There is something magical about having a birthday in December. The twinkling lights strung up around town, the parties, the treats dropped off on doorsteps. Everyone is happier. Friendlier. More willing to share a smile. When I was younger I remember the only concern I had on my birthday was whether or not my sweet mother would make the mistake of wrapping my gifts with Christmas paper (those of you with December birthdays know what I'm talking about). A first world problem, I know.
As I've gotten older the concerns have changed. Like they should. This year on my birthday the one thing I keep thinking about is my family. Their happiness. I am so thankful for the gifts they give me everyday.
I'm also feeling thankful for you. I know it seems like a small thing but your comments brighten my day. This week I've received a couple not so nice ones (that were deleted) and it's made me appreciate those of you that leave encouraging and thoughtful words in this space. Thank you.
To show my appreciation I'd like to offer a giveaway to all of you. Just like last year. A happy mail package filled with 31 of my favorite treats. I have some new favorite things I can't wait to send to one of you! To enter simply leave a comment on this post. You can add another entry to the hat by giving a "Like" to my sparkling new Facebook page. I'll choose a winner in a couple of days and announce it at the bottom of this post.
Image of us by You Look Nice Today Photography
I'll be sending my 31 Favorite Things package to:
Congratulations, Natalie! I'll be contacting you shortly.






I found the perfect birthday card on Etsy, poking fun of birthdays that are close to Christmas. Can't wait to give it to my BF, whose birthday is a few days before Christmas as well. Happy Birthday tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you tomorrow! Beautiful photo..and I agree a birthday during the holidays is extra special. I didn't enjoy it as a kid, but I appreciate it so much more as an adult. Guaranteed time with family around you.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Have a happy day tomorrow.
Happy day-before-your-birthday! I have a good friend whose birthday is the 21st. We threw him a surprise party last week! :) Poor guy. It was the only time before his birthday that all his friends could get together!
ReplyDeleteAnd how did I miss that you have a facebook page now? I'm sharing your "How To Wrap A Gift" for all my guy friends. :)
ReplyDeleteThis picture of your cute family just might be my favorite one yet. Oliver's sweet expression is melting my heart!
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy Birthday (tomorrow!) to you, sweet friend. I hope you have a wonderful day filled with those you love most.
I like you. On FB and in the real life too!! ;)
ReplyDeleteI am shocked that you could receive negative comments! What in the world could they be complaining about?!
ReplyDeleteLove this site and the inspiration you give me and my family. Your adorable family inspires me to be a better mother.
Thank you and Happy Birthday!
Liked your FB page! Updates from you in FB can' be beat.
ReplyDeletehappy birthday! your blog has been a fave of mine for a long time.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you! I hope you have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteWhy do people leave negative comments? I just don't get it! Some people are just wrong!
xxx
why would anyone leave you a rude comment? you are one of the kindest bloggers I know!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday to you!!
Happy Early Birthday! I only found you recently and am so glad I did!
ReplyDeleteHave a great birthday! Sweet photo.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I think the photo of your family is so cute! I also became a new "liker" of your FB page!! :)
ReplyDeletehappy birthday! mine was yesterday...30. not sure how i'm feeling about that. thank you for putting yourself out there! you have great ideas!
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday, Danyelle. I always leave your blog with a smile. Do you remember your date with your husband where you paid for the dinner of strangers? We recently had a meal which was comped by the restaurant because of an error. Instead of just the tip, we left the payment for the full tab on the table for the waitress and ran. (Okay, we walked.) It was a fun and giddy opportunity to be generous. Thank you for that gift to me!
ReplyDeleteHave a very happy birthday! Your family is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI also "liked" you FB page.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! Your blog always brings a spark of sunshine to my day. It's filled with such loveliness.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI liked you on FB!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday!! would love some of your fave things. have a great weekend! (noah was due on the 20th and came the 30th... makes for a busy holiday season!)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday sweet girl!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday. My teenage daughter's birthday is tomorrow too.
ReplyDeleteI liked you and left a message on your FB.
ReplyDeleteYay--Happy Birthday! You are so nice to think about all of us, too!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! Such a sweet thing to do for your readers on your big day. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I also have a December birthday (next week) and agree there is something magical about it. :)
ReplyDeletetara.barros@gmail.com
I liked your facebook page. :)
ReplyDeletetara.barros@gmail.com
Happy birthday Dandee. Your lovely blog, creative ideas, adorable pictures, and positive attitude brighten MY day whenever I stop by. Thanks. :) Happy happy 31st.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely family photo. Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration you provide for us all on this blog. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love that picture of your family! So sweet ;) Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteAnd I also like you on FB.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Your blog has been such a delight in my every day goings on. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us!
ReplyDeleteLove, Bree
My baby girl has a December birthday and it's actually been really fun and I do my very best to separate her day with Christmas. Happy 31 tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI like your FB page! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to a stylish lady! I love everything about December, always wanted to have my birthday on Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHappy happy birthday! I hope it is wonderful for you!
ReplyDeleteI liked your facebook page!
ReplyDeleteHappy happy birthday!! I hope your day is spectacular!
ReplyDelete(and boo to those negative comments! i don't understand why people have to be stinkers)
I liked your new shiny facebook page!! :)
ReplyDeletehappy birthday! I am on to 31 in March. The 30's are good so far, I think.
ReplyDeleteand I like your facebook page!
ReplyDeleteI am a new mom of two and when I counted your kids in that cute picture and was reminded how many kids you became my new hero! :) my husband says he wants five. I just want a break :) happy happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteWishing the happiest of days tomorrow! Though with your little clan, I'm sure that's a lock. :)
ReplyDeleteLiking you on FB.
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet to give something away to one of us for YOUR birthday. I am sure whatever it is you send will be amazing as well as beautifully packaged. Thanks to you whenever I wrap a present I try to make it a bit more special by taking time to add ribbon/string and a nice tag. I hope you have a lovely birthday with your family!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday! hope its a great one!
ReplyDeletei like your facebook page!
ReplyDeleteali jarman
Oh Ollie, sneaking a peek. This picture will be treasured for years to come.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Love your clean, simple style.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you!! Boo to the negative comments. People can be so rude sometimes. Enjoy your day tomorrow!!
ReplyDeleteOh, POO to those that leave nasty/unkind comments. We all ought to feel bad for them living THAT kind of misery.
ReplyDeleteOn a happy note: ENJOY your birthday!! My oldest was born December 23rd...we were released Christmas Day from the hospital. I always tell him he was my very favorite Christmas gift. I'm sure your Momma feels the same!
Happy Birthday tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful family picture.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday. I really love visiting your site-you always leave me feeling uplifted.
ReplyDeleteI liked your facebook page!
ReplyDeletethanks for the fun giveaway!
Happy Birthday tomorrow! And how could anyone leave a negative comment to a person who gives away presents on their own birthday? You are too kind :)
ReplyDeleteI "like" your FB page!
ReplyDeleteI still have your giveaway starred in my Google Reader from last year and I've been trying your favorite things slowly this year. Now there's another one! Thank you for being so nice to us. I always look forward to reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fabulous birthday and a very Merry Christmas.
happy early birthday. :) would give ya a bday hug at the concert tonight, but we've had a big unexpected bill show up, so i've had to give up my plans of mindy. :( enjoy for me too!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday... I'm new to your blog but am loving it. What a cute family you have!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Dandee! I get so much inspiration and joy from your blog. Blessed Christmas to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteIt is always such a pleasure to see what life has brought you via your blog. It is like a ray of sunshine. Happy birthday, dear friend! (My want/wear/read/need tags look darling under the tree by the way...thrilled!)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you!! Hope you have a great weekend with your family and that your day is filled with many smiles. Thanks for always inspiring. xo
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! My 31st year was crazy awesome. I hope yours is too.
ReplyDeletei think you seem like a delightful soul. hope your birthday is sparkly and joyous.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I enjoy looking at your blog often. You have an adorable family! I hope you are spoiled for your special day. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this blog to share with all of us! HAPPY *<:)Birthday!
ReplyDeletei ♥LIKE♥ your sparkling FB page!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! It's a great time for a birthday :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you! Your blog is one of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteI like your facebook page
ReplyDeleteI liked you on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you! The family picture you included on this post is so precious. Family really is the best thing in the whole world, isn't it? I hope you have a wonderful birthday weekend!
ReplyDelete~Robin
p.s. so fun to see a post from you on a Saturday...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I always look forward to your posts!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Danyelle! I'm glad to hear you like having a December birthday. My baby is due the 27th, so have been worrying about how we'll be able to make it special in the coming years with the holidays mixed in. Love the family picture. It's so precious.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. I hope you'll share what the 31 goodies are. I'm really curious!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday tomorrow! Your family picture turned out so perfect!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Love the family photo-aren't those the best?!
ReplyDeleteI like you on fb too! And Happy Birthday again!:)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I just started following your blog and I LOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post and beautiful family. Happy Birthday.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I love your blog even though I am horrible about commenting anymore.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your family picture is so sweet!
Happy Birthday - thank you for sharing your heart :) Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! That looks like one heck of a group hug...love the expressions on all of your faces.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteand one more for the facebook like
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of december birthdays in such a positive light before. What a wonderful perspective! Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy 31st birthday! I think it is great that you like having your birthday in December, I've only ever thought of the negatives of that birth month!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday. Thanks for the heads up on wrapping paper for December birthdays.... I never thought of it. I feel so thoughtless.
ReplyDeleteHappy 31st!! I hope you have a great day! Your blog is such a bright spot in the web world. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI also like you on FB.
ReplyDeletehappy birthday. hope your family gives you tons of love.
ReplyDeleteyour 30 favorite things from last year has been the inspiration for some of my christmas gifts this year. can't wait to see your new picks and would love a chance to win! happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Danyelle! Your blog is a bright spot in my day. Blessing to you in the coming year!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I hope you celebrate all that you love in life on your special day! Celebrate well.
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday! I love checking in on your blog and seeing all of your pretty creations!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a facebook fan!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! You wear 31 so well with 5 beautiful children. I hope you have a wonderful day and year ahead. I really enjoy reading your blog, and I love your simple beautiful approach!
ReplyDeleteI also follow you on Facebook! Happy Day!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to the kindest blogger in blogland! Your posts are always so inspiring! Hope you have a blessed birthday tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Danyelle! Your giveaway last year was so great, and I still find myself occasionally going back to that picture of those 30 things to be inspired by their loveliness. :) I'm sure your 31 favorite things will be just as wonderful, so I would be thrilled to win!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, ...you're family is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteAlso liked you on FB....
ReplyDelete:)
Happy Happy Birthday!!!!
ReplyDeleteand Boo to those mean people!!!
I hope you have a great birthday this year!!!
Happy Happy Birthday! You share a birthday with my son, who will be TWO tomorrow! Time flies!! :)
ReplyDeleteHello! I just have to tell you that your life exudes such beauty! I love all the images on your blog, and I love the way you write as well. I'll be turning 25 in the 22nd--I totally know what you mean about December birthdays. Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful day and make many sweet memories with your beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great age. I hope you'll enjoy that age as much as I did.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, with many happy returns.
ReplyDeleteHappy almost birthday! My sister was also a December baby, so we generally celebrated her half birthday.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! Love your blog and love your sweet family.
ReplyDeletehappy birthday.
ReplyDeleteHappy happy birthday! Hope you have a "dandy" day! :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you! My sister and husband both have December birthdays so I understand. Hope you're having a lovely birthday weekend. I'm hoping to win your 31 favorite things...I'm 31 too so maybe that will bring me luck :)
ReplyDeleteAmber
ambermartin33 at gmail dot com
I liked you on FB as well!
ReplyDeleteAmber
ambermartin33 at gmail dot com
Happy birthday! I look forward to your blog every day and I think you deserve an especially happy birthday for all that you do for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteMean people suck. And I heart you. And I already liked your page before I read this post. I wish you the happiest of birthdays tomorrow! (Even if it is a Sunday :)
ReplyDeletehappiest of birthdays, miss danyelle! i'm so glad i've gotten to "know" you. your blog is one of my favorites, such a beautiful and happy place!
ReplyDeletei think you are awesome! Keep being awesome!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! Why would someone leave a rude comment? I don't understand that. You have a lovely blog!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday! i'm looking at your family picture and thinking "oh gosh, I want that someday..." 5 healthy, happy kids to make a whole happy, beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great family photo! You can see the love you all have for each other. Love it! Hope you enjoy your birthday and are blessed in the year to come.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved your blog! You are an amazing mother and I'm so glad that I had a chance to meet you! You're a wonderful example to all of us. Happy happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I hope it is a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI like you on facebook
ReplyDeleteNot sure if it's already tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteBut here in Germany it is. So, I wish you a very happy birthday and a wonderful day with your lovely family.
I really really like your blog. :)
I enjoy every post, the design-ones and the sweetness of your daily life you share with us.
Happy Birthday to you... I have been a big fan of you, your blog and your projects for a long time. And for this comment I didn't mean to get any giveaway... I just want to say Happy Birthday. Wish you happy, not only today but everyday as I hope that you already are... with such a adorable family. All the best (:
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you! Good on you for finding the positives of a birthday near Christmas! My mother also celebrated her birthday this week.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! My daughter was born on the 30th of November just gone, so from now on we too will be sharing in the dual festivities. Like you said, family is the real gift. Have a great day and a Merry Christmas. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe someone would leave you negative comments - how is that even possible??
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Hope it's as lovely as you are!
I like you on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! Your blog is inspiring. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy Birthday!! Hope your day is wonderful! (love your blog :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday! From one 31 year old to another- 31 is the new 21! I hope you have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI just "liked" your Facebook page!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to offer someone else a gift for your birthday. I love that idea. Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! What a beautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteLiked you on Facebook as well :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I love you blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! You're one of my favorite blogs to read :)
ReplyDelete...and even like you on facebook, too!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!! I hope it is wonderfully splendid in every way. Thanks for the chance to win a box of goodies. Lord knows, I could really use a pick me up right now!
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday.
Happy Bithday! I hope you have a wonderful day. Your blog is one of my favorites and I always feel so inspired after I visit. Thank you for making this such a beautiful and uplifting site for all of us!
ReplyDeleteWow how thoughtful and generous. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Danyelle. Yay for 31!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you!! Here's to deleting the negative comments from life!
ReplyDeletealso have liked your fb page
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! You sure have accomplished a lot in your short 31 years. You're an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSince my name is Holly, everyone always asks if I was born in December- but I was born in summer : )
ReplyDeleteI liked you on FB too!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! From a fellow December bday (mine is the 30th) :)
ReplyDeleteliked your FB page as well!
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy Birthday!! Hope it's spectacular!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, D! Thanks for the great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI "liked" your page on FB! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat post :) Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI "liked" your fb page :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday "Dandee". I look forward to your new posts each day. My daughter has a birthday in Dec, too. She turned 6 on the 14th. I completely forgot about your favorite things post last year. I ran with it and did my own version on FB, and it was a hit. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteI just celebrated my birthday on the 16th and I know what you mean about the magic of having a birthday during a much cheerier time of the year.
Thank you for sharing your life with us; I always look forward to your posts!
Hip hop happy birthday! I hope it's a grand one.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I liked you on FB!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you. I just had my third baby, a girl, on the 14th and I would be thrilled to win this. Ignore the negative comments. You are fantastic and I love your blog!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Danyelle! I hope you've had a fantastic day!! Wishing you a year full of joy. xoxo
ReplyDeletehappy birthday...my daughters bday is today (18th) she turned 13...presents wrapped in bday paper, balloons hanging, birthday tablecloth...she is the best christmas gift ever!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! May your year ahead be full of all the love, light, and inspiration you so generously share with us all each and every post. Enjoy, enjoy.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea and I tried it for my birthday last year! (Only I'm a little older than you, so I had a slightly longer list.) It's not easy to come up with things that a. aren't priceless (as in things people gave me I wouldn't part with so can't duplicate) and b. that can be shipped! Would love to receive a fun box of your favorite things!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea it was your birthday today when I saw you at church! Happy Birthday! You are an inspiring woman. I can't wait to catch up with you tomorrow night, but I hope today is a wonderful birthday. I also absolutely love that picture of your adorable family.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I like your Facebook page :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, I hope that it is filled with lots of Love.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Danyelle! My mom's birthday is on Christmas Eve & while she always tells us not too, we make a big deal about it...just because it's Christmas doesn't mean she shouldn't get to celebrate her birthday, right? Hope that you had a fantastic day!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am already a fan of your Facebook page!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! Thank you for the constant inspiration and for allowing us a glimpse at your happy family.
ReplyDeleteI'm a December birthday, too, and hope that yours is wonderful this year.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! Love your blog!
ReplyDeletetalie321@gmail.com
happy birthday to you.
ReplyDeleteI just liked your fb page!!
ReplyDeletetalie321@gmail.com
You are a beautiful girl with a beautiful family. Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! My little sister turned 30 yesterday, and my mom was always very careful to make her birthday a separate celebration from Christmas. Although there are a few cross-overs. She always gets a Christmas book, and her birthday cake is always decorated Christmassy. But that's it! No Christmas wrapping paper, ever ever!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe anyone would have anything rude or mean to say to you. Your blog is so delightful and just plain pretty! I've received some nasty comments on my blog as well and it hurts but it's so nice when my blogging friends stick up for me and/or say nice things. The blog world has introduced me to lots of wonderful kindred spirits!
ReplyDeleteMy friend told me about your blog a couple of moths ago and I instantly added you to my "favorites" list on my blog (and trust me, it's not a long list because I'm pretty choosy about who my "favorites" are). I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! I love this picture of you and your precious family :) So happy to have met you this last year and wishing you the best "31" possible!
ReplyDelete-Randi
12/18 is my mother's birthday as well - she turns 70. a bunch of us decided to head in to NYC to celebrate and we had a blast. I hope your birthday is as sparkly and special and filled with family and friends.
ReplyDeletecheers!
Happy happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day and would love to win your 31 favorite things!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! It is my husband's 65th birthday on the 18th also.
ReplyDeleteI was very sad to read that negative comments had been left on your blog.
Your blog is so beautiful and such a nice spot to relax and enjoy the love that flows from it's pages.
God bless!
Happiest of Birthdays!!!
ReplyDeleteI have already "liked" your FB page!! : )
ReplyDeletehappy birthday beautiful girl! hope you had a wonderful one. the photograph is lovely...your hair is getting so long!
ReplyDeleteHappy happy birthday! I found your blog last year during your 30 days of kindness and added you to my Reader immediately. So just like your posts about blogs being "Reader-worthy" yours definitely was. :)
ReplyDeleteI "like" your facebook page, too!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Danyelle! I have a December birthday too and I also remember worrying about whether or not my mom would forget to wrap my presents separately :) Hope you had a fabulous day with your family!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY! I turn 31 this year as well! I wish you a happy healthy year!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a lovely birthday and that all your birthday wishes come true!
ReplyDeleteI'm a December birthday too - I love your perspective on it!! I'm very impressed with what you have done in 31 years!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that idea of sending your favourite things out - so much fun!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you. Can't believe you're so young with five children, good for you! I hope your day is filled with laughter from your children and love from your husband! Enjoy! xo
What good thoughts to celebrate your special day. Feeling the blessings you've already been graced with. :) The picture is just perfect to go with your heartfelt words too. I hope you enjoyed your day just as you wished. :)
ReplyDeleteI already "like" your fb page and i love your blog! Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteI've "liked" your FB page!
ReplyDelete