Thursday 6 October 2011

twenty-eight

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These pictures are actually from today (unheard of on my blog). Today is my twenty-eighth birthday.

I think I've been kind of embarrassed about my age since starting my blog. The blogosphere is so full of eighteen-year olds with their own businesses, modelling contracts, works published in magazines I still can't afford subscriptions to.... but never mind. I think I'm going to like this age... the thought of it approaching hasn't given me any trauma like some past years, but feels like a good fit. Do I wish I was turning twenty-four? Sure, obviously. I spent my twenty-fourth birthday sitting on a beach in Barcelona, and life was good. But I remind myself that the past four years don't just boil down to looking a bit more tired each morning.... I've also acquired a Masters degree, learned two (well, one-and-a-half) new languages, lived in three other countries, written two books (publication is this year's goal) and spent a truly shocking amount of money on coffee and dresses. And, I remind myself further, if I'm currently working part time in a job that is soooo not for me it's because I choose to... I chose to come live here again, and I chose to work part time so I could focus on said books. I've got a wonderful family, lovely friends... and choice. I'm truly a lucky twenty-eight year old. Plus, I've just received a $50 voucher to Amazon from my sisters in my email, so bonus! Thanks Mo and Sho!

The card is from my dad (he hid it in my suitcase, like always) and is a close-up of some Tiffany's stained glass windows--we all like a bit of Art Nouveau en mi familia.

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P.S. How amazing is the terrace of my new flat? Shared flat, obviously...
P.P.S. This outfit couldn't be any more me. Posh skirt paired with t-shirt I've been sleeping in for a week. ; p

skirt: Snoozer Loser (last year's birthday present to myself), t-shirt: American Apparel (stolen from Shona) necklace: gift from my mom, shoes: Blowfish (birthday gift from Mom four years ago).

Pictures taken with my and my parents joint birthday gift to myself... my new baby camera. ; D

58 comments:

The Semi Sweet said...

Happy Birthday Emily!!!! 28 is going to be your year...I can feel it:)

And the pictures on the roof top patio are amazing! I love the collection of plants and the terracotta tiles. Looks like a great place to live.

Anonymous said...

HBD Emily! Hope you have a wonderful day full of people you love and maybe cake, adore the flats!

Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

Closet Fashionista said...

First, love the outfit!
and second, wow I never would have guessed you were 28. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I know what you mean, 4 years down the road I will probably feel exactly the same way that you do, I have a good life and the choices I make are mine alone so where I end up will be my doing (and I'm excited to see where that will be!)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Catita said...

happy bday sweetie! love that skirt and cool to get a new camera :)
xoxo
Catita

tm said...

happy birthday! i just turned 29 a few weeks ago and do admit to having more "Get offa my lawn" moments these days. I have less tolerance for people ("young adults," or "my contemporaries") not much younger than me (5-8 years). often, ones i encounter seem so... not ready for anything. blame the helicopter parents, i guess?

gbgb said...

i just turned 29...and you know what, age really is just a number. too much importance is placed on it, look forward instead of looking back, you're living a wonderful life & there's so much ahead of you :)

absolutely love the skirt you're wearing!!! it's great!

happy birthday! hope you have an amazing week of celebrations :)

Amrit said...

Happy Birthday Emily. I know so many people who are born from 2nd Oct to 10th Oct including myself. Several of them have birthday today.

By the way 28 is not old. It is very very very young. Take my word for it.

Cat said...

Happy birthday lovely lady! Wow, you've achieved so much in four years. I really admire how you just go for things rather than let yourself be constrained by life. I wish I could just up and leave for Barcelona, count yourself lucky (as I'm sure you do!).

I hope your 28th birthday is a fabulous one!

Cat xxx
http://www.takecourageblog.com/

Eleni said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Eleni said...

Happy birthday! Don't worry, us ancient 28-year-old bloggers can sit back and watch the youngsters make all the same mistakes we did...except all of theirs will be published on the internet ;)

Cel said...

Bonne fĂȘte! Happy birthday from Ottawa, Canada :) You've done a lot with your time it seems! I better get to work or this 22 year old will not have much to look back on by the time I'm 28 too...

Collette Osuna said...

Happy Happy Birthday!! Love your skirt:)


Enter my FAB Forever 21 Giveaway!!

Norbyah said...

happy birthday, emily! i remember my 28th birthday fondly because that was when i became a mother. my first child was born on my own birthday and it is such a special day now, even more than before. you look fabulous! i LOVE snoozer loser prints (i first saw them on calivintage) and i love the look of your new terrace. i think you've accomplished a lot (and you have your priorities straight putting family at number 1), so there. by the way, i also acquired my master's degree at 28. a good year, i think!
xo
n

NRIGirl said...

Hey! Happy Birthday Emily! Glad to be visiting you on your birthday!

Many happy returns!

Kirstin said...

Happy Birthday beautiful lady! Your balcony is truly gorgeous, what a beautiful place to live! No wonder you moved back! Hopefully you accomplish amazing things in your 28th year, like publishing those books!

Sophie said...

Happy Birthday! Hope you're having a great day! Sounds like you have achieved such a great deal in your life, be proud!

Everytime I see this skirt I fall more and more in love with it. It is gorgeous!

Sophie
x

Sarah said...

Ohmygoodness! I just love this post! In many different ways:}
The skirt is super cute!

Follow me, I'll follow back if ya wish? ;]
http://distantdreamer-sarah.blogspot.com/

Ashley said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Btw, I'm not one of those 18 year olds...I'm 26! K? haha.

"t-shirt I've been sleeping in for a week. ; p"

I ♥ you.

Heather, 29 Skirts said...

Happy birthday, Emily!! You look lovely and happy in these photos =) I sometimes feel the same way about being an "older" blogger, but then I look at the Advanced Style blog and think, "YEAH, style gets better with age."

And you are pretty young to have accomplished so much. Plus, you're living in Spain. Sounds like a good place to be at 28 to me!

C.G. Koens said...

Happy Birthday!!! Sounds like you've accomplished a lot in 28 years - can't wait to hear more about these books! :-)

chantilly said...

i have some of the same insecurities about being an "older" blogger (and musician, too.) i never really mention my age online because everyone else seems so much younger and more accomplished to boot. i've always been a late bloomer, i guess.

i think you're amazing, no matter how old you are. and i love, love, LOVE that skirt!!

Rebecca said...

Happy birthday! You have achieved such a lot in 4 years, makes me feel lazy! You flat looks totally awesome. Hope you are enjoying your day.

Tomz said...

Oooh Great Emily..Happy Happy Birthday..wishes from my heart..!!so u r a Libra?

Amber said...

happy 28th! I think you should be nothing but proud of your life and where you are. You've had the opportunity to experience things that some people only dream about.
PS please dont feel old. I turn 28 in a few months. We are just youngsters :)

Ellie said...

Happy Birthday! Your birthday outfit couldn't be lovelier, and your terrace looks amazing! I have cactus plants in my backyard as well. I hope this year will be a great one for you. :)

ana said...

Happy Birthday darling!!! your skirt is so pretty and Hey!!! I'm 29!!! so you are not old to blog ;)
xoxo

Teaka said...

Happy Birthday! 28 is an awesome age to turn! Well I assume it would be, I have three years till I hit that. regardless being 28 is just as exciting as 24 or even 34. :) And plus being 28 and having that AMAZING skirt must rock!
Cheers!

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

Happy Birthday, Emily!

I think taking on each new year with the best possible attitude is the way to go. And it sounds like your on your way to a great 28th year! You look really lovely in these photos, by the way. Such pretty smiles. I hope you've planned some fun for yourself! :)

Raquel said...

Happy birthday again Emily!
I've come to a point where age doesn't matter any more, feelings and choice opportunities come first! And as I see it, you achieved a lot from your choices!! Hope you continue to do that and be happy.
x

Unknown said...

Happy Happy birthday! Know exactly how you feel I turned 28 this year! Its great though, like you said you realised how much you've acheived as the years go by. Super cute outfit too. ~So glad to have stumbled across your blog! Now following hope you can stop by mine too.

x

http://thoughtsandthingsfromthebirdonawire.blogspot.com/

Elanor said...

happy birthday! you look beautiful. and i'm really amazed with all you've done...! i hope i can do at least some of that in 10 years.

this is a very you outfit; i love it! the skirt is still one of my favorites. :)
xx

Virginie's Cinema said...

Joyeux anniversaire Emily!!!

All my best wishes for this new year starting for you xox

There is so much I love about this post: the fact that it's your birthday, that you are talking age self consciousness in the bloggosphere (I hear yah!), the absolutely FABULOUS terrace and the new camera!

Only to be topped with a beautiful outfit in which you feel yourself in! Sounds like a great birthday to me.

Virginie ♥

caitlin said...

happy birthday!!!! we're both october babies, no wonder we're meant to be friends :) i have no doubt that you'll have an incredible year!

Jenny said...

Happy 28th. I find myself becoming more excited about life as I grow older. There is a certain confidence that comes with age, and I would never trade this in for my more youthful (and rather carefree) days. I love the terrace of your new flat! Wishing you many more lovely years filled with learning and dresses!

Dus of Cuddly Cacti said...

Hope you had a great day & hopefully the party's not over in typical Spanish-style night outs : )
You've certainly done many more interesting things than many people much older, so glad to hear you're not dreading this number! Sounds like you're making great choices : )
Oh, & cute skirt!

Miss Tallulah Porkchop said...

Happy birthday! I'm a Libra too. Love the print on your skirt. :)

islabell said...

happy happy birthday you beautiful talented lady! Your terrace looks devine, as does your last year birthday skirt. I've always admired that one. What kind of camer did you end up getting?
x

out of order said...

happy happy birthday, doll! I'm 27 and I totally relate to what you're saying about the blogosphere. then again, we gotta take heart from the 30 year old bloggers! :)
that skirt print is sooo cute, and the balcony is divine!

<3Meghan

Marisa Noelle said...

Happy Birthday Emily! Hope you had a beautiful day. I feel the same way too at times being an "older" blogger, but like you said, I wouldn't trade it in for any of the experiences I've had because I am at the age I'm at now. Anyhow, I always love that skirt...so classy but a little quirky at the same time and a definite win pairing it with the t-shirt. Lovely photos, lovely terrace:)

Jul said...

Well, happy birthday! You know what? You're such a refreshing change after all those blogs written by younger people! Anyway you really don't look like a 28 year old girl!

You look amazing by the way, I love your skirt! And your father's card is beautiful.

http://lifeisaromanticpoem.blogspot.com/

sweet harvest moon said...

Happy birthday, dear!

Love your hair in these pictures!

Amber Schmidt said...

I read this when you first posted it, but I didn't comment at first.

Happy (belated) birthday. <3
I used to be embarrassed about my age via my blog.. I'd always say 'Oh, I'll *be* nineteen, oh, I'll *be* twenty', etc, rather than just saing 'I'm eighteen, I'm nineteen'. I felt like being young would discredit me or mean that I wasn't as serious of a blogger as anyone else- but now I realize just how silly that is!

Emily, you are such an inspiration to me. You're a glimpse into the sort of future I yearn for, one of traveling, writing, living, taking it all in. You inspire me every single day to keep going, push through college, save my pennies, and do everything.

Annebeth said...

Coming from a 24 year old, lemme tell you: 28 does not sound old to me, or "too old to blog", not at all! I personally think a lot of slightly older bloggers have had more time to find their own style and voice rather than being generic, like most teenagers are. I personally don't envy those young bloggers that hit it big, I love the way my life is unfolding and I'm proud of the way my blog is what it is so there! :-D

HAPPY birthday, enjoy every second of it! and that skirt is such a gorgeous piece, I love it everytime you wear it.

Anastasia said...

Happy b-day Emily. I love your skirt!
x

Rebeccak said...

Woo hoo! Happy birthday! You sound like the ultimate success story to me! And don't look a day over 27 ;)

Monique said...

Happy 28th birthday Emily, when we met I wondered how old you were but didn't want to ask. You look like your in your early 20s but spoke quite intelligently as you also write which made me think you may be older. Anyhow, your dad is awesome what a wonderful gift and I've always loved your birdcage skirt. Good luck with your books! That's amazing!

Diana said...

happy happy belated birthday!!! i really hope you enjoyed it :) i love this post its so nice to hear what you have been up to -- it makes me feel like a slacker ;) and i so intrigued by your life as an author! good luck i bet they are great reads, you write so well. xoxoxox


http://dressedupallligators.blogspot.com/

Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

a little late but HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!! 28 is gonna be your year gf ;-)

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh! I love your birdcage skirt, and happy belated birthday! Sounds like you've accomplished A LOT in the past 4 years, and that's awesome! :)

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! That skit is just GORGEOUS.

Laura said...

Happy Birthday for the other day! I love that skirt so much!

Laura
whitewinters.blogspot.com

Fashiable | Nanne said...

Happy birthday!! I love the print of your skirt.

www.fashiable.nl

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday, the skirt is adorable and your hair is looking divine! x

Anonymous said...

I hope you had a fantastic birthday. You have accomplished so much, and I am sure you are proud of yourself!

I love your outfit. I think the casual tee and posh skirt and fabulous together xxx

Michelle said...

Happy Birthday. When I was younger I used to imagine 28 is when I would be a real grown up. I would be married by 26 and having kids by 28. Considering I am only six months away that isn't likely and my gosh I am not ready for that stuff.

Penny said...

Happy Birthday Emily!I hope you have an amazing year ahead of you in this beautiful city!

ps)I used to have the same feeling as you about blogging....

Anonymous said...

Happy belated birthday! :)
That skirt always looks fantastic on you - so prett!

friedenlinde said...

Happy belated birthday! (well, very belated...)
I totally understand you, for long long time I have been really scared from all those teens with their whole life on blog. But then I told myself who cares? I have been on this world longer, I have seen many things and I got much, much, much more to tell that they do. I am happy you did it too, as I love your blog - even if I am a new reader! (and a brand new shy girl on blogging... :O )
And btw, I am 33 yo and roaring! ;)