A Very Merry Caroline

As of 11AM this morning, I am officially 21 years old! I am very merry today not only due to the holiday activities, but also because I have spent the day enjoying life's simple pleasures: eating breakfast at Whole Foods, taking a refreshing run around the neighborhood, watching Rachael Ray, and reading my new Self magazine. It's been a fabulous birthday:) What have you done to relax today?

As I mentioned in my last post, my family and I celebrated my birthday on Monday evening. We ate dinner at the Silvertron Cafe, and then returned home for cake and presents; I got quite a few "foodie" gifts that you all might appreciate...Here are a few pics:
Check out the new coat!! Oh, how I love colorful outerwear...

Onto the food! We've got a full evening planned!

Monday
At Silvertron, I ordered the black bean hummus appetizer as my entree. I also had a side salad with champagne vinaigrette.
Once home, I snacked on a Christmas cookie while I was waiting on my cake. I don't actually care for cake itself very much...but I love icing. Hence, the heavily frosted cake:) I washed my frosting down with a cup of almond milk, using one of my new glasses. Also note the lovely "Happy Birthday Jesus" plates.
I still had room for a smoothie, although this one was a tad healthier than others due to my birthday indulgences. I had a blueberry hemp smoothie using blueberries, soymilk, and hemp protein.
Tuesday
I tried an oatmeal recipe from my friend Ruby yesterday morning. This bowl featured oats, banana, cocoa powder, cinnamon, almond milk, and maple syrup. I added some chocolate PB to complete the choco-nana theme.
For lunch, I made a simple burrito out of chili beans, avocado, salsa, and a little spinach. I had an apple and a salad on the side.
Dinner consisted of an old favorite: Cashew-Ginger Tofu. I served it alongside some leftover rice, a salad, and pineapple.
My shake of the evening was delish! I combined chocolate Spirutein, frozen banana, strawberries, soymilk, and chocolate syrup.
Wednesday
My dad and I go out for breakfast on my birthday every year. This year, we decided Whole Foods would be the obvious dining locale. I started out with a hot tea, then loaded up on berries and walnuts at their breakfast bar; I supplemented it with a beautiful whole grain roll and a Fage. Perfect.
We tried a new place out for lunch, Maki Fresh. I ordered a veggie roll, which I served alongside some stir-fried veggies and tofu with cashews, and a few clementines. So satisfying!
Now I am off to prepare dinner and get ready for church. I wish you all a happy holiday, and may you all be as blessed as I have been this past year. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!