Wednesday, December 24, 2008

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!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! It's looks like you had a wonderful day full of family, food, and fun.

Merry Christmas!!!

Little Miss Sunshine said...

Oh wow, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY (gorgeous!) CAROLINE!!!! You certainly did get lots of AWESOME presents on ya bday, I'm totally jealous of ya Wii Console ;) HAHAHA, I'm too into cakes as well but when I do eat some, I'm the exact opposite of ya ... I despise frosting. We should be buddies when it comes to cake eating ... u eat the frosting n i eat the cake!!! :P

Nehoos, I'm going on a trip today (it's Christmas here in Aus) so I prob won't be back until 3 week later .... so let me just wish u a MEERY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR FRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!! Wow, all of your goodies look amazing! Especially that coat - it's lovely and a gorgeous color!

I remember way back in June (right?) you began your countdown :o) It's finally here! Enjoy every minute of it, Caroline!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, too!!

Maggie M. said...

Merry Christmas and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Love the coat. And holy cow, that cake!

Emma said...

Happy birthday! It sounds as though you had a na amzing day, filled with yummy eats and I love the colour of your coat, it is gorgeous!

Have a lovely Christmas!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BELATED! I'm totally obsessed with frosting too! I could give a rip snortin' diddly do about the cake itself! What a gorgeous jacket! Have a great Christmas!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

that cake looks phenomenal---icing is my favorite part too!

Anonymous said...

Your smoothies are excellent: they are very delicious, nutritious and are so easy. I have made four different ones in the last three days! Perfect! Thanks a lot for great recipes!!!

Erica said...

What an awesome cake- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

K from ksgoodeats said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!!! When you come to MI to cook for me, I'll take you out ;)

WFs breakfast - sounds like a winner to me! That is one intense cake!

Unknown said...

your food all looks so delicious!
and happy belated birthday! :) how exciting to be turning 21!

ChickPea said...

Shelby: Thanks for the bday wishes! I hope you had a great Christmas as well.
Cecilia: Next time either of us has cake, we should definitely share a slice:)I hope you have a great vacation!
VeggieGirl: Thanks so much! I hope you had a great Christmas!
EatingBender: Thanks! You have an excellent memory--I did note the 6 month mark for Christmas back in June, but my official countdown began in September:)
I hope your Christmas was fabulous!
Magpie: Thanks! I hope you had a great holiday as well!
Emma: Thanks for the bday wishes and coat compliments! I hope you had a pleasant holiday as well.
Erin: Yay for frosting lovers! Cake is just a vehicle for the REAL dessert.
Sarah: The cake WAS phenomenal. I hope you had a great holiday!
Mary: Thanks--I am so glad you enjoy the smoothie recipes. I have made them for years now, always switching up the protein source. More variations to come...
Erica: Thanks!
K: Sounds like a plan--I look forward to it:)
The cake was intense--in a very good (sugar overload) kind of way.
Lauren: Thanks!

lauren said...

happy belated birthday. i love the coat!