Saturday, March 5, 2016



Sandwiched between February and April, it's the most special month of the year. Every 4 years, bossy February would push it back one day just to get in an extra day. It stays calm cos 24 hours goes by fast anyhow. It’s a burn out month for educators like me as it boasts zero 3 day weekends, it's testing overload and of course second trimester report cards. It starts on the same day of the week as February and November and ends on the same day of the week as June in non leap years. It’s birth flower is a daffodil (but why do I love roses so?) and it’s birth stones are aquamarine and bloodstone which symbolize courage. It also marks the beginning of Spring when the earth awakens from the long winter sleep. Flowers bloom and new lives begin. If you haven’t already guessed it, I'm talking about my birth month March. And just how special is it to be born on the opening day of this month. March 1st. I’m a winner baby!

Gosh I just can’t contain myself on March 1st! Like I stated here, a kid in a candy store would be a far from accurate account of how I feel on my birthday. And yes, I celebrate all month long. Why not? The theme last March was Fausto Puglisi, one of my favorite designers. The theme this year is ‘fun’. Loads of it.

What better way to kick off the fun than a getaway to a Mansion in Los Angeles where we were greeted with luxury. Magical stay to say the least! Waited on hands and foot by my four beautiful children. Honestly, my joy knows no bounds. They’ve got the whole month minus the last week planned out and I’ll just show up and have mad fun. I am so a winner.

The Looks
I was at the point where I couldn’t pick one outfit, so I picked several, hehe. Today I’m showing ‘Red’ and the others will be up on subsequent weekends. 
The color red has been blowing up my feed lately. I joined in and 'Holy red', I was literally on fire!! My crimson crush is what drew me to this luxurious gown designed for me by Zoearku. This show stopper is even more stunning life and I felt like a goddess. I named her ‘RED’. Bold, fiery, bright and beautiful if I say so myself, ;). Thank you Zoearku.



The Cake
What a delightful cake! I know what you’re thinking. Insane right? Standing at 6ft tall it oozes sophistication. So exotic and totally swoon worthy. You know cutting it was really hard cos all I wanted to do was stare at it. And yes that is a chandelier used as a cake topper. I am in awe of this level of expertise at cake creation by the amazing Ruben of Special Cakes LA and his crew. I have a love affair with unique birthday cakes and outdo myself every year but this will be hard to top. Ideas for next year are welcome, hehe. Thank you Ruben!



The Jewelry
By now Takai has become a household name on my blog and if you’ve been reading me then you know this brand fairly well. Introduced to you here, here, here, here, here and here, I couldn’t think of better pieces to feature on my birthday. They very graciously sent me theses stunning newly stocked pieces as their gifts for my special day. My jaw dropped and I’m yet to pick it up. I am a sucker for great packaging and I adore theirs. You know what else stands out with them? They go above and beyond to personalize notes that come with each piece. If giving you what you were totally not expecting isn’t the greatest customer service then I don’t know what is. Hurry on over to browse and order. Their new stock just like others won’t be sitting on the shelves for too long. Thank you Takai By Angela for my beautiful pieces. 



The Mansion
Sitting pretty in Ladera Heights Los Angeles, this beauty is everything you dreamed it’d be. Grandoise, opulent almost to the point of being vulgar. If living in grand style and watching beautiful sunsets from the master bedroom balcony sounds like you, then click on the link and reserve for some nights of living, and I mean living well. I had great fun and I will be back soon. Thank you Abdul, great birthday treat!




The Meals
A man I’ve come to know and call Chef Tony of eat2live LA rocked the house with all kinds of goodies often times made from scratch throughout our stay. Chicken lollipop, Jasmine coconut rice, Broiled curry Lobster, Cashew crusted Salmon, Grilled New York Steak, Short Ribs, French Beignets, Sweet potato ice cream to name a few. Impeccable service and very cheerfully / beautifully delivered. I was in food heaven! Returning home to plain old oatmeal for breakfast was a lil depressing, hehe. 





The Present
The grapevine in my home aka my youngest told me I got what I always wanted more than anything else in the world which is a teacup poodle. "Ssssh mom, don't let them know I told you but we got the pup". I was overjoyed cos I must have dropped at least a thousand hints, hehe. I excitedly ordered some cute and stylish dog clothes / accessories and even picked out a name. Now that puppy has still not made it home and I hope it does before my next birthday, lol. Should I ask them? What would you do?

There is always the most important one: OURSELVES! 
I always treat myself to something good on my birthday regardless of what they get me. Soon as I saw this beauty I knew I had to have it. Blame it on my 'crimson crush'. My kids said 'mom it fits you and your personality perfectly and the rest is history. 




When March Sunsets
We all have that one friend that we share so much in common with. I do and she’s Juaneta. We’re both teachers, we both share a love of fashion/style and walked fashion shows together way back in the day. We drive the same car, live in the same neighborhood and the list goes on and on and on. Guess what else though. We both share the same birthday. Same day, different years. This made it difficult for us to attend each others birthday parties in the past. This year we decided to celebrate together. So to close our birthday month, we’ll jet off to Istanbul, Turkey followed by Santorini, Greece. It will be 10 days of great fun and I can’t think of a better way to wrap it all up.


My Gratitude
Shouting my thanks out so loud for all the wonderful well wishes on Facebook, Instagram and on here. So loud you may wanna plug your ears, lol. Will that suffice? You are a marvel, each and every one of you. Thank you from deep down. My heart smiles big smiles. I feel it inside of me and you see it on my face. Oh, and I also did a happy dance, brand new moves I promise, hahahahaaaaa.  HUGE THANKS EVERYONE, STAY BLESSED! Fashionably so, ;)..

Did you actually read all this? You are a gem!!! 


Sponsors
Mercedes Benz of Walnut Creek
Vindictive Couture
Takai By Angela
Zoearku
Eat2liveLa
Special Cakes LA
Haute Beads

So glad you stopped by, keep thinking the purple thoughts. Xo..
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97 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness. The dress looks magical. The accessories are gorgeous. The meal looks incredible. Perfect.

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  2. Happy birthday girl!! You look fab and this place it's a dream!!!!
    Love
    Chiara - www.shesinfashionblog.com

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  3. I'm at loss for words and that rarely happens! You look magnificentlly beautiful in that red gown. That dress is you, it is so you...dramatic, glam, wonderful and it is only natural it fits you perfectly and looks amazing on you!!!! That necklace is a delight. You know I love statement necklaces! I do remember you collaborating with this brand before and they do have some lovely pieces, don't they?

    Your make up is flawless...and you smile is a winning one. I can literarly feel your joy radiating from this post and I couldn't help smiling myself. Thank you for sharing!!! All the images are so visually stunning, I enjoyed browsing them so much.

    How cute is that cake!!!! and that car is a beauty for sure. I love how your kids said it fits your personality. It does, I can totally imagine you in this kickass car...and the colour of it is fabulous.

    I'm happy you had a wonderful birthday! You deserve it...and it is a great idea to make this whole month a celebration!

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  4. Love that gown..You look pretty in it...
    xo, Neha

    http://www.theinstylejournal.com/

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  5. happy birthday!! i love your dress.. the red is the colour!!!
    kisses!!

    http://rubiaagotas.blogspot.com.es/

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  6. This dress is beautiful!

    www.susannahzabelle.com

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  7. You look so gorgeous Idu. And that neck piece...muah!!!
    wendeeisaacs.com

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  8. Wow just a big fat wow! That dress looks absolutely fabulous! I love everything about your look, from head to toe!

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  9. Cake is def out of this world! Car is on point am so love the color choice! Outfits are amazing but most importantly the lady that brings them all together IDU I wish you all the beautiful desires of your heart ❤️❤️

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  10. Wow......Muah,long life many more years in Jesus name. Amen.

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  11. This post is breathtaking! You look stunning in that red dress. The cake is so fabulous and the car... I don't have words!!!
    xx
    http://www.mybeautrip.com

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  12. Totally amazing !the dress is so gorgeous on you and out of all the gifts i can not say which is the most awesome , I wouldn't want to cut the cake too ,may be just staring at it alone would fill me up, it's beautiful, Happy Birthday beautiful You deserve them all. Hope you have a lovely stay when you get here in Europe,be sure to visit the beaches on the island,you both will love it.Have a lovely weekend hun!

    www.stylenbeautylounge.com

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  13. OMG Idu!!!! This post and your dress are marvelous!!! I'm very happy for you and for your beautiful birthday!!! Congratulations my dear and I wish another beautiful and magic year! Kisses from Italy and thank you for your visit,
    Eni

    Eniwhere Fashion
    Bloglovin of Eniwhere Fashion

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  14. What a wonderful birthday Idu, so lucky you!
    Your red dress is ansolutely to die for and you look li,e a star.
    Kisses

    www.angelswearheels.com

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  15. Amazing post, dress... YOU LOOK AWESOME! xoxo

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  16. that dress so very wonderful on you!
    I'd love to know your opinion on my new post
    fashion blogger italia
    kiss

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  17. wow! Amazing dress dear and your necklace is so beautiful! Love your photographs! <3

    Wioletta
    www.fashion-utopia.com

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  18. Yes, I actually read all of it, to live and breath luxury through your writing! Such a great way to celebrate. And that cake...

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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  19. Dear Idu, so right you celebrate your birthday one month - honestly I think even this is too less! And no wonder you love red at the moment - you look simply fantastic in this colour and I really adore you in your dress. My husband just took a glance on my screen and he said also only "WOW!"
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  20. I don't even know where to begin. Everything is incredible!! your dress is so so beautiful! I simply adore it! and the cake o my gosh that cake, i wouldn't have been able to cut it!! it is the prettiest cake i have ever seen. The mansion is amazing and your car!! what a beauty!

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  21. Love your post, great content! Thanks for the support and thoughtful words on my recent post, I deeply appreciate it!! Have a great weekend!!
    MyLyfeMyStory

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  22. Chimezie Udom-OkwuosaMarch 5, 2016 at 5:29 PM

    This is just out of this world. My sister you look amazing. Beautiful. The dress, car, mansion and cake. Everything was perfect. I wish you the very best in life. Enjoy your birthday month and God bless
    Chimezie Udom-Okwuosa

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  23. You look awesome my dear and I enjoyed reading every word. Thanks for allowing me to jump on this fabulous train to birthday happiness. Enjoy your life😎💕

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  24. Hi dear.. this post is so lovely and the pics are so mesmerizing...Have a great weekend! xx

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  25. you look very beautiful! Happy birthday gorgeous!

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  26. Awww happy birthday to you..the car sure fits your personality...i shuld be planning on raiding your closet too

    Glowyshoes's blog

    My Facebook

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  27. Wow, Idu! Happy Birthday and WOW even more so on the car, the jewellery, the dress... everything! That's incredible!

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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  28. Amazing I love the outfit the red gown so beautiful not forgetting red car to complete the occasion.

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  29. Happy Bday you deserve this and so much more I wish you all the joy and happiness of this world dear. Sending you hugs! You looked stunning and so did everything else!

    BamBam Blog

    xoxo

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  30. Happy birthday
    Great post

    New post :
    Www.miharujulie.com

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  31. The dress looks fantastic! What a glamourous way to celebrate your birthday!

    Luxessed

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  32. Wow !!! WOW !!! WOW !!! incredible !!! Happy Birthday :) Margot

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  33. happy birthday my dear! love your dress, you look simply amazing *-*

    http://www.thefashionprincess.it/

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  34. Everything you did and got for your birthday sounds amazing!!! And it's so cool you're going on a trip with your friend to celebrate your birthdays together!
    http://carolinapage.eu

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  35. What a seriously magical celebration! It looks like no detail was spared. Glad you enjoyed it. Happy birthday Idu!

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  36. you look fab Idu! that dress and mansion and cake is dreamy, i defo would be stealing some of this ideas for my next birthday.! enjoy your birthday travel.!
    adventuremeetsdesigner.blogspot.co.uk

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  37. WOW!!!You are blessed beyond measure. Glad that you enjoyed your birthday and that you were surrounded by people you love and love you back. From the gown, to the makeup to the cake...holly molly, the cake was spectacular, the car woow, everything was truly lovely. Enjoy the birthday month and wishing younthing but blessings galore.
    http://wairimumurigi.blogspot.com

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  38. It looks you had a magical birthday, Idu. Every detail was perfect and I don't blame you for celebrating for the entire month. Enjoy :)

    www.mydailywear.co.uk

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  39. One word, WOW!!!! In my dreams, this is what heaven looks like and I am pretty sure some days the angels wear crimson. You look amazing and what wonderful gifts. Enjoy my dear. xo

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  40. Beautiful dress for a beautiful setting! Stunning post. Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  41. Holy cow, girl! Your birthday party was AMAZING, I think your outdid some of the celebrities parties! Happy birthday to you again beautiful, you looks stunning and that car is sooooo you!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  42. Wow, I'm speechless. You look like you melt in the painting in the background. What a marvellous birthday, and thanks, yes now I have a few inspiring concepts for my next birthday cake, haha. Mr. Ruben certainly outdid himself. x
    + Style + Giveaway

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  43. You look absolutely gorgeous, hun!
    Love these photos!!! :D
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

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  44. Wow, your dress is beautiful! You look like a queen.

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  45. OMG everything is more than stunning! You are fab Idu! That dress is magical! Such a glam look!
    xx
    cvetybaby.com

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  46. The lady in red wow this post made me speechless.
    The car,the dress and the house everything is sos beautiful
    You are so blessed

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  47. happy birthday doll!

    blog: www.fashi0n-m0de.blogspot.it
    YouTube: goo.gl/wAOESm

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  48. This dress looks absolutely amazing on you. Have a lovely day.

    Nina
    http://www.ninasstyleblog.com

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  49. soooooo beautiful..great gown and everything...Happy Birthday Idu...I am happy for you...kisses and love from me, Jehan...

    http://jehanmohammad.blogspot.com/

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  50. What a fantastic birthday celebration! Hope you enjoy part 2 of your birthday celebration :)

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  51. Wow you had a perfect birthday! You look so perfect too and this is very inspiring!

    ~ Styleccentric Fashion' | BLOGLOVIN

    xo, Alyssa

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  52. You are so blessed to have so many wonderful people around you. A celebration fit for a queen. Happy Birthday once again and you look amazing. Good to know you had a wonderful time. Wishing you happiness and long life.

    http://www.thefashionstirfry.com

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  53. You look stunning on red... I like the fact your dress matches with the present ;)
    Many happy returns for your Birthday dearest!!!!

    http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr

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  54. Awesome clicks, you look stunning.

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  55. Wow you really know how to celebrate!! You look absolutely fabulous! That dress and necklace is gorgeous and that cake is amazing! I hope you have an amazing time on your trip. Happy Birthday Idu!!!
    ~Lili
    www.thefashionsalt.com

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  56. You look amazing! Nice make up <3
    Have a great day!
    kisses

    http://irreplaceable-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  57. OMG you look divine my sweet Idu.
    I love this dress my star
    kisses
    Maggie D.
    Fashion Blog Maggie Dallospedale fashion diary

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  58. Amazing look and blog.
    http://www.thestylegalaxy.com/

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  59. Oh my gosh, you look so glamorous and classy.

    www.jerseygirltexanheart.com

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  60. OMG, I'm so speechless! how beautiful you look!

    http://www.queenhorsfall.com/

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  61. Well I always suspected your birthday would be enviably impressive, and boy was it! That gown is perfection on you, truly. The cake, holy wows! I feel like it needs a place at a museum and preserved for the masses to gaze upon. What a work of art. And that car, really is you!

    Sxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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  62. wow the dress is magical. Happy Belated Birthday. I'm glad you had a great time. May God grant you all your heart desires.
    Congratulations on your beautiful car
    Tega Enai
    www.tegaenai.com
    xoxo..

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  63. You look divine, Idu. That place is spectacular. What an amazing birthday you had, darling. Well deserved.
    kisses
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

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  64. This dress is amazing dear, love the necklace too. The meals are definitely delicious!!!!

    www.plogstyle.com

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  65. Oh wow! I thought I'd commented before but I'm confused now as I have seen all your pictures on social media just to be in awe of how splendid your Birthday was! You look fabulous in red dear Idu and your cake is amazing! I can't wait for you to get your teacup poodle because I know you'll feature the pup in one of your glamorous posts! And a trip to Istanbul and Greece! WOW! Continue that fabulous life dear Idu! Looking forward to more posts from you! And what a marvellous self gift!
    Love,
    Nilu Yuleena Thapa
    BIG hair LOUD mouth

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  66. have a nice evening dear!

    http://www.thefashionprincess.it/

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  67. Wow how absolutely stunning! I am in awe! Happy Birthday! =)

    - Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

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  68. I'd, of course I read every last word xox

    First wow to the red dress, you look stunning and oh my gosh that cake is incredibly amazing WOW!!!

    I love that you enjoy your birthday so much... your happiness is so contagious . I know your birthday already happened but I wanted to wish you a happy birthday month.♡

    Also, I'm incredibly grateful for your support, I'm happy to know that my writings help you feel better when you need it. You comments never cease to touch my heart, thank you ♡♡♡

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  69. Your dress is simply amazing...I bet you did have a splendid birthday....much love fashion icon.
    www.gleemah.com

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  70. OMG! Wonderful shots and places! You're marvellous!!!
    Baci, Valeria - Coco et La vie en rose NEW POST

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  71. That red dress fits like a glove! You look stunning in it. What a wonderful birthday you had!
    www.effortlesslady.com

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  72. I am speechless!!! You deserve to be featured in the Vogue or stand with the Hollywood celebs! So glam and gorgeous <3 You are a very lucky lady and an incredibly talented one, Idu!!

    http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

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  73. Happy birthday! And you just look so stunning in that dress...wow! :)

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  74. The dress is so beautiful! And you look so glam in this outfit too :)

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  75. The dress is so beautiful! And you look so glam in this outfit too :)

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  76. The dress looks gorgeous. One word - divine.

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  77. Such a gorgeous post! From photos,your outfit to everything showing on the photos-INCREDIBLE!!

    mystylishcorner.blogspot.ba

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  78. Happy b.day sweeti
    I'd love to know your opinion on my new post
    ----> fashion blogger italia
    have an happy day
    kiss

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  79. Happy B. day sweetie
    I'd love to know your opinion on my new post
    ----> fashion blogger italia
    have an happy day
    kiss

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  80. Whish your dreams come true, my dear Idu! A lot of happines, joy and love baby 💜 Oh that dress, you look stunning! Like a DIVA! Love your home decor, very fancy and with perfect taste! And that red car is excellent choice for classy lady like your self 😘😘😘❤❤❤

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  81. The dress, the meal: everything looks perfect!

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  82. Breathtaking!!! You look so glamorous like a diva! Wow! Hope you had a amazing party!
    Hugs, Pisa
    www.inlovewithmyclothes.com

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  83. I'm droppin by again, still having major wanderlust in your gown. <3

    Styleccentric Fashion | BLOGLOVIN

    xo, Alyssa

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  84. Beyond stunning!
    Red's my fav color and you killed it!!

    Happy Belated Birthday.
    Here's to many more fabulous years ahead.

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  85. Wow, wow, wow! Just wow! What an insanely fabulous birthday you had (are having)! You look like you should be strutting the red carpet in that drop dead stunning dress, Idu. You are one lucky, lucky girl!
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.com

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  86. I love this look. Totally amazing,chic! Gorgeous photos, the colors and textures are so dreamy . I enjoy this look and colours match perfectly .
    www.newoutfitfashionblog.blogspot.ba

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  87. AMAZING red dress dear :) I hope that you had a great weekend.

    Check out my pastel colored easter table post :)

    Have a fab new week!

    LOVE Maria Inredning - it's Swedish for decor

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  88. Idu!
    Is the chef married? I don't see any ring on his finger. What a good looking fella! But girl, let's talk about that red dress of yours! It is definitely showing all the junk in the trunk. The mansion is not only grandiose, it is the epitome of wealth. All the best wishes, darling! You are such a beautiful person inside and out. I love your style and your personality. Your smile makes brightens my day. Keep shining! I cannot wait to see your next adventure.

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  89. Happy Birthday and I'm glad you got the puppy you wanted. Hi-five for being able to get yourself that fantastic car!
    www.toyastales.blogspot.com

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  90. Everything in this post looks amazing! From the fabulous red-carpet style dress and jewellery, to the lifestyle experience :)

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  91. Happy birthday to you ! Your photos are breathtaking ! Kisses :)

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  92. The lady in red wow this post made me speechless.
    The car,the dress and the house everything is sos beautiful
    You are so blessed. Regards: Brian a Writer at Blog Tutorial Supporter

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