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34 Things For My 34th Year

You guys. I turn 34 today. Well, 30. The 4 is silent. Obviously. The thing is, my thirties have been my favorite years yet. I feel much more comfortable in my own skin, I care less and less of others opinions, I know what is important to me, Chris and I have found a good balance in our life, and of course…Zoe has brought more joy to my life than I could have ever imagined and I am so thankful everyday for our sweet sweet family.

Shout out to my birthday twin, Kate!!! We were born on the exact same day in the exact same year. How cool is that? We almost managed to have birthday twin daughters, Zoe is just a few weeks younger than S!

I thought I would share 34 things about me. I always like learning new facts about people, and who doesn’t like a list? Danielle shared her 34 things about her recently too.

1.I am originally from Pennsylvania. I have also lived in Missouri and Georgia. I lived in Atlanta the longest and felt most myself there, but Birmingham is feeling more and more like home these days.

2. My Spotify playlists are all over the board. More often than not, you will find me listening to music that is at least 10 years old or more. Isn’t the music from whenever you were in high school/college  your favorite?

3. I graduated from the University of West Georgia with my BBA in Real Estate. I still work in the real estate field today.

4. My first memory is of when I was two and walking in my grandmother’s yard barefoot, getting stung by a bee. Still traumatized today, as I tend to run anytime a bee flies near me.

5. My favorite toy growing up was my Care Bear. Love-a-Lot to be more specific. She went everywhere with me. True story, I slept with her in my bed until I was 22 and brought Gracie home. I was afraid that she would try to eat her, so she stayed in my closet after that.

6. On my 18th birthday, my parents present to me is the butterfly tattoo that is on my right shoulder blade. My dad drew it for me. There are two hearts, one on each wing, that are in memory of my Grandma Jerry and Grandpa Carl.

7. The only bone in my body that I have ever broken is my big toe.

8. My favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast.

9. My first car was a bright red 1993 Jeep Cherokee.

10. I played the flute all through middle and high school.

11. My favorite colors are pink and purple.

12. The only country I have visited is Canada when I was ten years old. My sister was five.

13. I have been to 19 states: Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

14. I never went to prom. In fact, my senior year I worked on prom night.

15. My first job was at Kirkland’s. I started at the one located at Mall of Georgia and worked for the company until my first “real job” after college. I am still friends with my boss who hired me.

16. When I was a freshman in high school, my dad won tickets to a Matchbox 20 concert for me. It was my very first concert, and to this day, Hang is still one of my most favorite songs.

 

17. I have young parents. My mom always says that we grew up together. I have no clue how she did it, since I am nearly twice the age she was when she had me. She did such an amazing job with Tracy and I. I hope that I can have a close relationship with Zoe. One of my main worries is that I am an “old” parent.

18. My absolute favorite food is my mom’s homemade pierogies. She makes them every year for Christmas.

19. My favorite season is fall. There is something special about that first fall morning. You know the one….where it has a little crisp in the air and you can literally smell fall. All the gorgeous leaves, the cooler temperatures, the jewel toned clothing, football season. I am a fall girl!

20. Chris and I met on a dating site. We prove that they can have a happy ending!!! Today that isn’t so uncommon, but some people gave us a hard time about it back then.

21. For NCAA, I am an Alabama fan all the way. My second favorite team is Georgia. I cheer for the Steelers and the Falcons in NFL.

22. I prefer cookie cake to actual cake. In fact, I don’t like actual cake except for the icing.

23. Cookie Dough and Mint Chocolate Chip are my favorite ice cream flavors.

24. We all collect something, don’t we? My collections include antique character glasses and Chris and I have a pretty large vintage video game collection going. Also, I love designer purses and sunglasses and have a little stash of each. Treat yo self, I say.

25. I am an INFJ.I have taken the test several times over the years and always end up with the same outcome.

26. I can decide pretty easily on big life decisions if I like a car or a house, but please don’t ask me to pick where to eat.

27. When I was little, my dad worked two jobs and was a volunteer fire fighter. One of this two jobs was a paramedic. I loved when he would take me for ambulance rides. Anytime we were in downtown Greensburg, I would start saying Angel II Angel II and he would drive me by Angel II, the medical helicopter.

28. My first dog was a Dalmatian that my sister and I named Lucky, after our favorite Dalmatian in the 101 Dalmatian movie. My dad was actually excited that is what we wanted, as he had a Dalmatian named Sparky when he worked as a fire fighter.

29. I have always been shy. So much so, that my Kindergarten teacher tried to hold me back telling my mom that I wasn’t emotionally ready for first grade. My mom thought that was total crap and pushed me on anyways. I excelled all through school with my grades, so she made the right choice.

30. I can’t swim. My mom took me to swimming lessons at the YMCA in the second grade and part of the training was being thrown into the 12 foot end of the pool to do jumping jacks. That scared me for life. I made such a fuss and was so scared, my mom was embarrassed and we quit my lessons.

31. Chris proposed to me at Stone Mountain a little over a month after we started dating. I said yes and here we are over seven years later. Sometimes you just know what you want.

32. My little sister is the strongest person I know. I am thankful for her every. single. day.

33. Christmas is my favorite holiday.

34. I have never been to Disney World. I have been at a resort inside the park for work and got to see the fireworks show at night, but never actually got to visit the park. Now that we have Zoe, we are so going!!!!!!!!! If it is the only place I get to cross off my bucket list places to visit, I will be happy.

In honor of my birthday, treat yoself to something today. Since it is my birthday, the calories don’t count!

about me, birthday, favorites

Birthday Wish List and TBB Asks

We are already knee deep in August and you know what August is? My birthday month!!! I do like to treat myself to a few things throughout the month and create a wish list for funsies. Here are a few things I wouldn’t mind having wrapped up just for me!

This Rose Gold Gorjana Lariat necklace has been on my wish list for nearly a year. I think it would go with so many things in my closet and be such a staple piece!!! It would also layer nicely with my beloved Kendra Scott necklace I wear nearly every day!

I am also obsessed with this BaubleBar Aimee Layered chain. Since it is gold, thicker and layered…it gives a completely different look than the Gorjana one!

How cute are these mules in blush??? I am in need of some new work shoes for the fall/winter and these would be perfect!

I want to get a purse that is a little easier to tote around with baby. I love don’t need to carry as much now that she is a little older and I want something I can take to work too without having to take things in and out of her current diaper bag. I think a backpack style like this or a larger tote like maybe this would be better.

How pretty is this Skippy Dip Lip Topper by Jouer?

I am obsessed with slides and these are a classic!

This shirt looks crazy cozy for the fall weekends! I could use a pop of color in my wardrobe.

Cole Haan is the only brand of flats I have found that I can wear for more than a few hours without wanting to throw my shoes in the trash. I have a pair of black ones, and I really want to get a pair of nude to wear as well. These look perfect!

I would love a fancier band for my apple watch, this rose gold one would be perfect! Love the price too!

When Andrea emailed me about TBB link up, I knew I had to participate! These are fun questions to get to know someone better and I got right to drafting my post! But then I forgot all about it when I posted about my weekend on Monday. Better late than never, I always say!

Pool, Lake or Ocean?

My favorite place is the beach, I love to listen to the ocean crashing into the shore. But from the pool. I rarely get in the ocean. If I do, it is maybe ankle to knee deep. Never more. The pool is more my jam.

Camping, cottage or hotel?

I am so not an outdoor person. I never say never, but I seriously cant see myself ever thinking that camping sounds like a good idea. Give me all the indoor amenities and air conditioning. Please and thank you! A cottage or hotel suits me fine.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Cookie Dough

Pj’s, Nightgown, T-Shirt/Shorts or Birthday Suit?

Usually shorts and a tshirt or short cotton nightgowns.

Fave Summer Beverage

Fruity beers and ciders or a mojito. At the beach, I do love a good pina colada! Cant believe I didn’t even have one this year.

Would you rather be hot or cold?

Cold cold cold. Please give me the cold! For someone who lives in the deep south, you would think I would be used to the heat. I hate it! You can always add layers, but you can only take so many off. I am a fall/winter girl.

Sandals with heels or flats?

These days you will find me in flats 98% of the time. I also appreciate a good wedge.

Shorts or skirts?

Neither! I were dresses in the spring and summer or pants in the winter.

Sit in the sun or the shade?

Unless it is in the upper 60’s or low 70’s, you will find me in the shade. See above. I hate sweating.

Water, tea or soda?

water

Fave summer fruit, vegetable?

Pineapple! Nothing beats a pineapple in peak season! I also love fresh ears of corn.

Sunrise or sunset?

I love both, but if I have to pick….sunset. Alabama has some of the prettiest sunsets I have ever seen.

Bike, ride or walk?

Alabama is not so not walkable. Not even our downtown area, so ride it is.

Winery or brewery?

brewery

Garden or no garden?

I do not have a green thumb, nor do I have the time.

Big summer concert or music in the park?

Music in the park, I hate crowds.

Fave cookout food?

Filet or burgers

Dine indoors or patio?

Patio, as long as it is shaded if it is too hot!

Fave summer destination? 

Our annual trip to Gulf Shores

Big theme park or local carnival?

Again, I hate crowds. I don’t really care for either. Though I really really really want to go to Disney World!

Drinks blended or on the rocks?

blended

Popsicle or freezie flavour of choice

You know what I miss? Pudding pops!

Hot Dog or Hamburger?

Hamburger

about me, birthday

33 Things in 33 Years

Today is my 33rd birthday. I can’t even believe it! For those of you twenty somethings out there reading this, while 33 sounds really old and scary to you….don’t let it be. To be honest, I have enjoyed my 30’s much much more than my 20’s. Now that I am in my 30’s, I feel like I can impart some wisdom on you. Here are 33 things in the 33 years I have been around!

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  1. Attitude is everything.
  2. When people say sleep when you’re dead, they don’t really mean it. Everyone needs a good night’s sleep to be at their best!
  3. Friends will come and go from your life. Hold on dearly to the ones that are there for you at your worst. They are keepers and you will be so thankful for them.
  4. You do actually need to know your fractions. How else are you supposed to figure out sales in a store? Duh!
  5. People can really suck. There are so many negative, miserable people out there that just want to bring you down to make themselves feel better. They are toxic and you don’t need them in your life.
  6. People can also be amazing. When horrible tragedies happen in your community, look around. I bet there is a stranger helping another stranger. Remember those kind faces when life gets you down.
  7. We are all going through something, the world doesn’t revolve around you.
  8. Never let go of your dreams. It is never too late to start working towards them, no matter how crazy they seem.
  9. Just buy the crock pot liners. Life is too short to wash that shit.
  10. Any human that can be cruel to an animal doesn’t deserve your time.
  11. Never, ever take the beauty of nature for granted.
  12. The beach is good for your soul.
  13. Never pay retail full price.
  14. Never let someone dull your sparkle or tell you your worth.
  15. Feelings are hard. Those of us who have them wish we could rid them, and those who feel nothing have no happiness.
  16. You can never be over-educated.
  17. Be careful with your words, they cut deeper than any weapon.
  18. When someone is being difficult to love, they need your love the most.
  19. Chocolate has antioxidants, just eat it.
  20. YOLO
  21. You will never regret being kind.
  22. Nothing smells better than an infant or a puppy.
  23. Laugh every day. Laughter cures so many things.
  24. If you notice on your way home that you are going to need to get gas the next morning, just get it now. Your future self will thank you.
  25. Marry someone you can laugh with. Beauty and money can come and go, but laughter you will have forever!
  26. Your mom was right.
  27. Spend time looking at the stars at night. Nothing can put things in perspective more than realizing there are galaxies that we don’t even know about among the stars that we can see.
  28. Do something charitable at least every year. The more often the better.
  29. Let go of things in the past. Just forgive, forget and move on. It doesn’t help anyone to hold a grudge or anger towards something/someone. Or to use the past in a current argument.
  30. Never say never.
  31. Treat yo’ self.
  32. Do something that makes you feel like a kid. It’s good for the soul!
  33. Growing a human is the coolest thing I have ever done.

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Shout out to my birthday twin Kate!!! Happy Birthday!!!  Not only do we share the exact same birthday, but we are pregnant at the same time!! How cool is that?

And shout out to Andrea for the sweet sweet birthday surprise I received last night. I am so thankful that blogging has brought so many amazing people in to my life. I appreciate each and every single one of your comments and exchanges I have with you through email.

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Birthday Wishlist

It’s my birthday month and I make wishlists if I want to! I can’t believe a week from today I am going to be 33. THIRTY THREE. Why does 33 sound way older than 32?

I remember when I was younger, like 4 or 5, and people would ask me about my dad and I would tell them that he was really old. Like at least 40. In reality, my dad was in his 20’s so I am sure that made him feel real good. The day he turned 40 I joked around with him and told him that at least now when I told people my dad was at least 40, it was finally true. I don’t think he was amused. Now when my kiddo starts her guesses….it will probably be way more true than how rude I was when I was younger. It was pretty cool having young parents. Sorry dad! 40 really isn’t that old anymore. At all….

Anyways, before I have a panic attack lets move on to my list!!!

The big item I have my eyes on is the Coach diaper bag I shared with you last week. Nearly every single one of you said to get it in black so that is what I am leaning towards!

Coach Diaper Bag

Michael Kors Sandals – These have been on my radar ever since I saw my birthday twin Kate wearing them! And they are on sale right now!!! HELLO! I love a sale!

Perfume – I am not sure what perfume I want, but I haven’t had any in a long time. I keep using up free samples that I get and they aren’t exactly ones I want to purchase. I love Dolce and Gabana The One, a few of the Michael Kors scents, Coco Mademoiselle  and one of my all time favorite scents is Coach Legacy but it is hard to find and is usually just at places like Kohl’s now apparently.

Coach Legacy Women's Perfume

University of Alabama Alex and Ani Bangle – With football season starting in 27 days, how perfect is this? Plus I just love Alex and Ani!

Nordstrom Rack has the most amazing selection of marked down designer sunglasses. Basically every pair I own has come from there. I am digging these Kate Spade ones! You can’t beat that price. You just can’t.

Bobbi Brown Stone Shimmer and Beige Shimmer Shadows – These are perfect for everyday!!!

Or this Bobbi Brown palette might be a better investment with allllll the colors!

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip

MAC Radiant Rose Concealer – I have heard amazing things about this concealer and with the little amount of sleep I get these days, momma sure could use this!

What have you had you eyes on lately?