Birthday: A New Decade

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Birthday donut

In addition to being blog re-launch day, it’s also my 30th birthday. I am so grateful for every year I get to have on this planet so turning 30 sounds like a great move to me. The celebration has been low-key but wonderful. A dinner date, live jazz, champagne, a brunch with friends, beautiful weather, a lovely little festive donut, a few cards covered in glitter.

I feel like every birthday before this, I wished for something for the future. I so remember birthdays in my early 20s in turmoil wondering if my life was going to “work out” (spoiler alert: it does. Oh, the drama!). But sitting here tonight thinking about blowing out the proverbial candles on a cake, my only wish is for exactly what I have right this second: a life I love and people I adore in it. Contentment, happiness, a few more deep breaths…if this is 30, I will gladly welcome it.

Hi, New Decade. Thanks for having me.

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30th Birthday Surprise

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The moral of this birthday story: the Langham Chicago is unbelievable. We’re having our wedding reception at the Langham so I turned to them when it was time to plan Ryan’s 30th birthday. I figured that it will be a special place for us, celebrating our marriage there and all, so celebrating another milestone at their riverfront hotel was a perfect way to kick things off.

Apparently, perfect is the Langham’s middle name. From the warmest welcome at check-in to the amazing suite to the bottle of champagne chilling when I walked in…perfection. We had a birthday happy hour with my parents at the Tortoise Club before heading to our dinner at Travelle and, ultimately, the surprise for Ryan that was a nightcap, chocolate ganache cake and macarons in our suite at the Langham for the night. It was both laid back and over the top, just as entering a new decade should be. I wanted Ryan to feel celebrated and he said it was the most celebrated he has ever felt so this birthday surprise was a success (Travelle still had Pappy Van Winkle so I think that helped too!). Going for a Thanksgiving morning swim was also a lovely treat before heading home to put in the turkey.

I may be biased based on our experience last week and the fact that it’s a big part of our wedding but the Langham Chicago comes with my wholehearted recommendation, whether it’s a special occasion meal or an overnight stay. Gorgeous from top to bottom, start to finish. What a lovely start to the holiday season!

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