Almost 30.

I turned 29 on June 7. Newsflash, right? Which, basically - is almost 30.

28 was supposed to be a magical year. And to be fair, there was plenty of magic to go around. 28 allowed me to get my feet sturdy on the ground in Denver, be a maid-of-honor, learn to ride my bike in the city, introduced me to a ton of new friends, got me back on a pair of skis and most of all, brought plenty of love in (and out) of my life.

I was happy to see 29 knockin' on my door and celebrated in true KK fashion (aka a week's worth of events). It started with wine flights at Cru in Larimer Square on Monday with the Scream team. Tuesday, my two dads took me to a delicious dipping dinner at Vesta. Wednesday, Langhorne Slim at the Bluebird to end 28 on a tambourine bangin' note and I rang in 29 with a mimosa brunch with Linz at Steuben's. June 7 carried on to a cheese/champagne picnic in the Botanic Gardens and wrapped with a group dinner with my new Denver family at Stella's and a stumble home from Streets of London.

 Oh, and then - we danced. Friday night, my Den girls and I hit up Lipgloss at Beauty Bar. Club Monster Katie would be proud to know that I am 29 and still dancin' until closing time.

Also, back on Memorial Day week - right after my last post, I saw Bon Iver at Red Rocks. You guys, I had joked about going to Red Rocks to see Bon Iver and crying and then I went to Red Rocks to see Bon Iver and cried.

 

 

Seriously, best performance I've ever seen. Hands down. If you ever have the opportunity to see him live - do it. And I know what you're thinking - Bon Iver = nap time but he doesn't. He had at least a 12 piece band with him and rocked. the. place. out. And apparently, the tears. Seriously, I've never been so moved.

And I hope to look back on 29 and be able to say the same. I want this to be the year that moves me. The year that moves me boldly and confidently in to 30. And also, I'd like to keep all the love IN the door this year.

Here's to movin'.....

Super (2)8

**more photos to come**

Michael Granquist told me on the eve of my 28th birthday that a woman once told him that 28 was a magical year. We're only a few weeks in at this point but I can tell you, it feels pretty damn magical already.

This was my first year celebrating my birthday outside of Las Vegas. It certainly had a different feel without Pep, my girls, my piece of Pie, my dance downtown and tastes of sangria and tapas on my tongue. But I am all about embracing the change in 2011 so we headed up to the mountains to kick off the birthday weekend celebration.

Timing worked out perfectly as I had my first media event at the Sky Hotel in Aspen. Come 4:45 a.m., I was rising and shining for the drive from Denver to Aspen. Lora (my boss at Scream), Gordon (dogs are welcome at all Kimpton properties and Aspen is consistently voted one of the most dog friendly towns!) and I arrived to The Sky just in time for yoga on the deck at 39 Degrees, immediately followed by a meeting, followed by a shower, followed by the media tasting. After working with the media in Vegas for five years, it's really refreshing to be around a more laid-back mountain media group. We enjoyed food and cocktails and S'MORES table side and wrapped up around 4 - just in time for the Wicklers to arrive.

Now that the job was done, we were able to relax pool side with a few cocktails with Lora and her family. And, of course, we took full advantage of Kimpton's hosted wine hour with their summer sangria offerings. Mmm. After a walk with Gordon around the streets of Aspen and a quick dinner in the room - we put on our animal print robes and headed for the jacuzzi. We greeted Michael on our way out, who made it up just in time for the evening activities. 39 Degrees was recently named one of the top ten places to bar hop in the world by USA Today and after experiencing it - I know why. It's a beautiful property (and I am not just saying this because they are my client) - there is something about sitting in jacuzzi at night or lying by the pool during the day and seeing the peaks of Aspen in the backdrop. Apres ski destination, indeed. I can't wait to go back in December.

Like most things in the ski town, the jacuzzi shut down around 10. At this point, I was totally wiped but it is my birthday weekend and it was time to rally. After a quick change in the room, we begin to wander around town - looking for a bar or three to stop in. We run in to this group of bachelors who suggest we check out The Red Onion, the oldest bar in Aspen. From the moment we walk in the door, I am happy that we did. It's got a great vibe inside and you can feel the history oozing off the walls - plus there is a cute guy parked at the bar. Before I know it, we're 3 jagerbombs deep (I said we needed to rally, didn't I?) and Josh and I have made best friends with cute guy at the bar. And yes, cute guy at the bar does have a name...Anton and he is the essential Aspenite, the guy hasn't lived a summer in five years - the moment the end of June rolls around, he is off to Chile to run a cat skiing company with his father. During the hours we spent talking to Anton (and the hours I've spent since talking to Anton) - I developed a major crush on this guy and meeting him was the perfect way to kick-off what is predicted to be a magical year.

Back at the Sky the next morning, we immediately requested a late check-out and spent the day lounging poolside with the Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar nearby. Come 3 p.m., we headed back down the mountain - Independence Pass to be exact which was by far, the prettiest drive I've ever made in my life - and just like that, we were back in Denver for night two. Aspen had pretty much sucked the life out of us so we took it easy with drinks and dinner at Tavern Uptown.

On the actual glorious day that is June 7, I actually...wait for it...wait for it...worked for the first time in my life on my birthday. AND IT WAS HORRIFIC. Ok, that's a little dramatic...the girls at Scream surprised me with a chocolaty muffin that would only be justified eating for breakfast on your birthday and I received a beautiful bouquet from Brian that put a smile on my face and fresh floral scents in my nose for the rest of the week. I then got home to the surprise of having my apartment decked out in birthday decor courtesy of The Wicklers (they really are too good to me) - Kristen met us over there for a champagne toast before we headed to dinner at Shells and Sauce.



Then Linz and I were left to do what we do best....drink. We stumbled up and down 13th, stopping in different bars for drinks before finally ordering a (very large) slice of pizza for the walk home.

So it certainly was not Fremont Street followed by a pool session at the Golden Nugget - but it was my first mountain birthday and the perfect way to kick off Super 28.

I look forward to sharing the magic with you all.

27 - Not So Serious After All

Last Friday night, I celebrated my 27th birthday with some of my favorite people. There were certainly a few key players missing due to distance but to be honest, I don't know if there could have been one more ounce of fun in this party.

We packed a punch with this one.

Kicked it off with dinner at Downtown Firefly. With a party of 18 or so, the sangria and tapas were non-stop for 3 hours.

The party then made a quick stop in the room to drop off my presents (my friends spoiled me and I cannot thank them enough), and continued down Fremont to the Beauty Bar for The Get Back. Shots were taken, beers were consumed and everyone was on their feet. It was a non-stop dance party until nearly 4 a.m. (!!!).

And the party didn't end there. After Beauty, we walked over to Don't Tell Mama where Dre serenaded me with a sexy rendition of Happy Birthday. And yes, I may have been falling in love with her at this moment.

The lights came on in Mama's and it was time to head back to the Nugget. I am feeling pretty tipsy at this point (more like really, really drunk) and all I want is a Happy Meal. I announce this to the group and on our trek back up Fremont, there, like a mirage, was a 24-hour McDonald's. Chicken McNuggets at 5 a.m. - a dream come true I tell you.

The next day (or more accurately, a few hours later), we crawled out of bed around 10 a.m. to get ourselves down to the pool. I officially got 3 hours of sleep the night before. I am getting to old for this! But The Tank and slide made it totally worth it. As previously mentioned, I wish I had more photos to share with you (because the 19 in this post already is not enough!) - but this is officially the last picture that was taken with my camera before the drop:

Luckily, I was never a fan of this Sony camera and I have a new Canon en route to me now. I've got to have a camera to document this next year - I have a feeling it's going to be the best one yet.

Welcome, 27 and thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with me.

XOXO.

Joe's Stone Crab

You know that if you ask me where I want to eat, anywhere in the world, money is not an option on this special night, honey....

I am going to say Joe's Stone Crab at Caesar's, of course.

Every. Single. Time. I go there (and lucky for me, that has been quite a few times now), the experience is impeccable. From the wait staff to the bread to the entree to the wine to the dessert...perfection.

For instance, when we arrived last night and checked in under our reservation, the Maitre'd immediately wished me a happy birthday and then they walked us back to the special birthday table. I don't know if this is it's official name but that is the name I gave it.

This is the meal I would eat as my last. We start with a small order of the Stone Crab (mouth-watering) and then comes the Parmesan Crusted Halibut, Jennie's Mashed Potatoes, Pan-Roasted Corn and Green Beans Almadine. All while drinking Fairhill Down Souvignon Blanc. FLAWLESS.

And then they went and brought me out a birthday brownie complete with a candle.

A sincere thank you to my mom and Sam - it was the perfect end to a perfect birthday weekend.

A Nothing Bundt Birthday Cake

As you are all aware, I turned 27 today and to make that punch a little easier, Pep came through with a little bit of Heaven - IN CAKE FORM.

I've already professed my love for Nothing Bundt Cakes here but there is something extra special about a Nothing Bundt BIRTHDAY Cake. Like it was made just for YOU on this very special day. I thought I couldn't love these guys anymore with their chocolate chocolate chip and cream cheese frosting deliciousness but then you add CANDLES and my heart just explodes with happiness as my mouth bursts with water!

Make a wish and Dig. In.

The Tank at Golden Nugget

Last night was my "27 is Too Serious" party - full post to come on that later (hopefully with pictures although my camera is officially broken after a drunken drop on Freemont St. last night on the way back to the hotel) but know that it was some serious fun.

We stayed at the Golden Nugget which means we spent today at The Tank. This is my happy today. This pool is one of my very favorite things in Vegas. The picture should explain why.

And yes, my friends, that is a slide in the middle of that tank.

I thought this day would never come...

It's June, you guys! My one true love has finally arrived! Which means I made it through May!! Which should be a celebration in itself but we have lots of other stuff to celebrate in June. For instance....

• Yours truly turning a very serious 27-years-old
• Gordie turns 2
• Sienna turns 5
• San Diego for a week with +more aka Lobo
• A kickball championship (hopefully)
• The (official) first day of summer
• A Benneton Reunion

And if I have my way, lots, lots more. Stay tuned, kids, June is MY month and I am here to claim it.

26!

Hello, 26! I have been waiting and waiting for you. 25 was a real piece of shit (pardon my language but it is the truth) and 26...you are already like 100 times better than 25. I am so glad that my nearest and dearest RANG YOU IN the way we did.

Since we took approx. (or exactly) 143 photos that night, you know we had a good time and even better, you will SEE that we had a good time. We started the day at Pep's where she cooked up a delicious little barbecue complete with that Nothing Bundt Cake. Then headed to the Golden Nugget where Double L had decorated the room complete with Happy Birthday, Katie! signs that her kids from school made for me.

The first stop was Downtown Cocktail Room where Edward created a special birthday cocktail for me consisting of champagne and watermelon foam. SO DELICIOUS. This is where I am going to stop telling you about the drinks though because if I try to think back on all I had, I might puke now...yes, 2 days later.

Don't Tell Mama. We walk in and they have reserved a spot for us complete with birthday balloons and wands and cards. SO SO SO SWEET, I wanted to cry. Our girl Bianca serenaded me with Happy Birthday and the drinks and the fun were FLOWING. After a few hours there, we headed back to DCR to finish off the night. But, like any good birthday, the night didn't actually end until very, very early the next day.

June 7th was spent lounging by the pool at the Golden Nugget with my favorites, followed by dinner at Joe's Stone Crab (how I love you Jennie's Mashed Potatoes...) and topped off with a bottle of wine at my place with Eener and Miss Anika Jones.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with me (and to Panda for doing my lovely make-up). I wouldn't change one thing about the evening....it truly was a FANTASTIC way to kick 25 out the door and welcome 26 with open arms.

Hello, Lover....

Ahhhh....my favorite month has finally arrived! For my loved ones, this month means a whole lot of Katie. Usually, come July, half the people in my life are not talking to me because I have overdosed them with amounts of yours truly. You see, I'm pretty obnoxious when it comes to my birthday. I start talking about it two months in advance and the week before is always hectic (aka intolerable for my b.f.f.s) with planning. Oh and June 8=the worst day of the year because it's the furthest away from the next June 7. See what I mean? Yes, it's that bad.

June 2009 brings EXTRA excitement though. And guess what?? It's not even all about me. We have Sir Gordon Snacks A Lot FIRST BIRTHDAY on June 6 and Miss Sienna Miller celebrates hers on June 14. My Bookie is getting (re)married on June 13th so the girls and I are heading out for Florida on June 10 FOR A WHOLE WEEK of nothing but sun and fun.

What was that? You want to know more about my birthday plans? Well, if you insist...Lisa G. is coming into town with Maxwell on Friday. Saturday we are having a barbecue over at Pep's house consisting of grilled shrimp on the barbie, fruit salad, corn on the cob and NOTHING BUNDT CAKE. Saturday evening we are headed to Freemont East for party time where we plan to "do work" (aka get inebriated) because WE CAN because WE ARE STAYING AT THE GOLDEN NUGGET and going to the shark tank pool the whole next day. Sunday evening (aka the big day) I have convinced my wonderful mother to take me to dinner at my favorite restaurant in the whole wide world...Joe's Stone Crab. Oh I just can. not. wait.

You want to know something funny? I was just on the Wikipedia site to try and get some fun facts to prove to you why June 7 is the best day of the year and I actually tried to add Katie Knoch's birthday to the Holidays and Observances section but then I'd have to create an account and I'm sure it would just be removed in like 2 hours. But we know and that's all that matters.

25 and AE

First, my apologies to my loyal readers (yes, all three of you) but things have been a little hectic in the valley. I had a little storm cloud over my head for a few weeks that included trying to move out on my own with no money and not one, not two but THREE flat tires in TWO weeks. I also continued my jet setting affair with California with a trip to San Diego for the big 2-5.
This is where things started to look up. We went to a Padres game on Friday night (wow, the 51's had made me forget what actual fans can be like), Gordon was born on the 6th, June 7th was spent getting a massage at The Four seasons (Thanks, Lobo!) and relaxin' on the beach. That night, we went down to The Gas Lamp with my favorite couple, Lisa and Claydoh, for some margaritas and cheese quesadillas at Fred's. Afterwards, we headed to 'The Bitter End' which is now my favorite bar in the whole friggin' United States. Once they found out it was my birthday celebration, they comped us a bottle of champagne and we took over the third floor that had this really cool library feel complete with plush chairs and a fireplace. Stayed there until closing time and then walked the streets and ate some pizza.
Dress above: courtesy of boyfriend. Flower above: courtesy of Lisa Marie.
Sunday was Oceanside which I won't even get into, I'll just say...I still hate Oceanside.
Hitting 25 was the first time I felt like it was SERIOUS. And for good reason because just a few days later I was promoted to Account Executive.
So my 1/4 life crisis seemed to turn around after all. Stick around, kids, it should be a good year.