A curious creature named Annalee!

It’s her birthday so it’s time to celebrate all things color, throw on our favorite pajammies and work up an appetite the size of Texas… all while hustling to make the world a kinder, more compassionate place. Because that’s just what she does.

To say that she lights up our lives would be a ridiculous understatement. She lights up the milky way.

(and the milk is melted ice cream, obviously)

She’s a constant example of the power in being completely yourself. She’s proof that it’s perfectly fine to be paradoxical. She shares her light as unabashedly as she does the things often left in shadows. Her self expression can be loud yet she’s just as comfortable enjoying the quiet. She stands by her values but also sits in the discomfort of something not yet understood. She is strong (have you seeeeen her work out?!) and will be straight with you, and also gentle and thoughtful…

Of course, these aren’t actual paradoxes but simply all part of the messiness of being human. She inspires us to be more ourselves!

We remember the very first time we met Annalee. She hasn’t changed. Only grown. We’ve been lucky to travel around the world together but some of our most memorable moments with her have been right at home. You’ll often find us in the kitchen, raving about the food we’re eating / going to eat; snuggled up in the living room pondering life’s mysteries and frustrations, trying to decode our emotions (while eating); getting our vitamin D and stretch on (more like just laying on the grass watching squirrels) in the backyard; and in the attic brainstorming ways to make a difference, dreaming up big plans for the future (and also big plans for dinner).

We thank our lucky stars that she was born!

Go wish her a happy happy birthday!

No big parties this year, but here are 32 ways you can celebrate from wherever you are, in Annalee style!

32. You, animal, you. Check out ASPCA, foster a pet or volunteer at your local pet shelter (safely!)

31. Get thrifty! Shop second hand and online thrift shops.

30. Sweat to Fitness Marshall.

29. Treat yourself to some ice cream.

28. Play dress up!

27. Lounge naked.

26. Hit a drive-in theater.

25. Write in a Journal.

24. Take a hike!

23. Move your hips to some Latin music.

22. Be a good listener to someone, even if it’s your cat, dog or bird.

21. Have a good cry.

20. Laugh until you cry.

19. Waste not! Especially food! Annalee will eat it all! Enjoy those leftovers like it’s your job!

18. Let your armpit hair grow. If you feel like it. (This gets an honorable mention in our podcast interview with JD & Annalee. Listen to the long and short of it here :D )

17. Did we already say dress up? Do it again haha. May we suggest an 80’s aerobics theme?

16. Compliment a stranger.

15. Say thank you when you receive a compliment.

14. Eat a donut. Or two or three.

13. Exercise your voice in whatever you care about! Do it respectfully.

12. Make tacos, not war.

11. Make something.

10. Do nothing.

9. Learn to be okay with not being okay all of the time.

8. Donate old clothes to Goodwill.

7. Highlight makers, artists, storytellers of all backgrounds and perspectives.

6. Wear fun socks.

5. Make quiet time for yourself.

4. Stop and smell the flowers (with a mask on).

3. Do a little dance when you eat something good.

2. Celebrate all love.

1. Love yourself!

We planned a teeny tiny dinner for the birthday gal, complete with goodies from Porridge + Puffs, wine from The Hideaway Wine Co., Magnolia Bakery, fun stuff from Jonathan Adler and lots and lots of great conversation under flowers and stars.