Thursday, May 30, 2013

Birthday Suit

GET THE LOOK:
c/o Wallis Jacket (option) (option)// c/o Wallis Shorts (option) (option) // Forever 21 Top (option) (option) // c/o Wallis Heels (option) (option) // Target Bag (option) (option) // Forever 21 Earrings (option) (option) // Forever 21 Bracelet (option) (option)

Yes, it's true. I am wearing my birthday suit today because it's my birthday! Lucky me, I am now officially in my mid-thirties. Whooopeeeee! I say that with 100% sarcasm. I mean, how did this happen? How is it even possible that I am 35? 

Yes, I am happy to still be alive to celebrate another birthday, but I am not nearly as excited as I have been in the past when May 30th rolled around. Heck, I used remind everyone all month long. Not one, but two Mexico vacations were planned around this day. Friends and family gathered for some serious throw downs.

This year? Eh, not so much. This year is low key; dinner with the family, lunch with a few friends and a hanging out by the pool on Friday. This plan actually sounds quite nice.

I can honestly say that I feel like (and possibly look like) I'm still in my 20s, only better. I am finally exactly where I want to be in life and it only took 35 years to get here.

Let me explain.

I am not working a dead end job, being underpaid and being called the "marketing girl".
I am doing something that I am passionate about and more dedicated than I ever been in my life.
I started a blog and post pictures of myself. Who would have ever thought? Not this girl.
I don't have to go to a bar to have a good time. 
I can walk down the street and hang out with some of the best friends in the world.
Ross and I made it through some treacherous and agonizing bumps and now love one another more than the day we got married.
My kids can make their breakfast, dress themselves and wash their own hair. Definite highlight.
We found a church home that we love and has brought us closer to God.
I have learned to let go, move on and not let anything that happened in the past tarnish me.
I have faced my demons and fears and gave them a swift kick in the you-know-where.
I am stronger, more confident, courageous and self aware.
We are more financially secure thanks to all of Ross's tireless hard work for our family and company.
I have a core group of friends. We are raising our families together. It takes a village, ya know?
I will walk shamelessly into Forever 21 even though I am far from 21.
I no longer live in a house. I now have a home.
I can officially say I have traveled to another country besides Mexico. Still smiling from London.
We have child care tuition FREEDOM after 8 years. Can you say major raise?
Student loans are the thing of the past. It only took 10 years.

And did I mention that I started a blog and now I have friends from all over the world; one in particular that is coming to visit me in August! It's crazy for me to wrap my brain around this whole blog world. I will tell you one thing, it got me through some pretty dark times and provided me something that I can call my own. A place where I can express my thoughts, inspire others and push myself to do things that I didn't even know existed. I wake up every day being so thankful for my little space and that I can come here and share my life and loves with all of you, my friends.

In a nutshell, life is pretty darn good at the moment and I don't feel my so-called age one single bit. What other choice do I have than to embrace this time in my life...all 35 years of it. Now, in five years, if I am still around, then we will readdress this whole age thing, but rumor has it that 40 is the new 30. We'll see.


Shanna

117 comments:

Jeans and a Teacup said...

Happy Happy Happy Birthday! You look amazing! And I'm so happy for you and all the things you've been able to accomplish! I really think life gets better with age so enjoy 35 and all the years to come!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

Whitney @ EHFAR said...

Happy Birthday!

Sandy a la Mode said...

happy birthday!!! you have accomplished soo much, it's amazing!! hope your day is FAB!!!

xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode

Marta said...

Happy Birthdey!!!This outfit is awesome!

http://www.martasfashiondiary.com/

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Shanna!!! You look beautiful in your birthday suit. I am loving your tee. Yes 40 in the new 30s - I am living healthier and loving life!

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Unknown said...

happy birthday, lovely! on a side note ... I'm so jealous that you've paid off all your loans!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! That is the chicest birthday suit ever! Sounds like you have much to celebrate this year. Family and friends make life complete. Enjoy your day!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday!!! Such a great post and a gorgeous look, I love the gold bracelet! xxx Thou Shalt Not Covet

Unknown said...

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Shanna!

Charming Lucy said...

Happy Birthday! I love the top and those rockin shoes! I just placed my first Wallis order yesterday! I can't wait to get it. I recently turned 40 and it was easier than 35 - go figure(: Susan

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

Happy Birthday friend!!!!!! Sounds like you have a fabulous weekend planned. LIVE IT UP!!!
p.s. Love that gold clutch!

Ashley said...

Sounds like you are in a really great place, my friend. This year is going to be YOUR year!! Happy Happy Birthday!! Have THE best day!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love those shoes. great outfit. ( :
Happy Birthday! mine was May 23rd. super fun!

Unknown said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

I hope you have a FAB day to go with that FAB outfit!!!

Alissa
FeelingGoodStyle.com

Terri Grothe said...

Happy Birthday <3
YOu do not look 35 at all, i would give ya 22 or 23. looking good girl

FitTravelerAJ said...

This post warms my heart! You have accomplished SO much in 35 years, you are a very lucky lady. If I can accomplish only half of that in my entire life, I will consider myself blessed.

HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY, SHANNA!!! Enjoy every second of it!

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com

TaraMixandMatch said...

Happy birthday Shanna, I hope you have a blast!

still being [molly] said...

happy happy birthday, shanna!!!! you are such an inspiration to so many people. here's to 35 more years (and more!!)

Because of Jackie said...

Loved this post! First of all, I'm glad another blogger out there is in their 30's (I'm soon to be 33!) and not all 22:) I feel a connection to you as we have a lot of similarities and sensibilities. Hope you have a GREAT birthday and life just gets better and better (as it does once you reach 30 and more, right?)

Katie said...

happy birthday shanna!! i'm glad I've "met' you!! and you look beautiful as always!

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

Happy birthday Shanna! You are a gorgeous person inside and out, and you certainly look like you're still in your 20s! :)

Fizz and Frosting

Unknown said...

Happy Happy Birthday pretty lady!! You are such an inspiration and I hope that I can say all of those wonderful things when I am 35! So proud of you and all your accomplishments!!

Amy Shaughnessy said...

First of all, happy birthday, hope you have a fantastic one. Secondly, I think it is great that you have accomplished some amazing things over the years. I LONG for the day my boys can make their own breakfast. Ha ha!

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds

Unknown said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNA!! Hope your day is amazing and filled with allllllll the cupcakes! :D

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

I am very thankful that God brought you into my life through this world of blogging. Happy Birthday! Glad to have you join the mid-thirties crowd. One thing I have realized, being nearly 40, is that age does not define you. Being exactly where you want to be does...great list of things to be thankful for! Enjoy your birthday celebrations :)

Sarah said...

Happppppy birthday!! Love this and love your positive outlook on life! Hope you have the BEST day and weekend celebrating!

Danavee said...

Happy birthday! That's a pretty fulfilling list you have there! I hope this year is another amazing one!

Sarah Tucker said...

Happy Birthday, sweet lady! I sure love you and pray you have a WONDERFUL birthday!!

pretty little things said...

happy birthday shanna! hope you have a wonderful day! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

Alyssa said...

So chic––you look absolutely fabulous! Happiest of birthdays to you!

Jessica @ City Sequins said...

Happy birthday!!!!! Enjoy your day with your family :) It is so nice to hear all of the amazing things that you have accomplished!

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

Love this post so much, and it's not my birthday but I put something similar together about life and where I am vs. where I expected to be and it's on my blog today. doo doo doo doo

Have a FABULOUS birthday! xoxo

TheTinyHeart said...

Happy happy birthday, Miss Shanna! You've accomplished SO much and I think it's awesome that it's exactly where you want to be! Enjoy your birthday dinner...I think low key birthdays are the best ones :)

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Bracelet Giveaway!

Ladies in Navy said...

happy birthday and gorgeous outfit!
kw ladies in navy

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday gorgeous! You SHOULD walk into Forever21 like the hot little number you are! <3

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday! Your tshirt is too cute -- love that you've paired it with a shorts suit.
-Kodi
grey et al

Samantha said...

Happy Birthday!! You definitely don't look 35...more like 25! I love the line about being able to have fun without going to a bar. The best feeling :)

Dara @ Not In Jersey said...

happy birthday! I'm shocked you are 35! I'm turning 35 in November. :)

Angela said...

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPIEST of birthdays to you, Shanna! Hoping this year of your life brings your much joy, success, and love! <3

Brooke Hamilton said...

Shoot! 35 is the new 25! I can't wait until I'm where you're at. Happy Birthday!

Heidi said...

Happy Birthday! I turned 30 earlier this year and it was actually more empowering than anything. I have a much better sense of who I am and what is important to me. That's not scary, that's liberating.

Now if only I could pay off my school loans :)

http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

Rachel said...

Happy Birthday! I cannot believe you are 35- you still look like you're in your early 20's! Love your take on a "birthday suit"- that's so creative.

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Shanna! You look gorgeous, the perfect birthday suit :) And girl... age is just a number, nothing else! If I am doing and looking this rockin' in my mid 30s then YES!!!!! :)

Chelsea Alise said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY XOXO

Unknown said...

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You look FABULOUS & are an awesome person (obviously we all feel like we "know" you from your blog) I LOVE to read daily! I'm about 6 mo older & 35 hasn't been too bad so far, lol!
Have a super fantastic day!
Jules

Laura B @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels said...

Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!! Hope you have an amazing week!! I've been wanting to try a shorts suit.

Always Maylee said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my dearest blog friends! I am so blessed to know you and get to take a peek inside your life every day on this blog. I hope one day we get to meet in real life and I know it'll be like we've been bffs for years. I hope you have an amazing day!

Remember, according to Carrie Bradshaw, women in their 30s are AWESOME. And I know she's right! Love ya! :)

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Audrey @ Putting Me Together said...

Happy birthday, Shanna! I smiled at that list of things in your life. So happy for you!

rebeccalately said...

Happy Happy Birthday!!! You don't look 35 at all! When you posted the sneak peak of your birthday suit, I thought you were turning 30 (but only because I was guessing based on your kids, haha) You look awesome, Shanna! I am so glad I found your blog. You are awesome and I always finish reading your posts with a huge smile on my face :-D

jackie jade said...

love this and love how much you've accomplished. i want to do a similar "look at all i've done" review on my next birthday too. congrats on your success and have the happiest birthday!
-- jackie @ jade and oak
-- jewelry giveaway

Setarra said...

Happy Birthday Shanna! You most definitely look like you're in your twenties! You are absolutely glowing in your photos :)

Ashleigh said...

LOVe the heart top! It's so whimsical and fun with the shorts suit!
-Ash
www.thestylizedwannabe.com

Gwen said...

I think you absolutely look like you're still in your 20s. And as someone who is 45 I'm here to tell you that the 40s rock, too!

Have a wonderful birthday!

Ruthie Hart said...

Shanna I can only DREAM to look as good as you at 35! And have such a positive, free spirit. Happy happy birthday!

jeands said...

Happy Birthday! You look darn good for a 35. Enjoy your day!

Holly said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHANNA!!! What a beautiful birthday suit and post to commemorate today! I am so happy for you and all you have accomplished in your 35 years. What an inspiration you are! You look amazing and you have an amazing outlook on life. Congrats to all the great things you've been able to do. You deserve it! Love you tons, lady!! Thanks for always being so positive and inspiring! xoxo

Jessica Ashcroft said...

Happy birthday Shanna! What an amazing list of accomplishments! I can only hope to have all of those at 35!

You are gorgeous inside and out!

xo, Jessica

Unknown said...

Happy birthday, pretty lady! You are looking amazing as always, hope you have a wonderful day!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday! Love the outfit.

Megan
budgetfashion101.blogspot.ca

Cece @Mahogany Drive said...

Happy Birthday! You look beautiful in your 30's and I could not agree more. 30's are pretty darn awesome. I was a hot mess in my 20's and finally found myself in my 30's. You are in a good place and that is amazing!!! Enjoy it.

Allison @ Mrs. Southern Mama said...

First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLFRIEND! Second off, you (honest to God, as my witness!) do not look a day over 27. KID YOU NOT. Keep up whatever you're doing :) xoxo

Darby Hawley said...

Yay!!!!! Happy birthday young thang!!!! Age is only a number and I'm glad you feel 20 bc you look great!

Stesha said...

This is my third Happy Birthday to you because I just cant say it enough! You look amazing in this outfit, I am so proud of everything you have accomplished. I dream to be like you at 35!

xxS

Chasity @ Haute Mommy Blog said...

Happy birthday! Love that suit!

www.hautemommyblog.com

Andrea said...

Happy happy birthday sweet friend!! I hope you have a wonderful time with friends & family! We will have to plan a little time to get together and celebrate ourselves!

I am so happy that I found your blog and we have become friends!! You are such an amazing woman and I admire that you set out to do what truly makes your heart happy!

Love ya girly!

Blue Dog Belle said...

Happy Birthday LOVE!!!

Bri said...

Ow Ow Ow!!! You are struttin that birthday suit girly! *sexxy whistle* ;) Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have the most wonderful day with the family!

susan jakovina said...

Happy Birthday again! Just loving this on you.
And I need to email you with a question...I will get there eventually. Sigh. xoxo

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday. Love yoru outfit!!!! The t-shirt is adorable.

Don't forget to link up today for my Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up.

Agi:)

vodkainfusedlemonade.com

Danielle said...

Shanna!!! I would have never guessed you were 35! I had you pegged for at least 5 years younger! You look amazing, lady! Happy birthday!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Happy birthday!! You do look like you're in your 20s - I totally thought we were the same age when we first "met".

I hope this year is even more amazing than the last!

Carly said...

Happy Birthday my friend! You look awesome, I'm turning the big 34 this year, it's crazy how time flies isn't it?

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday sweet Shanna!! Loved reading this post! You are the best! : )

Kayla
www.lovelucygirl.com

Lindsay Erin said...

I would have never guessed you were 35! You definitely look as good as you feel. Happy Birthday!! And I love the birthday suit, particularly the detail on the waistband of the shorts.

Katie Did What said...

Awww I love this post!!! SO amazing how beautifully you are counting all of your blessings! Happy birthday, and here's to another healthy and happy year of life for you, my friend! :)

xo

Whitney Ellen said...

Your probably one of the most inspiring people I "know" and you are so beautiful on the inside and out. I'm so happy you've found your happy place. Happy, happy birthday. I'm so happy to call you my friend.

Helene said...

You ARE exactly where you need to be, but you do have the look if a 25 year old, can't get much better than that! Happy birthday Shanna!!!

Eloise August said...

Love this post. Thanks for sharing. I'm still in my mid twenties and in that entry level job/struggling financially/student loans stage you referenced. I can only hope I am as awesome as you when I hit 35! Hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Kathrin@shopschoolsleep said...

Hapy birthday to most wonderful fashion blogger,mother, friend from another state, Delta Zeta sister!!

You don't look a day over 25!!I hope to be similar o you (especially in looking young and fab) when I hit 25!!

Laura said...

Happy birthday, Shanna!! I loved reading this post. I'm honestly looking forward to my thirties and have heard they are the BEST years.
Congratulations on being where you want to be and cheers to being happy!!
Have a wonderful birthday. Enjoy. :)

xoxo

#mommylife said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNA! 35 going on 22! ;) have a great day! your bday plans sound perfect!

carrieburke said...

Happy Birthday! And I absolutely adore that outfit!

Amber Dominguez said...

Happy birthday sweet lady!

Lauren // Pink on the Cheek said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Shanna. I was just thinking, how is this girl 35? I hope I look 1/2 as good as you when I am 35. Yes, that's 5 years away but you get it! Hope you have a fabulous day!

Style-Delights said...

Happy Birthday girlfriend! You are sure an inspiration :-) Love the way you described the advantages of being wiser and older:-) BTW, I shop at F21 too, in my mind I am still so very young:-) Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
Style-Delights Blog

Rachel said...

Happy Birthday, Shanna! You don't look 35 at all! I was actually shocked when I read that. I'm 25 and you look like someone my age! (I'm not just saying that to suck up, I mean it!)


Hope you are having a GREAT birthday with those important to you!

Hannah @ Just Call Me HaHa said...

Happy birthday Shanna! I love your take on the birthday suit. I'm also a May-baby. We're the best :)

Allison said...

You look amazing and have accomplished so much you can smile about!! Happy Birthday sweet girl!!!

Anonymous said...

Those leopard heels are hot! Love them!

Jessica Who? said...

girlfriend, i love this post.

first- let me just say i had NO idea that you were turning 35. like none. you are looking damn good!

second- this post made me cry. i am working towards most of those things on your list. i too struggle with the whole "marketing girl" dead end job, underpaid crap. and i too am so beyond amazed with what this blog has done to me, my life, and even my personality. i know you have a few more years on me but i'm hoping that i can tackle some of my issues sooner rather than later.

thanks for making getting older sound not-too-crappy ;)

i'm hoping i can make it to texas soon to make you my REAL LIFE friend and not just a friend in the blog world :)

love ya!

Jessica Who? said...

OH!!! and i wish you the happiest of happy birthdayssss!!!!!!! xoxoxo

Whitney H said...

NO WAY are you 35!!!! That's amazing girl. If 35 looks like you, I can't wait to get there!

happy birthday gorgeous girl!

Samantha @ Designer in Teal said...

Happy Birthday pretty lady! You absolutely look like you are still in your twenties and your outfit is so cute! Sounds like life is treating you well!! So glad to have "met" you in the blogging world!

XO Samantha

Unknown said...

Happy birthday! Your post title made me laugh :) and seriously, you don't look 35!

http://findingmyinspiration.blogspot.com/

Rach said...

Happy birthday, friend! You really do look like you are still in your 20s! I'm so glad you are in such a wonderful place in life right now. What a blessing! :)

Unknown said...

This post made me smile! Happy Happy Birthday, lady!!!! I hope you have fun celebrating :) xo love you!

Danielle @ The-Lifestyle-Project said...

What a well-written post, happy birthday Shanna!!

Annie said...

Happy happy birthday to one of my favorite bloggers! I hope you had an awesome day Shanna....you deserve it. Loved reading this post...it kind of makes me excited for my next birthday instead of scared :) You rock!

Annie

Katie said...

You are so cute!! A big happy birthday to you :)

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

Happy birthday my gorgeous friend!!!! You deserve all the good that's come to you and more! It is an awesome feeing to be doing something you're passionate about, and I know it's creepy not knowing you in "real life" but I'm so freaking proud of you!!!!! xoxoox

Alyssa @ Sweet Shangrila said...

Happy Birthday, Shanna!!! I'm so glad you are at such an amazing point in your life, you are so positive and inspiring. I hope you've had a wonderful birthday!

Jenn @ WLB said...

yayy happy happy birthday!

Lindsay said...

Happy Birthday lady! You couldn't look more stylish or beautiful. I adore this whole outfit from head to toe. Perfection. You make me look forward to 35 (if I can look half this good!)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Stylish Lady!!

Lauren said...

Happy Birthday! You dont look a day over 25!!! Love your post today! It's nice to see so much positive in a post, especially about getting older!
:)

Lauren
www.laurenslook.com

Great suit BTW!

Cathy said...

Yay, happy birthday, babe! It's my dad's b-day too :) Loving the white shorts suit and that studded heart tee is an unexpected and fun pairing! Be sure to check out my DOUBLE shoutout to you in my most recent post :)

http://cstyledesign.blogspot.com

fashchronicles said...

Happy birthday, Shanna! You are truly blessed :) That is a wonderful suit to wear! Hope you enjoy the rest of your birthday celebration...

www.fashchronicles.blogspot.com

Just Another Shopaholic said...

This is one incredible outfit and I hope you have an incredible Birthday Shanna!!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday!! You do not look 35! Also, amazing outfit - I'm in love with it. It is so wonderful that you are exactly where you want to be in life :) Happy Birthday again!

Unknown said...

Love the shorts suit!! And happy birthday!!!

xox

http://thattallgirlinheels.com

Girls Love Fried Pickles said...

I have already said this but I am sure am glad you were born. Love you!

HIDING IN HEAVEN by Lolita said...

Love the suit ! it's perfect with leopard heels...

http://hidinginheaven.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-one-with-beach-bag.html

Melanie said...

Happy Birthday Shanna! You look fabulous!!

xoxo
Melanie
Melanie: My Style Reflection

Makaila said...

aw honey, you look absolutely amazing, and what a life you have built!! Happy Happy HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! XOXO

Chelsea Oliver said...

Happy (belated) Birthday! Can I just say, this might have been the most motivating post I've seen in awhile? At the young age of 23, I'm currently wondering what's next and what to do with my life. Just graduated grad school and hoping the "good jobs" will roll in haha - 35 might not seem as exciting to you right now, but the amount of security you have right now, makes me jealous - so don't wish this time away in any means!! Enjoy!

-Chelsea
chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

Selma @ Crazy Little World Of Mine said...

Happy belated Birthday!!! We are almost birthday twins. ;)

xoxo

Misty, Handbags + Handguns said...

Hot Mama!!! Love the shoes.

I'm 34. I figured we were close in age. :)

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