Beauty Professor Birthday Recap + A Few Favorite Gifts

Above: Birthday brunch bound…with Jethro in the background. 
Hello Lovelies! Happy weekend to you.  I must admit, despite my true affinity for teaching, I am beyond glad to have a couple of days off.  Admittedly, I indulged in way too much sleeping in during my recent two week holiday break and five days of readjusting to my alarm clock was challenging, indeed.  That being said, last Sunday I mentioned that it was both my birthday and the 3-year anniversary of Beauty Professor and now I am excited to share a recap of the celebration as well as a close up of some of my favorite (non-beauty!) gifts.  
Kindly scroll on for more details, a copious amound of images and the Bottom Line…
Above: As one who prefers a subdued, low key approach to the day, I opted to celebrate my birthday with the people I love most…my family; we  had brunch at the famed Duke’s in Malibu, CA. 
Above: The decadent, macadamia nut-laden Hula Pie…our entire table shared this single piece and still didn’t have the room to finish it!
Above: The pristine view from our table, aptly named “The Ohana Table.”  Later in our meal, a pod of dolphins graced us with their playful presence!
Above: With my dear friend Kathy Kohner Zuckerman, a Duke’s icon and inspiration for the novel (and subsequent films and television shows) “Gidget.” We serendepitiously met years ago when she was the subject of my work in graduate school and our families have remained close ever since.  
Above: After brunch, we headed back down PCH to the J.Paul Getty Villa.  Set on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, the sprawling museum is modeled after a first-century Roman country home and it houses some of the rarest Greek and Roman antiquities in the world.  
Above: My brother, Seth, and me.  We didn’t plan on both wearing black leather jackets but these things can happen nonetheless ; ) 
Above: Ty, Jethro and I in the Outer Peristyle Garden.
Above: My beloved family. 
Above: The Getty grounds are rife with picture-taking opportunities…this ceiling never ceases to take my breath away.
Above: A spectacular Mid-Century Modern house off in the distance. 
Above: My mom and I reviewing the pictures we’ve taken; I am wearing a spearmint Equipment France silk blouse,  Bod & Christensen Leather Jacket, J Brand Jess High Rise Black Skinny Jeans (which, by the way, do NOT lose their shape while simultaneously being endlessly comfortable!) and Maison Martin Margiela MM6 Cutout Wedge Booties (currently available HERE).
Above: My brother caught this shot without me knowing. 
Above: I daresay, an adorable picture of my parents taking a pic together.
Above: Wearing a cavalcade of Charlotte Tilbury makeup (specifics discussed HERE).
Above: A glorious Southern CA sunset on our way home.
Above: My husband crafted an entire pan of homemade Tiramasu (my favorite) as my “birthday cake.”  I ate this first piece by the fire at the end of the day…utterly blissful.  I have since consumed many more pieces…such is life!  
Above: My family came up with some of the most thoughtful gifts…since I am drowning in beauty products (which, in years prior to the birth of Beauty Professor, had always been at the top of my wish list) and didn’t need anything specific, they chose items that resonate with things I love (e.g., classic cinema, unicorns, antiques, clothes and books).  I cannot wait to explore Angela Cartwright’s recent release “Styling the Stars” in greater depth.  
Above: I also received an antique golden unicorn charm that I have currently placed on a vintage Cartier bracelet (depicted in the prior image)…it is so detailed and truly unique.   
Above: I am starting to read Janet Wallach’s “The Richest Woman in America” this weekend and the 365 Pocket Prayers for Women will be an excellent devotional to start the day. 
Above: I cannot get enough Neiman Marcus Cashmere…it’s the softest and holds up so well!  This bone and black boyfriend cardigan will be in my wardrobe for years to come and, if you’ve never tried it, I implore you to give the Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream a spin…my mom and I have used it for years and love that it nourishes the nails and cuticles as well as the hands.  
Above: This All-Saints Drina Cardigan sweater is the perfect blend of drapey and tailored. 
Above: The zipper shoulder detail creates a marvelous cowl neck effect that is brilliantly aligned with the All Saints aesthetic
Above: Before you think it a rude gift, I must stress that I asked for a new electronic toothbrush after 7 great years with the Philips Sonicare Healthy White.  The brand new DiamondClean model is visually-stunning and ultra-effective and I love the glass cup (that also charges the device) and sleek travel case.  
Above: This SkinnyDip Unicorn iPhone 6 case is great for times when I don’t want to get makeup all over my current leather Mujjo case, especially when engaged in heavy swatching and the classic emerald Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is ever so handy…file, scissors, tweezers…all necessary, no?
Above: I love my dainty aloe plant from Gidget and these Sugarfina dark chocolate salted caramels are insanely good.  
Above: My ubür-talented brother Seth (of Seth Wegter Bags) gave me the most magnificent hand crafted leather backpack…this original design takes him over 8 hours to sew and I am honored to have this detailed creation it in my collection.  The adjustable straps mold to the back (I don’t even feel like I am wearing it) and the embossed cow hide is so chic, no?
Above: My new Seth Wegter Bags backpack in action at the Getty Villa…from cameras to lipstick to a MacBook Air to food and drink…this holds everything imaginable!
–Shop the Post–


Bottom Line:  I hope you enjoyed this little detour from beauty and skincare…thanks again for your kind birthday and Beauty Professor 3rd Anniversary sentiments!  
Good things ahead including a Zelens (already reviewed HERE and HERE) swatch fest, the latest from Rouge Bunny Rouge, Lipstick Queen (most recently reviewed HERE), Clé de Peau Beauté and a style post two ; )  I am also continuing to work my way through your lovely comments and emails. 
Any new beauty on your radar?  Do tell!
xx and have a splendid weekend,
–The Beauty Professor

© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.

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Comments (24)

  • tiffanysushi Reply

    Happy birthday!

    January 10, 2015 at 2:25 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks, Tiffany!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 11, 2015 at 9:50 pm
  • Jan K Reply

    Happy Birthday! Belated as it is. You look beautiful as ever.<3!

    January 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Jan…I so appreciate your kind words…thank you!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 11, 2015 at 9:51 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Happy belated Birthday greetings from Germany Rachel!
    I wish you much happiness, love and success and of course ( ! ) a lot of new and great makeup discoverys
    Susanne

    January 10, 2015 at 3:06 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Susanne,

      Thank you so much! Your words are heartwarming and I am truly glad we met here on Beauty Professor!

      Have a lovely week ahead…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 11, 2015 at 9:51 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BP!!! 🙂
    xoxo sj

    January 10, 2015 at 3:18 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you dear SJ!

      Hope all is well…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 11, 2015 at 9:52 pm
  • wefadetogray Reply

    Gorgeous BP,
    What a wonderful family portray! Your mom is so young and lively. I love the All Saints' sweater as well as the cashmere cardigan. The golden unicorn is adorable.
    I'm glad you had a wonderful Bday! Can you share, perhaps, a few of those women prayers? I am intrigued.
    xxxxxxxx

    January 10, 2015 at 5:36 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you so much, WeFadetoGray! Your compliments are too kind and I agree, my mom looks amazing!

      I will make sure to feature some women prayers in a future post…thanks for your interest!

      xoxo and hope your Sunday is beautiful,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 11, 2015 at 10:06 pm
  • Clever Girl Reviews Reply

    Happy Birthday! What a haul!

    January 10, 2015 at 7:59 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Clever Girl…thank you! Yes, I am definitely appreciative of what came my way ; )

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 11, 2015 at 10:07 pm
  • Rose.K Reply

    What an amazing life you are having!!! Even a husband that bakes!!

    January 10, 2015 at 11:04 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Rose,

      I agree…I am very thankful! It is a good thing that my husband cooks because I wouldn't call that my specialty by any stretch of the imagination ; )

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 11, 2015 at 10:07 pm
  • Kath TheFabZilla Reply

    I'm happy to see you had fun. Thanks for the recap. I love the bag your brother made for you! You have such beautiful family! xox

    January 11, 2015 at 7:29 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Kath!

      Thank you so much, my friend! Isn't that bag insane? He is wildly talented. My family is a true gift, indeed!

      xoxo and talk soon,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 11, 2015 at 10:08 pm
  • Ginny McDermott Reply

    Loved the cardigan, so I went ahead and bought it! Now we really need to get together so we can both wear our cardigans. And I got a gift box of Clarins products for xmas, and based on your recommendation, I will keep it (I was thinking of returning it because I haven't used Clarins).
    cheers,
    ginny

    January 11, 2015 at 8:39 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello dear Ginny…what a treat to hear from you here!

      I am thrilled that we now own the same cardigan and it really is the perfect rationale for getting together soon ; )

      I hope you enjoy your Clarins products…which ones did you receive?

      Can't wait to chat again soon, my friend…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 11, 2015 at 10:17 pm
  • Suzanne Gabrielle Reply

    A beautiful family

    January 13, 2015 at 4:05 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you!!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 19, 2015 at 9:23 pm
  • Lynn127 Reply

    Happy Birthday BP! Those pics of u are breathtaking! The candid 1 your brother tk especially. Love seeing your family & ofcourse the great thoughtful gifts u received. I want to take this opportunity after reading how busy your schedule is, to thanku again for all your hard work in this blog. U know, u look good feel good is so true and you have helped me find great products that truly make me feel good about myself! And that can help to make the day better!! Much love and appreciation. Xoxo

    January 13, 2015 at 5:00 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Lynn,

      Thank you so much!

      Your words about my blog are truly heartwarming…I am so very glad we have been able to become friends through this crazy little beauty blog ; ) It is always a joy to chat with you!

      xoxo, my friend,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 19, 2015 at 9:24 pm
  • Petunia Reply

    Happy Belated Birthday! Looks like you had a fabulous day. Your family is just as adorable as you are. Thanks for all the time and effort you have put into your spectacular blog. Enjoyed by so many, I count myself as one of your fans. Looking forward to another great year.

    January 17, 2015 at 5:18 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you ever so much, Petunia! It was a splendid day, indeed.

      Thanks, from my heart, for your support and kindness…hope your week is off to a lovely start,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 19, 2015 at 9:40 pm

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