I spent the first day of being 27 making a list throughout the day of things I have learned in the roller coaster ride that was 26.

You won't always have to know the answer and its okay to ask for help.
Sometimes you think things like "2015 is going to be my year"...and when it's not, you hold you head up and know that you can deal with tough things. Those moments are when you find your strength.
There will be bad days, but they are only that. Tomorrow is new and it will be better.
Never, ever under any circumstances expect anyone to congratulate you on doing a good job.
Splurge every now and then.
Get a good iron. It isn't worth it to iron something and it not be perfect.
Look around at the good people in your life and be thankful for them.
Just for a second take a look back and see the people who are no longer there and understand the reasons. Make peace with that.
Stop "looking forward" to your next event and appreciate right now.
Be ready for change always.
Do squats. Just shut up and do them.
Invest in staple pieces, not so much on whats trendy.
Never have a day without a goal, even a small one.
Most importantly, love you. Your hair, your nose, taste in fashion, the way you wait till the last minute to do something. No one else will like you if you first don't like yourself.

I'm not going to lie I was a little freaked out to turn another year older but after spending the day with my Husband, family, best friend, and all the amazing people who love me, I am so thankful to be another year older and am beyond ready to see what 27 has in store for me. I pray that it is kind and full of much more life experience.

Also, Happy Birthday to Marilyn Monroe...where ever you may be.

“A girl knows her limits but a wise girl knows she has none.”

— M. Monroe

As you know my Mom's Birthday was Friday and I really enjoyed getting the family together to celebrate. Lets get right to the food! For canapes I went with Baked Brie bites. They are easy to eat and just a little bit different. Here is the easy, elegant recipe:

2 boxes Mini Fillo Shells
8 oz brie cheese
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
3 tbsp chopped pistachios

Preheat oven to 400, cut brie to fit in the middle of the shell, and pop in the oven for about 5 minutes to that the cheese gets warm and all melty. Then, take it out, add a little dab of cranberry and top with pistachios.

For one of the sides I went with ham wrapped asparagus topped with parm cheese. It's a simple side but not your typical green beans.

For the main course, I wanted something elegant so I decided on lamb. Stuffed with garlic cloves and Rosemary, roasted for four hours, it was absolutely divine. This was my first time making lamb and I'm so glad I went for it.