Belles

“Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.”
-Boris Pasternak

{ source}

Let's kick things off with the Ostrich engagement story, shall we?

Mr. O has always been the master of surprises. And when you've been together for almost ten years {yep, a decade!} that's an impressive feat.

So as I turned 30 on this very special year, I figured this birthday would have some epic, firework-display surprises in store for me. A luxe tropical getaway? a wine country, mouth-watering meal with lots of truffles? Or that gorgeous, 17" macbook pro in my dreams?

Since my best girlfriend had her wedding the day before my actual birthday, I had decided to fill my special day with my family, friends, food and dancing. My cherished lazy sunday would be spent with Mr. o and our charming corgi, Napoleon, as birthday celebration part deux.

My second day of my third decade began with a champagne brunch in bed, courtesy of Veuve Clicquot , Philz Coffee & Mama's on Washington Square. sugary french toast, seasonal berries, bold coffee, sweet mimosas.....and my idea of a meal in heaven. This day was off to a marvelous start. :)

Now for the gift! I was 99% convinced I would be a proud new Macbook Pro owner in a matter of minutes. So I closed my eyes, stuck out my arms, and waited for that big white box.....

"Open your eyes."

It was Mr. O. sitting next to me. No big white box. Just my favorite guy.

And my birthday surprise...

It's a too-beautiful ring, designed by Gordon Aatlo, award winning jewelry designer and my bestest girlfriend's grandfather.

It's ridiculous. We're engaged! And even today, I still kind of can't believe it.

And as it turns out, I was kind of right regarding the wine country gift surprise.

We had a glorious engagement day celebration planned, thanks to Mr. Ostrich and his two best buddies. The two chauffeured us in a baby blue town car (yes, i said baby blue) to:

Tomales Bay in Point Reyes for an exquisite oyster lunch

Hop Kiln Winery in Russian River for divine wines and creamy cheeses

and Zin in Healdsburg for a to-die-for farm fresh feast.

Me & the baby blue town car! 

 Endless oysters & white wine

{source: personal photo}

In short, it was the most magical day and I wanted to write it down so I could always remember how perfect it really was.....and share it with all of you :)

xo,

Miss O.