Turning 34

cousins and nephews singing happy birthday!

For the first time in forever, I was actually looking forward my birthday this year. I think it mostly had to do with having the day off from work but I genuinely do love life in my 30s. I just feel more secure, more content with who and where I am and grateful for the people who are still here to be a part of it all. The only thing I don't like is the actual number my age is. (Silly but true.)

Since the day before my birthday, I've been celebrating by grabbing dinner / breakfast / lunch with friends because I hate planning things for myself, so I'd rather meet with everyone one-on-one. (Which means I'm technically still celebrating but I definitely don't mind!) But on the actual day of my birthday, I spent most of the day with myself. I slept in, got a manicure and spa pedicure (the 12 minute foot massage was A+) and bought myself a birthday present (because, why not?). But after all that, I headed over to my parents' house for a little party with the whole family. Again, I typically keep this low-key and it still was but after my mom asked me like 5 times if I wanted to do something for my birthday, I caved in. So I let them all buy me cake (I asked for one, they all showed up with three) and my favorite Filipino dishes (pork sisig!). It was just really nice to have this random break in the middle of my week and then end the day surrounded by family. 

Photos from last week!

Alexa and I went to Le Parisien because I was craving French food (specifically escargot!). We each got the mussels and it was delicious.

For dessert we got the merengue in vanilla custard and creme brulee. 

With my parents, cousins, aunts and uncles (everyone not pictured!)

my red velvet cake • on Friday night, Mary Ann took me to Samba for Brazilian food. I got their special, which was acorn squash carved out and filled with creamy butternut squash, shrimp, fresh herbs and Parmesan (yes, it tasted amazing!).

While in Barcelona, we each bought bottles of wine but haven't open them yet. Since the restaurant was BYOB, it only seemed to fitting to open one of them with Mary Ann. 

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Thank you again to everyone who texted, tweeted or messaged me!