Monday, October 27, 2014

Birthday Weekend (Photo Heavy)



Thanks Google for remembering my birthday! If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that I celebrated my birthday this past weekend. The BIG 2-9, or as my boyfriend keeps telling me "11 years until 40!" (Yay.. NOT!)

This weekend was special because my dad came to visit me and we had such a great time together. (We don't often get to spend time together just the two of us, so it was a treat for both of us!)

I thought I would share a run down of my weekend, along with some outfit photos with you all. So I hope you enjoy!

FRIDAY:
Both of my parents are pretty involved in the school I go to and my dad was invited to attend the President's Club Reception dinner, so I got to be his date! Of course there is always the dilemma about wearing dark tights or sheer tights (especially when it is as chilly as it was Friday night). Luckily my mom always answers that for me. (We went with the darker ones). I also felt that this dress needed to be belted. I opted for a black patent leather belt to help break up the grey and black stripes.
The desserts were all so cute and miniature!
Outfit Details:
Dress | Xhilaration via. Target
Booties | Nine West
Necklace | Gifted, can't remember
Of course, let there be selfies!

Saturday:
We had big expectations for Saturday and had planned on going to a football game, but we were both so exhausted from the night before that we ended up sleeping right through the game. (I guess that's what happens when you plop us on a couch and recliner in front of the TV. Oh well!). We were able to lounge around the rest of the day and not rush to get ready for our dinner reservations, so it all worked out in the end!
Dinner was delicious. We ate at Flemings Steakhouse, and definitely plan on going back again sometime soon. Only downside was they keep the restaurant so dimly lit that people had to pull out their cell phone flashlights in order to read the menu.
The only outfit photo I was able to snap. Wanted to send to my mother as I was unsure which boots to wear. I ended up going with the grey ones.
Outfit Details:
Dress | Staring at Stars via. Urban Outfitters (Sold Out)
Booties | Madden Girl
Not Pictured, Faux Leather Jacket | Sparkle and Fade via. Urban Outfitters
Shrimp Cocktail appetizer
Porcini Rubbed Filet Mignon with a gorgonzola cream sauce.
 
The restaurant surprised me with a yummy box of truffles and a gift certificate to come eat there again. (Gladly, the food was amazing!)


 SUNDAY:
My dad headed back home Sunday around 8:30am, and Adam arrived at about 10:30. From there we headed to brunch at one of my favorite spots in Philadelphia, FARMiCiA.
 Here I am enjoying one (of many) mimosas. I am celebrating my birthday, after all!

I had also been itching for quite a while to go to the Magic Gardens. If you are ever in Philadelphia, it's definitely a spot worth visiting at least once. (Here is their website). The man behind this place has been doing Mosaic art in Philadelphia for over 40 years, and has covered over 150 city walls.
 Sooo not ready for the pic ^^
 
Adam just loves pretending to look miserable. Especially when I say I want to take some pictures to send to his mom. This is the face I always get.
 There were lots of steps up and down the gardens, and also many underpasses to walk through. This entire place was done up floor to ceiling.
Outfit Details:
Faux Leather Jacket | Sparkle and Fade via. Urban Outfitters
Flannel shirt | Mandees
Jeans | Marshall's
Leather Riding Boots | Coach
Leather purse | Coach
(Actually an original coach purse from the 80's that belonged to my aunt!)
Not every pic comes out great. Here is an outtake!

What I enjoyed as well about this place was that even after you left and walked around the neighborhood, there was still so much street art, including more mosaic and some graffiti walls.
 This was a year of many new beginnings for me. I thought this sign was appropriate.

Last but not least we ended our night with one of our favorite activities (which also was our first date too) : Bowling!


Oh, and did I mention my mom bought me this cute bag? 

I inevitably decided to send my dad back home with it as I wasn't sure what practical uses I would get from it. I have recently been on a kick of smaller crossbody bags. (Carrying a big bag just gets to be too much work and I really like being hands free). So I will keep my eyes peeled for something I like!

Back to the grind now with school, hope you all had a fabulous weekend as well. 
XO Amanda

23 comments:

  1. Great post!! Looks like you had so much fun
    Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
    xoxo

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    1. Thank you! I was actually on your page yesterday and tried to leave some comments but your comment box wasn't showing up. I will check again tonight to see if it's working. I just LOVE your new haircut. Looks amazing!

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  2. I also prefer smaller bags... it's funny because when I was in high school I ONLY liked to carry big bags... then again I liked to carry my whole makeup collection and hair products with me. LOL I'm glad you had a great birthday weekend, you look so happy and pretty! The Magic Gardens looks SO cool, I would love to go there one day. And bowling! I love bowling. I haven't gone bowling in a long time. My bowling alley has dollar night on Wednesdays... hmm maybe I'll try and convince my husband that we should go bowling. I think it was one of our first dates too :D

    Jessica
    the.pyreflies.org

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    1. Same here sister! I have so many big bags that just are sitting in my closet at my parents house. I really should sell them or something. And yes, you will have to come visit Philly some day! I think it's such a fun, young city and there is so much to do/see!
      How ironic your first date was bowling too! XO

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  3. The Magic Gardens look like such an incredible spot. I would love to photograph someone there someday! How awesome would that be? Looks like you had a splendid birthday weekend. Happy Happy Birthday!

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    1. It would be such a fun place for you. I could have literally spent hours in there as there is just SO much to see and look at. My boyfriend was a sport though, he's not really into that kinda of stuff, so afterwards I treated him to bowling.
      (Positive reinforcement or something along those lines, that way he doesn't complain when he has to do things he's not interested in..) And thanks for the bday wishes! :) :)

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  4. Wow! Sounds like your weekend was full of awesome events and so much great food! Hope your special big day was awesome! I just love your outfit choices! The mosaic art is amazing and so much talent! I followed you on instagram as I just recently made an account. If you would like to check me out too I would love that!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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    1. Yes I saw and hopefully you saw my follow back! Excited to see you on another form on social media, get ready to form an instagram addiction! lol!
      And I'm STILL stuffed from all the food I ate! :)

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  5. Welcome to being my age now :) hard to believe we will be 30 next year-ahh! Cute outfits and wow you had a busy few days. Thanks for sharing. Happy Birthday! Rachel xo

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    1. Thank you! And I saw your link up, just have been so busy with school stuff today I haven't had an opportunity to comment! Luckily I will be taking a break soon as some of my shows are on tonight, so it will give me a chance to catch up! Thanks so much for the feature though, you are just too cute and too sweet!
      And thanks for the birthday wishes! Yayyy, 29... ::cringe:: hahaha!

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  6. I've never been to Philadelphia, but this post makes me want to go so much! It looks beautiful. I hope you had an amazing birthday and your time with Adam looked really special. Truffles are my favorite! You look gorgeous in all of these looks, like any true birthday girl should. Wishing you all the best, Amanda!

    xo Jillian

    www.cupofcharisma.com

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    1. Thank you Jillian! I received your email, and hopefully my reply made it back to your box! And the truffles were so good that I had to share with friends and family, as I knew it would be dangerous for me to have them all! Xo

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  7. Looks like you had a wonderful birthday :D The tiny desserts look so cute and the mosaics look so creative and inspiring.
    On a style note, I just love your boots :)

    x
    Bee
    BlogInstagramTwitterTumblr ♡ YouTube and Facebook coming soon ♡

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    1. Thank you Bee! I am a bit of a boot hoarder, but those are for sure my favorite pair! Just have to be careful not to get stuck in the rain with them! I don't want to ruin the leather :). And the tiny deserts were as delicious as they were cute!

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  8. What a FANTASTIC birthday weekend, girl! :) I love your outfits and those mosaic photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing all the fun you had, Amanda. It made me smile!

    Daisy | Simplicity Relished

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    1. Thank you! It was my first birthday living so far away from my family, so it was nice to have my dad there, and then my boyfriend. I definitely missed my mom though, as she always goes above and beyond for my birthdays! I guess we will have to celebrate again when I see her over Thanksgiving! Thanks for stopping by <3

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  9. Fun weekend for the birthday girl. You look so beautiful.

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    1. Much love and many thanks to a woman near and dear to my heart :) <3

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  10. My mom tends to be right most of the time, or as she puts it, 97.5% of the time. Thanks for the kind birthday wishes, and right...that IS just plain mean! Men are total buttheads sometimes!
    Xo Come back again soon!

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  11. So sweet post!!! Happy birthday!!!!! My kisses!

    http://fashionzoomka.com/

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    1. Thank you so much, friend! Happy weekend to you! Xo

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  12. Oh my gosh, a huge big massive HAPPY BIRTHDAY wrapped in one million layers of pretty gift wrapping haha :) Good choice on opting for black tights as your legs look incredible, Amanda! I love the colours shown in your birthday pictures and I love even more how happy you look - maybe that has something to do with the delicious food.. ah, you've brought instant hunger down on me! haha :) Thanks for sharing these, I do love a good celebration! :)

    http://aglassofice.blogspot.co.uk

    x

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    1. Thank you, thank you thank you!! The food definitely played a big part in my happiness! After all, the way to this girls heart is definitely through her stomach!
      Thanks for all the birthday love both here and on instagram! I quickly took a look at your new blog post but am so tired that I will have to do a more thorough read through tomorrow! I am loving what I saw though! Happy halloween!! MEOW! XOXO

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