Birthday Girl

This week I celebrated 29 years on this earth. Pre-29-year-old Jenna would have 100 day countdowns and elaborate plans; this year was a little more quite.

I took the day off work and planned to do nothing. Instead, life happened... AND based off what happened next- I know I'm getting old.

I woke up early to stand in line, before the DMV opened, to renew my license (which expired that day); went home to clean a messy apartment; had a great lunch with hubby-to-be; back to more cleaning and an admirable attempt at a nap; quick trip to Disneyland for churros and fireworks; back home in time for bed.

Man oh man - time's have changed, but I love every minute of it. The out-pour of phone calls, text messages, social media well wishes, and in person hugs were so heart-warming. I am incredibly blessed with all the wonderful people in my life.

Twenty nine is sure to be an eventful year- and I can't wait! <3 Thanks God for keeping Your favor shining down on me.

Here's a little look into my special day...

 Lunch at Maggiano's

Dining table of birthday prizes!

Quick trip to the happiest place on earth

That castle, though!

Sometimes Kyle lets me eat cake in bed

Then tries to push it in my face

Came into work Friday with flowers and gifts from my amazing co-workers ❣

NYE Feast of the Seven Dishes

I hope everyone is having a wonderful start to the new year!

New Year's eve is such an involved event at my house. I've done the crazy parties in Vegas, LA, Pasadena, San Diego but staying home holds some allure for me. The thought of being able to kick off my shoes {if I even put them on} and not have to worry about a designated driver is OH SO peaceful for me.

We have a tradition {Feast of the Seven Fishes} for dinner on nye with family and close friends. It's a seven course meal; each integrated with a fish dish. This year we modified the menu and titled it Feast of the Seven Dishes. We started the first course around 3:30 and I think dessert was served around 8:40. So much fun!! We made sure to cleanse the palate with lemoncello of course.

1. Ceviche
2. Lobster Bisque
3. Caprese
4. Ravioli with Paprikash sauce
5. Shrimp Scampi
6. Bacon wrapped Fillet with those 9 hour mushrooms and rosemary potatoes
7. Chocolate creme with chocolate gnash and lemon raspberry trifle

Gahhhhh I'm still full.

Here was our meal…

Pre-Christmas Fun

Merry Christmas everyone!!

I'm so excited for this week. Not only because I don't have to go in to work, although that's something to be excited about, I'm so excited because most of my family is in town and we have so many opportunities to spend time together.

The holiday season is such a great opportunity to practice patience and time management. Sister Chrissy and I love crafting up gifts for our friends and family. It makes us happy and we love to customize for the people we are giving gifts to. It started with handmade cards and has evolved into full blown crafting Christmas.

I received an early Christmas present from Santa Kyle - a new camera!!! YAY! I've been practicing on everyone and everything who will let me - and some that won't {Bella is quite the diva}. It's taking all of my will power to refrain from posting those pictures. :(

This year is going to take some creative thinking to fit in all the important people in my life. We've got all sorts of family events to host and attend this year. I hope everyone is ready for the outfits, pictures, and festive beverages that are in our very near future… I sure am!

Here are some "just for fun's":

Like one of my french girls

Kace and Chris

Product Placement 

The Siriani girls 

Kisses under makeshift mistletoe 

She loves me so much {nails: OPI In My Santa Suit | I'm in love with this color right now}

Merry Christmas Everyone!

xxoo

If you're looking for some great church services to attend consider one of these churches:
Hillside
Crossroads

Birthday Celebrations Continued

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Last night a special group of girlfriends got together to celebrate my birthday. We dressed up and set out for POP Champagne and Dessert Bar in Pasadena. {This is quickly turning into one of my favorite places!}

After ordering almost everything off the happy hour menu {5-7 even on the weekends} we moved on to the dessert menu. OMG! I can't even begin to describe how good everything was. 

From what I can remember these were the chosen ones:

Cherry Heirloom & Roma Tomato & Basil Bruschetta

Prosciutto-wrapped Shrimp

POPcorn Chicken

Sun Dried Tomato, Goat Cheese Fondue

Parma Prosciutto with Medjool Dates, Figs & Fresh Melon

Caprese Salad - Heirloom Tomatoes, Burata Mozzarella, Basil Pesto, balsamic glaze, olive oil

Jalapeno Tuna Tartare - served with avocado puree ; cilantro yuzu oil, wonton chips

Smore’s - House made Graham cookie, Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream, house made Mallow

Vanilla Creme Brulee - fresh berries, tuile cookie, Chantilly cream

Churros - rolled in cinnamon and sugar and served with cajeta sauce

Strawberry Nutella Crepe - with caramel sauce and strawberry served with vanilla ice cream

And of course lots of Champagne <3 <3 <3

I highly recommend POP to everyone! I can't wait to go back - possibly a date night adventure in the future?!? :)

Chrissy, Allison, Me, Tanya, Carolyn, Leanne

 In front of the creepy bug shop

 Black Quarter Sleeve Cardigan {Similar here} , Sequin Skirt {Similar here}, Black Platform Pumps {Similar here} 

Skirt Close Up

Jewels: Gifts from the grandmas 

Right: Vintage Cocktail Ring {grandpa gave to grandma <3} 

Left: Bling (Bracelet Ring) from a boutique at the LA County Fair {Similar here}

Headshot for hair and makeup

Lovely Ladies @ POP