Happy birthday to Blake!!!  Yesterday was Blake’s 32nd birthday, and we celebrated throughout the weekend.  Instead of planning a party like I did last year, I thought it would be fun to have some quality time together.  I had to work around a few things (castings and fittings) Blake had in L.A., so I decided to do a little staycation up there.

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Leather Jacket | Current Elliott White Tee | Paige Jeans | Black Booties (on sale for $107 if you’re a sixe 7 or 8! or here with a black heel) | Hat | Herschel Duffel Bag | Herschel Suitcase

Friday we were doing the casting run-around, and when we finished we checked into the Ace Hotel downtown.  We rarely spend time downtown, so it was kinda fun to feel like where were in a city.  We joked that we felt like we were in New York for a second as we walked to dinner at Bottega Louie.Bottega Louie | Palms to Pines

Blake took me to Bottega Louie back when we first moved down here, so I knew he loved it.  If you find yourself downtown and you’ve never been, you need to go!  I love the decor and the ambiance, and love that you can see everything being made in a huge open kitchen.  Blake picked a bunch of small plates and by the time we were done we couldn’t even do dessert!  (Big mistake at a place with really awesome desserts…oh well, next time!)

Bottega Louie | Palms to PinesAfter dinner we grabbed an Uber to the Shrine Auditorium to see Van Morrison in concert!  I’d had the tickets for months and somehow managed to keep it a surprise until the very moment they announced Van Morrison to come out on stage.  It was magical – the theater was so beautiful, and we loved hearing those songs live.  Blake and I always listen to Van Morrison together, so it was really special.  The best part – he played our favorite song, Into the Mystic, as the encore!  Night complete ;).

Blake's Birthday | Palms to PinesBlake's Birthday | Palms to PinesBlake's Birthday | Palms to Pines

After the concert, we headed back to the Ace.  We went up to the rooftop lounge where there was a band playing and checked out the view for a few minutes, but then decided we are old and opted for room service (a cheeseburger to share) in our room.  I think we had lights out before midnight, guess that’s how you party in your 30s ;).  image

We grabbed breakfast at the Ace early the next morning (so good!) before hurrying off to a fitting for Blake.Then we had a little L.A. day – went to a yoga event hosted by the new Playlist Yoga and Generosity Water.  So fun, and such a cool studio!  We hit up Alfred’s for juice and peanut butter cookies, shopped around, and finally headed home.  We went to dinner with friends at one of Blake’s favorite new places to get a burger – Hop Doddy’s at Fashion Island.

Sunday, Blake’s actual birthday, I made him breakfast in bed and we let ourselves be lazy!  Then Blake went surfing and I buckled down and attempted to make his Mom’s cheesecake (that’s what she always makes on his birthday).  We had a birthday dinner of flank steak, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts with a cranberry pistachio pesto, fennel salad with blood oranges and arugula, and fresh sourdough bread (of course).  Then Blake finally got to open presents!  I gave him a new dive computer/watch he’s been wanting and the usual socks and underwear from Stance, and our parents both pitched in some money for an underwater housing he’s been wanting for his camera.
Blake's Birthday | Palms to Pines

Woah, are you still reading?  You just got a play-by-play of our weekend.  Can you tell I love birthdays?  Happy happy birthday, Blake.  I love you so much, and feel so lucky I get to spend another year with you!

xo

Jen

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