turning twenty-six; a birthday post

A couple of days ago, on September 22, I celebrated my 26th birthday. 

I had a wonderful day; I was lucky enough to have my family around me, my love and my friends as a part of my day. I enjoyed it thoroughly; cooking and photographing, eating with my people and smiling so much it made my cheeks hurt. Especially with my darling. I also caved and bought myself the VSCO Film 01 set; it was a birthday present to myself and these photos were edited with it, although with a little bit of tweaking from my part. 

I wanted to take a moment to thank you all who visit my blog. You are unbelievable, with your support and taking time off your days to look at what I do. You make my life wonderful, too, and I hope you all know that!

Alright, enough talk. Bring on the photos! 

After breakfast, I made the tiramisù I'd promised my family, for lunch. It was yummy!

My mom gave me the envelope that held this dress saying 'I am so sorry. Your sister threw a tantrum at Zara and said this was the only thing there you'd like.' I honestly thought it would be some horrendous, paisley dress, but look at it. It's the most beautiful dress ever! My little sister knows what I like!

This one was taken by my Dad. I did lead all my family in song while they did the Happy Birthday thing. Ha!

Family portraits!

Favorite moment of the day!

Every year on my birthday, I do a self shoot. I like to keep track of how I look on my birthday every year, so here are this year's shots. Feel free to scroll by, they're an unbearable exercise in vanity. 

My garden gave me a strawberry and five chilli peppers for my birthday! 

Also, I scraped my knee trying to climb a wall in a mini-skirt. So mature I am.

All my gifts! Bones gave me flowers, like he always does, and it's lovely! Lila and Luis gave me a water can that is the prettiest, most adorable thing; Inês gave me plating tools, Bano gave me an Angry Birds toy and Zé gave me a cupcake calendar, as well as a tiny Shakespeare book. Last but not least, Rute gave me a 500 Desserts book, just in time to be immensely useful. I have the best friends ever!

I can't stop laughing at this shot. Inês took it. I think I was arguing about something. And clearly cringing at someone's argument. 

That's what happens when Bones tries to light up a cookie.

Trying to explain to Bones and Inês how the lens aperture works in terms of focus. 

And that's it! It was a full, lovely day! Thank you to everyone who's seen this, as well as everyone who wished me a happy birthday. You guys gave me a wonderful day. 

five

Five years ago this week, I became a sister. 

I was used to being a single child, and more so, a single child of divorced parents, which made me privileged in a way most of the people surrounding me weren't. I had my family, the two sides, and I had a life that was as complicated as the life of a college student can be. 

On September 3rd, 2007, my mother gave birth to Gabriela and my world was turned upside down. 

It was like having a child of my own — it happened when I was 21 (exactly the same age my mother had me) and that child, that tiny (okay, not tiny, she was enormous in her 4,150kg at birth) little creature became the center of my world. 

Five years ago, my life became bigger, brighter, more fun. I don't know where I'd be without my Gabs, but I know that I'm thrilled with where I am right now, with the privilege of having such a wonderful presence in my life. 

These are the day before and the day of her birthday. I hope you like them!

^Taken by Gabs, herself! 

Gabs and my meditation teacher, Jorge

^ she loves the strawberries from my garden

I have a photo of her in this precise same spot, eating strawberries, when she was about one year old.