What can I say the last three days have been nothing but amazing. Wednesday I checked in at the Derek. Which I haven’t stayed there in probably almost  decade,  the hotel is starting to show its age but the staff was super nice and attentive. The only thing that surprised me is that they didn’t do anything for my birthday. You know the little treat in the room just because – in Barcelona I had a bottle of bubbly on ice for no reason , here nothing. Wednesday night I treated myself to Tapas and Cava at Oporto. What a beautiful restaurant in the cusp of midtown and montrose.  I had been craving both for a while, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. The batatas, the cod croquettes, the grilled shrimp and of course a slice of tiramisu. DELICIOUS!! Just talking about it is making want to run over there for round two.

Thursday, my actual birthday, was full of feeling loved. Thank you to all my friends and family that took the time to send a little message, it truly means so much. Birthdays mean so much, it is a celebration of your own existence, it should never just be another day. Of Course I started it with a trip to Drybar, I went to their River Oaks location for a try and i must say I like the Uptown one better, and Kolache Factory. Lunch with the family happened with the who’s who in town, ladies who lunch at Neiman Marcus’s restaurant – Mariposa. I had always wanted to eat there but had never had the chance, even all that time that I worked there. Everything was right on point, the staff, the food and my four year old who even surprised me – not even a peep.

A little shopping at Nordstroms, a pair of Hunter boots, Halogen flats and two pairs of earrings – then a quick nap all before BFF time. I have to say that I found my sister soul in her. Even when we don’t get to see each other, once we do, it’s like time stood still. We get each other in every sense of the word, with no reservations or judgement- I LOVE YOU!

She took me to an spectacularly delicious meal at Anejo in Uptown. This little gem has the coolest decor, I wanted to take it home. The food was all homemade and it showed. The fresh chips, hot salsa, and queso – amazing! The fajitas were on point as well! Definitely could go back for their happy hour, which apparently happens all day til 6 pm. The rest of the night was a blur of fun.

Friday was for sleeping and laundry, let see what shenanigans I can get into today.

XOXO

Ana

Well what can I say, the luxury of my job is the amount of days off. This past weekend it was a 2.5 days. Funny enough it consisted with a lot of sleeping. After working four overnight 12 hour shifts in a row… I slept in super late Saturday. I even missed one of my little favorites birthday party, Sorry again!! That evening I went out with my girls. We went to Pastry War, which I love, for a drink and then to Vrsi. Vrsi reminds me a lot of the old Mbar, minus the basement  and the wrap around second floor. Yes people I am old school.

All I remember from that night is having a blast. Then it literally look all of Sunday to recover. I don’t think I have been that hungover in years, and no worries I did not drive anywhere that night, I stayed at my friends house. Saddly though, I didn’t get to go shooting nor did that person talk to me all week, probably a good thing, I would have been miserable.

Monday consisted of a morning of errands, followed by an afternoon at Chuck E Cheese. Which by the way how does my kid have a bag full of ticket vouchers totaling 3,346?!?!! And an unknown amount in a bag and then has like 400 tokens… Yikes! Thanks for taking my money Mouse! But it is fun and it is essentially gambling.

The rest of the day, I took a nap and went to work.  Shift one of two for the rest of the week. All so that I can spoil myself for my birthday, which by the way it’s on Thursday Jan 14th. A nice suite at the Derek, hair appointment,  lunch and dinner with my favorites. Can’t wait!
I leave you with a song that is constantly running thru my head while I sleep a bit…

Flo Rida – My House

XOXO

Ana

Well you have finally arrived again beautiful weekend!! Thank god this will also be night 4 of 4 for me, so it’s also my Friyay!! Girls night tomorrow night and looking forward to it in good ol’ Midtown. Maybe some more shooting on Sunday to commence birthday week!

31 is looking alot better than 30! The plans for Thursday as of right now include a full day of yummy food and a room at the Derek for Wednesday and Thursday. Then Macklemore on Saturday…. Yay me!

For now I leave you with a band you should know and an amazing song..

First Aid Kit – Stay Gold

XOXO

Ana