Yes! Another year where I am still unashamed of my age. I hope it stays that way because my birthday is AWESOME and I always want to get excited about it.

On Monday of this week I went to Carnivale (a place which I would love to return to for a date night with TH) with Anni and LatteLove. We mentioned it was my birthday and they brought us a free dessert. It was very delicious and, in the midst of all of this restricting I’m doing, felt sinfully indulgent.

I laughed at this picture because in the shot above, where the cake is in front of me and I’m about to eat, I look ecstatic! But then we pushed the cake aside to take this picture together and I look a little sad. Certainly not an accurate portrayal of the fun time I was having with LatteLove. I just really wanted to eat that cake.

The three of us together. Thanks for doing some celebrating with me girls, and thanks to Anni for picking such a great place!

26 Amazingly Awesome Things About My Life Right Now

1. My husband agreed to gift me, among other things, a day free of housewife responsibilities. No dishes! No cleaning! I’m going to respond to no emails, read a book, and do whatever else I want the whole day.
2. The Weddingbee Writer Biggest Loser challenge ends tomorrow and (as of this writing on Thursday afternoon) I’m in first place! There is a cash prize for the winner and if I win it all I’m going to take a class at the French Pastry school and cross off one of my 101 in 1001 goals.
3. Having a baby made my period so much lighter, and my cramps right beforehand almost non-existent (on my mind as I am experiencing said monthly visitor at the moment). What a nice childbirth bonus!
4. I found a new lipgloss I love, and as all my friends and family know I am the queen of lipgloss.
5. I’m running my first 5k tomorrow morning!
6. I didn’t meet my goal of being in the 150s by  my birthday, but I’m less than 10lbs shy of my pre-baby weight!
7. Lately, I stop running and I feel like I could have gone longer. Even though it’s still hard while I’m doing it, I feel like I can finally call myself an “in shape” person.
8. I just booked my tickets, and I’m going to be in Washington from June 15th-August 31st. I’m going to show you through pictures what living on a farm is REALLY like.
9. I am loving my hair lately.
10. I’ve made the same recipe three times in a row. That must mean I really, really love it (I do!)
11. I completed the FrancyPants Academy Mentoring, and though I’m sad that my time working with Kelli France is done, I’m happy I don’t have any more homework.
12. I’ve started reading The Economist when it comes each week. That Husband deems this an incredibly sexy quality to have in a wife.
13. My husband thinks I’m sexy. :)
14. My favorite show as of late is American’s Next Great Restaurant. I’m sad they made the Mediterranean Sol girl change her concept, but I hope she wins!
15. I’m getting better at feeding T1. We are developing a routine. It’s not perfect, but better.
16. We leave for Europe in 138 days. I think about it ALL THE TIME.
17. I started emailing back and forth with someone who is basically acting as my travel agent, planning a trip in Italy that’s absolutely perfect for us as a couple.
18. My two favorite blogs of late are Word of Wisdom Living and Moment Junkie.
19. I am able to witness absolutely stunning sunsets out my window each evening.
20. I finally finished Henrietta Lacks. The book was so fascinating, one of the best non-fiction books I’ve ever read.
21. The song “Hello” by Martin Solveig makes me feel like dancing every single time I listen to it (which is a lot of times, I can’t get enough).
22. There is a small chance I will pay off Jenna Cole this year. That is amazing.
23. Our Spring CSA started which means we have a delicious box of fresh vegetables coming our way bi-weekly.
24. Only two more months until the Hyde Park Farmer’s Market will be running again!
25. I’ve been practicing my Italian on the website Livemocha. L’automobile è giallo. I actually remember some of it!
26. I go to bed each night wishing I had time to do more, but happy with where I’m headed in life. I love where I am at 26.

My little family at the park this week. I feel so blessed!

 

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