{magical 28}

I've been trying to write a post about my birthday since Sunday, but can't seem to find the words for how grateful I am. I feel like they aren't enough to express how greatly and deeply loved I felt all weekend, by family and friends near and far. 

Friday night was truly magical. Duke, Sam, Melly and Chris threw me a dinner party (a summer supper, if you will) in our backyard. It was enchanting. They strung lights and set out beautiful table settings. 

Duke and Sam started sweet, sweet toasts, which continued around the table and made me feel both nervous and so happy. 

They lit up gluten free sweet potato biscuits (my fav from Highland Bakery!) in lieu of cake.  

As I looked around dinner, surrounded by such dear Atlanta friends, my heart was filled to the brim. It can be so easy to go quickly in life right now - hustling from work to meetings and lots of stops in between. It felt so wonderful to slow down and take a moment to reflect on everything that has happened during the last year to bring me closer to these beautiful people. 

Saturday, Chris and I went to Rise and Dine for breakfast (so good by the way) to recap every detail of the evening. It felt like college in the best way :)

Saturday night, he took me to the Optimist, which was incredible. I'd heard so much about it, but had not gotten around to even look at their menu. I was blown away. I'm not a super adventurous eater (not an oyster girl) but I had no trouble finding multiple items I wanted to order. Including salted caramel and peppery vanilla ice cream for dessert. Of course!

A highlight of the restaurant also included putt putt. Restaurants with games - I am telling you - they're on to something. 

Sunday, we went to church and opened presents from my far-too generous family and friends, and basically just recapped the party again. We were on a post-party high, I think!  

I went to bed Sunday night filled to the brim with gratitude for the people in my life (both near and far) who constantly amaze me by how well they give and live love. Thank you all for all you do.

I hope your weekend was full of magic, too :)

what 27 has taught me

image

Tomorrow I'll be 28. Today is the very last bit of 27 and I'm soaking it all up. As I do, I can't help but reflect on where I was a year ago, how much has changed and what this beautiful, wonderful year taught me.

Here's the best of what I've learned:

1.

Invest in knowing yourself.

Read books. See a therapist. Take trips. Get outside your comfort zone. For me,

going to Africa

was a lot of time and money, but it taught me things about myself I never could have learned on my own. Someday, there will be a lot of people (think: a spouse and babies) that need you. Use the time you have now to invest in yourself. 

2.

You are never going to feel like a grown up.

As I've approached 28, I've been shocked time and time again.

28!? Oh my gosh. That's almost 30

. I don't think I'm ever going to reach a point where I think:

Ah, yes. This is what 55 is supposed to feel like.

My hope is to continue to feel younger than I am, but not to fear growing up. As I keep getting older, I hope to stay grateful for another day and to someday say I earned my wrinkles,

heck ya

!

3.

Invest.

No one is going to tell you: today you have to put $XX in savings or you can't go out to dinner. You have to take responsibility for your own budget. And if it's all Greek to you, get a financial advisor. It's worth the investment.

4.

But also, indulge.

Money is for saving and being responsible: yes. But it's not for hoarding. Be wise, but enjoy your life, too. The memories you make on a trip will probably outweigh what the money would have earned in a 401k. Just don't do it all the time!

5.

Trust the process.

I spent a lot of 26

wanting to be in a relationship

and, in retrospect, I wish I hadn't used so much energy on it. I wish I'd better trusted that the things

I needed to do and learn

before

dating

someone again would fall into place naturally. I know how hard it is to be single, but don't run away from it. Embrace it and let it teach you what it's meant to.

6.

Slow down.

Scheduling more and running around crazy more doesn't necessarily mean you're doing more. Use your time well and invest in the things you care about. But don't be a yes man. Don't just do to do. Do to make a difference and build a life.

7.

Pour into the relationships that matter.

Life is short and the most important legacy we can leave behind is our love. Give it to people who matter and who value it.

8.

Be vulnerable

. When you've been hurt, opening up to someone new is scary and hard. But it's really lonely when you're the only one inside. Don't be afraid to let someone in. 

9.

Ask for help.

We aren't meant to live in silos

and the people that love you want to support you. Let them do it when you need it; and be sure to give it back when the time comes. 

10.

Floss

.

And wear sunscreen

. It's for your health.

Now on to you, Twenty-Gr8! :)

:: the happiest of labor days ::

With the dearest friends.

Who brought personalized koozies & tumblers (because they're just one of a kind). 

And brunches at Parish and Rosebud.

And Shooting the Hooch.

And {a leetle} football watching (but mostly just talking). 

And some pool time. 

And JCT's Sunday Supper with Chris after they left (so sad!). 

And a little more pool time to make sure we soaked up the unofficial last bits of summer. 

And tons of laughing.

I hope your Labor Day was unlaborious and full of sun! 

my favorites from this week

(one year ago when Katie & Sara were here! ^^)

Happy Wednesday! My bffs from high school, Katie and Sara, are coming in from Chicago on Friday, so this week feels like seven to me. But, alas, we're halfway there! Here are my favorite things from this week so far: 

To eat: Perfect Bars. They sent me a box to review and they are (1) delicious (2) filling (3) full of healthy ingredients - carrots and celery in each bar, to name a few. The carob chip and almond butter flavors are my favorite so far. 

To move: A rowing workout from Chris. Try it! My goal was 5,000 meters, or just over three miles. Let me know how far you get! :)

To pick me up in the afternoon: Trader Joe's new peanut butter with chia and flax mixed in. A little crunch a lot of flavor. 

To let loose: Moscow Mules at the Painted Pin (ATL Bucket List #138). I went for a going away party on Monday night and it was awesome. Even on a Monday it was crowded. So glad they're on the ATL scene.