Birthday Weekend Part I

Good Afternoon and Happy Monday!

Today I am slowly transitioning out of Birthday Land and back into reality. By the way, I was smiling so hard Friday because of you guys. Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments and and birthday shout outs!

While I don’t normally do much for my birthday, this year I didn’t really have a choice. While Scott was out of the country (can’t wait to see him later tonight!), a close group of friends I have made here in Michigan really made me feel special. I am so thankful to have them.

My 29th Birthday

(Linking up for MIMM with Katie!)

I received a message a week ago from one of my dearest friends, Nichole. She wasn’t able to make an early birthday celebration Scott surprised me with last Monday, so in order to plan, she let me in on another surprise she had in store: Girl’s Day!

Just around Noon on Friday, she showed up on my door with presents and cake in hand.

I’m at the age where I really don’t expect presents anymore. As far as holidays and birthdays go, Scott and I usually agree to keep gifts small and simple, and instead don’t feel bad about the occasional self purchase throughout the year.

For this reason, receiving gifts on my birthday is even more meaningful. Alongside an adorable photo of us, Nichole ever so lovingly put together a package of awesomeness I absolutely loved.

One thing I was definitely not expecting was a Pandora bracelet! Remember the one I received last week from Alex?

Nichole bought the same exact band in a single version and adorned it with a set of inspiring, sparkly charms. We all thought the coincidence was too funny, and instead of returning the band like Nichole suggested, I wanted to keep it and make another loop to the wrap around, like a triple.

I really lucked out that they purchased the same band and just adore the way they fit together.

I also received a perfectly spring themed cake I am waiting on Scott to get home to enjoy with me!

Just like her, Nichole’s family is known to go above and beyond with spoiling me. Nichole already planned to take me out to lunch and a pedicure, and as I opened an additional gift bag from her parents, I appreciated the thoughtfulness behind each item included. Especially this one!

(Those earrings! Ha.)

I might have, however, received this set a few birthdays too late…

I managed to get the crown to stay on and wore it in the car ride over to lunch.

Afternoon in Rochester

While we were driving, Nichole told me to pick our lunch destination, and I chose Downtown Rochester. I love going to that part of town and she had never been there before!

I remembered a great spot called Rojo Mexican Bistro and raved about it the entire way up to the front doors.

As soon as we were seated, a round of Rojitos and table-side guacamole soon followed.

I totally forgot about the guac! Shortly after ordering it, a table and dip chef shows up at your table and makes the guacamole right there for you, according to your preferences on spiciness. Cool right?

Not to mention extremely delicious and addicting!

I ordered the Shrimp Diabla tacos for my entree and couldn’t wait to dig into them the second they showed up at the table.

Shrimp sauteed in signature diabla sauce, avocado and cilantro in corn tortillas with a side of rice and beans.

After face diving into the guacamole, I barely had enough room to finish the tacos and as a result we decided to forgo dessert and indulge in a different kind of treat after.

While walking back to the car, and just so happened to stumble upon a brand new nail salon and spa in the area. The sign was literally being installed while we were inside!

The place is called Joy Nails & Spa and that’s exactly what it was inside.

(I’ll take one in every color, please.)

We both put our names down for pedicures and enjoyed every second of it. The environment was so serene and the staff was so nice and cheery.

We both tried out a new line from O.P.I called Liquid Nails. The polish leaves a sandy texture, which looked cool and is supposed to help with chipping. Loving it so far!

Dinner + A Hilarious Movie

After a quick trip home to let Roadie out, we finished off the afternoon with a couple episodes of New Girl before heading to the movies. There were a handful on my radar, and we decided on The Other Woman.

When we arrived, her parents welcomed me with birthday hugs, soda (<- pop? Ha!) and two huge buckets of popcorn.

The movie was even funnier than I thought it would be and I kind of want to go see it again. Hilllarious.

About a third of our way into the popcorn, we forced ourselves to stop knowing there was a heavy Italian dinner to come. I really couldn’t tell you why, but Olive Garden has been my favorite spot to go for my birthday ever since I was a little girl. I’m not as HUGE of a fan these days, but for old times sake I asked for it to be our spot to dine.

We started with wine samples and ended up getting a bottle of Roscata. Have you ever tried that kind of wine before? It’s a light red on more of the sweet side and is absolutely dreamy.

While looking over the menu, I saw an impressive amount of new items and finally decided to try something new. I created my own pasta and was extremely impressed by the gluten free rotini and vegetable primavara sauce, and chicken meatball options!

YUM.

Of course, we had to finish off the night with a few mini desserts too.

As we wrapped things up, I felt very grateful to have Nichole and her family in our lives. It was a great way to spend my 29th birthday, and only the beginning to a wonderful weekend. Thanks so very much for the lovely birthday celebration, Nichole!

More birthday weekend stories to come!