Fourty.
Wait…no that’s not right.
Fourty. Forty.
I had just as much of a struggle with this birthday as I do with its spelling. Seriously, y’all! I have that conversation in my head that every time I write out a check! I do have a few words that make me slow down to remember their spelling (See also: calendar and receive)
I know many people dread turning 40 because of vain reasons. For years, this age has been pointed to as “the beginning of the end” –physically anyway!
But we all know a lot more about health and nutrition these days for that fate to be inevitable. Not to mention the availability and affordability of cosmetic surgery and medical day spas.
No one should be scared of aging anymore! It’s just a number on paper.
However, for me it did act as a measure of personal and career success.
Was I content with my place in the world?
No! I just lost 10 years of my life staying home with 2 kids!
On the other hand….
Yes! I just got to spend 10 years planning and nurturing the best childhood ever on picnic blankets in parks.
To say that I was at odds with these two emotions is an understatement.
Many things were up in the air at this point in my life.
40 was the perfect milestone to really begin some true introspection. And it has led to some truly spectacular things coming on the horizon.
So of course I decided to have a party! I needed the distraction and frankly- the love!
Thank you so much to everyone that came out to celebrate! It was a perfect day!
The Setting:
Sunday, March 11, 2018 | The Veranda at Thornton Park
This place is an amazing find in the city of Orlando for events of any type. I loved the fact that I was able to have my party here because it happened to be one of the first places I worked! My first official event-planning job was with the company that managed and hosted the events for the property.
I love the fact that we could stay on the property which has a Key West/Florida/Modern vibe. Getting to feel like a Thornton Park resident for the day was a bonus! The current event coordinator was amazing to work with and fun to interact with. The venue provides tables, chairs, tablecloth, draping and handles all the work for you! Who could ask for more?! The weather was threatening to make me decide to shell out a lot of money for a tent AND ruin my atmosphere. But my prayers worked and the rain held out for my 40th birthday party until Monday! Good thing, because the decision has to be made long before you are sure about the weather anyway!
We were able to rent the cottage house with the pool using Air B&B at the time. However, now with the new City of Orlando regulations, I’m not sure how that affects the current booking process. But it’s worth checking into!
The Veranda’s inner courtyard was perfect for the event I wanted to create. And it was a jolly atmosphere with games, singing and conversation!
The 40th birthday Party
Yellow is my favorite color by far. Once I saw these balloons from Paper Goat Post, I knew I had to make them the star of a party some day!
The Games
I set up this ‘camping’ area to house board game options for people to play. I love gathering friends for game night!
The Entertainment
This singer is my favorite. He has such a wonderful voice and sings from the most eclectic songbook! This me and a friend freaking out to him singing “Reading Rainbow” the song playing at the beginning of the TV show that I most cherished from my childhood.
Flowers are one of my favorite things in the world. I learned how to make floral headbands at a local florist’s wine and design event and couldn’t get enough. As soon as I could I was going to have this activity at a party! This activity is super easy. All you need is ribbon, floral adhesive, fresh flowers, and flower clippers!
WARNING: Purchase one of the integral ingredients (Floral Adhesive) ahead of time! It is only available online now or if you know an awesome florist who can hook you up at the last minute because you thought you could get some at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby the week of the event. True story!
I had been in love with this company that does an amazing photo booth experience! SugarPop was another gift to myself that I had to have!
It was so much fun to do and watch later! I will say I was extremely surprised by the amount of people that refused to appear in front of the camera! Many attendees of the party are not represented here at all! I did not take that into account at all and would be something I would consider in booking something like this again.
I was more than happy with the results of the video and I will cherish it forever! Check it out below. And yes…I know…the ‘girls’ were in full swing. Sorry. Didn’t think about that one!
The Food
Drink: Southern Lady
This delightful cocktail is one of my favorites when I choose to imbibe, especially in the heat of a Southern summer! Besides, peach makes everything better!
- Start with a tall glass and lots of ice.
- Then combine half Sweet Tea Vodka and half Peach Vodka (your idea of half is your business) and top it with club soda.
- (the peach and the ice make it southern)
I forgot how I came across this amazing caterer but I love her! I have used and referred her for several events. She does a great job for a great price. The food always looks great and tastes amazing!! I wanted a
I went Orlando local for desserts!
I pass by this place called Chou la la
Well…we had pie. I promise we had pie. But no picture!! NOT ONE!
Buuuuut that is how good it was! It didn’t last long at all. The pie is from Sister Honey’s and the crust has turned me into her slave. Do yourself a favor and bring one of these to your next dinner party!
This cake lets me know just how much my bestie knows me! This stems from a conversation had long ago.
German chocolate cake is one of my favorites. Apparently, according to my friend, this is the old Texas lady in my bones!! I don’t reach for it often because it never stands up to what I had growing up.
Except at Charlie’s Bakery.
They know. They understand the old Texas lady inside.
I put a huge dent in this cake. HUGE.
THE END
Well everything went off without a hitch and I had a fabulous time!
This was my absolute FAVORITE gift! I was definitely born in a great year!
Is the stress of turning a certain age getting to you? Which one? Why girl??!!
What’s your idea of the perfect birthday?
Tell me about it in the comments below! Until next time….
It is great to see this introspection from you point of view. I’m so glad we were all part of yet another incredible experience with you!