Ah! What an amazing weekend it was! And even with being stuck in bed with whatever it is that ailing me, I’m so happy and grateful thinking about this past saturday and the amazing people in my life. Seriously, I don’t know how I’ve been so blessed to have such a good life, family, and know such really fantastic people. I have a zillion and a half photos from this glitter-tastic weekend…. and for every photo, I probably have one point two million photos behind the cut…
subtle amazingness.
my first guests, minus the always first, Laura 🙂
my friend meg came with the most amazing pimped out bottle of wine… EVER. meg, you are THE BEST.
the best // ((prom)) king & queen.
never taking these down.
because sometimes we all have to come through a sparkly doorway with a bang, 70’s disco style.
is dab the new tallboy pbr? (no seriously, is it?) /// the only person not required to wear sparkles: the preggo.
you can’t tell by the angry man’s face (or any of their outfits), but these boys, brought the party. they came supplied with glittered hats, fanny packs, shoes, glasses, and a GLITTER FILLED PINATA. I seriously have the most amazing friends in the world. I love these boys, I wouldn’t trade them or their piñata bomb musings for anything. (Ryan is back there hiding too.)
a few regrets I have: not taking pictures of everyone, or a big group photo of the 30+ of us, not putting more champagne out (what am I going to do with all the leftover champagne?… besides the obvious…), and not taking a picture of Gabi’s completely sequined pants.
the after party.
the morning after…
FILLED with glitter.
You can see A TON more photos HERE, on my flickr.
photos c/o:::
**and my brother, Mark took all the non-film, good-looking photos. He actually knows how to change the settings on a camera 🙂
**&some of the others were randomly snapped on my camera or my phone.
It was a blast, a real freakin’ blast. I wanted to not focus on food and keep the party OUT of the kitchen this time. A balloon wall mostly worked… it worked for everyone, except Ryan. I still served the usual dips and things. But this time, instead of sourdough, Alex made 4 different kinds of focaccia (delicious) and some sort of vegan whoopie pie birthday cake thing (good, but not for me). I went the real classy route, and bought my first package of boxed wine…. and then had it wrapped in sparkly paper… obviously. I supplied bow ties for all the men, in case they didn’t have the proper sparkly attire, but most of them did 😉 And well, my piñata (glitter bomb) is still intact, but I want that to change very soon…. but maybe not indoors.
Yes, Alex and I are together, he’s my ‘shared space‘. And even though people jokingly called him my “secret man” 😉 or whatever…it’s never been that way. Just because I don’t share something on my blog, that doesn’t mean, (by any means) that it’s a secret. EVERYONE who knows us, knows. And most, if not all (okay, probably ALL), the people/friends I chat with via internet (even for just a minute, every once in a while), know. No, I haven’t published it on my blog, we’ve been enjoying our intimacy, relationship, each other, and our tiny family, in our own space. Maybe I’ll talk about it later, maybe I won’t, but either way, after years of work, we’re happy to be in this place, together.
This is my personal blog– It’s my personal place on my Internet where I have an outlet to share a few selected pieces of my life. I’ve only gained from it– amazing friends, readers, experiences, advice, and wisdom, and I’ve lost nothing at all. There are no lies here. There’s no pretending something is what it isn’t. I don’t share everything, it’s impossible to, and even if I could, I wouldn’t. I don’t have to (would anybody?) There will be quiet times, boring times, the best times in my life, and some of the most difficult ones too. This is (my) life, it is ever changing, there are ups and downs, and very little is constant. If you come here, because you enjoy this space, a tiny glimpse into my happy life, family, love for food, and home, thank you. If you’ve been with me through not only the ups, but supported me through the downs, the boring times, and hectic and hard times, thank you— that is something that brings me more joy, hope, and support than you know. If you once liked this place, or never liked this place, but keep coming back, then lucky for you, you don’t know me, you don’t want or need to know me, and my life is easily disposable to you. Do yourself a favor and find something that does bring you joy or inspires you, because I can’t offer you something you dont want from me. There are a million things to spend time doing, and I hope everyone can find something that makes them want to spread some happiness and positivity.
I love this community. I love the heartening things it has brought to my life. I don’t, not even for a second, regret any of what I’ve shared, or not shared. Thank you to those who reached out in the good and bad times, to hold my hand, stand behind me, and boost the optimism and joy in this place. And thank you to those who’ve quietly sat on the other side of the screen, quietly rooting me on, and always wishing for the best. Like anyone else, I don’t know what my future holds, but I do know whats best for me and for my family, and as hectic as this life has been, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am fortunate beyond measure.
Party on 😉
96 Comments
Looks like sooo much fun! Makes me want to have my own sparkle party haha. and congrats on your happiness!
I'm new here, stopping by from your guest post on A Beautiful Mess and I really liked the later paragraph on this post. I find it amazing how so many people out there like to leave nasty comments because someone doesn't live their life the exact way they do. Your party looks like so much fun and your place is amazing! Wishing you love, peace and HAPPINESS in the days ahead. 🙂
I was going through your posts since I hadn't visited in a while and I saw Alex before you said that you and him are together. I really do it will work, you are a strong good and nice woman, I like you and Miss Marlowe, and you really earned to be happy!!!! XOXO
The party looked amazing! You look gorgeous! Loving the long hair. I'm happy you and Alex are working it out, Marlowe must love having her parents under one roof. Hooray for all 3 of you. xo
Awesome sauce 🙂 Was wondering who your secret guy was! Give me warm fuzzy feelings. Bet M is super duper happy.
Drea,
Just a quick question, of what decent is Alex?
By his features, I'm wanting to say Colombian,
but I also know your guys area has a lot of Cuban's,
as well..
XO
Charissa
He's a jewban 😉
(cuban and jewish)
Looks like you had a blast! Congrats on all the wonderful things happening in your life right now 🙂
If its meant to be…it will be.
Happy for you, Alex…and especially Marlowe. 🙂
I love this post. You are fortunate, but I suspect you deserve every bit of it. 🙂 Your sparkle party looks like such a fun time! I wish nothing but the best for you and Alex and Marlowe.
🙂 thank you 🙂
Hi! Long time reader – first time commentor.
Everyone roots for a happily ever after.
Congrats. What doesn't break a relationship will only make it stronger!
Cheers
I hope so, though sometimes I don't know if that's true! Thank you!! 🙂
I have been following your blog for some time now and I have to say my heart was happy to hear that you and Alex are together! You have an adorable family and I wish you the best. Thank you for sharing with us =0)
~Kim
Thank you 🙂
Oh my word Drea! Long time reader – some time commenter here. I'm excited for you and Alex and marlowe. I was secretly deep down hoping that something would work out for you guys because I knew how hurt you were the last time.
Hooray for you and finding the path that best suits you all. It's a beautiful thing.
Aw! Thank you 🙂 We still have a bit of a way to go, but things are getting better each day with a little work from both of us 🙂
Read your blog daily! Recently I've been wondering who the man was sharing your space :). When I saw the pic of you and Alex I first thought, wow that's awesome she invited him and then I thought uh oh is he the person who moved in and then my eyes teared up and a smile crossed my face. I will continue to read and hope for nothing but amazing things for the three of you! Happy Birthday by the way!
🙂 🙂 Alex had no choice but to come… that what happens when someone throws a sparkle party in your new home 🙂 He's missed the other two, small parties, cause they were much earlier in the evening, but he made it to this one and dressed up like a champ 🙂 Your comment makes me so happy 🙂
I'm happy you're happy, and that is it! Also GLITTER.
GLITTER, bitches.
So glad you had a great weekend, and that you are happy. Thank you for your lovely blog; it's my favourite!
Thank you Claire 😉
I've been following your blog since Marlowe was a wee babe & even tho I rarely comment, you've inspired me in so many ways over the years 🙂 Your life is so beautiful and I am so happy for you & your little family. Relationships are such hard work…I just celebrated 10yrs of marriage and oh me oh my have my husband and I had our ups and downs. Sometimes I think, why did no one ever tell me it would be this. much. work? I always assumed after a certain period of time it would just be smooth sailing & happiness forever but I've come to realize this isn't the case at all. Of course that isn't to say that things aren't easier than they were when we first started out bc they are! But we are forever growing and changing & evolving as people and with that our relationship has to grow & change with us. Through thick & thin & for better or worse 🙂 Really when I think about it I'm not exactly sure how one would go about explaining to another what kind of hard work maintaining a healthy relationship is, especially with children involved…I think it's just one of those things you have to live & experience firsthand to truly understand. Anyway, all this to say I'm proud of you & Alex for sticking through and for making your family a priority. You've been through SO much and I admire you so for always sharing your stories & experiences with such honesty…that takes a ton of bravery & I don't think you'll ever truly know how many lives you've touched in doing so. You & Marlowe deserve every little bit of happiness that comes your way, Drea. I wish nothing but the very best for you 3 (& Jerry!) Happy birthday & hooray for amazing sparkle parties and even more amazing friends. Lots of blessings on you. xo
Thank you so much Jimaie! Your words.. here and on IG mean a lot to me 🙂 It does take a lot of work! It's good, especially now, when divorce rates are so prevalent, that we really take a look at what we want and how we will achieve it… no matter how much work it may take 🙂
Happy Birthday! Love reading what you share, cheering you on and wishing you a fantastic year.
thank you so much!
I had a hunch that it was Alex! While many people may not approve of your choice to reunite with him, it is, in the end, your choice to do so. At the end of the day, it is you who lives with him, not those who judge. However, make sure that this time around, he treats you and especially Marlowe well. I wish you guys nothing but the best. Stay happy and rock on. 🙂
🙂 🙂 Thanks Jessica!
Your happiness is your own ~ and no one else's. Good for you for owning it!! Looks like a great party!
🙂 🙂
Awesome party! Everyone should throw a glitter party! I especially loved the banner:) I'm happy for you guys. Relationships are hard enough without other people's eyes on them, so keep on truckin'. I love your blog. You and Marlowe are so sweet, and I wish you both nothing but the best. Now break open that glitter pinata!
Thank you!
I'm so excited and so nervous for the piñata 🙂
very happy birthday drea! the party looks amazing, sparkle party is a perfect idea and one i might steal for my kiddo's 3rd birthday coming up…if you wouldn't mind too much. 🙂
wow, ALEX! marlowe must be so happy, she is living the dream! best of luck to you guys.
love, sarah
absolutely throw a sparkle party! it was such a girly blast. We're all pretty happy about it. Didn't phase M too much at all. Next thing she knew, he was moving his stuff in and here every morning… she was like "okay, this is cool guys. Make me coffee dad?"
🙂
i'm rooting for you! + might borrow the sparkle party idea. it looks like it was so amazing!!
do it! everyone needs a sparkle party. EVERYONE.
YOUR FRIEND IN THE GREEN DRESS IS A MAGICAL MERMAID.
hbd, love & miss you <3
xo
katie
I KNOW, RIGHT.
i love you forever…. except when I hate you for not visiting.
Your party looks amazing. Glitter always is!
Your blog is one of my favorite daily reads. I know that you do the best for you and your family. Relationships are never easy, no matter how much love is involved, and I respect you for not sharing every little detail. It's personal. It's yours. And some of it isn't. It's Marlowe's and Alex's too.
Just keep rocking on! I love reading what you choose to share. 🙂
Happy March Birthday! March birthdays are rad (mine is coming up, so I totally know.)
Thank you, heather!
Happy Almost birthday! 🙂
what an amazing sparkle party, you deserve it girl. happy birthday! wish i could have been there.
as for the rest, don't ever feel obligated to justify or explain anything (even though there are those negative souls out there who need it). this is your space. there is so much in my life that i don't blog about, and i kinda like it that way. but i also like that i have met so many amazing people in the community, and i feel that i can email, text or call them at any time.
xo
email, text, call, *or visit.
I am so happy for you guys! I need a sparkle party!!! Looks like you guys had a blast!!!!!
Thanks Desiree 🙂 You do! Plan one!
Very happy to hear this news, I love your wee blog – very inspirational and perfect sparkley party for a sparkley lady 🙂
thank you! 🙂
beautiful pictures and what a fun party too.
thank you 😉
YAY for everything in that post! What a fun party! Happy Birthday! And, I'm happy to hear your little family is together 🙂
🙂 🙂
Great party!!! Seems like you had a blast. All the best in your relationship with Alex :))
thank you thank you!
Amazing sparkle party, I want one! I'm so happy for you Drea, and I don't think you should ever feel like you have to explain or justify your decisions, or feelings, to anyone. All the best to you, Alex, Marlowe AND Jerry!
I will happily throw anybody a sparkle party anytime.
It's funny, because one really never should, not to anyone, but sometimes people (for whatever reason) feel like they are entitled to an explanation. That, I'll never understand. Def. thought about explaining more things… like the vents that led up to it, how long, blah blah, but that's not needed 🙂
Thank you!
Amazing party! I totally didn't see this coming, but my guess is, neither did you. Very happy news.
Bettina
http://www.littleoldsouls.com
I saw it coming a little bit 😉 It's been a slow, but steady road. Thank you 🙂
Ahhhh! I feckin' called it. As a former member of team Alex, I support this. Make that shit work you guys!
haha. thank you 🙂 we're working on it every.day. 🙂
aww, congrats drea! and I love your sparkle. that sign is the best.
there was another sign option too: "it's my fucking birthday"… but since this was planned to be a birthday party…. that one got left behind…. but maybe its for the better? 🙂
The relationships we spend the most time investing in are the ones most worth that investment and worth the reaping of that investment. We all deserve the best kind of love and we usually won't cheat ourselves of that on purpose… Go Drea and Alex!
This is so well put!!
🙂 thank you brooke 🙂
Gorgeous party, Drea! Happy belated birthday to you! And all the best to you, Alex, and Marlowe as you build your little family together. I wish you both much happiness and love.
S.
Gorgeous party, Drea! Happy belated birthday to you! And all the best to you, Alex, and Marlowe as you build your little family together. I wish you both much happiness and love.
S.
Thank you love 🙂 I need to learn how to ride a bike… want to visit?
i'm happy for you–your decisions are yours. and your sparkle party looks amazing!!!! i love those garlands.
thank you thank you 🙂 The garlands were so fun to make! took me an hour max!
I'm so happy for you and always will be! You guys are perfect for one another. And this is all so beautiful!!
Kissy face,
LaTonya
thanks friend 🙂 I'm still planning a visit up there this summer 🙂
Best sparkle glitter party I've ever seen!!! Many Happy Returns!
Thanks!
your mark is a wizard with a camera, and my mark has found glitter somewhere on himself every day this week. xo
I'm finding glitter in the bathtub and on my face.
Happy Birthday and Congratulations! This post was a thrill to read! When I saw the photos before I finished the story I saw the guy with you and thought oh my goodness her new live in love is an Alex look a like! It was freaky…and then lo and behold it is Alex! Amazing. I am so happy for you and your family and I am so thankful you share you're honest and beautiful life with us. Cheers and Sparkles! Xo
haha. well, I do have a type 😉
Thank you! 🙂
Congrats on your happiness and good times! Marlowe must be loving it, too! 🙂
Marlowe is a big fan 🙂 Alex isn't around a super lot because florida in winter = restaurant hell, but in a few short weeks: party time.
looks like the BEST party ever.
i love that everyone went all out. that's the best.
& so happy to read you're in such a happy place with your little family. full of goodness!! you are a very cute couple 🙂 i always feel so bad that bloggers have to (or feel they have to) explain themselves when something new happens or their decisions or whatever. it's your life & as long as you are happy that is all that matters!
🙂
the title of this post i full of YES. i didnt think it could get any better but the pictures are S.O. good. looks so beautiful and like you had the best time ever.
the emails back and forth for planning the party were the title. one of my guy friends showed up and said "there, no you can NEVER doubt my commitment to sparkle motion" fair enough 🙂 Must watch donnie darko again soon. haven't in so long.
the party looks great and we all are responsible for our own happiness. it looks like you have found yours. if someone doesn't like your path, screw 'em.
If I could send emojis on my computer:
thumbs up. high five. PARTY.
I'm happy you're happy 😉
I'm happy you're happy 🙂
Thank you!
It was well worth waiting for such beautiful post (and hey, photo overload ;).
Yes, it is a surprise for me that you and Alex are back together but I am here to support, cheer you up, wait for that pinata to be smashed up. No matter what happens (my laptop hardly gets broken) I'm here to read and stay. If you only want to continue writing…
Happy cleaning, Drea! xxx
http://www.todaymyway.com
you're always so sweet, Eli 🙂
Looks like fun was had!!! Exciting times 🙂
It was! I want to do it again! now…. might as well since the glitter doesn't seem to want to leave 🙂
im so happy you are happy 🙂
thank you!
wow!!! amazing. so super happy for you!
I <3 you.