Eating Out and Eating In, A Happy, Hearty Birthday Win

I hadn't celebrated my birthday at a restaurant since before the pandemic.  But this year I felt ready to venture back out into the land of breadbaskets.  So on Friday night, the husband and I went to the historic Smithville Inn.  When we walked up to the hostess stand, the manager asked if we were there for the sweet sixteen party.  "No," I informed him, excitedly. "We're here for my forty-first birthday."  

Apparently, being sequestered from society for so long has only made me blunter.

He smiled, amused, and the twentysomething hostess looked up from her Colleen Hoover novel (sidebar: who is this Colleen Hoover that's all over Insta, and should I start reading her?), smiling also.  Then she led us to a table for two, pointing out that it was "good for photo ops."  Either she'd seen us taking pictures outside or was proud of the enormous Christmas-turned-Valentine's wreath presiding over the table.  Which she very much should be!  It was a thing of beauty and completely in keeping with my more-is-more aesthetic.  I was only too happy to pose my punk rock-wannabe-self beside it.  (The hand-drawn heart, by the way, is camouflaging the husband's leftovers.  I had no leftovers, having scarfed down all of my shrimp-on-shrimp appetizer and entrée)  

Then on Saturday it was time for the family party at my parents', which also included my sister, brother-in-law, and their three kids.  I proudly donned my LC Lauren Conrad sequin dress, Betsey Johnson pumps and necklace, and my very own birthday cake and balloon barrettes.      

Birthday Cake Barrette Brooch

Necklace: Betsey Johnson, Gifted

Birthday Balloons Barrette Brooch

Speaking of cakes, my mom ordered my very favorite from Cacia's in Hammonton, a super sugary vanilla.  When they asked what color to make the roses, she said "all of them."  Everyone made everything so special that I was a little overcome.

Somehow, I managed to get my birthday crown over my enormous barrettes.  And yes, in case you're wondering, that's my wedding picture in the background.  Also, nutcrackers.  Because my birthday bridges the gloomy gap between Christmas and Valentine's Day.  I used to quip that just when you thought the holidays were over, here comes Tracy's birthday, implying that it was a nuisance.  But now I like my positive spin on my day as a bright spot. 

As well as my new philosophy to leave no shrimp behind.