Happy birthday to me! 
I was born bright and early on the morning of June 19, 1980. So, I guess I’ve been a morning person since birth! š
Before looking forward to my 29th year of life, I want to look back on what a great year my 28th has been. Hands down, it’s been the best yet for me!
- I married my favorite person!
- Honeymooned in Turks and Caicos
- Pursued potential career change
- Carrots āĖN’ Cake got a facelift
- Quit my job and started a new one
- Was a finalist in a national recipe contest
- Hosted a blogger dinner at Small Plates
- Started a freelance writing “career”
- Ran a half marathon
- Planned a Healthy Living Summit!!!Ā
V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N
I am so psyched to head out to the west coast for a week-long vacation. It is much-needed, let me tell you!
Mal and I fly out this evening for Seattle, where we will celebrate his sister’s 30th birthday and spend a few days seeing the city. Mid-week Mal and I are visitngĀ Victoria, British Columbia for an early wedding anniversary celebration. We figured since we were traveling all the way to the west coast, we might as well make a vacation out of it. We’ve got LOTS of fun stuff planned! Can’t wait!Ā
Packing is always stressful for me, especially when it’s for a week or more. I’m one of those people who wakes up feeling a certain way and picks my outfit accordingly, so it’s hard for me to decide what I want to wear in 5 days. Plus, I hate being unprepared, so I pack an outfit for every possibleĀ scenario– a fancy dinner, sightseeing, a beach day, rain, sun, snow,Ā tornado, etc. Long story short, it takes me awhile to pack. I give myself a head-start on this project by packing a few days before the actual trip, but then I continue over-analyze everything. Man, I feel like a total freak telling you guys how stressful packing makes me! š³
I love to pack beauty product samples when I travel. I tend to order from Sephora a lot, so I always end up with the most luxurious samples to try out. I save them for my travel because they’re tiny and easy to pack and it’s fun being on vacation and pampering myself with fancy-schmancy products.Ā
I also packed some easilyĀ transportableĀ workout gear: iPod, Garmn, and a strengthĀ training band. My goal is to fit in 3 workouts on my week-long vacation. My sister-in-law and I have a run planned while we are in Seattle, so the other 2 workouts shouldn’t be too tough to squeeze in. I think our hotel in Victoria has a gym. Plus, I love running in new places!Ā
And, of course, I packed healthy snacks for our travels. I’d much rather bring my own food than purchase expensive, not-so-healthy food from the airport or when we are on-the-go. (The snacks pictured are for both Mal and me.)
Breakfast
I thought about planning a special breakfast for myself this morning, but I am going out to lunch with a friend, so I decided to save my splurge for later in the day. I’m thinking cake for lunch!
This morning’s breakfast was pumpkin oats with wheat bran, vanilla hemp milk, and topped with Peanut Butter Puffins, and 2 scoops of peanut butter.Ā
Ā I also poured myself a glass of iced coffee about 5 minutes after I snapped this photo.Ā
Question of the Day
What has been your favorite/best year of your life?
127 Comments
I never forget your birthday because it’s my anniversary today too! 10 years and counting. You sound just like me when it comes to packing. Over the years I have gotten better about not bringing so many options, especially shoes! But it’s still stressful! Hope you have a fabulous, relaxing and fun vacation celebrating birthdays and anniversaries! Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday Tina! June birthdays are the best š
Happy Birthday Tina!
Not long ago I created a “five year plan” for myself (in five years I’ll be 29!), and my list looks a lot like your list of accomplishments! I hope that in five years I will be as lucky as you and able to say that I achieved what I had on my list. š
Congratulations to you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! enjoy your day š
i’m hoping this year (my 24th!) is my best year… bought my dream house, getting married in 4 months, and running my first marathon!!
Happy Birthday Tina!
If you are stopping by my area (Vancouver BC) let me know and I can definitely tell you where to eat! As for Victoria my favorite brunch spot is MO:LE (they’re Spelt Banana Pancakes are awesome) as well Silk Road Tea lets you customize whatever tea you like (the Cherry Blossom is my favorite)and one of my faves for lunch or dinner is Rebar (they are very popular and have a well known cookbook). Have fun on your trip!
happy birthday!
Just wanted to say Happy Birthday!! =)
Happy Bday Tina, have the best vacay!!!!
I just turned 27, and this past year has definitely been the best year of my life. I, too, married my favorite person and did a lot of figuring out who I am and what I want to be. As a result, I’m healthier than ever and on my way to becoming the registered dietician I’ve dreamed of being for four years now. Go us!
http:///www.eatmovewrite.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday!!! Congrats on all you’ve accomplished in your 28th year!
Happy Birthday Chistine! Love from your Mother, Lucy and Charlie Bucket.
I guess I would have to say the best year of my life would be 1980. Is that the right answer? and then again in 1981. Because 1980 my life changed forever, never to be the same again! All for the best of course! Welcome to the “29” Club.
Happy birthday!!! And have an amazing vacation š
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Happy Birthday – Enjoy your vacataion – you’ve spent 29 years earning it š
Happy Birthday!
Here’s some pug-love http://www.cityrag.com/main/2009/06/20-pugs-in-funny-hats.html
Happy Birthday!!! Hope you have a great trip. Can’t wait to see pictures.
I think my best year is yet to come …
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Birthday sweetie!!!!!
My best year? 2009 baby!!!
Happy birthday!!!!!!!!
Happy birthday! Hope this year is just as fantastic as your 28th š
Happy Birthday lady! Enjoy your vacation š
happy birthday! have a fabulous vacay!