Surprised!

I have been totally spoiled over the last week. My friends have truly made my 30th birthday so special…I am still a little in shock over all of it! I thought that last Sunday’s pool party was wonderful and I never expected or dreamed that anything else was planned.

My Friday turned out to be pretty amazing. It started with yoga.

Then there was a sushi lunch. After lunch I had an appointment with my favorite esthetician Ariana Loredo for not only a brow/lip wax but also a facial with an enzyme peel and extractions. I figured if there was ever a time to treat myself to a facial, turning 30 was a good excuse. The facial was so relaxing and Ariana included a neck, arm, hand and scalp massage. My skin was seriously glowing when I left.

After my facial a kombucha and coconut cranberry macaroon were calling my name. I spent the rest of the afternoon in a frantic dash to finalize everything for our Metro event on Saturday before heading home to shower and get ready for dinner and drinks (I thought) with girlfriends.

The plan was to meet for a drink before our dinner reservations. Well, we never made it to dinner because when I walked into Reid’s where we had planned to meet, I was greeted by 25 of my friends shouting “surprise!” It was CRAZY and I was totally surprised. My heart was racing, my face was flushed and I was speechless.

My friends Diane and Winnie (you should recognize them from girl’s weekends to Asheville and Chicago) planned the party for me. I seriously can’t remember the last time I had a real birthday party…maybe when I was a kid? I am pretty much in disbelief that I’ve had two parties in a week.

My sweet friend Lina was there along with many other yogis and the owner of Metro! I can’t believe that they even reached out to my boss. It was so special to have her there!

Sweet Tater Katie even made a special Friday night out appearance and I was thrilled to see her walk in the door! My friend Rachel (far left) kept tearing up and telling me she was just so happy to see me happy and smiling. It makes me happy that others are looking at me and seeing/feeling happy again. (Did you get all that?)

The cake was massive and delicious and I am still plowing my way through it. Red velvet with a thick layer of frosting from Edible Art.

I can’t even describe how I felt on Friday night. Full of joy, love, hope and gratitude. The end of my 20s was full of ups and downs. I’m ready to embrace a new phase of my life and to really figure out what I want and who I am. Here’s to entering my 30s stronger, more focused and ready to live my life to the fullest.

Today is my actual birthday but this weekend has been so crazy with the surprise party, my work event and a wedding that all I’ve wanted to do is relax. I can’t wait to share the rest of my weekend with you in the next couple of posts!