30 candles

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

Happy Birthday to me.

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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.

You can find me at the Small Shop

It's Erika's Birthday week, and I'm helping her celebrate on her blog today. Head over to Small Shop for my drool-worthy decor inspiration and essentials sure to dress up any party. While you're there, check out her fabulous casa tour and lamp revamp (one of my fave DIY afters).

And now I leave you with the coolest Birthday jam of all time. Nothing says "I'm glad you were born" quite like trick-riding neon jet skis and booty dancing.

Happy Birthday, Erika!!! You rock!

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Even though the distance separates us, you are always with me, Mom. I wish you nothing but the best in the upcoming year. Without you, there would be no me. I love you.

8,766 hours and counting

They say time flies when you're having fun, and it couldn't be truer. It's hard to believe, but a year (8,766 hours to be exact) ago today I set up shop in my little corner of the Internet. And what an adventure it's been. 

I've learned a lot about myself thanks to blogging and couldn't imagine life without it. I started Turn Up The Rad to get back into writing and in the process fell in love with graphic and interior design and connected with amazing people near and far.

In the coming year, I look forward to bringing you more Color Crush, Fashion to Furnishings, In Rotation, Five for Friday, 50 States and Design Crush. If there's anything you want to see around these parts, please let me know.

And as always, thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your comments, emails and encouraging words. They really do make a difference.

In honor of the bloggy turning one (and because I have the worst time keeping a fun secret), stay tuned for a big reveal in the coming weeks.

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