Pen's Pic(k)s ...and some of mine too: My Birthday Weekend

This year my birthday was so fun and it actually seems to be continuing through the month! At least being pregnant I don't have to watch my weight while eating out at all these yummy restaurants! LOL

Earlier in the week some of my fun mommy friends took me out for breakfast to D'angelo's which was such a treat but unfortunately I didn't snap any pics. On Friday while Pen was in preschool I spent the day in LA with some friends from my previous job at Univision radio. They took me to this super cute restaurant downtown called Bottega Louie. This is a posh French restaurant that also specializes in super yummy desserts (think chocolates, macaroons, beignets and cupcakes). The packaging was so gorgeous that of course I couldn't resist taking some treats home to share with my family. The food here is amazing and if you are in LA its definitely worth the trip. Not to mention the restaurant itself is absolutely stunning, outfitted in marble and antique brass. So french. Loved it.

these macaroons were every bit as good as La Duree in Paris

what a fun thing to take home right? cupcakes and macaroons!

my onion soup, yummmm and green tea "mojito"- a fun bday pregger drink ;)

um, mushroom fries dipped in an aioli sauce- heaven

girlfriends Leslie and Cynthia! I miss these fab fashionistas soooo much!!!

corner shot of Bottega Louie

Later that night James cooked dinner for my parents and grandparents. James made a fantastic dinner of flank steak with a roasted red pepper sauce, mushroom parmesan risotto and his mom brought a delicious spinach salad. It was soooo goood!

cupcakes I bought earlier that day at Bottega Louie

They were so cute I couldn't resist!

look at this fantastic dinner James made! spinach salad with bacon and raspberries, flank steak with a roasted red pepper cream sauce and mushroom parmesan risotto!

macaroon with gold dust? oh yeah

these cookies were so soft and so creamy inside

The next day my brothers, sister-in-law and mom and dad all hung out at the beach. The guys tried their hands at surfing but there weren't many waves so later we decided to try a surrey ride. What a spectacle we were!

Pen running out to meet dad

she loved this car at the wheels and waves rental shop

I love this shot. Penelope hated wearing her helmet so we had some trouble with that!

Sunday morning we met up with the Mann's for yet another yummy breakfast at D'Angelos followed by yoga at Climbtime. I don't recommend doing yoga right after breakfast btw. ;)

James tried lots of tricks

Monday I put Pen in school and my buddy Kate and I spent the day shopping and eating. She took me out for lunch at the Biltmore. We had so much fun sitting in the sun and enjoying our yummy food. I can't wait to go back!

my seafood pasta, so delish!

smore tart for dessert

Later that night the Mann's hosted a small birthday dinner complete with homemade mac-n-cheese and ribs and of course strawberry shortcake for dessert. I guess since I couldn't drink this year I ate my way through my birthday instead?? LOL! It was very fun and I loved every minute of it!