It was a big birthday for me! As the card says – 21 again! Haha. It kicked off the day before my birthday and went a full week and a half with so, so many lovely things. My husband has pretty much mastered gift giving for me. Everything was so thoughtful, well-planned and perfectly executed. I’ve got really great memories from this birthday and wanted to capture it with a blog post. 🙂

After a surprise delivery of Tiff’s Treats to my office on November 7th by Cherish, Sean and I went out to dinner. He planned a baby sitter, made reservations and drove us in the pouring rain. It was my first time at The Consulate in Midtown and I’d honestly never heard of the place. Sean had been there for drinks. The decor was very 1920s glam – elegant, cozy with the right amount of fancy. The concept is that the restaurant features cuisine from a new country every couple of months – in addition to several menu staples. The theme at this time was Venezuela and we had a great time trying many dishes, such as these delectable arepas with cheese and a tangy tomatillo verde sauce. Excellent service as well – particularly from the bartender who explained about wines and many of the ingredients in the cocktails.

The next morning – my actual birthday – I got the card from Sean after sleeping in for a bit. He told me my surprise experience would happen the following weekend when he dropped me and Stella off downtown for a mini-staycation. I was ecstatic. It is perhaps one of the nicest, most thoughtful and selfless gifts I’ve ever received. 

After pancakes for breakfast, it was over to Treat Your Feet for a deep tissue massage. Ahhh.

And then it was off to Charlotte to spend the weekend with Lindsey, Dan and Adeline and see their new home! It was a cozy and fun night of conversation, laughs, dinner, drinks and card games. Oh – and fluffy snuggles. DUH.

Saturday was a slow start. Neither Sean or I had slept well and Harrison had woken up at 6.30 am. We relaxed, sat out by the pool as Adeline showed off her new bike riding skills and Stella and Nya ran and played like the old and dear friends they are. <3

After Harrison’s solid nap, we headed out for the day! We had lunch at RuRu’s Tacos and Lindsey and I had the margarita topped with red wine. Whaaaat?! Never heard of such a thing. Happy birthday to me! It was really tasty and different.

After lunch, we explored Lindsey’s workplace – the incredibly beautiful Duke Mansion. Every corner revealed new beauty. So, so proud of my talented friend for rocking her career and loving her new job.

Our next stop was Green With Envy – a wonderful and unique boutique that we’ve been shopping at for almost 10 years! I picked up a couple of Christmas gifts as well as some things for myself. Always love having Lindsey bring here when I’m in town.

We headed into the evening at Catawba Brewing. They were having a little holiday makers market so we did a little more shopping and then ordered some beers. Lots and lots of good stuff! We were pleasantly surprised. 

Next up was Wooden Robot. Although the beer list was far, far shorter, the beer was extremely delicious with just the right amount of variety in the offerings. Harrison made many friends with people at the tables nearby – he has absolutely no stranger danger. Whew.

After we got home and put Harrison to bed, we had more laughs, more drinks, and more card games until we were completely worn out. Slept much better that night!

One thing I really wanted to do this visit was see more the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Lindsey knew of a nice trail around the lake so we headed out for a little morning hike in the beautiful fall foliage and sunshine. 

Adeline just LOVED Harrison and it was sooooo sweet. She played with him, watched out for him, drug him through the house by one hand…. LOL! (no, for real. It was hysterical. We were dying laughing). And she kept asking “Why is he SO cute”? to me and her mom. Aww.

Katherine Minerva came along. Naturally. I hadn’t seen her in awhile. She’s been spending time in North Caroline after her excursions in Japan with us in 2017. 

We did NOT want to leave. Their new home is so gorgeous and elegant and it was calming and recharging to be around old friends who know everything about you so you can just BE. I always wish we lived closer. Maybe one day. 🙂

Now for the finale – my staycation!

Harrison was actually sick with a fever the day I was to check in. Sean insisted that I still go and Harrison did seem to be feeling better in the afternoon after a long nap so I went and took my best girl with me. Sean informed me he’d gotten me (us) a premium room at The Ellis Hotel on the dog-friendly floor and that I was not to see a bill for the hotel stay or for dinner at Alma that evening. This guy had it ALL planned. I felt so very lucky.

Truth be told, Stella was a bit out of sorts at the hotel. She loves to travel with us but hasn’t been in many hotels so she was never truly relaxed. I was still glad to have her. I checked in and relaxed in my room with a cup of tea and my book. I called my mom to talk – it’s often hard to have a long conversation with Harrison running around. 

I watched the sky get darker and all the lights of Peachtree Street come on.

Dinner for one at Alma Cocina, one of my very favorite restaurants in Atlanta. The seasonally changing, Modern Mexican menu always keeps me coming back. And their outstanding margaritas, of which I had two on this visit. 

This shellfish ceviche was delightful and unique. Shrimp and octopus with common ingredients like cucumber and avocado but then with grapes, apples and an apple-tomatillo aguachile made this a home-run for fall. 

I also had the fried chihuahua cheese with salsa verde and corn tortillas. It was so good but I ate less than half as I was getting full. I took my coconut tres leches cake with passionfruit sauce to go. And had it late in my room. LOL.

After dinner, I did some walking, picture-taking and people-watching before stopping in to another great downtown spot – White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails – for a glass of bubbles. 

Late checkout of noon meant I stayed until midnight watching HGTV and snuggling my sweet girl, sleeping in until after 9am, taking a leisurely shower and ordering room service for breakfast while watching more HGTV. Stella was completely smothered with attention when we left the building and Sean pulled up curbside to collect us. 

The big question now is: what will he do next year?!? 😉

Seriously, though. I felt very loved by many people on and around my birthday this year. But by none as much as Sean. Thank you, honey.