30 Before 30

Friday, July 29, 2011



Tomorrow I turn thirty. There, I said it.

Though I love the idea of a 30 before 30 post, I've got to do lists arm-lengths long and the idea of creating yet another one seemed dreadful. So I thought I'd go the opposite way and compile some favorite things I've experienced in my three decades. As bittersweet as it is to reach the big three-oh I can't complain about my years thus far. Without further adieu (and in no particular order):


  1. Graduate college (I wasn't even sure I wanted to go, boy am I glad I did!)
  2. Bungee jump at age 13
  3. Cry at the sight of the Eiffel Tower in Paris at 18
  4. Celebrate the Millennium in London - Y2K y'all!
  5. Have LASIK surgery - a majorly scary decision but a good one
  6. Sell half my life and move to the big city
  7. Travel to Asia for work 
  8. Win a beauty pageant
  9. Hold the hands of two grandparents as they passed away
  10. Start a blog
  11. Serve on a fashion board
  12. Marry young
  13. Marry a foreigner
  14. Use eye cream since I was a teenager
  15. Live far away from my family
  16. Work in corporate retail
  17. Host a 1980's themed trolley party
  18. Participate in a flash mob
  19. Drink red wine
  20. Pierce my belly button (so '90's!)
  21. Cook a little more each year
  22. Sing in public - as backup for a friend and at our wedding
  23. Take a cruise
  24. Try acupuncture and hot yoga. And like them.
  25. Renew my vows in Vegas (with Elvis!)
  26. Enjoy photography
  27. Survive a Snowmaggedon. (Or Chicago winters in general.)
  28. Still cry when I leave my family
  29. Learn to celebrate the little things
  30. Turn 30 (in Vegas. Booyah.)

And thank you self, for never getting that butterfly tattoo in your early twenties. You would sooo hate that now.

Cheers to the next 30! More laughs, more love, more life.

18 comments:

  1. Happy (early) birthday, Ashleigh! I am so happy for you :) You've certainly accomplished a lot in your first thirty years (some really cool things I might add), and I can't wait to see what the next 30 bring for you! Happy, happy!

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  2. Happy early birthday!!!! I love your list of accomplishments!

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  3. awesome post! happy early bday... so many amazing things you've done already :)

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  4. YOURE A BEAUTY QUEEN? not that im in the least bit surprised. but seriously. can we get a feature post on your tiara or something? also happy BIRTHDAY. i thought you were like 24.

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  5. Happy Birthday! Love your list, a great way to look back at things :)

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  6. This is such a wonderful tribute to thirty fantastic years-have an AMAZING birthday, gorgeous!

    xoxox, Lena

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  7. Happy Birthday! 30 isn't as bad as it sounds...it just comes and goes. Last year when I was turning 30, I kept reminding myself of something Jennifer Garner said in the movie Thirteen Going on Thirty..."Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving!" Embrace it xo

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  8. Dear Ashleigh,

    On your Birthday...

    I wish you much pleasure and joy;
    I hope all of your wishes come true.
    May each hour and minute be filled with delight,
    And your birthday be perfect for you!

    xoxo

    Cam

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  9. Happy birthday girlfriend. The 30's get even better!

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  10. Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful celebration filled with laughter and surprises! Love your list, by the way!

    Anyway, I just host a new giveaway so stop by and enter for a chance to win a piece of fabulous jewelry of your choice!

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  11. Happy birthday! I did a 30 before 30 list and only made it half way so I like your take on recaping things that you've loved over the years instead. I turned 30 this year and it's honestly been one of my favorite ages.

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  12. Happy Birthday!:D Thanks for sharing your list, inspired me to accomplish more before I hit 30.:D

    Happy Sunday!:D

    ***** Marie ******
    allthingsmarie.com

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  13. Happy Birthday my darling. So proud of your accomplishments and the fact you follow your dreams w/hard work and faith. You have a unique and loving 'aura' and the best of your dear grandparents. Being w/you is a celebration in itself. You are an extension of my heartbeat and it beats w/joy for my amazing daughter. See you soon. YEAH Luv, MOM

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  14. Happy Belated Birthday Ashleigh!! I hope you're having an amazing time on your holidaaaaze -- I think they're about to start up again. Woot!

    I love that you made a list of what you've ALREADY done--very cool. Hope to see you in CA.

    xo,
    C

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  15. Happy Belated Birthday! Welcome to the 30 Club! It's FABULOUS! I hope you're having a great time in Vegas!
    xo

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  16. Yes, yes, YES to turning 30 in Vegas! Right there with you :)

    XXo,
    Neekoh

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