La Nuit en Rose

When it comes to birthdays, I usually don't like to make a big deal about things. But this year, since I was turing #thirdee, I decided to be a bit selfish and go all out with the celebrations. I left a lot of the planning to the Frans and they did not disappoint. 

The weekend of festivities started off with an afternoon Rose tasting boat cruise around Manhattan. La Nuit en Rose is New York's first Rose wine festival. They had three sailings the weekend of my birthday, which pretty much meant it was destiny for us to attend to celebrate. 

We boarded the luxury Hornblower Hybrid yacht for the outing.

But not before walking the "pink" carpet.

We stepped aboard and were bombarded by hues of pink and massive amounts of Rose. Wines of Provence had the largest presence, Provence produces the greatest amount of Rose in the world. There were also Roses from other countries like Spain, Chile, Argentina and the USA.

This is so true...

Everyone got into the spirit of the "pink drink".

There were incredible nibbles onboard as well. Freshly shucked oysters from Canada and Massachusetts, crepe sandwiches and cheese plates all complimented the Rose varieties.

We found a little spot on the top deck as we set sail down the Hudson.

#selfie

I'm so grateful for my Frans. Life is not only better with Rose, it's better with them. 

Ugh, I'm obsessed with this dress.

Dress: ASOS / Shoes: Seychelles / Purse: J.Crew

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