SoBe it....the best birthday ever!

You know how they say that the happiest people spend thier money on experiences instead of things? Well, they are right! I had the Best.Birthday.Ever. this past weekend at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. I went alone, yes, but I was surrounded by my peeps! Foodies just like me who watch the Food Network, read the magazine, cook the recipes, follow the stars. I made a lot of new friends and had a TON of fun! Take a look at the the highlights from my trip...and keep reading, cause I save the best for last!

Day one:
I showed up an hour early for the first event, Paula Deen, but was too late. The show was already full! So I cut my losses and decided to go get in line for her book signing, before that was filled up too. So I went around and got to be the FIRST in line! Of course by the time she came by, the South FL weather was rearing it's ugly head and threatening rain, so they cancelled the photos and she just signed books. She was very sweet and still looked me in the eye and HIII to me. This is her just after signing my book, and that's her husband Michael, who is totally adorable. :

Next up, the Daisy Martinez cooking demo:

She was very sweet, but all I could think of was what was up next, or should I say who:

Rachel Ray! Her show was packed, but I snagged a great seat...worth waiting an hour and a half in line for! She is just as bright and bubbly in person as on TV.

That was enough excitement for one day for me, so I headed to my hotel and experienced all that South Beach has to offer, the food! the people! the drinks! the dancing! (Notice I did not mention the sleeping?!)

Nonetheless I was up bright and early the next morning for Day 2 of my mini-vaca.

I made sure to get there super early again, snagging my first place spot in line for Rocco Dispirito Book Signing:

He is so fun and lively, and don't we look so cute together! ;)

I then turned right around and got my first place spot in line for Guy Fieri:

He is just as cool in person, and I was surprised at how tall he was...or is it his hair??

Then I took a break from standing in lines and went and saw Rocco's Show.

He truly had the best show and was so interactive with the audience. I heart Rocco!

Then, as if that wasn't enough, I went back to the beach to grab a bite and catch up with my new BFF, SUNNY ANDERSON!

She took time out of her packed schedule to meet me in her hotel lobby to say hello. Isn't she the greatest? She even snapped this photo of us. (check us out on her blog too!)

As if this wasn't a dream come true, she remebered it was my birthday, and brought me a gift!!!

 

It's a bag full of foodie treats and a signed card from Sunny. At this point, I really did not think that life could get any better, so I decided to call it a weekend and head back up north.

Even though I only went to the kids events, I had SOOO much fun, and will definitely make this trip an annual event. Taking donations now for next year's adult events! ;)

Thank You all for reading, and make sure you become a follower! As Sunny always says, your support is what keeps us bloggers going, so just click follow!

By for now!

Dolphinfanhg

PS I credit Sunny Anderson for the title of this blog, I stole the idea from hers.