prairie girl musings

Tag: celebrations

  • A Birthday Fiesta

    A Birthday Fiesta

    I wasn’t planning on celebrating my 31st birthday. Last year’s party was a massive event (rosé all day was in fact the tagline…) but as a Sagittarius and someone who loves celebrations of all sorts, I couldn’t resist planning a small gathering. I was also getting my haircut that morning, so figured I might as well leave the house! I borrowed a dress from my friends at Designer Wardrobe, asked my friend Kasia to do my makeup, and before I knew it, plans were underway.

    Due to the spontaneity of it all, it ended up being one of the best nights I’ve had in awhile. We started out with a few tapas and sangria at Salut Salut at The Welder (if you haven’t been, you must!) Drinks were flowing and it ended up being such a beautiful evening. I was spoiled with a gorgeous cake by Jamie at The Cake Eating Company that looked like a work of art. By the way, since it’s the holiday season and cake is pretty much mandatory at all events, I’ve got a discount code for all you Christchurch locals: happybirthday10. Enjoy!

    After tapas, we ventured to Welles Street (which was packed with Christmas work functions) before making our way to trusty Smash where we danced the night away. I’ve never been to Smash Palace that late (or early) before and it goes off! I love how eclectic the crowd is and you can’t beat it on a warm night. Plus, you all know how much I love a dance party. Everyone was having a boogie while the owner manned the DJ booth. Good times all around.

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    Thank you to Hannah Bird Photography for the lovely snaps!

  • Unicorn Dreams!

    Unicorn Dreams!

    Happy Sunday, I hope you’re having a fantastic weekend!

    I have no qualms about my unicorn piñata.

    In anticipation of my 26th birthday, I decided to plan a little get together with some of my friends. Our apartment building has a party room, which was ideal for the 3o or so guests that came over. (Thank you to everyone who took time out of their schedules to stop by!) We had a wonderful evening, complete with a unicorn piñata and scrumptious vanilla bean cake from Bake Shoppe, which Natalie graciously supplied. The company was absolutely amazing, and I feel so fortunate to have such lovely people in my life!

    Despite this year’s surprisingly seamless soirée, I’ve always felt a little conflicted about birthdays. While I enjoy anything celebratory, my December birthday has often proved problematic. December 17 is so darn close to the holidays. Office parties and family are a priority. Spare time is spent shopping, baking, and planning for any of the sixteen events happening that very moment.  It’s FRIGID outside for those of us inhabiting the Northern Hemisphere. Roads are slippery, transportation takes longer regardless of the method, and additional layers must be added to every outfit. Furthermore, hibernation is a tactic employed by many to cope with these dropping temperatures. All valid excuses, I must say.

    So as much as I love confetti, sprinkles, and cake, I do occasionally resent the conditions surrounding my birthday. Unsurprisingly, my best birthdays were spent in Hawaii and New Zealand, where the days were long and the heat was plentiful.

    Angelica, the unicorn, didn’t survive the night.

    Enough whining though, I had a fabulous time on Friday and I’m now one year closer to THIRTY. Or as my friend Jess would say, “thirty, flirty, and thriving,” which I think is actually a “30 Going on 13” quote…?! As far as we’re concerned, thirty is when we’ll have our lives sorted out and be super confident, kick ass women. I’ll drink to that!

    Is anyone else obsessed with birthday cake?

    Birthday cake ice cream (not to be confused with ice cream cake) is my FAVOURITE. What’s better than delicious vanilla ice cream laced with cake and sprinkles? Nothing as far as I’m concerned. This cake from Bake Shoppe was incredible, vanilla bean and not too sweet. I’m still having dreams about it.

    How do you feel about birthdays? Do you like celebrating or do you secretly wish you could avoid yours altogether? Let me know in the comments below!

    Until next time,
    Vanessa