pancakeLEFTOVERS: February

February is my favorite month ever. Not only do I adore a month dedicated to love (heyyo Valentine's Day!), but I've always found the short month to be when things really start picking up. I felt more myself and really started to recharge and reevaluate. So, without further ado, scroll down and take a look at a few of the moments that made February extra sticky sweet and special.


In February, I celebrated. Turning 26 isn't really a milestone of any sort. Unless you count having to start paying for health insurance... ugh adult life. But, in any case, another year, marks another birthday. This year, I was so fortunate to celebrate with all those near and dear to my heart. Really. It honestly went down as one of my most cherished birthday memories. I laughed. I danced. And, I like to think, that with another year comes some additional wisdom. I'll let you know what conclusions I come to at the end of year 26, but for now I can say that celebrating with the people I love and who love me back is a great feeling.

In February, I spoke. Earlier in the month, I was invited by Microsoft to chat with the Girl Scout Seniors (9th and 10th graders) about blogging. I was pretty stoked... 1) because hello, Girl Scout cookies, and 2) because really what I love more than anything is talking about my passions and *hopefully* inspiring and impacting a future generation of movers and shakers. Who knew that that one public speaking speech 101 course I took in college would actually pay off? (Shout out to Mr. Miller's class, ha!) It was pretty rad seeing girls more than 10 years younger than me already thinking about sharing their love (of food, music, travel, and more) with the world. And what was even more awesome and humbling was that I was asked to be a part in the journey of some pretty awesome future bloggers' lives. So, thanks to Microsoft and to the Girl Scouts for having me. Definitely goes down as one of the coolest things that I can say I've done as a blogger.

In February, I spent time with some really cool folks. Like really positive ones too. You are the company you keep, right? So, I'm happy to report that I've consciously made decisions to spend more time with the people who make me happy. From shopping dates with the coworkers to galentine's day celebrations and spa days with besties, I can honestly say that February was filled with friends - and good ones to boot. One thing I've learned is you want to be around people who celebrate your friendship - don't settle for coming in second. People who want to be in your life will make an effort to be there. When someone wants to walk out of it, let them. You only reserve time for the ones who deserve it.

In February, I gave thanks. Thanks to all the people who kept pushing me to do what I love. Thanks to all the lessons I learned. And thanks to all the good things that I knew were still to come. When you take on an attitude of being thankful (seeing things as happening for you rather than to you), you start to see that things that don't work out, don't work out for a reason. It's still hard for me sometimes to accept things that have happened - things that I cannot change, things that have hurt me - but, everyday it gets a little better. When I see little signs like this (spotted in a cab), I know I'm headed in the right direction. 

So here's to March, you guys. If February was a month of love, here's to hoping March will be a month full of luck.