Thursday, April 12, 2012

my 31st birthday celebration

 My birthday is always a day that I'd rather just skip over. I hate having attention on me and generally feel out of sorts all day. But this birthday was better than most. In fact, Bryan did such a great job that I'd rank it up there as one of my best.


Bryan's parents were in town for the week, so we all hopped in the car and drove an hour north to North Carolina's wine country, the Yadkin Valley. Raffaldini Vineyards is one that I had been dying to go to. I felt like I was in Napa or Italy. The views were profound and the grounds were picture perfect!


 I had made a pasta salad and packed snacks to bring to the vineyard for a picnic lunch. Upon opening our picnic basket I came across yet another note!


 After spending hours as Raffaldini, we headed south to our old standby and local winery, Davaste. They had live music on the patio and their lawn was full of people picnicking. It was a perfect afternoon!


Upon heading home I decided that I wanted to take Cali to the lake for a little swim. Bryan and Sharyn came with.


That evening I sat on my porch with my girl and my new wine glass (this wine glass instructs me to celebrate my birthday by drinking wine all month long... thanks Mom!) and chatted with my mom while Bryan and his parents made me a special birthday dinner.


And lastly, 1 more picture of this bad boy!


Bryan, Russ and Sharyn - Thank you for making this 31st birthday such a memorable one!

23 comments:

  1. Well Lord have mercy, you don't look a day over 25 :) ALso, been meaning to ask you...what kind of cleanser do you use? Your birthday celebration looks amazing! So glad you had a grea day girlfriend!!

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  2. That looks like the perfect birthday celebration to me!! We went to Raffaldini for my bachelorette party and then a month or so ago.
    Question...
    is it just me or do you find that their wine just isn't good?
    My friend and others I've talked to agree... but my neighbors like it so much they're wine club members?

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  3. Girl, you look AMAZING for 31. I would have thought you were in your 20's. Keep up whatever you are doing :)

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  4. You look gorgeous! The trip to the winery looks like it was a great day - so glad you shared these pics! Happy late bday!

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  5. What a fun birthday! Kevin and I went up to Raffaldini in November for my birthday and it was gorgeous. I've never heard of the other winery but sounds like we'll need to add that to our trip next time!

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  6. Gal, I don't think you age...31 looks great on you :) I love the bday dress...so cute and casual! Sounds like a great bday...happy belated!

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  7. Love but sad I didn't get to celebrate with you. When you come back from your next escapades we'll do a birthday do-over.

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  8. 1. was bryan calling you "boo" like i would call a boyfriend "boo" or was he saying "boo" as in a scary way?

    2. i love that wine glass.

    3. this sounds like the best birthday ever.

    4. i can't wait till you have babies...you're gonna be the best mama.

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  9. You went to Raffaldini!?! So jealous! That's where I was looking at having Michael & I's wedding that never came to be. LOL. It looked so beautiful.

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  10. What a wonderful birthday day .. looks like you had some perfect weather too! That winery is beautiful :)

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  11. It looks like you had a great birthday celebration! The winery looks amazing. My mom is in town visiting me and we are going to Temecula tomorrow, I can't wait. I love wine tasting!

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  12. Looks like you had a good birthday at the winery!! I LOVE going to a winery on a nice day.

    *pretty sure every time I come to your blog I think to myself "I love this girl's hair..it's do natural looking"

    Cute wine glass!!

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  13. What a fun birthday! And I looooooove your dress. Where did you get it?

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  14. Look at what a fun birthday you had!!! I loves it. Your wine trip sounds AHHmazing and you be looking super fly as always. That dress is so stinkin cute on you
    and of course you know i am OBSESSED with the LV accessory. Glad you had such a special day. BTW - how is mama H doin?

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  15. Awww how fun!! You look beeeeautiful, like always!

    Happy {belated} birthday! :)

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  16. Laidback and low key, with plenty of wine...sounds like the perfect birthday to me!!! You look fabulous as always my dear ;)

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  17. read this yesterday but didnt have a chance to comment. yes, your blog was my guilty pleasure at work ;)

    looks like such a fun day and you are GORGEOUS!!! Love your whole look.

    hope you have a happy weekend friend!

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  18. Happy Birthday!!! Have to say you got spoiled, which you totally deserved!! :) Everyone does on their birthdays.
    LOVE your new bag! :)

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  19. just found your blog! you are gorgeous! love reading about your life!

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  20. It’s your birthday today! You know what that means? go to the website It’s time to wear the hat, blow the candles and cut the cake. But don’t forget to think of all the wishes you want to make! Enjoy your day!

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