Birthday Adventures! (photo heavy)

I feel so special because this year my birthday kind of happened over two days (at least it felt that way to me). It all started on the 18th, when my mom and I had tickets to go see a certain someone in concert (you'll find out who in just a bit). 

I got all dressed up and painted my nails black for our evening out. I've really missed painting my nails regularly, and since this is one of my goals for the year I thought I might as well start now. *wink*

We headed downtown around 5pm and had an early dinner at Nonna's, one of my favorite local restaurants. I always order the mushroom ravioli (yes, because it reminds me of Twilight....haha). It was really fun taking my mom there for the first time!

After dinner we went to the Gillioz to go see..............Bryan Adams! My mom has been in love with him since she was a teenager and I grew up listening to his music, so of course I had to say yes when she invited me to go. :]

The concert was unbelievably amazing! It was completely acoustic, with only him playing guitar and his band member Gary on piano. The energy in the theater was crazy, everyone was singing along and shouting his name. It was a really magical night.
Once the concert was over, we left through one of the side exits (near the back of the building), and as we're walking my mom noticed Bryan's tour bus was parked right around the corner. We decided to run over and wait by the bus to see if we could maybe get an autograph. After a couple minutes, about 25 girls had lined up (and one very supportive boyfriend) and we all stood together talking and waiting. 10 minutes later, 2 security guards showed up and (rudely) tried telling us that Bryan wasn't coming out.

*long, dramatic eye roll*

Yeah, he's not coming out...that's why you two are out here. Anyway, a few people ended up leaving, a few more security guards showed up, almost 2 hours went by (it's well passed 10pm at this point, almost 11pm, and we've been standing outside with no coats on in FREEZING TEMPERATURES) and then finally.........

The backdoor of the theater opened and out walked Bryan Adams. And guess who was standing right there when he opened the door? My mom. For a moment, I got to see the 15-year-old girl that my mom used to be, meeting her life-long crush. She was the first person that he saw and talked to when he walked out that door. It was such a sweet moment.
Bryan got into his tour bus and, one-by-one, each girl got to go inside and meet him. My mom went inside and talked to him, got his autograph, and then he hugged her. And I'm not talking about some "side hug", but a full on, faces-touching hug. It was awesome. I was standing at the bottom of the stairs leading into the bus and when he saw me he asked who I was. My mom told him that I was her daughter, and he invited me to come in. I (very shakily) walked up a few steps inside the bus and then he reached out and held my hand! Ahhh coolest moment ever!

 Once we left the bus, my mom started crying and shaking. I was so happy for her that I started crying too. It was just this overwhelmingly amazing moment. Each time a girl would get off the bus, they'd be crying and we'd all start hugging each other and giggling and jumping around.

So now you know who we met. Definitely be added this to my list of coolest experiences ever. ♥

And now on to my actual birthday!

My snazzy birthday outfit (haha). I really am addicted to wearing color. Lots of color. All the time.
I spent the day thrifting with my mom, something that we haven't done since last Spring. I forgot how much I love flea markets and hunting for treasures. So glad that I've made it a goal for this year!

My favorite booth! So many pretties..

Love this lighting idea! Thinking about trying it out in my bedroom, but with spring flowers instead of leaves.

I found so many awesome things at the last 2 booths! Whoever owns these sure has an eye for decorating.

As we were heading back home, we saw the most beautiful pink sky. Sunsets around here have been brilliant lately.

At home, my dad had set up the cutest little family party. Pink decorations were everywhere! He had fun music playing and my dog sat begging for cake for about an hour, haha. (and to all who are wondering, no. I am not 32. my dad decided to be funny with the birthday candles. I'll return the favor on his birthday *wink*)

I got the Hello Kitty bag! I've wanted one for over a year and can't believe they got it for me. It's the perfect size for my camera too. I love it! ♥

And the award for the craziest gift ever given goes to my dad. How does he come up with this stuff?! Hahaha. I about died laughing when I unwrapped this. He always finds the most unique (and sometimes just silly) gifts. Thank you dad, I will cherish this forever.

Thanks for looking through all of my birthday memories with me! This was fun! XO, mandy