21st birthday princess takes on paris

My 21st birthday was one of my most magical days to date.  We were in Paris and I set out to treat myself (with the help of some generous relatives). After brunch, we set out for the Champs-Elysees, where we went to Laduree.  I bought myself a box of macarons and marveled at the ornate pastry shop complete with a tea room and bar.  I ate half of mine throughout the day.  We sat on some grass and soaked up the glorious sun, and eventually made our way to the original Chanel, where I intended to buy myself some perfume.  I promised 2009 Kaylie that I would buy more Coco Mademoiselle next time I went to Paris, and so I did.  

This time it was an incredible out-of-this-world experience.  After I chose my perfume, the woman carefully wrapped it up with beautiful gold paper,  sheer ribbon, and a white paper camellia.  Yes, I now have Chanel craft supplies and I could not be happier.  It didn't stop at that.  I was taken to a small room to sit down on a comfortable chair while another woman had me pay and typed out a receipt.  It was an elaborate process that was completely unnecessary, but maybe this was because most people sitting in that chair would probably be spending a lot more than I was (which was already a lot).  Those people would definitely need to sit down to hear the damage.  I was then asked by the first woman if I wanted complimentary tea as she gave me the bag.  I said yes and mentioned the perfume was my birthday gift to myself.  She promptly offered tea to the rest of my friends.  And there we sat.  In Chanel.  Drinking tea amongst expensive shoes, across from a very happy young woman with what appeared to be her sugar daddy.  I don't know how we ended up in this situation, but I honestly don't think I will feel that glamorous again in my life.  I'm so happy I had some friends to share in the absolutely insane experience!

After a little downtime, we got TACOS!  It was wonderful.  I tried to have a margarita, but it was weirdly spicy and my stomach was not a fan  That night I planned to at least do a little of the "American 21st birthday" thing, but I was not feeling up to it, so I didn't (I succeeded the next night, and it's safe to say, I will never do that again).  Ted and I ended the night in Montmartre, which was such a lovely conclusion to my birthday.

photos by ted

the big 2-0

Last weekend Ted and I celebrated my 20th birthday.  We went to SE to our favorite restaurant,  Screen Door for brunch.  It's always busy, with good reason.  Luckily, it wasn't too long a wait (which was our only bit of good luck that day--we had a few mishaps)!  While we waited, we browsed a nearby vintage shop, which was a lovely time.  Just as we got back, they called our name!

And then we ate.  We ate a lot.  Of course they delivered our three big plates of food right when Ted left the table to go to the restroom.  I got a few looks--I must have looked very ambitious.  Ted and I put up a good fight, but we had plenty of leftovers to take home for dinner.  In fact, we didn't eat those until midnight.  Now that's how you do brunch.

After brunch, we went downtown and I spent the last of my Christmas gift cards on some bright tights, chocolate, and awesome dog pajamas.  I'm so grown up.  After a little difficulty, we went to Alberta to pick up the pendants I made a couple weeks ago and to get some desserts at Petite Provence.  Ted and I might be a little addicted to this place.  We have now been to three of the four locations in the past month or so.  Once for brunch, once for croissants and a tart, and then this time for two birthday treats to share--a "Versaille" and a pear tart.  We found a boulangerie that we love, so no regrets.

On my actual birthday, I was delivered two dozen cupcakes from Saint Cupcake from my family to share with my friends (okay, I shared most of them--the three toasted coconut ones, and then some, were obviously for me only)!  I was so excited, because I had just seen the bakery a few days before and wanted to try it.  Ted also made mini tarts and a normal tart for me and my friends to have that night with the cupcakes, cookies, and other assorted sweets I had acquired.  It was a lovely way to end my birthday festivities.

So, now I'm twenty.  It's a bit weird if you think about it too long.  I'm  counting on this year to be my best yet--traveling, meeting the blogger family, studying abroad, and doing other fun stuff.  Should be pretty great.

i'm not getting any younger...

...and yet my picnic party insists otherwise.

Thanks for all the help, mom.

Are you sure there will be a one before the six?


photos by katie