Yeah, I totally stole that line from Enchanted, but the meaning around it here is totally different. Although I would like “grown up girl bonding time” with Patrick Dempsy. Meow.

Anyhow, as you all know, last week was kind of a tough one. And this weekend, I did something I definitely needed more than I thought I did: girl time!

It started Friday with a lovely dinner at Marche in the West Loop with some of my favorite co-workers (even though I felt like my throat was raw meat and I was running a fever by the end of the night) where we gossiped, laughed and enjoyed really good food. Perfect way to start the weekend.

Then Saturday night came the main event with several Chicago lady bloggers (and out-of-town guests). We gathered to celebrate pretty wine labels and each other, gossiping, hugging, talking about feelings, bad wedding stories and catching up. Whether it’s having an awful boy-related week, preparing for a big week coming up job and and health wise or just talking about upcoming wedding plans, girl time solves any problem and provides all the support you need to go kick some a**!

That may be dramatic but with the right group, it’s true.

What else helps: wine shots and music. That’s right, you heard me, shots of wine, classy.

And after solving world issues and storing up on hugs, laughs and wine shots, the most epic thing ever happened: an impromptu dance party.

Oh that’s right, we danced and screamed/sang our hearts out to Bon Jovi, Glee, Gwen Stefani, The Little Mermaid (yes you heard me correctly) and the most epic of all songs to make my night: Sister Act.

I nearly died when that came on. Actually, I think there is video of us screaming/singing. Somehow, in my head when I heard us sing, it sounded TOTALLY different.

Anyhow, that party raged from 7 until 1:30 a.m. and I have to say, being around positive people who made me laugh, watched me dance (which looks like I’m having a seizure) and gave lots of hugs, gave me exactly what I needed after a tough week.

Girls night out solves every problem :) And considering last Saturday I was on my worst date ever, this was the best way to change Saturday night karma back to awesome.

Oh and we had cupcakes from a new (to me) cupcake place in Chicago, the Cupcake Counter. I will be checking that out one Friday post-work, the red velvet was tasty. You can see our spread below, yeah we went through 11 bottles of wine.

How was everyone else’s weekend? Emmy fashion recap/awards are coming tomorrow!! So far, I’m loving Neil Patrick Harris, so adorable!!

My birthday is coming up (fast) and I have no idea what I want. Dad is asking almost daily and I honestly have no idea.

He apparently didn’t like my first answer which was, “a pony.”

No, it’s not very practical for the city but they’re so PRETTY!

Normally on birthdays, I rotate between getting myself a new purse (example: Speedy last year) or jewelry and because this year marks an entrance into a new decade, I think jewelry might be the most appropriate gift.

But because I need options, I’ve listed below some awesome stuff I would love to have for my birthday, some more realistic than others.

Wii. Actually a Wii plus a Wii Fit. I really want to faux bowl or play tennis at home after a long day

Bose soundsystem. I love playing music (loudly) at home and this would definitely bring it up to an 11

Marc Jacobs. I LOVE the color. I cannot take my eyes off of it

Trip to the beach. This might have to wait until January/February but I am dreaming about it already

Anything from here. Preferrably of the sparkly earring, necklace or bracelet variety (nothing says 30 like diamonds!)

Or a funky piece of jewelry like this from David Yurman. I love the detail and multiple bangles

Nikon. I’ve been salivating over one for a long time. Might be my year to get it

Love this necklace from JCrew. Actually multiple things from JCrew would be a lovely gift

A recent trip to Dave & Buster’s brought back my love of Skeeball. Practical? No. Fun? YOU BET

Okay, okay, if the Nikon doesn’t work out, I definitely need a new point-and-shoot. Mine is not up to par anymore

What? A pony? Well…..OKAY! Who’s a pretty pony? You are!

Like I said, some are more realistic than others but, I think there is a good mix here.

If you could pick ONE THING, anything, literally anything for your birthday, what would it be? Or what have you always wanted but never received?

I’ve talked about my love of reality TV before on this blog, in fact, Alexa has written why she’s not the Bachelorette and Katelin even talked about what she’s tired of in the reality TV-world, so it got me thinking, what kind of reality show would I be on?

I like romance but honestly, taking me out on romantic dinners all the time, going on exotic trips and destination dates is not the way to completely win me over. Oh don’t get me wrong, these things are nice but there is an easier way to go about it.