Guest Blog: Always, I mean always, have a backup Rev in your purse

Although, I think she's a total *B* for revealing she weighed 110lbs after age 16, I'd like to welcome my next guest blogger, Kari (@kari_short).  It's been so wonderful to have these brave contributors chime in on the conversation and share their stories and advice.  Kari is the epitome of of my awkward social situation soulmate.  We've been bonding over "tell me that didn't just happen" and "that rugby player just threw a coaster at my eye" for over 6 years.  Thanks for this, Kari!!

What I learned in my 20's...

You will always think that you have 5-10 pounds to lose. I have been thinking that since I was 19. I think back to 110 pound, 21 year old me and laugh. And then I donate her ridiculous size 2 dresses to Value Village.

The girly pink drinks at the bar look great, and in most cases they taste great too. But they go down like sour skittles, cost twice as much as a beer and are much more likely to make you puke. Drink basic. (However most epic nights start with a room temperature Rev you carried with you in your purse.)

I was 21 in this picture.  That dress is a size 2 

and I threw up that drink about an hour later.  

It's nice to see that I knew 'duck-lips' pose 

was going to be a hit.

The biggest thing I have learned so far, as I approach ‘late’ 20s, is when to let go and when to hang on. I still have to remind myself of this a few times a year. You have control of who you keep in your life and who you let go. Keep in touch with the friends that matter to you, and don’t be afraid to let go of the ones that drain you. It doesn’t matter how many contacts you have on your phone as long as you have one solid number you know you can call on a Wednesday afternoon to talk about nothing with.

Thank you for this, Kari!  Please give her some love and comments below or join the conversation @darbyvt or @kari_short #purserevs

Guest Blog: Going with all your heart

After receiving an overwhelming response from brave and brilliant friends, here is the first of (hopefully) many guest blogs about lessons learned in our 20's.  

As I approach the end of my twenties I have actually put a lot of thought into where I came from and where I want to go. I have grown and matured more than my 19 year old self would have ever thought possible. There are a few lessons, that although were hard at the time, I will always hold in my heart.

Always be prepared. This doesn’t mean don’t be spontaneous. If you want to book a trip on a whim, go for it. It means, know your goals and work for them. Your dream life isn’t going to fall into your lap. You may not get everything you want but figure out what is important to you and work for it.  

Go with all your heart. Whether it’s a new job, a new relationship or travel, put your whole heart into it. You never know where an opportunity will come from or where life will lead you. Even if you fail or it doesn’t turn out the way you expected, you won’t regret putting yourself out there.

Whenever possible, make from scratch. Homemade is just better. Whether it’s food, knitting or home renovations, there is something special (and healthy) about homemade.  

Celebrate. I enjoy celebrating the little things. It makes me happy. From a promotion to the anniversary of a first kiss, just celebrate, because why not?

A huge thank you to this lovely and thoughtful contributor and friend.  Can you believe this is her first go at blogging?  Please leave her your comments, love and support or join the conversation @darbyvt #allyourheart.

A love letter to my Gal Pals

Don't we all just want to have a friendship like Selena Gomez does with Demi Lovato?!  Just look at them... (You can fulfill your burning desires to see more shocking female celebrity friendships here)

All throughout my life, and especially over the past decade, I've really never understood the importance of surrounding myself with other women.  I had a few close girlfriends in high school and again through university but I've always considered myself to be a bit of a guys' girl.  Hanging out with guys was more relaxed, more fun and a whole lot less work.  For the last half of my time at university, I lived off campus in a 10 bedroom house as the sole female tenant.   To me, spending a lot of time around other girls meant wearing next to nothing at the bar, consuming fruity drinks, wearing make up to go to the library and watching reality dating shows every night (*cough*).

But now that I'm in my almost-30's and facing some pretty major life events, I am really starting to get the importance of strong relationships with girlfriends.  We really do need one another for support, encouragement, non-judgemental crying sessions and general happiness.  You need girlfriends to tell you your scarf is "cute" or how great your new highlights are.  You need them to tell you what pregnancy is actually like and to watch endless videos of Justin Timberlake on Jimmy Fallon.  We shouldn't sit around hating one another because we all have our stories, our struggles, our hormones...  No one loves a good mean-tweet during the Bachelor more than me but (who IS she?!) but I'm learning that no one will be able to relate to me more than my gal pals.  Besides, who is going to chat pop culture topics with me when I'm 100?!

So here's a big cheers and a Happy Valentine's weekend to all of the gorgeous, strong and inspiring women in my life.  Tell me about the wonderful ladies that inspire you @darbyvt #galpals