My special treat-to-myself...Bob Sinclar

Well I guess you can say, Lent is definitely over.  lol.  I went out last Thursday and haven't stopped since.  I told myself I'm staying in this upcoming weekend.  I don't want to get carried away on my financial goals, especially since I've been doing so well.  During Lent, I received an email mentioning Bob Sinclar was coming to Chicago.  I've followed him over the years and immediately got excited.  He rarely comes to the States and I knew I wanted to see him perform.  Last time a DJ was in town that I was curious about, I didn't act fast enough and the tickets sold out right away.  I didn't think twice this time.  I figured this would be my special treat-to-myself this month.  Lent would be over and I could finally hear this legendary dj's music!  I was excited.
Then the day came.  Things got complicated at work, and I couldn't have Friday off.  Not to mention, it was freezing again.  The whole week our weather was frigid.  I wasn't feeling up to it.  I messaged my girlfriend in Italy that I was thinking of not going.  It was too much trouble and I felt silly being out at a club at my age.  But my friend convinced to me to go.  She figured hearing some good music will get me out of my rut.  I'm on the fence about traveling anytime soon, and this would be a great way to cheer me up.  "You know you're going to have fun.  You should go."
It's moments like these I'm grateful for the friends that I have.  They do know me after all.  Plus they know what I like.  If I know I'm going to have fun, why would I opt not to go?  Believe it or not, you could be the only person who is stopping yourself from accepting joy in your life.  You can talk yourself out of having a good time.  Why?  Mostly we bring up excuses to mask what is happening, but the main reason is because you feel you should not be receiving joy, happiness, love.  I haven't been myself lately due to personal health issues, but I knew I wanted to have a good time.  I deserved it!

What I wore to Studio Paris.  I wore fleece lined leggings (lmao) and my suede over the knee boots because of how cold it was.  I wore my valentino earrings for a touch of gold.

As close I can get to Bob Sinclar.  There were people dancing everywhere so it was hard to get near him. 

He flew in for the show but was disappointed in Chicago weather.  We actually live here so we know what you mean.  lol. 

I DID have to come in the next day, but only for half a day.  Plus, it worked out for the best anyway because I had a birthday dinner to go to on Friday, (which was not far from my job).  I mingled in the crowd and tried to get up close, but people were dancing all over the place.  Everyone enjoyed the music and for the older fans, we appreciated his style very much.  In the world of EDM, it was nice to hear house music for a change, especially from Bob Sinclar.  I can now officially knock him off my dj bucket list!    

I DON'T NEED A VALENTINE. I NEED VALENTINO

Let's be honest.  It's hard to keep a positive attitude with the weather we've been having here lately.    Last weekend, it was cold!  I stayed in both Friday and Saturday because the temperature was too frigid plus there was gusty winds!  Sunday was the only day this week that was going to be sunny and in the 60s.  I caught up with my friends after church and we made our way to the mall like we use to do.  It's getting harder to catch up with everyone now that some of them have babies.  I know I have to find a way to keep busy and make some new friends, (which will be hard for me because I'm pretty shy).  Regardless, I am going to be busy this weekend, and will make an effort to enjoy myself out despite how yucky the weather will be. 
Since nothing much else has been going on with me, I have a funny story to mention.  Since I've been single these past few years, I've found a way not to feel so bad about my status.  I've bought special gifts-to-myself for my birthday, Christmas, and Valentine's Day in the meantime.  This past Valentine, I was eyeing a Versace ring I secretly wanted.  I never owned anything from them, and was worried about the ring sizing because it was in Italian.  I looked into the conversion, but low and behold, when it arrived, it was too loose.  I could have kept it and made the most of it, but my co-workers insisted I return the ring.  "What if you lose it?  It's not worth it if it doesn't fit right", they said.  Sadly, I knew they were right, and sent the ring back the same day I received it.  So much for my Valentine's-gift-to-myself this year, I murmured. 
Of course I couldn't let go of the fact that I didn't get something for myself.  I even started looking around for my up coming birthday in 3 months.  Then one day, I was on the outnet's website, and saw some Valentino earrings.  They were a steal!  I clicked on it and right away was notified that there were the last pair.  I couldn't resist.  I purchased it without even thinking about it!  I got them the other day and can't wait to wear them out.  Yes, I did get Valentino for Valentines, and I'm in love!  It's little splurges like these that can bring you some joy out of the blue.  I am a true believer that I can't get whatever I want, it just might take me a while.  lol.  Not to mention, it didn't compromise with my savings plan.  Now if I can only figure out how to get those rockstud heels... 

My gifts-to-myself over the years.  The vintage Chanel earrings I splurged for my 30th birthday, and the YSL arty ring I got on my 40th.  The Alexander McQueen bracelet was my Christmas present-to-myself 2 years ago.  The watch and cuff bracelet is BCBG. 

LOVE the red box!

THANKS TheOutnet!  I'm officially hooked on your website and love my earrings!

TREAT YOURSELF!!

Last year around this time, I treated myself to see Sam Smith in concert.  I knew he was coming in town, and got SUPER excited when I looked into tickets.  I bought a ticket right away before even asking anyone if they wanted to come with me.  Before you knew it, the show was sold out.  I figured I'll just go by myself.  I've never done anything like that before, and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!  I decided at that moment that no matter what, I would treat myself once a month to do something that I wanted to do.  It was part of my New Year's Resolution for 2015.
The following month the movie 50 Shades of Grey came out, and me and my girlfriend went as each other's dates on Valentine's Day.  lol.  We were both going through a tough time.  My mom's husband was nearing the end of his terminal illness.  Despite our current situations, me and my girlfriend still wanted romance in our lives.  We had a good time and met up with some friends afterwards for drinks.  I checked off February's treat with a sexy movie.
My mom's husband passed away towards the end of February and then she went into a depression.  It was a hard time for all of us.  I completely forgot about myself and was consumed with my mom's well being.  Before you knew it, months passed by and it was nearing my birthday.  I was starting to feel hopeful again, and booked my trip to Paris and Italy without even thinking about it.  I knew I wanted to leave asap, but in the meantime, I still had to go through the summer before my big trip came up.  I took up softball at my firm's league, and then took some dance lessons afterwards to kill some time.  I spent last summer getting to know myself again. 
Coming back from my trip, I got carried away with birthday parties and mingling, but completely stopped my treats-to-myself.  Now that it's 2016, I want to continue my little tradition of taking myself out again.  I can't wait to line up some activities for the year!  I'm getting excited again just thinking about it...
After spending New Year's Eve in the suburbs, my dad wanted me and my brothers to come by again for dinner at his house.  It was Friday night again, and I couldn't agree more on spending it with family this time.  I'm worried about my dad and his finances.  He's 70 years old and still working 2 jobs.  He told us this is the year he will cut back on work but it breaks my heart he won't slow down.  He seems physically and mentally fine, but there has been troubles at home which makes me wonder if he's purposely overworking himself.  I've been so busy checking in on my mom that I forget to see how my dad is doing.  No matter how well you're doing, don't get too selfish to reach out to others.  Sometimes all they need is to have someone hear them out.  It makes a world of a difference plus you could offer them insight on their troubles. 

Happiness is seeing my family happy...

My Dad's wife made pozole!  A Mexican traditional dish used for special occasions.  It's perfect on a cold, January night!

The garnishes for pozole!

The hardest working man I know.  He just won't stop...