Hello and Happy New Year!! It looks like we just wrapped up the holiday season, but I never can end it with just New Years as my birthday’s on January 6th. I’m always used to extending my spirits a little longer than most people, but I was super excited this year since I turned 24. There’s a funny story behind why this age, and my “lucky number”, was anticipated. When I was little I adored Britney Spears, just like every other little girl out there (no shocker). I used to take it a step further and I wanted to dress just like her. That meant all the tube tops, hot pants, short skirts, you name it! Of course, my parents weren’t going to have that, so my mom told me that I could dress like her once I was her age. I looked it up and found out that at the time she was 24, so I set my dream age to be 24 for as long as I can remember.
Obviously I don’t walk around dressed like Britney Spears, but because I’ve held onto this number for years, this birthday seemed a little bit special. And it definitely turned out to be that way! I did a lot of fun things around Austin to celebrate the day.
I started off my birthday the day before with a bang, watching Austin Powers and playing card games like Crazy Eights. As much as I like to go out, getting back into the swing of work and the grind is super hard after time off from the holidays! A three and a half day work week was killer and I needed some down time. Nonetheless, my boyfriend made reservations to take me out to dinner, so I had to take some time to get ready to go.
Back when I saw Drake in Houston, I went to the Galleria Mall and spotted one of the most gorgeous dresses I’ve ever seen by House of CB. I had never heard of the brand prior to seeing the dress, but Kylie Jenner and other celebrities actually shop here! I wanted to buy it so bad, but being the bargain hunter I am, I couldn’t buy it for full price. Fast forward a couple months later and I found the same dress, normally $239, for $70 on Poshmark. I pounced on that deal so quickly and loved the way it turned out. Speaking of this price point, House of CB is actually having a $68 sale right now, so it’s the perfect time to shop!
Being such an elegant dress that it is, and with my boyfriend’s confirmation that it wouldn’t be too formal for the restaurant we were going to, I decided to style it out.
Also, speaking of dinner, I was super impressed and flattered of where I was taken to! I had never been before, but we went to a place called Lenoir on S First Street. It’s a cute little place that feels super cozy and exclusive, with only about 20 tables in the whole restaurant! They have a whole list of different items to choose to complete a 3 course meal, and their menu changes every week. For my birthday, I ordered the slow roasted squash as an appetizer, fish a la plancha for my entree, and then the picnic table for dessert. Each course was presented in a special and unique way, and the food itself was delicious. To top it off, the hostess recommended this amazing white wine called Rossese Bianco that has a buttery taste to it.
On the day of my actual birthday, I started the day off with a later brunch since I had a fun, late night the day before. I really wanted to check out the new Kendra Scott flagship store on Soco, so I decided I wanted to go to Café No Sé aka one of the best brunch places in Austin (in my opinion, of course). It’s a little on the pricier side for brunch, but they have cute drinks and amazing dishes. I got the rosé pour over: rosé strawberry popsicle and they poured over rosé over it. So technically it’s two drinks in one! I complimented it with the café scramble, which has scrambled eggs, mushrooms, spinach, ricotta cheese, and toast. I also added some breakfast sausage since it’s a lighter meal. It all came out delicious and I was happy!
Afterwards, I hopped right across the street to the gem I’ve been waiting to see all month: The Kendra Scott Flagship Store. I’ve seen it all over Instagram and through promotions, so the anticipation was real for this moment! The store was super bright and so nice, I felt like I was inside a gorgeous house with jewelry all around me! And although I didn’t have a chance to try since I was full from brunch, they also have a little coffee shop in the front corner of the store that also serves pastries and lunch items.
So down to the real reason I was also here. I had been eyeing a pair of earrings for months, but since they’re pretty pricey, I waited until my birthday month so I could get them for 50% off! If you didn’t know, you can come into any Kendra Scott store during your birthday month, show your ID when you’re checking out, and get 50% off one item. It’s pretty legit.
| Earrings |
It was only the afternoon and my birthday felt like such a full day! I had a couple more stops left though until I could go home and chill out. My dad came over to my apartment and then we headed to one of my favorite restaurants in Austin, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill. Featuring Southern dishes and of course, moonshine, this place has all the comfort you need! My all time favorite here, and also what I ordered, is the chicken and waffles. They are probably the best in town, alongside the ones at 24 Diner. I paired this dish with their strawberry moonshine and lemonade. Also, another perk that I love here is that they give you popcorn and jalapeño cornbread as starters with your meal. Talk about amazing!
Just before I thought I was done eating for the day (because let’s face it, I feasted this weekend hard!), our waitress brought me out a cupcake with a candle on it. It was super cute and sweet of the hostesses and servers to do this for me (thanks y’all!).
Last but not least, I had to call out my sweet boyfriend for attempting to bake me a birthday cake, but instead he ended up buying one and flowers for me from HEB. Haha, he tried really hard to make me one but according to him, it unfortunately turned out terrible. It’s the thought that counts, so nonetheless I was really appreciative of it!
Before I end this post, I’d like to announce that Howdy and I are officially BFFs and I had to leave you all with this picture:
xx,
Rachelle
