Happy Birthday to Me!

It's that time again...my birthday. This year I am the big 35 and I feel fantastic. It's been a wonderful year for me personally and professionally; and it seems that my thirties keep getting better and better.


It's always funny when my Chef Joe or I have birthdays because our kids always want to know when our parties will be and why we don't get toys. This year though, I was fortunate to have already have a couple of celebrations. Last week, my mom was able take some time off from the 1922 Starkey House Bed & Breakfast Inn to visit for a few days and we had a nice pre-birthday dinner at a family restaurant. She also watched the kids so Chef Joe and I could have a nice pre-birthday date night. 

This past weekend was super busy with the kids' dance and piano recitals (I did a duet on the piano with my daughter), and my dad, stepmom, sister, and in-laws came to visit. We had a delicious lunch at our friends' restaurant, the Fireside Bar & Grille and then got to go celebrate posh style at two swanky Philadelphia restaurants, Alla Spina and Osteria, where we were joined by my cousins. I wore a new little black dress...the shortest dress I've worn probably since college! I rocked out some paraben-free leg bronzer from Trish McEvoy as well.



This morning I was awakened by two little snuggly girls presenting me with their homemade birthday cards. So far it's been a great birthday.


So today I will be enjoying a very haute shopping spree thanks to some fabulous birthday gift cards, as well as dinner with my husband and girls.

As nice as it is to receive birthday gifts from others, I think it is nice when people treat themselves to a little happy on their birthdays too, so I refilled my stash of Teavana with some of my favorites (I've been loving some of their summer rooibos and mate blends) and ordered the Zumba Exhilarate Body Shaping System DVD set off of Amazon...I got lucky and found it there for less money than the company's website with free shipping! I love Zumba and enjoy taking classes, but I won't have as much time this summer with the kids' summer schedules so now I will be able to do it at home in addition to my other workout DVDs. Can't wait to get my goodies!



So 34 was a great year and I know that 35 will be even better. Thanks to all of you who supported me on my journey and helped make this past year as amazing as it was. I appreciate you all :)

UPDATE: I went shopping! Check out what I got: