Yesterday was the last day of my birthday week. When I got home from celebrating my birthday with a gaggle of family and friends I was warm inside and out and enjoyed an evening nap before a quiet night. So much food, so much sunshine, and a wonderful warmth in my heart. My year of 28 is off to a wonderful start. So my list is coming to you a day late this week. Let me take a moment to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone for all your sweet messages and comments wishing me happy birthday. You are all incredibly sweet, and I am grateful for each and every one of you. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirteen. The birthday week edition.
Monday: This morning my sweet friend Jess from work had organised a surprise morning tea for me! She convinced me that there was a meeting happening down one end of the building and when I stepped into the room – surprise! It was so unexpected and I am grateful that all these people took time out of their workday to come and have some cake and sing me happy birthday. And I am grateful to have found a friend like Jess. In the afternoon Chris and I went to inspect the model of our home for the first time! It was great to be able to walk through a very close replica of what our home will look like, and it was a reassurance that we had done the right thing. I can’t wait to move in now!
Tuesday: Today was my birthday! 28 sure got off to a good start. I went for a quick walk in the morning, kissed Chris goodbye as he headed off to work, then headed over to Mum’s place to start our day. Mum and I visited my grandmother for a cup of tea and to say hello, and then we made our way to the Woolloongabba Antique Centre. This is one of my favourite places in Brisbane. I love sorting through all the treasures, and finding old pieces of beauty hidden away. I tried on a 50s evening gown (pink and gold lame`- just beautiful), the taxidermy fox below (I fell in love with his cute face – no I didn’t buy it), and bought some antique forks for food styling. Afterwards Mum and I had a gorgeous lunch in a little cafe/bar nearby. It was the perfect day with my darling Mum, and just how I wanted my 28th year to start. When I got home Chris arrived with a big bunch of flowers, and blocks of my favourite chocolate. I am grateful that I have so many sweet people in my life.
Wednesday: Back into the fray this morning and I was grateful to come home for an interval run before relaxing with Chris and listening to the rain fall in sweeping waves on our roof. A dark and stormy night by the bay is the perfect way to ensure great midweek sleep.
Thursday: My project tonight was making cupcakes for a dear friend’s twin boy and girl! I had so much fun decorating the cupcakes in purple and blue. I was grateful for the chance to stretch my creative muscles and just have some fun with wild colours in the kitchen. And I got to help them celebrate their sixth birthday!
Friday: Friday lunch with Jess this week was the perfect start to the weekend. I got a free salad from Sumo Salad (my Friday lunch addiction) for my birthday and we sat out in the sun talking until we had to go back to work. Tonight Chris and I picked up our takeaway dinner (sushi!) and then laid in bed binge watching House of Cards. I am obsessed. I was grateful for the relaxed ending to the week. It’s so important to have a ritual that helps you to separate from work on a Friday afternoon. Mine: turning up the music loud in my car and driving with the windows down all the way home. It makes me feel like I’m 18 all over again. Instant relaxation.
Saturday: I started my morning with a run before meeting up with Mum and Jess for a great morning at the markets. This afternoon Chris and I went to his cousin’s engagement party. It was lovely to see everyone gathered together to celebrate the new adventure these two young people are about to start. Afterwards Chris and I joined another of his cousins and his girlfriend for dinner. I had the most exquisite mushroom risotto and we enjoyed a walk through the city just laughing and laughing into the night. I was grateful for a night where I felt so alive, and I didn’t have to think about it.
Sunday: This morning started with a long walk by the water. I knew there was going to be a lot of sugar involved at lunch time, so I had to be prepared. My wonderful family and some of my closest friends joined Chris and I for a long sunny lunch. We talked and laughed and ate so much cake. When I looked around at all these people from different areas of my life, all gathered together for one afternoon, I felt so grateful for each and every one of them. My heart is full.
Also this week:
- I celebrated my birthday with an Orange Layer Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting.
- The start of autumn makes me crave comfort, and this soup is just like my Mum makes.
- My gorgeous friend Lynn made me a birthday cake for one! Thank you so much Lynn, I’m grateful that life and the internet brought us together!
