Just another little peek into my life. =)
I don’t look forward to growing a year older. Who does, right? Sometimes I feel as if there’s extra pressure to be more accomplished, to be something greater, and I’m worried that I don’t meet those expectations.
But birthdays are always fun too. What’s the best part about birthdays? The birthday cards! Lol. It’s the always the best part of birthdays and Christmases for me because it’s the most sentimental. I love reading what people write to me.
I turn 27 today, the 15th, but I celebrated with friends a few days earlier, because it was the only time we were all free. I wanted to dedicate this post to my friends, who know who they are and have been there for me through the years.
We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory at Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo. I know it’s odd that I ended up going to a chain restaurant, but I love the food there and the cheesecakes are amazing though so very fattening. I figured it’s okay every once in awhile though to live it up =)
I ordered my favorite dish, Chicken Madeira. One of these days, I’m going to figure out how to make this dish and share the recipe with you. I’ll have to run out to get Madeira wine first though!
Some of the other foods we ordered.
Complimentary bread.
Mozzarella, tomato, and basil flatbread.
Skinny shrimp tacos.
Chicken Madeira and Herb Crusted Salmon Combo.
As for the presents? I love cards as I said above. This was perfect and so true!
And the ultimate surprise was this. But… I haven’t opened it yet because I don’t have a cover to protect it. Yes, I’m one of those people. I can’t stand scratches on my screens. It drives me crazy. lol.
This post is really just a public thank you to my friends =)
Anyways, I’m about to post a yummy pancake recipe for you guys to start the weekend right. Have a wonderful weekend!
Happy Birthday Andrea! I love your blog!!! Cooking makes me whole, I love tomatoes and the chicken dish up there looks fantastic! I am looking forward to the Madeira chicken recipe. I also like asparagus soup and mushrooms and avocado. I also hate scratches on my screen so I’m with you on this – open it only after you have that sticky something to protect your screen again. I also have fantastic friends who make my life beautiful and full.
Happy belated birthday, again!!!
Thank you so much!
Happy belated birthday wishes. Welcome to the Apple club! You’ll never put the thing down a nd be blogging on it from the bus! What great friends you have. 🙂
Thank you so much! I know! I have great friends =) And I have a feeling I will be on it alll the time.
Happy Birthday from Australia!!!! I’m a little bit older than you. In fact, I’m retired! The great thing about birthdays now is that every day is a birthday – you don’t have to go to work. Just do the things that you want to do – like blogging and taking photos – what great life!!
Thanks for liking my photos, BTW.
Thank you so much! I’m a long way from being able to do whatever I want. lol. But it sounds like a great life, and I can’t wait to make my way there!
Happy Birthday! Looks like a splendid celebration–Madeira chicken is not that common outside of California. My 2nd great-grandmother, Mary De Abreau, was born on the Azorean Island of Madeira. I thought I’d get some Madeira wine as a nod to my ancestors and found that it is much better for cooking than drinking straight. Your posts are lovely.
Thank you! I’m not much of a wine drinker, but I’m starting to use it in my recipes.So if I’m buying a bottle of wine or any alcohol, it’s probably for cooking.
I didn’t know Madeira Chicken isn’t common outside of California. I’ve only had it at the Cheesecake Factory and I thought they would serve the same thing in the different restaurants.
I suppose you’re right–at a national chain it would be on the menu. When I lived in Minneapolis I did not ever get to the Cheesecake Factory because that city had too many spectacular local places to eat! But no Madeira Chicken that I saw. Do try Madeira for cooking though…excellent cooking wine.
I’m not good with wines, but is there a specific brand that you buy? Or a specific store? I don’t think Madeira wine is commonly sold. But I definitely do want to try using it to cook.
Kid take a bit of advice from a middle-aged sort. It don’t mean a darn how “accomplished” you are, and there ain’t no such-a-thing as being something “greater”. And anyone (and that includes ourself) who gives you the feeling you don’t live up to their expectations doesn’t love you yet. Learn contentment, and keep your senses open. That pressure you feel, and the fear of growing older that is just your next swimming lesson waiting for you. Don’t struggle, float and breath. What is the worst that can happen? We’re all goin’ the same place. It don’t mean a darn thing – float, and breath. The water will carry you.
Thanks for saying that. =)
Happy Birthday! Mine is on the 18th, my dear mother’s (if she were here) would be on the 19th together with my husband, and my grand-daughter’s was on the 13th, Lot’s of Pisces, here!!
It’s funny how it turns out like that. My family is full of birthdays that land on the 15th. Happy early birthday! =)
So many in Spring,,,,,,:)
Happy birthday!! Chicken Madeira is my favorite Cheesecake factory dish too! What cheesecake did you end up getting?
Thanks, Kim! I didn’t get any! I knew I should have gotten dessert first! I was halfway through my Chicken Madeira and then I became full. lol
Happy Birthday!! 🙂 xo
Thanks, Joanna!
Happy Birthday! It looks like you had a wonderful time with great friends.
Thank you so much, Sarah!
Happy Birthday my friend! Enjoy!
Thank you, David!