Originally, I planned a two-week vacation abroad, then it was going to be one week. The week turned into a weekend trip to Napa Valley. If you do not know me, ANY vineyard gives me life! Not even the drinking aspect. Five years ago, Arche, vineyard in Saint Jo, Texas, healed me and brought me clarity in so many ways. Saying a vineyard healed me sounds so weird, but anytime I go to the vineyards, I feel a sense of peace! I wanted to spend my birthday weekend amongst the grapes basking in the sun! I wanted to get on here and give you a complete guide to Napa Valley with ALL of the tips and tricks. This time has giving me time to reconnect with my friends & family, and I have met some pretty great individuals! So I am trying something new!
What comes to mind when you think of your birthday? What are the types of things do you like to do? What gives you peace?
All birthdays are NOT created equally! In the U.S., singing the “Happy Birthday” song comes to mind along with smash cakes, photoshoots, cake, parties and blowing out of candles. As I embark on the 30th year of life with the world changing in so many ways, I wanted to do more research on birthdays and get a better understanding.
History
Birthdays first started as protection. The Greeks adopted the Egyptian tradition of celebrating the “birth” of a god. When an Egyptian pharaohs were crowned they were said to be transformed into gods, which became more important than their physical day of birth. That’s crazy to me that a crown could change so much! The people gave things to the Gods and goddesses to satisfy them! The Greeks would get moon-shaped cakes with candles, which symbolized the sending of a signal or prayer. Sound familiar? We can thank the ancient Romans for us “common” people celebrating our birthdays. The ancient Romans where the first to celebrate civilian birthdays and the government created public holidays in honor of the more “famous” citizens. I do not know about you, but on my birthday I feel FAMOUS! ahah. Now the we know how we got this privilege, let’s talk about the CAKE! A German baker invented the birthday cake! My husband is German, which makes me German by marriage and one PROUD German! Kinderfeste was the name of the type of birthday parties we are used to now! A candle for each year the kid was alive and PLUS one more for the hope to see another birthday!
Now that you know some of the history, you’re probably wondering why….
30 Years
On my 30th birthday, I do not want a big party! I am not saying this because I am ashamed or scared to grow old. Don’t get it twisted, I still get carded for PG 13 movies. Much like the ancient Romans, I want to change the way that a birthday is celebrated. For my 30th birthday, I want you to support the small businesses out there because during this tough time, ALL I can think about is my favorite coffee shop closing. YES, there is a lot of things going on and I have so many thoughts, but I’m focusing on what I CAN do! For year 30, I am giving gifts. YES, you read that right! I will be on my patio, sipping a drink, & eating BBQ! I do NOT want anything, but I want every single person here SUPPORTING yours and my favorite small businesses & influencers! That would make me the happiest girl in the world.
Let Me Answer Some Questions
IS THIS GOING TO COST ME MONEY?
We are living in a world of uncertainty, and I am not getting on here to tell you to spend all of your dollar bills! So you do not have to spend a single penny!
HOW CAN I SUPPORT FOR FREE?
Follow the influencers/businesses
Comment + Like FEED posts (This establishes data points that can be shared with brand partners to secure future work!)
Visit their blog/website
Subscribe to their email newsletters
Watch their Instagram stories
TELL your friends about them by sending, sharing, etc
Support their hashtag #ad content with likes + comments
WHAT IF I AM A SPENDER?
Buy, BUy, BUY!
Purchase gift cards for later
If you buy something that you saw on their profile, try to do it through a link they shared to credit them.
Purchase their ebooks, masterclasses, etc
Let’s Check Out SOME Of My Favorites:
I have created this handy dandy Table of contents to help you search for what you are looking for and help you reference! Just click what you are interested in and the link will take you to that part of the page! I will say, I AM NOT getting paid to say nice things about any of the people below! So click through their instagrams, check out their websites and SHOW LOVE!
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
INFLUENCER TABLE OF CONTENTS:
I want all of the HOME inspiration
All things Self Love & Self Care
BRIDES:
Creating_stardust: If you are a bride, looking for custom hangers, signs, table numbers, menus, etc. Julie is your girl! Just shoot her a message on Instagram or Facebook!
EVENTS:
Somuchentertainment: Alicia and her team event planner create the best experiences through event production and brand management. They are dedicating to ensuring your event goes smoothly and you are able to enjoy your event while they do all of the behind the scenes work!
FOR YOUR HOME:
Bykyleighrose: Kyleigh makes AMAZING things with calligraphy! If you think it, she has GOT you! Her Etsy shop has some designs, but she’s open to creating what your heart desires. She does home decor, weddings, signs, invitations, etc. I may have her convinced to do a special project for me!
Achillea Design Co: Whitney makes hand-crafted functional objects. Check her out on Instagram! She has sample sales going on right now and you can get some great things for a steal! I have been eyeing her hand charcuterie board!
Iheartbins: Laura is passionate about exploring, cultivating, and express her love for all things organization. Her shop has custom label shops. Pantry dreams here!
ARTIST
Mack Brim: Mack Brim is an artist & if you are not following her. STOP and do that first! She is a young artist, based in Texas, who believes in appreciating and self-love! She paints bright and dreamy colors with traditional technique with a modern aesthetic. She has prints and also does custom work!
BOUTIQUES
Waylon and Willie Boutique: A small, woman run company based in Northern California & Nevada. W + W features one of a kind handmade items created by local artists! They believe that quality production is better than mass production. CUSTOMER SERVICE! I met the Elaina at an event, bought a beautiful hat and instantly I felt like her friend! She suggested to me ways I could wear my hat and how I can customize it to fit any outfit! LOVE this boutique!
Simply Reese Boutique: The boutique’s motto is “Clothing for Real WOMEN with REAL bodies.” There are so many cute shirts with sayings to express your thoughts! They also carry some cute options for you mommy & me readers!
Shop Rosie Boutique : This boutique has cute and affordable looks! Mariena is a fighter and her soul shines!
Logan Jane: The boutique was started to have a convenient way to shop for unique styles to make women feel special while being functional and comfortable. Bri just doesn’t want to sell clothes, but she also wants to make an impact! She has started making donations for import causes and families in need!
JEWELRY
Elizabeth.lyn: Megan is a self-taught jewelry designer who believes in connections. She believes in lifting each other up, supporting one another’s ideas and passions! Her jewelry is AMAZING! I have the Sedona necklace & the way the jewelry comes packaged is so beautiful! I may or may not be giving away one of her necklaces next month!
Bobbimadethis: You can feel Bobbi’s heart from her instagram stories. She makes funky, one of a kind, polymer clay earrings.
DOG LOVERS
Zaley Designs: For the DOG LOVERS!! Brittany makes customized dog collars, leashes & keychains for all you dog parents! With each design she posts, I think twice about getting a dog! Brittany is passionate about creativity and she has so many options!
INFLUENCERS YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING:
FOR THE BUSINESS OWNERS:
Suzy School: Suzy is an Instagram Growth Guru who is dedicated to helping you find your purpose and power. Bottom line, she is obsessed with growing your band! Suzy gives you all perspectives of her life. You really get to know her on her instagram. You can apply for Suzy School here!
Farm House Creative Marketing: Molly teaches social media to farmers and small businesses. She is a sheep farmer by day and an online education by night! You can find all of the free online resources she has here!
Kendra Haji: Kendra is a Girl Boss who is passionate about solutions. She is a strategist, business woman and goal crusher. If you are interested in business at all, you should be watching her Instagram stories! She is creating a community to support and include entrepreneurs with implementable solutions!
Heleneinbetween: Helene inspires you to live life to the fullest! She is a blogger who wants you to “JUST START” and she has a list of blogs to help new bloggers. She is also an Instagram expert with free trainings to help you build your Instagram. She also recently moved back to the United States after traveling Europe for 3 years!
Mallorymorgan.co: Mallory is a dreamer turned doer. She is a brand expert, offers an instagram course and has a faith based business retreat this year to help women in their business. She’s got a story to tell & she’s shooting it from the roof tops!
Greeneyesgoldsoul: Courtney is an influencer and content creator who works in the corporate world. She has a passion for branding, business, and brides! Courtney also has tools to help business owners.
FOR THE SOUL SEARCHERS
Jaimegordonlifecoaching: Jaime is an Un-Stuck-Oligist who helps you get unstuck so you can create the life you want. She is also an enneagram queen! She has skits on her Instagram to help you figure out your enneagram and give you a couple of laughs.
Ora_Authentic_Life: Jaime is a Gottman trained relationship coach who wants to help others find more connection, joy, and ease with their partner.
HeyevelynJames: Evelyn is a certified life coach who helps you see the boxes you’re trapped in and equips you to break free. She will cheer you on along the way!
Intentionaldailyliving: Riss is a personal growth addict. She helps people crush their goals and is creating a community of inclusion! She’s has a free printable Goal Action Plan Sheet!
HOME INSPIRATION
Fliptofarmhouse: Bethany is DIY queen! She’s encouraging you to create a home you love on any budget
because the most important work you will ever do is inside those walls. She is a blogger and a Youtuber!
Robinmurrayathome: Robin taught herself how to control her home without going crazy. She wants to teach us all to do the same! She breaks down everything in simple steps! She has multiple services to help get your home under control!
FOR THE MAMAS
Therosiepen: Ashley’s insta stories will change your day in an instant! She is a dance party mama who makes activity books with prompts, and reading!
Goldandgoodvibes: Kay is a mama, wife, nurse and writer. She shows you her life experiences of motherhood and has some mama tips, tricks and sometimes you just hang with her and her kids!
Kayla_Roper: Kayla is learning to be her best self. She shows you messy motherhood + Fitness journey + photography! She just started a Youtube!
Amy Steed: Amy moved to Australia in 2012 and is going on all the adventures with her family!
FOR THE TRAVELERS
Perfectdaytotravel: Jana & Sascha are travel addicts who do photo and videography, marketing SEO, backpacking, & blogging
Thesparkleenthusiast: Theresa is a lover of everything that sparkles and strives for women to feel comfortable and confident in their clothes! She moved to Germany last year, so make sure to follow her adventures!
The_bohotraveller: Sydney is a blogger and travel designer. She is currently featuring quarantimes on instagram.
FOR THE NURSES
Sarah_gaines: Sarah, The 6 Figure Travel Nurse, educates & empowers nurses to maximize their income, work LESS & travel MORE! If you are a nurse who is thinking about travel nurse, even a little bit, contact Sarah ASAP to enroll in the travel nurse course. She will help you with any and all travel nurse needs. Her instagram stories is filled with information!
I AM WORKING ON MY FITNESS
Bbobstr_fitt: Britt is a certified personal trainer who has home workouts on her instagram that will have you FEELING the burn!
NoelleBenepe: Noelle is a fitness trainer, mom, and an inspiration! She has free workouts on Instagram, an app and low-cost training!
Bohemianhomebody: You will get lost in Marisa’s instagram feed! She has funky interior decor, home renovations and she has started homebodygetsfit Marisa is documenting her weight loss journey! She also is a Zyia active rep.
SELF-CARE & SELF-LOVE
Sacglam: Vanessa is a makeup artist who is passionate about YOU and invested in how you feel! Go check out her page! I have a feeling she will be doing tutorials soon!
Kristenandko: Kristen has you covered for all of your beauty needs! She has l’ange, Maskcara & is doing beauty challenges through her insta stories
Makeupbyjoanna_: Joanna is a freelance makeup artist and Senegence distributor. Go check out her make up tutorials
Cpresso: Caroline is your go to for all beauty & hair needs! She has multiple IGTV makeup tutorials. Her French bull dogs are to die for!
Adrianawithanuh: Adriana practices self-care, self-love & is searching for her tribe! She is so full of joy, rocking tik tok and her page will brighten your day!
FASHION INSPO
Bgroww: Bailey shares all of her style inspo along with her heart! You will laugh, smile, & cry. Do not miss her Instagram stories! In her stories, she talks about living with asthma.
Everydaypursuits: Ashley is an everyday fashion + beauty, & travel blogger! Currently, she is pregnant and has all the links to everything you need for your bump!
Calydays: Caly has everyday affordable fashion, which makes her feel good! She posts deals often. Her country accent is my favorite! She is always giving the REAL on her stories & in her captions!
Soul.sistersblog: Maci + Lo are sisters! They give you everyday fashion with soul & a lot of Jesus! Check out their #soulsistersundays!
Hi.im.madee: Madee is all about letting your light shine and you can see hers through all of her pictures and videos on Instagram. She is a fashion loving mama who strikes more than a couple of poses!
Chocolateismyvice: Alisha will have you laughing and shows you how to pose. I mean who doesn’t practice their poses in front of the camera.
AT THE END OF THE DAY,
All of the women above are doing AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, FANTASTIC, & JUST WOW… these women are killing it! GO SUPPORT THEM! April 14, 2020, Attaliah Strubel has officially changed the way to celebrate. Thank you so much for all the support on my new journey!
XOXO
Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend and the best HYPE girl. In 2016, I went to Thailand and met my husband. Literally, in Koh Phagan, I not only fell in love with this wonderful man, but with all things TRAVEL! February 2020, I started telling my story! I am so HAPPY you are here! LET’S GO ON ADVENTURE!
