Birthdays in Barns

Just a few of the friendly faces out back

My sister has fully moved in to her barn-turned-apartment in Wisconsin—just in time to celebrate her birthday, country style. Although she is working a ridiculous number of hours at all times of day, we were able to take in some sunshine at the local Farmers Market, enjoy a walk around one of the many lakes in the area, make a pit stop at a gift shop that was too cute for words, and dine upon a local specialty: the Friday night fish fry. Unfortunately, many of the memories weren’t captured on film as I forgot my camera back in Chicago. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun and I’m already looking forward to visiting again next weekend, even if the barnyard animals’ wake-up calls begin around 4 a.m. 

A delicious assortment of birthday cupcakes, courtesy of Miss Julia's Bake Shop

The start of the "5" collection that I've been wanting to start with my boyfriend (who I started dating in the 5th month of 2005) which I picked up while shopping at Monograham in Delafield

The everlasting gardenia blossom that my aunt sent home with my on our way back from Kentucky

Sunday night dessert: a trio of sorbets stuffed inside hollow citrus shells
Not shown: the fruit, which was used to flavor large goblets of sangria enjoyed on the porch earlier in the evening

Festive Fiesta

The attention-getting suede sombrero that my Dad was forced to wear during dessert

We headed back to Cincinnati this weekend for a surprise party to celebrate my Dad’s 60^th birthday. It was nice to get away and spend time with family and, as usual, the time flew by way too quickly. 

Face's Chili Flake: the perfect shade for the occasion 

The prettiest packaging, containing a divine strawberry cake from the best bakery in Cincinnati

Outfitting Flossy with her new Oscar De La Renta collar and leash

A quick shot of downtown Chicago on our way back into town

Birthday Bowl

An ornate, and delicious, birthday sacher torte in honor of the occassion

Every so often, including this year, the Super Bowl falls on my birthday. There’s something nice about a Sunday celebration, when the pace is a little slower, and it seems as though the whole weekend is building up to your special day.  I am not one of those people who dread the idea of adding another year to my age, but I do sometimes find that there can be a lot of undue pressure to make it extra special. This birthday was memorable not only because it happened on a weekend, but also because everything seemed to fall perfectly into place without much thought.  There were many surprises, a much-anticipated dining experience at Tru, and a lot of time doing the things that I love most, like shopping, reading, and catching up with friends and family. Though it was not too long ago that 32 sounded alarmingly old, I have to admit that it’s not such a bad age after all. 

One of the most thoughtful gifts ever: a year subscription to Birchbox from my two best friends

A new toy with which I plan to curl up on the couch

Gold accents at my birthday dinner

Souvenir menu and take-home citrus financiers from Tru

Gorgeous hot pink roses for my desk

An unexpected spa gift that I look forward to cashing in on soon

Whimsical Words

Lately, while shopping, I’ve been sneaking peeks at the whimsical words found tucked inside of Kate Spade’s wallets and handbags courtesy of the brand’s tastemaker, Deborah Lloyd. In fact, I’ve been so taken with the evocative turns of phrase that I let them serve as the inspiration for my sister’s themed birthday gift—a trove of sweet treasures to stow inside the Marc Jacobs bag which I recently scored for her at Saks. It just didn’t seem complete without a fluorescent patent leather travel wallet, mini Moleskine journal, bright lip color and candy stash. 

Happy Birthday Sarah!

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Piece of Cake

Lemon Daffodil Torte from a sweet Cincinnati institution

It was one of those family-packed and sugar-fueled weekends when you spend more time socializing than taking beautifully composed photos. Thus, I don’t have a single acceptable image of the pink, yellow, orange, and white polka dot bedecked tables at the birthday brunch that we hosted for my Mom. Regardless, I can tell you that these table confetti party favors were a huge hit, the cellophane-wrapped 6 and 0 sugar cookies and fresh flowers in mini glass vases on each of the tables were a nice touch, the never-ending buffet was incredible, and I won’t soon forget the look of shock on my Mom’s face as she came into the room and was greeted with a collective shout of “Surprise!” The icing on the weekend was the dessert, slivers of which I slowed down long enough to capture on my cell phone camera.

My first attempt at Creme Brûlée, and a chance to use my new kitchen torch

Paper birthday cake centerpieces waiting to be adorned with straw candles

Big Birthday

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Hip Hip Hooray! Today is my Mom’s 60^th birthday! In honor of this momentous milestone, we will be heading home to Cincinnati for a few days to celebrate old age. The weekend will be filled with fun festivities, and I look forward to capturing everything on my camera and sharing it next week. Until then…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!