21 Lessons in 21 Years

I cannot believe I am finally 21. I'm the last out of my regular group of friends to turn 21, so it's kind of a lets all celebrate we can all go out together party. Turning 21 is kind of the last big milestone growing up. I feel like I'm getting closer to becoming an actual, functioning adult, but I've learned some important lessons in the past 21 years.

1. Mom & Dad are right
2. Siblings really can become some of your best friends, it just may take awhile.
3. As you grow up, family becomes a mixture of blood and friends.
4. Some friends you won't need to talk to for weeks, and you'll pick up right where you left off. Keep them and cherish them.
5. Get involved. If you're having a rough time adjusting to a new place, it's the quickest way to make friends and memories.
6. Work hard toward your goals, but remember that your hard work will open the right door, not just the door you want.
7. Cherish your older relatives, they have great stories and invaluable advice.
8. Write cards, thank yous, I miss yous, and congratulations.
9. Remember people's birthdays, and not just on Facebook. Making people's days is easier than you think.
10. Overdressed is always better than underdressed.
11. Dress well for the occasion, and you'll have one less thing to be nervous about.
12. Find someone who is your best friend, not just someone you have chemistry with, lust is overrated. Find someone who is going to be your life partner.
13. It's okay to walk away from relationships where you aren't able to grow anymore.
14. Dreams can't become reality unless they are broken down into attainable goals.
15. When making a to-do list, always put tasks you've done already. It's incredibly satisfying.
16. Your personal style will change, or take awhile to even exist. Don't wear something because it's in style, wear it because it makes you feel beautiful, strong, in charge or even sexy.
17. Don't compare your path to someone else's, everyone's lives happen at different speeds.
18. Read books, watch documentaries, go to museums. Overeducate yourself.
19. Being roommates with someone can either strengthen or destroy your relationship. Be honest.
20. Volunteer, it puts your life in a really great perspective.
21. Take it one step at a time, sleep in a little, stay out late, and count your blessings every day.

Here's to the next year, and the past 21. I'm an incredibly blessed person.

xoxo

It's My Party

Dress / Necklace  / Bracelet / Shoes

I searched for about a month for the perfect dress for my 21st. I wanted something bright, fun and me for under $50. Not that easy, let me tell you. I finally settled on this dress from L. Mae Boutique! It's perfect for a night out, light weight but really easy to accessorize!


I can't wait to go out with all my friends on Wednesday! Stay tuned for 21 lessons I've learned in the past 21 years, I guarantee my parents are going to like the first one.

UPDATE:I wrote this post about a week ago, and after I got the dress it barely covered my butt. Granted I am a very tall person and this tends to happen a lot. So I had to return it, and bought a navy dress with scalloped edges. It's adorable and I can't wait to wear it! If you are of average height, I recommend this dress!


What did you wear to your 21st?

xoxo

Happy Birthday to Me: What I would tell myself 7 years ago

I'm 20! I can't believe I'm not a teenager anymore, though I haven't felt like one in awhile.

As I've been reflecting on the past seven years, I decided to write a post on what I would have told my 13 year old self about the end of middle school, high school, and the first two years of college.

Your friends at the beginning may not be your friends at the end// That's okay. The friends you have now are amazing, and are perfect for your life now. Don't hang on too tightly,  or you'll end up hurting everyone. Change is good. You'll grow up and people will still love you.

You can plan all you want, but God has a different plan sometimes// Just because you think you should go to this college, or stay with that guy forever doesn't mean that it should happen. It's okay to plan, but be more flexible. Everything will turn out okay, and if it's not okay it's not the end.

You are worthy of love just the way you are// You don't have to be an athlete, or really good at math and science. You don't have to be 125 pounds as well as acne and braces free. Your friendship and personality is enough.

You may be a little "weird" but you'll appreciate it// It was hard to find your niche in middle school, but in high school you'll find your niche, and those people will be great friends of yours. Own yourself and be confident of your skills. By the end you will already know what you want to do and find your passion at college.

Learn to let go// This is probably something that you have to work on the most, is letting go of those that you outgrow. In order to grow sometimes we need to let go of people. Friends grow apart and grow up, which is okay.

You're so much stronger than you think// You can let go and make new friends. If you could have only seen who was in your future, you wouldn't worry so much. You will make it through because of the amazing support system that you've been blessed with.

You're going to do such great things that you never even thought of// You're going to start a chapter of a nationally recognized organization, join a sorority, be accepted to study in Spain, and have two internships under your belt by the time your twenty.


The teenage years were rough, but I'm so proud of the woman that you've become. It's scary, but mom and dad, your friends and family will guide you through it!

xoxo

Birthday Wishlist

I am turning 19 in 3 days, and I am very excited!
I won't really do much celebrating on my actual birthday because it's a Monday, but I will get to see my friends Saturday night! AD is even home from Madison, which makes MB missing the festivities a little better. 

1.  Vera Bradley Hipster in Watercolor: I would love a new casual purse like this! I love Vera too!

2.Vera Bradley Weekender in Portobello Road :This weekender bag is going to be perfect for next semester with all of the weekend trips I 'll be taking

3.Purple iPad cover  :I need a cover I can use to prop up my iPad when I'm watching lectures(or Netflix) or even reading textbooks.

4.A nice inexpensive strand of pearls : While I have pearls already, these would be perfect for dresses and others that a long strand of pearls don't look right with.

5.Womens Fleur-De-Lis Rain Boots - Black : It has been raining a lot here in WI, so these are exactly what I need right now to keep my feet dry.

6. Sperry Angelfish Boat Shoe Yes, I love shoes. Most of my flats however are not exactly water proof or warm, but I hear Sperrys are perfect! I wish I could just buy them myself.

What else would you want? How are your summers going? 

xoxo

AV