Athens booked!! Happy birthday to me

I just booked my trip to Greece earlier this week.  I'm excited because it was a decision I made to myself a few months ago.  I knew I wanted to visit my friend in Italy.  The question was what other country could I visit as well.  When she was in town, we discussed our plans for the summer.  I mentioned how Greece was on my mind, and she agreed to meet me there.  I can't wait!!
I feel I'm a little late on the travel game.  Some of my friends have been to wonderful places all over the world, and it always sparked my curiosity.  But as the saying goes- Life just happens.  The truth is, when I was younger, it was never the right time to travel overseas.  It takes time and money to plan accordingly, and I didn't have the discipline to budget myself for such a trip.  Now that I'm older and have paid off some debt, it's gotten financially easier for me to go away.  I have made numerous weekend getaways to Miami, New York and Vegas in my 30s.  Traveling overseas, on the other hand, is a bit more tricky...
One of the things I remembered from listening to my friends discuss a recent trip to South America, is how they didn't "expect" it to be the way the way it turned out.  I remember discussing that conversation with my uncle who has traveled all over the world.  He asked me, "Well what did they expect?"  I replied that I didn't know.  He then followed with another question.  "Well what do they like?"  I was thrown off.  He continued, "If they are into beaches and laying out, then they should have went somewhere else.  Didn't they know ___________ is not known for that?"  I told him apparently not.  "The thing about traveling--you should ask yourself what do you like." 
Traveling to unknown places and locations, no matter where it is, depends on your taste.  Some people enjoy the outdoors, nature hikes, canoeing or camping, so they obviously book their trips to national parks, Alaska, the Grand Canyon or other out door locales.  If you go on vacation specifically to lay out and catch some rays, a majority of people book places in the Caribbean, or Mexico's Playa del Carmen, etc.  If you are a city girl, then cities from around the world would excite you.
That's the category I fit in.  I am a city girl who loves skylines, the nightlife, museums and fashion.  I enjoy people watching instead of bird watching.  I know what excites me and it sometimes doesn't fit in with what other people like.  That's the beauty of traveling.  You customize your trip to whatever interests you!  Since my friend in Italy has the same interests as me, I enjoy our adventures together because we feed off one another.  We have a good time and I know she's not bored with what's going on.  The only downfall with her is that she's not into museums like I am, so I know for Athens we might have to arrange for her to come meet me at a later date.  I am particularly interested in visiting the Acropolis in general, and do not want to miss my opportunity to visit such a historic site. 
The other factors I am considering is how long will I stay in Athens in general; if I have enough time to visit a nearby city, and trying to make my way out to the islands.  I chose Santorini and Mykonos as my 2 top choices because they have more of a party atmosphere.  There are over 200 islands in Greece, all which have distinctive personalities to choose from.  If I wanted something low key to relax, I would have picked another island.
I am relying on sites such as Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor, as well as top travel bloggers such as The Blonde Abroad, and The Sweetest Way for information on planning my vacation.  This trip will be a little different to plan because it will depend a lot on the weather conditions to reach out to the islands.  I have seen low flights one way to reach either Santorini or Mykonos, but the majority do travel out there on a ferry boat.  There's a lot to consider!
Regardless, I'm glad I got a chance to share my traveling news and be on the lookout for more tips I'll be encountering as I continue to plan my Greek adventure! 

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!

Spoil yourself BUT take care of business FIRST!

Following up my June events, was a quick birthday party for my co-worker friend at Irazu restaurant in Wicker Park.  Irazu is a Costa Rican restaurant and has been in the neighborhood since 1990.  I LOVE their empanadas!  It's BYOB as well, so I rushed over to a liquor store nearby and brought over a bottle of wine.  We had a good time with her friends and family.  AGAIN, it was pretty nippy out so they had the heat lamps on full blast while we dined outside.  I got a chance to wear my birthday-present-to-myself gift which this year is a leopard print Alexander McQueen scarf!  I was a happy camper knowing I could rock a scarf in June!  lol
As I've gotten older, gifts in general have been a touchy subject for me.  First of all, if people ask what I would like to do for my birthday, I go in a panic.  I NEVER have an idea on what I would like to do, much less, what I would like to receive on my birthday in general.  Boyfriends in the past have gotten me things they THINK I would appreciate, and I do.  I think for me as long as I'm with my friends and loved ones, that's all that really matters to me.  Not some table service bonanza with a few of my "closest" friends.  It's definitely not my style as well as asking for elaborate gifts.
But on the subject of "elaborate", I've had loved ones get me things that I know I could have lived without, but deep down know it cost them a pretty penny.  I started to feel bad because I felt responsible for them spending so much on me especially if I didn't appreciate the thought of their gesture.  To me, I was more mortified they spent so much on me, and always felt guilty about it.  Feeling guilty is NOT something you should feel on your birthday, so I decided a long time ago not to accept any gifts (if they ask what I would like) and get the things I DO secretly wish for on my own.  If friends want to take me out to dinner that's fine, since we will be catching up which I enjoy very much so.  A bottle of wine?  Sure!  Who doesn't love vino?  But costly gifts are not for me unless I get it myself. 
Since I started this I've very much enjoyed my gifts-to-myself.  I treat myself to Valentine's Day and Christmas too.  They are my treasures and I take pride in my taste!  lol!  I know what value my gifts add to my closet as well as my self esteem.  Yes it's true.  Studies have suggested that wearing certain items can boost your self confidence.  But it's important to add not to let material things run your life.  The last thing you want to do is get yourself in debt because you felt you NEEDED a pair of Christian Louboutins in your wardrobe. 
Let's talk about "lifestyle".  It amazes me when people get celebrity obsessed because we clearly know that most of the time, fashion designers give away most of their goods for FREE.  They just want the exposure celebrities will bring to their brand.  For the average citizen, walking around in $1500 pair of heels are not practical.  But people LOVE the luxury of these items so there goes the sound of a credit card swipe. 
I'm no different as anyone else.  WE ALL WANT NICE THINGS.  But you HAVE to be practical and not get into debt.  Since I knew my birthday was coming up and I had my eye on my scarf, I didn't shop for weeks so I could secretly save up in the meantime.  Yes I did pay by credit card, but I made sure I was good to go for the next couple of months on payments.  My credit cards are purposely on a low credit limit so I don't get out of control with my spending.  For some, having a high credit limit makes them believe they have all of this credit to spend, when in actuality it simply means credit card companies recognize how responsible you've been in the past, (and hope you will get irresponsible in the future).  
I've had my share of credit card problems, and I've learned to manage my debt over the years.  Wearing my scarf is proof that I buy practical items that fit into my lifestyle and not one of a celebrity.

Let's get this party started!!

The birthday girl and me with a friend...

B.Y.O.B at Irazu

Stepped out for a bit at a nightclub.  I felt a litte underdressed wearing jeans but we made it a short night anyway.