My 21st birthday weekend- Pandemic style!

 Baltimore, MD

2021 Spring Semester

My 21st Birthday Weekend Spent with Close Friends and Family:) 

February 5, 2000 there was a massive snow storm in the Boston area of MA. Shortly enough, my mom was rushed to the hospital by my dad during the blizzard because I was ready to enter this world. Thank God my grandparents live about 2 minutes away from me because they hurried over my house to watch my older sister, who was roughly 2 years old at the time, so my parents could get to the hospital as quick as possible. 

My parents, Gretchen and Sean. 

A funny story about my name is that my parents were deciding between two different names for me- Claire and Grace. When my parents were on the way to the hospital they were stuck behind a ginormous truck with a bumper sticker that said, "Saved By Grace." In that very moment, they knew my name would be Grace. My mom always said she knew that they'd choose that name, but the bumper sticker gave some extra validation and acted as a 'sign' to them. 

The saying, "Saved By Grace." 

Each year when February rolls around and the 5th hits I consider this day to be just another day in the year that I am living through... except this year was my 21st birthday. Everyone always told me that this is a milestone birthday, but for me I had to spend my 21st birthday in a pandemic. I mean, I definitely made the most of the situation and still enjoyed 'my day' where I still got to celebrate with friends and family. My older sister Abby came down to Baltimore and surprised me with her boyfriend, who is also my friend, Steven, and my friend Mikey. They took a road trip from Boston down to Baltimore for the weekend to spend time with me and celebrate here! I was surprised and I was extremely excited to see them. Personally, I do not like cake so my friends down here in Baltimore and my visitors decided to get me my favorite... Cheesecake! It was so good. The chocolate covered strawberries really did the trick! 

My delicious Cheesecake! 

On Friday night, my birthday, we went to Chiapparelli's for dinner. If you have never been I highly recommend you going. It is located right in Baltimore in Little Italy. Chiapparelli's is actually my favorite restaurant that I've been to in my whole 3 years of residing in Baltimore. The appetizer salad that comes with your meal is actually to die for. That's my favorite part. Something about it just makes your taste buds light up. I'm not sure if it's the dressing they use or the cheese they incorporate in, but its a must-have! After dinner, I went back to my apartment with some close friends, and my visitors, and we celebrated. Overall, I had a great night spent with great people, great food and great drinks! Of course- socially distanced. 

Check out the website! 

https://www.chiapparellis.com

Mikey and I before we left for dinner. 
Me trying to take a picture with my balloons, but I couldn't stop laughing! 

Saturday we went to brunch at the, scrumptious, Barcocina. We walked around after brunch with the crisp air flowing and enjoyed the scenery. They all loved the cobblestone ground and think that Baltimore is such a cute and fun area! They aren't wrong, Baltimore has so many hidden gems. I actually enjoyed brunch an abundance. I have not been to brunch this semester yet, so that was a great time! Brunch is one of my favorite activities, ever! Except I will say, I wish they still had bottomless mimosas. 

All 6 of us at the table ended up getting the exact same meal- the "Hash Brown Tacos." 10/10 this was the best breakfast I've had from a restaurant. In the dish was scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, bacon and hollandaise sauce placed in-between two well-done hash browns that represented a 'taco.' This was amazing and I think everyone needs to try this dish at some point! 

Check it out... 

https://www.barcocina.com

The amazing 'Hash Brown Tacos.'
Abby and I on the water. 

Fells Point. 
Fells Point. 
Yummy mimosa! 

Ahhhh Super bowl Sunday!! Super Bowl LV, Tampa Bay vs. Kansas City or should I say Brady vs. Mahomes... who would've guessed Brady would win... yet again!? Haha.. just kidding. Brady now has his 7th ring- which means he still remains the GOAT. I'm a Patriots fan so I was rooting for Brady so I may be a little biased since I am from New England. Tom Brady needs no one and he proved that this Super Bowl. I went to happy hour at Barleys Backyard in Towosn, MD for the game. I got a buffalo chicken wrap- it was AMAZING! After happy hour I spent time with my guests who were leaving early Monday morning.

Check it out:

https://www.barleysbackyard.com

Abby and I masked up! 
Buffalo Chicken Wrap. 

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