Birthday Celebration + Giveaway

At some point during my 20s (I don't even know when!) I started to really fear the day I would turn 30. I guess that's normal and for me it was this mix of not wanting to be "old" and worrying that I wouldn't accomplish everything I wanted to by that time. And now that I've joined the big 3-0 club ..

It's actually not that bad.

I think I was more afraid of the number itself because most of the time, I don't really feel like my age anyway. I'm not ready to be married or have kids (although a boyfriend would be nice). I set personal goals for myself this year and I already accomplished one in April - I moved out! I'm just enjoying this experience of having my own place and balancing my time between family, friends, doing what I love (like this blog) and work. My career is the other thing I want to change this year. And when I say change, I mean find a new job. That's goal numero dos.

You know, my life isn't perfect and there are plenty of days where I feel like a crazy person especially with everything that's been going on lately (if you know me IRL, you know what I'm talking about). But I'm living. I'm doing my best and most of the time, I feel really happy and content with where I am right now.

But enough of the introspective crap! First I'm going to share some pictures of how I celebrated my birthday this past week and then I have a special surprise for my lovely readers.

(1) At Dos Caminos with Estelle & Alexa // (2) Buddakan NYC
(3) With my pretty besties, Mary Ann, Carina & Loren  //  (4) Blowing out the candles
(5) I loved my birthday dress - pink lace and backless! (Although you can't tell here)
(6) At The Standard for more drinks and hanging out. 

Thank you to everyone who called, texted, Facebook'ed and tweeted!
Every message made my day extra special.
And to the wonderful ladies in the pictures above,
I am so, so thankful to have you all in my life.


And saving the best for last - I'm doing a giveaway in honor of my birthday! I really hope you all will enter - some of these books are my absolute faves. Plus a bunch of them are signed! 

The giveaway will end on Monday, July 15 so you have two weeks to enter (US + Canada only). 

If you want to know more about the books..
Ink by Amanda Sun (Signed ARC)
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Published, Paperback)
The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (Published, Hardcover)

29 comments

  1. Happy Birthday! Looks like you had a fun one, and that dress is beautiful! And then to host a giveaway for some amazing books? So sweet. I haven't read any of these, but if I had to choose one I'm most excited to read it'd be The Immortal Rules. I've heard quite a bit about that series, but haven't tried reading the books yet! Thanks for the chance of winning them! :)

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    1. Thank you! I hope I have another occasion to wear that dress because I love it. Good luck with the giveaway!

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  2. Happy birthday love! I'm so glad that we're friends, and not just because of our mutual love of books and blogs. It's really been a treat to get to know you! 30 is a good place to be, and I hope that when I hit 30, I'll be as poised and hopeful and positive and settled (in some ways, if not all) as you. Love you!

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    1. Aw, you are the best. I'm so glad we're friends too and that I got my birthday celebrating kicked off with you and E. Love you!

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  3. Happy birthday! Looks like you had a great time. Thank you for hosting this giveaway! I haven't read any of these books so I'm quite eager to read them all, but I have to say I'm most excited to read Ink by Amanda Sun. I'm keeping my fingers crossed :)

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    1. Thank you! And Ink was good, you should definitely read it regardless if you win the giveaway or not. Good luck :)

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  4. Yay! Happy belated birthday!!
    Also, I'm pretty darn excited about Just Like Fate!!! Thank you for the giveaway, and I'm glad that your special day was a great one! :)

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    1. Thank you! I have to read Just Like Fate this week.. I hope it's good!!

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  5. Happy birthday!!! I hope your day was filled with all your favorite things (sure looks like it! ;).

    I'm actually really excited for The Immortal Rules - I've been wanting to read it for a while now, but haven't been able to get my hands on a copy! I'm also really excited for Just Like Fate as well.

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :)

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    1. Thank you! I tell everyone to read Julie Kagawa's books and I highly recommend this series. Good luck!

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  6. Happy birthday! I'm most exited about the Amanda Sun and Julie Kagawa books.

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    1. Thank you! All three of those books are pretty awesome. Especially Julie's :)

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  7. Happy birthday!! Thanks for an amazing giveaway! I'm so excited for Just Like Fate!

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    1. Thank you for the birthday greeting and for entering the giveaway! Good luck!

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  8. Indelible because I've heard good things and I like cover.

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  9. Frigid looks and sounds awesome. I can't wait to read it!

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    1. So far you are the ONLY person to mention Frigid! I'm glad someone did because I love that book <3

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  10. Happy Birthday!! The Immortal Rules!!

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    1. Yay! That's a great one to be excited about :)

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  11. Free books are always a win. Birthday + free books are actually the best! I would love to read any of these besides the Goddess Inheirtance since I've read that one already!

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    1. Hahah agreed - can't go wrong with birthdays and free books.

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  12. Happy Birthday (: I'm super excited for Ink and Just Like Fate. I've heard that Julie Kagawa's books are really good, so she's on my radar too.

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    1. Thank you! All those books are good ones to be excited about. Granted I still have to read Just Like Fate.. but I've got a good feeling about it :)

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  13. Happy late birthday! I'm excited about Just Like Fate & Ink. I once started reading the Immortal Rules so I should probably try to get back to that soon. :) (I have no idea why I didn't finish it though xD)

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    1. Thank you! And yes go read The Immortal Rules. Or wait to see if you win the giveaway :) But I def recommend reading that series.

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  14. Happy belated!!! :D Out of those giveaway books I'm definitely the most excited for Just Like Fate. The description sounds amazing!

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  15. Happy birthday! Welcome to the 30 club! What a great giveaway!

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  16. Happy belated birthday to you!!! How sweet of you to share with everyone! I'm excited about Frigid and the Eternity Cure :)

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with love,

Rachel