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). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you want to know more about the books..

Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young (ARC)

Indelible by Dawn Metcalf (ARC)

Under the Empyrean Sky by Chuck Wendig (ARC)

Frigid by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Signed ARC)

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter (Signed ARC)

Ink by Amanda Sun (Signed ARC)

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Published, Paperback)

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (Published, Hardcover)