If you’re like me, you love birthdays.
I don’t just enjoy my own birthday; I enjoy ALL birthdays!
I feel birthdays are like holidays. They bring friends and family together, there is always good food (and hopefully cake), and it’s a day to reflect on the positive things in life.
After 31 years, I feel like I have finally found a good life balance, and my true happiness.
This year, it wasn’t about what I was doing or whom I was hanging out with. It didn’t matter how many people came to my party or if there were gifts. I felt different. I woke up this year on my birthday, and felt content with where I was, in the moment. I have lived a lot of birthdays excited about the events, people coming, drinks or food to be had, etc. I don’t think I ever really took the time to focus on myself, and being present in the moment.
This birthday, I felt a sense of calm and gratefulness. The past year has been not only hectic, but included A LOT of life changes, emotionally, physically, and mentally. I didn’t really realize how much of a toll it had taken on me, until it hit really hard. By the time May rolled around however, I was starting to feel better, and just in time for my birthday things finally settled down.
I woke up to see a girl with a few more grey hairs (hey I do work in a stressful environment after all), and maybe a couple of wrinkles that weren’t there before, but with a smile on her face, a loving man by her side, and a super cute Frenchie who was eager to cuddle.
Life is good, my friends.
Really, really good.
And I realized that finally listening to my gut was worth the wait.
I digress…
This year, for my 31st birthday, I had a small get together at home with delicious Mexican food and a fabulous surprise cake designed by my love. I am all about small gatherings with the select people that are most important to me. However, as you know I love balance, I am also a big fan of getting out and doing something different than the usual. For me, that meant a weekend in Los Angeles.
The trip to LA is quick, yet it still feels like a mini vacation. A few friends and myself stayed at one of my favorite locations, the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. I have stayed here a few times, and the vibe is super trendy while being the ultimate luxury experience. We thought it would be fun to rent a cabana by the rooftop pool, which features a DJ and excellent service.
Because I am constantly stressed and working to my max limits in my career, I really enjoy down time with a side of luxury. Altitude rooftop pool was the perfect place to find my zen. And after a day spent in the sun, we headed back to the room where I found what was quite possibly my favorite birthday surprise yet! My very own SLS hotel robe personalized with Dr. Majestic!! If any of you reading this have stayed at the SLS… you know what I mean when I say their robes are LITERALLY the most comfortable articles of clothing I have ever worn, in my life. I kid you not. So now, I have my very own robe to throw on whenever I want!
Since my second favorite thing to do for my birthday, is eat delicious food, we made it a point to try the infamous Bazaar by José Andrés. If you are a fan of tapas, or just delicious food and drinks in general, you HAVE to try this restaurant. The options are endless, the ingredients are decadent, and the service is impeccable. Plus, the décor and experience is super cool. The vibe is funky, with mismatching furniture, a display case of bazaar things, and food being served on random platters and even a shoe (no, not a real shoe thankfully)!
After the dinner experience, if you opt in for dessert, you are moved to a separate area of the restaurant where you can choose from a smorgasbord of sweet treats. My dessert-loving boyfriend was in heaven, as the chocolates, cookies, and cupcakes that we ordered did not disappoint!
We left feeling 20 lbs heavier, but it was worth every calorie and every penny!
On our second night, my sweet BF planned a dinner out, at a firehouse turned restaurant called Engine Co 28, in downtown LA. If you have never experienced a firefighter’s cooking skills, this restaurant can make it happen! They offer a wide array of gourmet, comfort-food-type dishes with flair. Plus… there’s a fire pole. What more could you ask for?
We ended the night at an awesome whiskey bar called Seven Grand, also in DTLA. This place has an old school vibe, with a jukebox that played only oldies. The drinks were super fresh, and worth a try if you’re on that side of town!
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All in all, this was quite possibly one of my favorite birthdays to celebrate. 31 isn’t really a special number, but the closure of my 30th year and the start to my 31st symbolized a major growth period for me, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Thanks to all of you who made my birthday so special and for all of the sweet sweet messages!
