Happy 4th of July Weekend

This is the beginning of what happens to be my favorite month of the year: why you ask?? Not only do we get to celebrate Independence Day, but it’s followed by my BIRTHDAY!! Some people I know don’t necessarily like to celebrate their special day each year as they get older, but not me — bring it on!! What other excuse do you have to go out for a night of fun and let everyone know it’s your day??

This #26 promises to be my best year yet… I recently received a fantastic raise at work, I’m jetsetting off to New York City next week with my boyfriend to begin my birthday celebrations, I’m eating at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Rosepepper, with my friends on my actual birthday (all because of my fabulous party planner best friend), and then my Mom is whisking me away to Rosemary Beach for an entire week of relaxation and beachside fun! I have to admit, I feel like one lucky girl!

I just wanted to take a moment to write about just how thankful I am for my independence and freedom. We live in a country founded on democracy where everyone has rights, and I know sometimes I take the little things for granted: I want to say a big THANK YOU to the men and women out there that continue to fight for our great nation each and everyday and to their families for making sacrifices so that we can continue on with our normal daily lives — I think we look past these individuals and don’t say thanks nearly enough. I saw the following TV ad this morning and it really hit me just how different “home” is when our soldiers return from serving our country…. I promise to do my part to say thank you and never take what we have for granted!