Happy Friday friends, and happy birthday to me!
I’ve shared my birthdays here on Friday Faves for what seems forever. Actually, It’s been 6 years since I started the blog. WTF? I’ve also shared that German Chocolate Cake and my MIL’s Turkey Pot Pie are my birthday faves.
Well, my friends, tomorrow marks a milestone birthday.
And I have to admit, I’m a little shy about sharing the fact that I’m turning the BIG 50, only because of the same reason most everyone who is over 40 is reluctant to admit they are too.
Because we don’t want to appear old.
Or wait…Is what’s old new again? And then when we question ourselves, are we…
Outdated.
Past our prime.
Reliving the past like it’s new again (enter mohawk dude above.)
No longer hip. Or cool. Or fly. Or dope. Or whatever word is urban-dictionary-of-the-moment.
No longer relevant.
Becoming our parents. Hey, I love you mom, but you know the saying…
Past our born on date???
Oh sweet baby. Fill my wine glass to the top again, will you?
But you know what? I wouldn’t exchange even one of my hard-earned 50 years to go back to being 20, 30, or even 40 again.
Because…
I have all of this.
Years past on milestone birthdays I was still figuring out who I was and who I wanted to become. Climbing the corporate ladder. Or at least trying to figure out how to. Still thinking that people actually looked at me and how I dressed/looked/acted and thinking they actually cared enough to judge. And guess what? They didn’t. All the worrying of what others were thinking of me when all they thought of was themselves. Wondering if I’d ever have the family/home/life I had envisioned for myself?
The fine lines and my ever-deepening cavern of a worry line between my brows (now plumped up with Botox thank you very much and not gonna apologize for it either) plus the extra lbs I never thought I’d have, have only moved me into a more relaxed, more caring of others position in my life.
I’m so happy at this point in my life. So grateful for the ones I love. For the life my man and I have created for ourselves. For our family. Our home. For the job I love. And to share it all with so many faces I know, and with a whole bunch of you I wouldn’t recognize from Adam.
Because guess what? My life isn’t just about me.
This is why I love the age I am…as of tomorrow. 50. FIFTY. The BIG 5-0! And I’m proud to say that yes, I’m older than you thought I was. Or at least that’s the conversation between you and me that’s going through my head :). Because I’m still living life to the fullest no matter what the digit mark.
Now…my mom might have a different side of the story.
The realization that she has a 50 year old daughter? I mean, she acts and feels like she did at the same age she birthed me. And I can’t disagree, because where did time go? HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? Hell. I feel the same way she did, but now with my sweet Smudge as a 12 year old!
As the years have gone by, I’ve slowly come to understand what she means when she says she doesn’t FEEL any older, but she just FEELS OLDER.
And just like her, I’m a firm believer that you are only as old as you THINK you are. And because I have so much living to do…oh, honey…I’ll always be young.
So…I want to know…What’s your secret to feeling, acting, being forever young? Because I am open ears. If you’ve gotten this far through this ode, grant me this birthday wish by sharing your keeping it young philosophies in the comments below.
But enough about me, let’s dig into this week’s list of Friday Faves.
Yes! Yes! Yes! They’re coming back! #justjack and the crew are returning come fall 2017 !!!! Sorry guys, but this is so much better than Gilmore Girls. And nothing is more apropos in my eyes for today’s DC festivities than a watch of this video. The writing. Oh, the writing is SO GOOD.
We’re running low for 2017! Have you gotten yours? If you haven’t, enter BIRTHDAY at checkout for 30% off your entire order. Happy birthday to you too!
Are you kidding me right now with this AMAZING cake? Happy birthday to ME! And the tip on cake flour is spot on.
Loved this article on cooking mindfully. #6 is especially important!
Can’t wait to roast some bananas and make these little babies!
speaking of bananas…
How insane does this banana bread look?!
This savory breakfast bowl! Oh my yes.
Digging this overnight breakfast smoothie.
To all of my Instant Pot converts (you have one, right???), you need this guide that shares which button to use for every Instant Pot cooking situation.
and…
Here’s an Instant Pot soup you gotta try.
Going nuts for this granola.
This skillet pizza is calling my name.
Nachos for breakfast? This is living right.
This burger gets me.
100 food trends for 2017 according to Pinterest. So THAT’s what jackfruit is used for!
Here are the best-selling cookbooks of 2016, and two of my friends—here and here—made the list! SO PROUD of these blogging entrepreneurs!
These lemons are helping women detect breast cancer. Smart!
Back when I was a server there were things I saw and overheard that would shock the pants off you, but thankfully I was never on the receiving end of this list of the worst breakups servers have ever seen.
And on the other end of the spectrum…
#Couple goals! I can’t get enough of her.
photo: @hannahlbright
This weekend is the beginning of the Sundance Film Fest in Park City. WOOT WOOT! Last year I Snapchatted my way around Park City asking people, “HEY! ARE YOU FAMOUS???” This year I’ll be searching for celebs on my Instagram stories—I’m coming for ‘ya Jennifer (on my birthday no less!) Follow me to see the rich and famous we do indeed find, and who just THINKS they’re famous.
more Sundancing stargazing opps:
Chelsea Handler is leading the Park City women’s march down Main Street on Saturday. I bet Jen will be right at her side. Hot dang! That’s the same time as Smudge’s basketball game. Crap.
The hottest parties at Sundance.
but…
The biggest party won’t be on Main Street.
Here’s the list of celebs I hope to be spying upon. Man! I’m gonna be busy!
What celebs wear at Sundance—in case you want to impersonate one so I think you’re a celeb and get you on my Instastory and you suddenly become FAMOUS!
and if you can’t make it to Park City…
5 girl-power documentaries to screen on Netflix now.
Calling all Lin-Manuel Miranda and West Wing fans! You’re gonna love this mashup…
This Insta account is cracking me up! And this one is still my favorite.
This patio makeover is pretty dreamy.
but if you’re in the mood for something a bit…ahem…larger…
A peek inside the most expensive home for sale in the U.S. for a cool $250 mil. And if you can afford this, please invite me over.
I’m all about skin care (hello, anti-aging!) and after seeing this on The Today Show as one of the best anti-agers, I’m giving it a try.
and…
Smudge is getting this gel to combat those pesky teen breakouts. It’s supposed to be the newest, greatest thing and was previously only available with prescription.
Did I tell you about my new favorite highlighter? I LOVE IT!
This would be a cute transition piece, plus it’s on sale.
And this cute dress (add inexpensive too) has me excited about spring. Wait. What? Already?
Recipes I Pinned This Week
Here are three mouthwatering recipes I’ve pinned this week that I definitely think you should pin as well!
Cheesy Garlic Bread and Meatball Rolls
Who’s ready to make the Superbowl even super-er?
Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl
I could seriously eat this for lunch every single day.
No-Bake Chocolate Cream Pie
I’m all about a no-bake pie, and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this velvety dark chocolate goodness.
Have an amazing and yummy weekend, fabulous friends!
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I love your blog because it is so comprehensive!! You jump from one interesting thing to another and I don’t know how you do it! Happy Birthday!! You did such a great job articulating the dilemma each birthday brings in terms of being happy to still be here yet recognizing that change is coming so quickly. I have tried to address this conundrum on my blog (metirementblog.com) as well and I have ten years on you but our thoughts are universal! You have done a great job conveying the confusion/ambivalence/temerity we are all feeling as we age. Keep up the great work!
Happy belated birthday! I love that you shared this because I will be turning 50 in April, and I’m having a hard time with it. I would never want to go back in a million years, however, and I’m sure in the next few months I’ll come around and embrace it. Hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Love your blog, esp. the Friday faves. I turned 51 a few months ago, and can relate to most of what you write (except the botox). But skin creams — sure thing! Probably more sleep would help me:)
Just wondering what the name of the gel your daughter is getting for breakouts. When I click the link it says the page isn’t available.
Happy birthday, Heidi! Looks like you had a wonderful 50th! Thank you for all you do and for sharing your awesome recipes with us :-).
Love your outlook and your blog. Your joy comes through in every word. Congratulations and happiest of birthday celebrations (so far).
Actually 50 is pretty fabulous! Happy Birthday!
Happy Happy Birthday Heidi!! We love you and are so proud of you!
Xoxo, H#2
Happy Birthday!!! Love, love, love Friday faves. Trying to order a planner and the discount code isn’t working
Happy Birthday Heidi! Our age is nearly a number. Just know we are all glad you were born, and we celebrate your being you!
Dear Heidi,
I’m an Englishman of a similar age to your Mum. Isn’t she beautiful!
So impressed! (Guess you were lucky enough to inherit some genes..)
Strangely I also have a daughter nicknamed Smudge, now at university in Birmingham.
To business. I’ve made your crab gremolata many times, to much approval.
But crab in England is dear, (even where I live in lovely Devon), and I make your recipe with smoked haddock! It’s a stronger flavour, and much appreciated. Perhaps you’ll give it a try.
Still breathless at your beautiful Mum….
Oh and I forgot to mention the Will and Grace video…..
#LOVEIT
Happy birthday weekend, Heidi! 50 looks good on you (um, you’d seriously never know!) and with your sweet fam and all those incredible memories, I have a feeling this year will be your best yet! Cheers to you – hope there’s plenty of champagne and a fab dessert waiting for you tomorrow! xo
Happy birthday heidi! I love reading your blog and appreciate your voice! Have an amazing weekend!
Happy Birthday my adorable daughter. Can’t believe that it’s been 50 years since you were placed in my arms and changed our lives for the better!! You are such a hard working, caring woman. Keep moving ahead because you have so much to offer. And hey, do you feel any older!!!!! XOXOXO
Happy (early) Birthday Heidi! You are so gorgeous inside and out, and I’m so grateful and lucky to call you a friend. xoxo
Happy birthday Heidi!!! 50 looks fabulous on you! Age is just a number and you are awesome proof of that!
Happy Birthday Heidi! I am 57 years old, and have never felt better or been happier. Husband is retiring next month. Oh the plans we have! Daughter happily married, blog is doing great…off to see the world! p.s. you look amazing..enjoy, it only gets better!
Happy Happy Birthday, Heidi! Thank you for sharing your stories and your life with all of us. I appreciated your thoughts about turning 50 and while I’m “only” turning 40 this year, it was a good reminder that as you get older your worries about what others think tend to cease because you finally figure out who you are and what is important in your life, not others minds. I read something recently that said: “other people’s opinions of you are none of your business”. Trying to make that my motto this year. ;) And yes, you are older than I thought you were but in the very best way possible! Thank you again! Have a wonderful weekend celebrating you!!
I love that quote Staci. I’m adding it to my own to remember. Happy 40!
Well, you’ve posted a Will and Grace clip that says basically if you weren’t a Hillary supporter, you are a racist, sexist homophobe. I really just come here for food/cooking/ lifestyle content. Now you’ve insulted about half of the country.
Please tell me how to unsubscribe.
Yes, so agree! I really look forward to your Friday Faves but did you really have to get a dig in for those of us who are hopeful for a positive change?
Thank you Bev, I too am just as hopeful as you are that our new President will be a success, and for all of us to succeed. And yes, to the point of yours and PRachel, I do occasionally share content like this in addition to choosing recipes to share because it ALL contributes to my lifestyle. Thank you for reading and here’s to 2017!
Sorry you took it that way, I thought they did a nice job of showing both sides of the coin. I’m sorry you feel that way. If you’d like to unsubscribe you can do so at the bottom of the email in your inbox. Thank you for reading ’til now.
Blogging is not about saying what we think the masses will approve of. You start going that way and you lose your voice and credibility. Tolerance is a beautiful thing. There is room for it on both sides.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I am in the 50 club as well, though honestly, I have to “do the math” most times when someone asks me my age. I just don’t think about it. I know it sounds corny, but I think age really is a state of mind. And in my mind, I don’t have an age. I’m just a gal loving life :)
Remember, 50 is the new 40! I hit the big 5-0 last year, no big deal :)
Happy Birthday!!
I agree Jen. My mom used to ask me every birthday if I feel any different and the answer was always the same. Nope. She doesn’t ask me so much anymore, I think she’s afraid of the answer! :)
Happy birthday! I just turned 50 too, last week. I made the decision to get over myself and just own it, but it’s not easy. Go us!
I like the way you think Turner. Get over it and own it. I’m on your team. Thank you for sharing this and happy birthday to YOU!
Happy Birthday! I recently turned fifty-six. Yes, I had to type that out. And in my head, that is 4 away from 60. Yikes. However, I know so many amazing and strong women older than me, my closest friend is in her 70’s… and I am inspired! One of my earlier-in-life goals was to wrinkle happy, because you can’t, unless you have a life well lived and full of laughter. And, I think I am wrinkling happy! While I don’t love the wrinkly, crepey skin thing very much, I try to remind myself how much I loved my Grandma’s face, and how much I still love my Mom’s face, and the faces of all of those women I am so proud to be friends with. Again, happy birthday, and thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing this Brenda and congrats to you! I hear you on moving toward the next generation, but thankfully the years keep coming. I have best friends who are a variety of seasons, from mid-60s, to 40s, and yes, even 30s and I think that’s one reason I feel totally happy about where I am in my life because I can live every age with them. And I LOVE your advice on wrinkling happy. What a great philosophy to have. Because as my cute grandma Mary Jane would have said, if you don’t wrinkle happy, you’ll just wrinkle unhappily. Thank you for the well wishes and thank you for reading FC.