Naturally Ginger Turns O-N-E

First off, MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Guess what!?!?! I made it a year! Naturally Ginger turns one today and I could not be more proud and excited. This year has been filled with so many ups and downs. I have experienced a ton of change, but coming back to my blog has provided an outlet for my creativity and personality. I am so grateful for all the readers and supporters. I'm particularly thankful for my Frans who have taken pictures and posed for so many posts. Thanks to my family for their contribution and support, Bourgeois Bob. I have also loved collaborating with other bloggers and learning more about the field. 

Year one was great, but I'm SO excited for year 2! My hope is that I continue to learn more about blogging, picture taking and how to produce a quality product. I hope you will all keep reading and I can not say THANK YOU enough for checking out the posts week after week. 

We all have a story to tell, thanks for reading mine. 

Dress: Club Monaco (similar here) / Faux Fur Jacket: Forever21 / Sunglasses: Kate Spade / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Earrings: Banana Republic (similar here) / Purse: Lauren Cecchi / Rings: Forever21 / Bracelet: Coach / Watch: Michael Kors

xoxo

Naturally Ginger

Photos by Kait from Madly Mignon

Catch with a side of Christian Louboutin

The #thirdee celebration continued into the evening. After a rest and quick change following an afternoon of sunshine and rose, the Frans (plus a few others) headed to Catch in the Meatpacking District for dinner. Catch is a contemporary American seafood restaurant who's chef, Hung Huynh, won season 3 of Top Chef. Most dishes are meant to be shared family style, which made it just right for my birthday dinner. 

Mer pre-ordered, so the menu was set, and I waited in excitement as each dish arrived. We sat out on their newly opened rooftop, which was incredible but slightly chilly as the sun set. I was grateful when they switched on the heat lamps. 

(Photo c/o emmgrp.com)

Feeling adventurous, I started with a cocktail. They have a delicious cocktail menu, right up my alley, but I ended up choosing the Pink Sangria - Rose, Hennessey, Apricot & Peach. This is the Seraphina - Ginger infused Bombay Sapphire Gin, Watermelon Juice, Lemon & Agave. 

Michael and Lindsey (love them) treated the table to a bottle of bubbly in honor of my birthday. What a delicious gift!

First out were the Parmesan-Truffle Fries. Truffle...cheese...french fries? I died and went to heaven.

We were treated to a couple sushi rolls next. First, is the Hellfire Roll - Spicy Tuna two-ways, pear and balsamic. Second, the Catch Roll - Crab, Salmon and Miso-Honey.

These little bites are the Crunchy Rice Cakes - Tuna Tartare over a rice cake.

This was a show stopper - Macaroni & Lobster Cream.

Finally, the Sake Chicken Lettuce "Cups" - Marinated Chicken, Hoison and Crispy Sweet Potato.

Next, came presents. The Frans truly out did themselves this year. I have many "love languages", but "gift-giving" is definitely a way I enjoy being loved.

This is very shallow, but nice shoes are the perfect gift to get me (note to future husband). I know I can't take any of them with me when I die, but man do they look pretty on my feet and make me feel fierce.

A girl never forgets her first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. Elegance. Red Bottoms. Luxury.

After contemplating my wish, I blew out the candle, my heart overflowing with gratitude and joy. I had an overwhelming sense of love in my heart and I don't for a second take for granted this beautiful life I get to live.

You could say I was the "lady in red". Gosh my Frans are gorgeous.

xoxoxoxo