Young House Love

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Turning 30

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.

Decorated Kitchen1

John had strung ribbons around it like the prettiest spider web I ever did see:

Decorated Kitchen

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.

  Pastina1

It was the first time Clara ever had it, and she LOVED it. That’s my girl.

  Pastina2

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…

  Stonypoint1

… 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.

  Stonypoint2

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).

  Stonypoint3

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.

  Happiness Project Book

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.

  Elephantbox

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.

Leek Stroganoff Outside

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.

Comments

  1. Shareen says

    What a fun birthday! I love the picture of Clara kissing the bunny, what a sweetheart she is.

    Also CWonder is on sale today on HauteLook – there’s different sales for clothes, accessories and home decor…you should check it out. The throw pillow (cases only) are beautiful, as are the decorative plates. I’m totally getting some for my plate wall.

    Reply

  2. Camille says

    Pastina is my all time greatest comfort food, made exactly how you noted. And it’s definitely an Italian thing.

    Happy belated birthday.

    Reply

  3. Jen @ The Decor Scene says

    First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY!!! Sorry I missed it. Sounds like you had an awesome birthday.

    And I LOVE my pastina. There are some brands that have the word “Pastina” right on the box. Now I’m going to have to have some this weekend. :) I love it with some grated cheese on top also. YUMMY!!! :)

    Reply

  4. Carrie says

    Looks like you had a beautiful day!
    30 didn’t feel any different to me either. I just turned 33 though and feel much older now. But 32 was a really rough year with lots of unwanted changes so that probably plays a part! And the baby I nannied right out of high school just turned 15 and that makes me feel ancient!

    I have to say I love your marriage. I know you guys fight and don’t always agree but you have fun together and are so sweet to each other. Its very heart warming!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Carrie! We definitely fight like the best of them (I blame my fiery italian side, haha), but we try to love like the best of them too!

      xo,
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Whaaaaat????? The author herself?!!! The pleasure is all mine! I’m loving the book – and thanks so much for stopping by (and for the sweet words about our kitchen)!

      xo,
      s

  8. angel p says

    I loved seeing you mention your pastina. My grandma and my mom both made the same thing for me growing up and I loved it!! I make it for me kids now on occasion and they love it too. However, we call ours “Grandma’s Soup”. :O)

    Reply

  9. Hillary says

    Sounds like pretty much the best birthday I could think of. And you’ll love The Happiness Project. I actually have been thinking of reading it again!

    Reply

  10. Kala M. says

    I love Anthropologie. I went to one for the first time just last Saturday. I posted about it on my blog. And showed a bunch of the items I’m in love with. I may have a slight Giraffe problem. :)

    Reply

  11. Janet says

    Absolutely love the blog! just added you to my follow list, can’t wait to see more updates!

    Hope you find the time to check out mine!

    door251.com

    Reply

  12. Nell says

    Happy Birthday to you! Our Anthropologie store in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has occasional events where customers may sign up to help diy decorations for the store. It’s so much fun!

    Reply

  13. Karen says

    OMG, I love pastina! I’m craving it now, thanks ;-). I make it with chicken bullion instead of the butter, milk and salt, but its the same idea. My husband doesn’t get it, but to be it’s such a comfort food.

    Reply

  14. Margaret says

    Pastina is a total childhood thing for me too! My italian mom used to put in an egg right at the end too (as if there werent enough calories). So yummy…its what I make when I’m home sick. In fact, when my BFF (who is also italian) goes home to CT she brings me boxes of pastina because we can never find it in DC!

    Reply

  15. Rachel says

    Happy Birthday! I have a soft spot for pastina too and, in fact, eat it the same way. My grandmother used to make it for me when I was a kid and I called the dish “faa-fees” (no idea where the name came from), but I still have it when I’m sick. It’s comfort food!

    Reply

  16. Kelly says

    Happy Belated Birthday, Sherry! Sounded like you had a really great day. Many blessings for your new decade! It will totally rock. You’ll see.

    :-)

    Reply

  17. Liz says

    Happy Birthday! That sounds like such a great day :) I’ve been reading this blog for less than a year, so I was super excited to find out that we have the same birthday!!!

    (Possibly more excited than when I went to the bank on Monday and the teller had the exact same birthday down to the year, because, well, I’m just so obsessed with this blog!)

    Reply

  19. Rachel says

    What a beautiful post! Happy late birthday :-) and I love love love pastini (sorry maybe pastina I don’t know my grandparents always made it for me haven’t had it in years though but now I really would like some haha). And I love Claras little crocs! She is adorable.

    Happy late day! Looks like it was awesome :-)

    Reply

  20. cali says

    I’m about to.open up your world…ready!? Pastina, butter, frozen peas, locatelli cheese(a lot) and BAM!! Soo good..especially bc you just throw the peas in the pot at the end of cooking. easy and amazing.

    Reply

  21. Dana P. says

    Happy belated birthday!

    I agree with the poster above that recommended Cinebistro. I’ve only been when they do the $9-for two ticket fandango movie deals on Living Social. That place is pricey, but worth it!!

    I lived behind Stony Point for a year and never visited Champs. I always ended up at Cheescake Bistro (which is now Cinebistro, haha!)

    Reply

  22. Whitney Dupuis says

    Happy Birthday! What a fantastic way to spend it too! Isn’t it amazing that the older we get, the more the small things matter (like having your child sing sweetly to you or having dessert first!). Love it!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, I’m completely convinced it’s those little moments that I’m going to look back on the most. They’re just so random and sweet!

      xo,
      s

  24. Jess says

    Happy birthday to you dear Sherry ^^

    This book really is awsome, hope you find some ways to bring more joy and fun in your life, yes it’s always possible !!!

    xxxxx

    Reply

    • Heidi P. says

      Maybe you already have one, but for diy decks, I’d recommend picking up a little SUNSET deck book from Lowes. Tons of ideas and at the back, they give a little breakdown of how to build them – joists, beams, posts, etc. Or I’m sure nowadays they have plenty of how-to’s online. So… nevermind. ha.

  26. Aly says

    happy belated birthday! when you were at stonypoint mall, did you happen to see the foutains open yet for the little ones? thanks

    Reply

  28. jacqueline says

    It sounds like you had a really special day!There should be more occasions for streamers, non? I really enjoyed the Happiness Project and found that many of the author’s ideas did make a difference for me. You’ll need to give us your book review, maybe a new section for YHL? Best wishes for next year. :)

    Reply

  29. Rachel says

    I just read The Happiness Project last week and loved it! It even inspired me to start my own blog just this week – I’m starting my own “Dude Get on That Already” challenge too, inspired by you guys of course!

    Reply

  30. tori says

    Happy Belated Bday!

    You may already have heard, but there is a soon-to-be released sequel to the Happiness Project called Happier at Home, in which she focuses on home related stuff. Right up your alley! I looooved the book. Enjoy!

    Reply

  31. KC says

    Ahh…thanks so much for sharing! You’ve got a great guy on your hands and, I must say, you deserve all that pampering. Here’s to your 30s…I’m only a few years older than you and I have to say, it’s been my best decade yet! :)

    Reply

  32. tori says

    Oh, and bee-tee-dubs (as you might say!), if YOU of all people need a happiness project, we are all doomed. ;)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, John just knows I like reading happy books. Literally that’s how I describe them. So when he saw that one he thought it was the jackpot of happy books! Haha.

      xo,
      s

  34. Beth says

    I LOVE The Happiness Project – I would say that it changed my life, except that I forget how to keep that perspective so I have to reread it occasionally. Like, three times in the last year and a half. It’s good stuff.

    Reply

  36. Sonia says

    Gurrrl, you got a good man! What a sweetheart John is! Ok, where did you get those adorbs blue and white striped leggings for Clara? Too cute!

    Reply

  37. Nicole says

    Happy belated! I just joined the 30 club as well and I agree, I don’t feel old! I love the little trinket box, have you named the elephant?

    Reply

  38. Erin says

    Happy Belated Birthday Sherry! It looks and sounds like a wonderful day. Yay for Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Leek stroganoff, amazing stuff!

    Reply

  39. Pam the Goatherd says

    I LOVE pastina! When I was a little girl I cooked it on my Susie Homemaker stove. It was one of the few things that would actually cook on the light bulbs that heated the burners. My fave way to eat it is with lots of butter and parmesan.

    Reply

  41. Heidi P. says

    What a sweet day! Sounds like it was perfect :).
    My cousin and I asked these guys out once and after the date, the four of us went to P.F.Changs for dessert b/c we never have room for it otherwise! She even ended up marrying her date! :D

    Reply

  43. Rhiana says

    DiCecco makes “pastina”. Barilla does too I believe. My dad used to make pastine for me too. I read that an Italian mother called it “pasteen” . Ot is probably because Italian Americans tend to chop off the vowels at the end of words and pastine (pronounced pa steen A) is the plural of pastina so it kinda makes sense. I was an Italian minor in college and I needed together all that “useful” info out there!
    Happy birthday!

    Reply

  45. Katie says

    Aww! John did such a great job! It sounds like you had an amazing day. My hubby has already been sent a link to this entry with the caption, “Take notes from this man.” :) To his credit, he always does a great job & goes big, but I delight in the little, special things.

    Reply

  46. Karin T says

    My mom used to make the Pastina for me just by cooking in chicken broth and nothing else added…delicious! Happy Belated Birthday!

    Reply

  47. Julie says

    I think “pastina” just refers to the tiny pasta. The stars (which are our favorites) are stellina. I’ve never tried it made like that though so guess what my girl and I are making for lunch? ;)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, someone shared a link to a definition that said pastina comes in a bunch of shapes, so maybe stellina is the specific name for the star version! So cute.

      xo,
      s

  48. Crystal @ 29 Rue House says

    Happy Birthday Sherry! I turned 30 a couple months ago and I still haven’t said it aloud to anyone yet. I’ll practice here…hahah…”I’m 30. I am thirty.” It isn’t a secret just haven’t had to yet.

    How do you find time to read? I am one of those nights and weekend workers with two very young kids so my time seems a little maxed out for books lately…but I guess that is a choice…

    P.S. I love your name! It has definitely been one that I’ve considered for a girl name. (We went with Ruby though :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      In all honestly I only find about ten minutes before I pass out to read. We usually stay up until midnight working on blog stuff in front of the TV or DIYing something, but to unwind in bed we both pick up a book from the night table for about ten minutes. John usually falls asleep a minute into it and I try to read or at least finish a chapter that I started the night before!

      xo,
      s

  49. Liz says

    That chicken and leek thing sounds AMAZING!!! I’ll have to try it, with turkey though (I’m allergic to chicken, which is SO SO SAD!)

    Overall, sounds like you had a FAB birthday!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I bet it’ll be so good with turkey! I was actually telling John we could easily make it for our vegetarian friends without any chicken since there is pasta and leeks and lots of beefy mushrooms to fill you up!

      xo,
      s

  50. Sierra says

    HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY!!! ;) I LOVE birthdays and I turned 30 last year so..welcome to the club! lol I had such a hard time with the big 3-0 and now that I’m here? I’m loving where I am in my life with my wonderful husband, four sweet punks and all the other jazz our life has going on.

    As always, thank you for inspiring all of us twice daily! You guys are so incredible, tireless and hilarious. It is much appreciated!

    xoxo,
    Sierra

    Reply

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