Shit, I'm 27.

So, I turned 27 today...

Vici Skirt $56 // Lulu Crop Top $26 // Rock Candy Sandals $24.97

Sixty Stax Jewelry I am Wearing: Ivy Necklace (Gold) $48 // Sofia Choker $68

Typically with getting older (I know I am not that old), but for the past couple years I have been super stressed with everything single birthday. I think it's because we have these set "plans" on what our life should look like when we are 24, 25, 26, etc. and society makes us think that you need to immediately find a career (who the F knows what they want to do for the next 60+ years from ages 18-25), make a shit ton of money (to afford things that you don't need), get married and immediately have kids.

Yes, these are all things I want but I think this exact timeline should happen when people feel ready and comfortable to do so and not when they feel the pressure/heat from the society, family or friends.

Be happy with where your at, what your doing, and where your going (as long as you are happy, the rest should fall into place)!

27 Things I Have Learned:

• Being a genuine good person takes absolutely nothing (there is no point of being rude/ mean to people)

• You will always be 110% happier if you have a positive attitude

• Drinking a water or 5+ while you are at the bar will not stop you from being "cool" (BUT it will prevent you from the worst hangover of your life)

• Stop apologizing for being yourself (unless your a crazy bitch, apologize for that)

• Eat whatever the hell you want (pizza, lattes, pasta, Reeses - just workout once in a while and it's like you never ate it)

• Travel as much as you can or study abroad (pick out a new place every year and just go, don't look back)

• You are going to lose friends, it sucks, but it happens (just know the friends you stay close with are going to last you forever)

• You will get heartbroken, a dumb guy will not text you back, and a douche will probably cheat on you (just know you can do better, and it's nothing a few tequila shots can't cure)

• Smirnoff, Rubinoff, Bacardi, Fireball are actually not normal things to drink warm in a water bottle/red cup after college

• Family is everything (I remember being annoyed in HS/early college when I had to go to a family event because I would have crazy FOMO from not hanging out with my friends. Now I prefer spending the time with my family because they are absolutely everything to me. PS you never know what could happen, so always cherish every moment)

• Girls, if you like someone or want to talk to someone stop waiting on them (its 2018 you can make the first move - no, it won't always workout out but its worth a try)

• Be humble, ALWAYS (no one wants to hangout with a know-it-all or someone who makes them feel unworthy)

• Don't be embarrassed of not getting "the" job, life struggles, failing a test, or being broken up with (it happens to everyone, just do your best to stay positive and lean on your friends/family when you need them)

• Try new things (food, adventures, tv shows, bars - get out of your comfort zone! You can't truly know what you like/dislike if you are not trying new things)

• Dry shampoo is the most important thing in a girls life (who the hell has time to wash their hair everyday)

• You can't change people, or the world overnight (people will disappoint you and you will disagree with their opinions - just remember where you stand and be respectful to other peoples choices/beliefs even if they are not in line with your own)

• Hangovers last 2-4 days once you are over the age of 23+ (this is no joke, drink tons of water, relax with the shots, and Advil is your best friend)

• All you need is a black pair of ripped jeans, a black leather jacket, black booties, a black body suit, a black mini dress, and a black skirt and you literally have an outfit for every occasion

• Forgive and let go (I cant stress enough how important it is to not harp on things you can't change - you are only going to overwhelm yourself and bring negative energy into your life if you hold onto things that hurt you or make you feel shitty)

• Always, say yes to another margarita

• Not every single person is open about their personal struggles (social media shows the best aspects of peoples lives not the shit they are going through so if you are down, just know we ALL are going through something to)

• It is never too late to change your career path (just because you get a degree in one thing doesn't mean you are stuck doing it for the rest of your life. Follow your passion!)

• Coffee can get you through literally anything

• Haters are going to hate (there is going to plenty of people that don't like you, its a part of life, unfortunately all you can do is be okay with it)

• Always be the bigger person (this is easier said than done, but I swear you will thank me later if you do it)

• Be accepting to constructive criticism during interviews, at work, and from people that care about you (they are telling you because they want you to grow & be better, not because they are trying to hurt you)

• Bad times don't last forever (shitty situations will happen you just need to remember to power through, have a great support system, and know that there WILL ALWAYS be light at the end of the tunnel)

I know that the majority of this stuff is A LOT easier said than done, but the two most important things I could say is to not have any regrets (we all make mistakes, but the things we do shape who we are as a person so there is no reason to feel bad about doing something when you were 19. OBVS, unless you kidnapped someone or something, than you should ABSOLUTELY feel sorry). And second thing would to be to remember to ALWAYS have fun/laugh/be happy (even if your 35, 45, or 65 you need to make it a priority to still do things you love and have fun with your life, otherwise what is the point?)

Ps. Sorry for the no blogs the past week, I have been in California and decided to just take a break for a bit! Promise to be back in action next week, enjoy the rest of your weekend.

xoxo, smantos