My 30th birthday in iPhone photos

When I was seventeen years old, I used to imagine what I would be like as a thirty-year-old. I 'd probably be a strong career woman - maybe a lawyer, nurse, or veterinarian -  either way I would be making lots of my OWN money. Most likely, I would be married and obviously my husband was athletic and dapper. We would have a big loft in New York City, where we would throw fabulous parties and dress to the nines. I would be really in shape because all I did was work and exercise, and we would spend our weekends buying nice things and eating at trendy restaurants. At seventeen I had convinced myself that I didn't ever want children, because that would interfere with my glamourous life of traveling around the world and filling up my walk-in closet with pretty things. Yet here we are, 13 years later and I'm still living in Orange County in a two bedroom apartment with my nerdy (but cute) husband. Struggling to work for myself and actually make a living doing it and never having enough time or money to see the world. My weekends are spent working, sleeping in whenever possible, and eating food that's usually bad for me. Instead of shuddering at the thought of having children, I'm surrounded by friends and their beautiful babies, and I'm actually looking forward to the idea of having our own.

I was talking to a friend recently and we both agreed that we never expected to end up here. However, now that I'm older and wiser, I have to say that the not knowing is the best part. Life is full of surprises, some good, some not so good. Even though I don't own a loft in New York City, and my ENTIRE apartment is the size of my dream closet - I couldn't be more satisfied with who I've become. My twenties were good, but I truly believe that my thirties will be GREAT.

Some of the best things about being thirty:

• Placing a higher emphasis on meaningful relationships.
• Being confident in who I am and what I'm about.
• Appreciating a night in.
• Having more refined taste in foods and the finer things in life.
• Less drinks = more drunk
• All of my friends are just as boring as me.
• Two words: SWEAT PANTS.

And because every post is better with pictures, here are some scandalous iPhone snapshots from my 30th birthday party… ;)

A big thank you to all of my friends and family who made this the best birthday yet! xo