loveliness.

Live, travel, adventure, bless and don't be sorry.
loveliness.
  • Home
  • about
  • travel
    • Australia
    • Cambodia
    • Canada
    • Indonesia
    • Singapore
    • Mexico
    • Philippines
    • Thailand
    • USA
      • Arizona
      • California
        • Los Angeles
        • San Francisco
      • Hawaii
      • Montana
      • New York
      • Oregon
      • Washington
  • loveliness
  • books
  • favourites
  • Tag: birthday

    • twenty eight

      Posted at 10:12 am by jasminedesirees, on March 16, 2015

      Yesterday was my birthday, I spent a great weekend exploring the San Diego area, sleeping on the beach, and eating cupcakes. I was thinking back over the past year, and how amazing it’s been, so I wanted to take a little time to reminisce, and share some of my favourite experiences.

      diving flores indonesia

      March 2014- On my birthday last year, we were on a trip to visit New York City for the first time, and it was everything I’d been dreaming of. It was kind of one of those spontaneous trips where you’re not sure if it’s really necessary, but you could do it, so we did, and I’m so, so glad. We also visited Niagara Falls, and got one of my friends married off in Toronto.

      April 2014- Last April, my sister came out to visit me in San Francisco for the first time, and we had the best weekend ever. We took a last minute road trip down to L.A. to spend a few days with my family. I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like, so driving down to meet up with them was kind of a no-brainer, even though we had to change a flight we already had booked, and rent a car in order to get there. We also went out to Phoenix for the weekend for the first time, not realizing then that we’d be moving out there in less than a year.

      May 2014- In May, we were well on our way to finalizing plans for our trip. We were spending as much time with family and friends as possible, and really enjoying our last few weeks of living in California, including a lovely day in Capitola.

      June 2014- In June, we spent a few days visiting my family in Montana, and then took off for Thailand, mid-month. I loved visiting Bangkok, the Floating Market and the White Temple.

      July 2014- In July, we moved down to the islands of Thailand, including Phi Phi and Railay, and then spent a couple of weeks in Cambodia, visiting Angkor. Ta Prohm was my favourite place in the world. We also spent a few days in Singapore, and visited the Cloud Forest, and the Supertrees.

      August 2014- In early August we finished up our last few days in Indonesia, including the most amazing time diving in Flores and trekking with Komodo dragons. Then we finally landed in Australia, hung out in Sydney for a few days, then started our road trip up to Cairns, and also, this happened.

      September 2014- In September we were still creeping around Australia. We visited Whitehaven, spent a few weeks working on a farm, and then a few more weeks hanging out in Byron Bay, and hiking to the lighthouse every day. This is still the most amazing graffiti I’ve ever seen.

      October 2014- In October, we made the decision that as much as we loved Australia, it was too expensive for us, so we headed back to Indonesia, to relax on the Gili’s, hike Batur, trek Rinjani, visit the beach of my dreams, and creep around in Kuta Lombok, and South Kuta.

      November 2014- In November we took a spontaneous trip to the Philippines (posts coming this week!) and eventually, made our way back to California.

      December 2014- In December, we spent as much time as we could with our friends and family in California, then packed up our stuff and moved to Phoenix.

      January 2015- In January, we spent a blissful week in Montana, made a quick trip up to Canada to experience the -40 weather and load up on ketchup chips, and then headed back to start life in Arizona.

      February 2015- In February, we finally got our furniture and got actually moved in to our new place, and then got to start exploring our new state with trips to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the Grand Canyon.

      Posted in exploring, life, travel | 2 Comments | Tagged Australia, birthday, Cambodia, exploring, Indonesia, life, nyc, Phoenix, Singapore, Thailand, travel
    • flourless chocolate

      Posted at 9:16 pm by jasminedesirees, on April 8, 2014

      I’ve been lusting after this Tartine flourless chocolate cake since I first moved to California, almost 3 years ago. When I bought myself the Tartine cookbook for Christmas this year, the only reason I got it was so that I could make myself this cake for my birthday.

      Since I was traveling for almost 2 weeks around my birthday, I didn’t get the chance, but luckily I had four friends with birthdays in the same week and we had a huge joint party for them last weekend, so I was able to make it after all.

      It was definitely a bit of work, it’s a souffle cake so it took ages to beat all of the eggs, and I was basically camped out in front of the oven making sure it didn’t stay in too long since apparently over-baking for even one minute immediately renders it inedible, but it came out great, and it was moist and delicious.

      The cake itself is chocolatey and delightful, and then you cover it with a chocolate ganache to make it even more tantalizing. I also added some edible glitter since I still have a ton left over from my wedding cupcakes, and it’s so lovely.

      I pretty much put it on everything. If you’ve never made glittery fettucine alfredo you’re really missing an opportunity for wonderfulness and joy.

      DSC_0496

      DSC_0499

      DSC_0489

      DSC_0502

      DSC_0505

      DSC_0506

      DSC_0511

      DSC_0508

      DSC_0512

      DSC_0516

      DSC_0518

      DSC_0522

      IMG_20140404_081828

      Posted in chocolate, recipes, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged birthday, cake, chocolate, chocolate ganache, flourless chocolate cake, recipes, tartine
    • seventeen

      Posted at 8:46 pm by jasminedesirees, on March 5, 2014

      Can’t believe my baby brother is 17 years old today. It seems like just yesterday he woke me up by throwing a bucket of cold water on my bed and my older sister and I dragged him into the bathroom and gave him a swirly. He is a lot bigger than me now, but I’m pretty sure we could still take him.

      It makes me sad that I can’t be there to celebrate but hopefully I’ll get to see him soon.

      423461_572011189462_1458648384_n

      Posted in family, life | 0 Comments | Tagged birthday, family, love, siblings
    • birthday-ness

      Posted at 9:01 pm by jasminedesirees, on February 11, 2014

      One of my really good friends is getting married in Toronto on my birthday, which is really exciting. I get to go back to Canada, hopefully see some snow and also gorge myself on Canadian treats( I’ve already been Googling the Toronto airport to find out where the Tim Horton’s are located, I wish I was kidding) and also celebrate the marriage of one of my favourite people.

      I am also VERY excited, because the company I work for has an office in New York. Since we’re going to be on the East Coast anyways, we are going to be spending a week there, sight seeing, creeping around and visiting friends.

      I’ve wanted to go to NY for most of my life so I’ll pack as much into those few days as possible, but one of the things I would love to do while we’re there is go see a Broadway play, especially The Book of Mormon.

      Tickets for their shows in San Francisco were astronomical, I literally looked it up and started laughing, so hopefully it will be a little more reasonable there. Getting tickets to that show would be the best birthday present ever (hint, hint).

      chakra

      Speaking of birthday things, I found these bracelets on a random website a few months ago, and almost ordered a couple for myself because they are so pretty, but decided to hold off because I think they’d be a great birthday present, for when people ask me every year what I want, and every year I still can’t think of anything.

      81ogWNMvn5L._SL1500_Also, this backpack would come in very handy in the next couple of months. Hopefully it’s like Mary Poppins’ bag and I can fit everything I’ll ever need in here, but somehow I doubt it.

      And, as usual, almost anything from Brandy Melville. Merci beaucoup.

      Posted in life, travel, Uncategorized | 3 Comments | Tagged birthday, Book of Mormon, Brandy Melville, Canada, New York, Toronto, travel, wishlist
    • makai

      Posted at 10:19 pm by jasminedesirees, on November 6, 2013

      A few more picture from my trip. Ok a lot more pictures. I literally can not resist taking a billion pictures, it’s so beautiful there. Even when I lived there, my phone was just full of pictures of the places I saw every single day.

      You would think it would get old, but it really doesn’t. Just when you think you’re immune, it sneaks up on you and takes your breath away again.

      cromwells
      I have this dress in black and white, and it’s a bit of a struggle to wear anything else, ever
      Brandy Melville
      these trees make me happy
      Ocean House in Waikiki. Almost too beautiful to eat, best served with a POG mimosa
      hello lover
      brunch with my second family
      Posted in family, Hawaii, life, travel, USA | 0 Comments | Tagged birthday, family, Hawaii, Oahu, travel
    • surprise

      Posted at 8:03 pm by jasminedesirees, on November 5, 2013

      My little rat sister turned 21 last Tuesday, and I really wanted to be there to celebrate with her. One night in August after a lot of red wine I decided to buy a ticket to Hawaii without telling her about it. As it got closer, I started to get really nervous. What if she had plans or was not that excited to see me? I felt like she would be really excited but I’ve seen too many romantic comedies not to appreciate the true awfulness of a grand gesture gone wrong.

      I flew in last Wednesday night and walked up to what I hoped was the right door (I’d never been to her place before). She opened the door, and absolutely did not recognize me at first. An instant later when she realized it was me she got a look of sheer terror on her face, like she thought I might be there to tell her some really bad news.

      A second after that she must have remembered that it was her birthday and put the pieces together, because she was really excited and happy to see me, and I didn’t have to go sleep on the beach for the night.

      I had such a fun weekend, I love hanging out with my sister, and her friends on the island are really fun. Hawaii is my favourite place in the world and always will be, I feel happiest and most like myself when I’m there.

      Posted in family, Hawaii, life, travel | 0 Comments | Tagged birthday, family, Hawaii, life, surprises, travel
    • twenty one

      Posted at 10:00 am by jasminedesirees, on October 29, 2013

      Happy 21st birthday to my little rat sister today. We got off to a bit of a rocky start, sometimes I would eat your popsicles, sometimes you would try to stab me with a steak knife. You know, the usual.

      But over the years I accidentally discovered that not only did I love you, I liked you a lot too. I have more fun with you than almost anyone else, and even though I miss you, I’m so glad you’ve adopted the islands and love them as much as I do.

      I’m so proud of the tough, funny, smart chick you’ve grown into, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you, because I know it’s going to be amazing.

      Also, I’m excited to finally go to the bar with you in ‘Merica and not have us both be named Jasmine.
      We will come at you like a spider monkey
      We both look amazing in bandanas, fact
      favourites
      pillboxes
      too hideous not to include
      sisters
      Skydiving
      Maid of Honour
      I’ve been trying to get rid of her for years but she’s very resilient
      triathletes
      Posted in family, life | 0 Comments | Tagged birthday, family, Hawaii, life, love, sister
    • birthday plans

      Posted at 6:22 pm by jasminedesirees, on October 4, 2013

      Next week is Derek’s birthday, I’ve been trying to decide what to get him. Last year, we went on a road trip down the coast and just kind of crept around Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel exploring. It was really fun and spontaneous.

      I’d really like to do something like that again this year, I was thinking Morro Bay. There is so much beautiful coast line in this state, and I’d like to see as much of it as possible while we’re here. We even bought a tent this summer that hasn’t been used once as I bought it for a camping trip and then ended up sleeping in the boat under the stars.

      We’re so busy this month that we wouldn’t be able to go until November, but it’s California, how cold can it be by then, really? I’ve camped many a May long weekend in Canada where there was snow on the ground and nothing but red Sourpuss and Sky Blue coolers to keep me warm.

      There is something so romantic and wonderful about just getting in the car and driving with no real plans. Maybe we’ll make it to the campgrounds, maybe we won’t. Maybe we’ll visit Hearst Castle, maybe we’ll get mugged on the beach. It’s a mystery, but I bet you it will be a memorable weekend.

      We’re seeing Matt Nathanson at the Fox Theater in Oakland tonight, I saw him last year at Now and Zen and he is great live, so great that I am willing to overlook his nose ring.

      Also on the agenda for this weekend, a massage, book club, and making perogies for Thanksgiving next Sunday while I creep all over the internet trying to find season 4 of Downton Abbey because it doesn’t air in ‘merica until January.

      Posted in California, exploring, life, travel, USA | 0 Comments | Tagged birthday, explore, life, road trip, travel
    • mama-cita

      Posted at 5:27 pm by jasminedesirees, on May 1, 2013

      Today I am wishing a happy birthday to my beautiful, wonderful mother. She is constantly setting goals for herself, and works hard to achieve them, never taking no for an answer. She insists on having a good time no matter what she is doing, and she is always taking care of other people.

      Whether she is getting her motorcycle license, running a marathon, or hiking the Grand Canyon, she isn’t afraid to try new things. Also, she is probably the best dancer I know. I remember when I was little, I couldn’t wait to grow up and get big so that I could party with her, I always thought her and my dad were so much more fun than any other adults I knew.

      So happy birthday Billie Jean, thanks for being so adventurous and feisty, and showing us all that anything is possible with dedication, a positive attitude, and the promise of a margarita at the finish line.

       

      Posted in holidays, life, love | 0 Comments | Tagged birthday, life, love, mom
    • twenty six

      Posted at 3:33 pm by jasminedesirees, on March 15, 2013

      Happy Birthday to me.

      It’s strange to me that I am 26, I still feel like I am 12 most of the time, and honestly I haven’t changed that much since I was. But time keeps passing even when you don’t notice it, and it’s pretty crazy to me to look back now at my life, especially since I graduated high school.

      I’ve met so many incredible people, and had so many wonderful experiences, I am truly grateful for all of it. If you had told me at 12 that I would have had the opportunity to do so many of the things I’ve done, I wouldn’t have believed you, but I would have hoped you were right.

      Highlights from this last year, for me were:

      – Finally being able to get a job in the U.S., and finding one that I like with wonderful co-workers was definitely a bonus.
      – My mom and Ry coming out to visit us and see our new house in June
      – Getting married in July, and getting to see all of my favourite people in one place, at the same time
      – Running my first solo-half marathon in October
      – Our road trip down the coast to Carmel for Derek’s birthday
      – Taking Derek back to Canada with me to see my home town in November
      – Mexico with my family for Christmas
      – Hawaii with my mom and sister in January
      – A road trip to L.A. with Derek in February

      This year I am looking forward to:

      – My parents coming out to visit in a couple of weeks, this will be the first time my Dad has been able to come
      – Hawaii in May for Derek’s graduation
      – My best friend moving to Oregon, so I can stalk her on long weekends
      – Fourth of July weekend in Montana with my older sister and her beautiful babies
      – A September long weekend wedding
      – The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in September with my momma and sisters, go Team Ta-Tas!

      And lots more.

      If you were thinking of getting me something for my birthday, but you weren’t able to get in touch with Charlie Hunnam, you could sponsor me for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, here.

      yes.
      Posted in life, thoughts | 0 Comments | Tagged avon walk for breast cancer, birthday, life
    •        
    • Follow loveliness. on WordPress.com
    • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    • Popular Posts

      • about
      • loveliness
      • antelope canyon
    • Recent Posts

      • half dome: part 2 (the climb)
      • half dome: part 1 (before)
      • favourites
      • queretaro
      • white sands
      • orange county
      • life update
      • news21
      • land’s end
      • big sur
    • Instagram

      No Instagram images were found.

    • Categories

    • Archives

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • loveliness.
    • Join 481 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • loveliness.
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...