Best. Birthday. Ever. (and some winners)

First, some business:

Congrats to comment #2, ELIZABETH, on winning the advertising giveaway

and to comment #11, THE CAMPBELLS, for winning the Always Elyse giveaway!

Speaking of Always Elyse, I heard from the shop owner the other day, and she said,

"I also wanted to let you know that I would like to offer your readers who don't win, free shipping on orders over $15 before shipping after your contest has ended!"

Didya hear that? Free shipping is big stuff. So if you didn't win and would like to order, just convo. Stephanie and tell her you heard it here, and she'll adjust your shipping price.

Now, some birthday:

Yesterday was the most perfect day I've had in a very, very long time.

And can I just say that I truly NEEDED it????

I have been in a serious funk lately, and if you've ever been there,

you know that unfunking yourself is not easily done.

Well, although I still consider myself a resident of Funkville, I'd say yesterday was the day I put my place on the market.

It was the kind of day where all seemed right with the world, even if just for a moment.

We dressed cute (which just getting out of my yoga pants did wonders for my frame of mind), and sampled some of P.F. Chang's finest for lunch.

Can I just say that Hollyn is the kind of baby that makes other babies look bad when she's out in public and acting like A PERFECT ANGEL? Because she so is.

And after celebrating her birthday earlier this week, there has been no stopping her;

the kid's a walking machine.

Mom and I spent yesterday free from time restraints or schedules; we simply did whatever we wanted, a totally new concept for me that I could so get used to very, very quickly.

That being said, we wasted some time in Charming Charlie's, and by wasted I mean 'spent time drooling over all the girly goodness'.

If you've never had the chance to spend some time in one, I highly recommend.

And of course, we made some time for some of this:

And I finally picked up a pair of these:

I consider them my present to myself, and I am so in love with the idea that no only did I buy myself a pair of super cute shoes yesterday, but I also bought someone in need a pair of super cute shoes yesterday.

Want more details on this? Then you should check out this.

Not only was there great conversation and great weather and great food and the greatest, non-fussy baby ever, but I also came home to this:

It's from my brother and sister-in-law, and I was beyond excited.

I was also excited that they included some of these in the bag:

Seriously, I ate one and think I was immediately transported to some sort of minty chocolate heaven.

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, there was some present opening yesterday as well.

My mom gave me some new Cinda-B, and I am now currently looking for an excuse to go somewhere so that I can use it.

She even got me the straightener cover.

Much woman.

Oh, and can I also just say that I got not one but TWO of these from two special friends who certainly know what I like?

Don't get me wrong, the gifts are FABULOUS and greatly appreciated, but it was the 200+ facebook birthday wishes, the umpteen phone calls, and the multiple blog comments that really helped put this on my face yesterday:

I mean, how could I NOT spend the day sporting one of these?

I spent the entire day yesterday feeling overwhelmingly, undeniably loved from head to toe,

and it was WONDERFUL in every sense of the word.

It was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more.

I mean, seriously, even THE Emily Anderson commented on my blog to send well wishes my way.

(In case you didn't know, she's pretty much who I want to be when I grow up, so this totally made my day.)

So, if you're one of the many who sent happy thoughts my way yesterday, thank you, thank you, thank you.

I received and cherished each and every one.

I can't wait to see what all my thirties will hold, but so far I'd say they're off to a darn good start.

Oh, and in case what you're wondering what the Mr. did for my b-day......

well, it's so big that it deserves it's own post, so come back soon, mkay?