Rangers vs. Buffalo

A few weeks after my 30th birthday, a friend treated me to tickets to a New York Rangers vs. Buffalo Sabres hockey game at Madison Square Garden - deemed the World's Most Famous Arena. A first time visit for me and even though we couldn't catch a Flyers game, I absolutely loved the experience. I sported my Rangers blue even though my friend was rooting for Buffalo and technically so was I . A win, which happened, was encouraged to help the Flyers' chance for the playoffs.

During the game, my friend, who experienced a behind-the-scenes tour a few days before, filled us in on some minor details of MSG's Transformation. But more in-depth details, photos and videos of the three year large-scale renovation project can be found on the MSG Transformation website.

I plan on making a second visit very soon - but maybe for a Sixers/Knicks game this time.  

Becoming a Teenager

I can't believe 13 years ago, my little (and oldest) niece was brought into this world. My post about her 12th birthday last year was complete with photos from when she was just a little tyke until our joint birthday celebration. I have absolutely loved watching her grow each day and every year. Through the ups and downs, I have bonded with my fellow March baby more than probably anyone - I mean, she is pretty much like me, which is a little scary as well as wonderful.
This year, since Olivia was becoming a teenager, I stopped at Bredenbeck's Bakery in Chestnut Hill to pick up some signature cupcakes. We love trying new bakeries (for us!) and enjoy decorative cupcakes. I also wanted to hit up a local bakery that generously donates to The Eye Institute's "Looking Out for Kids" charity fundraiser each year. Here are just a couple shots of the fabulous creations and Liva blowing out her candles.

My two nieces, Abby, and Olivia - Abby wanted to help Liv blow out her candles as all little kids love. 

13 Going on 30

"It's cool to have a birthday near yours because we can do things together." 

- From Olivia's hand-made birthday card

Each year, my niece Olivia and I, since our birthdays are only a week apart, generally celebrate together. In years past, the girls - my mom, my sister-in-law, Diane, Olivia and I - have enjoyed Broadway shows and dinner in New York and Philly. This year, although we opted for a place close to home in Jersey, one of the best things about celebrating birthdays is spending time with some of my favorite people - friends and family - and this year, I did both!

"I am blessed to have an aunt like you." 

A line from Olivia's birthday card to me - one of my favorites!

We decided we should go to a place we've never been before and so, after a little bit of searching with my mom, she decided on a cozy little restaurant - Anthony's - in Haddon Heights, NJ. This gem and once converted house along Station Avenue was bigger than we expected and was able to accommodate several large parties on the spacious second floor.
I brought along my new camera for the night and the boys enjoyed taking some shots too, which is why there are multiple pictures - some far and some near, but they had loads of fun.

Olivia being silly when Cameron took a little bit to actually snap the photo!

And again - Diane, Olivia and I.

Birthday Girls 

I honestly can't believe she's 13 - it seems like just yesterday she was the cute little baby pulling my hair when I sat just a little too close to my mom. Time really does fly by and that's just one reason why you should always celebrate, at birthdays, and whenever the mood strikes. 

This post includes some memorable shots of her through the years - so cute.

Chocolate wine (with ice of course!) and birthday cake!

They celebrated two weeks in a row with me - love them.

The boys being silly and really, not being able to sit still!

The boys and their Mom-mom.

Pop!

 More birthday photos and celebrations to come...

"Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live!" 

Birthday Bash

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." 

- Oprah Winfrey

I LOVE birthdays - no, not just my own, but I absolutely LOVE celebrating birthdays and all the fun that goes along with them. That being said, for my 30th birthday, I celebrated before my actual birthday - March 1st - until basically the beginning of April (if you count the delayed gifts!). My first celebration was a trip to Atlantic City with a bunch of friends and family - I mean, you can't go wrong in AC, right?! Dinner at Phillips Seafood at The Pier Shops at Caesars followed with some dancing at Providence in the Tropicana were just a couple highlights. Adding friends and family to the mix made my 30th absolutely perfect!

 My first drink was a mojito - yum!

My best girlfriends! 

Gina and Mike surprised me and I was super excited as a result!

 My cousin Jenn and sister-in-law Diane!

Apparently, I kept telling everyone I loved them, which I do. I mean, they are simply the best!

 My pseudo brother and my actual big brother, Joey!

 Liz and Leo

From my 21st birthday to my 30th, my sister-in-law and brother always go all out!

The girls in the development office at Salus University surprised me with a small office celebration complete with flowers - the first flower picture below - and chocolate cake. On my actual birthday, I woke up to flowers and cards from my parents and then I spent the morning at Rizzieri Spa in Marlton, NJ - using a very old gift card. I must say it was probably the most intense massage EVER, which was wonderful! A fabulous brunch at Green Eggs Cafe, 1306 Dickinson Street, with two great friends - Stacey and Donny - followed by some tanning and shopping was how I spent my afternoon along with a trip to the nail salon with my niece Olivia. Later that night, my best friend, Eva, and I enjoyed dinner at a cute little Italian place not too far from home and she baked me an oreo cake - yum! She even sang "Happy Birthday" to me in the parking lot, which was classic! Love her!

Birthday Flowers

I enjoyed another celebration the weekend of my birthday with family after coming home from my friend's bridal shower. Kiddies and cake were the best part of that Sunday.