BIRTHDAY WISHLIST {+STORY OF MY LIFE IN 250}

Hola friends! It's officially the first day of my absolute favorite month of the year. 

Who could ever hate May?!

The weather gets warmer...the pools open up for the season...it's Cinco De Mayo (the perfect excuse to sit on a patio with a basket of chips and salsa and indulge in margaritas, but I don't ever really need said excuse...)

Oh, and have I mentioned it's my birthday month?

My favorite part of May, of course! (the 25th if anyone would like to send any of those pretties above. Kidding..;)) Now that it's actually May, I figured I would create a little wishlist for not just my birthday, but things I would love to get this summer at some point. They are all calling my name to own them. 

Kendra Scott Earrings: I've heard such good things about KS and these earrings are ones I would wear all the time. Don't get me started on that amazing mint color.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Book "It's All Good": REALLY want this! Features easy, feel good recipes.

Sigma Brushes: I've had these on my list for so long-would love a set for my face or eyes.

World Market Chevron Slanted Party Tub: for our deck! Perfect for when we have people over

Colored Stemless Tumblers: No explanation needed, these would get used OFTEN. Love the bright colors for summer.

C.Wonder Printed Stripes Tote (in Natural/Neon Yellow): SO cute and a great price! This would be perfect for the pool, beach, or weekend bag. Love, love, love. 

World Market White Lili Punched Drum Stool: Can you tell I'm looking for items to spruce up our deck? This stool is less than $60 and would be the perfect little addition!    

World Market Patio Set: Oh, how I would love to get new furniture for our deck. We've had our current furniture for many years and it's time for an upgrade. 
*On that note...where is your favorite place to buy patio furniture? If you would leave it in the comments below, that would be awesome! I need some ideas for places to check.  

World Market Blue Glass Dispenser: or ANY cute drink dispenser for that matter. World Market has this one to chose from as well as a cute clear beehive one. Would love to have this to serve drinks out of!  

What's on your summer wishlist?

It's going to be 82 today and Billy has his first softball game tonight, so you know where you can find me! Outside all evening soaking up as much I can.

But wait!

I'm so not done here today.

I've been inspired to participate in Jenni's Blog Everyday In May challenge topic for today: "the story of your life in 250 words or less" I hope it gives some of you a little bit more background on who I am, and besides, I thought it would be fun to try!

Here goes nothin'. Me in a nutshell:

*I never knew that long before I was born, a husband and a wife were praying everyday to be blessed with the opportunity of adopting a child. Well, the phone call they had been waiting for came, and on May 25, 1985, my parents dreams came true-they adopted me :) and had a daughter. My birth mother and father were too young for a child and made the most unselfish decision to give me up to a deserving family. I am forever grateful for this. I grew up as an only child in Dublin, Ohio and stayed in the same house until high school. My parents started their own Insurance business together and worked extremely hard to provide me with an amazing childhood and upbringing. I was an outgoing kid and was a real tomboy in my teenage years-I played soccer, ran track, softball, was on a travel swim team, and was a part of ski club. I ended up giving up the other sports to play on a travel soccer team year round and played throughout high school. I traveled almost every weekend for soccer and absolutely loved it. The big, key thing I'm missing here in this story is that my Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when I was 3 yrs old. She was a fighter. Growing up with my Mom in and out of hospitals and treatments was rough, but my parents never failed to show their love for me and put me first above all else. I'm forever grateful for their love and affection. My world was rocked when my Mom passed away in June 2, 2001. I dealt with it like a normal teenager would...I lashed out, was often rude to my Dad, extremely angry. I miss her everyday, she was the worlds best mother. Unfortunately, that wasn't the last death I dealt with in our family. My Mom's sister and my Aunt Jacki (on my Dad's side) also passed away from this terrible disease. I graduated high school and went on to get a bachelors degree at Bowling Green State University where I met the love of my life and now husband, Billy. My savior! I'm still best friends with the girls I was friends with in high school and am thankful for their friendships. My Dad is now happily remarried to a great woman, I work for my Dad, and I have since met my birth mom {amazing woman!}who coincidentally lives only 15 minutes away from me. Above all else, I'm truly passionate about helping other people and love this life I've been given. I did have my fair share of tough times growing up, but I was also extremely blessed and think that without those tough times I wouldn't be who I am today. That's a fact.

BAM. I have no idea how I could fit all that into any less words...
 so if it's over 250, forgive me.

PS: I have a fun hair post for tomorrow, so see you manana friends? Make it a great day.