*Or ‘The Things I Really Want But Can’t Have’
*Or ‘Thoughts on Ageing but also PRETTY THINGS’
You can tell I’ve struggled with a title for this post. Oh yes, it’s that time of year again. It’s my birthday on Monday. (Dear god, WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?) I think once you get passed the excitement of your 21st, the years fly by faster and faster and it’s like someone is hitting the accelerator on time itself. I would have been pretty happy to have just stopped on erm… say 33 or so? That would have been nice. But no, 33 happened quite some time ago so I just have to buckle down and accept that I – like every other person on this planet – is continuing to age.
Me at age 33
Ok, so I do think I’m a wiser version of my younger self. My 20 something self hadn’t really figured out anything yet, she didn’t know what to do with her life, her “career” was more just a “job”, she was in and out of more relationships than she would be willing to admit (*ahem*), she had no clue what to do with that big mane of curly hair and she hadn’t yet mastered the eyeliner flick. My 30 something self felt like she’d finally cracked the big ‘who am I, really?’ question, found the man she didn’t even realise she was searching for and finally felt like commitment (to anything really) wasn’t actually so bad. It’s not like I want to go back to being those people though. In my early 40s, I’m much more confident, understand much better my ‘place’ in the universe, I have a much better relationship with both my mind and my body and I know now how important quality of relationships are over quantity (and how much harder it is to keep those relationships going). So maybe this ageing thing isn’t actually all that bad, right?
So this year, I’m keeping things pretty low-key. Wayne and I are going to a nice hotel, we’re going to have a fancy meal and he’s baking me a cake (aww!). It’s all a girl – scratch that – woman can really ask for.
However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t still dream up a bunch of stuff I’d have on my wishlist if money (and location) were no object. So I thought today I’d put together a little list of things that would making getting older just that little bit more fun.*
So the first thing on my dream birthday wishlist is a set of 3 brass Circa Lighting Hicks Pendants for my kitchen. Nope, you can’t get them in the UK and yes, I could have them shipped from the US but alas, I do not have like a zillion pounds hanging out in my bank account for such frivolity. I have loved these for far too long and still dreamily gaze at kitchens (like this one by Caitlin Wilson) which are lucky enough to have them in multiples.
The second thing on my wishlist is that Nate Burkus would somehow make it possible to sell his Target line in the UK. Ok, I realise we don’t have Target here but surely just a few of his items can trickle here? Pretty please? I NEED THESE THINGS IN MY LIFE.
I’ve also pretty much given up a search for a Chinoiserie-style brass etagere. They apparently don’t exist this side of the Atlantic – that pesky body of water just keeps getting in the way of my dreams. I don’t even know where I’d necessarily put it (I can actually think of at least 3 places in my home where I’d like one) but no matter, they are so beautiful that they stay permanently on my wish list. Will I ever have one? Magic 8 Ball says, ‘My sources say no’. Hmph.
Speaking of things difficult to find, I have wanted a vintage zebra figurine for like ever ala one of my decorating heroes, Christine Dovey. That girl can rock 70’s tat like no one else. I think one would look rather fetching in my home somewhere. If I could only figure out where he’s hiding, elusive little bastard.
I’m also thinking I’d rather love an animal print stair runner in my hallway. At the moment, my hallway is so far from ‘swoon worthy’ it’s actually quite frightning. Someday, my hallway, someday. And yes, I will look exactly as beautiful and stylish as Sheridan French and exactly this smug when it happens. Hey this is my wishlist, however inconceivable, right? Right. Moving on.
And finally, if money were no object, I would love a gorgeous bench at the end of my bed. This Jonathan Adler lucite and brass number would actually do very nicely thank you. *checks behind sofa cushions for £1800 in spare change*
Of course, I would also be asking for peace in the Middle East, the end of all racism, for women to be treated with dignity and respect everywhere and an end to poverty and suffering. And that I stop the ageing process completely right now.
We all have our dreams right? What would be on your ultimate wishlist?
*Of course I am grateful for absolutely everything I have in my life, I’d prefer getting older than the alternative and these are just THINGS and ultimately are meaningless. So I hope you do realise this post is just in good fun! Except for the Hicks pendants. I really do want those.
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Happy Birthday Kimberly! It is strange how things and we change as we mature….Fabulous wish list but I’m sure you will find a way to make it happen somehow!
In the painful stages of kitchen and dining room remodel so struggling where to get toughened heat resistant mirror made for a long and strangely shaped splashback. Have fabby gold bristan tap which I can’t wait to see in. Also having tussles with wall light choices – I either go v old or v midcentury! Using wonderful Bowery Blue from the amazing Abigail Ahern hopefully – and have eyed up wonderful ferny green velvet curtains for lushness personified!!
The kitchen/dining room situation sounds fab (love the idea of green velvet curtains – YUM!)! Good luck with it all! And thank you, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for everything lol xxx
Happy Birthday Kimberly! Hope all your wishes come true one day (stop the ageing process for all of us especially;)).
I know your problem with not being able to find things here in the UK. I’m originally from Poland and there are many items I wish I could buy in here too. Saying that I’m pleased I live in the UK as I found a lot of other things I love which you can’t find in other countries:)
Aww thanks Anna! I’m working on the ageing thing, I’ll let you know when I’ve cracked it! lol
I suppose that’s very true – we still have lots of cool stuff in the UK, right? :D xxx
Just thought about one of your B-day wishes, brass lighting. You can spray your existing lamps like you did with your hook rail:)
Ya know, I considered that but it’s the style I’m not thrilled with as much as the finish. I really want something simple and modern rather than the industrial vibe of these fisherman’s pendants. But yes totally – if I liked the style of them, I’d certainly save my pennies and simply spray them ;) xx
So I just wish you good luck with finding your dream lighting (in sensible price:))
have the happiest of birthdays! your list looks awesome and i hope some of it comes true!
Thanks so much Cassie! I am holding on to hope! LOL! xxx
I wish you the happiest of birthdays Kimberly! May all your wishes come true!
Thanks Amanda! :D xxx
Wishing you a wonderful Birthday Kimberley! With your spray-painting skills, I’m sure you could make your etagere dreams come true.
Aww thanks hun! I haven’t lost all hope just yet ;) lol xxx
Utterly stunned you are over 40! Seriously would not have guessed that – I’d been thinking 33! So – birthday bonus, the wisdom of 40-something with the looks of 30-something! ;-)
Love Target. Want it here. Not fair.
Also love that etagere – is it not a possible DIY? A tricky one, but do-able!
Happy birthday! Hope some Hicks pendants come your way! x
Ha! Thanks Anna, I’ll take 33, sounds good to me! ;) Don’t know if my DIY skills are quite that good but ya never know, right? I may get that desperate ;) xxx
Hi Kimberley,
First of all, from your photos I thought you were in your 20s, so whatever you are taking, I’ll have some too! I’ve been following your blog for a couple of months now and your interior passions reflect mine closely. I also love the humour with which you write and look forward to every post. Should my numbers come up this weekend in the Lotto, some hicks pendants will be yours!!
Happy birthday for Monday ( from one Aquarian to another)
Alison x
Oh goodness Alison, 20s?! You flatter me!! LOL! Thank you, you’re too sweet :D
Aww I’m so pleased you’re enjoying the blog – that really means a lot to me! And I will keep my fingers firmly crossed for that lottery win for both our sakes then! LOL! Thanks so much my fellow Aquarian ;) xxx
Happy birthday! We have almost the same birthday; mine is on Sunday. I thought you were close to my age (I’ll be 33 tomorrow) so I think you should embrace your age. You obviously look younger than you are! Also, I love the idea of a (dream) wish list.
Aww happy birthday Allison!! A lot of people mistake me for much younger so I guess I’ve gotta count my blessings, right? (I still FEEL like I’m 42 however lol) Thanks so much and have a fabulous one xxx
Happy birthday flower ave a gooden, and can i just say i aven’t been able to comment for a while due to work and i love what you have done with the blog it looks fantastic, well done you xx
Thanks so much my dear Pauline! Mwah! xxx
Happy birthday lovely, I hope you get some of your wishes ;)
Mad things happen when you search ‘zebra figurine’ in ebay or etsy, most are in the USA and some are terrifying! I found a good one but he is a little pricy and postage is hefty too! xxx https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/164348930/vintage-1920s-signed-porcelain-zebra?
Good luck hunting!
Oooh he’s gorgeous but crap on a cracker that price!! Jeez. Yeah, Wayne would think I was absolutely bonkers getting it at that price – I must continue to believe I can find one for cheaper, right? Someday someday… lol Thanks darling! xxx
First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! And this list could be so mine as well. Love everything on it. And I’ve been dreaming of a stair runner like this.
My brother’s wife always complains about no Target in Europe as well ;)
Thanks so much my lovely one! Ahh yes that beautiful stair runner, it’s just bonkers beautiful! I reckon there are a lot of us here that wish Target would come on over ;) xxx
First of all! Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have an amazing time at the hotel. I love to stay at fancy hotels and room service is my favorite :) I love all the things. For real, you just listed all the things I have been lusting after! If we had endless budgets and could design a house together it would be the most jaw-dropping home EVER! Enjoy celebrating and many happy returns (isn’t that what they say on your side of the pond?!) XOXO
Ah, yes, it’s me again. H A P P Y H A P P Y H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y ! ! ! Loving your fantasy birthday wish list. Mine is quite similar (though it’s not my birthday), my life would definitely be better if I owned these things. True fact. And make no apologies for wanting stuff. I want all the stuff. Mwah!!
I’m totally down with that wish list, and I think it’s completely reasonable that you should have ALL THE THINGS. Hope you had a great birthday!
Now wait just a gosh damned minute! Theres no way in hell your 40 something! I refuse to believe it. You look amazing woman. Ive always been told life begins at 30 and takes off at 40. Heres to your glorious take off! Muah!
Happy belated Birthday my dear!!! Cheers to another year of fabulous you!
Happy belated Birthday!
And thanks for the mention!! Sadly, my sweet zebra said a fond farewell we tried to take him on a travel shoot and he wasn’t packaged well enough:( Miss him!!!