handmade birthdays

One of my greatest joys in life is making handmade gifts.  Since I started knitting this summer, I took that as an opportunity to make Ted a Gryffindor blanket and Claire a Hufflepuff scarf.  Although they are far from perfect, I am really proud that I have overcome my fear of knitting.

When I finally got to go into the Button Emporium & Ribbonry a few weeks ago, I bought some snazzy ribbon and a giant button for Erin's birthday crafts!  I made a leaf headband (one for me as well) and an "award ribbon."  I am a sucker for pretty ribbon.

Well, that's all I can reveal for now.  ;)

a great great gatsby party

This past weekend my friend Rebecca celebrated her birthday in classiest way possible--a 20's themed party!  Of course I was thrilled to have an excuse to dress up and make a Happy Birthday banner.  I start to feel a little lost in the world if I'm not involved in a themed party once in a while...  And I ALWAYS need a reason to craft.  Anyway, it was absolutely lovely and Rebecca is such a sweet friend to have!

Speaking of birthdays, Erin also turned 20 on Sunday!  I would have given anything to be able to celebrate with her, but in no time I will be back in Arizona for the holidays and will be able to give her an ample amount of hugs.

THE HOLIDAYS.  I just wanna craft and ignore my homework, you guys.  Can you believe that it's already October 2nd and I haven't decorated our room for Fall yet?  It's unheard of.  In order to maintain what sanity I have, I am mandating a craft session tonight after I finish a good amount of my workload.  (I told myself this yesterday, but it didn't happen because I was being responsible or whatever--lame.)

Happy October, my friends!  

nineteen

Yesterday was my nineteenth birthday!  Of course I swindled my friends here into a weekend long celebration that included a Friday night performance of PSU's Urinetown,  a Sunday picnic, and finally a birthday dinner and dessert on Monday night.

Ted loves his musicals...

The sun came out to play with us the WHOLE TIME!  It was extremely nice to have the sunshine, tunes, friends, and GLORIOUS FOOOOD!!!!!!

Ted made the tarts, and my mom, dad, and sister sent me the macarons!  Pickled cranberries were even donated to the festivities and after all was said and eaten, we played Apples to Apples.  Sunshine and good food--definitely one of most lovely afternoons of the year so far.

When I walked out my door on Monday morning, I found these balloons waiting for me with a fresh, hot breakfast bagel sandwich!  Ted's a keeper.  Although I had a sunny disposition the whole day, unfortunately the rain came back at full force after our lovely sunny Sunday.  Oh well!  At least I got to wear my pink lace and metallic dress that I bought on my birthday last year.

Note the gold necklace, bangle, and flower purse peeking out from the corner--all lovely gifts from my grandparents!  

This is my "I'm so mature now; I'm nineteen" look displayed on the Pio on our way downtown.  

Note the adorable teacup earrings from Mikaela and precious knitting pin from Erin.  Gotta love my friends!

SUSHI TIME!

Claire's gift for me, complete with a storybook card.  It was a "Family" frame with a picture of our group of friends and an album with the beginnings of pictures from this year!

Me and Ted laughing over the check.  Oh dear.

Me and Claire bein' all cute and stuff.

Me, Claire, and Mikaela pumped for dessert at Papa Haydn's.

  

If you ever get a chance, be sure to try one of their desserts. I love the Boccone Dolce, which is the best and most unique cake I've ever had!  It has meringue, whipped cream, and fruit.  Yes please!

I was also surprised with these macarons!  The salted caramel was my favorite.  YUM.  

I had at least ten macrons, received oodles of love from friends and family, and even got some sun.  Even though I missed my AZ folks, I thoroughly enjoyed my first birthday away from home.  Thanks to everyone who made it special!

happy birthday to a wonderful, completely lovely human being

Thank you Audrey, for being the classy, independent woman you were.  I owe so much to you for being such a role model during the formidable years of my life.  I literally remember the moment I picked up Breakfast at Tiffany's and decided to spend my birthday Target gift card on it in the sixth grade.  I remember thinking, I've seen this lady before--on the wall of Nicole's bedroom!  When I was younger I would gaze up at the poster of Audrey with curiosity.  I remember thinking, What is that contraption she is holding?  (It was a cigarette holder, of course.) Why is she so dressed up?  (It was because she was elegant and glamorous, of course.)  Years later, she still instills a kind of awe in me.  I know that she has influenced me in ways I can't even imagine. 

To celebrate, I suggest popping in one of your favorite Audrey films (I chose Funny Face) and making yourself some pasta (I made penne with spinach, shredded mozzarella, walnuts, olive oil, basil, sea salt, and black pepper--pretty delicious if I do say so myself).

Stay classy, blogosphere.