Category Archives: Friendship

When The Going Gets Tough…

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Most of the time, it’s easy for me to know that I lead a wonderful life and am incredibly blessed. But sometimes, just like everyone else, I get in a funk when life takes a tailspin. The combination of a lot of little things and a few big things have literally felt like a downward spiral that makes me want to run into a dark cave and hide until the invevitable upswing HAS to happen.

Oh hey, cave. It's me, Meghan.

But, since the world keeps on spinning and I don’t have any mysterious caves just around the corner, I’ve had to face this like everyone else. Luckily, I have the most wonderful friends who put up with the various emotions that are associated with a bad day, week, month… When I’ve been angry and frustrated or when I’ve been a complete mess and shed some tears, they have been there with positive thoughts, prayers, advice and support.

And so, this is an ode to my friends, nuts and otherwise, you are all the little rays of sunshine that make life a bit more bearable when it seems like it’s spinning out of control. Here are a few of my favourite movie moments that show just how great girlfriends can be…

Sex and the City
While I’m nowehere near the point in life where motherhood woes are beating me down, the fact that Miranda encourages Charlotte with “sips” is just too perfect. From experience, sometimes a little tequila is all you need…


The Babysitters Club Movie

This blast from the past is exactly how I feel about my friends. When the world is dumping on you, whether metaphorically or literally like the rain storm in this scene, sometimes you just need to be rescued by your friends.


Now and Then

And sometimes, you just need your friends to help you kick some ass!


Thelma & Louise

And well, let’s hope that I never go so far off the deep end that the deep end is a canyon. But, the best part about my friends is that I know if I had to, they’d all be ready to ride shotgun…in a nutshell.

Toronto, Be Good To Her!

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One of our nuts is embarking on (yet another!) exciting journey today, but this one doesn’t involve backpacks, temporary camps or hostels – it involves a new city and new home! Congratulations and best of luck to Kaylee and her boyfriend – who are setting sail to the Big Smoke today, a city that they will call their new place of residence within a few hours. Our in-house fashionista will inevitably fit in like a glove in the style capital of Canada and we can’t wait to see what fabulous articles come out of her new surroundings. Way to go, Kay – there isn’t a shadow of a doubt that you will be the newest and brightest light in that shiny city!

xoxo, Your Fellow Nuts.

You go, girl!

A Girl Who Gives Us Wings!

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Today is a day to pay tribute to one of our dearest friends and greatest supporters, the birthday girl, the first 24 year-old in our close-knit group of friends, the East Coaster and an all-round fabulous woman – Allison Chapman. You’ve certainly seen this friendly gal around in a nutshell before– whether it’s in countless photos, actively contributing her kind words to our birthday mad libs or secretly referenced; but you probably don’t know too much about her. So, on this very special day, here’s our chance to show her the same love she never fails to show us. As we peel back the layers of the multi-talented, smart, hilarious and successful birthday girl – you will indeed have a better idea of exactly how fantastic this honourary nut is. Happy Birthday, Al – you deserve only the best!

From MEGHAN:

 

In one word, Allison is: Loving.

You’ll never find Allison: not yearning for chocolate lovin’.

My favourite day with Allison was: all 3 days that we spent at Kaylee’s cottage last year for our Reunion weekend. She is the best human and kept me entertained with her constant hilarity, hip hop playlists and dance parties. Also, she instigated the ‘Things on Catherine’s Head’ photo shoot which will go down in history as one of the funniest half hours of my life.

My favourite night with Allison was: a night we were at Ollies, when she came home with me and we blasted rap while waiting for pizza at 3 a.m. A former roommate was not impressed by our behaviour, to which Al responded, “I don’t caaaare. This is my JAM!” and cranked it even louder.

I would build Allison: A music collection that has everything from Dave Matthews to Chris Brown. I would, of course, get recordings of myself and Kaylee (and all the other singers that she knows) so that she doesn’t have to hassle us to sing live every time we reunite.

One of Al’s best lines ever was: “Guys, I had shirtless Ja Rule as my family computer’s screen saver…Pain is love.”

In 5 years, you’ll find Allison: either living in Toronto or back on the East Coast so she’s close to her family. She’ll be even more successful in her career than she already is; dominating the world with her amazing personality and business skills. She’ll be head over heels for a man that treats her like a queen and knows how to love an independent woman. She’ll still be close with her many groups of friends and still be making me laugh with ridiculous comments every time I’m lucky enough to talk to her!

The famous balancing act.

From CATHERINE:

In one word, Allison is: big-hearted

You’ll never find Allison: not making us DIE with laughter on a daily basis in our ttrain bbm group

 My favourite day with Allison was: the morning after the York rookie party when you slept in my bed and we went out for breakfast still in Sunday Funday shirts and played bball in Orleans. Love and basketball at its finest.

 My favourite night with Allison was: when we made our own pub crawl, just us two.  We hit every bar in the market, drank every shot in the city and had the best (worst) stories to tell (after we found each other) the next day.

 I would build Allison: A teleportation machine so she could visit her best girls at the snap of a finger (/ all the time)

 One of Al’s best lines ever was: most of them are not internet appropriate … So I’ll go with any bon qui qui like saying “Girl has GOT TA go.”

 In 5 years, you’ll find Allison: Raising a litter of multi-cultural babies (like Angelina but with the personality of Jen). She’ll have taken over Red Bull and will have somehow convinced all her bffs to move to Toronto to make up for lost time. She’ll still be throwing out the most outrageous and hilarious comments and her gorgeous husband will love her for it. Almost as much as we do.

Sunday Funday with Cat and Kate!


From KAYLEE: 

In one word, Allison  is: Animated

You’ll never find Allison: Not saying hilarious things or not being completely honest with her friends and herself.

My favorite day with Allison was: The Saturday we spent at my cottage, balancing ridiculous objects on Catherine’s head, munching on cookies and making the best memories.

My favourite night with Allison was: Running into each other at a Montreal Pub and then spending a hilarious night singing and dancing. On the other hand, any night where we’re tipsy enough to find a corner at a bar to sing Dave Matthews together, is a great one. I can envision many more of those in our future Toronto love :)

I would build Allison: a basketball team that she owned. It would be filled with the sexiest athletes alive…and she would obviously have the key to the locker room.

One of Al’s best lines ever was: It’s a bit too racy for here but let’s just say it involved her future child and how she intended to get it.

In 5 years, you’ll find Allison: A big shot at Red Bull or doing marketing for a sports team, always laughing and knee-slapping, still rocking out to Justin Bieber in her SUV and obviously cradling a mixed-race baby, with her baby’s daddy nearby… who’s probably a part-time rapper.

“Kaylee…PLEASE sing for me.”

From KATE:

In one word, Allison is: Loving

You’ll never find Allison: Crushing on a white boy. . . unless it’s the Biebs.

My favourite day with Allison was: The first day we met in frosh week when we were seadogs together. I remember how friendly she was, chatting with the whole group of complete strangers while we were waiting in line for lunch.I knew we would be instant best buds!

My favourite night with Allison was: the summer night we shared some of our favourite songs with each other at her apartment on Osgoode,(She was the first person to get me onto Hey Rosetta!) and had some of the best life chats over many glasses of vino.

I would build Allison: a house of skittles with a thousand Justin Bieber cut outs for her viewing pleasure. This house would also include a massive collection of Dave Matthews cds, an industrial size air conditioner and spare room for me to visit her on the reg.

One of Al’s best lines ever was: something to do with “changing her panties”.

In 5 years, you’ll find Allison: Running show in T.O., as a successful marketing mogul, just as intelligent, just as loving and sharing her life with someone who is just as incredible as she is.

Sea Dogs!

From JESS:

“Can you give me a head rub…”

In one word, Allison is: Loyal.

You’ll never find Allison: Without my hands attached to her head. Since 2006, this woman has made me touch, stroke or fiddle with her hair at all times.

My favourite day with Allison was: Easily the day we met, second day of 1st year. I told her I liked her jacket, she said she liked my shoes, and from that minute forward we were inseparable.

My favourite night with Allison was: Any of our ridiculous sleepovers featuring buns on head, pantlessness and slipper booties. Or seeing Coldplay or the Foo Fighters together three or so years back – the videos we took are all garbage because you can only hear our shrill screaming.

I would build Allison: A cottage in New Brunswick right down the beach from her parents’ with a room for DMB-signed acoustic guitars, a chef that only cooks breakfast all day long, a personal head masseuse to relieve me of my duties, a theatre playing funny YouTube clips, endless skittles, air-conditioners to cool her off, and her choice of Drake or Reggie Bush to accompany her on weekends. Oh, and a sign on her doorstep that says: “Life is short but sweet for certain.”

The face...

One of Al’s best lines ever was: “Can you guys seriously not smell anything?” (Allison face), “Can I put you down for a sec? Girl NEEDS to take her hoodie off.” (Allison face)

In 5 years, you’ll find Allison: An even more successful business professional than she is now, if that’s possible. She’ll still be brilliant and carefree in Toronto or some other big city working as a powerful executive in sports marketing, dating an amazing man who will share all of her passions and we’ll all be extremely jealous of, and absolutely killing it.

Teens.

 Jenn’s comments to come – she’s gallivanting around Thailand today with Al in mind!

Happy Birthday Allison. We love you very, very much…in a nutshell.

  

Jesster Bonzo, the One and Only.

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Our youngest nut has finally caught up to the rest of us and is celebrating her 23rd Birthday today! We couldn’t be more proud of our Bonzo, who in just 23 short years has accomplished so much! A lucky few of us will get to celebrate with her in person tomorrow evening, but, since some of us are too far away to see you in the flesh, we compiled a little mad lib to show you just how much we love you! Have the most wonderful Birthday and we can’t wait to see how amazingly your 23rd year unfolds!

From Kaylee:

In one word, Jess is: Caring.

You’ll never find Jess: not paying attention to the song playing in every store, restaurant, car or in the background of a TV show – and consequently, not knowing who the artist is.

My favourite day with Jess was: I’d have to say graduating from Carleton U and attending our convocation together was a great day. Meghan, Jess and I were lucky enough to have the same convocation despite differing programs and we went through that memorable and profound experience together. I also can’t help but mention the cottage weekend where we made trips to Eta’s and giggled to our hearts content. Lastly, any day where I’m chatting about our beloved blog and debating new concepts with Jess and the other girls, is a perfect one.

My favourite night with Jess was: back in 2008 when Jess and I didn’t know each other, I found out we had a distant mutual acquaintance and chatted with her for the first time. She was warm and welcoming – as she is – and I’m so so happy to have spent countless nights with her since then…although now she’s a best friend, not a stranger.

I would build Jess: a room like Alexandra Patsavas (Grey’s Anatomy’s / The Oc’s Music producer) has, full of every album in history, where Jess can lick the tip of her finger and run through albums like a rolodex, playing Bruce, KOL…and maybe just a little Beyonce ‘cus she loves me :)

One of Jess’ best lines ever was: “Spittin’ on Christmas”

In 5 years, you’ll find Jess: living in Toronto with meeee, remaining an attentive, warmhearted friend to her ktown besties, tequilatrain and other dozens of lovely friends. She will be successful, still writing beautifully and always involved in the music industry, likely getting tons of attention for her great eye and perceptible talent.

Convocation, June 2010.

From Jenn:

In one word, Jess is: Hilarious.

You’ll never find Jess: looking out of style.

My favourite day with Jess was: last fall when we went to Westboro for the day, grabbed some coffee, some lunch at the Works, and spent the whole day strolling in and out of shops and talking about the latest gossip in our lives.

My favourite night with Jess was: I don’t have one favourite night in particular, my favourite nights with Jess were going over to her old place with a bottle of red and talking for hours just about anything and everything. Miss you and miss those nights!

I would build Jess: a recording studio for the day that Jess owns her own record label. Jess has an amazing ear for music, as I am sure you have all noticed from her posts, and there is no doubt in my mind that she will one day be a leading lady in the music industry.

One of Jess’ best lines ever was: This is not necessarily a line, but Jess’s ‘child scream laugh’ gets me every time. I am dying laughing just thinking about it.

In 5 years, you’ll find Jess: even more successful than she already is. Jess will have been a strong willed vegetarian for 5 years, and will be creating new and delicious veggie ad vegan recipes all the time. She will be working for a major music magazine as a journalist, maybe even Rolling Stone, have you seen how talented this girl is at writing about music? And, Jess will be dating/married to an amazing man who treats her like gold and who shares her passion for music.

Wine fueled shenanigans, following one of the (many) nights we spent at Jess' place.

From Allison:

In one word, Jess is: Loving.

You’ll never find Jess: NOT looking fashionable. Literally this woman can pick out an outfit better than anyone I know – and finds a million different ways to wear the pieces in her closet. It actually blows my mind.

My favourite day with Jess was: 1st year Beach Day. Prancing around Mooney’s Bay in our short shorts, dodging a crazy Aussie and my soon to be 1st year love, and getting grade 9 wasted on 9th Glengarry that night in which our most memorable picture to date together would be taken. It was inevitable that this was the start of a beautiful friendship.

My favourite night with Jess: 3rd year Frosh Week Boat Cruise. We were the ultimate wing women combination of the century. I have no words.

I would build Jess: a Music Library in her house for all her records, CDs (her mixed ones are her best), cassette tapes, artist memorabilia, and of course both a piano and guitar for me to pick up and play for her, at the request of anything in her collection she wanted to sing along to. Oh and of course, the room would be equipped with a wine cooler for our late nights spent sharing music and critiquing artists.

One of Jess’ best lines ever was: “Hey, cool jacket!” The rest was history.

In 5 years, you’ll find Jess: anywhere the music and her writing takes her! Still absolutely brilliant, beautiful, vivid and loving, and most likely writing for Rolling Stone magazine (seriously).

The infamous boat cruise!

From Meghan:

In one word, Jess is: Amazing.

You’ll never find Jess: without music in some form, whether it be on an ipod, CD or blaring off her laptop.

My favourite day with Jess was: Becoming fast friends during move-in day of Frosh 2008. We were introduced by mutual besties and obviously fell in love instantly. Going back and forth with the furniture of first year together was really the start of a beautiful friendship.

My favourite night with Jess was: One of the many Ollies pre-drinks held at her old Fulton apartment, where we drank litres of white wine from the carton and rapped Weezy’s “A Milli” like we were pros.

I would build Jess: a house with perfect acoustics for her listening pleasure, and some of her favourite things: Shelves to hold an infinite music collection. A shrine to Brucie, the BOSS. A diet coke fountain pop machine. A fridge that seals the freshness of her veggies in. A room specifically designed for no pants to be worn in. A castle for her weiner dog Goose. And a spare room for me ;)

One of Jess’ best lines ever was: “Spittin’ on Christmas”

In 5 years, you’ll find Jess: living in Toronto or Ottawa, and so successful. She’ll probably be working for a music magazine like Rolling Stone, writing pieces that are so meaningful and special. She’ll have met the man of her dreams, who will love her for her caring heart, beauty and hilarity. She will be a great mom to her weiner dog, Goose. She’ll still be the most hilarious person, not taking life to seriously, always up for a new adventure or experience. Most of all, she’ll still be a loyal friend, daughter and sister, who always supports her loved ones to the fullest.

Rockstars/Two of the 'best' MC's in the game...

From Kate:

In one word, Jess is: Bonzo.

You’ll never find Jess: with pants on.

My favourite day with Jess was: the day we sat on her balcony at Fulton tanning our white little patoots and singing “Beautiful Girls” by Bruno Mars with agressive* (*reading amazing) hand movements

My Favourite night with Jess was: the night we went to KOL together, weaved our way through the crowd and got SUPER close to the stage. We rocked out to one of our favourite bands of all time and then proceeded to hoist a famous rocker onto our shoulders and into the crowd for a crowd-surfing sesh. Definitely a night to remember.

I would build Jess: a record player because I know she has wanted one forever and, let’s face it, a hand made one is way cooler.

One of Jess’ best lines ever was: “In a nutshell”… Later shortformed, as she tends to do to about every word in the English language, to “In A NS”. Sound familiar?

One song that reminds me of Jess (had to add this one in) is: The Only One by the Black Keys. Maybe because you listened to this song for a year straight or maybe because you swear by it being the best song from their Brothers album but this one always makes me think of you, Hubblebum!

In 5 years, you’ll find Jess: living in Toronto and writing for a high profile music magazine. She will be happily in love in the big smoke and will be tapping into everything and anything she can get her hands on, always positive and always, always playing a soundtrack in her head to go along with her wonderful life.

KOL, second round.

From Cat:

In one word, Jess is: a hipster … JUST KIDDING.
In one word, Jess is: cherished.

You’ll never find Jess: without a clever or hilarious remark

My favourite day with Jess was:  any day out of our four month stint as roommates. We tanned, we had impromptu flip cup tournaments, we bought colouring books, we fixed watches, we ate cheese off our knees, we called each other from our respective bedrooms, we watched satc, we may have laughed once or twice … And we made what I consider to be an unbreakable bond.

My favourite night with Jess was: Girl Talk, Bluesfest 2009. Doing shots of long island ice tea, dancing (and laughing) our pants off, eating burgers and I may or may not have been Michael Jackson.

I would build Jess: her own mini fridge filled to the brim with diet cokes, so she will never feel the need to steal mine. EVER again.

One of Jess’ best lines ever was: “You think that hurts NOW!? Wait until TOMORROW!!” (Despite my misery)

In 5 years, you’ll find Jess: Linked arm and arm with some stud who is taking her for lunch in between interviews with big wig musicians. This is obviously taking place in NYC because she is writing for Rolling Stone. And I am obviously spying on this date from a table in the corner … As I always do. Her career is taking off, she still makes frequent trips to visit her fam in KTown and she is still very loved by six girls who are spread out all over the world.

Bluesfest 2009

Happy Birthday Jester Bonzo Huddlebum. We love you very much! XO

Boxing Day Bloopers

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Well readers, yesterday we wished you a Merry Christmas with the gift of song… An embarassing medley of Christmas carols that demonstrate exactly what happens at a nutshell reunion. Seeing as a box of wine was consumed, you can be sure that the ‘perfection’ that we exibited in our Caroling video, was not achieved on the first take. And so, for Boxing Day, our gift to you is a reel of hilarious bloopers. Enjoy our mix ups and our struggles to sing on key. We hope that you laugh as much as we do when we’re together!

Merry, Nutty Christmas, Everyone!

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It’s Christmas morning and all us nuts are – as I’m sure you are as well – spending time with our families, unwrapping red packages with gold ribbon and stuffing our tummies with all those traditional goodies that most homes are oozing with this time of year. In preparation of the busy holiday season, we spent a recent weekend together (pictures here) coming up with ideas for interesting holiday posts for our very own nutty version of the Twelve days of Christmas. The night began with a delicious potluck, a box of wine and loads of catching up. After a few hours, we decided to get down to business …by turning on the video camera and singing along to our favourite Christmas tunes. Well, what was meant to be a night of activities, became a 4 hour caroling session, leaving us with tons of footage and only a few prepared posts. So much for productivity! Either way, what results is this Christmas video, a little medley of Christmas songs we love (and way more bloopers for tomorrow – when the real hilarity comes out). Merry Christmas from the girls of in a nutshell, we are so grateful to you, our readers, and so we wish you only the best throughout the holidays! Love Love Love. (…and please forgive us for this ridiculous singing…in a nutshell.)

All I Want for Christmas…

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You know when you’re spending a sunny Saturday morning with your best friends, chatting, sipping coffee, laughing uncontrollably, sauntering around, linking arms, and sometimes, posing on a bench..? Don’t you sometimes wish you had your own photographer capturing every moment of your palpable adoration for each other? We certainly do. And this past Saturday, on a perfect, clear winter day in Ottawa, we were lucky enough to have photographer Susan Ganas take some shots of us.

As we gobbled on out-of-this-world scone bacon/cheddar melts, sipped bold coffees at The Scone Witch, and strolled down wreath-adorned Sparks Street, we got some great shots of the five nuts who put their hearts and souls into this very blog.

We had spent the previous evening preparing a few Holiday posts (stay tuned!), watching the perfect Christmas movie, Bridget Jones’ Diary, topping off a box wine (nothing but the best.) and lulling ourselves to sleep with Bailey’s on ice.

People always say that the Holidays are the time for family, and we will all be at our homes come Christmas of course, but it’s important to find some time for the girlfriends who will always have your back too. After all, who’s to say we aren’t family? …in a nutshell. 

+ see our new About Us photo here :)

All photos by Susan Ganas (@shirpasue) – Thank you again Susan for your kindness!

If you’re very lucky. . .

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Today is a very special day for In a nutshell.

One of our dearest nuts, Kaylee, is back from her life changing journey in Europe and is visiting the Ottawa chapter of In a nutshell for a night of laughs, drinks and catch up. With her return to our University town, it struck me to think how happy we all were to have her back, even if it is just for one night.

Sometimes we forget how lucky we are to have friends near by. Those to whom you can turn to share your most embarrassing, belly laughing moments with. Those who will pick you up out of the shadows. Those who can make you smile even if you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Most women are lucky to have one friend who they can share those moments with. Some women are lucky to have a few. But to have a group of girlfriends who can share, laugh, guide, advise and praise one another – not to mention write a blog together – is truly remarkable.

Most of us still live in the city, pursuing our dreams or some sort of means to an end, leading incredibly busy lives that sometimes keep us apart for weeks at a time. Kaylee, now living in Montreal and one of the first of us to leave Ottawa, is blessed to have another, Montreal-based group of incredible female friends. But, when she comes to town we always make plans to get together, no matter how busy our lives are. . . which makes me think, it’s important to continue to make time for those who live a few blocks away, for they may be within arms reach now but sooner than later they, too, will  veer onto another course, pursue another city and another life.

It’s a funny time in our lives. As young women, we are all trying to find our way, constantly making plans and changing plans. Sometimes we plan for months and sometimes things change in the blink of an eye. Opportunities arise and with those opportunities, sad goodbyes often follow.  In the words of someone who always seemed to say it best (Carrie Bradshaw), ” . . .things change, so do cities, people come into your life and they go. But it’s comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart… and if you’re very lucky, a plane ride away.” So even though it only happens now and again,  here’s to one night when we can be together, reunited in the city where our love affair first began. In a nutshell, there’s really nothing better.

A Fleeting Frosh Moment…

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The beginning of September is always an exciting time for us nuts. While I am the only nut still enrolled in school, I know that my fellow contributors still seem to live on the University time-line. Somehow, after spending 4 years as an undergrad, your brain becomes programmed to break down years by semesters. And so, while the world may celebrate the New Year on January 1st, for students (and recent graduates), the start of September has the same impact.

For the past 5 years, all of the contributors of Inanutshell have participated in Carleton University’s CUSA/RRRA Frosh Week in various volunteer positions. As a result, we have worked with thousands of new students, trying to make their initiation into Carleton as smooth, seamless, and fun as possible. Due to new University regulations, we are no longer able to volunteer. It feels very strange to not be heading off to volunteer training this morning, geared up for the amazing week and a half ahead.

My frosh groups for the past two years - Frosh '10: The Clowns, Frosh '09: The Porcupines

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Farewell To Our Fabulous Fashionista

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Every now and again you meet somebody who’s just going places. I mean this in the figurative sense; in that this person won’t really ever take the backseat to going after what they want. I also mean this in the very literal sense; in that tomorrow, one of our favourite girls is boarding a jet plane to see the world.

We don’t usually delve too much into discussions of our personal and professional successes or downfalls on Nutshell; we tend to pursue the humility and humour path in our storytelling. But sometimes, some sharing and bragging is due when it comes to one of our very own. Tomorrow, Kaylee leaves on the romantic voyage of a lifetime, and we couldn’t be more proud. A girl who strives endlessly to be the best possible friend, daughter and girlfriend, someone who takes initiative and learns astronomically fast in order to speed-walk her dream career path, and someone who always wants to believe in the good of others – is finally taking her own little backpacking adventure. Someone fabulous, who ALSO just celebrated her 23rd birthday with us on Sunday, deserves more than a little airtime.

Here are some things you might not have known about the jetsetter/birthday girl at hand…

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