Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Birthdays and Bucket Lists

This birthday, instead of making up a wish list of material things that don't matter, I decided to write down my bucket list. Because experiences hold far more value than any shoe/bag/ring or other sparkly things ever can.




On My Bucket List...


* Work at a fashion magazine. It may not be obvious on this blog (hahaha) but writing about fashion is my greatest passion, I'd love to live that dream. Do you remember in the movie 'The Devil Wears Prada', everyone tells Anne Hathaway's character Andy, "A million girls would kill for this job"? Well, I am one of them.
* Volunteer at an animal shelter. I have a love of cats and all things furry, and this is something I've wanted to do for ages. Unfortunately there isn't a shelter near where I live, so starting one here would be even better.
* Take creative classes - anything from art to origami, photography, floral arranging, tap dance (seriously, I've always wanted to try it), cooking and cake decorating. I truly believe that you will never what you like or what you're good at until you try everything!
* Visit the magical city of Prague. It's been my dream destination since I was young, I even started a 'Prague Fund' while I was in school. I want to immerse myself in the glorious historical architecture and bohemian streets of this enchanting city.
* Attend the couture shows at Paris Fashion Week, especially that of Elie Saab. The designer gowns are spellbinding on-screen, but to truly appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship, I would love the opportunity to see them up close. 
* Master another language. I tried French while I was in school...only to find that I would need some sort of nose-and-throat operation in order to properly pronounce the words. So I'm thinking maybe Spanish, as it's one of the world's Top 3 most widely spoken languages.
* Learn to make authentic home-made Italian pasta in Florence or Tuscany. Pasta is my staple diet, so it would only be fitting that I learn to do this.
* Publish my series of children's books. I have yet to find an illustrator for them. I had written the series a while back, I just need to muster up the courage to show them to a publisher.
*Audition for SA Idols. I think this would be a nerve-wrecking, pulse racing but nevertheless exciting once-in-a-lifetime type of experience. I know that I don't have a snowball's chance in the Sahara of making it past the first round. But you never know, I may stand a chance at winning the highly coveted wooden mic award (for the worst singer of the season). 
Aim high, Shoot Low ;)
Switch lives with Elena in 'The Vampire Diaries'. Okay, so I must admit that this one is on my things-that-will-never-happen-but-a-girl-can-dream-anyway list. I don't even know a thing about acting. But Nina Dobrev has the best job in television series. She gets to play two completely contrasting but magnetic characters - the sweet, lovable Elena and feisty Katherine; and she has the unconditional, eternal, (and literally) undying love of both Damon and Stephan Salvatore. A role made in TV heaven, don't you think?


If you're also celebrating your birthday today or in February, wishing you a wonderful one!


P.S

One of my best friends read my bucket list yesterday and decided to help me out on my last wish. It may not be the real-life Stephan Salvatore...but it's a good start! Thanks Ms Mocha, That's what I call a really great friend :) Most Thoughtful Gift Ever! 



85 comments:

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Great list Sam! I celebrate mine next month and think a list like this is fabulous. You should publish those children books! I bet they're darling. Fulfill your dreams girl! I'm behind you!

fashion kats said...

Congratulations sweetie :) You wrote such a beautiful and sweet post!

xo
http://www.fashionkats.blogspot.com/

LaTasha Bunting said...

Beautiful post hun! I hope you get to do them all! Fulfull you dreams love! Wonderful list beautiful! :) You are wonderful and lovely! :)
LB
x0x0x0x

tres chic chica said...

Love this list! Happy Birthday Sam!

Julie Khuu | Haute Khuuture said...

I'm TOTALLY down and with ya up until #7 honey! I'm DEFINITELY not the most able person in the kitchen ;D Your motivation is sooo spot on, love the positive energy and can't wait to hear all about your journey on SA Idol! You're a star, I can *feel* it!

Thanks for stopping by my blog, hope you'll be back to visit sometime!

xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!

Haute Khuuture.com

Alena: Oh, Its Just Perfect! said...

Prague is on my bucket list too! I love that you put all this on paper (..errr...a blog) - I need to do the same!

Kassi said...

Wonderful List, Sam and a great idea for your birthday! I hope you get to do all things attainable on that bucket list. :)

http://theclosetintervention.blogspot.com/

Paolita@BerryHaute said...

Happy Birthday Sam! I adore the bucket list idea and enjoyed even more all your aspirations along with the reasons behind them. I share many of them with you and also wish I knew anything about this Vampire Diaries show, cause you sure made it sound good.
All the best hun today and always!

Purvi said...

Happy birthday Sam!!!! and I really wish that you are able to achieve all that you have penned down here :) :)

ohjustamo said...

Happy birthday Sam! I hope this is a start to an awesome chapter in your life :)

solipsism dreams said...

i would love love love to be an intern at a fashion magazine! i feel like my life would be like the devil wears prada! don't you think?

http://solipsismdreams.blogspot.com/
http://solipsismdreams.blogspot.com/
http://solipsismdreams.blogspot.com/

Loretta xx

Anonymous said...

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE! I hope it was FABULOUS!!

Got a celebrity jewelry designer giveaway for ya. Be sure to enter!
http://bit.ly/RobBacon4BougieMagGiveaway

A Life Un-Styled said...

Happy Birthday my dear friend! I wish I were in SA so I could cheer you on, on a couple of these things and join you for the others! What a beautiful list, with great sentiment - experiences are so precious. We should make so many more of them <3 Happy Birthday again Sam!

Lipgloss Kisses said...

What a lovely post with gorgeous pics! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you have a super special and magical day. :) x

Nicole said...

HAPPPPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope it's as amazing as you are!

Very inspiring post indeed - I know you will follow your dreams, Sam ;)
xxx

Unknown said...

Haha, helft of your bucket list I wanna do as wel! Hope you enjoyed your b-day! and a very happy one from me as well!
I tried to do a tutorial on the braid like you asked, in my post today, I don't know if I succeeded in explaining. I just tried it myself for the first time so practice makes perfect I guess?
three big birthday kisses,
Natalie

Ember Drake said...

Great list - I hope you get to follow your dreams and achieve them all!

Happy Birthday!!

Em
x

http://emberdrake.blogspot.com

Disturbed Style said...

Happy Birthday! :) Great bucket list :)

Elsa said...

Such a girlie candy post! love it!

xx
Out Of The Box

Thesmallnoble said...

Happy Birthday, Sam! The list is so great. You are such a beautiful and lovely person in the outside and in the inside :)
http://thesmallnoble.blogspot.com/

Daria said...

happy birthday!!
all the best wishes :)

and yes bucket list - is a great thing to make

xxx
Daria, the Fashionsurfer

Denise said...

Oh my God, I am soooo amazed! Yes, mine was yesterday, no wonder we have lots in common!
So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I wish you lots of love, success, friendship, good humor, smiles, only the best and most positive things today and always!!!
I'm very glad we met!
Now, to your list! As we both said, no wonder we have things in common! I have already gone to Prague 3 or 4 times - you are so right, it's totally worth, it's fabulous!
Languages: French is beautiful, but Spanish is my favorite - I speak one since childhood, the other I learned later.
A fashion magazine: I also thought of that, but now I don't know, I'm always changing!
Tap dance: I had some years of that. It's great! I still can do it, I have my shoes always at hand!
Finally, you've found an illustrator! Before reading your post, I was thinking of releasing a book on philosphy, and thought I would have to pay for pictures' rights. Then I thought "I'll use only my pictures, then." So, if you like my style, I can draw your stories!
I am sincerely amazed by the coincidence and the nearly same tastes!!!!
I hope you spend a wonderful day!!!!
Many kisses and hugs!

Rahul Bhatia said...

Lovely post Sam! I kept nodding my head with the similarities in my own wish list but for the girlie things :)

FATZ said...

Birthday Girl there aint much of your wishes I can make come true from your bucket list but thats not to say that I dont wish them coming true anyway! You are a totally awesome! Fabulous! Hot looking friend! Always, always, always stay as original as you are!
Love you lots Sammy J! mwah Happy Happy Happy Happy verjaarsdag!

Sam said...

Thank you my dearest Denise, Your wishes are so heartfelt! Now I know who to get as a tour guide when I finally make it to Prague. Our similarities amaze me! I would be so honoured if you would be my illustrator!

GoNcha GoNcha said...

happy birthday! I wish you a Cupcake sweet year ahead!
loved your bucket list. hope you can make all of them, step by step.
Prag is also on my list.

little luxury list said...

Happy birthday darling!
You will write for a magazine some day - your passion shines through! When you're sitting in the fashion shows can I come with you?

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

Teresa said...

my best wishes on your BIRTHDAY!!!

love the bucket list idea :) i wish you could learn Spanish so i can speak my first language with you!

Así puedo hablar español contigo y podemos practicar, qué te parece? haha

kisses dear,
teresa
wwww.trend-ish.com

Mileide Almeida said...

Congrats!! *_* \o/

Unknown said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope you have a wonderfull day plenty of good wishes!:):):)
Hope you can learn Spanish because that is MY language and we can speak together and I can teach you things! It would be great!
xoxo

Sandra Leiva said...

Happy birthday, dear!!
That list is great, and the pictures are so lovely! <3

Unknown said...

Wish you a lovely birthday!! :) it's a great list and I hope most of them - the realistic ones at least lol - will come true! ^^

http://daphyin-makeupisart.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Ah what a great idea! Love your 'goals and wishes. Nice to read dear!

Judith said...

"Werken bij een fashiontijdschrift" wauw, dat zou ik ook wel willen! Leuke wensen :)

Elle Sees said...

They film VD here in ATL! I keep trying to stalk them, but no dice

Daniella said...

A very Happy Birthday to you honey!!!! Great post,enjoyed reading your list of things that you would like to do. You should just go to publisher! Believe in yourself and they will believe in you sweetie. :)

Take care and have a wonderful day,Daniella xox

Sam said...

Thank you to all my lovely and wonderful blog friends for your kind and thoughtful comments. You have all made my day that much more special *Big Smiles*

Jelena Zivanovic said...

Darling Happy B-day, I wish u all the best from the bottom of my heart!! I love so much your list, and I hope all the lines will become reality!!! Many many kisses and hugs!!

Jelena
glamfabchameleon.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I'm with you on teh children's books and attending a couture show...what dreams! Love all the things you want to do though...and I think you DEF have the potential! I'd love to see your work in a fashion mag someday soon :)

<3 Cambria
jupefashion.blogspot.com

Happiest of Birthdays to you, dear <3

Oh to Be a Muse said...

i made a bucket list last fall about things i wanted to accomplish by my birthday this month. it also includes becoming fluent in another language, working at a place i love, and volunteering more!

great bucket list. my birthday is the 23rd--when is yours?

Samantha said...

Happy Birthday Sam! May all your birthday wishes come true! Hugs and Kisses! Would love to see you on SA Idols and go " I know her!" lol :) xoxo

I just popped in to let you know that I'm having a give-away on my blog! Pop over and stand a chance of winning a beautiful wrap bracelet of your choice :)
Don't miss out x

http://www.samantha-lorraine-designs.blogspot.com

Gillie said...

Great list, we definitely share some of the same goals, that last one might be a bit tricky haha, happy birthday!

xo Gillie

Victoria West said...

First of all, Happy Birthday!
Then, this is a great bucket list. :))) I wish you fulfill all your dreams!

Prague is a beautiful city, I went there 6 years ago.

escondidas en tu armario said...

i love the photo!! everything pinkkk!! ehehhe
kisses

maitane

Dominika | Into the Bloom said...

Happy Birthday to you, may all your dreams come true! Especially the one about Prague, I've never been there either, but I'd definitely love to :) I remember when I was 15 and we were told that we were going on a class trip to the Polish mountains, Dresden and Prague... then, it turned out that it wasn't actually Prague, but some smaller town. Too bad, if you ever happen to go there, let me know, I'll gladly join you ;)

http://glamourxkills.blogspot.com

Stella said...

Hope you succeed all of the above!
xxx
Miss Starshiny

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! Love your bucket list :) xox

Mary said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope that you had a really wonderful day :)

I love your bucket list - it's inspiring me now too, and I wish you all the best in achieving them all x

joy said...

Happy Birthday Sam! The bucket list is great, I especially love the one about attending Elie Saab couture show :)

Dolce said...

Happy Birthday Sam!!! I wish you a wonderful time and hope you have a blast with your friends and family. It only happens once a year, so it's definitely worth celebrating!! I love your very first list on your bucket list, I watched the movie recently actually!! Though I didn't like the ending at ALL >:c

Jo Bao ♥

Oh my Dior! said...

Happy birthday girl best wishes!!

http://www.ohmydior.org/

Camille said...

nice bucket list! i've never done one, i'm afraid it'll be too long...
happy birthday! :)

aki! said...

I think this is a great idea to do for birthdays. And you know what, you can do it! Aim high, shoot high!

Land somewhere in the middle.

anyaadores said...

LOVED the idea of a bucket list - must do me one of these - happy birthday sweets,
Axxx

LaTasha Bunting said...

Hello love! No problem on the kind birthday wishes! I hope that you had a birthday as lovely as you are! Thank you for your kind comment and I'm so happy that you learned stuff from my post! That's awesome! Stay wonderful beautiful! :)
Love always,
LaTasha B.
x0x0x0x

Sam said...

Thanks for your wishes sweety, we should plan our trip together!

Sam said...

Thanks Paolita, your wishes mean a lot to me :)
You should check out the Vampire Diaries sometime, I think you might just like it!

Sam said...

Thank you Vanisha, I am so grateful for your sweet wishes

Sam said...

Aww thanks so much Nicole, you are always so sweet!

Sam said...

Thank you my dearest friend, I am so lucky to have you in my life, don't know what I would do without you! Thanks for always organizing fun b-day get-togethers, the cake is sitting somewhere it shouldn't... Haha! And thanks for the best gift ever!

Denise said...

That was a great present! I bet you won't share it, :) I hope you had a great day, a very nice birthday, with your family and friends! That you smiled a lot and ate cake! Please keep on being the amazing girl and friend you are! You are so fabulous!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Sam !! I hope that all your dreams came true. I hope you had a great day full of suprises and hapiness.

Big, Big Kiss Alexandra

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

happy birthday! Love your birthday wishes, each sounds very interesting!

Lyosha
Inside and Outside Blog
P.S. I think the best I can do for your birthday is finally following you everywhere I can :)

FashionJazz said...

I have been trying to comment on ur blog for ages and I see now that its my google account that was messed up and finally I can comment again!! :) Happy Thursday xx

ftashion said...

Oh! Happy Birthday babe! May all your dreams and goals and wishes come true! Wow, you wrote a series of children books? That's so awesome! In face everything in your bucket is awesome. Hey go for it Sam!

Fang Ting
ftashion

Sam said...

Thank you hun, of course!

Hayley said...

Happy birthday beautiful!
what an awesome bucket list! You have inspired me to make one. amazing post =)

http://hayleyhour.blogspot.com.au/

Sam said...

Aw Thanks Zoe, I's love to be able to speak Spanish fluently, you must give me a few tips on learning the language.

Bailey Schneider said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! My birthday is on Saturday!!
I hope you are having a wonderful day and that your bucket list comes true :)
Much love, Bailey from Vanilla Blonde

Punctuation Mark said...

Hope you have a beautiful birthday and that you can fulfill all your wishes!

NaNa said...

Happy Birthday~ and this is a brilliant bucket list! It really makes me want to be more active in life, and take up classes, visit places, do things I would never usually do..

Love from the NaNa girls x

Fictitious Fashion said...

I missed ur bday.. Punish me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(
But still.. I'll not say.. Belated.. Celebrate it once agn fr me cos I wanna say.. Happpyyy Birthdayyyy.. I love you... U r d most well-spoken person I knw.. warm-hearted.. kind and very sweeet.. May u be blessed wid loads of happiness.. a gud hand at food (italian pasta) :P, n get up n go n audition for the SA idols!! is it abt singing??.. n also.. publish ur stories.. I'm sure ur buks will be loved by everyone :)
Once again.. Happy Birthday :)

Manuella said...

well i hope all your wisher will come true :D

Alexandra said...

Loving your bucket list! Such a good way of getting yourself geared up. Happy birthday love!

Alexandra xo

http://tovogueorbust.com/

Mandy@OrangeAutumn said...

LOL what a sweet friend!! I love your list. You're right, experiences are way better than any ring/clothing/purse.

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

What a fabulous idea! Way to go to make them happen now! And Happy Birthday fellow Aquarius :D

Alina said...

Great idea!Love your wish list!Happy Birthday,hon!

Oh my Dior! said...

so cool that you want to make authentic pasta!

http://www.ohmydior.org/

Sam said...

Hi my dearest friend, I don't mind at all that you missed it, I'm just so happy to have you back! Thanks for all these wonderful and thoughtful wishes, you are too sweet! Yes, Idols is a singing show, but I'm not any good, I just wanted to try the experience. Thanks again for always being my motivator!

Ulia Ali said...

Loved your bucket list.. Well I can tick the first one ;) But working for the magazine is not exactly the same as you see in the movies.. Of course if u're not an editor of French Vogue of course :)

View From Heels

hope in high heels said...

Sam - you are a fabulously inspiring woman! The only way to achieving all your dreams is knowing what they are and actually going after them. I LOVE your bucket list, and I wish you every success in fulfilling it. I may just steal a couple of those items myself and will live vicariously through you for the rest. A belated (but very heartfelt) happy birthday! I'm sure you celebrated in fine style x

Marianna said...

ohhhh belated yeah but happy birthdayyyyyyyyy, it took me days to catch up with what's happening in blogging world so i missed it, sorry.
happy birthdayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!
funny thing but i agree with all your "comments" about yourself. ok, almost all.
i agree about the working in a fashion magazine as devil wears prada, since i practically drool everytime i see that movie and wish i was woken up at night to run errands for my boss. lol.
agree with the paris fashion week and elie saab comment since u know how much i love elie.
and suprisingly agree about the elena-vampire diaries comment, had no idea you watched the show, one thing i envy about her and u didn't mention though is her long figure and legs.
xx

Ray said...

i want a Stefan too. My birthday's in July :)

Sam said...

Haha, as much as I love and adore you Ray, I'm sorry, I can't give Stefan up ;)

MaviDeniz said...

I love how ambitious your bucket list is. It's definitely a good thing. I don't have much of a list. I just really want to travel to Europe hehe

Xo