What a wonderful weekend to kickoff my 29th year! I celebrated doing all my favorite things with all my favorite people.

 Even though happy hour on Friday was not about me, but to celebrate my good friend's professional achievement, it was still a fun time with great people and great wine.

 Saturday morning my family through me a gorgeous and thoughtful travel/Paris themed lunch. 

Saturday night my friends took me out for a funky fun dinner. 

Then we went out for drinks

Sunday I went to see the new Star Wars movie and it was marvelous! 

On Monday, my actual birthday, Nikita and I went for a hike at South Mountain.

Then we went for a burger and Nikita rode in an elevator.

This past year further cemented the fact that I am a very lucky girl and I feel I have more than I deserve.

I have family that will celebrate my highs even if they don’t share the same passion (solo trip to Thailand over Thanksgiving nearly gave me mother a heart attack) and be supportive during my lows. How many mothers out there will swoop you up for In and Out Burger when you have had a rough day, or aunts that will check on your house because your dog is barking out of control at something, or cousins that will snuggle up with your very fluffy GSD in an AZ June just so you know she isn’t lonely because you’re gone? Ok maybe there are some, but mine are the best! 

I have friends that provide unwavering support, endless laughter, courage and adventure. Friends that will ease the pain of heartbreak by bringing wine and pizza and watching girlie movies. Friends that will ferociously go after those who wrong me and friends that bring humor to things when it is needed most. These friends are always up for something new and have introduced me to so many adventures I would not have experienced if not for them. I admire each one of my friends and I am so very lucky they picked me to be one of theirs. 

I have a job that I am passionate about and work for a company that appreciates me. I work with a lot of fun, ambitious and talented people that I enjoy collaborating with and motivate me to do better. I feel they truly root for my success and celebrate my accomplishments, just as I am proud of them for theirs. 

Because of all the above support I was able to experience much more of the world in my 28th year. I have amazing memories from friendcations, family vacations and solo trips and I can’t wait to make more in my 29th year.

Sometimes you just need to get away. Lucky for me, I know someone who is always down for a road trip and there is no shortage of places to explore. Nikita and I drove up to Payson to our favorite spot  where she could swim, play in waterfalls, run around, and we could both enjoy 75 degree weather. 

Nikita really is more than just a pet to me, she is my partner. She gets so excited when we are on our adventures, but she never strays too far before she stops, looks back, and waits for me to catch up. She doesn't want to venture out unless she knows I am right by her side to share in the fun. 

Best travel partner ever. 

South Mountain is one of my favorite places in Arizona. Whether I am hiking with Nikita, or just enjoying the sunset, it never disappoints. 

Nikita needs a vacation, she has cabin fever from having to stay inside so often. It is just so hot out!

I have always wanted to go to this place called Antelope Canyon in Northern Arizona, right on the Utah border. I came across the opportunity to go here with two great friends of mine the last weekend of May, along with a stop at Horseshoe Bend. I love trips like this to make you feel inspired by your own home state!

First of all, Arizona is hot - Just in case you didn't know. It was about a mile or so from the car to the lookout point and it definitely tested my cardio. Even though it was crowded, there were several amazing lookout points and the view was mesmerizing.

Entering the canyon was a great relief, as it was significantly cooler in there however if you are claustrophobic, this is not the spot for you. It was crowded and the passageways were narrow at some spots. The guide was amazing and pointed out the rock formations that resembled various things and angles where famous photos were taken. My personal highlight was this "desert waterfall"

Finding love in all places

I don't know if you have heard of this latest trend called Glamping, but it is Glamorous Camping. If you look on Pinterest, there are tons of Glamping sites that rival many hotels. It is important to mention this was also my "Half Bday" Celebration. Sounds crazy I know, but there are just some things you can't do to celebrate your birthday when it is in December, and right before Christmas.

This was my version with what I had available...

Comfy, colorful linens over the sleeping bag... Glamping often calls for an area rug, but mine was a flamingo towel for the pup.

 Muddy guard dog keeping watch over the decorative pink flamingos and pink queen chair.

 Camping...Glamping... What ever it is called, waking up to that view is amazing!

 A trip like this wouldn't be complete without my best friend!

 My very first campfire! I am pretty good at it, I think I am a Fire Mistress. I skipped the traditional s'mores for something more worthy of the Glamping title. See Pinterest idea here: Camping Cones - you're welcome in advance!

 Campers drink beer. Glampers drink home made sangria. Wine, peach vodka, fresh fruit, Fresca - Not THAT is classy! (and better than bday cake!)

 Nikita definitely is a Glamper. She insisted on sleeping with me (which she never does), resented laying in the dirt and really had her eye on my sangria and carne asada dinner (she may have gotten some carne, but I would never give her alcohol and grapes are poisonous to dogs).