30 candles

A little older; somewhat wiser; always young at heart. 

Happy Birthday to me.

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Five for Friday: Twenty-nine was divine

In a few hours, my Birthday Weekend will commence. The fiance and I will be on a plane to Colorado, ready to kick off my next year. I admit, turning 30 is a little scary. But the plan is to rock it out and embrace the gift of another year.

It's a little hard to leave 29 behind because it was an amazing year. I felt settled in Arizona, started my own business, traveled around the country, saw my family a lot more, started getting healthy and became involved in my college's alumni association. 

It's incredible the difference a year makes. Twenty-eight was full of transition and uncertainty, but it built a foundation for how great 29 was. So here's to 30 being even better and another 365 days of growing, loving, experiencing, laughing and learning.

1. Open for business

I really never intended to start my own studio, but it's been such a joy. Using my design skills in a different medium has been an incredible creative experience. The blog also celebrated its first Birthday this past year.

2. Adventure is calling

Working on a newspaper copy desk didn't allow me the opportunity to travel much, so I'm making up for lost time. Exploring the country (and world) is one of the best things a person can do for themselves, and I was blessed to visit California, Colorado, Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Texas and Washington this year, crossing off a few more from my 50 states checklist.

3. Family ties

I traveled home to Washington a few times this year, and even though the trips always seem short, I cherish the moments I do have with my family. Celebrating my nephew's first year of life and being home for Christmas for the first time in five years were some of the highlights of 29.

4.  Workin' on my fitness

One of the best decisions I made this year was getting back in the gym and eating better. I'm not big on the 30-before-30 types of things, but I am proud to say I've lost about 30 pounds just in time to turn 30. Continuing to make my health a priority definitely isn't going to stop at 30.

5. School spirit

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a little obsessed with my college. And through the Washington State University Alumni Association, I've had the opportunity to channel that love into organizing events for our local chapter and beyond and meeting fellow alumni. October will see me represent our Arizona group at the fall meeting in Pullman and attend college fairs here in the AZ to recruit out-of-state students to WSU.

Revisit Fridays of the past here.

Fashion to furnishings: Birthday bliss

It's hard to believe it's time to blow out Birthday candles. What's even harder to fathom is I'm turning the Big 3-0 on Saturday.

It's been a low-key Birthday Week, which has been nice, considering it's about to get outta control this weekend. The fiance and I are heading to Denver on Friday for the Great American Beer Festival. Then we're making the short trip to Boulder to watch our college's football team play the University of Colorado on my Birthday (Cougar Football + my Day of Birth = Meant to be).

It hasn't been all chill, though. I kicked off Birthday Week by completing my first mud run. And I'm happy to report I was 35th out of 183 individual female finishers! Yay! We've also attended two really fun D'backs games, including a 10-inning thriller Tuesday night. Today, I'm getting my hair did and treating myself to a mani/pedi.

In lieu of 108 Birthday Week posts, I put together this fun Fashion to furnishings: Birthday edition. I was completely inspired by this gorgeous dress. And even though I'll be rocking game-day gear and not sparkles, this would be my dream 30th Birthday if I was having a traditional party. But seeing my college play in person on the same weekend as one of the biggest brew festivals in the world is a gift made just for me.

Get your party on: dress / cake / garland / confetti / balloons / invite / candles

Delve into the fashion to furnishings archives.

Happy Birthday on a budget

So in my effort to play catch up, I wanted to share how I decorated my nephew's first birthday party. My brother and sister-in-law gave me free rein and in keeping with the invitations and plan I designed, we went with a Mickey Mouse theme. 

With a little help from Michaels, the Dollar Tree, Jo-Anns and my family, Liam's party was cute, but didn't break the bank. Coming in under $115, it goes to show you can have a fabulous celebration without spending ace loads of cash. And even though the guest of honor won't remember it, the day was filled with love and I can't wait to show him the pictures when he's older.

A first birthday party in the making

I was thrilled when my brother and sister-in-law asked me to design the invites for my nephew's first birthday party on Saturday. We decided to go with a Mickey Mouse-themed celebration since it's Liam's favorite. I tried to keep the invite somewhat modern by using the polka dots, while still maintaining the Disney brand via the font and the colors.

The party decor is going to be simple, but packed with fun details like my DIY budget birthday party for the fiance. I have an idea for the table centerpieces and can't wait to show you the finished product. Amid all the planning, it's hard to believe Liam is already one. Time really does fly by. And I'm so happy to be home to celebrate his first year.

1. Yellow + orange balloons | 2. Paper mache "L" | 3. Yellow, black + orange color scheme | 4. Mickey Mouse | 5. Candy in dish | 6. Picture frame | 7. Envelope guest book | 8. Banner | 9. Yummy drinks + fun straws

Five for Friday: Nice to meet you, 29

This time last year I was celebrating my 28th year of life with the fiance, fondue and some of my closest friends and co-workers in California. It's crazy how much can change in a year. Never did I think I would be out of sports journalism, living in Arizona, venturing into the blogging world and at a crossroads in life.

As I get acquainted with my new friend 29, I have a few goals for our upcoming year together.

1. Career carousel: I grapple each day with where to take my professional life. Do I return to my first love in newspapers? Or do I take a different path? A career in psychology, graphic design, music or sports information is appealing.

2. A healthier me, continued: I've been working out and eating right for a month now and I feel better already. It's something that is a priority for me this year and beyond. I even found a few races I want to enter. Stay tuned for the details.

3. Say yes to the venue: The one thing holding the fiance and I back from becoming Mr. and Mrs. is finding a wedding venue we agree on. We've decided it should be somewhere in Washington, preferably in the San Juan Islands, but that's as far as we've gotten.

4. Rack up the miles: There are a few international destinations I want to visit, but staying domestic is more likely in the next year. Visiting friends in Idaho, California and Indiana is on the agenda. I also wouldn't mind checking out New York, Chicago and Hawaii (again).

5. Computer love: I never imagined the blog would be received so well when I started it back in May. I'm thankful for the continued support, new things I've discovered and people I've "met" as a result. I will work full-speed-ahead to continue producing fun and informative posts. As always, thank you for reading!

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A Happy DIY Birthday

Trips to the Dollar Tree and Fry's Food Store and some strategic shopping around the townhouse produced the inexpensive, but fun setting for the fiance's 29th Birthday surprise fiesta, proving you don't have to spend a fortune to design a cool celebration. Personal touches such as his favorite candy and family pictures made it even more special, which no amount of money can buy.

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Streamers + ribbon: $4

Balloons + ribbon: $2

Candy: $10

Flowers: $9

Candy dishes: $2

Candy cups: Free - Already owned

Flower vase and dish: Free - Already owned

Pictures + picture frames: Free - Already owned

Mason jar + candle: Free - Already owned

Wrapping materials: $5

Grand total: $32*

* Cards + presents not included in budget

Surprised + happy fiance: PRICELESS

Happy Birthday, Judy

I'm so incredibly blessed to be able to call you mother. I wouldn't be the person I am without your sacrifice, love, kindness and wisdom. Even though I can't be there to help you celebrate, you're always in my heart. I love you.