I am not a birthday person. Ever since I was about 18 or so, birthdays have continuously made me cry. Not because they’re ever bad but just because birthdays are emotional. It’s irrational and absurd, and I know that, but it’s my birthday and I can cry if I want to. Fortunately, I have some of the most incredible people in my life that make my birthday extremely special every year. Last night, at midnight, my brother, sister-in-law, sister and brother-in-law all sang happy birthday and gave me some amazing presents. At that same moment, my boyfriend sent me a beautiful message and my best friend called me, and it was just a very sweet and special birthday moment. Later in the night as well as all of today,  I received beautiful messages from my parents, other relatives, and all of my other very close friends. It definitely makes me feel silly for getting so sad on the days leading up to today, when everyone made me feel so incredibly loved. Anyway, onto the presents! I got a beautiful, enormous, candelabra from Z Gallerie, and two new pieces from Skyler Man.  All of the jewelry I get from Skyler Man is so insanely special to me, I don’t think I ever want to wear anything else.

Phantom Candelabra from Z Gallerie

18 k rose gold, ruby marquis eye, and black macrame

(Two views) Oxidized sterling silver with black diamond eyes and diamonds in the band

I think I’m going to make it a vow to never be sad on my birthday again. I mean, I’m already a quarter of a century old, a little too old to be so irrational. Plus, who can be sad when they’re surrounded by such amazing people? From this day forward, not me.

xo

It seemed like for Christmas this year almost everyone gave me jewelry, which I am definitely not complaining about. Above we have a Swarovski crystal and leather [necklace, bracelet, headband] from my brother and almost sister-in-law. The piece is very versatile, I especially love it as a headband. I also received three pieces from Skyler Man, a new jewelry brand whose designer I have the pleasure of knowing (post about Skyler Man coming soon). I received a silver and pearl claw ring, silver and ruby snake earrings, and a pearl, silver and diamond skull, and black spinel necklace. These pieces are quite special to me, both because of the designer and because of the people who actually gave me these gifts. In addition to these pieces, I also received another necklace, a glass flower that kind of looks like a Georgia O’Keeffe lady part flower. Along with everything else, it was quite a beautiful Christmas. I have the best family and friends in the world.

**Before we get into today’s post, just wanted to let you guys know that I did a guest post on my friends’ beer blog. Head over to chicksdigbeer.wordpress.com to check out my post about my favorite beer : )

But anyway, Hey guys! Remember a million years ago when I said I was having a giveaway and some of you entered, and then I didn’t post the results for a million years? Yeah, I know. In my defense, I really wanted to set the video to cool music and do all this awesome stuff, but it took a while (and didn’t really work, but that is besides the point.) Anyway, without further ado, check out the winner in the video below (or just scroll to the bottom).

And the winner is Amy C!

Congrats!

Look out for an email from me shortly.