29 before 29.

As Thursday and another year in my birthday belt notch grows I decided to put something down in writing about what I'd like to accomplish in my 28th year. So, I've compiled a list of the 29 things I'd like to do before I turn 29.

In no particular order....

1.  Read a minimum of 30 books.
2.  Spend less, shop my closet more.
3.  Take more photos.
4. Dedicate more time and effort to the blog.
5. Make homemade pasta and sauce.
6.  Go to a new city where I haven't been before.
7.  Volunteer for more shifts at the holiday window display for the SF SPCA.
8. Less time inside, more time outside.
9. Join a sports team/bowling league/sign up for ice skating lessons.
10. Bike across the golden gate bridge.
11. Take a how to make a terraneum class with my mom.
12. Take a photo every day for 30 straight days.
13. Go to the symphony with DH.
14. Learn to fix/sew a button.
15. Try a new beer once a month.
16. Go fruit/pumpkin picking.
17. Hike Angel Island.
18. Get as close as I can to the city where my grandpa was born in Italy.
19. Bake at least once a month with the new kitchen aid mixer.
20. Go gokarting with my family.
21. Define my style better.
22. Visit the Italian American museum in the presidio.
23. Organize and play a bocce ball day.
24. Be nicer to my cuticles (so I can finally have nice manicures...)
25. Take a spontaneous drive.
26. Make a new friend.
27. Make a stranger's day
28. Clean and reorganize my wardrobe AND keep it up (for longer than a week).
29. Exercise more and eat better.

And so this isn't totally boring, my outfit for today. I picked this necklace up on Monday and just adore it.

jeans: banana republic, blouse: jcrew, necklace: h&m, blazer: frenchi

necklace details

Well, that's it for now! On the eve of my 29th I feel... good. :)

Twenty seven.

Today is my twenty seventh birthday - holy cow! Significant in a few ways.... in less than a year I'll be 27 and marrying my best friend (who will also be 27). My mom was 27 when she had me (oh lord!). And 27 just kinda seems like a cool number, yanno?

As I've gotten older (lol) I've realized that its good not to have expectations. 21 wasn't great. 25 wasn't outstanding, either. But last year and this year I didn't have any expectations. Friday night we celebrated with my family at a little Italian restaurant. Saturday night we celebrated with a few friends at a bar. Last night the fiance and I had dinner together. And that's just what I need, really. No need for a huge party or spending tons of money.

Sometimes I also get really reflective and a bit sad. 6 years ago today was the last time that I spent time with my grandpa before he had his stroke and became ill. I miss him so much - it's days like today (and on holidays) that the pain sometimes still seems so raw - almost like it happened yesterday. I know that he wouldn't want me to be sad - but I do miss him a lot.

Since this week is so crazy with work (not only for me but for fiance as well) we celebrated last night at the Four Seasons downtown. On Sundays and Mondays they do this dinner deal - a gourmet burger and wine/beer/cocktail pairing for 20. I indulged in the duck fat kobe burger, a chimay red, and a cocktail. We also had a smore ice cream sandwich for dessert. Perfect in every way.

I apologize for the lack of images today but I just wanted to write.

August

Hello August, when did you decide to slowly creep up on us?  Goodbye July, I hope we leave your nasty weather behind.

It's insane to think that at the end of this month I'll be 27. I feel old(ish). My mom was 27 when she had me - and I'll be 27 when I get married. I definitely can't see myself having a kid at 27... LOL.

Anyway... since its my birthday month I've decided to compile Laura's big ole birthday wishlist of some things that I'd love to have - and most of them I can't afford. But hey, window shopping doesn't hurt anyone!

I know I've mentioned them before but I still love the urban outfitters suede pump. Still lusting after these. And guess what - they're on sale! For 39! With that price tag I may have to use some of my birthday money and get a pair. I just don't know what color.... or two. ;)

A maxi skirt. And this one has stripes. In case you haven't noticed, I love stripes. This Anthro skirt is too cute - and I could pair it with tons of different solids, too! Lust!

And speaking of stripes, this is definitely on my birthday list. I can't help but love Jcrew's stripe-breaker sweater and I'd love it in either the blue or gold stripe. Come on, birthday!

And what birthday wouldn't be complete without jewelry? Still craving the zen necklace from Sarah Chloe - any color would suffice!

And of course, it wouldn't be a proper birthday lust list without one big out of control whammy wish - the Chanel caviar jumbo flap in black with silver hardware. Maybe for my 30th.. but there's something about this bag that oozes timeless classicness and I'd never ever get tired of carrying this bag.

Well that's my short birthday list - here's to hoping! And happy August!