Balaboosta and the end of #thirdee

Always up for a new food adventure, mom and I headed to Balaboosta for dinner on the eve of my actually birthday. Balaboosta is a middle eastern/mediterranean spot in Nolita. Balaboosta is Yiddish for "perfect housewife", it made me chuckle a little when I found that out. This cozy restaurant has a homelike feel, but the food is anything but simple. The dishes are interesting, full of flavor and absolutely delicious. 

Mom and I were really excited they had a bottle of Rose we loved from the Nuit Rose boat cruise.  It was a 2012 Coteauz D'aix En Provence.

You always get complimentary Yuka chips. These were crunchy and light with a slightly spicy seasoning.

We started with two appetizers. The first was the Fresh Ricotta Bruschetta topped with bresaola, grilled figs, arugula and toasted pecans.

Next, we shared the Market Salad which was simple, crisp and refreshing.

Mom decided on an entree special, Saffron Spaghetti with mussels and roasted tomatoes.

I settled on the Braised Short Ribs with sauteed okra, oven dried tomato, spinach and a chickpea cake.
SO MUCH FOOD.

We ended the night with dessert (of course).

Welcome to my actual birthday...June 16th. Mom and I started the day at the wonderful St. Balmain in Brooklyn.

I decided to have the Saints Salad with Grilled Chicken. I convinced mom to have the incredible Avocado Toast aka my favorite.

Since it was my birthday, we hopped in a cab and headed to Dumbo. I was in search of this view and luckily found it.

We wandered to Brooklyn Bridge Park for some incredible views of the city. 

Ready to go back to Manhattan, we jumped on the East River Ferry. The Ferry is a great option to get around western Brooklyn and then back to Manhattan. The views of the city are incredible.

The day ended with Family Dinner. I can not imagine a better way to ring in #thirdee. I'm so grateful for the people in my life who helped me feel celebrated and loved.

Cheers.

Well now I'm 30.

Well everyone...I'm now 30 years old. 

The day was destined to come sooner or later. Approaching my 30th birthday, I had numerous people ask me how I felt about turing 30 or if I was "ok"...most of these people were still in their 20's. For some reason there is this looming negativity about moving from one decade of life to the next. Society wants us to conjure up thoughts of all the things we didn't accomplish or opportunities we missed; there is a sense of pressure to compile memories from the past years, weeding out failures and regrets. 

But why does it have to be like this? The older and wiser individuals in my life hummed a different tune when they reflected on their 30th birthday. All these people expressed nothing but positivity and encouragement. They built up my confidence with remarks like, "you will have a new sense of authority in life" or, "it is like you finally know who you are". 

In the end I made the promise to myself to walk with strength and dignity into my future. I decided to choose joy when fear and doubt crept in, and I let optimism win. Whether you are 30, 22, 58 or 40, life is about focusing on what blessings you have, not on what is missing. 

So this birthday I focused on the full half of the glass. I remembered that God promoted me into a job I could have never dreamed up for myself, I have friends that care for me fiercely and boldly, my family loves me selflessly and sacrificially, I am healthy, I get to serve and do life in the most incredible church, God allows me each day to care for others and help people see their full potential, and I live in the greatest city in the world.

So here you are 30 and I love you already. It is cliche, but seriously...the best is yet to come.

What better way to celebrate by birthday than with pictures in Dumbo with the city skyline in the background, and in front of really awesome colorful wall! It's my birthday and I'll take a lot of #selfies if I want to. 

Dress: Joe Fresh / Shoes: Banana Republic / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: C.Wonder & Coach

My amazing mom took these pictures. She helped make my birthday extra special by being here. Can't wait to share all the fun adventures in posts to come!

Thirty Flirty Fabulous.

xoxo