Cheryl

Well, I’m officially in the 30 club, and I couldn’t be happier. Turning 30 isn’t that scary. Everyone tells me that your 30s are your best yet. So, bring it on world! My girls at work helped me rein in my 30th with a wonderful, Fall-themed celebration. Have I ever mentioned how much I love working with graphic designers and creatives? They really bring their “A” game on birthdays. Flowers, apple cider, almond scones, homemade chili with cornbread, pulled-pork sandwiches and pumpkin-spiced cupcakes. I had gifts galore to open — lots of comfy things to wear for Fall, a cutesy kit for Fall, a washi tape dispense {!!}, a great shoulder bag and $ for shoes!

Then I came home to more gifts from family and friends. Lots of comfy things and smelly things {which I love!}. I have so many wonderful people in my life. God has definitely blessed with a great network of people, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I really don’t deserve all these amazing people! Thank you to all who remembered my birthday. I love you!

Hi friends. I”m back from my travels to Arizona and recovering from a crazy 4-day work week. Consequently my parents were in Michigan the same weekend I was home so I only got to see them for a couple hours before I headed to the airport. On the bright side, I got to spend almost every minute with my sister. We had a slumber party every night and watched Breaking Bad non-stop {when we weren’t running around town, meeting up with my friends}. It was a stormy, humid weekend in Zona, which always brings out the rainbows :) A trip to Arizona is never complete without a bagel and chocolate milk breakfast at Einstein Bagels {one of my favorite date places of all time}.

My mom stocked her house with all kinds of goodies for us.  And sister had a friend crochet me the most beautiful baby blanket. I’m so in love with it. It’s mint!! Isn’t it beautiful?!

Sister was my date for my friend, Heather’s, wedding. By the way, the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center is a wonderful venue! So in love those two! — plus they had a teddy bear on the dance floor, it was awesome. Congrats Heather & Chad! The next day I had an amazingly, relaxing pool day with friends. It was a fun day of non-stop talking and snacking and laughing. I miss my AZ girls so much.

Had a nice Sunday dinner with my 2nd family. Look at my brother-in-law’s rad beard! When my parents came in on Labor Day, we had a late dinner at Joyride – this new restaurant in Gilbert I’ve been wanting to try. Very retro. After, I talked everyone into going to Oregano’s for a pizza cookie.

I also received a DARLING diaper bag {thank you Dominique!!}. When Pam and I were lounging in the pool or on the couch, the little shits{zus} kept us company at my parent’s house.

It was such a great weekend. I’m so blessed to have such wonderful and thoughtful friends. I miss all their unique personalities and stories, and found myself coming back to Cali wishing I could bring my network of girls with me. But, I know they’re just a phone call/ text/email away, until I see them all again. Hope you all had a nice Labor Day!!!! :)

I’m a BIG fan of Sheryl Sandberg’s book, “Lean In”, and am feeling a spark of motivation. Motivation to keep following my dreams, to have it all – whatever I make to be “it all”. The following excerpt really jumped out at me:

“Fear is at the root of so many of the barriers that women face. Fear of not being liked. Fear of making the wrong choice. Fear of drawing negative attention. Fear of overreaching.. Fear of being judged. Fear of failure. And the holy trinity of fear – – – the fear of being a bad mother/wife/daughter. Without fear, women can pursue professional success and personal fulfillment. And freely choose one or the other or both.”

It’s so true isn’t it? I feel like I have little doses of fear in my every day. What would you do if you weren’t afraid, as Mrs. Sandberg would say? Me? . . . lots. Like get my Masters, teach body pump, or wear red lipstick.

I now have this on my desk as a daily reminder to “lean in”. . . ;)

My boss planned a really fun project for us all to work on together that allowed us to reflect on our work and the projects we were so proud of. We turned on the tunes, got our colors out and started stripping and gluing pieces onto a blank board. It was so much fun. And the final piece is pretty gorgeous!!! Art!