Birthday Haul

     I'm very fortunate to have loving friends and family members who generously gave me funny cards and various gifts for my birthday.  Here's a peek at some of my lovely presents!

     Apparently when you pass 21, you automatically become an alcoholic!  Moscato isn't my usual drink of choice; actually, white wine is pretty much my least favorite alcoholic beverage tied with beer and vodka.  Gina (whom I have mentioned before in posts) and her husband Tyler gave me that very large bottle; those two are the exception to my white wine preferences.  Somehow whenever I'm over their house, we wind up drinking it.  Fill the glass with enough ice and I can choke down a few glasses; half the time I'm too busy laughing at one or both of them to notice what I'm drinking.

     The Cab is from Roselle and Justin, which coincidentally is also the drink I only ever drink with the two of them.  I foresee several wine/dinner dates with the two couples in the near future!

     This adorable, handmade wine stopper is from a crafter based near the Cape.  My coworker Tanya gave it to me and I love it!  I don't want to ruin it so I may just use it for decoration, as opposed to function.  

      Indulgence is the theme with my coworkers!  Kianna gave me the deliciously-scented candle; it really does smell like a red velvet cupcake!  These chocolate bars, from Casey and her mom Lisa, are creamy and decadent.  Someone may need to buy me a treadmill at some point.

      "Endless Weekend" is one of the new scents from Bath & Body Works.  The description says, "An exhilarating blend of raspberry lychee sorbet, sun-kissed magnolia and vanilla sandalwood"; I'm not a fan of vanilla scents AT ALL but this one is light and not icky sweet!  It's an amazing summer scent and I will definitely have to buy it in the lotion and body wash.  Roselle was nice enough to buy these for me; she knows me so well!

     I LOVE my lippie products!  Beauty-wise, lip products are always my vice.  Kianna bought me a new Maybelline ColorSensational Color Elixir Lip Color in a lovely hot coral color.  Also in this photo is lemon-scented "Lip Shit" from Tanya (she's a hoot!) and this shimmery new Baby Lips from Roselle, who knows I can't resist lippies.

     Hello Sunshine is a new scent from Bath & Body Works, from my friend Allyson.  It's flowery without smelling Grandma-ish and there's notes of lemon and tangerine.  Maybe it's a hint I need to shower more! (Just kidding).

     My fabulous gay bestie Zac kept warning me all week that my present would be very heavy, but that I would also love it.  Turns out, he was right!  This hardcover book contains the complete works of Shakes.  I didn't have the heart to tell him about my massive Riverside collection but this one has gold-trimmed pages and is much more aesthetically pleasing.  I barely want to crack the spine, it's so gorgeous.

      The bookworm in me was happier this birthday than any birthday before.  I wound up with $75 in Barnes & Noble gift cards from my coworker Elaine and my besties Bri and Danielle, plus I received a Green Arrow comic from Kevin.  I know, my favorite superhero!  A book haul post to come soon, I promise.

     People too often overlook cards as things they're forced to read and pretend to like before they get to rip open the wrapping paper.  I love greeting cards, whether they're Easter cards, Christmas cards or birthday cards.  Birthday cards are my favorite because they come only to me and everyone always writes a lovely little message inside.

     Not shown are a few other bits and bobs I got from other friends, not including the grease job/oil change, tire mend and A/C repair my mom was nice enough to give my car.  It was a very responsible, much-needed present.

      I'm the luckiest girl in the world; I had an absolutely INCREDIBLE birthday.  I know I'm extremely fortunate and spoiled by all the wonderful, extravagant gifts; love doesn't translate to money or objects but I think these presents all show just how well my friends and family know me.  Turning 22 was sublime and I'm so grateful to have wonderful family and friends who love me as much as I love them.