Yamas!

I know it's been a minute since I've posted. Last month I ended up celebrating my 30th birthday throughout the entire month of October, and I didn't want the party to end! I visited Greece, the number one country on my bucket list, and it was the perfect getaway with my girls. Athens was filled with rich history and Santorini was absolutely breathtaking. It felt great to sleep in and eat gelato whenever I wanted. (There's gelato literally on every corner.) The food was great and the wine...ah-mazing. We visited Santos Winery for a tour and tasting, surrounded by a view of the Aegean Sea. We chased the sunset just for the perfect view in Oia. In Athens I had a lovely birthday dinner with my family and friends at Dionysos Zonar's with a perfect view of the Acropolis. I was so blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful people.  As I sit and reflect, I still can't believe I'm 30. I pictured myself at a different place by now, but I've learned to accept that this is a journey. Take each day as it comes, and live it like your last. I'm looking forward to the adventures the next 30 plus years will bring.

Yamas!

Victoria

Beloved October

I love Octobers! The change in weather, the smell of pumpkin spice in everything, and of course my birthday. I love birthdays! We should celebrate life everyday, but it's a blessing to grow another year older and wiser. This past weekend I caught up with family and friends and tried out a few restaurants for the first time around the city. It was an amazing weekend and I'm excited to see what year 28 brings.

Bin 1301 Wine Bar: They have a great wine selection. It's tucked away so most just pass by it while out on U St. This would be a great date night spot or a spot to catch up with friends before heading out to the surrounding bars. I was even able to pop my own champagne bottle!

Claudia's Steakhouse: I love the atmosphere here! There was a live jazz band and the decor was very modern and chic. The food was great and it's the perfect spot for a celebration with a large party. 

Blackwall Hitch: The all-you-can eat brunch buffet is the perfect after-church spot. The Old Town Alexandria location is right on the waterfront. The buffet offered a mix of breakfast and lunch items, along with seafood. I've been craving oysters so I was finally able to get my fix. And what's brunch without mimosas?! This spot has $1 mimosas. You are welcome.

Check out more photos from my birthday celebration here.

26

Today I am 26! I am very blessed to have made it this far and I am happy to share with you a few things that I have learned along the way as I reflect on my path to 26.

1. Don’t be afraid to let go. Be confident that God is leading you and giving you favor.
2. Pray and/or mediate. Often. You will need it for daily living. It will bring you peace.
3. Keep genuine honest friends by your side. Life brings more relationships than we can nurture. Very few people are ordained to be permanent fixtures in your life, but those that are meant to stick around will always be there.
4. Do whatever YOU want. Just do it.  People will talk about you no matter what you do so just do what you want. You will be much happier.
5. Love hard and keep an open mind.
6. Tell your mom and dad that you love them every chance you get. They are getting older and won't live forever. 
7. You will most likely hate your current job and/or not even know what type of job you want and that’s normal.  It’s just a stepping-stone, and you will figure out your next step in due time. Just continue to actively work towards the job that you really want.
8. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else. It's exhausting.
9. Travel A LOT. Get out of your comfort zone and enjoy everything this world has to offer. It’s really quite beautiful. I can now say that I’ve visited four other countries. (Canada, Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island, and Mexico) Next stop: Europe.
10. Make time for the things you love to do.
11. Expand your palate and try/cook different foods.  Chinese food doesn’t count. 
12. You deserve someone that believes the sun shines out of your mouth. Nothing less. Repeat this to yourself.
13. Boston has the best lobster rolls and clam chowder.
14. Be friendly to everyone. You never know if the person sitting next to you will change your life.
15. Go to a therapist. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. 
16. Buy yourself some fresh flowers every now and then.
17. Don’t take it personal.
18. Be vulnerable. The world wants to see the real you. Some will love you and some may hate you but you will finally be able to live freely.
19. Wear lipstick to the grocery store.
20. Don't let your desire to be with someone cloud the reality of incompatibility.
21. Don’t assume. Clarify.
22. Embrace your natural beauty. I've learned to wake up in the morning, pick out my fro and go, and I still feel fabulous. You do not need straight hair to feel beautiful. No matter what your hair looks like if you feel confident everyone around you will feel that energy too.
23. Drink more tea. Add honey instead of sugar.
24. The ones that hurt you can't always heal you, and they most likely can't recognize or reciprocate what's valuable to you.
25. Ladies let's Lean In. Don't let fear stop us from reaching higher goals and embracing leadership. Let's support each other. Climb that ladder.
26. Let it be.

My birthday is 14 days away...

Tonight..we RAGE.

There's always something to celebrate. Birthdays, old friends, and new friends. Just drink, eat, and be merry :)