So friends most of you know I celebrated a birthday recently…
That is right! I turned the big 3-0 :D. I was really looking forward to turning 30; the journey of my 20’s has really felt long (in a good way). Graduating college, trying out lots of media fields, and then slowly working my way to become a professional, and confident in what I do. There were just so many changes, I felt I lived two lives within my 20’s; so I have to say it’s kind of a relief. For all you kids, 30 is a happy place and definitely on the short list of best birthdays ever for me.
(boots-cri de couer via loving eco/jp selects; skirt-thrifted via cause for pawz; knicks tank-gift from bf; sweater-i no longer shop here; rings-made her think and gifted)
Two things happened on April 28th, 2012- 1) I turned 30 2) the Knicks game one with the Heat in the playoffs. We lost terribly and ultimately got eliminated BUT I have to say considering my beloved Knicks have been plagued by injuries I am really really proud of the season we’ve had and am super optimistic for next year.
So what did I do for the big day….I had a Treat Yo Self Day! The boyfriend and I wandered around the East Village into stores I frequent and I treated myself: a fun neon sweater from Buffalo Exchange, BrooklynRehab salt & pepper shakers (available HERE) from Pink Olive are some of the things I treated myself to :).
Would I typically buy salt and pepper shakers? NO! That is why it’s a treat and it made me happy :).
I also finally bought 2 things that I have always wanted for myself.
I think truly every woman should own a precious piece of jewelry they love and bought on their own. April’s birthstone happens to be a diamond so I have always wanted to buy myself a diamond.
I bought this beautiful ring from Alexis Russell. It’s a raw 3 carat diamond set in silver. I LOVE IT! I adore the super traditional setting juxtaposed with the rough diamond. For me it looks modern and elegant.
I actually have wish listed quite a bit from Alexis Russel. Her pieces are made from recycled metals and conflict free gems and the jewelry is just so fine and beautiful. These earrings will be next but here are some other faves (all available HERE).
The other big treat for myself was an everyday bag. You’ve seen my black bad girl bag from Matt & Nat that I love but I also wanted a tan option that had the same function and was made just as fine.
I stumbled on the Sleazy Jane bag from O My Bag on boticca and I knew it was the one. Not only can it go cross-body or purse style (a must for me in any everyday bag) but the ethics of this company are great.
I typically only buy leather that is secondhand, but this leather is actually ethically made. O My Bag only uses hides that pass naturally and they also use a revolutionary eco tanning process that reduces water usage and is chrome free. The bags are also made by a fair trade cooperative in India where the hides are also sourced. Truly it is not your ordinary bag. You can read more about O My Bag’s ethical practices here.
Lastly my birthday was wrapped up with a surprise from my family. I have a large large family and typically don’t get to see all my cousins and aunts and uncles on my birthday. I hate being the center of attention so I often opt for several nice small dinners opposed to a large HAPPY BIRTHDAY moment. But my mamacita surprised me with all my family and I have to say it was awesome.
I felt very loved, especially when my 3 year old nephew serenaded me with this One Direction song :)…sigh, moments I wish I recorded.
Glad to hear you had such a great birthday, my love! You deserve it, and you deserve that amazing ring, too! I love that you bought it for yourself. Raw diamonds are so beautiful, aren’t they?
Thank you friend!! Love you! And love raw diamonds :).
Happy belated, pretty lady! I turn 29 this year, and I can’t WAIT to hit 30.
You picked up some pretty sweet little gifts to yourself– I so approve! That diamond is STUNNING.
(The texturing you did on that first photo is AWESOME.)
Ashe @ Ash in Fashion recently posted..May Birchbox: Gossip Girl Edition
Oh 29 is shortlisted on best years ever!!! I am sending all my good time vibes from 29 to you Ashe :). Thank you for the birthday wishes.
Oh! P.S- The 1st image was done with this fun app called halftone :); which is .99 I believe.
Wow, It sounds like you had a great birthday minus the Knicks. I love the bag and the salt an pepper shakers. I think special occasions are a great time to treat yourself, cause we don’t award ourselves as often as we should.
Patricia Streeter recently posted..What’s The Hype With Vera Bradley
It’s true! We really don’t take the time to treat ourselves and with this past year being incredibly busy in great ways I knew this is exactly how I wanted to spend my birthday. Treat yo self soon, Patricia!
30 is definitely a happy place! You look gorgeous dear. I am so glad that you had an amazing birthday … that Bottica bag looks nice! Miss you! xx
Happy Birthday! I can’t believe you turned 30! You look so young, which is totally a good thing of course 🙂 I love the diamond ring and the bag you purchased for yourself! Oh and too funny, I mentioned the Buffalo Exchange earlier but I’ve never been!
Still young! I’m still young!! Lol, just kidding, I totally get what you’re saying and thank you so much always a nice thing to hear. You need to go to Buffalo Exchange! I practically live there so many good finds at that place. And thank you sweet Jen for the birthday wishes.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your comic-strip-esque collage is pretty much the cutest thing ever! Hope you celebrate all week long and enjoy your gorgeous gifts! I’ve never seen a raw diamond before — so so flipping cool! and you know i love the SP shakers like crazy =) You have fabulous taste my dear!
Rock today’s face off! MWAH!
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons recently posted..Veggie Patch Lasagna with Creamy Spinach Sauce
Love you mo’ my homie to the max. Thank you so much for the beeday wishes.
YAY for a happy birthday friend!! I love your metallic skirt and salt and pepper shakers! Your new ring is gorgeous! Now I want some Alexis Russell pieces!!!
Rocquelle Porch recently posted..Pastel Whiteout
Happy birthday!!!!
Good for you for buying yourself an investment piece. Love your new diamond.
Heather recently posted..Purple and Navy
Happy happy birthday!! Uncut diamonds are so beautiful and your ring is delightful.
Sleazy Jane is a babe, too.
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Oh, what a perfect day! 🙂 You look gorgeous and your “treats” are amazing choices! No wonder you fell in love with this jewellery! I’m not really up to date in diamond jewellery, but rough diamonds? They are soooo beautiful! More people should wear them like this! Also your new bag is amazing, especially how it’s made! So glad you had such a happy birthday Jamillah Darling! 🙂
Madeline Quaint recently posted..Blushing Turquoise
I love that you treated yourself so well on your birthday! I love the jewelry you chose! The raw diamond is so pretty and unique! I’m smack dab in the middle of my twenties and I already feel like so much has happened in five years! Its a journey as you said. So glad you had such a wonderful birthday!
Aquí recently posted..street style: kate franco of undeniable style
Me and DGil dream of having a Treat Yoself Day – didn’t think anyone else was as silly as us…. I should’ve known better… glad you treated yoself boo!