• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

27

July 13, 2012 | family, running, Uncategorized

 

Today, Friday July 13th, I celebrate another year of life. If I wear superstitious, I would be avoiding creepy cats and ladders today. Well, maybe I will anyway just to be safe. Each of my years have been vastly different from the others, growing a little older, and a little wiser (I hope!). Not all life experiences are fun, but I truly believe they each have a purpose in making me a stronger person. Experience really is the best teacher, and as I turn 27, I look back on all I have learned this past year. Saddle up, we are goin’ for a ride!

I learned that you should never take a strangers word on if a hotel is “nice” or not.

I learned that blogging conferences are so. much. fun.

I learned that running a half marathon tired and undertrained, in the rain, is very hard.

I learned that raising money and racing for charity is an awesome thing to do

I learned that you should listen to your body and be you own advocate

I learned that getting a stress fracture will really try your patience and determination

I learned what the inside of an ER looks like

I learned that being married to my soul mate for 5 years is a wonderful thing.

I learned that 6 girls in one van running 126.2 miles in 24 hours is a lot of fun, but a lot of hard work.

I learned that running in a tutu makes racing SO much more fun.

I learned that race volunteering can be almost as fun as participating

I learned that food poisoning is the ultimate torture method and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone

I learned that encouraging and motivating others to be healthy is truly one of my passions.

It has been quite the year, with a lot of ups and downs. I feel as if some really good things are on the horizon for me and my family, and I can’t quite share with you yet, but hopefully soon (I say that a lot don’t I?) I try and remind myself we were never promised an EASY life, just that God would be with us every step of the way. I am trying to take a new approach on adversity as I turn 27. Instead of groaning about it, I am going to try and figure out what I can learn from it, and how it can make me a better person. It’s definitely not always easy but I know it will be worth it. So as I blow out the candles tonight and make a wish, I will be thinking about experience. Although not happy to be another year older, I am thrilled to be another year wiser. I know I have a long way to go, but I am growing every day, towards number 28.

QOTD: What is your favorite part about birthdays? cake? family? wisdom?

Like this:

Like Loading…

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristyn says

    July 13, 2012 at 6:21 am

    Happy Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day! I always look forward to a nice dinner with Justin for my birthday. We always splurge at nice restaurants for our b-days.

  2. Amy Lauren says

    July 13, 2012 at 6:34 am

    Happy Birthday! I hope you have an amazing day, I love the pics with this blog and all that you’ve learned :).

  3. Karen :0) says

    July 13, 2012 at 6:36 am

    Hey friend! You’ve had a great year! Hope 27 is even better! Happy Birthday!!

  4. Courtney says

    July 13, 2012 at 7:05 am

    Happy Birthday! Hope this year is even better for you!!

  5. Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb says

    July 13, 2012 at 7:07 am

    Happy Birthday, Heather! Hope it’s fantastic. I fave part of birthdays is definitely looking back and realizing everything I’ve accomplished.

  6. AmyC says

    July 13, 2012 at 7:29 am

    Happy birthday! I wish for you another year of amazing lessons & experiences 😉

    My BRF has a shirt that is great for bdays that says (front) “run long” and (back) “& eat more cake”!

  7. heather says

    July 13, 2012 at 7:32 am

    Happy happy HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPY birthday to you my sweet friend! I am so thankful that I am getting to know you even more this year, and that I’ve had the pleasure of working with you! You are such a delight! I hope you have a MAGICAL birthday and a wonderful WEEKEND full of celebration! xo

  8. Kierston says

    July 13, 2012 at 7:39 am

    Happy Birthday!!!!

    I love everything about birthdays!

  9. Katie @wishandwhimsy says

    July 13, 2012 at 7:40 am

    Happy Birthday! Here’s to another awesome year!

  10. Maria @ Pappa Don't Preach says

    July 13, 2012 at 7:55 am

    Happy Birthday July baby! Mine is next week so I’m feeling quite reflective as well! Here’s to another year of amazingness! 😉

    Best part about birthdays – getting the love from those you care about most!

  11. Jen says

    July 13, 2012 at 7:56 am

    Happy, happy birthday friend! I hope 27 is your best year yet 🙂

    The best thing about birthdays is obviously the cake!

  12. Tara Burner says

    July 13, 2012 at 7:58 am

    Happy happy 27th!!!! enjoy it (as I know you will)
    🙂

  13. Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says

    July 13, 2012 at 8:19 am

    Happy Birthday! I love everything about birthdays! Well, except the growing older part, which isn’t really all that bad, but enough already!

    Enjoy your day, eat some cake, and let everyone take care of you 🙂

  14. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    July 13, 2012 at 8:25 am

    Happy Happy Birthday. I loved reading this post of lessons learned.

  15. Colleen says

    July 13, 2012 at 8:31 am

    Happy Birthday! What a fantastic post, you really have learned a lot! I hope that the next year is just as wonderful! My favorite part about birthdays is being with my family.

  16. Mindy Bobe says

    July 13, 2012 at 8:45 am

    Happy Birthday Heather!!! I hope it’s fabulous!!! I love everything about birthdays!!!

  17. Dominique @ CraftfullyCooks says

    July 13, 2012 at 9:59 am

    Happy, happy birthday!!! LOVE the hotel lesson- I’ve been there 😉 Can’t wait to see what the next year brings you 🙂

  18. Sally says

    July 13, 2012 at 10:05 am

    Happy Birthday, Heather! Have a great day celebrating all the amazing things you’ve accomplished this year!!!

  19. Bobby says

    July 13, 2012 at 10:06 am

    Happy Birthday. I’m proud of you.

  20. Shannon says

    July 13, 2012 at 10:59 am

    Happy Birthday!! Enjoy year 27!!

  21. Laura @ scribbles&sass says

    July 13, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Happy Birthday!!

    from a fellow SPA, and sassy girl. xo

  22. Elle says

    July 13, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    Happy Happy Birthday.. hope you have a wonderful fun celebration.

  23. Amanda @RunToTheFinish says

    July 13, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    great lessons and happy birthday!!!

  24. Laura says

    July 13, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    Happy birthday, Heather! I love this creative take on a birthday post. You had a busy year! I’m hoping to volunteer and a race soon, too.. and someday want to do a relay. I’ll do my best to avoid the food poisoning, yuck.

  25. Laury@TheFitnessDish says

    July 13, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 27 was my FAVORITE age! What a great age…it was the year I got married, and finally felt the respect of being a “grown up” all while still having the same fun.

    I hope your day is amazing!

  26. Emily says

    July 13, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Happy, happy birthday!! Hope your birthday is very special!

  27. Sarah Kay Hoffman says

    July 13, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    Happy Birthday! Loved your year recap!

  28. Jen says

    July 13, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Happy Birthday! Always an inspiration to me.

  29. Jen says

    July 13, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!

  30. Melissa Engel says

    July 13, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    Happy Happy Birthday! I hope that you have wonderful day and an amazing year! Being born on New Years I love everything about birthdays!!

  31. Lesley says

    July 13, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    Happy birthday. I’m also 27 and I’ve had a great year so far. I hope you enjoy 27 as well as get to do some things you always wanted to do

  32. susan says

    July 13, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    happy birthday!!! it definitely sounds like you’ve packed a lot into the last year. have a fantastic day and an even better 27th year!

Trackbacks

  1. RWS Features #32 | says:
    July 14, 2012 at 1:22 am

    […] Skip to content Skip to content HomeAbout MeMy Running StoryPhotosArticlesBlogrollContactFAQFree Disney Travel QuoteCurrent DealsLinks I LoveRacesUpcoming RacesRecipesShopTop Posts ← 27 […]

  2. Weekly Recap: July Week 2 | says:
    July 15, 2012 at 1:41 am

    […] day another post, another week. My birthday has come and gone, but I have had a fabulous weekend of celebrating, which I will share with you in […]

  3. Birthday Weekend 2012 | says:
    July 16, 2012 at 1:04 am

    […] Monday already! I was looking forward to last weekend for so long, and now it’s sadly over. It was however fantastic, and I had a great and relaxing birthday. Let’s backtrack to Friday. […]

  4. 27 - runningwithsass - SE Ambassadors - VZW Monitor says:
    July 18, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    […] Comments 0   Today, Friday July 13th, I celebrate another year of life. If I wear superstitious, I would be avoiding creepy cats and ladders today. Well, maybe I will anyway just to be safe. Each of my years have been vastly … Continue reading → …read more […]

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 11-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Free Travel Planning with Best Day Ever Vacations (Yes, It’s Completely FREE!)
  • Mom Must-Haves for a Basketball Tournament: The Ultimate Survival Guide
  • Why Spring Is the Sweet Spot for Family Vacation on Alabama’s Beaches
  • You’ll Get It When You Get Here: A Spring Break on Alabama’s Beaches That Actually Feels Like a Break
  • A Word for 2026

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
There should be a support group for millennials wh There should be a support group for millennials who still think we’re the “young adults” in the room… until a casual conversation reminds us otherwise. 😭

Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s been personally victimized by the passage of time and a perky Gen Z girlie. 😂

Drop your most humbling “wait… I’m HOW old?” moment below.

#millennialmom #millennialparenting #millennialmemes #millennialwomen #millennialwomen
#ad #BraunPartner Less time shaving. More time liv #ad #BraunPartner Less time shaving. More time living thanks to @BraunBeautyUS Smart IPL. ✨ 

I didn’t realize how much mental space hair removal was taking up until it just… wasn’t anymore. Between games, trips, and everything in between, having something I can do at home in minutes has been a total game changer. The app-guided treatments keep me consistent without having to think about it, and I’m already noticing smoother skin that actually lasts. And yes — the full-body, 10-minute-at-home situation still feels a little unreal. 

If you’ve been on the fence, Prime Day (June 14–27) is definitely the moment to check it out with $120 off. #BraunSmartIPL
Reasons our family loved Henderson Beach Resort: # Reasons our family loved Henderson Beach Resort: #HendersonPartner

💦 Multiple pools + lazy river

🍽️ Great dining options right on property

🌅 Gorgeous Gulf views and sunsets

🏖️ Beach chair rentals available right on the beach

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly while still feeling like a luxury getaway

✨ The kind of place that makes you immediately start planning your next trip

Current offer:Book a minimum 2-night stay and receive a $100 resort credit for your stay! (check with the resort for current availability and details).

Would you choose the beach or the lazy river?

#DestinFlorida #HendersonBeachResort #DestinFWB #FloridaVacation @thehendersonfl
We didn’t set out looking for a “perfect” trip… we We didn’t set out looking for a “perfect” trip… we just needed a break from the noise.
What we found in Florida was something better than that. #ad

Our first stop in Auburndale was all about slowing down in the best way. We stayed in a cozy tiny home at Camp Margaritaville (you can also stay in an RV!). We enjoyed coffee on the porch, our daughter loved the pool and waterslide (there is even a splash zone for the littles!), and at night we slowed things down with s’mores instead of screens. It felt like nature + comfort + family time all finally in the same place. They have so many other amenities like mini golf, golf cart rentals, pickleball, a playground, cornhole, and more. Nearby, we explored the Florida Children’s Museum and had incredible food and drinks at Smith’s American Tavern and Black & Brew Coffee. 

Then, we headed over to Fort Myers to experience a completely different side of the state. Shelling walks at sunrise, beach volleyball, pool cabanas, and the kind of Gulf sunsets that make everyone go quiet for a minute. Direct beach access at the Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers made it effortless to go from “let’s check it out” to toes in the sand in minutes. There were several restaurants on property, so we never even got in our car. That plus live music, fire pits, the spa, and lawn games made it easy to want to stay put and relax.

What stood out most wasn’t just the scenery… it was how easy it was to actually be together here. No rushing or overplanning. That’s the true Floridays feeling for me. Laid-back, a little unexpected, and exactly what we didn’t know we needed. 🌴☀️

@VISITFLORIDA @visitfortmyers, @visitcentralfl 
#VISITFLORIDA #LoveFL #MyFortMyers #MargaritavilleResorts FamilyTravel FloridaTravel TravelWithKids
When the Smoky Mountain heat gets unbearable, we h When the Smoky Mountain heat gets unbearable, we head to Pigeon Forge Snow. ❄️ #sponsored 

One of our favorite family activities in Pigeon Forge because you can snow tube year-round, rain or shine, without worrying about the weather outside. 

My daughter could do the tubing hill over and over, and the indoor snow play area makes it even more fun. Honestly such a good break from the summer heat. Plus, it’s super close to nearby attractions like Dollywood and several mountain coasters. 

Click the 🔗 in my bio to save on your next visit to the Smokies!

 #pigeonforgesnow @pigeonforgesnow
Here is my favorite in park Disneyland character e Here is my favorite in park Disneyland character experience: The Plaza Inn character breakfast. Here are a few things to know:

✨ Meet Minnie before you even enter the restaurant and get photos with her + a photopass photographer. 
✨ Food is all you can eat. Minnie waffles, bacon, eggs, pastries, fruit, and more!
✨ Multiple characters visit your table throughout the meal.
✨ Reservations are a must and can book up quickly!

This was such a fun way to start a park day and meet several characters without spending part of the day waiting in character lines.

👉🏻When you book your vacation with @bestdayevervacay, they handle all your dining reservations for you so you don’t have to worry about it! It’s such a great perk and one you don’t have to pay extra for! Check out the 🔗 in my bio to learn more. (Affiliate)

#Disneyland70 #DisneylandTips #CharacterBreakfast #bdevambassador #Disneylandandsea
Some days it really is the small things that add u Some days it really is the small things that add up. #mochipartner

Getting in a walk or run when I can. Actually drinking my water. Sticking to a skincare routine instead of overthinking it. Paying attention to my hair and scalp instead of just throwing it up and moving on. Nothing extreme, just consistency in the basics.

I’ve also been using Mochi Health for personalized skincare and hair support, and it’s made it way easier to stay on track without guessing what my skin or hair needs.

If you want to try it, there’s $40 off your first month through the link in my bio. @joinmochi #joinmochi mochihealth

Copyright © 2026 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d