Grace, Me, Aunt & Mom

A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.
~ Author Unknown

Today's Joy: Birthday Celebration.
We've had an incomparable day, Reader. Today is my 34th birthday and it has been the loveliest one I've had in a while. I decided to be proactive this year and plan something that all the girls would enjoy. Viola! Enter this summer's grand-opening of Charming Charlie at Yorktown Center in Lombard, IL.

We set off to have a splendid adventure. First we met to peruse all the accessory fabulousness at Charming Charlie. Hours later, we emerged laden with handbags, scarves, boots and, of course, myriad pieces of gorgeous (and inexpensive!) jewelry: rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces galore!

The Mothership Has Called Us Home

Then, as we were ravenous from all that mega-shopping, it was off to find a place for lunch. Aunt Chef spotted something promising down the square and so we discovered the culinary joy that is the Flat Top Grill. It's a rather swanky place when you walk in the door, but don't let that fool you--the food is as affordable as it is delicious.

Once seated, you write your name on a little paddle and head to the buffet, where you design your own gourmet stir-fry from a large spread of veggies, tender, marinated meats and over a dozen sauces. Once you've made your selection, you stick your paddle in the top of your bowl like a flag on Mt. Everest, hand it over to the grill chef and return to your table. In 10-15 minutes, your personal culinary creation arrives, piping hot, to your table where all conversation stops as everyone dives into taste nirvana.


The Fabulous Miss Elle

After lunch, we dispersed with full tummies. On the way home, Mom, Aunt & I stopped at Planter's Palette, a beautiful & creatively-inspired garden center on Rt. 38 in Winfield, IL. Walking among rows and rows of sale plants and lush tropicals was the perfect finish to a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone who came along to share the joy!


Aunt (An English Teacher in Her Natural Habitat)

The Girls' 1st Trip to Charming Charlie

Aunt Chef Having a Ball

Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.

~Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Reception under the tent.

Today's Joy: Love & A Wedding.
Reader, when Aunt was asked by a dear friend & colleague to do the flowers for her wedding, she was delighted to say yes. Today, weeks of planning culminated in a beautiful ceremony and reception for the lovely couple.

It was my joy to be able to help with the flower arranging and set-up and then to take photographs of this love-filled event. It was wonderful to see the couple so happy with their friends and family gathered around. You knew, being a part of their wedding, that it truly was a joyous moment for all involved. Such a blessing!


Bride & Groom listen to a reading by the Groom's Father.

The Kiss.

Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much a heart can hold. ~Zelda Fitzgerald

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.