R's Thoughts on My 31st Birthday

With today being my birthday, I've been reflecting on this past year.  Up until Saturday, I was approaching my birthday with zero excitement.  Those of you who know me are probably in shock.  In fact, I was so unexcited that I shared the month of October with G$, which I never do either.

I had two great conversations this weekend - one with N and one with G$ regarding why I had so much anxiety about turning 31.  Both made me feel so much better, followed by a fantastic joint birthday celebration - I feel much better today.

So with that - here's what I've learned this year:

• Just because wine country is 50 miles away, it will take 2+ hours in the summer.
• It's okay to say goodbye to old friendships if they're not healthy.
• Getting platinum on Delta isn't as glamorous as one thinks - it just means you're gone a lot
• Carefully read the advil label to guarantee it is not advil pm.
• It is important to make 10 minutes of time to sit in the steam room post workout.
• Spanx are a girl's best friend - they do smooth out lines under dresses and pencil skirts.

And something I have always known and continuously reminded of is that I have the most amazing friends.

Spotted: On R's Birthday

Birthday treats just for you.

xoxo,
N

N's Friday Food Porn: Halloween Edition

Caramel Apples

Fun with YouTube

Buzz can break it down:

An important PSA:

N's Friday Food Porn

Pumpkin French Toast Bake

Saviors for Fat Days

In the past few years, I've found that my preferences for the way my clothes are cut completely changed.  I used to lean towards loose-fitting pants with relatively more fitted tops.  Now, as my curves keep expanding, I can't live without fitted pants (or leggings) paired with flowy or boxy tops.  The challenge is finding those great bottoms that suck everything in and hold it all in place without creating a muffin top or other unfortunate phenomena.

Enter two of my newest faves, both coincidentally purchased because they were on super sale online and allowed me to get free shipping on the other random things I was ordering.

Hue "Skimmer" Leggings.  I refuse to refer to them as jeggings, but they do look exactly like skinny jeans.  They're comfy, have actual back pockets, and will be great with boots since they don't do that weird baggy thing at the knees like some denim does.  A stealth way to wear leggings without looking like you're wearing leggings.

Note:  I'm uber short, so these are actually the perfect ankle-length on me and not pedal-pushers.  

Athleta Quickstep Capri II.  I have the previous version of these, but I assume they're the same.  Ah, the compression.  They feel secure without feeling tight, and they haven't lost their elasticity like some of my Old Navy pants have.  Plus, whoever figured out that adding random seams down the sides will make your legs appear shapely is a genius.  Next time they go on sale, I'm stocking up.

If anyone else has must-haves for fat days, I'm all ears!

N's Friday Food Porn

Farmstead's Arborio Rice + Egg

R's Friday Food Porn

Crispy Corn Fritters with Tomato Salad

Happy Birthday to G$

I wanted to take a moment and wish a happy birthday to my amazing husband.  I am so grateful to have you in my life and can't wait to celebrate more birthdays with you.

In pictures, I've included the birthday events.

Happy birthday my love!