Hello! Guess what? As of yesterday, I’m 23!

Festivities kicked off Tuesday night when a friend invited me to paint night!

IMG_3337 IMG_3338

The instructor took us through step by step instructions, thankfully! I found myself constantly battling the urge to add a touch here or there while I waited for further instructions, but every time I added that something, I regretted it!

I think it’s really cool to see how everyone’s paintings looks so similar yet different. I had a blast painting, and over all I’m sufficiently happy with how it came out. An artist I am not.

IMG_3339 IMG_3342

And here is the instructor’s example:

IMG_3340

My friend also brought my some beautiful flowers, which made quite the kitty-safe bouquet along with the birthday flowers from my mom!

*Note: daisies and roses and cat friendly. Lillies are toxic to cats.*

IMG_3352

Wednesday was my birthday. I thought it would be fun to document a full day of eating on my birthday, since I was at work all day and didn’t do anything crazy exciting to celebrate. That being said, last year I had a midterm on my birthday, and in high school I would have AP tests on my birthday! Plus, it was basically designed to be my ideal day of eating!

Pre-workout: Cheerios. As per usual.

IMG_3354

Workout: There was no 7am Crossfit, and I am not waking up for 6am on a day I work late. So, I went to the gym. I stuck to my go-to leg exercises and had a great workout! I’m pretty darn sore now.

IMG_3353

5×5 back squats at 80%

3 or 4 rounds of:

8 split squats with 25# dumbbells/ 8 pistols (to a bench)

3 rounds: 6 RDLs with 50# dumbbells

10 minutes of abs

Breakfast:

IMG_3355

Flapjacked muffin with mango. It was a mediocre mango, but mediocre mango beats no mango.

Snack: Protein Smoothie while working.

IMG_3357

2/3c milk, 1/2c frozen blueberries, a handful of spinach, and half a flapjacked chocolate protein smoothie packet.

Lunch:

IMG_3356

Salad with leftover grilled chicken, goat cheese, and amazingly sweet blackberries. A side of cheddar GF crackers.

Dressed with blackberry white balsamic vinegar and eaten outside.

IMG_3358

My biggest achievement of the day happened at lunch:
IMG_3359

I have reached the elusive 100 day snap streak! Ahh!!

Work went fine. I didn’t get bitten/scratched/pooped on, and I got off on time, so no complaints!

For dinner, I requested a frittata featuring CSA ingredients…and then promptly forget to actually fill the CSA box with said ingredients. Whoops.

Dinner: Frittata with broccoli, spinach, green onions, mushrooms, sundried tomato, and topped with truffle goat cheese. Side of roasted carrots.

IMG_3360

Dessert: CAKE!

I wanted dinner on the lighter side so I would have space for cake, and I had a massive piece!

IMG_3361

IMG_3367IMG_3362

(Plus a champagne toast.)

Cake of choice was GF chocolate with homemade buttercream. The correct buttercream is the one on the back of the powdered sugar box. Served with berries.

IMG_3363

Afterwards, Chloe helped me unwrap a few presents. 🙂

IMG_3371

Not a bad way to start 23!

What is your birthday cake of choice?