an additional three tops she forgot to ring up for a minimal amount. Next stop was H&M where I found some staple work items and my second bridal shower dress. This was a huge win since I hate wearing white or ivory (since it's a fact that I will most likely spill something on myself) and I didn't want to spend too much. Also now that I'm a year closer to 30, I'm having issues even stepping foot into a Forever 21 (besides the fact that I've never looked/felt so much polyester in my life). Despite the store's name, you are NOT going to be forever 21...and you shouldn't dress like it either. Although until then, I will snag every Pink Floyd and band tee I can get for the summer. The best item I scored though, was my birthday present. My shopping partner in crime is an awesome, talented artist and she painted an AMAZING piece for me...she knows me too well.

She's just starting to establish her own business making custom artwork for people. Everyone should check out her Facebook page and website here! Having artistic friends is the best. Gifts that are made are the absolute best. Stay tuned for some more birthday shenanigans later on this week!

I was also nominated for 20SB's 2014 Bootleg Awards! I am so honored and excited. Only those who have a 20SB profile can vote, but if you don't have a profile already, you should! It's a great blogging community! You can vote here! It's an interesting, bracket type of set up and I hope I make it to the next round! Happy voting and vote for EM! I fully intend to bribe voters with cookies, candy, cars, booze...whatever does the trick. :D

Also linking up to the awesome Fitness Blondie!