QUEENS ARE BORN IN FEBRUARY || HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

  So this day some years ago a queen was born! Funny story, my mum told me I was almost born on leap year which she didn't want so she prayed for early labor and I was safely born on the 27th, thankful for that. Imagine waiting every 4 years to celebrate my birthday.
 I’m indeed proud of the woman I am becoming, as I see my dreams coming together one at a time and I have faith (Jeremiah 29:11) it will only get better from here. Looking back I’m really grateful and thankful for everything that has happened in my life, the good and bad, for what has come into and what has gone out of my life; I believe everything has a season and a purpose. I know deep within me I’m not where I want to be right now but I’m glad I’m not where I used to be. 
Anyways, I wish myself everything good, pure x wonderful this life has to offer, success, health x wealth, wisdom, discernment, God’s abundant favor and peace of mind. I definitely can’t wait to see what other plans God has orchestrated for me. Excuse the rumpled gown; it got rumpled transporting myself to the picture location.
Once again A Big Happy Birthday to me 'Benita James'. Oh btw if you'd be eating cake today, eat it on my behalf.
Down below are 20 important things I’ve learnt/learning in my early 20’s
      1.      Constant progression is better than constant perfection.
                     2.      Strangers are more inclined to support you than friends. You’ve to go with the flow.
                    3.      Be financially disciplined (save more money) as nothing is set in stone. Invest your time and money wisely. 
                     4.     The tougher the lesson, the bigger the BLESSINGS!..
     5.      Take every chance in life because some things happen once/for a reason.

6.      Never judge someone by the opinion of another person.
            7.   Keep putting out good, it will come back to you tenfold in unexpected ways.
8.      Be unapologetically you, Do you and do what you love. 
 9.      This sounds cliché but Trust no one or rather pay attention to who you trust.
             10.      Be discreet in order to achieve what you want for everyone who is blessed is envied.
11.      Rely on no one but God. Without God we are nothing. God's timing is perfect.
          12.      Whatever you do, always think about the future (there could be repercussions)
13.      Forgive but never forget the lessons it taught you.
         14.      Don’t be ashamed to struggle to get what you want, nothing is handed freely.
15.      Never allow waiting be a habit. Live your dreams and take healthy risks.
                     16.      Be appreciative and thankful with the little you have someone somewhere has it a lot worse.
17.      There's a huge difference between a boy and a man.
18.      Pride wouldn’t take you far only humility will.
   19.      Sometimes the grass is greener over there because it’s fake.
                            20.      Finally, once you are in your 20’s you should not care how you’re being perceived by people. Trust me you will never be defeated by their actions or words, just ignore and keep building.
QOTD ‘A strong woman accepts both compliments and criticism graciously, knowing that it takes both sun and rain for a flower to grow.’  

Photos: HerroyalAnnie

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219 comments

  1. Looks lovely)) Such skirts are amazing and red color is so great!
    Happy birthday)

    KireiKana

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  2. Happy Birthday beautiful! We are just days apart, my birthday is on Wednesday the 1st of March. Great look to celebrate in, That skirt is just stunning. I love those lessons too. 17 and 19 awesome!

    http://www.fashionablyidu.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww that's cool. I hope you did have an amazing day.

      xx

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  3. Wishing you a Happy Birthday! You look awesome, as always! Thanks for sharing :)

    Kisses,
    Le Style et Moi
    http://lestyleetmoi.blogspot.com.es/

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  4. Wow we have a same birthday in this month! Happy belated birthday for you! Love all the photos!

    www.ismurfshion.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's cool. Thanks for stopping by dear.

      xx

      Delete
  5. Happy Bday dear!♥
    New post on my blog: http://vesnamar.blogspot.rs/2017/02/spring-hurry-up.html

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  6. Lovely Gown. Happy Birthday. Long life. have fun. 🍰🍷🍻

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  7. great outfit!

    http://www.julialisblog.com/

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  8. The tougher the lesson, the bigger the BLESSINGS ! This one is majer key, Happy Born Day to you <3
    I find your skirt glamourous and stunning !
    FashionDRA

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  9. Happy birthday girl!!!! I wish to be in your age :-) You look stunning in this outfit :-)

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  10. Happy birthday Benita. You look gorgeous

    deffinatlyshaz.co.zw

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  11. Replies
    1. Thank you. I hope you had a splendid one.

      xx

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  12. Happy birthday beautiful! I love this red skirt!

    http://violettedaily.com

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  13. Happy birthday beauty! Loving your pretty skirt.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Amy dear and thanks for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  14. loving the outfit bernie and the 20 things you have learnt in your twenties i know your day is going well so as promised i posted the post!!! Again happy birthday!!!
    www.mssparkleandglow.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Kerona Dear. Already stopped by, appreciate you putting it up.

      xx

      Delete
  15. Happy Birthday!! Lovely outfit : )

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  16. Happy birthday sweethrt. You are a blessing. Keep reigning. Love that skirt so much.

    Lasbenditas.com

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  17. Happy birthday gorgeous! You look absolutely gorgeous!

    XoXo,

    Tamara - LoveofMode.com

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  18. I loved this post as it made me reflect on what I learned in my twenties! Happy Birthday, darling!

    xoxo from Napa Valley!

    Paulina
    www.shenska.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Paulina dear, I'm glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  19. Your skirt is everything and I love your pics!
    Kisses, Paola.
    Expressyourself
    My Instagram

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  20. Happy happy birthday gorgeous! You look simply stunning in the black and red, love the skirt too!

    Madame X
    The Flower Duet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear and thanks for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  21. Loved reading what you learned! Happy birthday to you :)

    http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/

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  22. Belated Happy Birthday! You look so lovely!

    Joyce | Joycentricity

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  23. Happy birthday gorgeous! Totally love your birthday outfit! =)


    - Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

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  24. Happy birthday gorgeous! Hope you had an amazing time, and that skirt is to die for ♥

    www.heresometimes.com

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  25. Happy Birthday Benita! Loved your outfit,t he red skirt is a showstopper! Hoped you enjoyed the day with friends and family!

    xo,
    I AM YASMIN

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  26. How fun is this shoot! Loving that gorgeous skirt !

    http://talesoftwoblog.blogspot.com/

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  27. Yes ma’am...Queens are born in February, and you look absolutely amazing. Love your high /low dress. I agree, God definitely has plan to prosper you and not to harm you...Happy birthday to you darling!

    www.vivellefashion.com

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    Replies
    1. Amen. Yes Ma'am. Thank you so much for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  28. Happy birthday lovely!


    http://www.thequinoxfashion.com/

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  29. What a cute skirt, I love the colour
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  30. I hope you had an amazing birthday! Happy Birthday! Love your skirt by the way :)
    http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/02/oscars-so-chic-fashion-recap.html
    https://www.instagram.com/heathernoire89
    https://www.twitter.com/heathernoir89
    https://www.pinterest.com/parisstyle89

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  31. Happy Belated Birthday Babe! God's abundant blessings over your life.

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  32. Happy birthday! Hope you enjoyed your day. Loving the big red skirt, it's gorgeous!

    Reine | Sincerely Reine

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  33. Happy Birthday!Enjoy your day
    www.treschic.fashion
    @mariajosegomezverdu

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  34. Wish you a very happy birthday! Thanks for sharing this amazing post, I just love number 1!

    xx

    Claire from Dresscape
    www.dresscape.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you dear, and thanks for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  35. Once again, I hope you had a very Happy Birthday, beauty! May all your dreams and desires begin to unfold for you, may this year be a year of increase and many blessings with great health! I have to be honest and say that you're probably the wisest 20 year old I "know" haha. I couldn't agree more with all you've shared here, so very true. Thanks for sharing and I hope you're having the best birthday week!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    www.thestylecontour.com

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    Replies
    1. Aww Jalisa thank you so much, your comments always blesses my heart. Amen to that little prayer Jalisa. Oh I'm not 20, I wish haha, I'm in my early 20's. Thanks for always stopping by dear.

      xx

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  36. Happy Birthday darling! You look stunning :)


    Check out my latest outfit post for some inspo :)
    >> http://evaredson.blogspot.it/2017/02/pink-in-city-winter-2017-outfit.html

    xx
    Eva

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  37. I totally agree with these lessons, especially to save money. I wish I started saving in my early 20's!

    Your outfit is beautiful! Happy birthday x

    LAURA ­| Laura Thinks About

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    Replies
    1. I agree too. Thanks for stopping by dear.

      xx

      Delete
  38. I LOVE IT! ♥
    riwlawn.blogspot.com

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  39. You look gorgeous! Happy birthday! Hope you had a great day :)

    http://everythingthatclicks.blogspot.com

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  40. wow that skirt is just amazing :D

    https://alafolie-toinsanity.blogspot.hr/

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  41. Happy Birthday luv.You look gorgeous and looks like this was a fun shot.x

    www.stephylately.com

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  42. happy birthday babe! you are so gorgeous xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com/lifestyle/going-places-moshi/

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  43. OMG I love your blog! Your outfit looks so perfect on you! Happy Birthday Babe!
    xoxo


    www.thezigzaglane.com

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  44. I guess we are both queens since mine was on the 23rd! HAPPY BIRTHDAT!

    With love,
    Brianna
    www.globalfashiongal.com
    https://www.youtube.com/user/briannadeg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, Indeed we are. Thanks for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  45. Happy B-day!!!!You look great in this outfit....happy and stylish....like a modern princess =)
    Sophia
    www.sophiasfashiondiary.com

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  46. Wow! What an awesome skirt! I really like your outfit!
    Happy birthday, dear!
    kisses
    www.recklessdiary.ru

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  47. You look absolutelly fabulous my dear :D Happy b-day <3

    NEW OUTFIT POST | Things That Make You Feel More Mature.
    InstagramFacebook Oficial PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

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  48. Beautiful pics, happy Birthday :) xx

    www.fashionjazz.co.za

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  49. happy belated birthday to you. like how you styled your maxi skirt

    Wendee//theglossychic.com

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  50. Hubba hubba! Someone is looking like a diva! Happy belated birthday, love! I wish you get everything you desire and wish for :) And thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful advice.

    xx
    https://simpliannie.wordpress.com/

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  51. Great Post and that red skirt is so gorgeous, you look beautiful babe...xx, Neha

    http://www.theinstylejournal.com/

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  52. Happy Birthday, Benita!!! You are so beautiful, inside and out!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com

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  53. Yaaay, happy birthday to you!! ♥ Your outfit is just amazing! You lok incredible! :))

    Lovely photos ❀

    * Blog de la Licorne *

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  54. Hope you had a great birthday! That skirt is so pretty.

    Jamie
    Treats and Trends

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  55. Happy Birthday Hun! My little girl is born in Feb too :-) You look beautiful.

    Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com

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    Replies
    1. That's nice, wish her a wonderful birthday. Thank's for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  56. Happy belated birthday gorgeous!! I loved all of your life lessons <3

    Liz
    Www.lizzieinlace.com

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  57. Wonderful outfit!!Happy birthday;.)

    http://www.lostindaydreams.com/

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  58. You look gorgeous dear! Happy birthday!

    Xx,

    || FLOORTJELOVES ||

    www.floortjeloves.com
    www.bloglovin.com/blogs/floortjeloves-12198253

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  59. Hope you had a wonderful birthday! Loving all the advice here. You look absolutely stunning in this statement skirt as well!

    Best,
    Christina
    Looks by Lau

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lau dear and thanks for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  60. happy birthday babe! you are a queen indeed!

    www.prettyinleather.net

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  61. Hi Benita, happy belated birthday, sweetie. I love your look. It is very festive and the skirt fits you perfectly.
    X
    Miri

    http://currentlywearing.com

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  62. First of all, a big happy birthday to you beautiful! Loving that draped red maxi skirt, so luxurious!

    xoxo
    Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Happy belated birthday.. you outfit was super fab💕
    Lippie143.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thanks a lot :D

    love it :D

    NEW TIPS POST | Facial Masks: Importance, Types and Application.
    InstagramFacebook Oficial PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

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  65. Happy birthday to you girl. You do look like a princess with this outfit.
    All the best. Great post.
    xx
    https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zn7IqrAY1I44bRuN6dH-Q

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  66. Happy belated birthday Benita James! You're really gorgeous in this black-red outfit! I wish you all the best thing in life and don't forget to put God first in everything :) Anyway, I also have a cousin who was born on February, 29th, so she only celebrate her birthday every 4 years, omg :))

    xoxo,

    |CHELSHEAFLO BLOG|
    |FACEBOOK| |INSTAGRAM|

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    Replies
    1. I always do dear . Thanks so much for your wishes. Oh I can imagine celebrating a birthday every 4 years I kinda dodged that. Thanks for stopping by Chelshea.

      xx

      Delete
  67. Belated happy birthday Bernie, hope you had a great celebration. Oddly enough, I've been eating cake everyday since Sunday which was my son's birthday party :) This red skirt is so pretty and how you styled it was just perfect. Those balloons add drama to the whole thing. And I agree to everything as it makes sense.

    www.busyandfab.com

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    Replies
    1. So you did eat cake on my behalf :) I'm sure your son had an amazing birthday. Thanks so much for stopping by Mercy.

      xx

      Delete
  68. Love the red skirt!!!
    you look gorg!
    http://www.julialisblog.com/

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  69. Ha ha ha, love the title of your posts!
    Happy bday dear!
    Emma
    www.emmalovesfashion.com

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  70. wow seriously love this blog post!!

    www.londonstylegirl.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Amazing look! What a gorgeous red skirt doll.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Much love, Len
    www.lenparent.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Happy Belated Birthday! I hope you had a great day and you look so beautiful in that outfit :)

    tipscapsule.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Sure looks like you've learnt a great deal of things in life. Strive forward beautiful lady!! Once again happy birthday to you. Wishing you nothing, but the best. May God continue to guide you through this journey called life. :)

    http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank Missy May, indeed I have. Amen and Amen. Thanks for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  74. Happy Birthday, dear! Beautiful look<3
    Julia Shkvo

    ReplyDelete
  75. belated happy birthday dear....loved your outfit...
    http://www.crazyaboutcolors.com

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  76. Happy beletaed birthday! Hope you had a wonderful one and I also wish you a fantastic new year of your life :) I love the outfit and how unexpected yet perfect it is! The text is very motivating as well! I especially like the part about strangers and friends! <3

    fashionabejita.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Tijana. I'm glad you like the post and thanks for stopping by.

      xx

      Delete
  77. Very well! Happy b-day! Have a beautiful day!

    Mary María Style

    ReplyDelete
  78. happy birthday

    http://0chiclife0.blogspot.ba/ follow for follow

    ReplyDelete
  79. I love your shoes :)

    NEW BLOG ! please follow me : YOUNG BLOG

    ReplyDelete
  80. Happy belated birthday! Love that skirt and all the lessons!

    xo
    http://www.carinavardie.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. Happy belated birthday! Yeah queens are born in February. Mine was on the 28 of February.
    www.ethniques.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear, hope you had a splendid one.

      xx

      Delete
  82. happy birthday darling, the photos are so pretty.

    http://cheremimi.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
  83. Haha well if you say so :) Thanks for stopping by dear.

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  84. You are looking amazing!
    I`m following ur blog with a great pleasure via GFC
    Please join me
    Sunny Eri: beauty experience

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear. I'd stop by your blog.

      xx

      xx

      Delete
  85. great post! you want to follow each other on gfc?
    Let me know on my blog :))
    XX, Rahel - www.justrahel.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. This is such an awesome post! Have a great new week. :)
    http://starlingdays.blogspot.com/2017/03/botanical-travel-illustration.html
    https://www.instagram.com/mira_shpak

    ReplyDelete
  87. Lovely post! Maybe we could follow each other on GFC and instagram @djonovicm? If yes, follow me and I follow back as soon as I see it.
    Let me know with a comment on my Blog

    http://intonezzee.blogspot.com/

    kisses

    ReplyDelete