My mom’s birthday party was a huge success! 
My grandparents, my aunt, my sister, and I joined my mom for a wonderful celebratory dinner at her house last night.
We started with appetizers (cheese and crackers) and wine.
After some snacking and catching up for awhile, it was time for dinner.
On the menu: pulled pork sandwiches!
With coleslaw and baked beans. Mmm!
My plate:
After dinner, we sang “Happy Birthday” to my mom.
And she blew out the candles. (We used one candle for each decade! 
)
My mom’s birthday cake was called “Caramel Decadence,” which pretty much sums it up.
With our cake, we hand some coffee ice cream. I <3 dessert.
My mom really seemed to enjoy her birthday celebration last night. She was in a great mood. I also think she was happy to just have everyone together on her birthday. I hate how it gets more and more difficult for us to coordinate our schedules. I guess we need to try a little harder!
Breakfast
This morning’s breakfast was an old favorite: nut butter (sunflower butter on one half, peanut butter on the other) with banana slices on toasted whole wheat bread with a glass of iced coffee. Love it.
Feel Great Weight
On the days when I am dragging, my dog, Murphy, reminds me that exercise should be fun. Murphy’s energy is contagious, so it makes me look forward to our time together. He gets so excited before we go outside for a walk. Imagine if we all felt that excited before exercise! Here are six reasons why you should work out with your fury friend: 6 Reasons to Work Out With Your Dog.
Mohegan Sun Cookbook Giveaway
Thanks to everyone who entered yesterday’s giveaway! Here are the winners with their respective autographed cookbooks:
Bobby Flay
Jen F: I would LOVE to have the Bobby Flay cookbook – it would be passed to my dad. Bobby Flay is his cooking “hero”. What a perfect Christmas gift that would be.
Todd English
Jackie: I’ve always loved Todd English restaurants, and would ADORE one of his books to recreate in my own kitchen.
Buddy Valastro
Mariah: I’d love to win the cake boss cookbook. My sister and I bake all the time when we are together and we might even make our brother’s wedding cake! (he is getting married in May!)
Congrats, winners! Please email me at with your full name and mailing address to claim your prize!
Question of the Day
Have you ever met a celebrity chef? If so, who? What were they like in person?
I’ve met a bunch, including Todd English, Buddy Valastro, Mollie Katzen, and Joanne Chang. All of them were really nice. Buddy, Mollie, and Joanne were especially friendly and down-to-earth. I actually got to chat with each of them quite a bit, and they acted like regular people, not fancy celebrities.
