30 Before 30: Meet Noah

For my 27th birthday, I sat down my sister and brother in law and told them that for my 28th birthday the only thing I wanted was a niece or a nephew. Let's be honest, I am a girl who knows what she wants and people do not like disappointing me.

Exactly 12 days after I turned 28 years old, my nephew came into this world.

Noah James
7lbs 12oz. 20 inches long.
Perfect.

He...
is a world class cuddler
as curious and attentive as his auntie Dani
has his daddy's nose and mommy's lips and chin
cannot wait to meet his grandpa Noah but loves hanging out in the kitchen with this grandma Noah
spends most of his time cuddling with his puppy, Rudy
makes oinking sounds all day long
loves to have his hair washed
is the cutest baby ever.

It is amazing that he is only a week old and has already changed my life for the better. I cannot get enough time with him and have taken to cooking dinner and folding laundry just for a chance to be near him.

His parents did one heck of a job creating this little monkey and giving me the best birthday present ever.

Just not sure how they will top it next year! ;-)

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1. Get a pixie haircut.
Completed Dec 12, 2012
2. Go on a vacation alone.


3. Karaoke.


4. Camp.


5. Learn to longboard skateboard. Or at least attempt it.


6. Complete a catch on the flying trapeze.
Completed Sept 24, 2013


7. Throw a fancy dinner party.


8. Run a marathon. (But I will settle for a half)


9. Visit Canada.


10. Travel to a country I have never been before (not Canada).
          Completed May 9, 2013 with Amsterdam

11. Revisit my best friend in Florida.


12. See a football game in the south. War Eagle.


13. Learn to grill.
Completed April 2013
14. Attempt snowboarding... again.


15. Take a cooking class. 
Completed Nov 11, 2012 at Pantry at Delancy
Pie Ninja
16. Hold my future niece or nephew.
Completed October 15, 2013


17. Treat my parents.


18. Make a pie from scratch.
Completed Nov 21, 2012 with a Ginger Apple Streusel "Pie"
19. Find the perfect swimsuit.


20. Decorate a christmas tree.


21. Ride a motorcycle.


22. Explore 5 states I have never visited before.


23. Conquer my reoccuring NYE resolution of reading 50 books in one year.


24. Learn to french braid.


25. Take a 2 week vacation: 2 consecutive weeks.


26. Build something... that doesn’t come from Ikea.


27. Do one cartwheel.


28. Matchmake a couple, successfully.


29. Wear my navy blue special occasion Florida dress.


30. Be apart of something momentous, memorable, and national. Subjective... deal with it.

BONUS: Be awesome every day.

30 Before 30: Flying Trapeze

When I lived in San Francisco, I happened upon an aerial arts school that taught flying trapeze but I never had the chance to go. I kept this wish in the back of my mind after I moved from SF and continued to look for similar schools with each city I moved to. Seattle did not disappoint.

I finally took the leap... no pun intended... on Tuesday with Emily and Amy. Amy had been a few times before and was on to more challenging tricks. She was gracefully from get go. Emily, who was just as green as I was, picked up the tricks without a second thought.

Me? Well, I was a bit awkward... but we knew that would happen before I even started. It's my brand. And yet - I jumped off, did a trick, and made a catch.

When I first made my 30 before 30 list, people were encouraging but they also thought it was a little silly. What is does a catch on a flying trapeze accomplish? This, and the other 30 before 30 items, put me out of my comfort zone. They force me to try something new and risk failing.

I am not going to lie... I have watched the videos from last night over and over again. I am not ashamed to say I am so proud of myself. I was really scared and I didn't think I could do it. But I still tried, risked failing, and was rewarded with a catch.

Connect to AndBubblegum Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

1. Get a pixie haircut.
Completed Dec 12, 2012
2. Go on a vacation alone.


3. Karaoke.


4. Camp.


5. Learn to longboard. Or at least attempt it.


6. Complete a catch on the flying trapeze.
Completed Sept 24, 2013


7. Throw a fancy dinner party.


8. Run a marathon. (But I will settle for a half)


9. Visit Canada.


10. Travel to a country I have never been before (not Canada).
          Completed May 9, 2013 with Amsterdam

11. Revisit my best friend in Florida.


12. See a football game in the south. War Eagle.


13. Learn to grill.
Completed April 2013
14. Attempt snowboarding... again.


15. Take a cooking class. 
Completed Nov 11, 2012 at Pantry at Delancy
Pie Ninja
16. Hold my future niece or nephew.


17. Treat my parents.


18. Make a pie from scratch.
Completed Nov 21, 2012 with a Ginger Apple Streusel "Pie"
19. Find the perfect swimsuit.


20. Decorate a christmas tree.


21. Ride a motorcycle.


22. Explore 5 states I have never visited before.


23. Conquer my reoccuring NYE resolution of reading 50 books in one year.


24. Learn to french braid.


25. Take a 2 week vacation: 2 consecutive weeks.


26. Build something... that doesn’t come from Ikea.


27. Do one cartwheel.


28. Matchmake a couple, successfully.


29. Wear my navy blue special occasion Florida dress.


30. Be apart of something momentous, memorable, and national. Subjective... deal with it.

BONUS: Be awesome every day.

R.I.P. Pixie Cut

It is official, my pixie cut is dead and I've transitioned to a bob. 

The pixie and I had our moments of fun but I think my boss said it best, "it's cute on you but it changed your personality." We both may be crazy, but I agree. 

Dancing through Amsterdam

After 8 days in Amsterdam and another number marked off my #30before30 list I have so much to share.

Run, Girl, Run.

(My gear for an easy run: Nike 'Cyclone' Running Jacket, Zella Live In Leggings, Nike 'Free v4.0" Running Shoe, Under Armour Seamless Sports Bra (similar). For longer distance I typically wear more supported shoes and for warmer climates a t-shirt instead.)

I thought I would run a marathon or a half before I ever got a pixie hair cut but now that that is out of my #30before30 way the biggest obstacle on my list is that very long run.

As January came and gone, I have a few people and sparks helping to motivate this goal:

At Nordstrom.com we put together nice little kit for all that you may need for your workout wear and has a perfect playlist for my morning runs with Elyse. Do a little shopping and download here >>

Nike recently came out with a 5k/10k/half/full marathon training guide that makes it seems so easy. It started this week with a single mile and will slowly progress as the weeks go on. This guide coupled with my recently restored Fuelband energized my routine.

My sister, former long cross country runner, is by far the biggest encouragement; she has already found multiple half marathons for us to run this year and is always helpful in correcting my pace and form. (Note: I have great form but slow pace... I will take it)

The Nordstrom Active playlist is great for the mornings, but for my nightime workouts or when I need an extra boost, I have perfected a workout playlist over the years. If you like pop music then I recommend giving it a listen while you run. (Not showing: Sweet Disposition... perfect start to every run.)

Also missing from the playlist are my favorite BootieSF mashups. They are a mix of old and new songs with the perfect power beat.

 

Now you know my agenda for 2013 maybe you can join. We can beast together... slowly but with great form.

30 before 30: Get a pixie haircut.

I always dreamt of getting a pixie cut. Cutting off all my hair to resemble a man's haircut but being so feminine and delicate that I looked even more lady like. Big dreams. Little follow through.
In fact, I threatened to get one for years. My family, friends, hairdresser... they all heard my empty promises. They knew I was all talk. But a few weeks ago the stars aligned.

I was needing a "big change". I was needing to take control or feel like I had control of something. Anything. Little sleep, little fun time, heartache, a bit of stress, and needless worries can do that to you.

At that moment, cutting off all my hair was my solution.

I asked opinions. I heard a resounding "no" and only a few "yes"es.

Kaia (contact info below), my amazing hair stylist, was on board and held my hand through the whole process. She encouraged my crying (it only happened once) and was excited with me when it turned out. I walked out feeling like I had a fresh start to the new year.

I've had a date cancelled because of it and another person told me it makes me look old. But aside from the few haters, I have received enthusiasm from family, friends, and strangers.

Some days I like it.
Some days I hate it.
As of late... I love it.

It is just hair. It will grow back if I want it too. But in this moment, it is allowing me to be bold on my terms. And as it turns out, it suits me.

Although she wasn't talking about my hair, one of my girlfriends told me, "it's time to fish or cut the bait." Less waiting. Less talking. More doing.

__
Kaia @ West Linn Hairport (West Linn, OR // Just outside of Portland, OR)
503-635-2515
__

1. Get a pixie haircut.
Completed Dec 12, 2012
2. Go on a vacation alone.


3. Karaoke.


4. Camp.


5. Learn to longboard. Or at least attempt it.


6. Complete a catch on the flying trapeze.


7. Throw a fancy dinner party.


8. Run a marathon. (But I will settle for a half)


9. Visit Canada.


10. Travel to a country I have never been before (not Canada).


11. Revisit my best friend in Florida.


12. See a football game in the south. War Eagle.


13. Learn to grill.


14. Attempt snowboarding... again.


15. Take a cooking class. 
Completed Nov 11, 2012 at Pantry at Delancy
Pie Ninja
16. Hold my future niece or nephew.


17. Treat my parents.


18. Make a pie from scratch.
Completed Nov 21, 2012 with a Ginger Apple Streusel "Pie"
19. Find the perfect swimsuit.


20. Decorate a christmas tree.


21. Ride a motorcycle.


22. Explore 5 states I have never visited before.


23. Conquer my reoccuring NYE resolution of reading 50 books in one year.


24. Learn to french braid.


25. Take a 2 week vacation: 2 consecutive weeks.


26. Build something... that doesn’t come from Ikea.


27. Do one cartwheel.


28. Matchmake a couple, successfully.


29. Wear my navy blue special occasion Florida dress.


30. Be apart of something momentous, memorable, and national. Subjective... deal with it.

BONUS: Be awesome every day.

30 Before 30: Bake a Pie from Scratch

After taking my pie baking class I was confident in making my own for Thanksgiving with my family. I was going to make minor substitutes to the recipe I was taught, using apples instead of pears, but otherwise following it to a T.

The baking processes started perfectly... flour may have been everywhere but I knew I was doing it right. Then we had some minor complications and had to rush the crust into the oven for the pre-bake. When I went to check on it 30 minutes later, the crust had collapsed.

While I was crushed, my sister was rolling on the floor laughing. I left it for the night and thought I wouldn't be showing my dessert the next day.

When I woke the next morning, I decided to go with my slumped crust and filled it with apple filling and ginger streusel. 10 hours later we dug into the pies and it tasted amazing and my pie tin was the first one empty as we had leftovers the next day.

It may not have been the prettiest first try, but it was a valiant effort to be perfected over time.

1. Get a pixie haircut.


2. Go on a vacation alone.


3. Karaoke.


4. Camp.


5. Learn to longboard. Or at least attempt it.


6. Complete a catch on the flying trapeze.


7. Throw a fancy dinner party.


8. Run a marathon. (But I will settle for a half)


9. Visit Canada.


10. Travel to a country I have never been before (not Canada).


11. Revisit my best friend in Florida.


12. See a football game in the south. War Eagle.


13. Learn to grill.


14. Attempt snowboarding... again.


15. Take a cooking class. 
Completed Nov. 11, 2012 at Pantry at Delancy
Pie Ninja
16. Hold my future niece or nephew.


17. Treat my parents.


18. Make a pie from scratch.
Completed Nov 21, 2012 with a Ginger Apple Streusel "Pie"
19. Find the perfect swimsuit.


20. Decorate a christmas tree.


21. Ride a motorcycle.


22. Explore 5 states I have never visited before.


23. Conquer my reoccuring NYE resolution of reading 50 books in one year.


24. Learn to french braid.


25. Take a 2 week vacation: 2 consecutive weeks.


26. Build something... that doesn’t come from Ikea.


27. Do one cartwheel.


28. Matchmake a couple, successfully.


29. Wear my navy blue special occasion Florida dress.


30. Be apart of something momentous, memorable, and national. Subjective... deal with it.

BONUS: Be awesome every day.

30 before 30: Take a cooking class.

I have been so close to checking off at least 5 items on my list and then something gets in the way.

But I am getting closer...

For my big 2-7 birthday, my brother and sister gave me a cooking class at The Pantry at Delancy. We were going to learn how to be Pie Ninjas which would come in so handy when I needed to check off another item on my list.

During a 4.5 hour class, we learned the proper way to make pie crust and baking it to french baking standards along with three filling recipes that are great for the winter season.

This kitchen is a great place for classes and I've heard that their community dinners are delicious. (Although, they fill up immediately so act fast.)

More 30 before 30 updates coming soon!

1. Get a pixie haircut.


2. Go on a vacation alone.


3. Karaoke.


4. Camp.


5. Learn to longboard. Or at least attempt it.


6. Complete a catch on the flying trapeze.


7. Throw a fancy dinner party.


8. Run a marathon. (But I will settle for a half)


9. Visit Canada.


10. Travel to a country I have never been before (not Canada).


11. Revisit my best friend in Florida.


12. See a football game in the south. War Eagle.


13. Learn to grill.


14. Attempt snowboarding... again.


15. Take a cooking class. 
Completed Nov. 11, 2012 at Pantry at Delancy
Pie Ninja


16. Hold my future niece or nephew.


17. Treat my parents.


18. Make a pie from scratch.


19. Find the perfect swimsuit.


20. Decorate a christmas tree.


21. Ride a motorcycle.


22. Explore 5 states I have never visited before.


23. Conquer my reoccuring NYE resolution of reading 50 books in one year.


24. Learn to french braid.


25. Take a 2 week vacation: 2 consecutive weeks.


26. Build something... that doesn’t come from Ikea.


27. Do one cartwheel.


28. Matchmake a couple, successfully.


29. Wear my navy blue special occasion Florida dress.


30. Be apart of something momentous, memorable, and national. Subjective... deal with it.

BONUS: Be awesome every day.

30 Before 30

I have been working on a list of 30 things to do before I turn 30 years old for about a month. I add a line here, remove one there, and switch them around or rework them. Plus, I ask for input from anyone that will listen.

I get the same answer... "It's your list do what you want!"

So I am putting my list to digital paper and making it official. My list isn't about jumping out of plane (done that) or finding my lobster (not controllable) but items I think would make me a better adult or a better version of me.

...And some are just plain fun.

1. Get a pixie haircut.
2. Go on a vacation alone.
3. Karaoke.
4. Camp.
5. Learn to longboard. Or at least attempt it.
6. Complete a catch on the flying trapeze.
7. Throw a fancy dinner party.
8. Run a marathon. (But I will settle for a half)
9. Visit Canada.
10. Travel to a country I have never been before (not Canada).
11. Revisit my best friend in Florida.
12. See a football game in the south. War Eagle.
13. Learn to grill.
14. Attempt snowboarding... again.
15. Take a cooking class.
16. Hold my future niece or nephew.
17. Treat my parents.
18. Make a pie from scratch.
19. Find the perfect swimsuit.
20. Decorate a christmas tree.
21. Ride a motorcycle.
22. Explore 5 states I have never visited before.
23. Conquer my reoccuring NYE resolution of reading 50 books in one year.
24. Learn to french braid.
25. Take a 2 week vacation: 2 consecutive weeks.
26. Build something... that doesn’t come from Ikea.
27. Do one cartwheel.
28. Matchmake a couple, successfully.
29. Wear my navy blue special occasion Florida dress.
30. Be apart of something momentous, memorable, and national. Subjective... deal with it.

BONUS: Be awesome every day.