She may have gotten a head start in Miami. She may be carrying the celebration into a ski weekend escape starting on Friday, but today… today is the day that DC’s favorite party princess hits the big 24! Happy birthday, my dearest, Dani! Keep rocking. I hope all of your birthday wishes come true!

I have to admit to being a bit of cynic when it comes to California. I must love it since everyone else does, right? Wrong-O! The few times I’ve been have been dismal. It snowed in Santa Barbara. SNOWED! 

This time, I was determined to leave loving it. After all, some of my favorite people are from there and one of my favorites is a new resident/never-returning-to-her-east-coast-roots, California lover.

Here’s a quick peek of why I’m reconsidering my judgement on California… Will you look at that view?!

I don’t know when we grew up, but last I checked, I was still going out on school nights, staying up too late, and taking beach trips on Wednesdays. Now, all of a sudden, I’m a bridesmaid in a real life wedding of a friend MY AGE. There is no doubt in my mind that this young woman has found her knight, but holy mother, Diane! You’re grown up! And here we are, preparing for the first of what will be many weddings and with that, an opportunity to act like kids — the bachelorette party.

Thanks for giving me an excuse to feel like I’m in college still, even if only shortlived. And thanks for giving me an extra reason to celebrate you (as if I needed one)! 24 hours until a 48 hour sprint through NYC with some of my best friends from college. Can. Not. Wait.

P.S. Tumblrs - Any bachelorette party veterans have fun suggestions/must-do’s for our weekend?