travel

Birthday Milestones & Growing Up

- Mel

It’s not my birthday, but someone close to me is celebrating her 30th — or “Dirty Thirty” as she termed it — and I was invited to the shindig… in Vegas.

The only city in the country I never want to step another foot into.

I’ve been twice — the first, in my late 20s, on a sisters vacation during Halloween. It was a blast and perfect for four siblings in various stages of relationships (me = single). The second, was my birthday celebration. Number 32 (me = newly coupled with the guy I remain with today).

That 32nd birthday there was spent practically by myself, after friends who frequently travel (there and otherwise) backed out of the adventure plans. I had a couple friends there to party with, but they stayed in another hotel, further down the Strip, and I constantly felt like a fifth wheel. They were from Denver; me, living in Ohio at the time; and they also left a day earlier than me, so I drank by the pool alone for my last day of vacation. The one girl who took all the pictures of that trip NEVER SENT ME PICS. Never tagged me on Facebook. Lame.

I seriously made the offering to acquiantances I partied with to “just fly here; the room is already paid for!” And yet, no takers. I was in aforementioned-happy relationship, but desperately wanted a “friends trip” (I’ve still never been invited on one, which depresses me); I even invited the boyfriend out with me at the last minute (he couldn’t go).

It was one of the loneliest vacations of my life (this, from a person who traveled to Europe by herself). And, sadly, I learned a lot about friendships surrounding that incident. That one trip essentially changed my life in a completely different way I imagined. I was in my 30s, and it was time to grow up. And I did.

So, when I hear of people going to Vegas for some big Life Event or Age Turning, I make that face.

Or something…

I have no desire to return to this City of Lights. It’s probably not Vegas’ fault, but I hate it there. I mean, truly loath. I associate it with so much negativity — and I refuse to have that sort of energy in my life. Let’s be frank here too, I’m definitely not into that sort of club scene anymore (not even close) and somebody reaching the Big 3-0 milestone seems SO. MUCH. YOUNGER. than where I am right now (yes, I said it out loud! feel free to smack me!).

So much different than what I am now.

Gah. Have you reached that point in your 30s where you feel so much *gulp* older? Do you have a city that you refuse to return to, for one reason or another?

Giving Thanks: to friends and family, old and new

- Mel

On this Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful for the life that the boyfriend and I have created together — and those three cute kitties that keep our feet warm at night.

While we’re not with family this holiday (see you at Christmas!), we’re spending it with dear friends who are just as close to both of us (and their newborn *squee*). They’ve graciously opened their home to us and a few “orphans” stuck in Charleston for an epic feast.

I am in this picture… doing my typical Photobomb Face. Or, that was some crazy-good Mac n’ Cheese.

Not gonna lie, but I’m also very thankful for this lovely vacation to a beautiful city. And banana Moon Pies (#keepingitreal).

I’m so happy that I decided to start this new project. I’ve already met a handful of wonderful bloggers through this venture who share in my 30-something passions. And thank YOU for stopping by and reading (are you lurking?) — I hope that you leave a comment to tell me about yourself and your own personal projects.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My last Birchbox…

- Mel

You know that instinct when something is just not “clicking.” That’s been the relationship between me and Birchbox for, well, longer than I care to admit. Yet, I continued on, hoping that “things” would change. Those “things” mind you, were the possibility of receiving ACTUAL makeup. 

birchbox box

The monthly beauty subscription boxes were fun at first, but the excitement quickly faded. And all I was left with was yet another face moisturizer and smaller-than-a-sample size of hair treatment. Meh. 

Last month, I said goodbye to Birchbox… of course, they were still a little attached to me and my credit card — charging me for my monthly subscription and sending me the box anyway. To BB’s credit, the amount was refunded, but not until after canceling again, submitting a cancellation survey, emailing their customer service… and then tweeting about it. Again, meh. 

PS: This is one of several issues that I’ve had with their site. A prior problem was showing double items in my cart & I couldn’t remove the extra for days. And another wouldn’t let me use my points (again, eventually corrected itself).

Without further ado, the contents of the final box — JET SET box:
Faux lashes – winks by Georgie » LOVE faux lashes. SUCK at faux lashes. I can’t hate getting another pair to practice once again, however.
Shampoo – Hair Rules » yet another hair sample. BORING.
Packaged face cleanser wipes – La Fresh » I’ll use these. Straight to the skate bag!
Stainiac – theBalm cosmetics » haven’t used yet, but added it to all the other lip things that I hope to use one day. I just love my sugar fresh too much to use anything else right now.
BONUS: a printed plastic travel pouch from tili. I’ll use this, for sure. 

For what it’s worth, I would definitely recommend the sample subscription service — it’s fun and a surprise at only $10 a month. I’m just underwhelmed by the promise of AWESOME THINGS and frequently disappointed in return. 

Alas, for now I bid adieu, Birchbox!