Monday, August 30, 2010

Recovery Mode

Last week I was talking to my friend Rosamond and we were discussing how we are trying to "grow up" on the subject of our birthdays and, specifically, how we handle them *read:  lower expectations so as not to be devastated*.  I don't know what is wrong with me but some years I have worked my expectations up so high, even without realizing it, and then been acutely aware of the feeling of being let down when the truth is the day was wonderful.  Ugh! Growing pains.

About a month ago I caught myself in a similar mode thinking I was 8 years old and needed a big party.  The Chef was like, "Uh, are you sure you wanna do that?  I mean we can do it, but do you really think that's the way you want to spend that weekend...planning for a big ol' party?"  Well of course I hadn't really thought it over too much.  I was already at the party in my mind, don't you know? (she says shaking her head).  Aneeway. Shortly after this grand idea of mine, the Chef and I had the perfect poolside lunch at a boutique hotel in LA.  I told him that rather than being a control freak I'd leave it up to him (to the best of my ability) and back off.  All I really wanted was for my BFF of 10 years to come to town for cake.

I can honestly say, without a doubt, that my birthday this past weekend was the best I have ever had in my life.  It was filled with great food, tons of laughs, a few crazy mishaps and, most importantly, some of my closest friends.  I really do feel like crying as I'm typing these words because it was far more than I ever could have hoped for - or thought of - and I will always remember it.

The Chef made Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with sprinkled sugar and fresh raspberries
for breakfast...thanks for the idea Nikki!
 Then the doorbell started ringing and surprises started showing up.
This is one from my brother and his family...so many yummy specialty chocolates!
 Milijana sent me this wonderful gift all the way from Australia!
The bird is a beautiful dinner bell.  I love it!!
After we picked up my BFF at the airport we checked into our hotel and opened some prezzies!
And later met up with another of our friends for dinner at AOC, a favorite spot.
The next day we lounged poolside over great lunch.
Dipped our feet and relaxed.
With yummy frozen snacks in the warm sun.
The rest of the weekend was filled with more fave food.
Warm beach days.
My favorite World Class Chocolate Ice Cream Cake.
 This movie, after which I realized I want to be Evelyn Salt, 
run up walls and kick heads off. I guess I really am growing up.  Haha!
Mad laughs with the BFF...the first friend I made in the US.
A friend sandwich over even more wonderful food.
And then a sad "see ya next time".  Sigh.  It all went by so fast.

I didn't even include half of the stuff that went on or my other friend who drove over 2 hours just to bring me a card and give it to me face to face.  The things we were able to do made my birthday fun, but it was being in the company of some of my favorite people that made it memorable and heartwarming and a day I'll never forget.  I owe a major shout out and x's and o's to infinity to the Chef who made the entire weekend more than I ever could have on my own.  So much love to him!!

Thanks to all of you for sticking with me during my time away from the blog.  Your birthday wishes added so much to my day and I can't wait to go back and re-read your messages.  Normal posts to resume this week...and I'm looking forward to getting caught up on all your blogs.:)

73 comments:

Collette Osuna said...

Looks like you had a fantastic birthday....really great pics.....sometimes the best ones are the ones you dont "plan"..you look great!

Laura said...

Oh my gosh it sounds like you had so much fun and it was so fun seeing all the pictures :)

L x
Half Dressed

She Wore It Well said...

AWWW so glad it was a fab weekend, especially after the pre bday blues from a while ago! And so glad you liked the prezzie!!! xoxo

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

Wow- yummy food, good friends and
Pool time- sounds perfect!
Glad
You had a great bday weekend!
Have a great week!

J. said...

Looks and sounds incredible! Feel free to decide what I do on my next birthday :D

PS - If you get to be Evelyn Salt does this mean I can be Sydney Bristow when I grow up?

Georgia said...

This looks such a good weekend. I am jealous :(.

xxxx

STYLE'N said...

ok seriously those pictures keep getting better and better. Those pancakes, beautiful packages arriving in the mail, the poolside lunch. It sounds like the perfect birthday weekend. Today is definitely a "recovery " day right?
naina

Diana Mieczan said...

Looks and sounds wonderful,darling...I am so happy for you:)
I am glad that you enjoyed it all and I am so in a mood for those pancakes:)
Happy Monday,sweetie

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you had such a wonderful birthday! That poolside lunch looks faaaabulous, my kinda thing! And those pancakes look scrumptious :-)

DT ~ RDH said...

HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
are u Aug 29? if so, you and my lil one share the date! i hope so, bc that means she will be clever and super stylish!!! xoxo

k said...

i can't tell you how happy it makes me that you had such an amazing birthday! i was all concerned about your D day feelings but it sounds like it was fun!!! Right?!?!?!

Roxy Te said...

Oh what a wonderful weekend! I would love those lemon ricotta pancakes for breakfast right about now ;) My birthday is still 3 months away, but I've already started planning! I still anticipate it like a little girl, but I think it's going to be a little more grown up this year!

Lori said...

Hey girlie ~ so glad you had such a wonderful birthday week-end. It is the friendships we make along the way that mean the most ~ they are truly a gift and I am thankful everyday for the people I have in my life. With that being said it sounds like you have some treasures in your life too ~ you are a lucky girl! xo

Anonymous said...

You are so sweet, Carrie! Of course, your friends went out of their way to show you how special you are... you are that type of girl! Glad you had a lovely day! Think the chef will whip me up some of those pancakes if I come visit on my birthday? ha! I said it before.... Girl, were you ever smart finding a Chef.

ilovemyhouse said...

What a great weekend! Still have to wish you happy birthday from this side. I was absent from blogland as well, and just started posting again.
XX

Kristen said...

I love all these pictures! That lunch by the pool and the warm beach days sound fantastic. Actually, all of it does. So glad this birthday was the best one yet.

Chef's pancakes look divine!

Cool Gal said...

Sounds like a fantastic birthday full of love. How special. You're one lucky lady!

See they aren't so bad after all! hehehe...

Lynzy said...

Happy Birthday Darlin'! Glad it was wonderful :)

xo Lynzy
http://fromskirtstoskillets.blogspot.com
New giveaway: win a cosmetic bag!

LyddieGal said...

What an amazing birthday weekend!!! Of course getting to spend time with the people you love is the best part of your birthday, but yummy treats and delightful gifs are a pretty great fringe benefit!
Glad to hear your weekend was wonderful, I hope the whole year is too!

Lilacandgrey said...

looks like a fun b-day weekend! Happy monday!

erica said...

Looks like you had an absolutely fabulous birthday! Filled with lots of goodies, good friends and fabulous gifts. I bet you are in bed trying to recover currently.

xo

Closet Fashionista said...

Aww it sounds like you had a great birthday! I'm so glad!!! :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Dawn said...

THAT seems like an amazing birthday weekend!!!!
(Planned party bashes sometimes can be
over-rated anyway...this looked a hundred times better!!!)

Happy week to you!
dawn:)

JMB said...

SO glad you had a wonderful/relaxing/memorable/amazing food and friends birthday Carrie! You deserve it!

Mary @Delightful Bitefuls said...

Aw, yay! Looks like you had SUCH a great birthday, so happy for you!

PS - those pancakes look delish!!

Mary xo
Delightful Bitefuls

Kristin Quinn said...

Sounds like an amazing day!!! Happy Belated Birthday :)

Ms. Emmy N said...

Aw what a fabulous way to spend your birthday weekend.. growing up really isn't as bad as it seems! Plus, it's always nice to be able to remember you birthday the next morning :)

PursuitOfLLT said...

Looks like a perfect birthday celebration!! Happy you got to see your BFF, I wish mine could fly in this weekend for my bday!

Josie said...

Carrie, my love, this does in fact look like the PERFECT birthday celebration. There's just nothing better than good food, lots of friends, and, not going to lie, the presents are nice too! The pancakes and cake look soooo tasty, and that sparkling pool is absolutely gorgeous!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Jessica said...

The pancakes look soo yummy! I'm glad you had a great birthday. Birthday presents are my favorite! xo

Alicia Lund said...

Aw Carrie sounds like the perfect birthday to me! Great friends, good food, relaxing and sunshine! xx

Discovery Street said...

wow...sounds like an amazing day...what an awesome group of friends!

Nikki said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARRIE!
Everything sounds and looks wonderful. Im so happy you had a special and memorable day!!

xx
Nikki

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you had a fabulous birthday. Been thinking about you, too. Your staycation looked perfect!

PhotoPuddle said...

So pleased you had such an awesome time. Looking forward to reading more fantastic stuff on your blog soon x x x

Kelly Leigh said...

Oh man I think we are one in the same because I HATE birthdays because I always get let down. Seriously you CAN NOT win with me. My husband took me to vegas for my 21st and I wasn't even pumped about that. I'm the worst birthday celebrater ever. but this post gives me hope! Maybe one day I can actually appreciate my birthday. I'm so glad to hear you had a good one!

kelli g. { bug miscellany } said...

sounds like a great birthday weekend! :)

(and i completely agree about the expectations thing. i'm the same. i think in my head i'm still 5 or so. :P)

Bren said...

I know exactly what you mean about expectations for our birthdays! Sounds like forgoing the big bash for a more relaxed day was perfect! And always more fun when you're with people that make you laugh!

Glad you're still in one piece from the bday shenanigans! :D

xoxo,
Bren @ Chasing Beauty

Jen said...

I hear ya about birthdays!! I think this is one subject that we are never warned about growing up... the fact that if we want birthdays as adults, we have to at some point start planning them ourselves! How unfair! I always thought someone was going to do the planning for me. Yeah, that doesn't happen! ;-) hehe

Silvia said...

what a wonderful weekend and I'm so glad you had a fabulous birthday! xoxo

Mimi said...

it's good to see that you had an amazing birthday! :D

<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

Marie a la Mode said...

Awww I'm so glad you had such a wonderful weekend! I believe it doesn't matter what you do for your birthday, it's about who you're with. And it sounds like you were with some pretty fantastic people : )

DolceDreams said...

Lucky girl you! How wonderful to have celebrated in such good company...Seeing your pics makes me miss my old home town.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, I'm off to check out your giveaway, but shall return!
Nathalie

Rissy said...

Must admit that cooking and recipes are lost on me... I totally suck at making anything that you can not microwave. Well.... I do however LOVE clothes and your style is awesome, fab, and makes me smile!

xoxo
Carissa

Punctuation Mark said...

i wish i could go and spend my B-day in LA but will have to wait for later to go back... so happy you had a great time and can't think of a better place than the AOC... the food is delicious!!!

Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

you are adorable and I'm so glad you got the awesome birthday that you deserved! Love the photos, you're so good at documenting, I always seem to forget and then regret it! (p.s wow. those pancakes look/sound divine!!) xx

La_Flaneuse said...

Wow...that truly is the perfect weekend! Filled with surprises and fabulous food...you can't ask for anything better!

Bubbs :)
www.paris-on-my-mind.blogspot.com

Abby said...

I am so glad you had an awesome birthday! It seems as if it was filled with lots of love. =)

Poppies and Sunshine said...

So glad you had a wonderful birthday!! It looks like so much fun...and very delicious too!

Amy Bird said...

First Off! Happy Belated Birthday! It looks like you had a blast! I love your blog it is so fun! I am now a follower. :) Are you by any chance going to the IFB Conference in NYC? Let me know!

-Amy Bird Tweets
xoxo

Come check out my blog as well:
amybirdtweets.com

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Happy belated bday sweetie! I'm sorry I'm late saying so. Glad that you had an amazing time. And yum to everything! :)

ivy's closet said...

What sweet times! Hope all your birthday wishes come true.

Oh, My Darling said...

Aw looks like such a lovely birthday celebration!!!

Cornflakes and Honey said...

Wow, sounds and looks like you had an amazing time Carrie! Belated happy birthday sweetie!! xx

corey said...

Thank you for a wonderful weekend, and mad love to the chef... I can't wait for triumphant return and more shenanigans with Mr. Ch, One fabulous bird and surferchef....

xoxoxo

Daniela said...

yay! I'm glad u had a nice birthday. I honestly felt, in reading this post, that you loved and were loved the entire weekend :) Great feeling to have!!

Marcie said...

Love it Carrie!! You deserve such an amazing weekend! I love the pancakes Chef made. I could go for some right now!

Isn't hanging w/ BFF"s the best?! There is nothing like a great friendship on a speical occasion to help you realize how amazing life is!

xo Marcie

p.s Be sure to send thank you notes (see my post) ;)

Anonymous said...

Looks like a blast! Loving the poolside frozen snacks - looks like you had a wonderful recovery :)

I am loooving camel but maybe because I think I look drab in grey. My skin doesn't like me in it, tee hee.

Love this post with all the photos .

XO.
www.styleactivist.blogspot.com

Caroline said...

Looks like such a wonderful birthday!! XO

Leah Brunner said...

those Lemon Ricotta Pancakes look soooooooo delicious!

Anonymous said...

I never had a birthday party and I think I should have one this year...I'll be 39 in ten days and I would like to have a big childish party. Ballons included.

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Yay! Glad you had a great birthday weekend :D Love the pics!

S.I.F. said...

It looks like you had such an incredible birthday! And those pancakes have me drooling!!

So glad your expectations were exceeded lovely lady... it's incredible when that happens! ;)

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

Happy Birthday!!!! You look beautiful as usual and rock your damn ponytail. Um, I don't even have a special draw to birds but that bell is CUTE! Cute, cute, cute. I want it!!! Sounds like your birthday went just the way it should! :)

Micaela said...

happy belated birthday to the beautiful birthday girl! i want to celebrate with you! but i might just eat all the sweets ;)

ps. LOVE what you did with your closet! it is my inspiration to get to cleaning today! lol

Annie said...

Sounds like the perfect birthday!!!! Weren't those lemon ricotta pancakes so delish!? Nikki made them for me last week :)

Valerie said...

Aww, Carrie you have such amazing friends! They all worked so hard to make your birthday special. That sounds like the perfect way to spend it too. You look so happy in the pictures! Glad your birthday was spectacular.

xo
Valerie

alli/hooray said...

looks like an amazing weekend. love the pictures and I'm a little jealous of that poolside lunch you had!

SimaG Jewelry said...

Happy Birthday To You Carrie,
Sounds like a great birthday and full of love.

LOVE,
Sima

Lacey in the City said...

Happy, happy birthday to our dear Carrie!!! I am so glad that you had such a wonderful, relaxing, eventful time celebrating with friends!

Kerri said...

happy belated, carrie! glad you had such a great day-
the foot dip in the pool looks so nice-

heather said...

So happy to see that your birthday turned out so wonderfully and that you shared it with lots of your loves!

Happy belated bday, amiga!
hearts + hugs!

Ashleigh said...

Happy Belated Birthday!
Sorry I'm late, been a little MIA but with good reason :)
Glad to hear it was fantastic! I can totally relate your 'lower expectations' statement!

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