Hi Friends,

Oh hi, its me.. I'm Abby and I'm 30??? WHHHAAAA, where has the time gone?!!! I remember crying in 5th grade because I didn't want to go to outdoor camp in 6th grade because after outdoor camp meant middle school, then high school, then college, then marriage, then you're 30!! Welp, 12 year old self, you were right! I have been struggling all week with this birthday, but I woke up today and am so excited about this next chapter. I think turning a new year older always brings a little reflection, transitioning into a new decade brings a whole lot of reflection. Through these past few days I've come up with a list of advice that I would share with my younger self and thought I'd share as a reminder to me and hopefully helpful to you too:

Location: Sweet Cooies Ice Cream // Photography: Jenna Sparks

Be Kind

This seems simple and obvious, I know. I've found when I am having a bad day and the last thing in the world that I want to do is be friendly to anyone other than my dog, doing something nice for another human makes my day instantly better. Kindness makes people happy - happiness makes you laugh - laughter is the best medicine and keeps you young.... so pretty much being kind is the fountain of youth!

Find Your Passion

They say that if you do something you love you will never work a day in your life. I am not entirely sure that is correct. I think once you find something you love you will work your a** off like never before to make sure that it succeeds. Before starting Denver Darling I worked on The Hill in DC, in the non-profit space as a fundraiser, and also at a PR agency. Each were great jobs, but never got me excited to wake up early or well into the night like I do now.

Be Active

Do something active every. single. day! Before I found workouts that I loved I would stress about working out. I would plan a trip to the gym days or a week in advance. I realize now that was because I never loved the exercise I was doing and was just so dang bored at the gym! I fell in love with CorePower Yoga, it turned into an every day thing for me and now I alternate, yoga, CycleBar, hiking, skiing, running, and walking with Sir Stanley.

Don't Diet (seriously)

Just don't do it! If you know me personally, you know that up until recently I was always on some crazy diet. I realize now that I missed out on some fun times and delicious meals to a save a few extra cals. I believe that my metabolism has finally kicked in at 30 because I am eating normally and enjoying what my body is craving. Eat the damn ice cream cone and enjoy it (and this new spot Sweet Cooies just might be the cutest place to do that!)! #yolo

Quality over Quantity

My early 20's self worried about doing as much in one day as humanly possible and spending little time with as many people that didn't mean all that much to me. Now I spend more time doing the things I love with less people that I care the most about.

Roadtrip

Jonny and I have been to some fun places for sure (last year we spent my birthday in Thailand which was a highlight!), but one of my favorite trips to date was a last minute road trip we took to Montana. We took our time, and stopped for hikes, pictures, interesting biker bars and listened to Hamilton on repeat. We can't wait to do another this summer!

Know your go-to's

Find 2 favorite restaurants that you love that are perfect to recommend to friends for brunch, that you can always drop in and have a great meal and perfect for date night (we love Postino and Linger here in Denver). Memorize a delicious, but easy recipe that you can whip up for guests or take to a friend's (this dessert is always a hit!). Know your go-to beverage orders... mine are prosecco, an oaky chardonnay (this one is sparkly and gives 15% back to charity!), and Cider!

Enjoy your weekend!! I would love to hear your favorite kernels of wisdom always feel free to email or share in the comments below.