Happy Birthday | Stella & Dot Winner

It's weird to think that 26 years ago I was just a wee little thing with a giant head of hair and just cared about sleeping and eating. Now I care about God, my marriage, my family, my friends, my PR job, my budding biz, my Wendy-doodle, and still find time to eat and sleep in between. haha!

I feel SO blessed to be alive, breathing, dreaming and living in a country where I'm free to do it all...and guess what, guys? I have paying clients!!! That's is SUCH a HUGE, happy birthday gift. If you told me back in March when I went part-time at my PR job and moved forward with AVE Styles that I would have paying clients as soon as June, I would have stared at you speechless for an hour with nothing but a giant smile on my face. Well, the smile is definitely here, but there isn't any time to stare off into space because I'm busy as a bee. I've never been more thankful to be busy!

Many of you reading this have helped give me this birthday gift over the past several months. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Most of all, thanks be to God for bringing me into this world!

And now onto sharing this awesome bday with a reader......(drum roll)....

MORIAH SUNDE!!! Miss Moriah is going to stand out from all the other Minnesotans with this cute piece. Enjoy it, Moriah. We all expect some pictures!

Birthday Costume Party

I don't know very many fashion peeps that don't love a good costume party. So, for my birthday and my sister-in-law's birthday, we are celebrating by throwing a karaoke bash where our guests will dress up as a musical artist. Who am I dressing like? Miss Katy Perry. Why? The costume suits my love of retro glam and brown hair. Do I like her music? Meh. haha. Here's my Katy Perry inspired look..

Katy Perry Inspired Look by Alexandra Evjen featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Will I be singing Britney Spears, some Justin Timberlake, 'NSYNC and all things pop? ABSOLUTELY!!! EEEK! I can't wait. What musical artist would you dress as? Michael Jackson? Tim McGraw? Madonna?

Handmade Goodies

I'm so blessed to be connected with so many creative people in this world! I know several people that have side businesses creating handmade items that are SO adorable I wanted to share them with you.Katelyn Block - Domestic Charm She bakes some of the most beautiful and creative cakes out of her home. If you're having a birthday party, bridal or baby shower or wedding, definitely give her a ring! Plus, she has a great blog that you should subscribe to get yummy recipes!

Tarrah Ritchie - Laila's Lovelies She makes fun, eclectic bags that can brighten up any outfit. She just had a beautiful baby boy named Patrick, so she has taken a break for a bit from sewing, but she's back in the swing of things. She has even started a blog sharing her designs loves. Tarrah's also a very accomplished artist, so I'm really excited to see what else comes out of Laila's Lovelies.

Emily Hall - Emilee Rose Designs I went to high school and was in youth group with Emily. She is an amazing artist that has pursued her talents and recently started her own stationary business. She also has a blog that shares her new products and life updates. Make sure to check her out next time you're in the market for stationary or invites!

Danielle Axtell - Baby Mae Couture My dear friend Danielle has started her own baby line that just got picked up by some local boutiques. If you want to buy a unique gift for an infant or toddler, check Baby Mae out! I just had a dress and bib made for my niece's first birthday. Picture will be coming, but until then check out her stuff! She also has a great blog that shares her life and fun finds.

Amber Crudele -Crochet Addict I've never gotten to meet Amber, but she is a dear friend of my sister-in-law, Nicky, and she crochets some of the cutest things. From teddy bears to coffee cozies, check Amber's Etsy page for unique, handmade gifts.

Alexis Lundberg - That's Sew Lexi Lexi is very talented with a sewing machine and started a business sewing aprons that are the perfect a wedding shower gift. Not only do you get to pick your own colors, but she personalizes each one with a message or verse of your choice to be kept in the pocket of the apron. I had one of these made for a best friend of mine, and it felt so good to give her something more personal than a picture frame.

Best Birthday Gifts

Yesterday I got the best birthday gifts from my family! They were dead on perfect for me. (Good job, guys)! 1. A dress form!!! I've been wanting one for awhile. It's so much easier to work on a dress form than your own body, especially when pinning things.

2. Magazine subscriptions! I love getting mail, and it's like Christmas every month to get a new magazine. Dwell, Time, Vogue, W, InStyle!!!

3. J. Crew gift card!!! I've been keeping a safe distance from J.Crew these days because I'm just in love with everything that store comes out with, and I don't know if I can hold myself back from a shopping spree...However, now with a gift card I can go and have some guilt-free fun!

Quarter of a Century

Today I turn a quarter of a century old! Birthdays have never been a huge thing in my family because there only three of us for so long. haha. Over the years my birthdays have included Chuck E. Cheese's, gymnastics parties, pool parties, sharing my birthday with my cousin Nicole in New Hampshire, bowling, being in Lake Tahoe one year and now sharing my birthday with my in-laws and husband! However, every birthday party needs one thing... a party dress, of course! Today I'm wearing a skirt and a fun headband just because I have to be professional, but I decided to go ahead and find some dresses I would wear depending on the location...=)