As my 30th birthday approached, I found myself at a loss for how to celebrate this significant milestone. Usually brimming with ideas and excitement for birthday festivities, this time, the inspiration seemed to elude me. With the weight of the big 3-0 on the horizon, I knew I couldn't let this momentous occasion pass by without proper acknowledgment. Typically one to organize special activities or events for my birthdays, I had procrastinated too long to organize a trip or any elaborate plans. The question remained: what should I do?
Having just orchestrated a successful surprise celebration for my mother, whose birthday falls two weeks before mine, I found myself desiring a lowkey birthday affair where I could simply unwind and relish time with my family. Being the usual planner for events, I decided I didn't want to take on the responsibility of orchestrating my own celebration this time. In a light-hearted moment, I jokingly asked my mother what she had in store for my birthday, to which she cryptically replied that she was planning something. I didn't truly expect her to plan anything elaborate, especially when I lacked the energy to do so myself.
As the week of my birthday arrived, I decided I wanted to do something special, something I had never experienced before – Afternoon Tea or High Tea. Pairing this with a weekend stay at a luxurious hotel sounded like the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication. I delved into researching various places that offered Afternoon Tea. Determined to combine both desires, I set out to find a hotel and tea spot in close proximity. After thorough investigation, the Lancaster Hotel emerged as the ideal choice to fulfill my birthday dreams.
Friday marked the beginning of my much-anticipated celebration. With a day off from work, I relished the luxury of sleeping in before indulging in a leisurely long shower, complete with body scrubs, face masks, and hair masks - a true pampering session. In the afternoon, I packed up and drove to the hotel, where the festivities would take place. From the moment I pulled up to the valet, I was greeted with first-class treatment, setting the tone for an exceptional experience. The check-in process was equally delightful, as I was offered a glass of champagne before heading up to my room. The room exuded all the charm and beauty I had envisioned, setting the perfect tone for the beginning of a memorable celebration with my closest gals - my mom and sister - who would be joining me later at the hotel.
While waiting for my gals to arrive, I found myself getting hungry, so I opted to have dinner at the hotel. I thoroughly enjoy indulging in solo dates, and this impromptu one was no exception. The meal I had was not only delicious but paired with a strong drink! After dining, I returned to my suite and relaxed to some music until my gals arrived. When they did, both my mother and sister were hungry, so we ventured over to Frank's Pizza, one of my favorite spots, and indulged in some slices. Despite not feeling particularly hungry myself, I couldn't resist the temptation. Once back at the hotel, we cozied up in our pajamas, robes, and plush slippers - the hotel's robes and slippers were remarkably comfortable. We proceeded to unwind with wine, snacks, music, and engaging in Sporcle quizzes well into the wee hours of the night. It may not sound extravagant, but for me, it was the perfect Friday evening - savoring my favorite food with my favorite girls while indulging in one of my favorite pastimes.
Saturday was the big day - my actual 30th Birthday! Waking up surprisingly refreshed after a good night's sleep, I got ready for the brunch my mother had organized at Whiskey Cake, where we were joined by my brothers. The meal was not only delicious but also filled with laughter and good times.. Feeling full and content after brunch, we made our way back to the hotel to rest up before Afternoon Tea.
The Afternoon Tea experience was truly wonderful, and I was glad that I decided to do it. My sister, mother, and I each selected a different tea, but we ended up sharing them since each pot provided about three cups. Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying all the teas we chose, even though I don't typically consider myself a tea person. To top it off, we also indulged in champagne. While the tea was the highlight of the service, it was complemented by a delicious three-course meal featuring tea sandwiches, scones, and assorted desserts. Despite still feeling quite full from brunch, I couldn't resist the temptation of the scones, which were absolutely delicious! Note to self for next time: arrive on an empty stomach. The entire experience was great and proved to be the perfect way to spend my birthday. Additionally, our server was exceptional, adding to the overall charm of the occasion.
After the delightful Tea Service, I thought my birthday festivities had concluded. Upon returning to my suite, I was taken aback to find it adorned with vibrant balloons, party bags with goodies, and an array of sweet treats, all while the theme song of Knuckles played in the background. Much to my amazement, my brothers emerged from hiding, revealing that my mother had orchestrated a surprise for me. The entire celebration was Knuckles themed, a nod to my obsession with the character. The highlight of the evening was the curated selection of 30 of my favorite things, from snacks and drinks to accessories and, most importantly, an abundance of sweet treats.
The evening of my birthday was filled with joy and laughter as we danced to music, played games, and had an all-around good time. Eventually, as the night grew late, my brothers bid their farewells, leaving my sister, mother, and me to cozy up and watch a movie together. I chose Axel F in hopes of some lighthearted entertainment, but that turned out to be a miscalculation as it failed to elicit the expected laughter and instead led to me dozing off. The following Sunday morning was leisurely spent in my suite, savoring every moment before the inevitable check-out time. Back home, I indulged in watching Criminal Minds with my mother and brother, one of our favorite ways to spend a Sunday.
All in all, my birthday weekend was simply amazing, despite not being overly extravagant or meticulously planned. I indulged in almost everything I love. From savoring my favorite foods to cherishing moments with my family and engaging in my favorite activities, every aspect of the weekend felt just right. Although a movie outing would have been the cherry on top, the weekend was nearly flawless, marking a perfect celebration of turning 30. As I step into this new year of my life, I eagerly anticipate the adventures and growth that await, because 'I am the Warrior!'
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