I turned 30 on November 10th. Happy Birthday to meee! Haha. My sister flew into town and surprised me! She arranged a small birthday dinner in my honor and it was PERFECT. Exactly what I would have planned for myself! But before I knew all that was happening, I was feeling the teensiest bit sad I hand’t planned anything special for the big 3-0. So I told myself “Self! Snap out of it!” And I decided to do something to show some of my far-away friends how much I love them and care about them.
I decided to send them a birthday party in a box for my birthday! Almost like I was throwing myself a virtual birthday party! Hahaha. But there was no better way to ring in my 30th year than to count my blessings one by one, starting with my good friends.
Here’s what I sent in the box!
1. A pair of my pom-pom gloves.
2. A birthday crown, because it’s hardly a party without some sort of headpiece.
3. Party blowers and poppers, I put extra in the box for my friends with kiddos so they could join in on the festivities.
4. Soda Money! Because you know I would NEVER invite my friends to a party and not provide them with caffeine.
5. Confetti cookie “A” s…because I had the cookie cutter and the sprinkles…I kind of had to make the cookies. Right?
I shoved all these treats in a box full of tissue paper, confetti and streamers.
Then I sent each friend a little message about why I loved them, along with instructions to: eat the cookies–even if they were on a no-carb diet or pretending to have a gluten allergy–then blow the party blower, wear the hat for at least 30 minutes, and then take a picture of themselves drinking a soda (on me!) wearing the hat, wearing the gloves and celebrating my birthday!
Of course they all obeyed the birthday girl.
Are you ready to see my friends PARTYING?!
Here’s my mama! Haha!
My niece Jojo subbing for her mama, my sister! (I sent her a box before I knew she was surprising me!)
This is my friend of 17 years! Ms. Jessica Lieber Dahlquist.
My college bestie Danielle Mathis Openshaw really brought her A-game! She lives in Washington DC.
And I can always count on my girl Pernel to bring the sexy. We used to choreograph dances to Sisqo songs…for no reason…when we were in high school…yeah. Awesome.
My friend of literally 29 years even partied with us in Germany! Ms Alexis Schied! Check out her adorable blog!
My girl Nichelle likes to stay true to her roots…
And my dear, dear friend Tara had this little love 5 days before my birthday, so she got a pass on using her kid for the photo instead of herself.
Can I go ahead and just REALLY recommend throwing yourself a party in a box and sending it to your dearest friends? The friends who NEVER forget your birthday. The friends who keep calling you, even when you act too frazzled to call them back? The friends who will oblige when you ask them to do absurd things, because they understand why it makes you so happy?
And now I’m crying.
So far 30 is BOMB! And it all started with one hell of a party!
Lots of love!
xo
Alison
This is the most amazing idea EVER! And your little note about friends–um yes. Amen! Happy belated birthday!!
well hello there birthday twiner! I also celebrated 30 on Nov 10th with my sister flying across the country to surprise me!
Your party in a box looks like a ton of fun!! Happy birthday month to you!
ARE YOU SERIOUS?! AND YOUR NAME IS ALLISON?! what is this world!!!
You are brilliant. That’s it.
haha thank you!
absolutely love it! party in a box is ALWAYS a good idea!
What!!!??? I made your blog?! This photo was taken the day of my D&C. See my last blog entry if you don’t already know what’s going on in my life. hahaha. BUT, I really should’ve done a better shot of myself!!! haha. Love you!!! Birthday in a box was most definitely the best idea ever. It made me feel so close to you. LOVE YOU BUNCHES.
the girl in the robe, really? i thought this was a family friendly blog. shame.
That’s it. I’m doing this. For year 29. Gotta cling to the 20’s while I still can! Right?
That is the kind of thing I think about but never do!!! Genius & so fun & easy! Am officially inspired! Love your blog & your mission behind it! Glad I found it again. It’s a fun place to be!
What does the note say? I want to copy you!