Twenty-Three

My birthday was actually last week but I am just now getting around to posting about it. It was the big 2-3, which is not very big at all. It doesn't feel any different from 22. Although the age wasn't all that exciting, it was still a wonderful birthday. Since it actually fell on a Monday, we celebrated last Saturday night. The boyfriend and I, along with both sets of our parents, went out to eat at McCormick and Schmick's. It was kind of a last resort because I waited too late to make reservations at all of our local favorites. The food was still good, and the company even better. Afterwards we met my best friend (since 2nd grade) and her fiance  at a downtown bar and ended the night at The Wine Loft. We always have an amazing time out with them. 

My sweet boyfriend skipped his Monday class so he could spend my actual birthday with me. He came to my house with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He said we could do whatever I wanted to, so we ended up at Whole Foods. I know, I know. Who chooses to spend their birthday at a grocery store? We ate lunch from their incredible salad bar and then roamed the aisles a bit and he bought me a huge hydrangea that I fell in love with. 

My boyfriend's entire family is absolutely amazing and his sweet grandma sent me this beautiful, little crystal piece that is now being used as a vase on my bathroom vanity. 

My big present this year is something that I have wanted for so long. Everybody just gave me money to put towards it and they were probably glad that I had something in mind because I am pretty hard to buy for. After combining my money, I went to Saks and bought my first Louis Vuitton bag. I ended up choosing the Monogram Speedy 35 and I am definitely not lacking for space. It is such a classic piece that I will keep forever. I know that possessions shouldn't mean anything, and compared to many other things, they have no meaning to me at all. But, I have to admit, I am in love. 

Make a Wish...

This post is in honor of my amazing mother's birthday. She is the absolute BEST. Period. This is the birthday card that I made her. Ever since I can remember, I have made her homemade cards for her birthday. She used to tell me that she wouldn't accept store bought cards from me. I'm not sure how long that rule was supposed to be in effect but I'm keeping up the tradition. 

The card that I made is actually not a card at all. It is not paper and it does not open, but it serves the same purpose. I made it on an 8x10 piece of canvas and glued scraps of material together to form a layered cake. I used scrap trim and beads I had leftover from other projects and finished it with four real candles on top. No, she is not turning four but I won't reveal the real number (You're welcome Mom). I wrote the message on a piece of card stock, cut it to fit the back of the canvas, and attached it with hot glue.

She also got a wonderful present. She got an ipad! She was so excited because she has wanted one for a while but had no idea she was getting it. Now, I just have to help her figure out how to use it. Every time I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she said the same thing. A gallon of paint to paint the kitchen. I really hope I never ask for a gallon of paint for my birthday. But, since that's what she said she wanted, she also got a gift card to Home Depot. 
So, financially, my dad actually bought those gifts. But I did make her favorite cake. It is a copy-cat version of Cracker Barrel's chocolate coca-cola cake. My parents both always ask for this same cake on their birthdays. As appreciative as she was for her presents, she deserves so much more for all that she does for me. I told her she just has to wait until I'm rich and famous. Yea right!