Belated Birthday

July has been so busy that we are still getting around to birthday dinners but I cannot say that I am complaining. I had the last of my belated birthday dinners with Caleb last night as everyone's schedules have been a little crazy lately. I honestly do not think that I have ever been so full in my entire life.

 We went to Casa Del Barco downtown on 12th street and it was hands down the best Mexican that I have ever had in Richmond. They had an adorable little patio with string lighting, thankfully yesterday was absolutely gorgeous and it was extremely comfortable outside.

Adorable mini serving baskets for the chips

The food was to die for, I got chicken fajitas and Caleb got steak tacos. We were both really pleased with the food, pretty big portions and tasty!

While I cannot say that we left dinner hungry we decided to try Shyndigz which is a desserts and drinks only restaurant. It was to die for and it was dangerous. I have a ridiculous sweet tooth, I would eat cake all day if it was acceptable and I could still fit in my pants. Lets just say that our eyes were a little bigger than our stomachs, we ended up getting two pieces and went home with about one and a half...we had some happy campers at home.

I might have had some for breakfast this morning.

And just for reference, those are dinner plates not small plates. 

Chocolate Salted Caramel and Oreo Truffle Funfetti

Even though I went to bed last night coming down off of a sugar high and with a little bit of a tummy ache it was a wonderful birthday dinner and absolutely worth the wait.

Till next year!

xo

Summer Reads

One of my main goals this summer was to get some good old fashion reading in, reading that I actually enjoy. I find that reading for pleasure just isn't really possible during the school year when I spend the majority of my time in a textbook , it takes all the fun out of a good book. I honestly just enjoy getting in bed and watching some Netflix after a day at school and I really see nothing wrong with that. 

While summer is a little different, we only have one TV in our house. Everyone is shocked by this but we really rarely watch it, well I rarely watch it. I find myself happy to head to bed a little early and get a little reading in, it also makes me pretty sleepy which is a plus in my book (no pun intended). I've gotten some good reads under my belt so far, all ones that I would highly suggest.

Life Lately

The summer is officially starting to get away from me, after the 4th of July it always seems to go by so fast. I feel like things have been super busy too so I blink and another week has gone by. 

I'm currently on a break from summer classes but have completed two, having another one start on the 20th. They've actually been pretty enjoyable too, definitely something I wish I would have figured out a little earlier in my college career. 

Lots of things going on lately!

I found a new exercise class in the beginning of June and I have actually become obsessed with it. I pass the Pure Barre studio every single day, as it is right near my house and I'm so glad that I finally decided to stop in one day. They actually had a challenge is June, complete 20 classes in 30 days. I never thought I would find something that would get me exercising at 8 o'clock in the morning, guess I have found my calling! I highly suggest it!

Competing the challenge!

I had a birthday in there somewhere too and it was oh so good! Nice and low key, exactly what I needed in my hectic schedule lately. A bunch of my wonderful sisters all got together downtown at Social 52 for Sunday brunch to celebrate and it reminded me how lucky I am. So grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. It was a great weekend.

Not only were my friends wonderful but my family also went above and beyond to celebrate my special day. Even though the United States Postal Service has put a little kink in some cards and gifts that were sent week ago, typical! It was a pretty good milestone, 21 was extremely good to me!

I've started a new job at our YMCA by my house and I have to say that it is FABULOUS. Sadly my time at Saxons came to an end but it was a good little run. I started looking for a job at the beginning of the summer and found myself at the Y. I've never been surrounded by such wonderful people that actually make you feel like family. It is a pretty good feeling to actually want to go to work in the morning!

Sunset on the way home

We have some (lots) blackberry patches on our road and we get AMAZING blackberries for about 10 days per summer. I might be a sucker for a blackberry cobbler too. Its a pain in the you know what to pick them, it takes forever, and you always leave with cuts all over but it is so worth it. We have been putting on our long pants and long sleeves after dinner and have been filling pots and pans up.

 This little girl likes to eat them as fast as we pick them.

I've really enjoyed being home so far but I'm getting ready/antsy to head back to school. It is always so nice to come home and relax for awhile but towards the end of July I'm ready to get back. 

This week has been a whooper around here, I saw this a few days ago and it made me smile. Remembering that life will go on and everything happens for a reason.

xo

4th of July

I've always liked to think that the 4th of July is a pre-celebration for my birthday. This year it was kind of true, which I kind of love. 

Kennedy invited Izzy and I over to celebrate with her fabulous family. They're pretty fabulous and spending time with them is always entertaining. 

I'm pretty luck to have such wonderful people in my life and sometimes it takes weekends like this remind of how fortunate you actually are.

Izzy, Me, and Kennedy

Uncle Steve