Happy Wednesday! Because I’m in the mood to celebrate this month, I’m going to share another WIAW post that centers around family, friends, and good food. Even though my birthday isn’t until the end of the month, my mom convinced me to celebrate early. Every year, I use Thanksgiving as an excuse to wriggle out of making plans, but it being sort of a “big” birthday, it seemed like a good time to celebrate.

Two weekends ago, a small group of some ladies from my life got together for a vision board-making brunch party. 

I felt so lucky to spend an afternoon doing arts & crafts with a small collection of women who inspire me to keep being kind, fearless, and weird.

Then the next day, after working a morning shift at the hospital, I hopped a bus out to the ‘burbs for a family celebration at my parents’ house. The desk-breakfast & lunch were a convenient way to clean out my fridge. 

We had a house full of people, including a few local friends. My mom prepared a ton of gorgeous food, including these beautiful mini-cakes. They’re from a delicious flourless chocolate cake recipe given to my mom by our friend Valerie, who took care of me when I was a toddler. Love that!

I also love my mom’s homemade whipped cream. Why have the stuff from the can when you can have the real thing?

Eli might have partied a little hard…boozehound.

Monday morning, I enjoyed a quick workout and leftovers-for-breakfast with my mom before she went to work.

There was also a slice of leftover smoked salmon from the day before I thought to add after the picture.

tk