10 Things I Loved This January

January is somehow the month that won’t end (it feels like January 71st) yet one I love because it’s my birthday. This was my first single birthday in a very long time and my friends absolutely did not disappoint. I always get very excited about my birthday and have high expectations and they nailed it. Sure, I gave instructions and sent links to exactly what I wanted BUT THEY NAILED IT! It was the absolute best to start out 29 surrounded by so many wonderful people that I know love and support me.

Celebrating 29

When my best friend asked if I wanted to celebrate the weekend before or after my real birthday I replied with, “After, but I want attention the day before and day of as well.” And they absolutely brought it! We went out and I had one what I would consider one of my favorite nights in years. Pre-buying pitchers to help everyone get acquainted really did help ensure the night went well, but it was just a wonderful night of laughter and roasting each other. I am so, so thankful for those that were there and everyone else who helped me celebrate!

Fashion and Beauty

I think at some point later last year I looked around and got really tired of looking at all the “stuff” I had. I wasn’t finishing up things before buying a new beauty item, etc. So this month I’ve been going through things completely and truly only trying things either on a gift card or to replace an empty item.

• This clean-beauty brand has a cult-like following, but I’ve only recently tried it. I’ve used this re-surfacing serum before but not consistently and I noticed this month a big change in my skin! I had a weird breakout in December and it helped clear it up! Using a gift card I also got this amazing sheet mask as well as this one! Highly recommend.
• Another clean-beauty brand, Lipstick Queen, has a really pretty collection of pink/nudes that are really worth going into Ulta for.
• This was a gift I received for my birthday and it means SO much to me but also is the most comfortable sweater ever. Plus it’s for a good cause!
• If you are looking for black jeans that flatter your curves, I have you covered! I had to buy this pair and this pair for CES in Las Vegas and they have done amazingly well! I snagged them for about $25 each.
• I have learned I have a type. An earring type to be specific. Anything that is gold + pearl is just my type. I got this pair and this pair and they are stunning. (Speaking of earrings, I just got this earring organizer and I LOVE it! No taking off backs and it’s a beautiful display!)
• This Veronica Beard top is DIVINE. Just get it.

My Boudoir Shoot

I started paying for a boudoir shoot back when I was engaged. It was expensive enough that I wasn’t willing to just let the money go. So after several re-schedules due to weather and other things, last weekend I drove to KC and shot with Tayanna. While I do not mind being in front of the camera, I had a lot of feels about this shoot. Not just because of the boudoir implications, but the reminder that I did this during a very different place in life.

I think that I will blog more about this, most likely depending on how I feel when I get the gallery back. I’ve been shocked to learn how many of my friends have done this (even the most conservative ones!) and said it felt empowering. Again, I don’t have the end result so I can’t comment on the final result but I can say that I am very happy that I did go through with it and I am looking forward to celebrating where I am.

Work Travel

Okay so as you might know, I was totally attacked by a lizard during one of my Florida trips this month. (I was there twice. One will always be unforgettable.) January kicked off with CES which I did a TON of behind the scenes on Instagram for. ADT stood out this year and received some incredible press for our booth! That week we also go to see Drake, Snoop and lots of other stuff that was awesome. I am always thankful when I get to be part of the team and it’s my favorite way to celebrate my birthday and start the year off on a high note!

Overall this month I went to: Las Vegas, Florida, Irving, and back to Florida. Definitely appreciate the diverse weather that breaks up the dreary Kansas winter.

P.S. One of these days I WILL post my packing method as I know this is long overdue and I totally went off about it on Instagram. It’s just hard when you are actually traveling every week!

Anddd with that I am ready for February and get rid of the slowest month eevverrrrr!