**Lauren Conrad Embraces Her 40s with a Senior Prom-Themed Celebration**
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As she turned the significant milestone of 40 on February 1, Lauren Conrad, best known for her role on the reality series *Laguna Beach*, welcomed the new decade with enthusiasm. In a recent cover story for *PEOPLE*, Conrad expressed her excitement to enter her 40s, explaining that rather than feeling anxious, she feels rejuvenated and ready for this new chapter in her life.
Reflecting on her journey through her 30s, Conrad shared that it often felt like a checklist to complete by certain ages. “By the time I’m this age, I want to do this and this,” she explained. However, her perspective has shifted. “Now I’m like, ‘You’re good. You can slow down and enjoy it,’” she remarked, embracing a more relaxed and fulfilling outlook as she moves forward.
To mark her 40th birthday, Conrad hosted a lively senior prom-themed party, a celebration she describes as immensely enjoyable. Stepping away from the realities of fame that marked her early adult years, she now finds happiness in the quieter pleasures of life. Married to husband William Tell and raising their two young sons, Liam, aged eight, and Charlie, aged six, in her hometown of Laguna Beach, California, Conrad has prioritised family life over the limelight.
Having spent years in the glaring spotlight of Los Angeles, Conrad appreciates the anonymity her hometown offers. “Nobody cares who I am here,” she stated, highlighting the privilege of living life on her own terms after many years of being in front of the camera. This peaceful existence has allowed her to savour precious family moments away from public scrutiny.
After a brief return to reality television, Conrad will once again share the screen with her former cast members in the upcoming anniversary special, *The Reunion: Laguna Beach,* which is set to stream on The Roku Channel starting on April 10. This reunion, featuring beloved co-stars like Kristin Cavallari and Stephen Colletti, invites fans back into the scenes of their youth, blending nostalgia with camaraderie.
Conrad initially thought revisiting the show would be akin to “riding a bike,” but she admitted that getting back into that world proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Moreover, after years of hesitation to watch episodes that focused heavily on her teen love triangle, she now does so with a newfound sense of humour. “I’m able to laugh at myself now, whereas when it first came out, I was definitely embarrassed,” she reflected, recognising the growth that has come with time.
Post-reunion, Conrad appears ready to embrace her settled life once more. With a sense of contentment and gratitude, she stated, “I feel very settled and happy. I just feel grateful right now.” This sentiment resonates deeply as she seeks to balance her personal and professional life while nurturing her family.
In addition to her role as a mother and wife, Conrad continues to develop her fashion brand, collaborating with Kohl’s and expanding her empire, which remains pivotal to her identity. She is keen to maintain privacy and focus on what truly matters to her, demonstrating that the glitz of reality television is no longer her primary concern.
For readers who wish to learn more about Lauren Conrad’s journey and current pursuits, the latest issue of *PEOPLE* will be available on stands this Friday, offering a closer look at the woman behind the reality star persona as she embarks on this exciting new phase.