that time I got older.

This past weekend, I celebrated another year of getting closer to 30 bliss. 

One of my favorite birthdays was when I turned 7. My parents surprised me with a LIMO ride for me and my girlfriends to go to the pool. #ballin’. 

I mean, check out those ruffled shoulders.

That said, this birthday was pretty close my adolescent spoiling. I'll spare you the deets, but it involved a fantastic dinner, surprise drinking and friends that I couldn't live without. #mushygushy.

28 ain't so bad.

Turning another year older makes you reflect on the blessings you have, what you still want to achieve and the greater grandiose plan. I've (hopefully) learned a lot more than 28 lessons, but here are 28 of my favorite life lessons II think one should know by the age of 28.

1. Just dance. Stop standing in the corner eyeingeveryone bounce along out of rhythm. Really. No one is watching. Have some fun already. 

2. Failures are ok. It brings you that much closer to what you want. 

3. Get up early. It’s annoying. But do it. You’ll be way more productive and have a better outlook on life. 

4. Put that phone down when you are with people. The world isn’t going to stop. Paying attention to the people you with is far more worthwhile than mindlessly scrolling instagram. 

5. Having a dog makes life better. Even if you have to pick up poop along the way. 

6. Get yearly checkups at the doctor / dentist / eye doctor, etc. No one likes it. Get over it.  

7. Spend the extra money to get your clothes tailored. You’ll look more put together if your pants hem isn’t holey after being stepped on while you walk. 

8. Work hard. It takes just as much time to work hard as it does to be lazy. Think about it. 

9. Figure out what is your go-to drink. #TitosandSodawithLemon

9. A lot of friends is great. A few really great friends is soul-filling. Choose quality over quantity. 

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10. Take photos every chance you can. 

11. Figure out your Love Language. And then figure out the love languages of the people around you. It will help you find out out what you need to feel loved and appreciated (Mine are: Quality Time and Acts of Service. Holla). 

12. Exercise is vital. Every. Single. Day. 

13. Starting saving for retirement now. Seriously. Now. We won’t have the luxury of social security checks when we leave the working world #realtalk. 

14. Education doesn’t end when you graduate. Immerse yourself in something new everyday. The news, a book, an online class… You are the only one that is going to make yourself smarter!

15. If people don’t make you happy, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE FRIENDS WITH THEM. We are adults and can choose (for the most part) who we hang out with.

16. Put things back where you got them from. It will save you time in the future (aaaand I am becoming my mother). 

17. Know what you believe. Whether that’s in Jesus, presidential candidates or which Real Housewives city is better (Beverly Hills. Obvi). 

18. Eating like crap will make you feel like crap. Plain and simple. 

19. Connect people who can benefit from knowing each other… even if it doesn’t benefit you. 

20. Always ask for an upgrade when checking into a hotel / at the airport / getting a rental car. What’s the worst they can say? 

21. Be kind. 

22. Always be willing to admit when you are wrong… even if you are right MOST of the time.

23. Listen to Brad Paisley: “Have no fear, these are no where near the best years of your life.” 

24. Self explanatory  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is 'Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37-39

25. Take pride in your appearance. The clothes don't make the (wo)man, but a swanky outfit can surely make you feel goooood. 

26. Celebrate. Celebrate everything. Life is short. So throw birthday parties. Take a friend out as congratulations for a promotion. Have a bonfire to celebrate a friend's breakup with a terrible boyfriend. Life is too short to be boring. 

27. Call your parents. They always want to hear from you. 

28. When in doubt, margaritas. 

Looking forward to a year full of laughter, exciting changes and continually asking: Why the heck not?