The Big 2-8

My birthday month is officially over (boo). I had a really great "Annie Week" this year... one of my better ones in recent years I would say (despite having a killer cold during the whole birthday weekend). Festivities included (but were not limited to) a glorious spa day at Burke Williams, din at Masa (where else??), brunch at my new favorite spot downtown Perch, blowouts at Dry Bar, and a party at Mohawk Bend.  I had the best idea at my party this year- (almost) all the attendees did a photobooth strip with me which I had them put in this scrapbook accompanied by a note.  Such a wonderful memento! I wish I had done this for all my parties in the past. Ha. One of those things you're like "I'm definitely going to show this to my kids one day." 

The past several years, I've made a list of goals for myself on my birthday that I want to complete before my next birthday.  (I like it way better than New Year's Resolutions). Here's how I fared on my goals from last year...

• Go to Europe.
• Done and done! (Deets here). 
• Do yoga at least 2-3 times a month. 
• I found a great yoga studio walking distance from my apartment, and I've really enjoyed getting back into this year! If you're in the Los Feliz area, I give Yoga Vibe two thumbs up. 
• Have at least 1-2 days a month dedicated to "dolce far niente" (Italian for "the art/sweetness of doing nothing"). 
• I've gotten a lot more restful on Sundays... so I thiiiink I can cross this one off. I could definitely still get a little better at this whole 'resting' thing. Ha. 
• Go to one of Richard Simmon's work out classes at his studio in Beverly Hills. 
• Yes, and it was hilarious and amazing. 
• Visit Anne in Chicago (when she moves there from South Africa). 
• Can't technically cross this one off yet, BUT I bought a ticket to visit her in October, so I'll be there soon!
• Visit Mary in NYC in a season that's different than Thanksgiving time. 
• Yes! The Big Apple was lovely in May. (Deets here). 
  
• Send more handwritten notes. 
• Maybe? I feel like I could still step my game up in this department, so I'm not going to cross it off just yet. 
• Go to more concerts. 
• Yes! Some of my favorite concerts this year include: Jack Mannequin's final show, Andrew McMahon's first solo show, The Postal Service, The Lumineers (at the Fonda and again at Coachella), Capital Cities, Best Coast, John Williams conducting the LA Philharmonic Orchestra, and One Direction when they played on the Warner Bros. lot (ha).  

• Read the Harry Potter series. 
• Unfortunately no, BUT I did become the manager of all official Harry Potter social media this year, so I am now very immersed in that magical world. 
• Go confidently in the direction my dreams.
• Check.
• Enjoy this year to the fullest. 
• Always. :)

My goal list for 28 is currently in progress. Stay tuned. ;)  Thanks to everyone who made my birthday (and entire 27th year!) so great. Love you, mean it. 

xoxo, 

Annie.