Someone Else's Birthday Suit

Most days I dress for myself.  I've said it before; I'll probably say it again.  I wear what makes me happy whether other people like it or not.  On rare occasions I dress for other people, and this outfit was for Stephen on his birthday.

 

Sweater, Walmart; dress, Younkers; earrings, gifted (thanks, Sue and Kristin!); necklace, swapped; shoes, Younkers.

 

On days that are important to Stephen, I try to look normal.  This is what I imagine normal looks like.

 

It's not a birthday without a birthday cake.  Here is Stephen's.  It's a lemon cake with lemon-lime butter cream frosting.  It's also one of a kind because I didn't write down what I put into it.  Happy birthday, Stephen!

Luck o' the Irish

I'm not Irish, but the biggest comment I got on this outfit is that I look Irish.  I guess it's all the green.  Or maybe I'm just lucky.

 

Jacket, thrifted; dress, Target; tights, Target; shoes, Younkers; earrings, Claire's; necklace, thrifted; bracelets, variously thrifted, gifted and Fire Mountain Gems.

 

 

Unfortunately my jacket lost a button just before I started taking photos.  A more ambitious blogger might have quickly sewn it back on.  I just tucked it in the pocket for later attention.  

Death Becomes Her

Yesterday was my 30th birthday.  Happy birthday to me!

 

Sweater, thrifted; dress, Target; opaque tights, Target; lace tights, Younkers; booties, Target; earrings and necklace, thrifted; bracelet, Claire's; ring, gifted (thanks Mom!).

 

This Day of the Dead print dress seemed like a fitting tribute to the end of my 20s.  I added opaque and lace layered tights and black and white cameo jewelry.

 

I am so overwhelmed by the kindness my friends and family showed me for my birthday. I absolutely don’t deserve the consideration and thoughtfulness shown to me throughout the day, but one of the great joys of life is that we sometimes get more than we deserve. Thank you to everyone who made my 30th birthday the best birthday yet.

 

Another Turn Around the Sun

As many of you know and are tired of hearing, today is my birthday.  You may wonder why I get so excited at birthdays.  Everyone has one, and some see it as simply marking off one more year of existence.  Well, I made it through another year, and that is more than approximately 56,597,000 people annually can say.

I have now lived almost three decades (next year).  If I were a Neanderthal, I'd be a senior citizen.  In the early 20th century I would have been past middle-aged.  As it is, I'm glad that I should be in the first part of my life (Fingers crossed.  I could wake up dead tomorrow, but I hope not.).

This is my own, personal holiday where I can celebrate what make me "me."  Every year I look back at the things I've accomplished, the people I've met, and the lessons I've learned.  The experiences I've had, both good and bad, shape who I am.  I'm not afraid of getting older.  I'm not trying to hang on to the past.  I want to see and experience more and more in the coming years.    So today I'll celebrate my life- the things that have happened and the potential the future holds.  The best is yet to come.

Happy birthday to all of you too, whenever your celebration is.  :)

Happy Birthday Kate!

Mom, me (in the back) and Kate, way back when.

My little sister is 27 today.  Happy birthday, Kate!

I am so lucky to have a sister who is also a wonderful friend.

I miss her, and I'm glad we live in the digital age when we can live across the country from each other and still keep in touch.

5:00 A.M. Boot-y Call

Nothing good happens at 4:50 am.

I went back to my boot camp fitness class this morning.  I had perfect attendance for my first 6-week session, but last session I was derailed by my persistent fever issues.  I haven't been to boot camp in the past 3 weeks.  Needless to say, morning came really early today.

I even managed to beat or tie my test results from last session.
Push-ups: 9 full
Plank hold: 1 m 17 s
Mile run: 12m 1s

Last session my stats were:
Push-ups: 9 full
Plank hold: 1m 11s
Mile run: 12m 54s

It is amazing how much better I feel when I get out and exercise in the morning.  Gadget appreciates it too since he gets a longer walk on days I do boot camp.

Breakfast of champions

Since I was all healthy this morning, can I have cake for breakfast?  It's a post birthday tradition.

Birthday: Part Trois

No birthday would be complete without a festive dinner with the man I love.  It was Mexican, of course.

So handsome.  He really is a deluxe husband.

XX's "The Most Interesting Man in the World."

Mandatory margarita

The secret ingredient is love.  And butter.

Stephen slaved long and hard to make this cake.  He baked it completely from scratch.  It was delicious, even more so when paired with raspberry wine from the winery/B&B where we got engaged.

The real "most interesting man in the world."

 

My 2011 Birthday Suit

Don't tell my mom there are pictures of me on the internet in my birthday suit!

Yay!  It's my birthday!

Pretty in pink

 

 

Pink cardigan, Worthington, thrifted; pink lace t-shirt, Eyeshadow, Younkers; nude cami, Oscar de la Renta, Sam's Club; jeans, Rejoice Jeans, Marshall's; pink flower flats, Xhiliration, Target; pink flower necklace, Goody Two Shoes; green floral beaded bracelet, won at bellydancing workship; blue and gold beaded bracelet, handmade and gifted (Thanks Angie!), pink sunglasses, gifted (Thanks Tracy and Donna) leaf earrings, Walmart.

It's the 28th Annual Jeanne Appreciation Day

Also known as my birthday! 

My wonderful husband has spoiled me completely rotten. The festivities today included...

Waffles

Shaped like ducks and cows.

Fire in the fireplace

Russian tea

Peacock and polar bear ornaments

Faux candles to put in our windows

 

Stockings are hung by the chimney with care

Bridesmaids rented for tonight's enjoyment

Birthday boots (on clearance at Target)

Even Gadget got a bag of birthday Christmas joy

 

Stephen is now working on baking a cake for me.  From scratch!  No cake mix or frosting tubs will be harmed in the baking of my cake!

As you can see, I am thoroughly overindulged and completely fortunate to have my wonderful husband and amazing life.

FTD Surprise

When I got home from work I had a big box waiting for me.

Inside was this beautiful orchid. 

Thank you Mom!