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Monday, January 5

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
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? :)
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
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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63 comments:

  1. I am seriously shocked to learn you are 24! I am the same age and yet our lives are on two totally different levels! I love that you have already figured out who you are and have done so much with you life. Especially when I feel like mine has just barely began! You go girl with your confidence in who you are!

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    1. I thought the same thing! I'm 24 as well & I'm lightyears away. So awesome to see how we all differ. :]

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  2. Happy Birthday Em! Hope you have a great day, and congratulations on your blog's success! I have enjoyed reading along and I hope you enjoy blogging as much as your readers love your blog because you are on your way staight up! You really do have something here, keep up the good work!
    Nési E.
    thisisurbaness.blogspot.com

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  3. So instead of saying "wow I feel old" its now more "wow I'm turning 28 in a couple days and need to work extra hard to catch up to the awesomeness that is Emily! Hope this year is even better than the last 24!

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  4. Happy happy birthday to you, lovely lady! Wishing you all the best for today and the year to come!

    xx Kathryn
    http://www.throughthethicket.ca

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  5. This last year sounds like it has been a wonderful rollercoaster. And I know that the year to come will be just as incredible and memorable for you! I always feel a bit strange revealing my age on my blog, too. Maybe I just like to keep that mystery alive..... :P
    the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com

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  6. I love this post. I'm also very sensitive about my age for the same reason. My friends have always been older, and my boyfriend is 11 years older than me. It's always kind of embarrassing for me to admit my age when it comes up, especially when I'm in the process of meeting his friends and family members.

    You should totally be proud of yourself though, because you've accomplished so much in your 24 years! You're only a year older than me and you have a husband and a family and are so successful. Happy birthday! I hope 24 is great for you.

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  7. Happy birthday! I'm 26 and I'm used to being the youngest at everything! I've always been told I'm mature for my age, so I always tend to hang out with older people.

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  8. Crazy...when I turned 24 I had just finished my education, moved abroad, started a job and went through the wildest dating and party phase of my life. Different lifes huh? Happy birthday :-D

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  9. Happy birthday Emily!! I completely agree with you on how it can be weird to share your age with people. There seems to be a bunch of assumptions and stereotypes attached to a woman's age, and it can be frustrating to be known as just your age. I'm sure people assume that because you've achieved so much, you must be older. It's so awesome to see a woman really be sure of who she is, and I know you have worked hard to get there. Wishing you a very happy birthday week, and here's to 2015!

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  10. No shit! I can't believe that! And not in a bad way. I can't believe how much and how well you've lived in your 24 years. You've accomplished so much and you have so much to be proud of. Don't let people's comments about your age get under your skin. As Kurt Vonnegut says, age is pretty much just a number society assigns to us. "We are all experiencing more or less the same lifetime right now." In the bigger scheme of things, the difference between a 24 year old and a 30 year old is so minimal who really cares? Anyways, I love you girl. You're amazing and you inspire me constantly. Happy birthday!

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  11. Happy 24th, Emily! Hope you have a wonderful year. :)

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  12. Happy Birthday!! I completely agree with you about age. Mine is constantly a negative factor when it comes to new clients and jobs. I always say, if you just have a conversation with me I can show you that my age means nothing. I loved your post!

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  13. Happy Birthday! I am the same way with my age. I know I am young, and am younger than most of the people I work with, but I look it too. In fact, most people think I am 16 or something, so walking around with a toddler can get a little embarrassing sometimes. When I was pregnant I always made sure my wedding ring was showing in hopes that it would prevent some of the disapproving looks. And I hate hate hate, being told that I'm just a baby. Does that mean my opinion doesn't matter?? I think you look great for 24! I did think you were older, but only because you seem so much wiser than me. haha

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  14. Oh ya I get ya! I'm 24 too and always avoid telling people how old I am. I'm in our local Mom's Club, and most of my friends are around 40, and I feel like I fit in a lot better with them than with girls my own age. You're right, age doesn't matter. You're just an old soul;)

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  15. Happy Birthday! I totally get where your coming from about age. We're actually the same age, though I won't be 24 until May. I have the opposite problem. Everyone thinks I'm a lot younger than I am. Sigh. It's funny, because we're a lot alike. When I read your posts, I find myself nodding my head thinking, ' yep, thats totally something I would think or say or feel '. I'm really glad I found your blog. It's not often you find someone you can identify with. I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

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  16. I am so happy you're 24! I feel like I can definitely relate to you more. I'm 23 and also not anywhere near as cool or achieved as you are! Happy birthday and I am excited to see what 2015 brings you!

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  17. Happy birthday! Hopefully I can accomplish so much by the time I'm 24! :)

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  18. Happy, happy birthday beautiful!

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  19. Oh my goodness, how on Earth are we the same age? You have accomplished so much and I am envious! Thank you for sharing glimpses into your life and I have loved following along. Happy Birthday!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

    Ps. It really irks me when people, especially colleagues, say oh my God you are younger than Taylor Swift - you are such a baby. Please. Stop.

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  20. Happy, happy birthday lovely one!

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  21. I just turned 25, have been married for a few years and have our second baby on the way. Tp read this post was SO refreshing since I almost want to lie about my age to other Mom's. I started a playgroup in my town and when the age convo happened, i swear I was sweating! I hate the comments. So glad I'm not alone :-)

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  22. It's good to see that I'm not the only young woman that's married & open to life/makin babies. I just turned 21 and my third baby is due in April. It's crazy to think that I'll be 21 with 3 kids but at the end of my life I can never regret the family my husband and I have created together. I give you mad props for being able to care for 4 and soon to be 5 with them at such close ages. Hoping to wait a few years before baby number 4 comes along. Age is but a number my friend, don't ever let anyone put you down for the life you choose. Being a mother is the best thing out there :)

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  23. wow! such a fun post! i love that you are so young and so inspiring to all of us!! keep up your great work. also thanks for the birthday discount! i can't wait to sponsor you this month. you are definitely a fav of mine. also i everyone in the blogging world must be trying to enter the giveaway because it's frozen on my end. ;) i'll have to check back tomorrow.

    happy birthday, friend!!
    xo

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  24. Happy Birthday, Emily!! :)

    You know, I have been curious (ahem, nosy) about your age for a while but I thought it was also super sweet and special that you have kept it to yourself. I'm the same exact way when it comes to admitting my age (I'm also a January baby!), but I feel weird because most people tend to be younger than me by like 4 or 5 years. I don't understand why people care about age so, so much especially since we all are different ages in our minds and most of us act anything but our true age, haha

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  25. I think you look incredible for 24! I'm 25 and people think I'm under 18 haha! Age is a very funny thing.
    Amazing giveaway as well I will definitely be entering
    Reinventing Neesha ♥

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  26. I too am shocked that you are 24! Not that you LOOK older, but simply impressed that you are 24 and have 4+ children! Girrrrrrl! Happiest of Happy Birthdays! BTW: your mermaid hair=I'm in love.

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  27. Happy birthday girl! And congratulations to all you accomplished with your young age. Can't believe we have nearly the same age but you are so far ahead of me with your little family and this awesome blog! Keep up with that good work and thank you for your beautiful posts!

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  28. Happy birthday! I am so shocked you are 24 as well, but not in a bad way. You don't look older, I just assumed you were (and looked a lot younger) since you are so put together. Hope you have a lovely day! xxx

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  29. Happy happy birthday! I'm 28 and although I started having my kids at 25 I still was asked if I was 16 allll the time. I don't think you look a day past 24 :) I think the way you carry yourself is much how people assume how old you are. My gf just finished grad school at 28, single and living a care free life in San Fran and I'm in Michigan working with 2 great kids and a finance which we just bought a house. Everyone is on different paths and age is just a number :)

    Happy birthday again!

    East Willow Grove

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  30. Happy Happy Bday once again! I turn 25 in 2 days and you're one of my personal heros ;) I would love to meet you some day and say HI :) <3

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  31. Happy Birthday! Age is just a number :) I love reading your perspectives on things! Hope you have a wonderful 24th year.

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  32. Ah I would LOVE to enter the giveaway but for some reason it just won't load for me. :( In either case, happy happy birthday!

    http://asequinloveaffair.com

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    1. Same thing for me, Shira!

      Happy birthday, Emily! :)

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    2. Me to I just can't get it to load either today or yesterday!! Anyway I wanna wish you a Happy Appy Birthday...you have beautiful hair. I always love what you do with it!

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    3. I'm having the same problem… It would be an amazing prize for sure!

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  33. First off I love your blog, it's one of my very favorites! I think you being a mom to so many beautiful children and wife and running this blog all at the same time! Young, could be one adjective, but talented, smart and successful seem much more fitting to describe you. I'm 26, and honestly I've wanted kids for many years now. When it's right, it's right. It doesn't matter if your 18 or 39. Keep up the good work! Happy Birthday!
    averiedaystyle.blogspot.com

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  35. ppy Birthday girlfriend, I but your form isn't loading, do u have a link

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  36. your rafflecopter form isn't loading do u have a link! Happy Appy Birthday!

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  37. Happy birthday! Goodness, I feel so old now at 26.

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  38. Happy Birthday, age is but a number :)
    Ashleigh
    http://mermaidonthemove.wordpress.com/

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  39. Happy birthday! These photos are amazing :)

    Xo,
    Allie
    Http://lunavida23.blogspot.com

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  40. Have a happy happy birthday! I'm one of those people who look younger than their age (I have a two months old and sometimes I still have to show my ID going out..), so your situation is very new and odd to me :D I wish you share with us your daily schedule, not in a weird way, just tell us how your day looks with so many little ones :)

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  41. Wow, imagine what you can achieve in the rest of your years. After all the amazing things you have done and all the women you have inspired in just 24. Happy Birthday xoxo http://www.mumswearlipstick.blogspot.com.au

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  42. Happy birthday, Emily! I had no idea you were only 24...you are KILLING IT in life!
    The Rafflecopter own't load/come up for me, but I'm following you across all social media if that's involved at all :)

    lovelovelove,
    Erica
    cominguprosestheblog.com

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  43. How awesome. Happy (belated) birthday! I am also 24, and have always felt old for my age. My husband feels the same and he is a year younger than me. We rock board game nights, cuddle up at home with our cat, cook together.. we also travel and go to concerts, but I've just had no interest in so many things people my age do. :) - I totally get this. :) Glad you had such a great year. Excited for 2015! XO -Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  44. Happy, happy birthday! You pack a punch for 24 years!

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  45. A very happy birthday to you! 24 was a good year. I have always been told I look young for my age, and you say you get the opposite. I am 31 and got married at 20 and had my kids at 23 and 25 (having as many as you have would be a great blessing). Many times people think I am 19 and many people think I am babysitting my sons or their nanny or something. It is quite fun. I had a 17 year old flirt with me until I realized what he was doing where I said, "I'm very old and happily married!" It freaked him out when I had told him I was 29 at the time. haha.

    I love that you are being so open though and explaining about what you have gone through. It is good that you have an "old soul." I tend to gravitate towards those who are much older than I to be my friends because every time I try to be friends with people your age, they get freaked out and don't like hanging out with someone that much older even though I look like I could be their age. It is devastating at times. Good for you. I am sorry you have a hard time making friends with those your age though. That is rough. I remember knowing NO ONE my age who had children (in fact many people I went to school with are just getting married and pregnant now while my oldest son is going to be 8 in a few weeks).

    Anyway, continue to share!!!
    +Victoria+
    justicepirate.com

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  46. Hi Emily! When I think of how much you've accomplished in your 24 years, that's ALL I think about! I hope you are proud of all that you have done so far in life. Imagine what more you will do with the rest of it! Happy belated birthday. I hope it was wonderful!

    P.S. The Rafflecopter won't load! I'm not sure how to enter, but I follow you on everything as @kimmzyann or Kimberly W.

    xoxo
    Kimberly

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  47. I really cannot wrap my head around the fact that you are barely a year older than me. You are so mature and have accomplished so much. The way you are with your family and fashion, the way you write, etc....You do look young, but with how mature you are I never would have guessed your age. I feel completely inadequate now. haha I do feel somewhat less intimidated now though. I always feel so out of place when I interact with older people (I talk to many people in late 20s, early 30s) and always fear that I'm looked down upon as a child. I'm so weird when it comes to age. Mostly I hate what others think of me in conjunction with age, or fear that I come up short. It is a really difficult thing to truly accomplish things at this young age, so I am even more impressed than ever, and hope you're proud of it because you definitely deserve it!

    Happy belated birthday! I hope you have a fantastic year! :)

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  48. Never quite got the giveaway thingy to load for me...would love to participate, tho'.

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  49. Happy (belated) Birthday!! Wishing you all the best for a wonderful new year! xo Melissa

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  50. What a beautiful post! I'm about ready to turn 30 this year and I in know way feel it 😉 so i have to agree that age really doesn't matter

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  51. Happy happy birthday happiness : ) your blog, I read a great love

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  52. Wow! I thought that you were way younger than you are, and I mean that as a compliment :)

    Happy, happy, happy late birthday :) Love yur blog.

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  53. Happy late birthday, girl! Wishing you the best, and wishing you continued success on your wonderful website! P.S. thank you for those wonderful giveaways! you are so generous. Cheers! xx

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  54. Wow! 24 and you have 5 kids already? You have time to cram in at least 10 more ; )

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  55. A Person can merely enjoy two occasions relating to him/her personally.
    One, is Birthday - a day in a year.
    Another, is Marriage Day - A Day in a Lifetime.
    Both are most precious ones, which stay memorable for a long time.

    I wish you a very very
    Happy Birthday
    to you and Birthday Wishes fill the life with joy and blessings.

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