A bunch of you have been asking how turning thirty was for me, so I’ll take a break from painting something (yes, there is paint going on a formerly untouched bathroom wall! wahoo!) to admit that Monday was a really nice day. So far thirty is all good. And I don’t feel a day over 29. Hah. My theory is that every birthday sort of feels like not much has changed since I wake up feeling the same way I did the morning before. By comparison, I always feel older when life events happen (graduating college, getting married, having a baby) but for some reason a birthday to me is just a fun day when I get to eat too much dessert. Which I most certainly did this time. So here’s the play by play.
I woke up to a kitchen that looked like a big ol’ present.
John had strung ribbons around it like the prettiest spider web I ever did see:
Is he a man or what? I love a guy who isn’t afraid to get his ribbon on in the name of birthday madness.
John also secretly picked up my favorite lunch ever: pastina (although it never says that on the box, so maybe that’s just what my Italian mom calls it). It’s basically tiny little pasta stars that you make and then add butter, milk, and salt. I used to eat it after school growing up and it always feels like a treat when John remembers that I love it and surprises me with some.
It was the first time Clara ever had it, and she LOVED it. That’s my girl.
We worked a normal day, except that we decided to unplug a few hours early (at 5:30!) and head over to Stonypoint, which is an outdoor walking mall here in Richmond. John said since we’re always too full to make it to dessert that he thought we should get dessert before dinner, to ensure that we had room. It was really cute and he told me to pick any restaurant I wanted and it actually became this tour of reading every dessert menu and picking the one that sounded the most amazing…
… which ended up being this trio of strawberry cheesecake, brownie, and gooey cookie topped with caramel from Champs. And yes, at the same moment John and I busted out laughing because we realized that the bowls looked like the chairs from The Voice. Yes, I might have even turned one around while singing “this is the voice.” And the waiter might have seen me. So you’ll be pleased to know that I’m not any more mature or less embarrassing in this new decade that I’ve entered.
Of course we ducked into Anthropologie, which I love to peruse just for all the creative ideas that they have going on with displays (check out the awesome burlap upholstery webbing that they used to create a woven wall behind Clara in the picture below).
But enough talk about the background. How cute is my kid in the foreground? Love that girl. She actually sang happy birthday to me about seventeen times, so it was extra sweet. I even got some encore presentations on Tuesday and Wednesday, which never failed to make me grin like a fool.
Along with a card full of sweet nothings from the hubby and cute scribbles from the bean, John got me this book called The Happiness Project that I’m already loving. The first chapter is all about paring down and I swear it made me want to drop the book and go all organization-crazy in my house. So beware, there might be some cleaning/organizing/basket-related madness going on along with the landscaping, bathroom, and deck-building plans that we have on the list.
He also got me this sweet ceramic elephant box (you know I can’t resist a sale, so I actually sent the link to John with a wink and a mumble about someone’s birthday…). John also surprised me with a gift card for a massage at my favorite place (he gets me one every Mother’s Day, and I must have raved about that annual tradition so much that it might have become a semi-annual thing – wahoo!). Momma’s still got some knots from laying a bunch of cork flooring, so it’ll definitely come in handy.
Then after we tucked Clara into bed, instead of DIYing something or flopping on the couch to size photos and write posts, John made me my favorite dinner: a chicken and leek stroganoff recipe from Jamie Oliver (I know it sounds gross but it’s the most delicious thing ever). We ate it outside on the patio with candles to the sound of the rustling wind and the baby monitor that we brought out there with us. Haha. It was great.
Over dinner, we got to talking about how much we love this house, and if we think we love it as much as our first house (our first love! our first baby! that house was our everything for a very long time). The verdict: yup…. but it’s a tie. We will always have a place in our heart for that first home of ours, where we got married in the backyard and brought Clara home. But I think it surprised us to realize how much our hearts swell when we think about this house too. Especially because it didn’t feel nearly as warm or cozy as our first house at first, but it definitely does now. It was a fun chat because the conversation also turned to us brainstorming things we can’t wait to do (as it tends to do at least once a week, haha). I guess we get love by giving love, so talking about all the ways that we want to show our house some love fills us with excitement and makes us love it even more.
All in all it was an amazing thirtieth birthday and I have so much to be thankful for. I love my hubs, my bean, and my pooch for making me feel so special along with all of you who sent such sweet birthday wishes my way. I know I get mushy on you guys a lot, but you really are the best. I’m so happy to share my house, my thirtieth birthday, and my random little DIY life with you.
Psst- You can check out John’s big 3-0 here, Clara’s first birthday here, my last birthday here, and Clara singing her unique rendition of happy birthday here.
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
Aww that’s awesome! Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday, voice chairs and all! (Did you grab Burger and stroke him like CeeLo does with his cat ala Dr Claw from Inspector Gadget. Uh oh, you’re probably too young to get the reference. Sigh. I’m old)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I totally get that reference! And sadly enough, I probably do that at least once a day. At one point I did share a birthday dance with Burger while John and Clara shared one with each other. We completely embrace the silly on birthdays (and on every other day now that I think about it…).
xo,
s
Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says
So glad you had a wonderful birthday – you definitely deserve it! :)
I love getting massages and think that I should ask my family for one when it comes time for my birthday!
Jill says
I’ve heard good things about the Happiness Project! Let us know if you like it! Happy belated birthday!
Karen M. says
What a great birthday.
Sherry, I chuckled when you mentioned pastina. I too grew up eating it…so comforting. What’s not to like about a steaming bowl of pastina. Mama Mia!
Caroline says
I LOVE pastina too!! What is it about shrinking pasta to a tiny size that makes it so magical? My Italian mom would call it “pasteen,” LOL. Happy birthday!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s true! They drop those A’s sometimes! It’s like how my mom says “moot-za-rell” instead of “mot-za-rell-a.” Haha.
xo,
s
lauren says
My Italian grandma says “Ree-coht” for Ricotta cheese!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- my mom says that too!!
xo,
s
Somer says
Happy belated, Sherry! I had to comment about your favorite meal with the stars! My Mom used to make us something similar only she used elbow macaroni! My hubby thinks I’m nuts for loving something so simple but I hope when our little stinker, Ever, grows up, that she’ll love that simple meal as much as I do. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Mmmm, sounds delicious!
xo,
s
Amanda says
Same here Somer! My husband refers to it as “prison food.”
Julie says
Pastina! That sounds awesome. What’s the recipe, exactly? This mama-and-toddler combo want to give it a try.
YoungHouseLove says
You just cook it according to the directions, strain it, add a splash of milk, a pat of butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir it up and serve. It’s sort of the consistency of cream of wheat (but a lot yummier in my humble opinion, haha).
xo,
s
Melanie says
Sounds like a perfect birthday! :)
Off to check out the book John bought you.
Sarah Gerke says
Happy belated birthday, Sherry! Glad it was such a good time. Can’t wait to hear more about The Happiness Project! That’s been on my “To-Read” list on goodreads.com for a few months (you have to check it out, I’m mildly obsessed [much like I am with your blog as well]). Have a wonderful weekend!
Holly says
Awwwww! Awesome day!
carrie g says
The happiness project is great! I hope you like it as much as i did.
Ade@fortheloveofpainting says
What a good day to spend your 30th…I think it is about pampering yourself! I went with some friends and got pedicures…it was so nice! Happy Birthday! Oh BTW, I love how you love your house ( so pleasant to hear!)
miriam says
Aww, happy birthday, Sherry! What a sweet celebration! I never feel older on my birthday either, but it’s really nice to get smothered with specialness one day every year. My golden birthday is this weekend (turning 25 on the 25th) and my boyfriend is taking me for a mini-vacation to Harpers Ferry. If it’s half as nice as your day sounds like it was, I’ll be walking on air!
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds like so much fun! Happy golden birthday!
xo,
s
Ainhoa@ALittleBite says
Happy belated birthday! That dessert sounds awesome. And I love Jamie Oliver’s recipes.
Caitlin @ Hardly Housewives says
Sounds like a wonderful birthday! John & Clara are just the sweetest. And they (aka every 30 year old I know), swears that 30 is the new 20, so…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I’ve been known to say that a few times these last few days too…
xo,
s
Penny says
…and 40 is the new 30, right? Score!! Happy Late Birthday $herdog!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s right!
xo,
s
Vanessa says
Your special day sounds so nice. I hope you have a great year and MANY more. I think this house is becoming so great and cozy and I think you have so much room inside and out to do so much more. Which is great. Thanks for being open and sharing with us – we feel like your pals :)
You make me feel better about turning the big 3-0 in 8 months!
Devon @ Green House, Good Life says
Glad you had a good birthday! I read The Happiness Project last year (got it from the library, though…my happiness is not paying for books, and not having to store them anywhere afterward). I’ve been on a do-something-for-a-year book kick lately — I also enjoyed No Impact Man (totally different…the author minimized his carbon (etc.) footprint for a year).
I look forward to seeing your landscaping project. Here in Texas, we’re in the middle of prime landscaping season, although we had such a mild winter that there really wasn’t a time when we couldn’t plant stuff.
Enjoy your weekend!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the recommendation! I think I saw a special or something on No Impact Man (maybe on Oprah a long time ago?) and it sounds great!
xo,
s
kathy says
No Impact Man is hands-down one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
Kari says
The Happiness Project is AWESOME! It just keeps getting better. And, you’re totally right… you’ll be cleaning sock drawers, closets, and aiming for an empty shelf somewhere in no time. SUCH a motivating, uplifting read : ) Love it! Enjoy – and Happy Birthday!
Rachel says
I just read the happiness project and I loved it. It was very motivating. I actually just bought it for two friends.
Ginny says
Happy birthday! Only the most wonderful people in the world are both in March (13th for me!)
Love Stoneypoint- my 6th grader loves going to Saks and fantasizing over $1000 shoes =) And Cinebistro is the best movie watching experience ever.
Love the house- Keep rocking in the RVA!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh we have never been to Cinebistro (it went up right when we had a newborn, so there was no movie-going for us, haha) but John was just saying the other day that we should beg his parents to come house-sit while she sleeps so we can sneak out to dinner and a movie there!
xo,
s
Rachel says
I’m going to need recipes! Especially the lunch pasta!
YoungHouseLove says
Scroll back in the comments for the pastina one (it’s so easy!). And I linked to the chicken and leek stroganoff one in the post. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Christine says
Happy Belated Birthday Sherry!
I love pastina too, and it really is called pastina. Here’s proof: http://pasta-products-ronzoni.newworldpasta.com/Pastina-ZX00713000015501CT00ZX27
My Italian grandma used to make that treat for me on Sundays (is it a New Jersey thing)? I keep it in my cabinet all the time!
-Christine
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it must be an Italian New Jersey thing! Haha.
xo,
s
Alison says
It has got to be a Jersey thing, all of my Italian friends (myself included) had this growing up. It is SO good! We would even eat it in college after a night of fun. Yay better than ramen! Yumm!
Kristen says
I’m a Jersey Girl and I just had pastina for dinner last night! With butter, salt and some red pepper flakes! Delish.
YoungHouseLove says
Mmm, never tried red pepper flakes but that sounds amazing!
xo,
s
Kristen says
Yes, it is called pastina! Here on long island, they call it that even on the box. My favorite comfort food as well, with milk butter and salt that my Italian mom made for me too! I still make it for myself :) happy 30! Glad it was such a lovely day!
Katy says
I could never decide who Clara resembles more, you or John, but that picture of her eating the pastina most decidedly settles it: that is a Petersik baby!! (Sorry Sherry! If it makes you feel any better, both my kids look like my hubby…I’m hoping #3 looks more like me!)
Katie says
Happy belated birthday! I read The Happiness Project earlier this year and it’s helped me have such a positive mindset. You’re going to love it! I also loved reading about your sweet convo and brainstorming over dinner — reminds me of me and my husband!
Laura says
The Happiness Project is the best!! I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for Gretchen Rubin’s next book Happier at Home.
Happy 30s!!!
Amy says
Isn’t it awesome how the most perfect birthdays don’t require anything extravagant? Just give a girl some dessert, a little love, and waaa-laaa the best birthday ever!
YoungHouseLove says
So true.
xo,
s
Abby says
Happy Birthday! The Happiness Project is a great book. I’ve read it once and I’m planning to reread. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but there are lots of goodies throughout the book that I still think about and try to employ on a regular basis. If you haven’t checked out her blog, she posts regular updates and does these 2 minute videos every week. Its like having a free happiness coach!
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds awesome! Can’t wait to check it out!
xo,
s
Kasey M. says
I’m reading the book too – very slowly in order to savor it! I absolutely love it. I must have bought four copies (Mine, my mother’s, my aunt’s, my grandmother’s) and now I’ve started a monthly Happiness Project group for a few ladies on google hangout.
I’m hooked!
And Abby’s right, lot’s of inspirational nuggets as you go!
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
What a fun-sounding birthday. I especially love the idea of going out for DESSERT!! Gotta remember that one.
Stephanie says
Pastina is the “home sick” food for my Italian family… try throwing some shredded mozarella in there instead of milk. DELISH! :) Happy birthday!
YoungHouseLove says
Mmm, that sounds delicious!
xo,
s
Jen says
I just have to say – look at all that hair on Clara! So cute!
Reenie says
Happy Belated Birthday!!
That John is da’ man!
Such a cute pic of Clara kissing the stuffed animal.
Katie says
What a lovely birthday! Congratulations on the “big” 3-0. Age is a state of mind and it sounds like you guys are young at heart!
Abby Hugill says
I’m reading The Happiness Project right now, too! Lots of great ideas and insights in there! Happy 30th!
Karen F says
happy birthday (again)! John is a real sweetheart and I’m glad he treated you like a queen on your big day! What a beautiful family the 4 of you are.
The Happiness Project is an awesome book. I think I need to read it once a year. Gretchen Rubin is also on Twitter and quite active with interesting links, etc – if you don’t already follow her, you should check her out!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Karen! That sounds awesome!
xo,
s
Carrie @DreamGreenDIY says
What a perfect day =) You deserve it!!
melody says
Sounds like it was the perfect birthday. :) I laughed out loud at your dessert story and The Voice.
Erin says
Pastina is my favorite comfort food hands down! Sometimes i make a meal of what I call “adult pastina” and i mix it with ground sausage and broccolini. Yummo!
YoungHouseLove says
Mmm, that sounds amazing!
xo,
s
Jessica @ Love Liv & Chocolate says
Happy belated birthday! Looks like a great one & dessert before dinner is a genius idea.
Emily says
Such a lovely birthday! I just turned the big 3-0 last month and I’m fine with it. I’ve got more friends and projects than ever! :)
HOW CUTE is Clara kissing that bunny. OMG.
amyks says
Sounds like a fabulous day…a trip to Anthropologie, fun…dessert before dinner, sounds perfect!! A nearly two year old daughter singing “happy birthday” a million times, priceless!! Enjoy your 30th year(well, technically your 31st year)!!!
PS Sorry for all the exclamation points.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, never apologize for exclamation points! I overuse them too!
xo,
s
Erika @ thelindenlife says
Happy Birthday! I love that you woke up to streamers all over the kitchen – so cute!! I’m turning 30 in a few short months, and I hope I take it as well as you do. Birthday’s don’t always bother me (in the sense of getting older) but for some reason turning THIRTY seems like a big deal. I am going to keep saying ‘I’m in my late 20’s’ till the exact moment I turn 30!!!
Allyn says
Yay! So glad you had a good day! And love that rhino box.
My husband turns the big 30 this fall and things are already in the works. Thinking a trip to Chicago is going to happen. Always love a present that I can enjoy too.
Nikki T says
I can’t believe there is someone else in the world who knows (and loves) pastina!!
Yay!!
Happy Belated Birthday! :)
Alyssa says
What a wonderful way to spend your birthday. Sounds like fun to me….good food, yummy sweets, thoughtful gifts, and loving family time:) happy belated, glad it was fun!!
Alyssa says
PS: I got two samples off your Benjamin Moore color list for our new nursery:) thanks for the great options!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad! Good luck and happy painting!
xo,
s
Jenn @My Southwestern Life says
Happy birthday, Sherry!!! Sounds like you had a wonderful day.
Sara says
Happy Birthday! That dessert looks yummy.
Heather W. says
That chicken and leek stroganoff IS an amazing recipe… so good! My husband would cook a Jamie Oliver recipe every single day if he had it his way. I’m not complaining, obviously :) Glad you had such a lovely birthday!
Mckae @ kaescornerdesign says
What a fabulous birthday! That’s one sweet husband and daughter you have to do all that for you. And eating dessert first! I’m totally doing that next year!
Dawn says
Sherry! My husband and I totally love Jamie’s Chicken & Leek recipe too! I’d take that over many a restaurant dish any day. We have even made it for husbands parents who are super bland eaters and they love it too. Totally better than it sounds. Sounds like a lovely 30th birthday!