Today, I turn 56. I always look forward to my birthday, not for gifts and such, but for my fun tradition of finding an inexpensive formal dress (with extra fun shoes of course) to take photos that capture the first day of my new age and to formally say goodbye to the last. I think it’s the one photo out of the year I most enjoy adding to the diary. It’s nice to look through the years and see the fun dress finds and remember what blessing the year brought.

Inexpensive formals are easy to find, this one from NBC was a leftover prom dress. 56’s pick checked all my style boxes, high-low skirt, floral, and in pinks all for $18! It would honestly be the perfect dress for the Kentucky Derby, but it’s just so cheery and fun, I couldn’t wait to wear it!

The adorable Lauren Lorraine heels with pink stripes and rhinestone details were just the perfect shoe for the dress.

What is it about a train that makes you feel so fancy?? That little extra fabric just adds the drama!

On your next birthday, spoil yourself with nice photos and deliberately celebrate you. Each year we change just a little so it’s nice to capture each age to look back on. I use my phone and a selfie stand for all my pix, so it doesn’t have to be expensive or professional. You can even use the same dress every year. It’s fun to glam up even for a little while. It’s not often we get the chance to do that, so consider creating your own album of birthday-you’s and celebrate your uniqueness and importance.

Blessings!

Eden