inspiration in all places

i decided i would stop into marshalls one day...

a had a small list of what i "needed" and what i "wanted"

i knew what i was getting myself into

my relationship with marshalls is a love and love only!

(raise your hand if that is how it is for you too)

i've been in the market for a few notebook, 

but what i didn't expect was to find so much inspiration!

check out some of my faves...

;)

Sister...

in the wake of losing my brother
i've started to reflect on the other relationships in my life
mainly the one with my sister...
sure, i tell her on a regular basis that she is my best friend.

 that regardless of our 17 year age difference 

(and people often thinking she is my child)

but she is truly my #1.

i often think about the future... 

when i get married, when she turns 16, when she goes to college! 

i often think that it's surreal how she is going to keep me more young and youthful

 then any face lift and botox ever could... 

and i am quite grateful for that! 

having siblings makes you so much more then crazy!
you become...

a confidant, a driver, an advice giver, a money lender, and of safe haven

siblings teach you about love and patience.

because we can argue over things, we will tease each other tip the sun comes up...

 and you may put gum in your sisters hair 

 (cotton candy bubblicious gum; at that) 

but at the end of the day - we said we were sorry. 

they are your people and there is always, always, always love.

it made me start thinking about all of the things i want her to know...

she is so wise beyond her years, 

drinking her starbucks, asking for weekly trips to target, 

wanting to go to lunch with "her girls" who are actually my girls! 

she is so lucky to have been "adopted" by many of my and my brother's friends...

all of these little memos to life

this crazy and fun journey of life

especially since she just turned "double digits"

i want Mia to know that...

she is beautiful in the skin she is in.

that makeup, clothes and accessories do not make the girl,

the girl makes them.

i want her to know that she should never take no for an answer.

to fight for her beliefs and her dreams no matter how obscure they may be.

that she should try new things.

taking leaps of faith and stepping out of her comfort zone

aren't as scary as people will tell you it is!

and taking  a chance will more then likely change your life... for the better.

that she should always keep a close relationship with her family.

because yes, as we get older they can be annoying, and they can be invasive.

but at the end of the day, they will always be there for you.

i hope and wish so many things for my sister 

it doesn't take much to rattle off all the wonderful things about her.
but it's so much more special to think of all the wonderful things I want for her!
there are lessons  I am still learning, 
and so much is shaping me to the person I am. but as I sit here today I know without a shadow of a doubt, my main goal is to be the best example for her!

<3

27 things...

In honor of my birthday
I decided I would share a little bit more about me, the writer of this lovely blog.

1) It appears that I "change the dish" everywhere I go!
My logic is save your tomato for another loving customer
- it's only going to go in the trash (and make me gag) if it's on my plate.

2) I miss my shorter hair, (think Rihanna the bob - shorter in the back, longer in the front) but am so in love with my long hair (past the end of my bra)

3) I had one (maybe 2) bad eyebrow years and I thank god that ended, and rather quickly.

4) I am a little bit of a creature of habit.

5) I am a little more simplistic then the surface shows.

6) I love the color purple, but rarely enjoy the scents that purple "things" come in.

7) I didn’t get my license until I was a senior in high school.

8) I still to do this day LOVE the show FRIENDS. (10 years after the finale!)

9) There is a "better side" that I prefer to pose on.

10) Posh Spice was my favorite! (Victoria Beckham is still my favorite)

11) I prefer the Today show to other morning shows.

12) I also only watch channel 4 news programs (WNBC - for you non-NY'ers)

13) I get my best ideas while showering or driving.

14) I write most of my blogs/edits in a notebook. I find it more natural and comfortable.

15) I have never seen any of the Star Wars movie saga.

16) I love to cook, and trying new recipes.

17) I don't eat red meat and the Mr. isn't THAT much of a red meat guy either, 
makes life a little easy!

18) I miss my blackberry, the iPhone SUCKS for email.

19) I still buy CDs, love em and I don't care how "outdated" it seems!

20) I do not like bananas. Nope, no way, no thank you.

21) I have found that the best products can typically be found in the drugstore.

22) Massages and pedicures are better then therapy. (and I use all 3!)

23) I've been keeping my phone on Do Not Disturb a lot lately.

24) While I am an ALL out girlie girl... I am a sports fan too!
       Yankees, Giants, Rangers, Knicks

25) My first concert was Alanis Morisette.

26) I haven't flown in 5 years, maybe 6!

27) This blog has changed my entire life, funny as it may seem. But it did, for the better!
Opened a lot more windows and doors then I ever intended or dreamt of! 

cinco de stephanie

here are some photos from my birthday celebrations

there was wining, dining, singing, & lots of laughing

i was surrounded by some of the best people in my life

lucky lady i am, truly very lucky 

<3

                                                 

make a wish...

I haven't had a good Monday in 4 months.

I also don't like Monday anymore (as you may have previously read)

So having my birthday fall on a Monday,  is a little bittersweet.

 I was very anxious about it. But I've always been one for "birthday weekends"... 

Having a holiday for a birthday (that most people my age like to celebrate)  makes it easy. 

I spend it with both family, friends and then with a margarita (or 2)

I made sure that I had an easy, awesome and happy plan made and said nothing and no one could ruin this weekend. I so desperately have wanted to smile, be carefree and feel good (even) just for a little while.  

I most certainly did JUST that! I celebrated with family and great friends this weekend. 

We laughed, we sang, we tasted wine, we indulged! 

  

I woke up to an alarm at 7:15 and I knew I would be snoozing... And I did til about 7:35! 

But I had a phone filled with missed calls, texts, a few voicemails and notifications!

I couldn't wait to read them ALL! 

Certainly an amazing way to wake up. I think most people would love it too and say I'm strange for being so excited BUT the last time I felt so much attention and love was a few months ago when my brother had passed. But this was a happy love and I am beaming!

The sun is shining today, I've received some amazing gifts. 

Some in wrapping, some in envelopes and some in the form of writing. 

 I never expected to feel as great as I did today, but I put it out there. 

I let myself be a little vulnerable, 

told myself that all good things will come and I prayed, a lot!

So happy to be feeling exceptionally and extremely happy today!

I have much more to share but the day is still going... <3