Exactly a week ago today I celebrated my Birthday! My birthday festivities actually started that Saturday when I treated myself to a solo brunch. My birthday started off with a mini photoshoot thanks to my son. It snowed the day prior, which made for the perfect photo opp. I also got a chance to wear my snow boots which were so comfortable. I proceeded to HomeGoods, where I was on the hunt for a super cute cake holder. I found some yummy truffle oil which I'm obsessed with...  Of course, though it was my birthday. I still had some mom stuff that I had to take care of. I stopped by my local Bj's for some grocery shopping and had to head back home to get ready for my birthday dinner. It was so nice to get out with friends and family... Below, I'm sharing a few photos from my birthday day. 

My Birthday Recap in Photos 

My Birthday Dinner!

My Birthday Cake My Family Purchased for Me

My Birthday Treat at Starbucks 

Bj's Adulting Shopping Trip 

Homegoods Shopping Trip 

My Birthday Photoshoot 

Dear, Tasheena

It’s your birthday! Another year stronger, wiser, and happier. I know your birthday is one of your favorite holidays. I don’t want to take up too much of your time. This last year has been an emotional rollercoaster for you. You started off your birthday strong, and in a blink of an eye, the entire world changed. You had the last couple of months planned out in your mind and daydreamed about your upcoming trips, and being able to connect with your blogger family at various conferences, and events. You spent your last birthday reminiscing about your recent cruise, and as time will pass throughout the year you cherished every moment about the trip, even being seasick for the first time. LOL.

Remember when you said you weren’t going to have a garden in 2020? Well, you did! During the spring, summer, fall months. You spent lots of time in your garden which brought you pure joy. You went for a solo hike for the first time, and the natural smell brought you pure joy.

2020 you spent more time with family. You stayed connected with your blogger family via the internet, and you cherished every moment...

This past year taught you to be resilient and love yourself more. I just wanted to give you a quick reminder of the rainbow after the storm.

Love you,  

Tasheena

Dear Michael,

First I would like to start off by saying. Happy Birthday. Where did the time go? I remember the morning of February 27th. like it was yesterday. My expected due date was actually 2/27/03, and I went to the doctors the day before. I remember the doctor telling me to make an appointment for the following week. I actually barely got any sleep the night before. I remember feeling as if my water broke and I called the on-call, and I was sent to the hospital. Your aunt drove me to the hospital, around 5 or 6 am. A few short hours later you were born.

You were such a good baby. Unfortunately, you suffered from seasonal asthma. I remember being in the hospital with you and watching you barely being able to breathe. My heart would break each time. You were so small, but such a fighter. Even though those times, you always had a smile on your face.

I remember when you were a baby. Catching you in grandmas kitchen eating cake frosting out of the container. All we could do was laugh. You had cake frosting over your entire face and hands. It truly one of my favorite photos and memories of you.

I remember your first day of daycare. I know you went to a few. One of my favorites was the one that my grandmother go you into. Everyone was so sweet there. They took such great care of you. Very attentive to your needs. I remember while you were going there. We discovered Nutella.

I remember your first day of Kindergarten unfortunately, you had to wait until the first grade to actually take the school bus. You were so excited when that day finally came. You were a big boy. You got to take the school bus like the big kids.

I remember when we took our first trip out of the country. You were so amazed at the Atlantis Resort. You loved everything about that vacation. The people were so nice, you had so much fun going down the slides. Do you remember the tunnel with the sharks? I think I've lost count at how many times we went down that slide. It was so much fun.

Now that you're 16. I'm so proud of you. I'm proud of the young man that you're becoming.

As you continue to transition from a teenager to a young adult. I want you to remember this...

I want you to remember to take risks... your friends are not going to see your vision and what God has in store for you. It's your vision, don't wait for your vision to come clear to anyone.

Bullying doesn't stop ever in life. You have two choices and only two choices. You will see people getting bullied all through, life, in college and perhaps even at work. You can be the person who either sits there and does nothing or you can stand up for the person who's getting bullied. Trust me, it's all fun and games until the shoe is on the other foot.

I want you to remember to treat your girlfriends with respect. You're young, too young to be a relationship right now. Date, get to know women, know your likes and dislikes of a female. Don't settle, never settle, know your worth. Don't ever be with someone because you feel that's the best you can do. You and she deserve better. Never be with someone because you feel bad for them. Again, know your worth.

Please never let anyone take advantage of you. You're such a sweet young man. Know your worth. If a situation doesn't feel right. Go with your gut. Learn to love people from a distance. Know that some times, people you love, will love you, however, they will never want you to live better or do better than them. Learn to love those type of people from a distance.

I want you to always remember... no matter where you are in life. What choices and decisions you've made. That I will always be there for you. If you want anything life, you will work hard for it and never give up. Nothing will ever be given to you. You have to work for it.

Love Always, 

Mom

Pool Time 

Birthday Gift 

Lunch Time 

Outlet Shopping 

Pit Stop 

 Target Run 

The Mister's Surprise Party

For my 30th Birthday my sister though it would be a great idea to goto New York. I was actually really excited about the trip. Even though I live so close to New York. I hardly ever go anymore.

Happy Friday!

Thank you everyone for your Birthday Wishes Last Week! I had a surprise brunch courtesy of my husband (Which I am truly grateful for). Unfortunately I did not get the chance to attend the book club last Sunday. My sister pipe burst in her basement (New England Weather) on a better note, I did get the opportunity to attend the annual indoor tag sale that my Community Center has every year. I was on the fence about going the day of the event. But, I am truly happy that I did go. I found the cutest crystal cut glasses, and some other nick, knacks (will do a post about my finds) I am happy to say that I did get a chance to make my birthday cupcakes (pictured above) they were amazing!!!!! They were so good The Mr. Requested another batch the next day.
Also, it is officially the Love Month. YAY I can’t believe mini will be turning ten at the end of the month… Boy how time Flies. Any who, the Super Bowl is on Sunday (happy dance) I love watching the commercials!!!! Oh, yeah and the game, LOL and of course the Beyonce performance. Other than that, I have a few” mommy and friends” dates to attend. I may try making some super bowl treats (I’m sure my family will love that idea) Other than that my weekend will be pretty low key. Mini me has a game tomorrow, and I’m sure I’ll be watching basketball. Enough about me...

Any weekend plans?

PS: Thank you to everyone who linked up to my linky party this week!!!!

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Hello everyone! I hope you are having a fabulous day so farJ. Today is my Birthday YAY! There will be no project or recipe post today! My kitchen is closed for the weekend (yes, I said weekend!!!), and my glue gun is unplugged…I will be spending this weekend celebrating with family, and friends! I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful and supportive people in my life (including you guys!). The only thing I am missing is my Tiara (Yes I know, LOL)

Have a Fabulous Weekend!