Quick recap of my birthday dinner! Holy mac, can’t believe I’m 27 already.

Heck yes, I wore a tiara.

Check out my shoes!!

Favors for the guests! Mason jars filled with gummy bears, Dutch caramel wafers, English toffee, and madeline cookies.  I decorated them with ribbon and mini-chalkboards (yes, I gave out chalk, too!)

My birthday dinner took place at the 1515 Restaurant & Lounge in Walnut Creek. Food was good, and the cocktails were excellent.

I told them to act natural. Good spies they’d make, eh?

Adrienne couldn’t make it this year, so Justin acted as a placeholder. Personally, I think he should’ve worn the heels.

Adan and Tim lookin’ fly in their new suits

I had a wonderful time!! The restaurant was very cool inside, and though the food wasn’t amazing, it was good and I really liked their house-made hummus. Ooh and their onion rings were delicious!

For dessert, I’d brought cupcakes from Sift; Stud Muffin (Lagunitas beer and brown sugar cake, caramel buttercream frosting topped with bacon and fleur de sel) and Pink Champagne (raspberry and champagne cake with buttercream frosting).

We didn’t end up getting home until almost 2 am, but I was happy tired.

I love birthdays.

So

Pretty much…my kid is huge.

And awesome.

Coolest shirt in the West!

Yesterday was my OFFICIAL birthday, and it was fantastic!! The past week has been really enjoyable, and filled with so much love that I could burst.

Example: the balloons at my desk when I arrived at work this morning (thanks to my lovely coworkers):

and the flowers that were delivered (thanks to Timmy):

Two more days of birthday fun…can’t wait to share more fun details!

It’s my birthday week! Official birthday is the 14th – but my week of celebrations has begun!

To start it off, let’s get into the literary tomes I’ve devoured as of late.

I finished The American (die-hard Henry James fans will enjoy, but for the uninitiated, start with The Turn of the Screw or The Wings of the Dove). The story ended alright, but became muddled with melodrama in the middle.

Next, I read Swamplandia! by Karen Russell. This is a wonderful story! Description taken from the back: “Thirteen-year-old Ava Bigtree has lived her entire life at Swamplandia!, her family’s island home and gator-wrestling theme park in the Florida Everglades. But when illness fells Ava’s mother, the park’s indomitable headliner, the family is plunged into chaos; her father withdraws, her sister falls in love with a spooky character known as the Dredgeman, and her brilliant big brother, Kiwi, defects to a rival park called The World of Darkness. As Ava sets out on a mission through the magical swamps to save them all, we are drawn into a lush and bravely imagined debut that takes us to the shimmering edge of reality.”

I really liked Ava, and enjoyed the time spent with her. Russell switches from 3rd person to 1st person often in weaving together Ava’s and Kiwi’s adventures, and this does take some adjusting; it isn’t seamless. The descriptions are just lavish enough without falling into the oubliette that is J.R.R. Tolkein (OHH MY GAWWWWWDDD), and made the 1000 islands of southern Florida seem as magical and scary as Wonderland. I was a little disappointed in the conclusion, but only because I felt it ended too abruptly.

I had been recommended David Nicholl’s One Day by a bookseller in Copperfield’s, and after reading Radiator Tunes’ review of it HERE, I figured it was worth a shot – she’s one of the few people (i’ve never met her) whose book recommendations I’ll take. It was actually very engrossing. I worried it would be predictable, boring, and, worse, threaten my street cred; instead, it was witty and sweet, and I can still show my face in the indie bookstores LOL Dude, I swear, I read it IRONICALLY!

I don’t know that I’l see the movie – mainly, because the radio ads for the movie quoted Anne Hathaway as saying that the story was ‘soulful’, which is one of those words that is so cheesy, it grates on my nerves (I re-read that last sentence, and realized that I AM SO PUN-NY!).

Now, I am reading The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. I knew the basic story of the book before reading it, as I’d seen the movie version starring Gillian Anderson (Scully!) with my mom years ago. Knowing the ending is giving the characters a sinister and/or tragic edge to their introductions, but Lily Bart is already ranking high on my list of favorite female protaganists. She’s beautiful and intelligent, but prone to bouts of rebelliousness that threaten to veer her off-course. Lily wants so desperately to be a part of the upper-class New York world, but recognizes it’s faults and hypocrisies to an extent that she sabotages her own attempts to climb the social ladder.

Not sure what I will be in the mood for next….

Wednesday night I attended the long-awaited concert at the Warfield in San Francisco. Unfortunately, Tim could not join Micaela and I in enjoying the beautiful music! He had to work really late on a phone issue, and couldn’t make it.

I started listening to Iron and Wine after I saw the movie ‘In Good Company’; the song “The Trapeze Swinger” plays during the end credits, when Topher Grace is running on the beach. After almost 10 years of enjoying Sam Beam’s music, I finally got to see him live! It was a very exciting event for me.

I couldn’t take my camera with me, but I do have a few iPhone pictures to share:

He changed up some of the songs, so that a slower tempo song became upbeat, more jazzy… Sam told us audience members that he didn’t want to just give us the songs we could listen to at home. I agreed and disagreed; I fell in love with the sounds on the album, but I did enjoy his new versions of some of my favorites! His voice was AMAZING! All appreciation I had for his recordings became heightened by the knowledge that he sounds just as good, if not better, live.

The last picture is of Mr. Beam singing “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” without accompaniment (other than a few spare notes on his guitar). I gotta tell you: I felt shivers in my spine. It was so freakin’ awesome. Thanks to Adrienne for keeping an eye on my boy while I attended the concert!

Marco’s birthday AND birthday party were a beautiful success. I cried, we all laughed, and I smooched Marco about 100000 times. I have a 1 year old child! Wow.

He looks so much like a big kid now!

Carrot cake cupcakes with low-sugar cream cheese frosting! I made these for Marco’s classmates and teachers. The recipe for the frosting called for cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and 1 whole box of powdered sugar! Ewww! I put in half the sugar, and the flavor was perfect for the carrot cake. I may share with you my super-secret-but-not-very-complicated carrot cake recipe. But I might not. We’ll see… LOL

Marco’s party was a lot of fun! We had about 28 people at our house, and they all wanted to talk to, cuddle with, and kiss the birthday boy, and Marco was a total champ! He even took a few steps for his family and friends. I’ll post more pictures of his party later.

Roux also celebrated her first birthday (May 26th), and she was happy with her very own tuna cake!

ALSO!! Our garden is doing very well, and we’re finally getting lawn in our backyard! It’s so exciting to see the green shoots. Proof of my gardening skills:

My very own strawberries! Small, but delicious. I feel like a real farmer! LOL, not exactly…but it is fun to grow my own food.

Speaking of food, I almost forgot to mention my big decision: I decided to become a full-fledged vegetarian! After 3 1/2 years of a mainly meat-free diet (chicken only – no fish, fowl, beef, or pork products), I finally took the plunge. I’ve been ENTIRELY meat-free for 2 weeks now. It’s a little difficult, but I managed! I didn’t give up dairy products, though! More power to the vegans out there, but I love cheese too much.

Phew! That’s what I get for slackin’ on the posts!

What have you been up to?? I hope you have wonderful weekends!

Dear Marco,

First, I have to tell you: you are the most beautiful boy in the entire world; not to mention the smartest and sweetest. I love absolutely every detail about you, from your perfect toes to the funny wisps of hair on top of your head.

born May 27th 2010 9:27pm

You have your own odd sense of humor, and I love to watch you come up with your own private jokes.

You’ve recently discovered the Count on Sesame Street, and you give yourself giggle fits trying to imitate his halting, Transylvanian laugh: “AHA HA HA”.

I love that when you see me coming through the door of your classroom to pick you up, your face bursts into a joyous smile.  You bounce up and down, or race across the room to get to me.

I love that you think I’m hilarious when I dance my routine to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (the one choreographed especially for you during your colicky days; a modern mix of ballet, air guitar, kabuki theatre, and some full on hair swishing/head banging), and that you smile big when I sing to you.

You’re super-ticklish under your armpits, and your Daddy and I take full advantage of your tickle spots!

I hope that I don’t come across too harshly when I have to tell you ‘No’. I’m sorry that sometimes I get frustrated with your inability to fully express what you need, and I hope you forgive me; I’ve never claimed patience as a virtue, but just know that your mother loves you and tries her best. I know you are learning words in your own pace. Already, you say ‘Mama’, ‘Dada’, ‘agin!’ (again) and ‘Moarrr’ (more)

You blew a kiss to me today; I caught it and put it away for a cold night. I might have wept a little.

You’re officially considered a toddler now, because you’re 1 year old, and have taken your first steps. Today, on your birthday, you stood, and took 4 steps towards your daddy, and 2 steps towards me. ALL BY YOURSELF.

I love you.  I kind of worship at your feet, you little angel, so take care not to throw graham crumbs into my hair.

Happy birthday, my Marco Amadeus.

I can’t believe how grown up he is. One minute he’s a tiny baby…

…and the next, he’s a ridiculously handsome little man!

June 2008 – 6 weeks old

Happy 3rd birthday to our adorable boy cat, Stabler!

He eventually shared some tuna with Roux; he’s a gentleman.

Stabler and Roux checking out Stabler’s birthday present – a scratching post/apartment.

Crazy cat lady.

It’s another Monday. I’m in a dreary mood, so here are some happy pictures from the past week, all taken with my iPhone:

My favorite shirt!!

My first gel manicure. It generally lasts 2-3 weeks, and I’m hoping that it’s true for me. I chip my nail polish about 2 hours after they dry whenever I try to paint them myself, and even professional manicures last maybe 3 days.

We (as in Tim – I only laid down 15 tiles, and grouted 5) finally finished the floors (WHEE!!), and it looks SO much better. This is the front entryway.

Part of the dining/living area. This used to be carpeted, but we decided to tear it out and extend the floors.

Yes, that’s Roux’s little foot and tail in the corner.

Yesterday, I drove to San Jose to celebrate Micaela’s birthday eve (March 7th is her actual birthday) with her family. Marco was getting over a cold, so he stayed home with Tim.

It was great to spend time with my awesome BF! We may or may not have eaten much cake and tacos. Not sayin’ for sure.

Monica made this awesome chocolate, cream, and raspberry sauce frozen dessert thing – it was tasty to the extreme!

Micaela and Buster

Make a wish!

Unfortunately, this morning I woke up with a nasty headache and a slight (101.2) fever. I had to call in sick to work, and that does not make me very happy;  with the conversion to new software going on at work, we’re all sitting on two week’s worth of catchup paperwork/emails. Now I’ll be an extra day behind. BLAH. Tomorrow is going to be ugly.

Here’s to another week!

Okay phew! I finally have some time to post the 2nd part of my birthday post.

Wednesday evening, the Gomers came up to Napa to have a Gomer-Dickson birthday dinner, as Justin and Belle would not be able to make the dinner on Saturday. We went to Firewood Cafe and had a very delicious meal, which included a free pizza – I love coupons!!

Thursday was a relaxing day with my baby boy and hubby, and Friday night I covered a shift at work for my co-worker. It was kind of a crazy day, between taking care of Marco, working, grocery shopping, baking cupcakes for Saturday, and trying to eat somewhere in there. After all the chores were done, Tim and I relaxed with 2 episodes of ‘Dexter’ (almost done with Season 3!!) and books. I’m still working on The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Saturday I slept in (thanks, Timmy!), went to La Vie Nail Spa and got a manicure, pedicure and my eyebrows done. My nails look awesome, I love the OPI color ‘My Private Jet’.

After that, I put together some goody bags for my birthday dinner guests. I didn’t really know what to put in them, so it ended up being some silly, random items. I put bags of one of my favorite Tazo teas, EO Sweet Orange shampoo, Fun size Snickers, Skittles, mini notepad, temporary tattoos, and Hershey’s kisses.

My birthday dinner was at Il Fornaio in Walnut Creek. I’ve been to this location several times, and to the one in downtown San Jose. Good Italian food and a fun atmosphere. Marco was an angel the entire time! He was wide awake, but had hardly any fussiness and was generally happy just hanging out with everyone!

All my friends just looked so lovely, and I was so excited with my outfit. I ended up picking the pink and grey strapless peplum dress from ModCloth. I love that my birthday has become a dress-up event.

My mom and Marco

Marco gets lots of smooches

We actually got everyone in the photo!!

Saving these for my 62nd birthday LOL

Feelin’ cute hee hee

Okay, I love presents. My mom and sister TOTALLY spoiled me! They gave me a Nordstrom gift card, a purse, a Betsey Johnson necklace and earrings!!

Isn’t this purse adorable? My sister knows me too well

All the girls: Adrian, Micaela, me, Adrienne , and Robyn
 

Love this outfit!

thinking, that’s all

Sunday I met up after work with my friends Erin and Jacqi for drinks at Barolo in Calistoga. We had some delicious cupcakes from Sift and good conversation.

It’s been an amazing birthday week! I love my friends and family, and thank you so much for making this week so perfect. XOXOXOXO

I decided to pinch a few pennies this year and make the cupcakes for my birthday dinner, instead of buying them from Icing on the Cake like I normally do (best cupcakes, but at 3.25 apiece, and around 10-15 people to feed, it adds up!).  So, I went to the store and stocked up on white cake mix, strawberries, Hershey’s chocolate and Scharffen Berger unsweetened natural cocoa powder. I chopped up the strawberries and mixed them into the white cake mix along with 2 drops of pink food coloring.  Then I poured the mix into cupcake cups (a little over 2/3 full) and added a slice of strawberry to the top.

Bake as directed on the white cake mix (350 degrees for 16 minutes) and let cool.

For the chocolate buttercream, I started with the buttercream recipe on the back of the C&H powdered confectioner’s sugar box.

1 lb box of Powdered sugar
1 stick of unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 C milk

Mix all ingredients together in an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. After that, I added 1/2 cup unsweetened chocolate powder, and Hershey’s syrup to taste. You may need to add a little more milk to get the desired creaminess.

Mmm, the best part!!

I don’t have any icing bags, so I took an extra larger ziploc bag, filled with the frosting and cut a small tip off the corner.  It doesn’t make the frosting pretty, but it gets the cupcakes frosted much more quickly.

I used candy Pearls and chocolate chips to make them look cute, and wrapped some Wilton’s cake wraps around them. I found the wraps at Target in the Halloween section. They were supposed to be some kind of cemetery design, but I thought they looked a little like crowns, hee hee.

My experiment worked! The cupcakes tasted delicious YAYYYY!!!

I looove birthdays!! I always choose to make my birthday celebrations last a whole week (I’m special like that, MMKAY!?), and this year has been no different. On Monday, Marco and I cuddled, played and planned the week ahead. At work, I received a generous gift of $$$ and a sweet card! Luckily, it wasn’t too crazy at the Inn and I was able to leave a little bit early. I like making sure I am home in time to read Marco a story before he goes to bed.

Tuesday was my OFFICIAL birthday (dude, I’m 26!), and it was a fantastic day. Marco and I slept in a little, and then got ready and packed for our stay at Solage Calistoga that night. It is the one Auberge property here that I had not yet stayed at, and I was so excited to finally get the opportunity! I’d taken full advantage of the beautiful Spa facilities, and dined several times at SolBar, but I’d never seen the rooms.

After packing, I headed to Sift to pick up a couple of birthday cupcakes. I picked out a Pink Champagne (my favorite!), Limonata, and a new espresso flavor for Tim. Marco and I decided to relax with some coffee (a soy bottle for him) at Starbucks, and I read while he took a catnap in his stroller. Tim was able to come home a little early, so we checked into Solage and relaxed in the room before our dinner reservation.  When we got to our room, there was a birthday card and a mini cake waiting for me (chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting)!!

The amazing shower and bathtub!

View from the patio (Hi, Marco!)

Marco was a little cranky, so Tim put on his favorite movie (‘Up’), and he calmed down immediately. I don’t know if the colors in the movie are fascinating or what, but Marco stops squealing as soon as he sees that movie on the screen!

Our wonderful friends, the Dempseys, had offered to watch Marco while Tim and I FINALLY had a date-night. After dropping Marco off at their home, we grabbed the Solage bikes and hit the streets of Calistoga. I’d decided to have a casual dinner at Calistoga Inn (1000 pts for the reservation – thank you, OpenTable!), so we parked the bikes and relaxed outside. I ordered a Mojito (mm!) and the Summer Risotto (my favorite), while Tim had a red ale and the avocado-pasta (the inspiration for our Guaca-Pasta!)

After dinner, we biked to Scoops & Swirls, a Frozen Yogurt shop in town. I LOVE FRO-YO!! It was a perfect dessert!

We picked up Marco (he was an angel, phew!!) and went back to Solage for the night. Marco was a little too excited and refused to go to sleep at first, wanting to talk to himself, coo and smile at me the whole time. It was difficult not having a separate room for him, but we made do by placing his Pack N Play in the shower. He fell asleep around 10, and we were finally able to enjoy a movie and cupcakes.

Our breakfast was delivered to us at 7:45am the next morning, and luckily, Marco hadn’t made a peep all night, and didn’t wake up until 7am. I’d ordered an egg-white omelet (I just can’t get into eggs anymore, but this was ok) with spinach, goat cheese and peppers, a side of fresh fruit (figs, plums and blackberries), while Tim opted for the french toast with walnuts and peach compote, and a side of hashbrowns. Marco played with his newly-discovered feet while we enjoyed breakfast in bed.

After breakfast, packing up, and getting ready, Marco and I finally headed home, while Tim started his work day.

Whew! I know this was a wordy post, but there is still so much to share! My birthday dinner is tomorrow night, so Part 2 coming soon.