and a birthday for all my friends

drew and i have the pleasure of being born a mere eight days apart, and that makes for a significant amount of celebrating in a short amount of time. needless to say, we did 25 up right this year and i had the privilege {yet again} of dating an older man for a week...

we celebrated both of our birthdays at the place where everyone knows your name, and also realized that we cannot drink like we used to.  the week also brought some new experiences for the both of us as boyfriend moved into the lovely house on Orchid Lane.  however, despite the presence of another male in the home {and yes, barkley counts}, i received a wonderful little surprise to keep the girly-girl essence alive and well...

how cute is this keep calm and CARRIE on sign from my dearest amanda?  it fully completed the blank section on my sex and the city devoted shelf in my living room.  but she didn't stop there ladies and gentlemen, my crafty bestie topped it off with a DIY chalkboard plate platter that is now stylishly displayed atop my fridge...

after the birthday season officially rounded out with some grimaldi's pizza and excessive adult beverages, it was back to the real world...

oh ikea, how we love and loathe you...