One of my nieces just turned thirteen.
To celebrate, we lunched at her favorite Italian restaurant, then headed - where else- to the mall. I haven't been this tired since her birthday last year, which definitely took its toll. Thankfully, we didn't have to relive the "make-over" experience, which turned out to be not entirely a success. No, this time I played it safe. I bought a B&N gift card. That is always sure to win the approval of her overprotective dad.
I also resisted suggesting that she try on the darling spaghetti strapped dresses that are so popular this year and still selling like hotcakes here in the valley. We perused just about every store in the mall, I think. My most memorable visit: Williams Sonoma. They had the CUTEST choo choo train cake forms and cookie cutters. Also the sweetest octopus bundt cake pan and apron. I'll be back when my nephew turns seven in a few weeks. He is beginning to think of himself as quite the chef lately.
The clothing at the mall was largely forgettable. Too much Three's Company, not enough Donna Reed. The sales were hardly sales. Maybe I'm a cheapskate.
Although we were still completely stuffed from lunch, Niece wasn't going to leave the premises until we hit The Cheesecake Factory. I ordered the Godiva Chocolate cheesecake and a cup of coffee while she ordered the new White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. After my second cup, I had sufficiently re energized my poor old bones enough to make a second trip to Sephora so Niece could finagle a couple of Bare Minerals purchases to the tune of over $120! Gracious. These kids are getting more expensive by the year.
All in all, it was a great day, and I don't regret one penny I spent.
