I used to think that turning 30 would be the most frightening experience of my life. In my early 20s, I had the urge to travel the world, make bold decisions, and live the most exciting life I could conceivably pull off. Turning 30 meant having to give up all of those things and become a real adult. The kind that spends Sundays going through the weekly flyers for the best deals at the local grocery store, budgeting to pay the mortgage, tucking into bed at 9pm and waking up at 5am, unable to sleep through the night without peeing.

Well…reality has settled in. I don’t yet peruse the weekly flyers but I always buy what’s on sale at the grocery store. Budgets have become part of my day to day…running a small business, while still having enough “play” money to travel, go out for dinner, and treat myself to a latte at Bridgehead. 5 months into my pregnancy, I struggle to stay up past 9pm, usually wake up in the middle of the night to use the washroom, and then toss and turn before falling back to sleep for only a few hours before getting up to go to yoga, teach yoga or get to work!

The strange reality is that I love my life. I wouldn’t change a thing. While I used to dread turning 30, it’s become the new 20. I feel happy, healthy, and am excited for the adventures ahead.

My friends and family spoiled me ROTTEN this birthday. A day full of surprises.

I was told to be ready at 10:45am. My friends picked me up (including my long-time gal pal who’s 30th birthday is also this month!). We were taken to brunch at Fraser’s Cafe (my absolute fave!) where 3 of our friends were waiting to surprise us!

Following brunch, we were treated to manicures/pedicures at Third Avenue Spa! SO dreamy.

Then, Alyssa, our bff, took us across the street to Magpie where we were treated to a new Alex and Ani bracelet that we both have wanted for a long time! Wowzers.

THEN (yes, it keeps going!), we were blindfolded in the car, taken for quite the spin (Alyssa knew I’d be counting every turn and stop…mapping the way we were headed in my head) where we were then escorted out of the car, into a pub, filled with all our friends and fam!

What a day to remember…a birthday I will never forget.

It only seems fitting to introduce this more mature me with my brand new website and logo! I could NOT be more excited to share with you the new look of Ashley Notley Photography! Visit the website to take a peek…it’s still a work in progress but I just couldn’t wait any longer!! Let me know what you think 🙂