stay-cation birthday week day three

I find birthdays are a great time to reflect as you measure the distance travelled in the last year.

Last night as I chatted with an old friend, she mentioned trying to calculate how many times she has wished me a happy birthday. We met in the 4th grade. I immediately started to tear up as I thought back over the years of our friendship, and of my many other friendships. I have really amazing friends, more than I can count, and more than I deserve. The phone calls, e-mails, text messages, and facebook wall posts today served as a reminder of how loved and blessed I am. I wouldn't trade any of the people I have met or the experiences we have shared for anything in the world, not for some really expensive shoes, a raise, or even a boyfriend (none of which are currently pending)! I could not be happier with where I have come in the past year since moving to Portland, and I look forward to more discovery, adventure and growth in the coming year(s).

Now, to keep this from getting too serious, because I like to keep things light, I will share a line from a birthday card I received from Kristine and Kristen tonight: "Love your amazing ability to keep it classy, keep it inappropriate, and keep it real, all at the same time!" Best. Compliment. Ever.

Well I am 25 today. Let's have a toast! For my cupcake tasting party, we had 5 different kinds of cupcakes. 3 from bakeries and 2 homemade, big thanks to Di and Meg for staying up late on a work night to meet my demands.

On the day's menu:

• Dark chocolate cupcake and chocolate frosting from a Sprinkles mix (made by Diana)
• White chocolate raspberry cupcakes from the Cupcakes Galore cookbook (made by Megan)
• Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and vanilla bean filling from Cupcake Jones
• Pumpkin spice cupcakes with cream cheese frosting from Saint Cupcake
• White cupcakes with chocolate ganache from Helen Bernhard bakery

You're so jealous. Unless of course you were there, then you're a little bit sick. :)
Making a wish and trying to extinguish the very spread out candles in one breath.
Laughing after my very sad attempt at blowing them out in one try. Don't worry though, I still have every intention of getting everything I wished for in the next year!
Beautiful birthday flowers from RZ. I really made out in the gift department, but I will blog about that tomorrow because I am sleepy. Must have been that afternoon nap that really tired me out... xoxo