Olivia's MB Night

My niece, Olivia, wasn't able to come to Max Brenner the night of my birthday so we headed there once again to celebrate her birthday a week later. Once our night was finished, she said she doesn't know how we don't come back everyday - I think that's a testament to Max Brenner's yumminess!
This time though, we only had dessert.
We split Peanut Butter Chunky Chocolate Crepes and Crispy Chocolate Eggrolls and the three adults had coffee while Liva enjoyed a milkshake in a fun 'drink me' ceramic glass (which I later purchased).

Crepes with caramel sauce, bananas foster and a dollop of ice cream

Crispy Chocolate Eggrolls 

Liva and I before she bought her chocolate pecan truffles

Sixers

After scoring four box seat tickets to the March 6th game against the Golden State Warriors, I thought either my niece or nephew would love to attend. After celebrating Olivia's birthday decoupage party and a full birthday weekend, she was partied out so Joseph opted to go instead. The little guy was extremely excited and couldn't wait to leave.
The three Joes and I headed over the bridge in a torrential downpour to watch Iggy and the Sixers. Weather aside, the game was nail biting and went down to the last few seconds as the Sixers beat the Warriors 125 to 117.

On the way to the game.

It was during this short ride that my godson, Joseph, made several quotable comments including the outrageousness of the bridge toll cost.

Huddle!

Cheering on the team and hoping they win.

Raising his arms to score a t-shirt!

Let's Go Sixers!

Decoupage Party

Since visiting Mosaic Mojo in the beginning of February, Olivia kept mentioning she wanted to have a decoupage birthday party. That being said, we decided to pick up the supplies including a couple packs of brushes, various tissue paper designs, modpodge glue, paint and lots of different wooden objects. We set up two tables to start the artsy fun time. It took me forever to finish my mini-suitcase, while some of the younger girls completed their projects ever so quickly.

More details and photos to come...

Red Velvet Birthday Cupcakes

Courtesy of Aversa's Bakery

Olivia LOVES them!

Finished decoupage products

I think she liked the tray I made at Mosaic Mojo!

Cousins



March Birthdays

I might have mentioned this before, but my niece, Olivia, and I celebrate our birthdays each year with a joint birthday dinner. Sometimes I pick the place, but this year she chose the spot. After dining at Riverwinds Restaurant in Deptford, NJ back in December for her mom's birthday and loving it, she wanted to go there again for OUR birthday. And, so we did!

Although I chose something more unusual for my main course this time around - tuna steak with thai noodles - it really didn't matter what or where we ate. That being said, I still have to say the food is generally fabulous. Last time, I had the pork chop and it was absolutely delicious!

But, more than anything, I just always love hanging with the majority of the clan (and Liv's friend).  Plus, Liv and I always have the same taste in dessert, which is wonderful especially since we usually share. While waiting for our main course and after enjoying our tasty calamari and seafood appetizers, we had ample time to snap some photos. 

Liva and Me

The Abate Family

(Joseph LOVES his big cheese!)

Mom, Joseph and Dad 

Me and Joe  

Joey, Diane and Joseph 

Liva and her rich chocolate cake - yummy! 

Olivia and her friend Anna, who joined us for dinner 

Grandparents 

Joe, Me and my niece and nephew

 

So, I'm missing a photo of the girls in front of the 'Riverwinds' sign. Hopefully, I'll be able to update it soon.

But, when all was said and done, I love sharing birthday festivities with my Liva. She's literally like a 'mini-me' in more ways than one especially when it comes to personality - yikes!

  

More birthday festivities to come...

Baby Anthony

I am going out of order and am way behind (even though I'm trying to post the exact event dates) on posts, but had to put up a picture of this little fella!
Even though I didn't have a chance to visit until a month after he was born - I was sick for a couple of weeks - I was SUPER excited to finally stop over.
Here's to the newest little addition to our ever-growing family - Anthony John - too CUTE!

I think the flash was bothering him a little. He's such a GREAT baby! I loved how he fell asleep in my arms.

Almost two months at his auntie's baby shower!

Look at that little smirk.

He fell fast asleep in a room of 70 women - that's a good sign.

Max Brenner

For my actual birthday, I was VERY excited to hit 'Max Brenner - Chocolate by the Bald Man,' 1500 Walnut Street. We followed the motto, 'First Food, Then Chocolate!' I enjoyed The BEST B.A.L.T., which was the classic BLT with a twist (of avocado!) while Joe chose a Kobe Beef burger at the waiter's recommendation. The waffle fries - topped with chili and cocoa powder - were a great addition and a definite HIT to both selections! It was a first time for both of us so we looked for some suggestions - some we took, some we didn't, but these two were perfect. 

I almost forgot to say I started my meal off with a Chocolate Chai drink. To say it was absolutely delicious would be an understatement...it was amazing! The flavor was great and I loved the dispenser - yes, I said I liked how it was served. You placed it on top of the glass and the drink poured out of the bottom. I need to buy one of my own.

We then moved onto dessert, which I always say is the best part of the meal! After having a difficult time making a decision, we chose The Melting Chocolate Truffle Heart Cake and Shake. Served on a ceramic plate resembling chart paper, the cake was super moist and the drizzle of caramel we poured on top made it even more mouth watering. The dollop of ice cream and mini chocolate shake were also great additions.

YUM...As a chocolate lover, this is my kind of place!

We tried to grab a shot with the sign in tow, but this was the nicest one we took...maybe next time we should have someone take it for us.

March is for MAX...Brenner

With my birthday and my niece Olivia's birthday exactly a week apart in the beginning of March, what better place to celebrate than Max Brenner at 1500 Walnut Street. Chocolate by the Bald Man was a one-of-a-kind treat and a special present for us chocolate lovers.

After first enjoying my birthday with some friends and family the last weekend of February and having a co-dinner in between our March birthdays, Tuesday, March 1st - my actual birthday - was the perfect time to dive into one of my favorite desserts (and right before I gave up chocolate for lent!).

And, since my niece couldn't come on my birthday, we decided to head back over for her special day the following week. I think the chocolate present I bought for her made up her mind.

More to come....