The Greatest 30th Birthday Gift

I met my bestfriend, soulmate, sister when we were in 1st grade. She had enormous glasses and her name was Kandi Brown. Our friendship really started our freshman year of high school. We've been inseparable ever since. This year for my 30th birthday she made me this book.
Fifty things she loves... 
                                            about me. 
On each page there is a picture of us, and something about me or our friendship that she loves. At the end of the book are messages from all of my closest friends telling me what their favorite things about me are.

I've never received anything quite like it. It's almost like a yearbook, but filled with only my best friends and memories. I couldn't imagine a more meaningful gift for a milestone like the big 3-0.

                                                      Thank you Kandi, I love you!

My 30th Birthday

For my 30th birthday, all I wanted was a little get-away. We decided to stay at a resort in Coronado which is only about a 45 minute drive for us. My parents got a room, and so did my best friend and her boyfriend. It was a few days of lounging, sun, good food, good company and the BEST 30th Birthday present.

Starlite Lounge Birthday

Our friend Ashley turned the big 3-0 last weekend and a group of us got together at Starlite Lounge for dinner, drinks and good times. I'd never been but had heard really great things about Starlite. It did not disappoint. While we didn't sit inside under the star lit "sky" {enormous glass chandelier}, we did eat outside on the patio where the bar area is. The stone walls, and large cactuses (cacti sounds weird) stand out against the otherwise old school glamorous look. I wish I had taken more pictures of the lounge but I already feel like the weird paparazzi friend who takes pictures of everything. Ashley did such a great job with the table decor. She spray painted mason jars filled with pinks daisies, and made cake pops for the first time adorned with little bows.

Mish recommended that we try the Starlite Mule and after being reassured that it wasn't donkey meat, but instead a tasty vodka drink, we were all for it. It came in a rustic brass mug and was quite delicious. 

Starlite Mule: Rain Organic Vodka, ginger beer, lime, angostura bitters

The table started with some yummy appetizers, cheesy potatoes and prosciutto bread.

I ordered the macaroni and cheese and the Quinoa salad for my meal. They were both tasty and the prices were affordable!

Funfetti cakepops for dessert :-)

me and B

The birthday girl Ashley {in the purple} with her sister Camille

Ashley, me and Allison

I would definitely recommend the Starlite Lounge if you're in the San Diego area!! Happy Birthday Ashley!

Little Ballerinas

Our little niece Bella Grace turned 3 years old last weekend. Her mommy (Brandon's sister) asked me to take pictures of the beautiful ballerina themed party including a teacher who came to the house and taught a class. When all of the tiny girls showed up in their teeny tutus and ballet shoes, I couldn't stop taking pictures.

Ballerina Buns

Ballet Class

Her daddy grilled up hotdogs for all the little ballerinas after they worked up an appetite.

Did I mention that Auntie and Uncle showed up in tutus also? :-)

Birthday wishes and presents

Even Lia got to make an appearance at her sister's party!

Happy Birthday sweet, sweet Bella!

We love you very much :-)