LIFE: "THE HAPPIEST YEAR IN YOUR LIFE"

Happy Friday, Lovelies!
So, today is August 17, which makes today my birthday.
When I was little, and since my birthday always fell in the summer before school started, it was always marked by a theme birthday party with 7 friends of my choice. Making it a party of 8, including myself, which was the perfect number when buying a theme set of napkins, plates and cups, since they were sold in sets of eight.
Each year, my dad would decorate a Pillsbury cake, in the flavor of my choice, usually funfetti, since rainbows have always made me happy and it tastes delicious, to look exactly like the birthday plate, which matched my theme of choice that year, be it Strawberry Shortcake, Watermelons, Garfield, Rainbows or Aladdin, and so on. Let's just say, my cakes always looked exactly like the plate, he is quite talented when it comes to cake decorating, just as my older sister is.
All while my mother would have the table set beautifully, with everything color coordinated and elegantly displayed. Creating the perfect tablescape, which would make semi-homemade cook Sandra Lee quite happy, including place cards for each person by their own place setting at the table, and she always had a way of adding personal touches to make you feel special.

Moi aka Little Liesl on my birthday years ago.

As an adult, I'm not really one who makes a big deal on or around my birthday, I rarely even tell anyone it is my birthday, which makes this post feel a little odd. In fact, I'd be happy just having it slip by quietly, which many might not think, but I often keep to myself around that time.
As for having a party, well, since leaving the theme childhood birthdays behind, I only have a party if it is a milestone birthday, or because friends insist I do something. Otherwise, a dinner out, at most, is just fine by me, though I don't even need that. You should see how long it takes me to open a gift, sometimes they stay wrapped for days after the fact, I think I have a hard time accepting them, though I love giving them.
Anywho, this year, I'm in New York City to celebrate it, which in of itself is pretty darn fabulous. Although, I'm typing this blog post in Brooklyn Heights just before midnight on the eve of my birthday.
I think it is always a time for reflection, at least for me, and this year is no different. Though I hear, and have been told, that this new age I'm turning, at 11:31PM to be exact, is supposed to be the "happiest year of your life." At least according to TIME Magazine and a recent survey and study.
I can't say I know exactly where this new age it is going to take me, or how it is going to unfold, but one thing I have learned, leading up to this birthday, is the importance of taking things one day at a time.
You honestly can't rush things, you must follow your heart and be willing to relish in the thought of knowing that not rushing things, trusting your instincts and "learning to love the process" is key!
Who knows what it may unlock, but I plan on making it a happy year...and possibly even the happiest! :)

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Pure Romance Make-up & Shimmer-tastic Gift Bag