On Sunday, my best friend Debbie organized a gathering with some of my dearest girlfriends to celebrate my 30th birthday at Zen Tara Tea in Bethesday. She reserved a private tea room for us and we had a lovely, intimate tea time together with just us girls! Dan watched Mio at home so that I could have a couple hours of relaxed fun with everyone. (Thanks hubby!) Debbie did such an amazing job selecting a lovely location and preparing lots of treats and goodies for us to take home, and had encouraged several of my friends to donate to my charity: water campaign — I was so moved by all the thought and effort she put into it, and it made for a 30th birthday celebration I’ll never forget!

The private room at Zen Tara Tea
The private room for our group at Zen Tara Tea

 

Lovely holiday decor
Lovely holiday decor ♥

 

The ladies ordering tea
The ladies ordering tea

 

Cute manekineko mugs - I had to get one!
The cutest manekineko mugs – I had to get one!

 

Debbie got me some cherry blossom white tea
Debbie ordered me some cherry blossom white tea. 🙂

 

Debbie got me macarons from Macaron Bee
The bestest had also bought these macarons from Macaron Bee for us all to share!

 

A lovely time catching up with the ladies
Lots of laughters, smiles, and girl talk!

 

Spreading holiday cheer
I always have so much fun with these girls. 🙂

 

Thank you to my wonderful girlfriends! ♥
Thank you to my wonderful girlfriends for making my 30th so memorable! ♥

 

Cake pops and other treats from Debbie
Debbie even prepared these homemade cake pops (green tea and azuki-flavored) and Japanese snacks for everyone to take home! She was so generous and put so much thought into everything… 🙂

 

Thank you for planning such a lovely gathering, Debbie!
Thank you for planning such a lovely tea party, Debbie! ♥