Celebrating 31 with a Boho Inspired Brunch

On January 19th, I celebrated my 31st birthday with my closest friends in Downtown LA. While I’m big on birthday celebrations and tend to go overboard during my birthday month, I decided to keep things on the quieter side with an intimate gathering for those who have done nothing but support me and love me unconditionally throughout the years.

I hosted a bohemian themed brunch in the cutest space I found through Peerspace (not sponsored by the way). If you are not familiar with Peerspace though, read all about it here. I picked this particular location due to the space and lighting, and then worked my theme around the fact that it had major boho vibes. Debbie (the owner of this space) was so easy to work with and she actually owns a few other spots for rent around LA.

For food, I had one of my best friends take care of the main entree, while the rest of my guests brought appetizers and desserts. We had a great selection from wings to fonuts, and surprisingly had so much food leftover! My best friend, Shoshanna and her husband, cooked up the most delicious steak paired with a heirloom tomato salad. Everyone definitely had seconds on that.

Aside from the steak, the cake also was the star of the brunch. Customized by @MisoBakes, this boho inspired cake was not only beautiful but delicious. I discovered @MisoBakes from my friends (Stephanie & Kyle), as she had customized their son’s cake for an event. Miso was extremely responsive via e-mail and was very detailed on the entire process. I gave her the theme, a few photos of the location, and some Pinterest ideas to run with. The end result was this gorgeous semi-naked cake with vanilla frosting and fresh strawberries as the filling. Hands down, best birthday cake I ever had.

Since I was in full control on what I wanted for this brunch, I had to include boba. I’m a huge boba addict and Labobatory was kind enough to partner up with me for the event. Funny enough, they’re actually down the street from me and I’ve been there a few times so it worked out perfectly. Big thanks to Labobatory for delivering boba to us!

Of course we took advantage of the location and held a group photoshoot. How can a blogger not take photos in a place like this right? Hah. I adore that everyone was down to participate and our photos came out so cute, especially since KSOLE shot them.

We spent most of the time catching up with each other and I loved that I was able to introduce everyone to one another. Often times, due to the fact that everyone lives all over LA and OC, my friends only hear about each other and never get to meet. I have friends from different phases of my life and to have them all in one place made me so happy.

This birthday was particularly special to me for many reasons. While 31 isn’t a year most people celebrate or pay attention to, it is one I am looking forward to the most because last year was all about growth and discovery. While I’m continuing with that theme this year as well, as you truly never stop learning, I have a better understanding of who I am and what I want. Now I can take everything I learned last year and really apply it to my life. I basically have some new tools to work with so I can further strengthen my foundation.

Instead of focusing on everyone, this year I selectively chose the people I want to keep in my life and these are the ones that were invited to my brunch. As you get older, you start to weed out friends and while I adore everyone who has every walked into my life. I am no longer sadden by those who depart, as I believe that everyone has their own purpose. Some people are just there to provide a lesson, some are blessings, and all were meant to be in your life at some point— but not everyone is your ride or die.

I am incredibly grateful and blessed for every one of these souls for being in my life. These aren’t short-term friendships, these people have been in my life for at least 3+ years and I know they’ll be there when I do get married, when I buy my first house, our kids will all be friends, and I know they’ll be there until the very end. I cannot have asked for a better group than them.

Super special shout out to my boyfriend, KSOLE, for all these amazing photos and for making me feel like a queen everyday<3

Thank you guys for making this birthday extra special! I love you all!