Happy Birthday, Blog!

I can't believe another year has gone by but yesterday was my blog's second  birthday!  The reason why I started this blog in the first place was to have an outlet for myself... and it's been one of the best ways to relieve stress, express myself, and cultivate inspiration.  Not to mention, I've met some sweet fellow bloggers!  Happy Birthday, blog!

Yesterday morning J and I ran in a 10k run to benefit our city's zoo.  I love our zoo and we were so happy to be able to support them (and stay healthy)!  Race participants had free zoo admission post race so I snapped this picture of one of our favorites, the flamingos!  And I also saw the new otter exhibit - they are too cute.

In other news, tax deadline is tomorrow and it definitely can't come soon enough as my anxiety and sensitivity is at an all time high and my hair is literally frazzled!  I've tried not to rant but I can't wait to take a break from the office... and it's inhabitants...!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday!  Alas, I am holed up at the office (7 more working days of tax season...) but I celebrated over the weekend by getting my nails done, enjoying a delicious Indian dinner with friends (which is exactly what I did last year!) and then dancing the night away.  I was so lucky to have my best friend in town for a second year in a row (I'm so spoiled now) and it really made everything extra special.  

 Tonight J and I are going to a nice dinner and then I hope to stay awake long enough to relax at home!  These looooooong, looooooong work weeks + workouts + sleepless nights have officially caught up to me and you can tell by my blog.  I hope to be back soon, friends.  I don't like that work consumes my life and leaves me with little energy to do much else.

And since it's Tuesday... how about one of my favorite songs for my birthday:


"...Oh, it doesn't mean much... it doesn't mean anything at all... and sweet surrender, is all that I have to give..."

Birthday Girls

Happy 6th birthday to my girl, Piper (on the right)!  And her sister (my mom's girl), Bella (on the left)!  This is one of my favorite pictures of them when they were pups.  Sweet, loving dogs!

Beautiful Rooms & Birthday

It's rare to find a seemingly random set of photos that so perfectly describe my personal style and therefore I had to repost and share with you all, my friends!  I can (and will) take direct inspiration from these images and update the rooms in my home - not joking, there are several pieces from these rooms that I own in variations.  Who is the designer?  And can we be best friends?

All images via An Indian Summer via The Design Files.

I keep returning to these rooms time and time again.  LOVE!

PS - And a very happy Birthday to my Dad!  We had a family dinner last night to celebrate and it felt great to relax - especially since it was sunny and in the 70's - beautiful!

Happy Birthday Husband

Friends, join me in wishing my husband a very happy birthday today!  Tonight we are going to see a local production of Frankenstein.  Let the celebrations begin!




[This is one of my favorite pictures of the two of us - taken about three years ago!]

Rockabilly Surprise

My good friend Elham threw a swell Rockabilly themed surprise birthday party for her husband, Matt, and everything turned out marvelously!

And I can't forget about the beautiful and charming hostess!  She did an amazing job!

Tuesday Tune

Happy Birthday to my little sister, Jill!  Hope your day is happy, fun, and relaxing!

And now a lively, upbeat tune for this Tuesday!  Howling For You - The Black Keys.

Celebrations

A very Happy Birthday to my mother today!  And also a very hearty Congratulations to my sister on her college graduation!


Happy Friday!

Burgers, Gifts, and Sun

I had one of the best birthdays that I've had in a long time!  It was a simple, relaxing afternoon at home full of playing with the dogs, enjoying the sunny weather in the backyard on our new chaise lounge, sipping a cocktail, and smelling the barbeque grill our basil and onion infused burgers.

We enjoyed burgers with feta on toasted sourdough buns and my parents brought over the world famous macaroni salad and a lemon cooler birthday cake.  Everything was so delicious!

And the wonderful gifts!  I had the best birthday weekend a girl could ask for and I love my friends and family so much - everyone deserves a weekend like this once in awhile!

Bombay Birthday

My birthday celebration recap continues!  I was absolutely surprised when my best friend told me she and her boyfriend were coming up from Los Angeles for the weekend and it totally made my weekend that much more special!

My lovely friends and family all met up downtown and we enjoyed a delicious meal at Bombay Bar and Grill.  We were stuffed!

After dinner we strolled the streets and enjoyed the Second Saturday festivities and ended the night with a few cocktails back at our friend's apartment. 

I had a blast! 

(Btw - totally loving the Hipstamatic app!)

Zoo Day

I absolutely love visiting zoos!  Our Sacramento Zoo has a special place in my heart because of the time I spent there as a child and since James and I hadn't been in a few years I decided it would be a perfect birthday adventure.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous yesterday - sunny, blue skies!  We had a yummy lunch sitting outside in the sun.

We said hello to the Giraffes (one of my favorites!), reptiles, Lemurs, Tigers, Kangaroos, and we even saw an Anteater for the first time!  What a very strange creature.

I totally enjoyed the sun and warmth, even more so because I haven't had the opportunity to spend much time outside lately.  It was a perfect day!

What is the best zoo you've ever visited?  And what is your favorite zoo animal?