Birthday Goodness!

Gifts 

I love giving gifts and I love getting gifts! 

I’m not the normal person though, I don’t glee for joy when the gift is $1,000, I’m the odd person that jumps for joy when the gift was $1,000, but you only paid $50 because it was used and in good condition. . . Not kidding. I love a good sale and I love when people shop smart! Another thing I love about gifts, is thoughtful gifts. I like when someone puts some serious thought into your gift, that makes me glee for joy.

So when I had an awful day on Friday, in all C fashion of being an early gift giver, he told me to grab something for him. So Baby M and I walk over to the deck and grab this tool bag. I’m about to hand it to him and he said, just open it and hand me the tool, my hands are full. When I open the bag, it’s gift boxes! *note – small gift boxes excite me more than large gift boxes* When I unwrap the gifts it’s the camera and film I've been eyeing! 

It's a Polaroid type camera, prints pictures off immediately

I love projects, so one reason I wanted the camera, was to start on my next project! I wanted to hang some pictures in Baby M's hallway. So as we built the deck, I started to shop through the scrap pieces to build my platform for said pictures. About a year ago I found a bow making tutorial on YouTube, so I knew I wanted to add a bow... then C helped me twist a wire hanger to clip the pictures to. I plan on adding more pictures, but for now it has 3 cute pictures! Oh, I also painted the board some mint color, let it dry, then sanded the edges and middle for more of an antique type look. 

On Monday I came home to some unique items. My sister recently went to visit my other sister in Colombia. They had a great visit and I didn't expect to receive birthday presents from Colombia, but I did! Baby M, C and I received chocolates, toys and cool pieces of art! 

To most people, this cup wouldn't mean much, but when C handed me the cup I started crying. Only a few know my obsession with Mexican type art or donkeys for that matter. Here's why: 
When we lost our dad, I made a trip back home to help my siblings clean his house. It was a cool trip because I spent some time with my brothers and sisters, we laughed, cut up and busted our butts cleaning the house. We found a lot of cool things, but I didn't take a single item, except 1 thing. Rewind to his last Christmas,  my sister J bought him an adorable donkey figure. The donkey was carrying baby Jesus and had a sombrero and all kinds of cute little decor. My dad loved the donkey and laughed because of how funny and cute it was. So when we were cleaning the house, I took the donkey with me. The donkey is truly a Christmas item, but it doesn't matter to me and the donkey is proudly displayed in my house everyday of the year. As the years continue to pass, my sister Josefina always seems to find a way to sneak me a new donkey or something with a donkey on it. I've gotten some cool items through her travels, but the donkeys mean so much to me. She knows what the little figures remind me of. So when I got this cup, in a weird way, it was like my dad was with me. In that moment in time, it was a small reminder of him being with me always and on my 30th birthday. 

When you lose someone important, the smallest items carry so many memories. Sometimes when I'm dusting or walking by, I glance at the donkey & I smile. 

I had a training session on my birthday so after training I had about an hour of free time. I wanted to go home and party it up with Baby M, but I knew I could use this hour to do something I've been putting off. So I made an appointment with an amazing stylist and she did her magic. 

I am not a fan of long hair or super short hair, but I knew I needed to donate at least 8 inches, so Teresa did her magic. I picked out some short styles and she started chopping and combing. I was a little scared because short hair can be unforgiving. . . 

I ended up digging my new do and I'm glad I was able to donate 8 inches to some kiddos in need. 

My locks before the cut 

Selfie haircut pic

It wouldn't be my birthday without some amazing food. So of course C takes me to my favorite restaurant. . . Frida's in Midtown. 

I love the restaurant, but hate the wait and sometimes the service isn't grand. 

The food is amazing. I'm from Texas/Oklahoma and this restaurant is the most authentic tasting place I've ever eaten at in Memphis. I could eat here about 3x's a week and never get bored. 

I always get this amazing burrito and can never finish it. It's big & beautiful 

This picture doesn't do this meal justice. This is hands down the meatiest nachos ever.
Yes, this is the only "Mexican" food C eats. Lame.  

Of course the night ended at my favorite bake shop. Muddy's is good for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between. Love the service & treats! 

So far my days in the 30's are pretty righteous. Lots to be thankful for and lots to be excited about! Here's to many more! 

Thanks for the birthday love friends!