Last year, my friends and I planned a fancy dinner together before we all went to our separate ways for our first year of college. We all got dressed up and went to the restaurant RoseBud in our local Downtown Naperville. It was such a fun, delicious and loving experience to be surrounded by such an amazing and beautiful group of friends.

This year, I wanted to do something similar, but without all the pressure of dressing up and spending a lot of money! I decided to host a potluck dinner at my house! For anybody who doesn't know what a potluck is, it is meal or party to which each of the guests invited contributes a different dish, either told by the host or of their choice. I sent invites to a bunch of my girl friends and began to be extremely excited! I told them they could bring whatever they wanted, but I wanted them to at least attempt to make something! I know I was going to be!

Hours until the event, I had all the dishes set up to be cooked and a list of all the food that everybody was going to make to bring to this little party. I even decorated my basement! Setting up tables and chairs for everybody who was attending, I even put up little lanterns to make it feel more festive.

Party ready basement!Photo by: Alana Charboneau

Dinner table setup!Photo by: Alana Charboneau

This party was to really show my friends how much they meant to me. I tell them just about every day, but the fact that we all go back to school, it's sometimes harder to really show that to each other when we are far away. These relationships are important because sometimes we can forget to really check up on each other. Everybody knows how it is, sometimes people just get busy.

Polaroid memories Photo by: Alana Charboneau

I love these girls (and so many more) with all my heart! Staying close to these girls has been really important to me so I thought I would take it one step further...

To top off the night, I bought each of my friends bracelets from a business called Pura Vida Bracelets as a surprise! Sadly, they didn't come in until the next day, but I have began delivering them all! Nobody knew what they were getting and they don't know which bracelet they are receiving either. All random! On Pura Vida's website they state, "Every Pura Vida Bracelet is carefully handcrafted by artisans around the world. The commitment to their craft is conveyed through the quality of their work. The artisan's dedication to the "pura vida" way of life is demonstrated in the seemingly endless color combinations and innovative styles. Each bracelet is as unique as the person wearing it." Each bracelet created represents an organization that has partnered with Pura Vida (over 174) to spread awareness and share proceeds to help that organization. Pura Vida also provides jobs and opportunities for creativity to hundreds of people around the world. They have donated more than $1,534,879 in less than 8 years which is INCREDIBLE.

B.E.A.C.H.Photo by: Carrie Bigott

Lung Cancer AwarenessPhoto by: Alana Charboneau

From Saving the Sea Turtles to Lung Cancer Awareness, I thought this was a really good opportunity to really give back in such a simple way. They now can feel good about having a bracelet that gives back to make a difference; whether small or big! I am glad I gave my friends company with some wonderful food, made or brought by everybody, and a small gift to show them my appreciation!