I am turning 31

Oh my it is September. September is my favorite month. I look forward to this time of year every year. But in all honesty it really took me by surprise. How is it September already?  Besides the obvious favorites of apple and pumpkin goodies, hooded sweatshirts and colorful leaves Septembers marks my birthday month. 

I am turning 31 next week. Do I feel old? Yes and no. I will always look forward to birthdays, mine and everyone else's. Life definitely changed this year with the arrival of Olivia. And although I struggled sometimes with these changes (like a night of no sleep followed by a long day at work) I truly enjoy the direction my life has taken. 30 was a great year and I am looking forward to what I and my family are going to experience this next year. 

As part of my celebrating I intend to treat myself to a few goodies. My birthday and Christmas lists are ongoing. I add to them throughout the year in anticipation of these big events. You know, I want to be helpful in case family members need some ideas.  I don't think I will ever be too old for gifts. So for those of you who might want to treat me to something special next week, here are a few recent favorites.



Cookbooks! I have my eye on two this year. Dinner for Two by Julie Wampler and Grandbaby Cakes by Jocelyn Adams.



I have been holding out on a spiralizer for months.  OXO just came out with this small handheld version. 



Zoodles here I come. 

And this marble slab from Sur la Table. I see it fitting in perfectly with our new kitchen.



I also want about a bizillion things for the house. But a new couch probably isn't going to happen for my birthday. 

Now I just need to decide on a birthday cake.  

Happy Birthday to Me! ALMOST

In exactly 40 days I am going to be turning the big 3-0.  I am a huge fan of birthdays and typically celebrate all month long. This one being such a milestone and all I kind of thought that maybe, maybe it wouldn't be as fun.  But heck, it seems I am just as excited for this one as I have been for all other 29 years of my life. 

Now, I already have some big plans. I am going to make myself a cake but I have also set up a cake for the hubby to pick up on the actual day. Sure, this might seem overboard but I was happy to do it.  I like cake!

Normally my only other request for the day itself besides cake is that I do not do dishes. This pretty much means we go out or get take out. Either way works for me and we never do anything too special or fancy. 

As for gifts, well I am not expecting too much. Its more of the idea of a day being about me than the actually presents.  But of course, that mindset has not stopped me from eyeing some pretty things here and there. I wouldn't be too upset if a few ended up in my possession come September 10th. 

So here we go...a few of my favorite wants right now!

Mosaic Triangles Jewelry Box

My jewelry box is from the 1980's. No joke. Now I have a big girl house, and a few big girl jewelry pieces I kind of think it is fitting to get a big girl jewelry box. 

Tieks

I live in ballet flats. I think I own one pair of heals and I am not  even sure if they still fit. I heard these are the best of the best. I want some!

Seriously Delish

One of my favorite blogs is coming out with a cookbook. I have been trying to cutback on the whole cookbook purchasing but this is one I am definitely owning a copy of....

Speaking of which I want this one too!

Dishtowels...I want this one

and this one 

and

this one.

And last but not least this little sugar pot.

Happy Birthday to Me....ALMOST!

Readers' Favorites for 2013

This time of year I really enjoy taking a break to look back and remember all the fun adventures I had in the last twelve months.  Having a blog really helps you remember and bring back so many memories.  Yesterday I posted some of my favorite recipes from 2013. Today I am back to show you the most viewed recipes for the year. 

lamb meatballs with orzo
 

Elvis pancakes {bacon+banana+peanut butter+chocolate chips}

 

iced oatmeal cookies

Triple Chocolate Cookies


BLT Pizza



Monster Bars



Grilled Chicken with Lemon Cucumber Relish



Oreo Monster Bars

 

Ginger Soy Beef with Chile-Tomatoe


Cheddar Swirl Breakfast Buns




I am super excited for what the new year will be bring but it is such fun to see some of your favorites from the year. Makes me want to jump back into the kitchen and enjoy them for a second or third time around.
 

My favorite posts of 2013

As 2013 comes to an end, I though I would wrap up with a few recap posts. The one is some of my favorite posts by month. Enjoy!!

January: Raspberry Chocolate Chip Yogurt Muffins



February: Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta



March: Corn Risotto Stuffed Peppers



April: Chocolate Chip Funfetti Cookies



May: Salmon Burgers with Carrot Slaw



June: Pulled Pork Nachos



July: Double Chocolate Pudding Cookies



August: Zucchini Boat Tacos



September: Peach and Prosciutto Pizza



October: Apple Pound Cake



November: Iced Oatmeal Cookies



December: Cranberry Orange Muffins

 

What was your favorite recipe from 2013?

December Favorites: Christmas List

This year we are doing Christmas a bit differently.  My parents rented a house in Florida for the whole family to be in one place and have some fun.  With all of the hustle and bustle of traveling to a warm climate we are saying no presents. 

Of course for me this still means one or two things for everyone.  And it doesn't stop me from creating a fun list of things I would be glad to have waiting for me under the tree. So if anyone is looking for some holiday gift ideas.  These are some fun ones I have been eying.

Owl Cookie Jar | West Elm
 
 

 Hearthside Slippers | LL Bean

 

Vintage Kitchen Mixer | Minted



The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book | Amazon



Yellow and Grey Seed Head Spheres | Etsy



You "Butter' Watch Out Bliss Body Butter | Sephora