A Birthday Secret + 14 days of Giveaways, and an ad sale!

Happy Birthday to me! Today is the oldest I've ever been, and yet I feel like I've lived twice the years that I actually have.  We've all spent the last week thinking back on our lives and the last year especially so you know what I'm talking about, but wow I'm surprised at how much I've managed to squish into my 24 years.haha

photo credit: Justin Hackworth

Yes, today I'm 24! Did you know I've never mentioned my age on my blog or social media before now? haha I'm not really a cloak and dagger sort of person, but for years my age has just been a bit sensitive to me and I've unintentionally kept it 'secret' all this time! One of my goals was to share more personal things with you guys, so now you know my secret:)

I've always heard that I "look old for my age" and have identified best with older friends, and when I started dating for some reason I gravitated towards older guys, etc. That was where the insecurities about my age started I suppose, from being taunted by an older boyfriend every time I didn't understand a reference or something lame like that *two thumbs down*. I often joke that I was born an old woman and just keep ageing.haha I've just always been a bit weird about ages I guess! Every time I'm at a play-date with some neighbors or friends and they start talking ages I get nervous, because usually the response is something like "aww you're so little!" or "wow now I feel old." I just think age isn't a proper way to define ourselves at all, don't you agree? :)

photo credit: Justin Hackworth

It's been quite year for finding myself and my true desires, and I've been incredibly blessed to have so many people in my life (including you!) who constantly support and encourage me and my aspirations, and it's important that I hold myself to the highest standard so that I'm always striving to be my best self. 'If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.' Right? :)

This year was my best yet-the first I've not birthed a baby since we started having babies!
I laughed more than I have in past years,
I cried over stupidly sappy movie scenes and ate way too many carbs.
My love for my husband grew so much deeper,
My friendships grew stronger,
I found some new strengths and many many weaknesses that I'd never realized.
I vowed to stay out of the sun without spf.haha
I found a love for weigh-lifting and stood alone on a big bright stage in spite of huge anxieties.
My 4 year old learned how to snap her fingers and I still cant:)
I met many of my personal heroes.
I complained far too much,
I discovered new smile lines on my face.
I decided that snuggling by the fire with my family is the greatest activity in the whole world.
I realized that I finally know who I am, completely. I know what my heart deserves, and I know where I stand. I know each of my faults and strengths, and I know well enough to know that there is much I don't know.haha

photo credit: Justin Hackworth

There is no set formula for a good life, but I like to think that the basic ingredients to having one are on the above list. :) So today when I blow out my candles my wish is that I'll continue striving for my best self and that I can inspire others to do the same. Getting older is healthy no matter what new age we may become, so lets embrace change together, and receive each new experience as a lesson to be learned!

Now for the fun part! Lets sing Happy Birthday off key at the top of our lungs, and eat something sweet and unhealthy just for today, and celebrate my birthday by kicking off the next 14 awesome days of awesome giveaways!!! 

{UPDATE: VISIT THIS POST TO VIEW 'TAKE TWO' OF THIS GIVEAWAY ATTEMPT:) }

You'll understand better tomorrow when I post another giveaway with 2 of 14 in the title.haha But since I've missed out on all the opportunities around Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and all the rest to have special giveaways and such, I decided that it would be fantastic to have 14 straight days of awesome giveaways in honor of my birthday!

So since this is my blog and it's the beginning of the year and all, I chose to give away my XL ad spot today for the month of February! The Freckled Fox is getting over 1 million page-views monthly now so I thought this would be a really exciting way to give back to one of my loyal followers and supporters:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also as a last little birthday treat I'm offering a whopping 50% off all my other ad spots (except the XL ad of course:)) using the Passionfruit promo code: BIRTHDAYGIRL at checkout! This month and this whole year are so jam-packed with awesomeness, I hope you decide to join along!

And that's all for today my people! The winner will be chosen, contacted, and announced a week from today, and we'll get you all set up with your big button at the top of my sidebar along with your feature/highlight post and all the goodies that come along with that!

Again I can't thank you enough for your love and support, I hope you have a great rest of your week, and cheers to 24 and the magic that's in store! Hope you have a great start to your new week, and avoid the Monday blues! Take care mah dears,

 

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