A Birthday to Remember

So remember when I talked about how I didn't really like birthdays?

Yah. This one was probably the worst ever. Actually it could quite possibly be one of the worst birthday's ANYONE has every had.

Let me tell you the story.

I woke up. went to work. my lovely boss surprised me with a beautiful cake, and a co-worker brought me cupcakes. So nice.

Went to my favorite sandwich place, Taylor's, for lunch (PS about to become the mayor of Taylor's on four square, I'm beyond excited). It was great.

Dad sent me a very sweet, but embarrassingly large assortment of balloons to my office.

Boss told me to enjoy the rest of my day and take off early.

Go home. do my hair and makeup. Get ready to go to Cava Mezze with my 2 wonderful roommies.

6:37. Someone knocks on the door. Me assuming its flowers or something being delivered for my birthday answer. It's a random neighborhood teenager who has the wrong house.

6:42. I exit the house through the back door. As I'm locking up I see the same teenager + 3 others ride by in the alley on bikes.

6:44. KJ and I install my new Obama Biden sticker on my car, and joke about how it helps us "blend" into the neighborhood a little bit better.

6:45 leave for the restaurant.

Dinner was great. Grabbed drinks after at Lola's. also great.

10:25 Head home to end a solidly good 24th birthday.

HOWEVER. When I arrive at home our neighbor informs us he thinks our house was broken in to. He saw a couple of teenage kids running out of our house and riding away on bikes. One would think this would prompt him to call the police, but not so much.

So. Our door was completely kicked in. I call the police. They say they'll send someone out right away. I remember our kitty Oliver, and completely freak out, thinking they've hurt him and taken all my stuff. My roommates run around to the front door, I enter through the back. alone (not smart, but I was tipsy and was freaking out). Walk through the house completely un-armed. Discover that 2 of our 3 laptops were stolen, but other than a little rummaging the house is mostly intact.

BW has a full on panic attack. KJ gets a nose bleed. We are all on the phone with banks and credit unions and family trying to get our passwords changed, credit secured. Call the landlord, etc.

12:00 the police FINALLY show up. They stay until almost 1 I think. I've lost all track of time by this point. I try to stay awake until the locksmith comes, but I'm too emotionally drained.

I go to bed around 2:30, but don't sleep at all. Run crazy scenarios in my head all night.

Happy Freaking Birthday.

*I would like to say thank you for all the birthday love, it really means a lot to me. I am fine. My roommates are fine. Our cat is fine. Nothing of real value was taken, and we are very thankful for that. We will continue to remain vigilant. But please, let this be a reminder to not get complacent. Lock your doors. Don't answer it if you don't know who it is. and GET an ALARM SYSTEM.

Happy Birthday to me

At 3:16 pm today I turn 24. 

I am officially in my mid twenties. 

true story. 

Here's to hoping for a great year.

April Birchbox

It's that time again!

I'm linking up with Tara and Katie for another round of...

My April Birchbox arrived early this month woohoo!! After an AWESOME box in March I was pumped. Then I opened it and saw this...

Dropps: laundry detergent
These small squares pack a big punch: each is filled with a fabric-friendly detergent that keeps colors bright while respecting the environment. Fresh Scent has a light, spring-inspired fragrance, the packs are great for those who want to go the odor-neutral route.


hmm... laundry detergent. okay. I tried them, but I'm not really sure they would be worth the cost. I actually make my own laundry detergent, I'll do a post on that another time, but I personally think mine is better.

WONDERSTRUCK: by Taylor Swift

Wonderstruck is that awe-inspiring feeling that comes from experiencing something magical. Eclectic and traditional with whimsical flair, every element of the brand is authentically Taylor.

Okay.... this might be worse than the laundry detergent. Don't get me wrong. Love me some T Swift. But I'm generally not a fan of super sweet floral perfumes (especially if they're made by a celebrity). Not good friends. not good.

willa Lavender Facial Towelettes 

Sometimes you want to wash your face when there’s no sink in sight. Since it’s not always a good idea to stop what you’re doing and run to the nearest bathroom, keep these super cool towelettes by your side. Perfect for girls on the go, they’re made to cleanse and refresh skin. Each 30-pack comes with a month’s supply of sweetly scented lavender wipes. Store them in your backpack, your locker, or your purse, and take them out whenever you want to remove all signs of oil and debris. Even the packaging is as cute as a button.

The Willa towelettes are awesome. They smell super fresh, are really soft, and they're natural! What's not to love?

ZOYA: TRUE Spring Collection in BEVIN

Zoya’s latest collection of polishes has us even more excited to brighten up our wardrobe and show off fun mani-pedis this spring. If you’re looking for a subdued shade, check out Bevin, a sage green with faint teal undertones. 

I LOVEEEEEEEEEEE this Zoya polish. It's a beautiful muted mint green color.

J.R. Watkins: Hand & Cuticle Salve

From hangnails to dry knuckles, your hands are subject to a whole slew of issues. Luckily, this intense salve provides long-lasting relief to delicate, over-worked hands. Formulated with over ten natural oils and plant extracts, it penetrates deep beneath your skin’s surface, revealing softer skin and revitalized cuticles. Plus, we love how all its ingredients are ethically sourced.

My thoughts on the J.R. Watkins salve: ehh. I could take it or leave it. smells good. moisturizes well, but I'm not drawn back to it.

Not the best box I've ever gotten... but as always I will continue on with the Birchboxes.

PS I heard from Krista that next month will be a Gossip Girl themed box. So excited.

{Friday Cocktail} Cucumber Mint Gimlet

There are a few reasons I'm featuring this yummy cocktail on the blog this week. #1. I love Gin. It is my favorite liquor. I've read a few articles lately about how gin has come back in vogue in recent years. I would like to take this opportunity to take full responsibly for that. I am clearly quite the trendsetter. Ha ha. I kid. I am sure one influential factor is the rising popularity of my favorite show Mad Men. That brings me to #2. Betty Draper Francis loves her some gimlets, and who am I to knock the fabulous Mrs. Draper's drink of choice. #3. It's horse racing season. I'm not a huge mint julep fan, if it has enough sugar sure, but I'm still working on learning to love bourbon and other whiskeys. I feel that this is a gin lovers response to the mint julep. Plus who doesn't love a cucumber mint combo.

via

Ingredients

• 2 oz Cucumber Gin 
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• .5 oz Mint Simple Syrup
• Cucumber peels, for garnish
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
• crushed ice 

Cucumber Gin

• Steep 2.5 cups of diced peeled cucumber in 4.5 cups of gin
• Cover and chill at least 8 hours, up to four days
• Strain and Store

Mint Simple Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• combine over medium heat until sugar dissolves
• Add 1 cup mint leaves and remove from heat
• Cover, steep for 30 minutes -1 hour, then strain and discard mint. 
• Store up to 2 months

Enjoy! I know I'm looking forward to sipping on one of these this rainy spring weekend.