Happy Birthday to Me!

It was my birthday yesterday, and over the weekend I had only ONE birthday wish:

To go to the beach!

Despite the fact that I live by the ocean, ironically enough I hardly seem to find the chance to go. So, I was determined, at least for my birthday's sake, to do so this time. And I did! Jake and I loaded up the cooler (I made sure I had a pitcher full of my signature summer cocktail, Malibu Bay Breezes... recipe to follow), jumped in the car, and headed out to the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Evidently, hundreds of others had the same idea in mind, because the beach was positively packed! It didn't both us though- we found ourselves a nice comfortable patch of "real estate", plopped down our things, spread out our blanket, and Ahhhhh... poured ourselves nice icy cups of Bay Breezes. 

This, I am certain of, is how Summer should feel like everyday.

I also learned something knew about my "other half" that afternoon- the beach undoubtedly brings out the child in him! Towards the end of the day, the tide began to creep in, so the family in front of us started building some kind of seawall to prevent the waves from crashing in on us all. I saw Jacob eying their venture, but I paid it no mind, until suddenly he jumped up and hastily began digging with them!

I was so amused by this, I couldn't help but take a couple of pictures (... and an Instagram video!) I looked to the mother of the boy who was lounging next to me at one point, and said to her, "I think I should have gotten him his own bucket and pail to play with!"
Something to remember for the next time we go, I guess!

I was so glad to have had the chance to get to the beach this summer, and I hope this won't be the last time. Wait a second, of course it won't be! Martha's Vineyard is calling my name in only, what?! Three weeks?!
No. Way.
 

Simple! ♥

Yesterday was my actual birthday (I'm a quarter of a century old now!), and Jacob took me out to one of my favorite restaurants on Long Island, the Mill Pond House. I've been going to this restaurant for years now, and it's never disappointed me. Yesterday evening was no exception-
it was spectacular.

We started off with the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese (and devoured it before I could take a picture!) which was positively delicious, bathed a creamy buttery sauce, with chunks of sweet, succulent lobster that seemed to melt away in your mouth. That alone could have been a wonderful meal, but no, there was more!

For our entrees, Jacob had the Blackened Montauk Swordfish Steak with a summer garden tomato, red onion, and cucumber salad on top. He said he never had such fresh fish before; the fish cut like butter and, just like the lobster, melted delectably in your mouth. He was more than pleased! As for me, I had the Pan-Seared Organic Salmon Fillet which was adorned with tomato ragu and toasted breadcrumbs. The salmon was delightfully flaky and perfectly complimented by the sweet stewed tomatoes. Oh, and if you thought that was all we had, you're wrong!

For dessert- we couldn't agree on one so we each got our own!- Jacob had the moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, and I had the decadent brownie a la mode on a bed of marshmallow fluff... Sinfully delicious, I know. But hey, it was my birthday!

So, needless to say, I had an amazing dinner (with an even more amazing companion, I might add!) and received incredibly thoughtful and touching gifts from my family and friends.

My 25th birthday was not one to forget ♥

Beautiful monogrammed gold necklace Jacob gave me ♥

A new Susan Branch pillow! Given to me by my aunt ♥
(also in view, a new nautical throw from my cousin!)

Wondering what that book is laying there on my bed?
It's a book on domestic life in New England from the mid-18th century to the Civil War, called:

Our Own Snug Fireside

It's extremely informative, extracting much of its information from diaries, letters, and other interesting primary sources, and visually enhancing with great illustrations and old photographs.
So, if you're interested in learning about the daily domestic life of the every day New Englander,
this book is a must to take out at your local library, or to add to your own personal collection!

Have a great week, everybody ♥