Life + Health + Vanity + Wearables

Thirty-five.

thirtyfive-600x450.jpg

It’s been one year since thirty-four.

I still think it’s weird that I’m not a teenager, frankly. I always thought that being a “grown-up” would feel more, well, grown-up.

Previous Post Next Post

Other Stuff You Might Be Into

86 Comments

  • Reply megan October 21, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    you have a lovely profile. happy birthday, anna! xo 🙂

  • Reply Chantel I. October 21, 2010 at 9:55 pm

    Have a really good birthday. I hope thirty-five knocks your socks off!

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2010 at 12:10 am

      I’m barefoot already!

  • Reply paige October 21, 2010 at 9:55 pm

    Happy Birthday!

    I agree about not feeling ‘grown up’. I have a mortgage, a credit card and I always vote, but most days I still feel like a 14 year old playing house 🙂

  • Reply Jenna @ sweetfineday October 21, 2010 at 9:58 pm

    hope you had a great day. yeah…I don’t feel like a grownup either

  • Reply Angela October 21, 2010 at 9:58 pm

    here, here!
    i’m nearing 30, and i remember, as short as five years ago, thinking that 30 was… old.
    it’s just a number.

    … and a slowing metabolism.

  • Reply Lauren October 21, 2010 at 10:00 pm

    Happy Birthday! I hope the numbers don’t get to you.

  • Reply Adam October 21, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    Happy Birthday! I still feel like a teenager too (most days) and I think that’s a good thing. It doesn’t seem like it’s been 12 years since we became friends and I feel so lucky to be your friend! xoxo

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2010 at 12:13 am

      I’m sure it’s been longer than that, Adam! I’ve been at my current job for 12 years…I think I’ve known you for almost 14 years!

    • Adam October 22, 2010 at 6:57 am

      You could very well be right, my grasp of time is often very flexible!

  • Reply Brismod October 21, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    Best wishes. And age is just a state of mind in my books. x

  • Reply kelly w October 21, 2010 at 10:11 pm

    No way you’re older than 28. 🙂 I know you say it’s makeup, but you glow.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2010 at 12:13 am

      That’s just the shade of constant mortification. 😉

  • Reply lifebeginsatthirtyright October 21, 2010 at 10:28 pm

    Happy birthday!

  • Reply cheryl preston October 21, 2010 at 10:30 pm

    Oh happy, happy birthday to you Anna! Stay young at heart and you’ll wear it on the outside. Best wishes until the next birthday! (beautiful portrait)

  • Reply Sara Jensen October 21, 2010 at 10:31 pm

    Its really weird being a grownup. Mostly because the people that I always thought of “grownups” who were my parents friend seem less grownup than me now.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2010 at 12:14 am

      I’m always shocked when I meet a “grown-up” and then find out that they’re younger than me.

  • Reply Persephone October 21, 2010 at 10:41 pm

    I hear ya! I turned 35 in February and I have to say it’s the birthday I’ve struggled most with so far.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2010 at 12:15 am

      It’s not so much that I’m struggling with the the age so much as it is that I can’t believe I got here SO FAST! Where is the time going?!

  • Reply Michelle October 21, 2010 at 10:46 pm

    My 35th is in 6 months and I feel the same way. Sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder if my mother thought I was an idiot thinking that 30 was soooooo old.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2010 at 12:15 am

      I’m sure she thought the same thing about herself when she was your age. 🙂

  • Reply Karen Anne Glick October 21, 2010 at 10:56 pm

    Happy Birthday! I turned 60 in May and I still don’t understand how that happened when I feel just like I did when I was 6. Weird. Just plain weird…

    I’ve loved watching the progress on your home as I’ve been working on our 1841 townhome for 12 years (hard to believe we’ve been here that long since it was the 28th move in my life!)…I’m working up the incentive to repaint the living room and music room with all the prep work and climbing up and down the ladder that entails. But the corner that has been bare plaster for 4 years because of some water damage is finally REALLY getting on my nerves. It seems that’s what it takes to get me moving!

    Take care – can’t wait to see the black bedroom since I had planned on painting my dining room black 12 years ago but was vetoed (family) and had to settle on black wallpaper instead. Loved it, but it’s now a lovely cream. (It went through a period of being a vibrant sapphire after the black…)

    My birthday wisdom/gift for you: Change is good! Embrace it!

    -karen anne

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2010 at 12:17 am

      Oh, Karen Anne…12 years?! You have my sympathies. I imagine it gets to a point where you have to start all over again with some rooms before you’ve even touched others. Yikes!

  • Reply jennidi October 21, 2010 at 10:57 pm

    Happy Birthday! I turn 40 next month, and am really trying not to freak out about it. Any suggestions? Numbers are just numbers. We seem to give them a lot more meaning in our lives than they deserve. Why don’t we toss out the calendars and scales and all live happily ever after?

  • Reply Sarah October 21, 2010 at 11:02 pm

    Anna, we should start a club. Just tonight I said the exact same thing to a 16 year old girl I coach. Our conversation went something like this:
    Me: One day I’ll do *this* but I have time before I’m all grown up and have to do *that*
    Her: But coach, aren’t you “grown up”? Aren’t you 31?
    Me: Yes.
    Her: So aren’t you grown up?
    Me: I don’t feel grown up.
    Her: What does grown up feel like?
    Me: I don’t know. But I don’t think this is it.

    Happy Birthday Anna.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2010 at 12:18 am

      I hate thinking about the fact that my nieces and nephews must think of me as being an ADULT.

      How very wrong they are…

  • Reply PhillyLass October 21, 2010 at 11:04 pm

    Happy birthday, Anna. May you enjoy many, many stylish years to come!

  • Reply Barb F (Australia) October 21, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    Happy Birthday Anna! And that is one rockin’ hair do.
    x

  • Reply Elizabeth October 21, 2010 at 11:21 pm

    Happy birthday! You seem to have mastered the art of staying youthful- gorgeous and totally with it. Let me know if you want to disclose your secrets…

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2010 at 11:26 pm

      Coffee! And general immaturity. 😉

  • Reply kay* October 21, 2010 at 11:22 pm

    happy happy birthday!

    (btw you TOTALLY do not look like you’re 35!)

  • Reply Sarah Bishop October 21, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    Happy birthday Anna. It’s my birthday today too, but I am a day ahead in Tasmania. I know what you mean about not feeling so grown up. I’m 39 now and really don’t feel it most of the time 🙂

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2010 at 12:19 am

      Happy birthday, Sarah!

  • Reply Kate October 22, 2010 at 12:11 am

    Shut.. up… no way! You look like you’re 24.

  • Reply janet October 22, 2010 at 12:32 am

    happy birthday anna!

  • Reply Benita October 22, 2010 at 2:20 am

    Grattis Anna!

  • Reply Kyli October 22, 2010 at 2:20 am

    Happiest of days, Anna! I turn the big 4-0 next year and wonder how I can be reaching the mid-life crisis zone…and still feel child like. Maybe I’m actually regressing and don’t realize it…

  • Reply Cat's Meow October 22, 2010 at 2:53 am

    Happy happy birthday! I’m 35 too. I had an age crisis at 24 -since then it’s been all good. When i turned 30 I thanked God I wasn’t turning 20 🙂 But I agree – Been married for 8 years, have a child, lost my own mother and all my grandparents, and I still definitely feel young! My mom had my baby brother when she was 35 and she said she was so old to have another baby hehe 🙂
    Anyways. It is just a number. Feeling young makes one look young I guess 😀

  • Reply LL October 22, 2010 at 2:54 am

    I know what you mean! I still wonder when I am going to fell like a proper grown-up and I’m 35 with 2 kids. I guess it just means you have a young soul. A good thing in my book 🙂

  • Reply Monica October 22, 2010 at 3:15 am

    I was looking at old school pictures a few weeks ago and realized how young some of my teachers through High School were. Much younger than I am now. I mean when did that happen?

    All the best and Happy Birthday!

  • Reply Anna October 22, 2010 at 4:53 am

    Happy Birthday to you! Your new blog design looks amazing, and so do you (I’m 33 and oh my, I thought I was ten years older than you. For real. Not that it matters – or should matter – how people look. But… Yeah, wow. Kudos for that too, because health is so important, and I believe that you inspire readers to take better care, eat less cute animals and just live a healthy life. That’s great).

  • Reply Marianne October 22, 2010 at 5:01 am

    Congratulations from snowy Norway, I’m sure 35 will be great! 🙂 You look marvelous, by the way 🙂

  • Reply Wojtek October 22, 2010 at 5:03 am

    All the best from Poland 🙂 May your next year be as good as this one, or better. And, yes being grown-up doesn’t feel grown-up at all, does it? 🙂

  • Reply jenny m October 22, 2010 at 5:27 am

    Happy happy birthday! Hope you had a really good one. 🙂

  • Reply Fiona October 22, 2010 at 5:28 am

    Happy Birthday Anna, and it’s as good a time as any to say thank you, I love your blog.

  • Reply Fiona October 22, 2010 at 5:29 am

    Happy Birthday Anna, and it’s as good a time as any to say thank you, your blog rocks.

  • Reply Elissa October 22, 2010 at 7:42 am

    Happy Birthday! I know what you mean, I turn 34 in about a month and don’t feel remotely grown up. Aren’t grown ups supposed to know what they’re doing? I certainly don’t. I’m just winging it! I can’t wait to see the finished bedroom, every room you touch seems to come out fantastically!

  • Reply Katja October 22, 2010 at 8:01 am

    Happy birthday! 🙂

  • Reply dew i October 22, 2010 at 8:01 am

    35 & beautiful.
    See I really can be nice.
    And I have not formally apologized to you for my past divisiveness, as a birthday gift I want to sincerely apologize. I’m at the Grouchy age.

    You’re still all dewy & youthful.
    Hope you had a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

  • Reply Heather October 22, 2010 at 8:07 am

    You look beautiful! I’m 35 about to turn 36 and can’t believe how much I feel like I’m finally growing into myself. Your post about body image and obsession with weight shows that you are really yourself too. I really enjoy your blog and your outlook. Happy Birthday!
    Best,
    Heather

  • Reply Miki October 22, 2010 at 8:19 am

    H
    a
    p
    p
    y

    b
    i
    r
    t
    h
    d
    a
    y
    !

    Pretty blog, pretty picture, pretty background, pretty girl!

    Hug!

    Miki.

  • Reply Kathy October 22, 2010 at 8:45 am

    Happy Birthday. 🙂

    I know what you mean by “I still think it’s weird that I’m not a teenager.” I still think of myself as being out of college… I mentally default to that age, and then have to remind myself I’m in my thirties.

    I digress. Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy the day and can fill it with all that you love.

  • Reply Deleilan October 22, 2010 at 8:47 am

    With each passing year, I become more and more convinced that “grown up” is all in the head…

    Have a lovely birthday filled with all your favourite things and surrounded by all your favourite beings (human and non human)!

  • Reply Anna October 22, 2010 at 9:29 am

    Happy Birthday, Anna! Here’s to a great year.

    (This photo has inspired me to search your blog for make-up posts because you have the loveliest skin!)

  • Reply April October 22, 2010 at 9:30 am

    Happy Birthday!!

  • Reply jodi October 22, 2010 at 9:48 am

    i know what you mean! “adulthood” has turned out to be nothing like i imagined it when i was 10. and seriously, when i see teenagers lately, all i can think about is how *young* and silly they seem. time is a crazy ride.

    happy, happy birthday!!!

  • Reply katie October 22, 2010 at 9:51 am

    happy birthday anna!

  • Reply Amanda October 22, 2010 at 10:05 am

    Happy birthday! Longtime reader but I don’t usually comment… had to today because there is no way in hell you look a day older than twenty-five. seriously.

    Also, your skin is amazing. Have you found any great vegan makeup that you could share? That is one area where I could use some help!

  • Reply Michelle October 22, 2010 at 10:19 am

    Happy bid day. I know right! I feel like grown ups are all in on this big secret, we are all just big kids.

  • Reply Grumble Girl October 22, 2010 at 11:09 am

    Yeah. Still kinda a kid inside – I get that totally. I can’t believe I live with people who call me “mum.” It’s weird. But great.

    And you look gorgeous, ma’am. (Ohyesshedid just “ma’am” you. Heh.)

  • Reply A. Tee October 22, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    I know exactly how you feel, I am turing 30 in 2.5 weeks and titled my draft blog post on the topic {a sixteen year old trapped in a 30 year old’s body}.

    Although, I do work with many 24 year olds, and I often find I cannot relate to thier drama filled lives. I was once there too, so maybe I have grown up a little. But there’s definitly a lot more to go!

    happy birthday.

  • Reply angie w October 22, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    i had to click through my reader to tell you that you look amazing!!! do it up and celebrate”)

  • Reply Misa October 22, 2010 at 12:50 pm

    ha! i totally know what you mean. i remember, as a teenager, thinking of celebrities as grown-ups and now it’s startling to think that many celebrities are younger than me.

    your hair looks freaking awesome. happy birthday!

  • Reply Kim October 22, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    I hear ya on the still feeling young part. I just turned 35 too…I took a picture of myself the day of, but didn’t get around to posting, but I did post this:

    http://cedarhouseblues.blogspot.com/2010/08/big-3-5.html

  • Reply Fernanda October 22, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    Happy Birthday Anna!!! Getting older is weird to me as well. It is so strange when we realize time has passed, but we still feel young. I think it will be like this forever. I’m 43 now.

  • Reply Sara October 22, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    A very happy birthday to you, Anna. I’m currently having an anxiety attack over the fact that I now have to be a grown up, seeing as how I graduate college and start my first real life big girl job in only a few months. As always, you look wonderful and I can only hope I am as successful and put together as you seem to be! Go celebrate!

  • Reply christina@pmv October 22, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    Happy Birthday Anna! I’m turning 30 in a few weeks, and you described the mixed feelings quite well … I am definitely glad to have my 20’s be over, though! 🙂

  • Reply Dan October 22, 2010 at 2:17 pm

    LIBRAS! I knew I liked you. Hope you had a great day!

  • Reply Michelle October 22, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Happy Birthday! I feel the same way- I always wonder when I am going to feel like a “grown-up”- when does that happen!?

  • Reply Amber October 22, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Been following you for ages and I must say I feel your hair is especially lovely lately. Happy Birthday

  • Reply Rachel October 22, 2010 at 6:56 pm

    i turned 31 in july and i feel the same way, only i feel like i should be eternally 27 years old. you have a great profile! happy bday!

  • Reply peggy October 22, 2010 at 11:39 pm

    Happy Birthday Anna. You look so lovely. I totally get what you’re saying. I’m much older than you, and besides my body hurting, well I just never adjusted to being an adult. I’m still a five-year old. P.S. your house is looking lovely, and that wallpaper is divine. Also, your hair is fab!

  • Reply Josephine October 23, 2010 at 1:43 am

    This post brought me to the realisation that I’ve been following your blog for over 2 years now – I remember the post for your 33rd birthday 😉

    Feeling grown-up is entirely overrated, as long as you’re enjoying yourself, that’s what’s important.

    You’re looking fabulous, and your blog is still such an enjoyable space to visit! Thanks for sharing stuff with us 😉

  • Reply Ann Wilson October 23, 2010 at 2:33 am

    You look wonderful. I can’t see a line in your face. Enjoy your new found maturity and wisdom. I am going to be 65 in 14 months and can’t believe it went by so fast. I am compiling a list: 65 things to do before 65. I hope I can finish the list.

  • Reply lookwhaticando October 23, 2010 at 10:46 am

    You look fantastic and nowhere near 35!!! I too thought being grown up would feel more grown up.
    Every Birthday I feel that way….Happy 35!!!

  • Reply Suzanne October 23, 2010 at 10:22 pm

    happy birthday! yeah, I know what you mean about not feeling really adult even at this age. I’m turning 45 in a few weeks and I still don’t feel like an adult. The only time when I really start to feel like one is when I’m nagging at my toddler daughter — makes me feel like my mother!

  • Reply Rosa, Copenhagen October 25, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    A (late) happy birthday to you, Anna!
    I turned 54 the very same day and I stopped thinking about the numbers a long time ago. I used to worry about the “growing up”-thing because I was afraid that I would be(come)
    “serious”… like no more silly, funny and crazy things to do, say or experience.
    I was so wrong:-))
    To-morrow I’ll have a girls night out – my friend is 86 and the most hilarious woman I know. Good friends and a LOT of laughter keeps you young – most of my lines/wrinkles are from laughing, so I don’t worry about them either – they are well earned 😉
    Hope your day was filled with love & laughter!

  • Reply chelsea October 25, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    Happy Birthday!!! I can so relate. I turned 34 this year and although I have 2 kids, I feel more and more like a teenager every day! I hope your birthday was fabulous and 35 treats you well!!

  • Reply Sherry October 26, 2010 at 10:47 am

    What the what?? Happy Birthday!! I hope you enjoyed your long weekend!

    • Anna @ D16 October 26, 2010 at 10:55 am

      Hahah! Thanks, Sherry! 🙂

  • Reply susan October 26, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    Anna, I am now 55 and I feel (in my head – not my body *oy*) the same as I did when I was in my mid 20’s. I wonder when that changes?

  • Reply Fiona October 27, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    Happy belated birthday! I know, isn’t it so weird? I still don’t feel grown-up most of the time, and I’m older than you are. I wonder if I’ll be 85, wondering when I’ll be grown up.

  • Reply Carolyn November 5, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    Happy (belated) Birthday!

    I just wished my dad “happy birthday” too, and he agrees, he still feels “just like a kid on the inside.” BTW, he just turned 87!

  • Reply Lauren March 19, 2011 at 1:35 am

    Hey, surfing through every page of your blog tonight. . . and where do you get your haircut? Do you go somewhere in the city? Have you already answered this question and I haven’t found the answer yet?

    Thanks!

    btw. Happy Belated. You are so fab.

  • Reply Fotograf śubny Śląsk May 26, 2020 at 9:49 pm

    Happy Birthday

    • Anna Dorfman May 26, 2020 at 9:50 pm

      You’re a decade late, but OK

    Leave a Comment

    Door Sixteen is a hate-free, drama-free, spam-free zone. Open dialogue is welcome, but comments designed to harm or deceive will be removed.

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Get D16 in your mailbox

    Sign up to receive weekly digests and (occasional) other updates from Door Sixteen! I promise to not bombard your inbox.