M & T’s V-Day
Helloooooooo! It’s Valentine’s Day in our house today! 
But, first, check out the scene that I woke up to this morning. Yikes! 
This morning, Mal and I spent a good 4 hours packing. We were packing machines! We packed until there were no more boxes to pack!
We made a good dent in what we need to pack before the big move, but there’s still a lot more to do– and we need to find some more boxes!
Breakfast
Breakfast was fun this morning! 
While Mal and Murphy slept in, I made a Valentine’s Day-inspired breakfast.
I had a little help from a couple of heart-shaped cookie cutters that the nice people at McCormick sent to me. They arrived in the mail yesterday, so it was good timing for breakfast this morning!
I had a serious craving for pancakes, so I whipped up a batch from scratch.
Banana Pancakes
Serves 2
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 ripe banana
I thought it’d be fun to throw a few broccoli crowns into the batter for some extra nutrients. I figured that the banana would completely overpower the broccoli flavor, but, unfortunately, it didn’t. 
The broccoli flavor was really subtle, but I don’t recommend adding it to the mix. Lesson learned!
I topped my pancakes with maple syrup and a few shakes of cinnamon. Yum!
Murphy also enjoyed a heart-shaped breakfast. 
(He’s still rockin’ the Christmas placemat!)
With breakfast, I also enjoyed an iced vanilla soy milk latte. Mmm! Heavenly!
During breakfast, Mal and I exchanged Valentine’s Day gifts. We ended up buying each other the exact same card– but, Mal labeled the pugs on the front of his. He named the fawn pug “ugly Murphy wannabe” and the black pug “Ellen” (named after Ellen DeGeneres), which is the female pug that I want to own someday.
So, I did alright with the card part of my husband’s Valentine’s Day gift, but I totally bombed his present!
For some reason, I thought that our $10 or less requirement meant that we were buying each other gag gifts. Needless to say, I was really surprised when I opened Mal’s gift to me: Michael’s Pollan’s Food Rules. I’ve been dying to read this book, so I was psyched that he bought it for me. But, I immediately felt bad about the gift that I bought my husband. I also purchased a book, but it was really dumb compared to the one Mal bought for me. I decided that I will return the book and get my hubby something that shows him how much I care. I’m such a bum sometimes!
Thankfully, Mal laughed about the whole thing… and jokingly made fun of me… all morning long.
Lunch
Once we finished packing-up the last box, Mal and I took a break to have some lunch. We finally went grocery shopping last night, so we had all sorts of nutritious foods to chose from. I made a salad topped with guacamole.
And, I also had a sliced chicken breast, Swiss, and buffalo sauce sandwich on whole wheat bread with a pickle on the side. It was a GOOD one!
Salad + sandwich.
After lunch, I wanted something sweet, so I spread some Barney Butter on half of a piece of bread.
Eli’s Cheesecake Giveaway
Thanks to everyone who entered! Winning a cheesecake is a great prize, isn’t it?
Here’s your winner: 148
#148 Shannon
I would love the Baileys Irish Cream..Perfect for MARCH! and my wedding is March 27th!!
If you’d like to order a cheesecake from Eli’s, they’ve offered a 20% discount on all orders placed from today until February 23. Just enter the code “tinacake” at checkout.
Ask Me Anything
Here are some more questions and answers!
What TV show do you think should have never been cancelled?
My So Called Life.
Was your blog successful from the start or did it take a while to get popular? How long and do you have any tips for new bloggers?
I started my blog to keep me on track with eating well and exercising in preparation for my upcoming wedding. My blog started as a very personal, online journal, and I had no intention of anyone ever reading it. I definitely didn’t think that it would become such a huge part of my life. Like many new bloggers, I started with just a few readers, but over time, my audience has grown. It’s taken me 2 years, blogging 3 times a day, to get to this point.
If you’re a new blogger and would like some tips, check out my So, You Want To Start a Blog post.
What kind of computer do you use?
I have a 13-inch MacBook, and I absolutely LOVE it! I was a PC girl for as long as I can remember, but I am so happy that I switched to a Mac.
What’s up with “holy yum”? Did you make it up or hear it somewhere else?
Holy yum is the perfect saying for a food that is just so delicious. I believe VeggieGirl coined the term.
Murphy is so adorable, I am considering adopting one myself. I heard somewhere pugs can snore loud at times. Is this true?
Yes! Murphy snores like a chainsaw! He sleeps with us in bed, so I thought his snoring would drive me crazy, but I’m used to it now.
Keep the questions coming: Ask Me Anything!
—
Mal and I are heading to Harvard Square and then picking up Beth and Corey from the airport. I’m excited!
See ya! 
Tags: Ask Me Anything
Merry Mary — February 13, 2010 @ 2:31 pm
That’s so funny that you guys got each other the same card. At least it’s a cute card you both like.
I love the heart shaped pancakes. So cute!
Ali@ Food, Fitness Fashion — February 13, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
Great job with the packing!!! Your breakfast looks so awesome (even if it did taste like broccoli). You two are adorable that you bought the exact same cards!!!!
PS I tried Body Jam today, fun and hilarious since I have no rhythem!
Food Makes Fun Fuel — February 13, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
Those <3 shapes make everything look tastier!
Nicky — February 13, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
Adorable!!!
Heather — February 13, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
How cute that you both got eachother the same card – great minds think alike!
The heart shaped pancakes are great – especially for Murphy.
Have fun with your guests and happy early Valentines day!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing — February 13, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
About the pug snoring… OH yes. Agree 100%. Mine sounds like a man when she snores!!! How such a loud noise can come from this itty bitty dog I will never understand.
Your pancakes look yummy!!
And how cute that you got the same card!!!
Kristie — February 13, 2010 @ 2:46 pm
Aww – you’re not a bum. I would have thought the same thing I think! What was the joke book that you got him?
Run Sarah — February 13, 2010 @ 2:57 pm
Love the heart shaped pancakes, how cute!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg — February 13, 2010 @ 2:57 pm
That’s funny that you tried to add brocolli to the pancakes
Oh well– I guess you never know what works (or doesn’t) until you try, right?
I LOVED My So-Called Life…I am still bitter about the way things ended with that show
elizabeth — February 13, 2010 @ 2:58 pm
how tall are you?
Jamie — February 13, 2010 @ 2:58 pm
I glanced at Food Rules in Target the other week…went back last week and they were sold out…waiting to get it this week hopefully
Tina — February 13, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
@elizabeth: Check my FAQs!
Erica @ Fashion meets Food — February 13, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
That’s kind of funny that you two got each other the same cards! Love the pancakes too cute… I tried broccoli in mine before and about gagged. Love Murphy’s food being a heart shape too! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Wendy (Give Love Create Happiness) — February 13, 2010 @ 3:02 pm
Happy M&T Valentine’s Day!
Heather (Heather's Dish) — February 13, 2010 @ 3:03 pm
what a fun morning…that’s so sweet that Mal thinks the gift thing is funny
hope you guys have a fabulous time with beth & corey!
Kristen @ Change of Pace — February 13, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
So cute about the cards! What a good Valentine’s Day
Karla — February 13, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
How funny! Cute that you gave each other the same card!
My boyfriend sent me flowers today (long distance), now I’m concerned my gag gift isn’t really appropriate either… oh well!
Hannah — February 13, 2010 @ 3:18 pm
Teehee, I adore that you snuck broccoli into the pancakes! It’s like an act of love, right? “I love you and I want you to live for a long time, so eat your broccoli!”
Miranda — February 13, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
The pancakes are so cute!
So here’s my question: do you ever get embarrassed taking pictures of your food in public? At restaurants and such? I’m just starting a blog and that’s one of the things I’m worried about . . .
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) — February 13, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
Your breakfast is adorable! Too cute and perfect for Valentines.
Too funny about the cards!
And the book sounds intriguing…I’m a huge Michael Pollan fan, and I didn’t even realize that he wrote another book. Definitely adding that to my wish list! Let us know how you like it. 
adrienmelaine — February 13, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
I love your lovers pancakes- they look so delish!
I posted a new bean dip recipe you HAVE to try- it’s insane- and tastes like spinach artichoke dip- without the cream!
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com — February 13, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
Oh what a cute breakfast! Haha I love that you put broccoli in your pancakes
I really want to read that book too – please do a review when you’ve finished it!
It’s sweet you got the same cards – you two must be so in sync with each other, I love it – romance ISN’T dead!! Have an awesome day
Ally (Exercise and Pies) — February 13, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
those pancakes are so cute! that was quite daring to at broccoli lol
Kelly — February 13, 2010 @ 3:35 pm
That is awesome that you guys got each other the same cards. Don’t feel bad about the gift part- I would think $10 = joke gift too. If it makes you feel better, my fiance and I have never exchanged gifts on Valentine’s day and this year he randomly got me a pretty big present- oops. I’ll get him something too…eventually
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) — February 13, 2010 @ 3:37 pm
You guys are going to be professional packers at this rate!!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers — February 13, 2010 @ 3:43 pm
Those pancakes sound yummers!! Don’t worry, I got my hubby m&m’s in the color of his fav team for Vday haha I’m lame, but I’m counting on him not getting me anything
Jenny — February 13, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
Thos pancakes are adorable!
So cool that you guys got each other the same card, and don’t worry about Mal’s gift, you guys have such a fun, loving relationship, I know he’s a good sport
Tiffany @ A Dantat's Life — February 13, 2010 @ 4:02 pm
haha you guys think alike! it’s cute that you got each other the same card. awesome heart pancakes, even though the broccoli might not have been the best idea.
teri [a foodie stays fit] — February 13, 2010 @ 4:05 pm
love the heart-shaped pancakes! When we moved, we got a ton of boxes for free at the grocery store. Try that!
Stacey — February 13, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
I love your pancake hearts. I’m making pancakes tomorrow for V-day and I’m going to break out the cookie cutters.
Ashley — February 13, 2010 @ 4:58 pm
Where did you get Murphy’s name from? Are those iceberg lettuce salads you’ve been eating? Is there a benefit to iceberg lettuce I don’t know about?
Becky — February 13, 2010 @ 5:03 pm
What a yummy and sweet breakfast! So clever!
Becky — February 13, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
What book did you get him??
Lisa — February 13, 2010 @ 5:47 pm
Do you and Mal ever fight? And, does Mal ever get frustrated with the time you devote to picture taking and to the computer for the blog? Everything always seems so “peachy” with you two!
Jo @ SeekingHealthyBalance — February 13, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
Loved your heart shaped pancakes. You and Mal are such a sweet couple!
Really excited that you answered my ‘ask me anything’ question!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday — February 13, 2010 @ 6:14 pm
i love murphy’s heart shaped kibble.
that’s a cute story about your v-day. what book did you get him?
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad — February 13, 2010 @ 6:27 pm
I loved My So Called Life! Why on earth did they cancel that show?
Murphy is too cute. I hear ya on the snoring. My fat cat snores SO badly. Sometimes I have to lightly nudge her so she doesn’t keep me up at night!
Christie — February 13, 2010 @ 6:40 pm
Where do I begin?!
1-I think your current place is sooo cute!
2- Love my MacBook as well. I will never go back to a PC!
3- Heart shaped cookie cutters made for an adorable breakfast
~Christie
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — February 13, 2010 @ 7:35 pm
tee hee. i find it quite amusing that you tried the broccoli in the pancakes – totally something i would do!
Duchess of Fork — February 13, 2010 @ 8:02 pm
Tina, I’m loving the ask anything questions and answers. I clicked through and read your “So You Want to Start a Blog” post. Very interesting! I’ve been blogging since August 09, but have never hosted a giveaway. How do you suggest I go about doing it so it’s legitimate and legal? Thanks!!
Scorpio Woman — February 13, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
I can’t imagine broccoli in pancakes loll But if you juice broccoli and apple, you’ll see how it’s yummy. Your pancakes are beautiful. I would have like to do heart pancakes this morning but I had nothing to do the hearts.
Cynthia (It All Changes) — February 13, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
Holy boxes batman. And so funny that you and Mal bought the same card.
Barbara — February 13, 2010 @ 11:42 pm
You are too cute! heart shaped pancakes! I am officially in love with you guys! It is SO SO SO nice to see 2 people who are still in love with each other and making the effort to let the other person know they are loved! You made my day!
Barbara
Jules — February 14, 2010 @ 12:02 am
Totally with you on My So-Called Life. What an amazing show! Poor Brian Krakow, frozen for all eternity wondering whether Angela would return his affections…
Kylie — February 14, 2010 @ 11:25 pm
Wow I love that you actually cut the pancakes into hearts with cookie cutters! When I make heart shaped pancakes I just drizzle the batter in heart shapes, looks similar to hearts but rarely perfect. Michael Pollan’s new book is amazing! I read the whole book standing in a book store in the St. Paul, MN airport. I love the way he writes and his outlook on how to eat. I hope more people read his book and choose to eat better, this country needs it.
I love your blog. Keep posting. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Laura — February 16, 2010 @ 9:34 am
I want to add my request for a review of Food Rules. I am reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma right now and would love to know what you think of his new book! Thanks!